talkspersonal ( ** )

Message from the Bishopric

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

One of the great teachings of this true gospel is that every worthy member is entitled to and can receive personal, direct revelation from the Lord to guide, uplift, and sustain us.  Our leaders seem to be stressing not only the importance of this personal inspiration, but also the various ways and forms in which this inspiration can be manifested.  Some of us, including myself, have at times erroneously thought that any personal revelation or inspiration would necessarily have to come in a brilliant, breath-taking, grandiose manner, leaving us prostrate on the ground in a state of ultimate spiritual fulfillment.  Of late, however, I am convinced that such “burning bush”, “road to Damascus”, or “sacred grove” experiences are rare, but that the Lord has many other subtle ways of touching your souls which nevertheless are forectul and life-changing.  Consider some of the following manifestations of the Spirit that have become apparent to me in recent months.

• Our mind can be enlightened by the Spirit of Truth.  (Doctrine and Covenants 6:15, Doctrine and Covenants 11:13)
• The Lord can speak peace to our mind. (Doctrine and Covenants 6:23)
• The Lord, through the Holy Spirit, can tell us things in our mind (thoughts) and our hearts (feelings).  (Doctrine and Covenants 8:2)
• Our bosom can burn within us.  (Doctrine and Covenants 9:8, Luke 24:32)
• We can experience a stupor of thought and an expulsion of incorrect thoughts from our mind.  (Doctrine and Covenants 9:9)
• We can feel that our spirits are being led to do good.  (Doctrine and Covenants 11:12)
• Our souls can be filled with joy.  (Doctrine and Covenants 11:13)
• Our tongues can be loosed regarding a principle or feeling.  (Doctrine and Covenants 11:21)
• The Holy Ghost can give us utterance.  (Doctrine and Covenants 14:8)
• Our understanding can be enlightened.  (Alma 32:28)
• A principle or truth can become delicious to us.  (Alma 32:28)
• The voice of the Lord can come into our minds.  (Enos 1:10)

Thus, revelation and guidance can come in many forms, all of which are meaningful, edifying, and strengthening.  Feelings of peace, joy, and enlightenment can all be manifestations of the Lord to us.  There is much discussion had in the Church about the burning within our bosom.  Notice that this is only one of several forms of revelation, and perhaps it should not be  exclusively sought for.

I am impressed that the Lord has described His own voice as “still” and “small”  (Doctrine and Covenants 85:6), and Helaman described ti as a “still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper”.  (Helaman 5:30)  These beautiful descriptions remind us of the necessity of listening ever-so closely, ever-so intently for these spiritual promptings and nudgings which the Lord deigns to send us.

My prayer for us all is that we will seek for, be worthy of, receive, and recognize divine guidance in each of our lives.

WIth much gratitude and love for all of you

Michael Taylor.