Revelation vs Inspiration

Notes from Richard G Scott's talk: 

How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life

by recognizing that the separation is temporary and that covenants made in the temple are eternal. When consistently obeyed, such covenants assure the eternal realization of the promises inherent in them.

The Holy Ghost communicates important information that we need to guide us in our mortal journey. When it is crisp and clear and essential, it warrants the title of revelation. When it is a series of promptings we often have to guide us step by step to a worthy objective, for the purpose of this message, it is inspiration.

One of the great lessons that each of us needs to learn is to ask. Why does the Lord want us to pray to Him and to ask? Because that is how revelation is received.

When I am faced with a very difficult matter, this is how I try to understand what to do. I fast. I pray to find and understand scriptures that will be helpful. That process is cyclical. I start reading a passage of scripture; I ponder what the verse means and pray for inspiration. I then ponder and pray to know if I have captured all the Lord wants me to do. Often more impressions come with increased understanding of doctrine. I have found that pattern to be a good way to learn from the scriptures.

There are some practical principles that enhance revelation. First, yielding to emotions such as anger or hurt or defensiveness will drive away the Holy Ghost. Those emotions must be eliminated, or our chance for receiving revelation is slight.

Another principle is to be cautious with humor. Loud, inappropriate laughter will offend the Spirit. A good sense of humor helps revelation; loud laughter does not. A sense of humor is an escape valve for the pressures of life.

Another enemy to revelation comes from exaggeration or loudness in what is stated. Careful, quiet speech will favor the receipt of revelation.

Family Home Evening Tonight

Yep it's Tuesday and we are having Family Home Evening tonight cause I invited my friend and her two children to come and Tuesday worked best for everyone.  I felt like I should do the lesson on prayer, but I'm not sure what aspect here are my notes from the things I've gathered from the internet and then I see what sticks. 

Poem: 

Saying your prayers is like brushing your teeth--

it's a habit you form, a commitment you keep.

You should brush your teeth both morning and night,

the same with your prayers if your saying them right.

Don't let your spirit or teeth begin to decay--

PRAY (and brush) at least twice a day!

SugarDoodle

Lesson:
Write the following scripture references on small slips of paper:

D&C 31:12
Luke 6:28
D&C 5:24
1 Nephi 7:21
Alma 37:37
1 Thessalonians 5:18
2 Nephi 32:9
3 Nephi 18:21

Have each person take turns looking up one of the scripture references and reading them aloud to the entire group. As each is read, have the group determine what they can learn about prayer from that verse. The following points should be included:

1. Pray to resist temptation.
2. Pray for your enemies.
3. Pray with reverence and humility.
4. Pray for forgiveness.
5. Pray in the morning, at night, and in all your doings.6. Give thanks in your prayers.

7. Pray in the name of Jesus Christ.
8. Pray with your family

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Sharing Time, Family Time, Anytime: Book 2, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1994], p. 75–76.)

LDS Family Fun

Samuel’s mother, Hannah, promised to dedicate her son’s life to the Lord. To keep her promise she took Samuel to the tabernacle to serve with Eli the High Priest. When the Lord first called to Samuel, he did not recognize His voice. Eli, aside of his mistakes, was wise enough to tell Samuel to listen, and answer, when the Lord called to him. (1 Sam 3:9)

How does the Lord speak to us? (Discuss ideas.)

After Jesus’ resurrection, on the Day of Pentecost, God bestowed a nother gift: that His Holy Spirit would dwell in the hearts of all thos who accept Him as Lord. (Acts 2:14-33) In this way he also speaks to our hearts and we can have Him with us always.

“Messages are more commonly manifested by the still, small voice, which speaks to all of us through the scriptures, modern prophets, and personal revelation.” James E. Faust, Liahona, May 2004 © Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

What do we need to do to keep the Holy Ghost with us always? (Discuss ideas.)

“... If we live righteously and remain worthy, we are promised His constant companionship; He will guide our lives, teach us truths, and testify to us that Jesus is the Christ.” Sheldon F. Child, Ensign, Nov 2003 © Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

"Revelation can come hour by hour and moment by moment as we do the right things." Julie B Beck

David A. Bednar, “The Spirit of Revelation”, April 2011 General Conference

“In many of the uncertainties and challenges we encounter in our lives, God requires us to do our best, to act and not be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26), and to trust in Him. We may not see angels, hear heavenly voices, or receive overwhelming spiritual impressions. We frequently may press forward hoping and praying—but without absolute assurance—that we are acting in accordance with God’s will. But as we honor our covenants and keep the commandments, as we strive ever more consistently to do good and to become better, we can walk with the confidence that God will guide our steps. And we can speak with the assurance that God will inspire our utterances. This is in part the meaning of the scripture that declares, “Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God” (D&C 121:45).”

“As you appropriately seek for and apply unto the spirit of revelation, I promise you will “walk in the light of the Lord” (Isaiah 2:5; 2 Nephi 12:5). Sometimes the spirit of revelation will operate immediately and intensely, other times subtly and gradually, and often so delicately you may not even consciously recognize it. But regardless of the pattern whereby this blessing is received, the light it provides will illuminate and enlarge your soul, enlighten your understanding (see Alma 5:7; 32:28), and direct and protect you and your family” (Bednar, source).

Nuture Mama does a great job with a FHE on Elder Bednar's talk on Revelation.  She even has  good handout for the kids that I think I will use.