One of the things I love about Elder Bednar is how he takes gospel principles and breaks them down into really digestible steps or categories. This approach makes the application of those principles seem much more manageable or understandable. He’s a great teacher that way. In this particular talk, he analyzes the nuances of receiving revelation through the Holy Ghost.
“The Spirit of Revelation” by Elder David A. Bednar
Some of my favorite quotes were these:
“These tools of the adversary can impair and eventually destroy our capacity to recognize and respond to the subtle messages from God delivered by the power of His Spirit. Each of us should consider seriously and ponder prayerfully how we can reject the devil’s enticements and righteously “apply unto it,” even the spirit of revelation, in our personal lives and families.”
“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.”
What parts of his message stood out most to you? Did he help you better understand your own experiences with revelation? Share your thoughts in the comments below. If this is your first visit to GCBC, visit here to learn more about it and join the fun.
ROLL CALL: We’re a little more than halfway through all the talks since April’s general conference. It’s typical that by now, some of our participants and comments are starting to dwindle off. It’s a busy time of year and easy to lose momentum. I’m curious to know who is still “playing along” in GCBC, even if you’re not commenting. If you’re still reading the talks with us, say hi in the comments just so we can all get a better sense of GCBC community. And if you haven’t been and want to start now, or recommit, this is your chance, too. The more, the merrier.
Diapers and Divinity 
PERFECT!! This is my husband’s Priesthood lesson for this Sunday. We’ll have great discussions.
~Shari
Still playing along:)
Reading or listening to Conference has been such a humbling experience. As we face day to day challenges, deployment in the family, moving, health challenges, and just life; it is comforting to feel the love of the Lord through His servants.
I always want to play along, but forget. I’m recommitting and I’m in!
Answering rollcall – “Hi” I don’t comment a lot and some times I’m reading a different talk that week, but I do check out your blog on general conference each week. Thanks for doing this! I love how Elder Bednar teaches principles. Decide the other day last week this is the talk I needed to restudy next.
I’ve been here – not really consistently, but I am going to be more consistent now, I promise! I am also going to go back and study the talks I missed and I’ll link up when I do them (on the correct posts).
I loved this talk. I found a great video with time lapse footage of sunrises, and I included it on my post over on my blog. There was even a clip of the sun rising on an overcast day, and another clip of the sunrise on a foggy day – so you can really get a great visual picture of Elder Bednar’s description of how revelation works.
This principle is one that I have struggled with a lot in the past, and I was really grateful for Elder Bednar’s example and teachings. I included an interesting tidbit of info about Elder Bednar deciding to marry his wife that I read in a biography of him for an institute class.
My Soul Delighteth – my post is here.
Becca enjoyed your blog it uplifted me. Thanks – I tried to leave a comment but I’m not great with computers.
Thanks! Someone else seemed to have issues commenting yesterday or today. Thanks for saying something over here! 🙂
I’m one of the quiet followers of GCBC. I really love it, and I tell my friends & fam about it all the time. I’ve been out of town and need to catch up on a couple of talks. I’ll try to post a real comment one of these days. Thanks!
Thanks Stephanie, I’m still following along!
I am not too consistant in commenting, yet I love to read the comments.
I love these inspired leaders and the messages they bring to us. Thanks for the challenge to read weekly.
I’m here, and recommitting as well.
I loved this talk, and had forgotten all about it. Very powerful and timely for me. We’ve had a lot of cloudy and foggy days in our lives as of late; I liked the reminder that we’re still being guided, even when we can’t see it.
This was a great talk. I love talks that make the gospel feel more “real”–that show us how it works and looks in every day life. I know there are times when I have wished that the heavens would open for me and the Lord would loudly and clearly tell me exactly what I am supposed to do. But as E. Bednar pointed out, not only is this rare, but it doesn’t always do much for our growth. As we try to do as E. Bednar said (keep our covenants, keep moving forward, etc.) even though we don’t have a ‘clear’ answer from the Lord, the Holy Ghost will be with us to guide us and inspire us, sometimes so subtly that we have to be really in tune to notice. This process helps us to develop our faith and strengthen our trust in the Lord.
I loved how Elder Bednar described Jospeh Smith and Oliver Cowdery, that “they could receive whatever knowledge was necessary to complete their work if they asked in faith, with an honest heart, believing they would receive.” It’s so comforting to me that if we are striving to be true and faithful, the knowledge we need will be there when we need it.
I’m still reading along, although I haven’t commented for a couple of weeks because life got in the way (moving and no computer access!).
I always love Elder Bednar’s talks; he gives such great examples to explain difficult concepts. And it helps motivate me to change and do better at living the principles he discusses. My favorite part of this particular talk was quoted above about how we don’t always recognize guidance from above, and it reminded me of another favorite quote by Brigham Young:
“If I ask him to give me wisdom concerning any requirement in life, or in regard to my own course, or that of my friends, my family, my children, or those that I preside over, and get no answer from him, and then do the very best that my judgment will teach me, he is bound to own and honor that transaction, and he will do so to all intents and purposes (DBY, 43).” (also found here: http://lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-brigham-young/chapter-6-the-communication-between-god-and-man?lang=eng)
I love the thought that if I’m honestly and sincerely trying to pray, listen, and follow the Spirit’s promptings, and still don’t feel like I’m getting an answer, my own choices and efforts will be enough. I have confidence that I won’t be led astray, even by myself.
Loved this talk. It has taken me many years to learn how I receive revelation. I always thought it had to be all at once like the light turning on. And when it wasn’t, I’d get frustrated and feel like no one was listening and I must be doing something wrong. I finally realized most often it’s line upon line, so it was so nice to know that that is still revelation and in fact how it is most often received.
The talk gave me confidence to know that I can and do receive revelation. Recently I really felt like I needed to have my kids change schools this coming school year, but had no idea where or why. It took a lot of faith and work (checking out schools) and people telling me I’m crazy to realize that I don’t need the whole revelation at once. A little at a time still works and is no less valuable even if I can’t explain why or what the outcome will be.
I also like the quote that says we need to “consider seriously and ponder prayerfully how we can reject the devil’s enticements and righteously “apply unto it,” even the spirit of revelation, in our personal lives and families.” I need to do that. Soon.
I have been attempting to participate for a few conferences now but this is the most consistent that I have been. I’m on track and determined to read them all this time. Thanks for doing this!
I’m here…sorry I’m late for roll call but I was at Girl’s Camp last week and am just now getting caught up! Thanks for doing this!
Same – was at YW camp last week. I learn so much from you!
Great talk once again. I love Elder Bednar’s talks. “revelation…is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation.” It made me think back to Elder Oak’s talk about desire and how where my desires and priorities stand may be effecting my ability to receive revelation.
Just found the site. looking for ideas for the lesson tomorrow.
Just want you to know your site has helped me as I have prepared lessons for Relief Society. You are doing a wonderful thing.