Hearing the Voice of the Lord

Hearing the Voice of the Lord

JORDAN FALSLEV
28 August 2016
Smithfield YSA 1^st Ward

Good morning! I’m Jordan Falslev and I’ve been a member of this Ward for a few months now. If we haven’t met, I’d love for you to introduce yourself.  I love what spirit this great Ward conveys each Sabbath day. I pray that the Spirit of the Lord will testify to each of you of the importance of personal revelation, and that you will be taught from on High and receive personal direction and inspiration as new adventures start for many of you this coming Monday. 

The opening lines of the Doctrine and Covenants begin with a commandment and then a declaration, both of which refer to the voice of the Lord:

“Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the voice of him who dwells on high, . . . listen together. For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men. “(D&C 1:1-2).

In that one simple yet stunning statement, the Lord sets forth one of the defining characteristics of His relationship with mankind. God speaks to His children!

Events through my life, and especially those on the mission field, taught me especially the need for revelation in the Lord’s work and personal revelation in my own life. Personal revelation is the way we know for ourselves the most important truths of our existence: the living reality of God, our Eternal Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ; the truthfulness of the restored gospel and God’s purpose and direction for our individual lives. 

I love personal revelation! I could honestly talk forever about this principle.

Personal revelation is surely the word of God in its purest and simplest form: unfiltered, unedited, untranslated, pure, intimate, specific, and direct. I have total confidence in promising that anyone who grasps hold of personal revelation as his or her rod of iron, never letting go, obeying every prompting, will walk through the mists of darkness and arrive and feast upon the fruits of the tree of life.

The Lord wants to guide us in our lives, and actually does so. The problem is we fail to hear most of what He says. Only an occasional shout from the heavens gets through, while the quiet whisperings of truth remain unheard.

Revelation is very demanding. Even the most seemingly insignificant communication from the Lord must be acted upon courageously and without complaint. The Lord does not take revelation lightly, and neither should we. 

Personal revelation defines the straight and narrow path upon which we are to journey home. There is no other path or course of life by which we can reach exaltation. No one will accidently wander through life and find themselves exalted in the end. 

There are many forms of revelation: the still small voice, burning in the bosom when truth is presented, bursts of understanding, dreams, visions, patriarchal blessings, flashes of insight, prophetic words in priesthood blessings, and many others. All these are employed from time to time, but most often it is the still small voice which communicates the will of God. Even the prophets of God receive revelation this way. 

-D&C 8:2-3 “Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.” 

Please sincerely answer the following question in your mind: When was the last time you remember really feeling the Spirit or having been inclined by the Holy Ghost?

            So when was it? How long ago was the event that you immediately thought of? What was the occurrence? Some common answers might be; “When I received my patriarchal blessing” or “I really felt the spirit on my mission” or “when I went through the temple”. However, it’s less common for us to answer this question by saying, “I really felt the Spirit this morning when I prayed” or “About ten minutes ago when we sang the opening hymn.”

            Each week when we partake of the sacrament we are promised to “always have {God’s} Spirit with {us}.” Did you notice the word always? The promise is not that we will have the Holy Ghost with us sometimes, or just in Church buildings, or during key life events. No, we are promised that the Spirit will be with us always – in our homes, at school, with our friends, at work, and even on dates. ☺ Always. So why then do we sometimes have to search back months or years into the deep of our memories to recall the last time we think the Spirit influenced us?

Elder David A. Bednar said, “Sometimes as Latter-day Saints we talk and act as though recognizing the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives is the rare or exceptional event” when the reality is that “the Holy Ghost can tarry with us much, if not most, of the time – and certainly the Spirit can be with us more than it is not.”

            Perhaps the problem is not that we aren’t being influenced by the Holy Ghost in our day to day lives, but simply that we don’t recognize it or are overlooking it.

            Let me explain a little better…

            Have you ever had an idea burst into your mind to do something? Maybe you saw your mom clear off the dinner table and thought, “I should help her,” or perhaps driving home from work and thought, “I should go visit Tanner.” Maybe you’ve had a clear warning voice of coaching in your mind, such as, “This movie isn’t good… turn it off” or “Get out of this situation now.”

            The Lord taught us, “As often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit”. These instructions in our mind often come in the form of “Do this…” “Don’t do that…” “Go here…” Don’t go there…” “Look into this…”

            The spiritual instructions that come to our minds will direct us to follow Christ, obey His gospel, and draw nearer to Him. If we receive an instruction in our mind to do something we know is damaging, we can know it is not of God.

            Have you ever been going through a hard time or having an awful day and then as you studied the scriptures, or prayed, or heard a gospel talk or lesson the thought came to you, “I’m going to be okay,” or “Everything will work out,” or “Stay confident,” or “God is aware of you and your situation. He loves you and will help you.” Comforting thoughts similar to those are another way the Lord speaks to our mind through the Holy Ghost.

We have been promised that the Holy Ghost can be with us always – each day of our lives, not just each huge event in our lives. I testify that this is true, and that we all can be spiritually influenced and led each day – multiple times each day. The next time somebody asks, “When was the last time you felt the Spirit?” you want to be able to respond saying, “Well, what time is it?”

Another question that may come to your mind, as it has mine, “How should I act if I feel I haven’t received an impression or an answer at all?”

Richard G. Scott said the following;

“We are expected to assume accountability by acting on a decision that is consistent with His teachings without prior confirmation. We are not to sit passively waiting or to murmur because the Lord has not spoken. We are to act.

Most often what we have chosen to do is right. He will confirm the correctness of our choices His way. That confirmation generally comes through packets of help found along the way. . . . If, in trust, we begin something which is not right, He will let us know before we have gone too far. We sense that help by recognizing troubled or uneasy feelings.”

Once again, we have the awesome opportunity to soon hear from Living, Latter-day Prophets and Apostles of Jesus Christ. Just five weeks away! What a grand opportunity to be edified, taught and counseled by the Holy Spirit. I can’t think of a better opportunity for an outpouring of personal revelation. 

We are so privileged as Latter-day Saints! We have the current word of God right at our finger tips! Back in the Old Testament times, prophets were scattered and few in numbers. During the New Testament, Jesus and His Apostles could only be in one place at a time. Many never met them or heard them speak. In these ‘Last Days’ we have scripture from both the old and new worlds, revealed lost and new doctrine and the current will of God today; every month in church magazines, every six months in General Conference, and in many other avenues. We are so blessed and watched over. 

Are we truly using our resources? What did the Spirit speak to you last General Conference? What was God’s will for you? I invite you to have a pen and paper this upcoming, and before we know it, October Conference! Show the Lord that you are ready and willing to be edified by His Spirit. I promise you, you will learn new truths and receive divine personal direction to where the Lord would have you go and experience.

I remember well as one General Authority spoke about the Savior and His ministry and then bore a fervent testimony; the Holy Spirit confirmed to my soul that he had spoken the truth. At that moment I had no doubt that the Savior lives. I also had no doubt that I was experiencing personal revelation which confirmed to me “that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

As an eight-year-old child I was baptized and confirmed and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was a wonderful blessing then but has become increasingly important as I have grown and experienced the gift of the Holy Ghost in many ways since then.

Often as we grow from childhood to adolescence and then to adulthood, we have challenges and experiences along the way which cause us to know that we need the divine help that comes through the Holy Spirit. As struggles come, we may ask ourselves, “What is the answer to my problem?” and “How can I know what to do?”

I often reflect upon the account in the Book of Mormon about Lehi teaching his family the gospel. He shared with them many revelations and teachings about things to come in the latter days. Nephi had sought the guidance of the Lord in order to more fully understand the teachings of his father. He was lifted, blessed, and inspired to know that the teachings of his father were true. That enabled Nephi to carefully follow the commandments of the Lord and live a righteous life. He received personal revelation to guide him.

On the other hand, his brethren were disputing with each other because they did not understand the teachings of their father. Nephi then asked a very important question: “Have ye inquired of the Lord?”

Their response was a weak one: “We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us.”

Nephi took that opportunity to teach his brethren how to receive personal revelation. He said: “Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you.”

The way to receive personal revelation is really quite clear. We need to desire to receive revelation, we must not harden our hearts, and then we need to ask in faith, truly believe that we will receive an answer, and then diligently keep the commandments of God.

Following this pattern does not mean that every time we ask a question of God, the answer will immediately appear with every detail of what to do. However, it does mean that if we diligently keep the commandments and ask in faith, answers will come in the Lord’s own way and in His time.

Most often personal revelation will come as we study the scriptures, listen to and follow the counsel of prophets and other Church leaders, and seek to live faithful, righteous lives. Sometimes inspiration will come from a single verse of scripture or from a line in a conference talk. Perhaps your answer will come when you hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing a beautiful song. These are all forms of revelation.

Boyd K. Packer, speaking to a Church Educational System fireside for young single adults, said that every young Latter-day Saint “has not only the right but the obligation to understand what the gift of the Holy Ghost is.” He noted that Latter-day Saints typically “use the gift so little and so infrequently, but it is ours, and if we prepare ourselves, that voice will speak to us.”

Packer concluded his address with this promise: “Take hold of that supernal gift of the Holy Ghost. Learn to be taught by it. Learn to call upon it. Learn to live by it. And the Spirit of the Lord will attend you.” 

That is the task that lies before us. The voice of the Lord is unto all men – so has the Lord boldly declared throughout scripture. What can we do to capitalize as fully as possible on that marvelous gift of a member of the Godhead to be our personal Companion, Guide, Teacher, and Protector?

Not Falling Backwards in Trials We Have Already Made Progress In

24 January 2016

Benson 2nd Ward

Good morning Brothers and Sisters. It is hard to believe that in February I will have been home for a year since returning from my mission. I am grateful to be here this morning, to feel of your wonderful spirits and to talk about something that has been on the forefront of my mind since being home.

I’d like you to think about a specific trial you are currently going through. Please keep this in the front of your thoughts as I talk about the trials each of us are given while we experience earth life. 

To begin, I first want to share a poem with you called, “Pockets Full of Rocks.” (Hiller, Larry. "Pockets Full of Rocks." Friend. February 2014. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Web. January 2016.) It’s about a boy named Malcolm Tent who had a very bad day:

Malcolm Tent was just fine. He was doing OK, 

Till he went to his classroom one dark, stormy day, 

And his teacher, Ms. Krabb, blew her cork, flipped her lid, 

Blaming Malcolm for something that someone else did.

“It just wasn’t fair! It just wasn’t right!”

Malcolm said to himself at the bus stop that night. 

“I will not forgive, and I will not forget!”

He promised himself in the cold and the wet.

Looking down as the rain soaked his left shoe and sock, 

He saw something shiny, a rain¬slickened rock. 

“What a perfect reminder, my best idea yet!

This rock will remind me to never forget.”

But Malcolm soon found one rock wasn’t enough.

Turns out he was bothered by all kinds of stuff.

Malcolm got quite annoyed with the things people do

’Cause he didn’t remember that he’s “people” too.

So finding more pebbles, more stones, and more rocks, 

He put them in pockets—even down in his socks.

(“If you want to stay grumpy and grouchy all day, 

A sore foot’s the best thing,” our Malcolm would say.)

The trouble with rocks is they’re hard and they’re bumpy.

They make your clothes saggy; you start to look lumpy.

But that’s not the worst thing that happened to Tent.

Inside he was hardening, just like cement.

Till walking one day in the rain, all dejected, 

He saw himself in a large puddle reflected.

His first thought was, Wow! That’s one big lumpy rock!

“No, wait! That is me!” he exclaimed with a shock.

“Oh, what am I doing?” he heard himself groan. 

“My heart is now nearly as hard as a stone.”

After thinking all night, Malcolm said, “Now I see.

When I don’t forgive others, I hurt only me.”

So he took all the stones from his pockets and socks

And built a rock garden with all of those rocks.

Then, every time someone did him a good deed, 

Malcolm went to his garden and planted a seed. 

Now Malcolm grows beautiful veggies and blossoms, 

And everyone says that his garden looks awesome.

He doesn’t look lumpy; he smiles a lot too.

’Cause he only remembers the good people do.

Just like Malcolm in the poem, we all have our bad days. Sometimes, we seem to have a bad week, a bad month, or even a bad year. Every single one of us is going through some sort of trial right now. Some bigger than others. If you are someone going through personal struggle or struggle caused by someone else, if you are hurt, conflicted, have lost a loved one, if you don’t have an answer to a question, are having doubts about the gospel or are having trouble coming to church, if you are having trouble forgiving yourself or forgiving someone else, if you’re lacking motivation, seeking answers, pondering your self¬-worth, dealing with overcoming temptation, or maybe you’re bored, anxious, overwhelmed, or maybe you feel indifferent, or simply just tired, whatever trial it may be that you have....my hope and prayer today is that you can find encouragement and strength to turn away from picking up rocks during those moments and putting them in your pocket, and instead turning to something that I know truly works and will get anyone through any trial. That thing, ultimately, is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As part of Heavenly Father’s plan of redemption, all of us experience adversity during our lifetime. Trials, disappointments, sadness, sickness, and heartache are a difficult part of life, but with the help of the Lord they can lead to spiritual growth, refinement, and progress.

We are taught in the scriptures that there “must needs be … an opposition in all things.” We will each face times of difficulty, and the question is not when we will face them but how we face them.

Like you, I realize that it is much easier to look back when a trial is over and see what we have learned from our experience, but the challenge is to gain that eternal perspective while we are going through our tests. To some, our trials may not seem great, but to each of us who are passing through these experiences, the trials are real and require us to humble ourselves before God and learn from Him.

The purpose of refining metals like gold and silver is to remove their impurities. We all have impurities in our motives and desires, in our speech, in our way of doing things. But the Lord can free us from those impurities as we learn to apply His word in our lives. And that is the choice we have to make whenever we encounter trials. We have the choice to either to react according to our human nature or according to the principles of God. We can do this if we learn how to apply the principles that God gives for dealing with tests, trials and tribulations.

What are some of the principles we can put into practice when trials, tests and tribulations come?

The first thing that can help us get through any trial is to trust. Not to trust in just ourselves or our own understanding but to trust in the Savior. Trust in Heavenly Father.

When you’re going through any trial, don’t forget to trust in Heavenly Father. Trust that the Savior knows all the pains and heartache you go through. Though answers don’t come quickly, though sometimes answers don’t seem to come at all, though it can be hard to see a resolution, or though it can be hard to follow through, turn to Him in trust, and He will show you how you can overcome ALL.

Like one of my favorite hymns says:

Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;

With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.

The 2nd thing we can do when dealing with trials is to “respond with righteousness.”

Ezra Taft Benson said: “Our Heavenly Father wants us to be happy. He expects us to be happy. But there is no happiness in a letting down of standards. There is no happiness when you fail to live according to your convictions, according to that which you know to be right. It is so easy to form the habit of taking it just a little easy on certain things. It is so easy to form the habit of faultfinding, or criticizing, of carrying in our hearts reservations..... It is so easy for us to become a bit bitter, and then dwell on that, to become sad and carry a sad face with us. A sad face never won a battle in war or love.”

When it comes to trials, to more happily and successfully overcome them, we cannot allow ourselves to completely turn to unrighteousness. To letting go of God all together. We must not forget that we are here to get back to Heavenly Father, to learn to be like His Son, Jesus Christ. Just because we’re going through a trial does not mean we should forget to still try to choose the right. Remember: “The worth of a human soul is its capacity to become like God.” This means we have the potential to do the right thing. It can be done.

Holding on to the truths and principles of the gospel will help you. Remember that Heavenly Father knows what's best. Though He does not want you to feel discouraged, sad, afraid, and I know He aches to see any of His children go through pain, He allows us to be free to choose how to react when we are going through a hard time. Free to see whether we will still turn to goodness. Free to make changes. I’m so grateful He allows us to do that.

President Uchtdorf said, “It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself, that determines how your life’s story will develop.” So when we go through trials, may we do our best to respond with righteousness.

Another way to get through any of life’s trials is to find ways to increase our testimony. A true testimony in your heart brings peace that no man can take away.

Elder Richard G. Scott said, “A strong testimony gives peace, comfort, and assurance. It generates the conviction that as the teachings of the Savior are consistently obeyed, life will be beautiful, the future secure, and there will be capacity to overcome the challenges that cross our path."

Turn to what works in increasing your testimony – study the scriptures, come to church, earnestly pray. Follow the Savior’s example. Aim to visit the temple. In righteously seeking to increase your testimony, you can gain the conviction in your heart to not just believe, but to KNOW God and Jesus Christ live. This knowledge can get you through any trial of life. Through joyful times and difficult times, find ways every day to increase your testimony, and you are promised help.

Always remember that you are loved. I may not know what you are going through. I may not have experienced the pain you feel or the specific struggles, big or small, that you have. But I do know this: You are loved. You are a son or daughter of a loving Heavenly Father.

As President Uchtdorf said, “wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love. Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time! God loves you because you are His child. He loves you even though at times you may feel lonely or make mistakes”

So if at this time you feel you can’t be forgiven, you can’t make it through whatever it is you’re going through, you have no more left to give, you have made too many mistakes, you haven’t reacted in the right ways to your struggles, you feel you haven’t done much with your testimony, you’re not getting what you want, you’re having to practice patience, you’re ashamed, afraid, or if you feel God has forsaken you or has turned His back on you, then I encourage you to turn around.

In any nature of trial you go through or are currently in, always remember that Heavenly Father loves you and He is there.

President Howard W. Hunter taught, “We came to mortal life to encounter resistance. It was part of the plan for our eternal progress. Without temptation, sickness, pain, and sorrow, there could be no goodness, virtue, appreciation for well-being, or joy. … We must remember that the same forces of resistance which prevent our progress afford us also opportunities to overcome.”

One of the greatest things we as Latter-day Saints are blessed with is our Temples, which are truly Houses of the Lord. There is absolutely no way I would have been able to get where I am today or where I will eventually get without the blessings found in the Temple. As an Ordinance Worker at the Logan Temple on Saturdays, I see hundreds of Heavenly Father’s children, my Brothers and Sisters, come to the Temple. When I look into their eyes and upon their countenances, I more often than not see people who are in need of a replenishment of Spirit, who show a level of discouragement, who need support and love. I’m grateful that encouragement, support and love are found in every corner of the temple. By the end of their visit to the Temple that night, their entire countenance is glowing with the Spirit of the Lord, they have received strength from above, they have been reminded of the love God has for them and they have received added direction for their lives. 

President Monson once said, “The world can be a challenging and difficult place in which to live. We are often surrounded by that which would drag us down. As you and I go the holy houses of God, as we remember the covenants we make within, we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome each temptation. In this sacred sanctuary we will find peace; we will be renewed and fortified.”

And from our most recent General Conference, Elder Quentin L. Cook said, “My dear brothers and sisters, life is not easy, nor was it meant to be. It is a time of testing and trial. Like the old ships in Bristol Harbor, there will be times when the tide goes out and it seems as if everything in this world keeping us afloat disappears. We may hit the bottom and even be tipped over on our sides. Amid such trials, I promise you that living and maintaining temple-worthy lives will hold together all that really matters. The sweet blessings of peace, happiness, and joy, along with the blessings of eternal life and celestial glory with our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, will be realized.”

While on my mission I met many wonderful born again Christians and they are known for their love of Christian Music. It has grown on me even more so now. One of my favorite songs by For King & Country is titled Shoulders. I love the message the lyrics provide and I’d like to read the lyrics to you. 

When confusion's my companion

And despair holds me for ransom

I will feel no fear

I know that You are near

When I'm caught deep in the valley

With chaos for my company

I'll find my comfort here

‘Cause I know that You are near

My help comes from You

You're right here, pulling me through

You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness all on Your shoulders

Your shoulders

My help comes from You

You are my rest, my rescue

I don't have to see to believe that You're lifting me up on Your shoulders

Your shoulders

You mend what once was shattered

And You turn my tears to laughter

Your forgiveness is my fortress

Oh Your mercy is relentless

My help comes from You

You're right here, pulling me through

You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness all on Your shoulders.

I testify that although trials are a necessary part of our lives and are difficult to bear they are indeed a blessing in disguise. I am grateful for my trials and I hope you will one day be grateful for yours in the end as well. Through the gospel of Jesus Christ we can truly overcome any difficulty that is given to us. Having faith, that confidence in the Savior, is required in order to conquer all things that are asked of us. 

I am so grateful that through any trial I face, through times I falter through those trials, through times when I don’t know what to do, I can start over with the Savior. I bear my testimony that through all of life’s trials, and also through all the joys of life, I do know this: My Savior lives.

I know it and will gladly and joyously share it with others. I am so grateful to be a member of this church and to learn of Him, to draw closer to Him, and to understand Heavenly Father’s plan and why we have to sometimes go through struggles.

I am so grateful I can lean on the Savior, through every challenge. With Him and with Heavenly Father, all things are possible and all things can be overcome.

With the Savior, there is no safer place, no greater source of peace. Through all the struggles and joys of life, I am grateful for Him and for His gospel, which can truly get us through anything.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.