I have been thinking about what is said is this video, "Revelation is thoughts to the mind and feelings to the heart". Reading the scriptures helps him to experience these thoughts and feelings. They help me also to feel the spirit of the Lord.
The scriptures have always been my lifeline. When I was a girl and troubled by the discord within my family, I would read scripture stories before I went to bed, then I could fall asleep. As an adult, I have continued to turn to the
During this time of pandemic, social unrest, and violence, when many hearts are filled with fear and despair, we need more than ever to "hear Him". We live in a time when news is often more sensationalism and entertainment than non-biased reporting; when factual "eye witness" accounts may be mere fantasy; and when Posts, Tweets, and videos often present half truths, and even lies, which may mislead us.
I watched this video several times. It gives a lot to think about. Besides finding answers when I read scriptures and prayer, I like to wake up slowly in the morning and listen in my mind and heart. At this quiet time of day before my mind is absorbed on daily tasks is a time when thoughts come to my mind that I know are answers from God to me.
Sometimes, I'll just have a feeling that I should do something, or that I shouldn't do it. Sometimes I just know something. It might be that a person needs me to send them an email right then. Other times, I might just know what I should say to a grandchild, or I'll have an impression to write on my blog. I feel this flash of knowledge is a special gift to me. It affirms God's love for me.
At other times, God sends books to me. I used to find a book just sitting out on a library shelf that was exactly what I needed to learn at that time. In these days of hightec, the book I need is suggested to me online. I just know that I need to read that book, and when I do, there is the answer I was looking for. This is a special way that I receive revelation. It makes me feel that God really knows me personally and understands how I learn.
It is so comforting to know that God is close by. He is there to help, guide, and comfort. He gives me strength, and fills my heart with love and peace.
Like most everyone, my thoughts have been focused on the current covid-19 pandemic. The Savior has warned us that there would be plagues in the last days, and our leaders have counseled us to store food, water, medicines, sanitation supplies, and to have savings and cash on hand to help us deal with emergency situations. Wouldn't it have been great if we all had done this? People could have calmly remained in their homes instead of panicky rushing to stores to grab and hoard all they could find on the fast emptying shelves. (for helpful ideas go to https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/callings/church-safety-and-health/pandemic-planning?lang=eng
But more than being prepared with things, I've wondered how to prepare myself to have the strength to deal with not only the physical danger, but the economic repercussions of this pandemic. As I've spent the last two days listening to inspired men and women give their counsel, these thoughts have impressed me:
In our age of instant answers, some seek answers from God. The problem is how to find these answers. Many Christians believe that "God has done his work"; that "God no longer speaks to man as He once did"; and that "God now just speaks to our hearts".
God spoke to prophets throughout time. The Lord came to earth to teach us how to live to be happy. Our Savior even gave His life to pay for our mistakes, so we could return and live in our heavenly home. To think that God would now quit speaking to us, seems inconsistent with all His previous interactions with mankind. It is incomprehensible to me that a loving God would step back, away from us, and leave us alone now when we need Him so desperately. If you have ever asked wondered if God speaks to us today, here is the best answer I have ever read.
