Direct Instruction From the Lord


I am continuing my brief refresher and review of April 2018 General Conference. Basically, we were told that we needed to practice receiving inspiration NOW, so we will recognize and know Jesus Christ. And, of course, since we’re all in this together, we want to warn and gather our friends and family, so they too can recognize and know Christ when He comes.

 

Read here for the Saturday sessions, and here for the Priesthood session. Below are the Sunday Sessions.

 

Larry Y. Wilson  Holy Spirit is our Guide

The Holy Spirit is an incomparable gift. Can we compare it to anything even close to the power we have when we use it righteously? Instead of asking for blessings generally, we can ask for specifics. The Spirit can actually inspire the very direction we can go. (Think Liahona-in fact, take a minute to read how the Liahona worked, and when it stopped working—1 Nephi 16 and Alma 37.)

Rayna I. Aburto  With One Accord

How does a group unify? Maybe we need more opportunities to discuss like-minded beliefs, work side by side toward a common goal, share testimonies, participate in short-term triumphs together. Instead of asking the same people to serve, ask those same people to find someone to serve with them. Grow the circle of service.

Massimo De Feo  Pure Love

The world is teaching that love is accepting everyone, but that is not what was taught in this talk. True disciples who love submit themselves to the Lord, they are humble, they have faith, and accept the Lord’s will. True disciples love the Lord first.

Claudio D. Zivic  Endurance unto Salvation

How do we keep our covenants active when life must be endured? Obedience is the secret to endurance. It also is the key to finding strength to overcoming our sins. Jesus Christ sacrificed His life to pay for our sins. What are we willing to sacrifice for Him?

Henry B. Eyring  His Spirit to be with You

Another talk on how to receive inspiration from the Holy Ghost. Repetition is important! What does the Sacrament Prayer teach us about having the Spirit to be with us? Once we receive the Holy Ghost, at our Confirmation, what are we supposed to do with it? Pres. Eyring lists four things: 1) Be humble, 2) Pray with faith, 3) Obey exactly, 4) Pray (again) for others.

Dallin H. Oaks  Small and Simple Things

Ask anyone struggling with questions if they pray and read the scriptures daily, and then invite them to do so. These simple acts invite the Holy Ghost into all our lives. (If you read up on the Liahona references, mentioned earlier, you read about the importance of these small and simple acts.)

Russell M. Nelson  Revelation

“It is our right to have the manifestations of the Spirit every day of our lives.” We need to put ourselves in a position of complete spiritual influence in order to recognize what the Lord needs us to be, do, say, and bear witness of. When it comes to revelation: Repeat, Record, Act. Repeat, Record, Act.

****He also said, “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”

Gerrit W. Gong  Christ is Risen

Everything centers on Jesus Christ.

Ulisses Soares  Prophets speak by the Power of the Holy Ghost

We are not alone. We have a prophet who testifies of and represents Jesus Christ.

Russell M. Nelson  Ministering

Introducing a better way to minister to the spiritual and temporal needs of our people in the Savior’s Way.

Jeffrey R. Holland  “Be With and Strengthen Them”

Ministering follows no set rules. Simply connect in a thoughtful manner. Let the Spirit guide you in all the ways that have been discussed this conference. Tips and ideas are throughout the talks. One reason why need to read and reread.

Jean B. Bingham  Ministering as the Savior does

Perhaps the exercise is to reach out to the Holy Ghost first, then succor our brothers and sisters after we have received guidance to serve. Think about that. It’s important to ask our brothers and sisters how we can serve them, but what if we went to the Holy Ghost first, received an answer, and showed up at the doorstep?

Dieter F. Uchtdorf  Behold the Man

Jesus Christ has performed the hardest thing any of us can imagine doing. And He offers us more than anyone has ever offered us. Can we try to see things His way, obey His will, follow His prophet? Let us commit to follow Jesus Christ, over and over again.

Gerald Causse  It is all about People

“Our work is all about people and covenants.” Reaching out to them and keeping them safely in our care.

Quentin L. Cook  Prepare to Meet God

Our hearts must be His. He answers the question of love and unity in this talk: We don’t preach tribalism, we preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. “The Unity we seek is to be unified with the Savior and His teachings.”

Russell M. Nelson  Let us all Press On

Study the messages of this conference repeatedly!!

He blesses us with the following blessings:

-with ability and desire to set aside more time for the temple.

-with greater harmony and love in our homes. Build family relationships.

-increase faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, ability to follow Him and the prophets.

-raise our voices in testimony.

 

This was a powerful conference with direct instruction from the Lord. We are being asked to act now.