His Daily Guiding Hand
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- How does Heavenly Father guide us through our lives?
- What are some components of Heavenly Father's "care package"?
- Why is it important to follow the counsel of our bishops and other Church leaders?
- How does repentance serve as a privilege rather than a punishment?
- What role do parents and leaders play in guiding the youth?
Topics
Recognize Heavenly Father's Daily Guidance
Elder Brough emphasizes the importance of recognizing Heavenly Father's guidance in our daily lives. He shares personal experiences and quotes from Church leaders to illustrate how Heavenly Father knows our needs and provides us with the necessary resources to help us return to Him.
Our Father in Heaven knows His children’s needs better than anyone else. It is His work and glory to help us at every turn, giving us marvelous temporal and spiritual resources to help us on our path to return to Him.
Heavenly Father knows what you and I need better than anyone else. As a result, He has developed a personal care package suited to each one of us.
- What does Elder Brough mean by Heavenly Father's "care package"?
- How can recognizing Heavenly Father's guidance impact your daily life?
- Can you recall a time when you felt guided by Heavenly Father? How did it impact you?
- What steps can you take to better recognize Heavenly Father's guidance in your life?
Follow the Commandments for Happiness
Elder Brough discusses the significance of following Heavenly Father's commandments. He explains that true happiness comes from righteousness and obedience, as taught by prophets and scriptures.
Wickedness never was happiness.
Heavenly Father constantly reminds us that righteousness is happiness.
Keep the commandments; keep the commandments! In this there is safety; in this there is peace.
- Why does Elder Brough emphasize that "wickedness never was happiness"?
- How do the commandments contribute to our happiness and safety?
- How have you experienced happiness through obedience to the commandments?
- What can you do to better align your actions with Heavenly Father's commandments?
Seek Heavenly Father's Will Through Prayer
Elder Brough shares a personal story about seeking Heavenly Father's will through prayer when faced with a difficult decision. He highlights the importance of prayer in understanding and accepting God's guidance.
I earnestly prayed to know if I had to give my dog away. My answer did not come in a moment; rather, a specific thought kept penetrating my mind: "Don’t be a burden to your parents. Don’t be a burden. I have called your parents."
Through that small sacrifice, my heart softened and I found peace in seeking Heavenly Father’s will.
- What role does prayer play in seeking Heavenly Father's guidance?
- How did Elder Brough find peace through prayer in his personal story?
- Can you think of a time when you sought Heavenly Father's will through prayer? What was the outcome?
- What can you do to improve your communication with Heavenly Father through prayer?
Trust in the Counsel of Church Leaders
Elder Brough underscores the importance of trusting and following the counsel of Church leaders, particularly bishops. He explains that these leaders are inspired and strive to represent the Lord in guiding us.
Bishops are inspired! Each of us has agency to accept or reject counsel from our leaders, but never disregard the counsel of your bishop, whether given over the pulpit or individually.
When Satan wants us to think all is lost, bishops are there to guide us.
- Why is it important to follow the counsel of our bishops and other Church leaders?
- How do Church leaders help us in times of need?
- How have you benefited from the counsel of Church leaders?
- What can you do to better follow the guidance of your bishop or other Church leaders?
Embrace Repentance as a Privilege
Elder Brough explains that repentance is a privilege rather than a punishment. He emphasizes that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can repent and find guidance and peace.
Repentance is not a punishment; it is a privilege. It is a privilege that leads and guides us.
For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent.
- How does Elder Brough describe repentance?
- Why is repentance considered a privilege?
- Can you share an experience where you felt the blessings of repentance?
- What steps can you take to more fully embrace repentance in your life?
