Paul called the Holy Ghost the "Holy Spirit of promise," emphasizing His role in assuring us that we are in harmony with God and will receive His promised blessings. As we make and keep covenants with God, we feel the presence of the Holy Ghost, which assures us that we're on the right path.
Another Comforter
Jesus promised His apostles "another Comforter." He reaffirmed this promise in an 1832 revelation, emphasizing the role of the Holy Ghost in strengthening our hope. The Holy Ghost is not only the Spirit of truth but also of promise. When He is with us, we know that we are moving toward eternal life.
Still and Small
God has all power and controls the elements, but Elijah, Nephi, and Joseph Smith all testified that God spoke to them through a still small voice. What distractions can we remove from our lives in order to hear that voice and receive God's most powerful messages?
Vessels of Wrath, Vessels of Mercy
We are all vessels. We all carry intangible things wherever we go, and some of what we carry spills over and influences the people around us, for good or for evil. If we carry bitterness, frustration, or anger, we are "vessels of wrath." If we carry kindness, gratitude, or joy, we are "vessels of mercy."
Spirit-Directed Meetings and Days
Moroni described church meetings as being Spirit-directed. Modern revelation reaffirms that church services should always be conducted according to the Spirit. What's good for a church meeting is also good for our lives. It's useful to have a plan, but we must always be receptive to guidance from the Holy Ghost about our daily activities.
Receiving Extraordinary Gifts
Sometimes we are offered gifts of untold value, yet we may fail to grasp their significance. The gift of the Holy Ghost is one of those priceless treasures. If we are not attentive, we may fail to recognize that it is "a blessing as great as [we] have never known" (Doctrine and Covenants 39:10).
How to Recognize the Holy Ghost
God taught Oliver Cowdery four principles about personal revelation which can help us recognize messages from God: 1. Messages from God enlighten us. 2. Messages from God dispel fear and build faith. 3. God speaks to both our mind and our heart. 4. The Spirit of God confirms positive choices with positive feelings.
Laying On of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost
Jesus gave His disciples power to give the Holy Ghost. Moroni clarifies that this was to be done by the laying on of hands, which was also the practice inJerusalem. How amazing that God trusts His children with power to give this divine gift to others!
Tasting
Mormon said that when he was 15, he "tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus." Why taste? With sight and hearing we detect things outside of ourselves, but taste relates to something inside of us, something we are internalizing.
“The Workings of the Spirit of the Lord”
Mormon explains the inclusion of the small plates by saying that he was following "the workings of the Spirit of the Lord." The Spirit helps us contribute to a work bigger than ourselves, and it simultaneously works within us to make us better.