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February, Week 1
Day 1
Primary
1. Today read D&C 3.
2. At times we may feel pressured by others to disobey God. Joseph Smith felt similar pressure when Martin Harris asked to take the translated pages of the Book of Mormon. Joseph learned, however, that these are moments when we should be faithful to God and not give in to the pressure of others.
3. Watch the video “Martin Harris Helps Joseph.”
Youth
1. Today read D&C 3.
2. At times we may feel pressured by others to disobey God. Joseph Smith felt similar pressure when Martin Harris asked to take the translated pages of the Book of Mormon. Joseph learned, however, that these are moments when we should be faithful to God and not give in to the pressure of others.
3.
Martin Harris was a respected citizen of Palmyra and successful farmer who was one of only a few people in the area who believed Joseph Smith. Though almost twice his age, Martin was Joseph’s friend and gave him money so he could move to Harmony, Pennsylvania, to translate the Book of Mormon undisturbed. Martin also sacrificed to travel there himself and serve as scribe.
Martin’s wife, Lucy, was not supportive of his involvement with the Book of Mormon translation. Martin asked Joseph if he could show the first 116 pages of the translation to Lucy as evidence of their work. Joseph prayed about it twice and each time was told not to allow Martin to take the pages.
Joseph prayed a third time, and the Lord gave permission with strict conditions. Martin took the pages to Palmyra to show them to his wife.
The day after Martin left, Emma Smith gave birth to her and Joseph’s first child, a son. Tragically, the infant lived only a few hours, and it seemed Emma might die too. Thankfully, Emma’s health started improving after a couple weeks. Though Joseph did not want to leave her side, Emma urged him to travel to Palmyra and inquire about the manuscript.
When Joseph arrived at his parents’ home, they invited Martin to join them for breakfast. Martin didn’t come for more than four hours. When he finally arrived and sat down, he mournfully exclaimed, “I have lost my soul!” He had not followed the strict guidelines and had lost the manuscript.
“Oh, my God, my God. All is lost!” Joseph said. “Must I return to my wife with such a tale? And how shall I appear before the Lord?”
After Joseph returned to Harmony, Moroni appeared and took the plates from him. (See Saints, 1:50–54.)
4. Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained what it means to fear God:
There are many places in the scriptures that counsel mankind to fear God. In our day we generally interpret the word fear as “respect” or “reverence” or “love”; that is, the fear of God means the love of God or respect for Him and His law. …
… We should so love and reverence Him that we fear doing anything wrong in His sight, whatever may be the opinions of or pressure from others. (D. Todd Christofferson, “A Sense of the Sacred” [Church Educational System fireside for young adults, Nov. 7, 2004], 6–7, broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
5. Why would the Lord allow Joseph to give Martin the pages after his third request? Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
Martin begged Joseph to ask a third time, and Joseph did so. This time God did not say no. Instead, it was as though God said, “Joseph, you know how I feel about this, but you have your agency to choose.” Feeling himself relieved of the constraint, Joseph decided to allow Martin to take 116 manuscript pages and show them to a few family members. The translated pages were lost and never recovered. The Lord severely rebuked Joseph.
Joseph learned, as the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob taught: “Seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For … he counseleth in wisdom” [Jacob 4:10]. Jacob cautioned that unfortunate things happen when we ask for things we should not. …
If we have received personal revelation for our situation and the circumstances have not changed, God has already answered our question. (Dale G. Renlund, “A Framework for Personal Revelation,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 18)
Day 2
Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 4.
2. Joseph Smith Sr. wanted to know how he could serve God and others. In response to his father’s desire, the Prophet Joseph sought and received the first of several revelations given to individuals who desired to assist in the Lord’s work. 3. Though he had not yet associated himself with any organized religion, Joseph Smith Sr. believed what his son shared about his heavenly visions and supported him in his translation of the Book of Mormon. Joseph Sr. wanted to serve God but did not know what to do. In February 1829, he and his wife visited Joseph Jr. in Harmony, Pennsylvania. During that visit, the Prophet Joseph received Doctrine and Covenants 4 in answer to his father’s question.
3. Listen to the song “Dare to Do Right.”
Youth
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 4.
2. Joseph Smith Sr. wanted to know how he could serve God and others. In response to his father’s desire, the Prophet Joseph sought and received the first of several revelations given to individuals who desired to assist in the Lord’s work. 3. Though he had not yet associated himself with any organized religion, Joseph Smith Sr. believed what his son shared about his heavenly visions and supported him in his translation of the Book of Mormon. Joseph Sr. wanted to serve God but did not know what to do. In February 1829, he and his wife visited Joseph Jr. in Harmony, Pennsylvania. During that visit, the Prophet Joseph received Doctrine and Covenants 4 in answer to his father’s question.
4. Joseph Smith Sr. went on to serve in Christlike ways throughout his life. Shortly after this revelation, he shared the gospel with Oliver Cowdery. Joseph Sr. continued to support his son and was baptized into the Church soon after it was organized. He also became one of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon. Joseph Sr. worked on the Kirtland Temple and served in various callings, including Patriarch and assistant counselor to the First Presidency. At age 63, he served a mission to the Eastern United States.
5. Why should I serve God? Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
Serving Him requires all of our heart, might, mind, and strength. Consequently, selflessly serving others counteracts the self-centered and selfish tendencies of the natural man. We grow to love those whom we serve. And because serving others is serving God, we grow to love Him and our brothers and sisters more deeply. Such love is a manifestation of the spiritual gift of charity, even the pure love of Christ. (David A. Bednar, “If Ye Had Known Me,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 104)
Day 3
Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 5:1-15.
2. Lucy Harris, the wife of Martin Harris, was upset about the time and money her husband was dedicating to the publication of the Book of Mormon. She filed a legal complaint against Joseph Smith and gathered several people who were willing to testify that he had lied about the existence of the plates. Martin was warned that if he did not join them in testifying against Joseph, Martin could also be sent to prison. Though Martin had previously been a scribe for Joseph, had shown characters from the plates to scholars to verify their antiquity, and had lost 116 pages of the original manuscript, Martin still sought a further witness of the reality of the gold plates. He traveled to Joseph Smith’s home, where Joseph inquired of the Lord and received the revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 5.
3. Listen to the song “A Child’s Prayer.”
Youth
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 5:1-15.
2. Lucy Harris, the wife of Martin Harris, was upset about the time and money her husband was dedicating to the publication of the Book of Mormon. She filed a legal complaint against Joseph Smith and gathered several people who were willing to testify that he had lied about the existence of the plates. Martin was warned that if he did not join them in testifying against Joseph, Martin could also be sent to prison. Though Martin had previously been a scribe for Joseph, had shown characters from the plates to scholars to verify their antiquity, and had lost 116 pages of the original manuscript, Martin still sought a further witness of the reality of the gold plates. He traveled to Joseph Smith’s home, where Joseph inquired of the Lord and received the revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 5.
3. Although Martin was not allowed to see the gold plates at that time, this revelation strengthened him in a way that enabled him to bear powerful testimony of the Prophet. The Lord has provided witnesses to help each of us gain our own testimony of Joseph Smith as a prophet of God and the Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ.
4. Why do you think the Lord is more concerned about us believing in and hearkening to His words in the Book of Mormon than He is about us knowing that the plates existed? Referring to the Book of Mormon, President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) taught:
The evidence for its truth, for its validity in a world that is prone to demand evidence, lies not in archaeology or anthropology, though these may be helpful to some. It lies not in word research or historical analysis, though these may be confirmatory. … The test of its truth lies in reading it. It is a book of God. (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Four Cornerstones of Faith,” Ensign, Feb. 2004, 6)
5. Later, Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer would see the gold plates and testify of their reality. You will learn more about this event when you study Doctrine and Covenants 17. Referring to the Three Witnesses, President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:
Their testimony stands uncontradicted by any other witnesses. Reject it one may, but how does one explain three men of good character uniting and persisting in this published testimony to the end of their lives in the face of great ridicule and other personal disadvantage? Like the Book of Mormon itself, there is no better explanation than is given in the testimony itself, the solemn statement of good and honest men who told what they saw. (Dallin H. Oaks, “The Witness: Martin Harris,” Ensign or Liahona, May 1999, 36)
Week 2
Day 1
Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 6.
2. There is a Doctrinal Mastery Scripture in this chapter! Doctrine and Covenants 6:36.
36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.
3. On April 5, 1829, Oliver Cowdery met Joseph Smith for the first time. Two days later, he became Joseph’s scribe for the Book of Mormon translation. Doctrine and Covenants 6 includes counsel from the Lord that addresses many of the questions and concerns Oliver had about participating in the Lord’s work.
4. Watch the video “The Lord Sends Oliver Cowdrey.”
Youth
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 6.
2. There is a Doctrinal Mastery Scripture in this chapter! Doctrine and Covenants 6:36.
36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.
3. Oliver Cowdery was a schoolteacher who began boarding with Joseph Smith’s parents in the fall of 1828. While staying with the Smith family, Oliver learned about Joseph’s divine calling and the ongoing translation of the Book of Mormon. Oliver felt prompted to ask if he could help Joseph with the translation. In the spring of 1829, Oliver accompanied Joseph’s brother Samuel to Harmony, Pennsylvania, to meet the Prophet for the first time. Soon after arriving in Harmony, Oliver became Joseph Smith’s scribe. Although Oliver had previously received a divine confirmation of Joseph’s prophetic gift to translate, he still had questions about his own participation in the Lord’s work. Joseph Smith received the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 6 during this time.
4. How does the Savior feel about me despite my concerns? Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
My dear young friends, if the Savior were here right now, what would He say to you?
I believe He would start by expressing His deep love for you. He might say it with words, but it would also flow so strongly—just from His presence—that it would be unmistakable, reaching deep into your heart, filling your whole soul!
And yet, because we’re all weak and imperfect, some concerns might creep into your mind. You might remember mistakes you’ve made, times you gave in to temptation, things you wish you hadn’t done—or wish you had done better.
The Savior would sense that, and I believe He would assure you with words He has spoken in the scriptures:
“Fear not” [Luke 5:10; 8:50; 12:7; Doctrine and Covenants 38:15; 50:41; 98:1].
“Doubt not” [Doctrine and Covenants 6:36].
“Be of good cheer” [Matthew 14:27; John 16:33; Doctrine and Covenants 61:36; 68:6; 78:18].
“Let not your heart be troubled” [John 14:1, 27].
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Youth,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 9)
5. How can I look unto Christ in every thought? President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency taught:
The way to optimism as we go forward was given by the Lord: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (D&C 6:36). President Monson told us how to do that. We are to ponder and apply the Book of Mormon and the words of prophets. Pray always. Be believing. Serve the Lord with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. We are to pray with all the energy of our hearts for the gift of charity, the pure love of Christ (see Moroni 7:47–48). And above all, we are to be consistent and persistent in following prophetic counsel. (Henry B. Eyring, “Fear Not to Do Good,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 103)
6. What can happen to me when I look unto Christ in every thought? President Russell M. Nelson taught:
Our focus must be riveted on the Savior and His gospel. It is mentally rigorous to strive to look unto Him in every thought. But when we do, our doubts and fears flee. (Russell M. Nelson, “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 41)
Day 2
Primary
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 7.
2. With Oliver Cowdery serving as his scribe, Joseph Smith made miraculous progress on the translation of the Book of Mormon during the spring of 1829. While we don’t know specific details about how Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, we do know he did it by the gift and power of God.
3. Listen to the song “Dare to Do Right.”
Youth
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 7.
2. With Oliver Cowdery serving as his scribe, Joseph Smith made miraculous progress on the translation of the Book of Mormon during the spring of 1829. While we don’t know specific details about how Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, we do know he did it by the gift and power of God.
3. Later historical accounts indicate that in addition to using the Urim and Thummim (sometimes called the Nephite interpreters or spectacles) to translate the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith used another instrument called a seer stone. The Prophet had discovered this instrument several years before he obtained the gold plates. We do not know many details about how Joseph used these instruments God had prepared. But witnesses said Joseph would sometimes place either the Urim and Thummim or the seer stone into a hat to block out light, which allowed him to better see the words that appeared on the physical instruments
4. Watch the video “Seer Stone.”
5. Why do we know so little about how the translation happened? Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
Why do we not have more disclosure concerning the process of translation of the Book of Mormon? Perhaps the full process was not disclosed because we would not be ready to understand it, even if given. Perhaps, too, the Lord wanted to leave the Book of Mormon in the realm of faith, though it is drenched with intrinsic evidence. After all, Christ instructed Mormon, who was reviewing the Savior’s own teachings among the Nephites, not to record all of them on the plates because “I will try the faith of my people” (3 Ne. 26:11). Perhaps the details of translation are withheld also because we are intended to immerse ourselves in the substance of the book rather than becoming unduly concerned with the process by which we received it. (Neal A. Maxwell, “By the Gift and Power of God,” Ensign, Jan. 1997, 41)
6. How can the Book of Mormon be a revelatory experience for me? Elder Kim B. Clark, emeritus General Authority Seventy, taught:
The Book of Mormon can be a revelatory experience for you, just like it was for Joseph.
The prophets who wrote the Book of Mormon saw our day. They wrote to us. Their words speak to our times, our needs, and our purposes. If your heart is open as you read and pray about the Book of Mormon, the Holy Ghost will “manifest the truth of it unto you” [Moroni 10:4]. (Kim B. Clark, “Thou Art Joseph” [worldwide devotional for young adults, May 7, 2017], ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
Day 3
Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 8.
2. There’s a Doctrinal Mastery Scripture in this section: Doctrine and Covenants 8:2-3.
2 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.
3 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.
3. Oliver Cowdery was impressed by Joseph Smith’s ability to translate the Book of Mormon. He wanted God to give him the same gift. The Lord promised Oliver the gift to translate, according to his faith. At that point, Jesus Christ taught Oliver many important principles about revelation.
4. Listen to the song “A Child’s Prayer.”
Youth
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 8.
2. There’s a Doctrinal Mastery Scripture in this section: Doctrine and Covenants 8:2-3.
2 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.
3 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.
3. Oliver Cowdery was impressed by Joseph Smith’s ability to translate the Book of Mormon. He wanted God to give him the same gift. The Lord promised Oliver the gift to translate, according to his faith. At that point, Jesus Christ taught Oliver many important principles about revelation.
4. Based on your personal study and experience, what are some ways God communicates to our minds? How does He communicate to our hearts? Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared some of the ways God speaks to our minds and hearts through the Holy Ghost:
I bear witness that the Lord, through the Holy Ghost, can speak to your mind and heart. Sometimes the impressions are just general feelings. Sometimes the direction comes so clearly and so unmistakably that it can be written down like spiritual dictation. (Richard G. Scott, “To Acquire Spiritual Guidance,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 9)
You might help students see a pattern of communication to the mind and heart in the following examples involving Oliver Cowdery: Doctrine and Covenants 6:22–24; 9:8–9. Students could look for words and phrases the Lord used to explain some of the ways He speaks to our mind and heart.
It may be helpful to explain that the burning of the bosom described in Doctrine and Covenants 9:8 can refer to “a feeling of comfort and serenity” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Teaching and Learning by the Spirit,” Ensign, Mar. 1997, 13).
5. What can the Holy Ghost help me understand? Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
Personal revelation is based on spiritual truths received from the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the revealer and testifier of all truth, especially that of the Savior. Without the Holy Ghost, we could not really know that Jesus is the Christ. (Quentin L. Cook, “The Blessing of Continuing Revelation to Prophets and Personal Revelation to Guide Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 98)
6. What should I do when God doesn’t seem to answer me? Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) taught:
What do you do when you have prepared carefully, have prayed fervently, waited a reasonable time for a response, and still do not feel an answer? You may want to express thanks when that occurs, for it is an evidence of [God’s] trust. When you are living worthily and your choice is consistent with the Savior’s teachings and you need to act, proceed with trust. … When you are living righteously and are acting with trust, God will not let you proceed too far without a warning impression if you have made the wrong decision. (Richard G. Scott, “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 10)
Day 4
Primary
1. Today watch “Days of Harmony.” Stop at 11:33.
Youth
1. Today watch “Days of Harmony.” Stop at 11:33.