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July, Week 1
Day 1
Primary
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 71.
2. Persecution increased dramatically for Joseph Smith and the Saints in Kirtland in the winter of 1831. Some Saints began leaving the Church, including Ezra Booth and Symonds Ryder. Booth began publishing letters attacking Joseph and trying to overthrow the work of the Lord. Joseph asked the Lord for advice, and Doctrine and Covenants 71 was received.
3. According to verse 1, what had the Savior provided to help Joseph and Sidney know how to respond? How could the Savior’s counsel help us in our day?
4. Listen to the song “Stand for the Right.”
Youth
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 71.
2. Persecution increased dramatically for Joseph Smith and the Saints in Kirtland in the winter of 1831. Some Saints began leaving the Church, including Ezra Booth and Symonds Ryder. Booth began publishing letters attacking Joseph and trying to overthrow the work of the Lord. Joseph asked the Lord for advice, and Doctrine and Covenants 71 was received.
3. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles used the scriptural symbol of fiery darts to describe the criticism of our beliefs by others.
By the shield of our faith in Jesus Christ, we become peacemakers, quenching … all the fiery darts of the adversary [see Ephesians 6:16; Doctrine and Covenants 3:8]. …
How does a peacemaker calm and cool the fiery darts? Certainly not by shrinking before those who disparage us. Rather, we remain confident in our faith, sharing our beliefs with conviction but always void of anger or malice. …
Peacemakers are not passive; they are persuasive in the Savior’s way.
What gives us the inner strength to cool, calm, and quench the fiery darts aimed toward the truths we love? The strength comes from our faith in Jesus Christ and our faith in His words. (Neil L. Andersen, “Following Jesus: Being a Peacemaker,” Liahona, May 2022, 17–18)
4. How should we treat those who disagree with us? President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:
On the subject of public discourse, we should all follow the gospel teachings to love our neighbor and avoid contention. Followers of Christ should be examples of civility. We should love all people, be good listeners, and show concern for their sincere beliefs. Though we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable. Our stands and communications on controversial topics should not be contentious. We should be wise in explaining and pursuing our positions and in exercising our influence. (Dallin H. Oaks, “Loving Others and Living with Differences,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 27)
5. Why must we avoid contention when responding to criticism? Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:
When we contend with each other in anger, Satan laughs and the God of heaven weeps.
Satan laughs and God weeps for at least two reasons. First, contention weakens our collective witness to the world of Jesus Christ and the redemption that comes through His “merits, … mercy, and grace” [2 Nephi 2:8]. … His latter-day work is compromised when contention or enmity exists among His disciples [see John 17:21, 23]. Second, contention is spiritually unhealthy for us as individuals. We are robbed of peace, joy, and rest, and our ability to feel the Spirit is compromised.
Jesus Christ explained that His doctrine was not “to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but [that His] doctrine [is] that such things should be done away” [3 Nephi 11:30]. If I am quick to take offense or respond to differences of opinion by becoming angry or judgmental, I “fail” the spiritual stress test. This failed test does not mean that I am hopeless. Rather, it points out that I need to change. And that is good to know. (Dale G. Renlund, “The Peace of Christ Abolishes Enmity,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 83–84)
Day 2
Primary
1. Today, let’s read the 7th Article of Faith.
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
2. Listen to the 7th Article of Faith Song.
3. See if you can memorize it!
Youth
1. Today, let’s read the 7th Article of Faith.
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
2. Listen to the 7th Article of Faith Song.
3. See if you can memorize it!
Day 3
Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 72.
2.
“At a very early day after the organization of the Church the Lord revealed the need of a bishop to look after the temporalities and stewardships in the Church. Bishop Edward Partridge was called and sent to Zion to engage in the duties of his calling. On the 4th day of December, 1831, while the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon were engaged in their ministry refuting their enemies, a meeting of the elders was called and the Lord gave them a very important revelation. The Lord declared that it was expedient that a bishop should be called to serve in the Kirtland district. One important duty of this bishop was to look after the stewardships pertaining to the inhabitants of Kirtland and other parts of Ohio, and he was ‘to render an account of his stewardship, both in time and in eternity.’” (Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:269–70.)
3. Listen to the song “He Sent His Son.”
Youth
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 72.
2.
“At a very early day after the organization of the Church the Lord revealed the need of a bishop to look after the temporalities and stewardships in the Church. Bishop Edward Partridge was called and sent to Zion to engage in the duties of his calling. On the 4th day of December, 1831, while the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon were engaged in their ministry refuting their enemies, a meeting of the elders was called and the Lord gave them a very important revelation. The Lord declared that it was expedient that a bishop should be called to serve in the Kirtland district. One important duty of this bishop was to look after the stewardships pertaining to the inhabitants of Kirtland and other parts of Ohio, and he was ‘to render an account of his stewardship, both in time and in eternity.’” (Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:269–70.)
3. Bishop Partridge was called as the first bishop of the Church. Later, when others were called, he became the equivalent of what today is called the Presiding Bishop. Newell K. Whitney thus was actually under the jurisdiction of Bishop Partridge. “The bishop in Kirtland was to ‘hand over’ to the bishop in Zion, the record of the stewardships, where the permanent records should be kept. For this responsibility Newel K. Whitney was called to act as bishop. He was to keep the Lord’s storehouse in Kirtland, and to receive funds in that part of the vineyard, and to take an account of the elders as he was commanded; to administer to their wants, all those who should pay for that which they received, inasmuch as they have wherewith to pay. These funds received were to be consecrated to the good of the Church, ‘to the poor and needy.’ If there were any who were unable to pay, an account was to be made ‘and handed over to the bishop in Zion, who shall pay the debt out of that which the Lord shall put into his hands.’” (Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:270.)
Day 4
Primary
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 75.
2. What does it mean to be idle? (To spend time avoiding work.) What does it mean to labor with all our might? (Work hard!) Why do you think the Lord wants us to work hard and not be idle?
3. Elder Franklin D. Richards taught:
“President McKay has said, ‘Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that the power to work is a blessing, that love of work is success.’
“How true this is! Yet today as in earlier times many misguided individuals embrace the philosophy of idleness, feeling that the world owes them a living. Many have a desire to destroy the establishment that has been built upon productive effort.
“In this dispensation the Lord has many times confirmed the eternal principle of work. We have been told that there is no place in the Church for the idler ‘except he repent and mend his ways,’ and ‘he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer.’ (D&C 75:29; 42:42.)” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1969, p. 121.)
Youth
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 75.
2. “On the 25th day of January 1832, a very important conference was held by the elders at Amherst, Lorain County, Ohio. The history of the Church is very brief in the report of this conference. Much business was transacted, but the most important thing was the fact that Joseph Smith was sustained and ordained, by the will of the Lord, as President of the High Priesthood.” (Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:274.)
The Prophet Joseph Smith recorded: “A few days before the conference was to commence in Amherst, Lorain county, I started with the Elders that lived in my own vicinity, and arrived in good time. At this conference much harmony prevailed, and considerable business was done to advance the kingdom, and promulgate the Gospel to the inhabitants of the surrounding country. The Elders seemed anxious for me to inquire of the Lord that they might know His will, or learn what would be most pleasing to Him for them to do, in order to bring men to a sense of their condition; for, as it was written, all men have gone out of the way, so that none doeth good, no, not one. I inquired and received the following: [D&C 75].” (History of the Church, 1:242–43.)
3. Anciently, grain was cut by hand and tied into large bundles or sheaves which were then carried to the place of threshing. To see a person or an animal “laden with many sheaves” (D&C 75:5) was proof that the person had reaped an abundant harvest and would now enjoy the fruits of his labors.
“Elders who go out to preach the gospel sometimes return and report that they know not whether they have been the means of converting anybody or not. But if they have been faithful, the harvest is sure. The seed they have sown may sprout and come to maturity years after they have been released.” (Smith and Sjodahl, Commentary, p. 434.)
The Lord had already instructed missionaries: “For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul” (D&C 4:4).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie commented on the symbolism of being crowned: “Those who gain exaltation in the highest heaven of the celestial world shall wear crowns. Perhaps literal crowns may be worn on occasion—emblematic of their victory over the world and signifying that they rule and reign as kings and queens in the eternal house of Israel. But at all times they will be ‘crowned with honor, and glory, and immortality, and eternal life.’ (D. & C. 75:5.)” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 173.)
4. Elder Franklin D. Richards taught:
“President McKay has said, ‘Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that the power to work is a blessing, that love of work is success.’
“How true this is! Yet today as in earlier times many misguided individuals embrace the philosophy of idleness, feeling that the world owes them a living. Many have a desire to destroy the establishment that has been built upon productive effort.
“In this dispensation the Lord has many times confirmed the eternal principle of work. We have been told that there is no place in the Church for the idler ‘except he repent and mend his ways,’ and ‘he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer.’ (D&C 75:29; 42:42.)” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1969, p. 121.)
Week 2
Day 1
Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 76:1-19.
2. Elder Robert D. Hales (1932–2017) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
When we want to speak to God, we pray. And when we want Him to speak to us, we search the scriptures; for His words are spoken through His prophets. He will then teach us as we listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. (Robert D. Hales, “Holy Scriptures: The Power of God unto Our Salvation,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2006, 26–27)
3. Listen to the song “He Sent His Son.”
Day 2
Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 76:19-24.
2. There’s a Doctrinal Mastery scripture in this section: Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-24!
22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
23 For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—
24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.
3. There’s a song to listen to, too!
Day 3
Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 76:50-70.
2. In the vision of the kingdoms of glory seen by Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, we gain understanding about the critical role Jesus Christ plays in the lives of all who will inherit the celestial kingdom.
3. Watch the video “Joseph and Sidney Learn About Heaven.”
4. Listen to the song “Stand for the Right.”
Week 3
Day 1
Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 77.
2. As Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon worked on the inspired translation of the Bible, they had questions about the book of Revelation, as many people do. And as Joseph knew well, when he lacked wisdom, he could ask of God. The insights he gained are in Doctrine and Covenants 77.
Youth
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 77.
2. As Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon worked on the inspired translation of the Bible, they had questions about the book of Revelation, as many people do. And as Joseph knew well, when he lacked wisdom, he could ask of God. The insights he gained are in Doctrine and Covenants 77.
3. The Apostle John, who is also known as John the Beloved and John the Revelator, was exiled to the island of Patmos for testifying of Jesus Christ and His gospel, and while there he received the revelation recorded in the book of Revelation in the New Testament (see Revelation 1:9–10). The Prophet Joseph Smith (1805–1844) explained,
“John had the curtains of heaven withdrawn, and by vision looked through the dark vista of future ages, and contemplated events that should transpire throughout every subsequent period of time until the final winding up scene—[and] while he gazed upon the glories of the eternal world, saw an innumerable company of angels and heard the voice of God” (in Manuscript History, vol. C-1, Addenda, page 69, josephsmithpapers.org).
4. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “The book of Revelations [sic] is one of the plainest books God ever caused to be written” (in Manuscript History, vol. D-1, page 1523, josephsmithpapers.org). But the book’s rich imagery and symbolism can be difficult for modern readers to understand. The Prophet cautioned missionaries not to teach about the specific symbols and details in the book and to instead preach the basic principles of the gospel (see Manuscript History, vol. D-1, page 1523, josephsmithpapers.org). The questions and answers recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 77 provide an inspired interpretation of some of the symbols and events described by the Apostle John in the first 11 chapters of the book of Revelation.
5. Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained that careful study of the scriptures and teachings of modern prophets can bring us greater knowledge through revelation:
What makes us different from most other Christians in the way we read and use the Bible and other scriptures is our belief in continuing revelation. For us, the scriptures are not the ultimate source of knowledge, but what precedes the ultimate source. The ultimate knowledge comes by revelation. …
The word of the Lord in the scriptures is like a lamp to guide our feet (see Ps. 119:105), and revelation is like a mighty force that increases the lamp’s illumination manyfold. We encourage everyone to make careful study of the scriptures and of the prophetic teachings concerning them and to prayerfully seek personal revelation to know their meaning for themselves” (“Scripture Reading and Revelation,” Ensign, Jan. 1995, 7).
Day 2
Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 78.
2. One way that the Church takes care of its members is by organizing a storehouse of food and supplies that people in need can draw from. The Church operates 124 bishops’ storehouses throughout the world. Through them, approximately 400,000 food orders are given each year to individuals in need. In locations where no storehouse exists, bishops and branch presidents draw from fast-offering funds of the Church to provide food and supplies for their needy members.
3. Listen to the song “He Sent His Son.”
Youth
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 78.
2. On March 1, 1832, the Prophet Joseph Smith met with a group of high priests in Kirtland, Ohio. During the meeting, the Prophet dictated the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 78. Subsequently, the United Firm was created. Based on the law of consecration, the United Firm managed the Church’s property, financial endeavors, and printing efforts in Ohio and Missouri. Through the firm, the Lord established a storehouse to care for those in need, and Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Newel K. Whitney were instructed to travel to Missouri (Zion) to organize it.
3. How does the Lord’s Church help us care for those in need? President Russell M. Nelson explained:
To help relieve hunger, the Church operates 124 bishops’ storehouses throughout the world. Through them, approximately 400,000 food orders are given each year to individuals in need. In locations where no storehouse exists, bishops and branch presidents draw from fast-offering funds of the Church to provide food and supplies for their needy members. (Russell M. Nelson, “The Second Great Commandment,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 98)
4. President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency taught:
Because the Lord hears their cries and feels your deep compassion for [those in need], He has from the beginning of time provided ways for His disciples to help. He has invited His children to consecrate their time, their means, and themselves to join with Him in serving others.
His way of helping has at times been called living the law of consecration. In another period, His way was called the united order. In our time, it is called the Church welfare program.
The names and the details of operation are changed to fit the needs and conditions of people. But always the Lord’s way to help those in temporal need requires people who out of love have consecrated themselves and what they have to God and to His work.
He has invited and commanded us to participate in His work to lift up those in need. We make a covenant to do that in the waters of baptism and in the holy temples of God. We renew the covenant on Sundays when we partake of the sacrament. (Henry B. Eyring, “Opportunities to Do Good,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 22)
Day 3
Primary
1. Today let’s learn the 8th article of faith!
We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
2. Listen to the 8th Article of Faith Song and see if you can memorize it!
Youth
1. Today let’s learn the 8th article of faith!
We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
2. Listen to the 8th Article of Faith Song and see if you can memorize it!
Day 4
Primary
1. Today, read Doctrine and Covenants 79 and Doctrine and Covenants 80.
2. As early Saints embraced the message of the Restoration, they had a great desire to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. Some shared their beliefs with family members and friends. Others responded to a call from the Savior to serve a mission.
3. Listen to the song “Stand for the Right.”
Youth
1. Today, read Doctrine and Covenants 79 and Doctrine and Covenants 80.
2. As early Saints embraced the message of the Restoration, they had a great desire to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. Some shared their beliefs with family members and friends. Others responded to a call from the Savior to serve a mission.
3. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared:
Wherever you are on this earth, there are plenty of opportunities to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ with people you meet, study with, and live with or work and socialize with. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Missionary Work: Sharing What Is in Your Heart,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 15)
4. How can my own conversion help me share my testimony with others? President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
When we are truly converted, we cannot be restrained from testifying. And as it was with Apostles and faithful members of old, so is it also our privilege, our duty, and our solemn obligation to “declare the things which [we] know to be true (D&C 80:4).” (M. Russell Ballard, “Pure Testimony,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2004, 41)
5. How can I prepare to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others? Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave the following five suggestions:
First, draw close to God. …
Second, fill your heart with love for others. …
Third, strive to walk the path of discipleship. …
Fourth, share what is in your heart. …
Fifth, trust the Lord to work His miracles. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Missionary Work: Sharing What Is in Your Heart,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 16–17)
Week 4
Day 1
Primary
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 82:1-7.
2. The Lord requires much of those to whom He has given much. Why do you think the Lord has these expectations? Why is it important for us to understand them? For additional insights, read the following statement by Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
Our Heavenly Father is a God of high expectations. …
… God’s purpose is that we, His children, may be able to experience ultimate joy, to be with Him eternally, and to become even as He is. …
If we sincerely desire and strive to measure up to the high expectations of our Heavenly Father, He will ensure that we receive all the help we need, whether it be comforting, strengthening, or chastening. (D. Todd Christofferson, “As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 97, 99)
Youth
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 82:1-7.
2. The Lord requires much of those to whom He has given much. Why do you think the Lord has these expectations? Why is it important for us to understand them? For additional insights, read the following statement by Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
Our Heavenly Father is a God of high expectations. …
… God’s purpose is that we, His children, may be able to experience ultimate joy, to be with Him eternally, and to become even as He is. …
If we sincerely desire and strive to measure up to the high expectations of our Heavenly Father, He will ensure that we receive all the help we need, whether it be comforting, strengthening, or chastening. (D. Todd Christofferson, “As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 97, 99)
3. What has Jesus Christ given us through His Atonement? President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:
What has Jesus Christ done for each of us? He has done everything that is essential for our journey through mortality toward the destiny outlined in the plan of our Heavenly Father. …
… As Jesus taught, “Because I live, ye shall live also” (John 14:19). …
But the Resurrection gives us more than this assurance of immortality. It changes the way we view mortal life. …
… Because each of us has an assured resurrection, we know that … mortal deficiencies and oppositions are only temporary. …
Our Savior and Redeemer endured incomprehensible suffering to become a sacrifice for the sins of all mortals who would repent. This atoning sacrifice … opened the door for each of us to be cleansed of our personal sins so we can be readmitted to the presence of God, our Eternal Father. …
… Through the teachings of His prophets and through His personal ministry, Jesus taught us the plan of salvation. …
Our Savior feels and knows our temptations, our struggles, our heartaches, and our sufferings, for He willingly experienced them all as part of His Atonement. … All who suffer any kind of mortal infirmities should remember that our Savior experienced that kind of pain also, and that through His Atonement, He offers each of us the strength to bear it. (Dallin H. Oaks, “What Has Our Savior Done for Us?,” Liahona, May 2021, 75–77)
4. Why is much expected of members of the Church? Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
Some ask, “Do I have to be so different from others?” “Can’t I be a disciple of Christ without thinking so much about my behavior?” “Can’t I love Christ without keeping the law of chastity?” “Can’t I love Him and do what I want on Sunday?” Jesus gave a simple answer: “If ye love me, keep my commandments” [John 14:15]. …
… As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having a witness of His reality not only from the Bible but also from the Book of Mormon; knowing His priesthood has been restored to the earth; having made sacred covenants to follow Him and received the gift of the Holy Ghost; having been endowed with power in His holy temple; and being part of preparing for His glorious return to the earth, we cannot compare what we are to be with those who have not yet received these truths. “Unto whom much is given much is required” [Doctrine and Covenants 82:3]. (Neil L. Andersen, “Never Leave Him,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 41)
Day 2
Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 82:8-24.
2. There is a Doctrinal Mastery Scripture in this chapter! D&C 82:10.
10 I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.
3. There is a song to listen to, too!
4. The Savior invited members of the United Firm to bind themselves by covenant to govern the affairs of His Church. He gave them commandments and promised to bless them when they obeyed. When we covenant to obey Jesus Christ’s commandments, He promises to bless us.
Youth
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 82:8-24.
2. There is a Doctrinal Mastery Scripture in this chapter! D&C 82:10.
10 I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.
3. There is a song to listen to, too!
4. The Savior invited members of the United Firm to bind themselves by covenant to govern the affairs of His Church. He gave them commandments and promised to bless them when they obeyed. When we covenant to obey Jesus Christ’s commandments, He promises to bless us.
5. Read the following statement by President Russell M. Nelson, looking for what he taught about covenants.
Once we make a covenant with God, we leave neutral ground forever. God will not abandon His relationship with those who have forged such a bond with Him. In fact, all those who have made a covenant with God have access to a special kind of love and mercy. …
Once you and I have made a covenant with God, our relationship with Him becomes much closer than before our covenant. Now we are bound together. Because of our covenant with God, He will never tire in His efforts to help us, and we will never exhaust His merciful patience with us. Each of us has a special place in God’s heart. He has high hopes for us. (Russell M. Nelson, “The Everlasting Covenant,” Liahona, Oct. 2022, 5, 6).
