Links for other months: January, February, March, April, May, June, August, September, October, November, December
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.”
