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June, Week 1
Day 1
Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 51.
2. One group of Saints arrived in Thompson, Ohio, and tried to live the law of consecration. However, Leman Copley broke his covenant to consecrate his land to the Church, leaving many Saints without a place to stay. These Saints followed a revelation from the Lord and moved to Missouri. Under the Lord’s direction, Joseph Smith and other elders traveled to Missouri for a conference. There, the Lord revealed they should build Zion in Missouri.
3. Watch the video “The Knights and Others Gather to Zion.”
Youth
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 51.
2. One group of Saints arrived in Thompson, Ohio, and strived to live the law of consecration. However, Leman Copley broke his covenant to consecrate his land to the Church, leaving many Saints without a place to stay. These Saints followed a revelation from the Lord and moved to Missouri. Under the Lord’s direction, Joseph Smith and other elders traveled to Missouri for a conference. There, the Lord revealed they should build Zion in Missouri.
3. How will we be held accountable for our stewardship? Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917–2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
At some future day, you and I will each hear the voice of the Lord calling us forward to render an account of our mortal stewardship. This accounting will occur when we are called up to “stand before [the Lord] at the great and judgment day” [2 Nephi 9:22] …
… The Savior Himself knew, as we should also know, that He was accountable to His Father. He taught that His sacred stewardship was “to do the will of him [who] sent me” [John 4:34]. In His great intercessory prayer, the Lord reported to the Father, “I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” [John 17:4].
When we are living righteously, we rejoice that we can report positively our worthiness and our preparation for continued blessings, whether they be … the blessings of temple attendance … or the blessings of service in whatever our calling might be.
Such mortal experiences give us the opportunity to assess what we are doing with our lives. All help us school our souls and strengthen our characters in preparation for that final interview. (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “True to the Truth,” Ensign, May 1997, 16, 17)
4. Why is the Lord concerned with temporal things? President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) taught:
Let us ever keep in mind that all material things are but a means to an end, that the end is spiritual, although the Lord is anxious and willing to bless his people temporally. He has so indicated in many of the revelations. He has pointed out, time and time again, that we should pray over our crops, over our livestock, over our households, our homes, and invoke the Lord’s blessings upon our material affairs. And he has promised that he will be there and ready and willing to bless us. …
… The Lord will not do for us what we can and should do for ourselves. But it is his purpose to take care of his Saints. Everything that concerns the economic, social, and spiritual welfare of the human family is and ever will be the concern of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson [2014], 265–66)
Day 2
Primary
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 52.
2. Full-time missionaries are not the only ones who can share the gospel. When the Lord sent several Church leaders to Missouri, he told them to make use of the time spent traveling and “preach by the way.” How can you share the gospel “by the way,” or during the normal events of your life?
3. Listen to the song “I Want to Be a Missionary Now.”
Youth
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 52.
2. A gathering of the Church convened at Kirtland, Ohio, on 3 June 1831. So important was this conference that letters were sent to the missionaries calling them all to Kirtland. Efforts were also made to bring the New York Saints to Ohio. During this conference, a significant new office was conferred upon a number of the brethren, that of high priest in the Melchizedek Priesthood. The Prophet Joseph Smith received the spirit of prophecy and prophesied that John the Revelator was among the ten tribes preparing them to return from their long dispersion. The Prophet recorded that “harmony prevailed” and “faith was strengthened.” Many desired to obey the Lord’s commandments but were uncertain about what specifically they could do. On the day following the conclusion of the conference the Prophet was given specific calls and instructions in what is now Doctrine and Covenants 52.
3. One purpose of this revelation was to call certain brethren to travel as missionaries from Ohio to Missouri. Twenty-eight missionaries were called in this revelation; however, thirty actually went—one of the original twenty-eight did not go, and three more were called later. In this revelation, the Lord set a standard for missionaries and teachers: they should teach those things that He has revealed to His prophets and Apostles, that which is taught to them through the influence of the Holy Ghost. Many problems arise when people begin to offer their personal opinions as doctrines of the Church.
4. Elder Bruce R. McConkie bore the following testimony:
“The truth of all things is measured by the scriptures. That which harmonizes with them should be accepted; that which is contrary to their teachings, however plausible it may seem for the moment, will not endure and should be rejected.” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 765.)
5. Some elders were not assigned to go as missionaries to Missouri. These men were assigned to stay home and be the priesthood leaders for the Saints in Kirtland. By laboring with their own hands for their support, rather than being paid for their priesthood service, these brethren would help prevent idolatry and priestcraft from springing up in the Church. The Lord warned that one of the characteristics of the last days would be that “every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his God … whose substance is that of an idol” (D&C 1:16). When people set their hearts on natural things, or prestige, or power to the point that God is no longer supreme, then that becomes as god to them. They worship, or give allegiance to, those things.
Day 3
Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 56.
2. In this section, the Lord spoke both to the rich and to the poor. What was His advice to them?
3. Listen to the song “The Holy Ghost.”
Youth
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 56.
2. In this section, the Lord spoke both to the rich and to the poor, and some had blessings revoked.
3. Elder James E. Talmage noted that “only the rebellious, those who will not obey the commandments of God are to be thus dealt with, are to have their blessings revoked; only these will forfeit the blessings to which they were entitled. In another revelation given shortly after that, Section 58, the Lord takes people to task because they were in the habit of saying—and he might well take some of us to task, for we still say it—that the Lord doesn’t keep his word, that he makes promises and fails to fulfil them.” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1921, p. 113.)
4. How Does One Overcome Selfishness?
“Selfishness consists in caring unduly or supremely for oneself; it is one of the lusts of the flesh which must be overcome by those who gain salvation. A selfish person clings to his own comfort, advantage, or position at the expense of others. Men are commanded to repent of their pride and selfishness. (D. & C. 56:8.) In practice the way to do this is to serve in the Church and make generous financial contributions to sustain its programs.” (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 701.)
5. What Should Be the Attitude of the Poor? President George Albert Smith warned against taking what belongs to others. After quoting Doctrine and Covenants 56:17 he said:
That is the situation of many of our own brothers and sisters in America with all the blessings that we enjoy—better wages, better homes, better opportunities for education than have ever been known before. Yet we have today men who not only will not work themselves, but they also will not permit somebody else to be employed. They are not willing to earn their living by work, but they propose to take it from the rich man. …
We must not fall into the bad habits of other people. We must not get into the frame of mind that we will take what the other man has. Refer back to the ten commandments, and you will find one short paragraph, ‘Thou shalt not covet.’ That is what is the matter with a good many people today. They are coveting what somebody else has, when as a matter of fact, many of them have been cared for and provided with means to live by those very ones from whom they would take away property.” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1949, pp. 170, 172.)
Day 4
Primary
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 57.
2. As the Lord revealed more about Zion to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Saints felt anxious and excited to be part of such a community. Once it was revealed where Zion was to be built, the Lord instructed certain individuals to begin establishing the community.
3. Today, read the 6th Article of Faith and see if you can memorize it.
We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7
4. Listen to the 6th Article of Faith song.
Youth
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 57.
2. As the Lord revealed more about Zion to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Saints felt anxious and excited to be part of such a community. Once it was revealed where Zion was to be built, the Lord instructed certain individuals to begin establishing the community.
3. Today, read the 6th Article of Faith and see if you can memorize it.
We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7
4. Listen to the 6th Article of Faith song.
5. How can we know how to help others and build Zion? Sister Michelle D. Craig, formerly of the Young Women General Presidency, taught:
I witness that Jesus Christ loves us and can give us eyes to see—even when it’s hard, even when we’re tired, even when we’re lonely, and even when the outcomes are not as we hoped. Through His grace, He will bless us and increase our capacity. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, Christ will enable us to see ourselves and see others as He does. With His help, we can discern what is most needful. We can begin to see the hand of the Lord working in and through the ordinary details of our lives—we will see deeply. (Michelle D. Craig, “Eyes to See,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 17)
Week 2
Day 1
Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 60.
2. Imagine that two of your close friends are struggling in different ways with making decisions. One friend rarely seeks help or guidance from God and tries to make most decisions on her own. Another friend prays for guidance and is hesitant to move forward with any decision until she feels certain the Lord has answered her. What could be some reasons each friend might feel the way she does? What are some misunderstandings you see in both situations?
Youth
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 60.
2. Imagine that two of your close friends are struggling in different ways with making decisions. One friend rarely seeks help or guidance from God and tries to make most decisions on her own. Another friend prays for guidance and is hesitant to move forward with any decision until she feels certain the Lord has answered her. What could be some reasons each friend might feel the way she does? What are some misunderstandings you see in both situations?
3. In August 1831, Joseph Smith and several elders began a journey of more than 800 miles (1,287 km) to their homes in Kirtland, Ohio. They had spent the previous few weeks in Missouri, where the Lord had instructed them to work toward building a city of Zion. While traveling home, the group had questions about their method and direction of travel. For some decisions, the Lord encouraged them to use their best judgment and choose for themselves. For other decisions, He provided specific instructions and commandments to guide them.
4. Why do you think it is important to rely on our judgment as well as the directions of the Spirit when we make decisions? How can this truth help us in decisions related to our standards or values?
5. How can I know if I am making the right decisions? Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
When [God] withholds an answer, it is to have us grow through faith in Him, obedience to His commandments, and a willingness to act on truth. We are expected to assume accountability by acting on a decision that is consistent with His teachings without prior confirmation. We are not to sit passively waiting or to murmur because the Lord has not spoken. We are to act.
Most often what we have chosen to do is right. He will confirm the correctness of our choices His way. That confirmation generally comes through packets of help found along the way. We discover them by being spiritually sensitive. They are like notes from a loving Father as evidence of His approval. If, in trust, we begin something that is not right, He will let us know before we have gone too far. We sense that help by recognizing troubled or uneasy feelings. (Richard G. Scott, “Agency and Answers: Recognizing Revelation,” Ensign, Jun. 2014, 50)
Day 2
Primary
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 61.
2. Listen to the song “The Holy Ghost.”
Youth
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 61.
2. This revelation was received by the Prophet Joseph Smith on the bank of the Missouri River, McIlwaine’s Bend, on 12 August 1831. The Prophet wrote:
“On the 9th, in company with ten Elders, I left Independence landing for Kirtland. We started down the river in canoes, and went the first day as far as Fort Osage, where we had an excellent wild turkey for supper. Nothing very important occurred till the third day, when many of the dangers so common upon the western waters, manifested themselves; and after we had encamped upon the bank of the river, at McIlwaine’s Bend, Brother Phelps, in open vision by daylight, saw the destroyer in his most horrible power, ride upon the face of the waters; others heard the noise, but saw not the vision.
“The next morning after prayer, I received the following: [D&C 61].” (History of the Church, 1:202–3.)
3. The Lord’s words in Doctrine and Covenants 61:5–19 do not prohibit Latter-day Saints from traveling on or swimming in the water. In describing the curse on the waters in the last days, the Lord may have been referring to passages in the book of Revelation in which the Apostle John describes destruction that will occur in the waters prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ (see Revelation 8:8–11;16:1–6). In Doctrine and Covenants 61, the Lord refers specifically to the danger of “these waters,” meaning the Missouri River (see Doctrine and Covenants 61:5, 18).
4. D&C 61:5–19. How Is the Water “Cursed”? President Joseph Fielding Smith pointed out how “in the beginning the Lord blessed the waters and cursed the land, but in these last days this was reversed, the land was to be blessed and the waters to be cursed. A little reflection will bear witness to the truth of this declaration. In the early millenniums of this earth’s history, men did not understand the composition of the soils, and how they needed building up when crops were taken from them. The facilities at the command of the people were primitive and limited, acreage under cultivation was limited, famines were prevalent and the luxuries which we have today were not obtainable. Someone may rise up and say that the soil in those days was just as productive as now, and this may be the case. It is not a matter of dispute, but the manner of cultivation did not lend itself to the abundant production which we are receiving today. It matters not what the causes were, in those early days of world history there could not be the production, nor the varieties of fruits coming from the earth, and the Lord can very properly speak of this as a curse, or the lack of blessing, upon the land. In those early periods we have every reason to believe that the torrents, floods, and the dangers upon the waters were not as great as they are today, and by no means as great as what the Lord has promised us. The early mariners among the ancients traversed the seas as they knew them in that day in comparative safety. … Today this manner of travel in such boats would be of the most dangerous and risky nature. Moreover, we have seen the dangers upon the waters increase until the hearts of men failed them and only the brave, and those who were compelled to travel the seas, ventured out upon them. In regard to the Missouri-Mississippi waters, we have seen year by year great destruction upon them, and coming from them. Millions upon millions of dollars, almost annually are lost by this great stream overflowing its banks. Many have lost their lives in these floods as they sweep over the land, and even upon this apparently tranquil or sluggish stream there can arise storms that bring destruction. Verily the word of the Lord has been, and is being, fulfilled in relation to those waters. While the Lord has spoken of the sea heaving itself beyond its bounds, and the waves roaring, yet we must include the great destruction upon the waters by means of war, and especially by submarine warfare as we have learned of it in recent years.” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:224; see also Genesis 3:17–19; Ether 7:23–25; 9:16, 28; Revelation 16:1–6; Alma 45:16; D&C 59:3; 16–19.)
Day 3
Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 62.
2. Missionary work has a redeeming effect on the missionary as well as the convert. The Apostle James wrote, “He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:20). Of that teaching, Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote: “By reclaiming an erring brother, we save both him and ourselves. Our sins are hidden (remitted) because we ministered for the salvation and blessing of another member of the kingdom. In principle this special reward for Christ’s ministers applies also to those who preach the gospel and bring souls into the kingdom. The minister is rewarded with salvation and, of necessity, in the process, is freed from his own sins. (D. & C. 4:1–4.)” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:279.)
Youth
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 62.
2. While the Prophet and his party were on their way home from Missouri during August 1831, they met some of the elders who were going to Missouri. Joseph Smith wrote: “On the 13th [of August] I met several of the Elders on their way to the land of Zion, and after the joyful salutations with which brethren meet each other, who are actually ‘contending for the faith once delivered to the Saints,’ I received the following: [D&C 62]” (History of the Church, 1:205). The elders were not identified in the Prophet’s history, but Reynolds Cahoon named them as follows: Hyrum Smith, John Murdock, Harvey Whitlock, and David Whitmer (see Journal History, 13 August 1831).
3. The Lord knows how to succor those who are tempted.
“Succor means ‘to go to the aid of one in want or distress’ or ‘to relieve.’ Fortunately, the Savior succors those ‘who are tempted’ so they will not commit sin, and if they should sin, he will succor them if they repent.” (Ludlow, Companion, 1:330.)
4. Missionary work has a redemptive effect for the missionary as well as the convert. The Apostle James wrote, “He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:20). Of that teaching, Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote: “By reclaiming an erring brother, we save both him and ourselves. Our sins are hidden (remitted) because we ministered for the salvation and blessing of another member of the kingdom. In principle this special reward for Christ’s ministers applies also to those who preach the gospel and bring souls into the kingdom. The minister is rewarded with salvation and, of necessity, in the process, is freed from his own sins. (D. & C. 4:1–4.)” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:279.)
5. Smith and Sjodahl noted that “in this Revelation we are told that angels are scrutinizing the records kept of the testimonies of the Elders, and that they rejoice over the witnesses. It appears from this that the ministry on earth has its effects beyond the veil as well as on this side. An Elder who bears his faithful testimony to the truth does not know how far-reaching the result may be, though his visible audience may consist of but few.” (Commentary, p. 371.)
Day 4
Primary
1. Today, read Doctrine and Covenants 63:57-64.
2. Sacred things should be treated with reverence. We know we are not supposed to take the Lord’s name in vain. What other sacred things come “from above,” or from God? What does it mean for you to speak of these things “with care”?
3. Listen to the song “I Want to Be a Missionary Now.”
Youth
1. Today, read Doctrine and Covenants 63:57-64.
2. Sister Rebecca L. Craven of the Young Women General Presidency posed the following question:
Are we careful in our language? Or do we casually embrace the crude and vulgar? (Rebecca L. Craven, “Careful versus Casual,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 10)
3. Why should I use the names of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ with reverence? President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:
There are no more sacred or significant words in all of our language than the names of God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. …
When the names of God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, are used with reverence and authority, they invoke a power beyond what mortal man can comprehend.
It should be obvious to every believer that these mighty names—by which miracles are wrought, by which the world was formed, through which man was created, and by which we can be saved—are holy and must be treated with the utmost reverence. As we read in modern revelation, “Remember that that which cometh from above is sacred, and must be spoken with care, and by constraint of the Spirit.”(Doctrine and Covenants 63:64.) (Dallin H. Oaks, “Reverent and Clean,” Ensign, May 1986, 50, 51).
4. How can feeling reverence for Jesus Christ impact my life? Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
When we truly are in awe of Jesus Christ and His gospel, we are happier, we have more enthusiasm for God’s work, and we recognize the Lord’s hand in all things. Additionally, our study of God’s words is more meaningful; our prayers, more intentional; our worship, more reverent; our service in God’s kingdom, more diligent. All these actions contribute to the Holy Spirit’s influence being more frequent in our lives. Thus, our testimony of the Savior and His gospel will be strengthened. (Ulisses Soares, “In Awe of Christ and His Gospel,” Liahona, May 2022, 115)
Week 3
Day 1
Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 64:1-17.
2. There is a Doctrinal Mastery scripture in this section. Doctrine and Covenants 64:9-11.
9 Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.
10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.
11 And ye ought to say in your hearts—let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds.
3. During a trip from Missouri to Ohio, Joseph Smith and others experienced contention and bad feelings toward one another. In Doctrine and Covenants 64, Jesus Christ instructed them about their need to forgive.
4. Listen to the song “I Want to Be a Missionary Now.”
Youth
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 64:1-17.
2. There is a Doctrinal Mastery scripture in this section. Doctrine and Covenants 64:9-11.
9 Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.
10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.
11 And ye ought to say in your hearts—let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds.
3. Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught how Jesus Christ can help us forgive others:
Sometimes our willingness to forgive someone else enables both them and us to believe we can repent and be forgiven. Sometimes a willingness to repent and an ability to forgive come at different times. Our Savior is our Mediator with God, but He also helps bring us to ourselves and each other as we come to Him. Especially when hurt and pain are deep, repairing our relationships and healing our hearts is hard, perhaps impossible for us on our own. But heaven can give us strength and wisdom beyond our own to know when to hold on and how to let go. (Gerrit W. Gong, “Happy and Forever,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 85)
4. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
“Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven” [Luke 6:37], Christ taught in New Testament times. And in our day: “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men” [Doctrine and Covenants 64:10]. It is, however, important for some of you living in real anguish to note what He did not say. He did not say, “You are not allowed to feel true pain or real sorrow from the shattering experiences you have had at the hand of another.” Nor did He say, “In order to forgive fully, you have to reenter a toxic relationship or return to an abusive, destructive circumstance.” But notwithstanding even the most terrible offenses that might come to us, we can rise above our pain only when we put our feet onto the path of true healing. That path is the forgiving one walked by Jesus of Nazareth, who calls out to each of us, “Come, follow me” [Luke 18:22]. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Ministry of Reconciliation,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 78–79)
5. How does forgiving others help me become like Jesus Christ?
It can be painfully difficult to let go of anger that feels so justified. It can seem impossible to forgive those whose destructive actions have hurt the innocent. And yet, the Savior admonished us to “forgive all men” [Doctrine and Covenants 64:10; see also verse 9].
We are followers of the Prince of Peace. Now more than ever, we need the peace only He can bring. How can we expect peace to exist in the world when we are not individually seeking peace and harmony? Brothers and sisters, I know what I’m suggesting is not easy. But followers of Jesus Christ should set the example for all the world to follow. I plead with you to do all you can to end personal conflicts that are currently raging in your hearts and in your lives. (Russell M. Nelson, “The Power of Spiritual Momentum,” Liahona, May 2022, 97)
Day 2
Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 64:20-43.
2. As the early Saints sought to establish Zion, Jesus Christ asked them to sacrifice and contribute in different ways. In our continued efforts to follow Jesus Christ, He asks that we give Him our hearts and willing minds. Isaac and Lucy Morley worked hard to build a prosperous 80-acre farm near Kirtland, Ohio. As part of their religious beliefs, they invited people to live on their property, share their possessions, and have all things in common with one another. When Latter-day Saint missionaries stopped in Kirtland, they preached the Restoration message to those living on the Morley farm. Among those converted were Isaac and Lucy Morley. Shortly after their baptism, the Morleys welcomed Joseph and Emma Smith to live on their farm.
Youth
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 64:20-43.
2. As the early Saints sought to establish Zion, Jesus Christ asked them to sacrifice and contribute in different ways. In our continued efforts to follow Jesus Christ, He asks that we give Him our hearts and willing minds. Isaac and Lucy Morley worked hard to build a prosperous 80-acre farm near Kirtland, Ohio. As part of their religious beliefs, they invited people to live on their property, share their possessions, and have all things in common with one another. When Latter-day Saint missionaries stopped in Kirtland, they preached the Restoration message to those living on the Morley farm. Among those converted were Isaac and Lucy Morley. Shortly after their baptism, the Morleys welcomed Joseph and Emma Smith to live on their farm.
3. What does it mean to “labor while it is called today”? The Lord used the word today to refer to the period of time from when Doctrine and Covenants 64 was received to the Second Coming (see Doctrine and Covenants 64:23). From the Lord’s perspective, today refers to “this life,” the time that God’s children are to “perform their labors” and “prepare to meet God” (Alma 34:32; see also Alma 34:31, 33–35). In Doctrine and Covenants 64:24, the word tomorrow refers to the destruction of the wicked at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
4. How can I give the Lord my heart and willing mind? Elder Jörg Klebingat of the Seventy taught:
Do the right things for the right reasons. The Lord, who “requireth the heart and a willing mind” (D&C 64:34) and who “is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (D&C 33:1), knows why you go to church—whether you are present in body only or truly worshipping. … Remember that casualness in spiritual matters never was happiness. Make the Church and the restored gospel your whole life, not just a part of your outward or social life. (Jörg Klebingat, “Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 36)
5. Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, then of the Presidency of the Seventy, shared:
The heart is symbolic of love and commitment. We make sacrifices and bear burdens for those we love that we would not endure for any other reason. If love does not exist, our commitment wanes.
If we love the Lord with all our heart, we are willing to give Him everything we possess. …
Having “a willing mind” connotes giving our best effort and finest thinking and seeking God’s wisdom. It suggests that our most devoted lifetime study should be of things that are eternal in nature. It means that there must be an inextricable relationship between hearing the word of God and obeying it. (Donald L. Hallstrom, “The Heart and a Willing Mind,” Ensign, June 2011, 31–32)
Day 3
Primary
1. Today, read Doctrine and Covenants 65.
2. One important responsibility of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members is to help prepare the world for the Savior’s return. In Doctrine and Covenants 65, the Lord revealed this important role to His Prophet Joseph Smith and the Saints.
3. Listen to the song “The Holy Ghost.”
Youth
1. Today, read Doctrine and Covenants 65.
2. One important responsibility of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members is to help prepare the world for the Savior’s return. In Doctrine and Covenants 65, the Lord revealed this important role to His Prophet Joseph Smith and the Saints.
3. Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declared:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is uniquely empowered and commissioned to accomplish the necessary preparations for the Lord’s Second Coming; indeed, it was restored for that purpose. … The Church of Jesus Christ is commissioned to prepare—and is preparing—the world for that day. (D. Todd Christofferson, “Preparing for the Lord’s Return,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 82, 84)
4. Wilford Woodruff recounted what Joseph Smith taught at a gathering of priesthood holders at Kirtland, Ohio, in April 1834:
The Prophet called on all who held the Priesthood to gather into the little log school house they had there. It was a small house, perhaps 14 feet square. But it held the whole of the Priesthood of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who were then in the town of Kirtland. … When we got together the Prophet called upon the Elders of Israel with him to bear testimony of this work. … When they got through the Prophet said, “Brethren, I have been very much edified and instructed in your testimonies here tonight, but I want to say to you before the Lord, that you know no more concerning the destinies of this Church and kingdom than a babe upon its mother’s lap. You don’t comprehend it.” I was rather surprised. He said, “It is only a little handful of Priesthood you see here tonight, but this Church will fill North and South America—it will fill the world.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 137)
Day 4
Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 66.
2. The Holy Ghost doesn’t tell us to improve everything at once. If He did, we would become discouraged and give up. The Spirit works with us at our own speed, one step at a time, or as the Lord has taught, ‘line upon line, precept upon precept, … and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, … for unto him that receiveth I will give more’ [2 Nephi 28:30]. For example, if the Holy Ghost has been prompting you to say ‘thank you’ more often, and you respond to that prompting, then He may feel it’s time for you to move on to something more challenging—like learning to say, ‘I’m sorry; that was my fault.’
Youth
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 66.
2. The Lord told William E. McLellin that he was blessed for turning away from his sins and receiving the “everlasting covenant, even the fulness of [the] gospel” (D&C 66:2) by being baptized. At the time of William’s conversion, the term “fulness of the gospel” included faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and obedience to the commandments of God (see D&C 39:5–6). However, at the time of this revelation there were ordinances and covenants necessary for exaltation that were yet to be revealed. In due time, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord restored all of the ordinances and covenants necessary to inherit exaltation in the kingdom of God, including those performed in holy temples.
3. Elder John M. Madsen of the Seventy taught that today the fulness of the gospel and the Lord’s everlasting covenant refers to all gospel covenants and ordinances necessary for salvation:
“To know the Lord Jesus Christ, we and all mankind must receive Him. …
“To receive Him, we must receive the fulness of His gospel, His everlasting covenant, including all those truths or laws, covenants, and ordinances needed for mankind to enter back into the presence of God” (“Eternal Life through Jesus Christ,” Ensign, May 2002, 79).
4. After commending William E. McLellin for turning away from his iniquities and embracing the restored truth through baptism, the Lord declared that he was clean, but not entirely (see D&C 66:3). President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972) explained that William had received forgiveness, “but still there lingered in some manner, evidently in his mind and thoughts, some thing from which he had not cleansed himself by full repentance” (Church History and Modern Revelation [1953], 1:245). The Lord exhorted William to repent of those things that were not pleasing to Him and promised that He would reveal to William what he needed to repent of. Similarly, as we seek to know God’s will, He will help us progress spiritually by showing us what we need to repent of.
5. Elder Larry R. Lawrence of the Seventy described how the Lord reveals through the Holy Ghost what changes and improvements we need to make in our lives:
The journey of discipleship is not an easy one. It has been called a ‘course of steady improvement’ [Neal A. Maxwell, ‘Testifying of the Great and Glorious Atonement,’ Ensign, Oct. 2001, 12]. As we travel along that strait and narrow path, the Spirit continually challenges us to be better and to climb higher. The Holy Ghost makes an ideal traveling companion. If we are humble and teachable, He will take us by the hand and lead us home.
However, we need to ask the Lord for directions along the way. We have to ask some difficult questions, like ‘What do I need to change?’ ‘How can I improve?’ ‘What weakness needs strengthening?’ …
The Holy Ghost doesn’t tell us to improve everything at once. If He did, we would become discouraged and give up. The Spirit works with us at our own speed, one step at a time, or as the Lord has taught, ‘line upon line, precept upon precept, … and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, … for unto him that receiveth I will give more’ [2 Nephi 28:30]. For example, if the Holy Ghost has been prompting you to say ‘thank you’ more often, and you respond to that prompting, then He may feel it’s time for you to move on to something more challenging—like learning to say, ‘I’m sorry; that was my fault.’
A perfect time to ask, ‘What lack I yet?’ is when we take the sacrament. The Apostle Paul taught that this is a time for each of us to examine ourselves [see 1 Corinthians 11:28]. In this reverent atmosphere, as our thoughts are turned heavenward, the Lord can gently tell us what we need to work on next” (“What Lack I Yet?” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 33–34).
