Welcome to February!
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February, Week 1
Day 1
Primary
1. Today read 1 Nephi 16.
2. When God led Lehi’s family into the wilderness, He didn’t give them a map showing every detail of the journey. Instead, He gave them the Liahona to guide them daily. The Liahona only worked when Lehi and his family were faithful. What do we have today that can help guide us?
3. Watch the video “The Liahona and the Broken Bow.”
4. Listen to the song “Books in the Book of Mormon.”
Youth
1. Today read 1 Nephi 16.
2. Do you ever feel lost and confused about what you should be doing or focusing on in life? How might your life be different if you were better able to recognize direction the Lord was trying to give you? Not long after Lehi’s family left Jerusalem, the Lord provided them with increased direction through the Liahona. After being directed by the Lord to travel farther into the wilderness, Lehi woke up to find a miraculous tool, or instrument, provided by the Lord. The Liahona was “a brass ball with two pointers that gave directions — as a compass — and also spiritual instruction to Lehi and his followers when they were righteous.
3. What might be different in your life if you had something like the Liahona to guide you? What are some circumstances you are currently facing for which you would like extra direction and guidance? Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles described one reason we should seek to better understand how the Liahona worked. Note that the phrase “type and a shadow” refers to objects, events, stories, or people that represent something else.
The description in the Book of Mormon of the Liahona, the director or compass used by Lehi and his family in their journey in the wilderness, specifically was included in the record as a type and a shadow for our day and as an essential lesson about what we should do to enjoy the blessings of the Holy Ghost.
(David A. Bednar, “That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2006, 30)
4. How is the Liahona like the Holy Ghost? Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
Just as Lehi was blessed in ancient times, each of us in this day has been given a spiritual compass that can direct and instruct us during our mortal journey. …
As we each press forward along the pathway of life, we receive direction from the Holy Ghost just as Lehi was directed through the Liahona. …
The Holy Ghost operates in our lives precisely as the Liahona did for Lehi and his family, according to our faith and diligence and heed.
(David A. Bednar, “That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2006, 30–31)
5. How can I better recognize the Holy Ghost in my life? President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
The Spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. It caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all. …
Occasionally it will press just firmly enough for us to pay heed. But most of the time, if we do not heed the gentle feeling, the Spirit will withdraw and wait until we come seeking and listening and say in our manner and expression, like Samuel of ancient times, “Speak [Lord], for thy servant heareth.” (1 Sam. 3:10.)
(Boyd K. Packer, “The Candle of the Lord,” Ensign, Jan. 1983, 53)
6. Listen to the song “Books in the Book of Mormon.”
7. Watch the video “The Lord Guides Lehi’s Journey.”
Day 2
Primary
1. Read 1 Nephi 17.
2. After journeying in the wilderness for eight years, Lehi and his family came to a land on the seashore, which they named Bountiful because of the abundance of fruit and honey there. The Lord then commanded Nephi to build a ship. Nephi did not know how to build a boat, so he relied on instruction from the Lord. His trust in the Lord is what allowed him to do this difficult thing.
3. Today watch the video “Traveling in the Wilderness.”
4. Listen to the song “Nephi’s Courage.”
Youth
1. Read 1 Nephi 17.
2. After journeying in the wilderness for eight years, Lehi and his family came to a land on the seashore, which they named Bountiful because of the abundance of fruit and honey there. The Lord then commanded Nephi to build a ship. Why would building a ship have been difficult for Nephi?
3. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
Nephi was not a sailor. He had been reared in Jerusalem, an inland city, rather than along the borders of the Mediterranean Sea. It seems unlikely that he knew much about or had experience with the tools and skills necessary to build a ship. He may not have ever previously seen an oceangoing vessel. In essence, then, Nephi was commanded and instructed to build something he had never built before.
(David A. Bednar, “Learning to Love Learning,” Ensign, Feb. 2010, 28)
4. 1 Nephi 17:45. What does it mean to be “past feeling”? President James E. Faust (1920–2007) of the First Presidency taught:
Occasionally … we find dead spots where the signal coming to a cell phone fails. This can happen when the cell phone user is in a tunnel or a canyon or when there is other interference.
So it is with divine communication. … Perhaps something in our lives prevents us from hearing the message because we are “past feeling” [1 Nephi 17:45]. We often put ourselves in spiritual dead spots — places and situations that block out divine messages. Some of these dead spots include anger, pornography, transgression, selfishness, and other situations that offend the Spirit. (James E. Faust, “Did You Get the Right Message?,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 67)
5. Watch the following videos:
- Lehi’s Family Arrives at the Land of Bountiful
- The Lord Instructs Nephi to Build a Ship
- Nephi is Filled With the Power of God
Day 3
Primary
1. Today read chapter 1 Nephi 18.
2. Nephi and his brothers built a ship with direction from the Lord. As they were crossing the sea, however, Laman, Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael forgot to be humble and got angry with Nephi again. A terrible storm drove their ship back and nearly killed them until they repented. Then, Nephi and his family were able to reach the promised land.
3. Today watch the videos “Building the Ship” and “Crossing the Sea.”
4. Listen to the song “Choose the Right.”
Youth
1. Today read chapter 1 Nephi 18.
2. We will all have trials and suffering in our lives. Some of it will come as a consequence of our own misdeeds or simply by our living in a fallen and imperfect world. As Nephi experienced throughout his journey to the promised land, some trials and suffering are caused when those around us misuse their agency. Regardless of the source of our suffering, Jesus Christ offers strength and healing to those who seek Him.
3. All of us have times where we respond well to difficult situations, and other times, not so well. Think about whether you generally act more like Nephi or more like Laman and Lemuel when you face difficult situations. Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared one reason Nephi was able to respond the way he did through his difficulties.
Because they were distant from the Savior, Laman and Lemuel murmured, became contentious, and were faithless. They felt that life was unfair and that they were entitled to God’s grace. In contrast, because he had drawn close to God, Nephi must have recognized that life would be the most unfair for Jesus Christ. Though absolutely innocent, the Savior would suffer the most.
The closer we are to Jesus Christ in the thoughts and intents of our hearts, the more we appreciate His innocent suffering, the more grateful we are for grace and forgiveness, and the more we want to repent and become like Him.
(Dale G. Renlund, “That I Might Draw All Men unto Me,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 40)
4. When we are close to Jesus Christ, we can feel love and gratitude for Him even during difficult times. Why do you think we are more likely to feel love and gratitude for Jesus Christ when we are closer to Him?
5. . Why would God allow Laman and Lemuel to cause such suffering? President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:
God rarely infringes on the agency of any of His children by intervening against some for the relief of others. But He does ease the burdens of our afflictions and strengthen us to bear them. … He does not prevent all disasters, but He does answer our prayers to turn them aside … or blunt their effects. …
Through all mortal opposition, we have God’s assurance that He will “consecrate [our] afflictions for [our] gain” (2 Nephi 2:2).
(Dallin H. Oaks, “Opposition in All Things,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 117)
6. Watch the video “Nephi and His Family Finish the Ship and the video “Lehi’s Family Sails to the Promised Land.”
Day 4
Primary
1. Today read 1 Nephi 19 and 1 Nephi 22.
2. Because the scriptures were written so long ago, it might seem like they aren’t relevant to us today. But Nephi knew better. “I did liken all scriptures unto us,” he said, “that it might be for our profit and learning” (1 Nephi 19:23). This is one reason Nephi found so much spiritual power in the scriptures.
3. Listen to the song “I Feel My Savior’s Love.”
Youth
1. Today read 1 Nephi 19 and 1 Nephi 22.
2. Because the scriptures were written so long ago, it might seem like they aren’t relevant to us today. But Nephi knew better. “I did liken all scriptures unto us,” he said, “that it might be for our profit and learning” (1 Nephi 19:23). This is one reason Nephi found so much spiritual power in the scriptures.
3. Read the following statement given by President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency.
“I will make you this promise about reading the Book of Mormon: You will be drawn to it as you understand that the Lord has embedded in it His message to you. Nephi, Mormon, and Moroni knew that, and those who put it together put in messages for you. I hope you have confidence that the book was written for your students. There are simple, direct messages for them that will tell them how to change. That is what the book is about. It is a testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Atonement and how it may work in their lives. You will have an experience this year feeling the change that comes by the power of the Atonement because of studying this book.”
(Henry B. Eyring, “The Book of Mormon Will Change Your Life,” Ensign, Feb. 2004, 11)
4. As you study the Book of Mormon, how is it helpful to know that prophets such as Nephi, Mormon, and Moroni included messages for you?
5. Read the following statements by President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994).
The Book of Mormon was written for us today. God is the author of the book. It is a record of a fallen people, compiled by inspired men for our blessing. Those people never had the book—it was meant for us. Mormon, the ancient prophet after whom the book is named, abridged centuries of records. God, who knows the end from the beginning, told him what to include in his abridgment that we would need for our day.
(Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon Is the Word of God,” Ensign, Jan. 1988, 3)
If they saw our day, and chose those things which would be of greatest worth to us, is not that how we should study the Book of Mormon? We should constantly ask ourselves, ‘Why did the Lord inspire Mormon (or Moroni or Alma) to include that in his record? What lesson can I learn from that to help me live in this day and age?’
(Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 6)
6. How can knowing that God inspired prophets such as Mormon, Moroni, and Alma with what to include in their record influence your study of the Book of Mormon?
Week 2
Day 1
Primary
1. Today read 2 Nephi 1.
2. When the prophet Lehi felt he was nearing the end of his life, he gathered his family together one last time. He shared with them what Heavenly Father had revealed to him. He bore his testimony of the Messiah. He taught gospel truths he cherished to the people he cherished. He talked about liberty, obedience, the Fall of Adam and Eve, redemption through Jesus Christ, and joy. Not all of his children chose to live by what he taught—none of us can make these choices for our loved ones. But we can teach and testify of the Redeemer, who makes us “free to choose liberty and eternal life.”
3. Watch the video “A New Home in the Promised Land.”
4. Listen to the song “Books in the Book of Mormon.” Make sure you can sing it up to 2 Nephi.
Youth
1. Today read 2 Nephi 1.
2. Imagine how you might feel if someone you admired were near the end of his or her life and were sharing some final advice or counsel with you. Lehi knew that he would soon die, so he spoke to his children to inspire them to keep the commandments of God. The truths he taught can be a source of inspiration and guidance for you.
3. Your experiences with the scriptures can be enhanced when you look for principles as you study. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained what a principle is:
A gospel principle is a doctrinally based guideline for the righteous exercise of moral agency. Principles derive from broader gospel truths and provide direction and standards as we press forward on the covenant path.
(David A. Bednar, “The Principles of My Gospel,” Liahona, May 2021, 123)
Some examples of principles you studied previously in 1 Nephi are if we keep our covenants, we will be armed with righteousness and with the power of God (see 1 Nephi 14:14) and as we liken the scriptures to ourselves, we will learn and profit from them (1 Nephi 19:23).
4. In 2 Nephi 1:13–29, notice the words Lehi used to describe the spiritual condition of Laman and Lemuel. What helps you awaken from a spiritual “deep sleep”? What helps you shake off the spiritual “chains” in your life? Think about Lehi’s testimony in verse 15 and his invitation in verse 23. What message does Heavenly Father have for you in these verses?
5. Watch the video “Lehi Teaches His Family.”
6. Listen to the song “Books in the Book of Mormon.” Make sure you can sing it up to 2 Nephi.
Day 2
Primary
1. Today read 2 Nephi 2:1-16.
2. Imagine your life if you did not have any choices. Agency, or the power to choose, is one of God’s greatest gifts to us. Lehi’s son Jacob had already experienced many challenges at a young age, so Lehi taught him valuable truths about the Savior and our freedom to choose.
3. Listen to the song “Nephi’s Courage.”
4. There are two doctrinal mastery verses in tomorrow’s reading, so we’re going to cover one of them today: 2 Nephi 2:25. There is a song you can listen to, as well.
25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
Youth
1. Today read 2 Nephi 2:1-16.
2. Imagine your life if you did not have any choices. Agency, or the power to choose, is one of God’s greatest gifts to us. Lehi’s son Jacob had already experienced many challenges at a young age, so Lehi taught him valuable truths about the Savior and our freedom to choose.
3. Lehi’s son Jacob was born in the wilderness after their family left Jerusalem. Shortly before Lehi’s death, he taught Jacob important truths about agency. Read 2 Nephi 2:1–4 to see how Lehi began his message to Jacob. It may be helpful to know that the word “consecrate” means to dedicate or make holy.
4. What does it mean that “salvation is free”? To say that “salvation is free” means (1) it is freely available to all of God’s children and (2) it cannot be bought, bartered for, or earned by our good works alone; it is the greatest of all the gifts of God (2 Nephi 2:4; Doctrine and Covenants 6:13; 14:7). It wasn’t “free” to Christ, who had to pay the price to satisfy the demands of justice. It is not “free” to us in as much as faith and repentance are required. This gift is freely available but requires both the Savior and our effort to accept the gift.
Paul testified, ‘As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive’ (1 Corinthians 15:22). In this sense, everyone is saved, regardless of choices made during this life. This is a free gift from the Savior to all human beings. (Gospel Topics, “Salvation,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
5. There are two doctrinal mastery verses in tomorrow’s reading, so we’re going to cover one of them today: 2 Nephi 2:25. There is a song you can listen to, as well.
25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
Day 3
Primary
1. Read 2 Nephi 2:17-30.
2. Lehi taught his children about the effects of the Fall of Adam and Eve. Before the Fall, Adam, Eve, and all forms of life on earth existed in an immortal state, were not yet subject to death, and were in the presence of God. In that state, they could not become sick or die, and the garden provided food for them without their having to work to produce it. They also could not have a family. The Lord warned them that if they ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they would eventually die. Adam and Eve’s decision to eat that fruit and the consequences for them and the rest of the world are known as the Fall.
3. There is another doctrinal mastery verse in today’s readings: 2 Nephi 2:27. (Here is the song version.)
27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and call things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
4. Listen to the song “I Feel My Savior’s Love.”
Youth
1. Read 2 Nephi 2:17-30.
2. There is another doctrinal mastery verse in today’s readings: 2 Nephi 2:27. (Here is the song version.)
27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and call things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
3. As Lehi was preparing to die, he talked extensively to his son Jacob about the Fall of Adam and Eve. Adam, Eve, and all forms of life on earth existed in an immortal state, were not yet subject to death, and were in the presence of God. In that state, they could not become sick or die, and the garden provided food for them without their having to work to produce it. They also could not have a family. The Lord warned them that if they ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they would eventually die. Adam and Eve’s decision to eat that fruit and the consequences for them and the rest of the world are known as the Fall.
4. One truth Lehi taught was that the Fall was an essential part of Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness. Read this statement by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
The Fall was an essential part of Heavenly Father’s divine plan. Without it no mortal children would have been born to Adam and Eve, and there would have been no human family to experience opposition and growth, moral agency, and the joy of resurrection, redemption, and eternal life [see 2 Nephi 2:22–27; Moses 5:11].
(Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Atonement of Jesus Christ,” Ensign, Mar. 2008, 35)
5. Watch the videos “Lehi Blesses Jacob” and “Lehi Teaches How We Might Have Joy.”
Week 3
Day 1
Primary
1. Today read 2 Nephi 3.
2. Lehi shared with his son Joseph a prophecy given by Joseph of Egypt. The prophecy was about a future “choice seer,” Joseph Smith. One important part of Joseph Smith’s mission was to bring forth the Book of Mormon.
3. Watch the video “A New Home in the Promised Land.”
4. Listen to the song “I Feel My Savior’s Love.”
Youth
1. Today read 2 Nephi 3.
2. Chapter 3 of 2 Nephi records Lehi’s dying words to his youngest son, Joseph. Lehi quoted a prophecy made by Joseph of Egypt roughly 1,700 years before the birth of Christ. Imagine Joseph Smith’s surprise when he discovered that he was the subject of much of the prophecy made by Joseph of Egypt.
3. Much of 2 Nephi 3 focuses on a prophecy made by Joseph of Egypt about the “seer” and prophet Joseph Smith and his mission in the latter days. President Brigham Young (1801–77) made the following statement about the Lord’s preparation for Joseph Smith’s mission:
It was decreed in the counsels of eternity, long before the foundations of the earth were laid, that he, Joseph Smith, should be the man, in the last dispensation of this world, to bring forth the word of God to the people, and receive the fulness of the keys and power of the Priesthood of the Son of God. The Lord had his eyes upon him, and upon his father, and upon his father’s father, and upon their progenitors clear back … to Adam. He has watched that family and that blood as it has circulated from its fountain to the birth of that man. He was fore-ordained in eternity to preside over this last dispensation.
(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 96, 343)
4. The Lord stated He would make Joseph Smith great in His eyes because he would do the Lord’s work. What made Joseph great in the Lord’s eyes? How is being great in the Lord’s eyes different from being great in the world’s eyes?
5. Watch the video “Lehi Blesses Joseph.”
Day 2
Primary
1. Today read 2 Nephi 4.
2. What are some things that make us happy? Nephi said that his soul delighted in the things of the Lord. What do you think are some “things of the Lord” that can bring delight to our souls?
3. Listen to the song “Nephi’s Courage.”
Youth
1. Today read 2 Nephi 4.
2. Everyone faces temptation and feels down or discouraged at times. The prophet Nephi also felt this way. After experiencing the death of his father, Lehi, and facing his angry brothers, Nephi wrote about some of his deepest feelings. He expressed his joy as well as his sorrow. His example shows us how we can turn to the Lord when we experience the challenges of mortality.
3. The verses 2 Nephi 4:16–35 are often referred to as Nephi’s psalm. A psalm is “an inspired poem or hymn” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Psalm,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). In these verses Nephi wrote about some of his deepest feelings. He shared his challenges and how he responded to temptation and discouragement. As you study these verses, seek inspiration through the Holy Ghost to know what you can do in the specific challenges you are facing.
4. Here are four steps that can help you liken the scriptures to your life:
- Find important details.
- Make comparisons to your life.
- Discover valuable lessons.
- Figure out how it applies to you.
5. How can remembering past spiritual experiences help me? Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
Along with the peaceful direction we receive from the Holy Ghost, from time to time, God powerfully and very personally assures each of us that He knows us and loves us and that He is blessing us specifically and openly. Then, in our moments of difficulty, the Savior brings these experiences back into our mind. …
You might think of your spiritual memories this way. With constant prayer, a determination to keep our covenants, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, we navigate our way through life. When personal difficulty, doubt, or discouragement darken our path, or when world conditions beyond our control lead us to wonder about the future, the spiritually defining memories from our book of life are like luminous stones that help brighten the road ahead, assuring us that God knows us, loves us, and has sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to help us return home.
Neil L. Andersen, “Spiritually Defining Memories,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 19, 21)
6. Watch the video “Lehi blesses the children of Laman and Lemuel.”
Day 3
Primary
1. Today read 2 Nephi 5:1-9.
2. It must have been heartbreaking for Nephi. Because Laman and Lemuel planned to kill him, Nephi was warned to take “those who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God” and flee into the wilderness. Try to put yourself in the place of one of the Nephite children whose families were invited to follow Nephi. Why might it have been difficult to leave? What would it take for you to make the decision to follow Nephi into the wilderness?
3. Listen to the song “Choose the Right.”
Youth
1. Today read 2 Nephi 5:1-9.
2. It must have been heartbreaking for Nephi. Because Laman and Lemuel planned to kill him, Nephi was warned to take “those who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God” and flee into the wilderness.
3. Try to put yourself in the place of one of the Nephite teenagers whose families were invited to follow Nephi. Why might it have been difficult to leave? What would it take for you to make the decision to follow Nephi into the wilderness? According to verse 6, what determined who went with him? One truth we can learn from this account is that God can lead us away from danger if we choose to believe His revelations and hearken to His prophets.
4. President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
It is not expected that you go through life without making mistakes, but you will not make a major mistake without first being warned by the promptings of the Spirit. This promise applies to all members of the Church.
(Boyd K. Packer, “Counsel to Youth,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 18)
5. How can I find spiritual safety in the world today? President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency taught:
There seems to be no end to the Savior’s desire to lead us to safety. And there is constancy in the way He shows us the path. He calls by more than one means so that it will reach those willing to accept it. And those means always include sending the message by the mouths of His prophets, whenever people have qualified to have the prophets of God among them. Those authorized servants are always charged with warning the people, telling them the way to safety.
(Henry B. Eyring, “Finding Safety in Counsel,” Ensign, May 1997, 24)
6. Watch the video “The Nephites Flee Into the Wilderness.”
Day 4
Primary
1. Read 2 Nephi 5:10-34.
2. The chapter 2 Nephi 5 details the separation of Lehi’s family into the Nephites and the Lamanites. When Laman and Lemuel planned to kill Nephi, the Lord warned Nephi to separate from his brothers. Nephi obeyed the Lord and departed with those who believed in the warnings and revelations of God and established a new community.
3. The Lamanites remained in the land and rebelled against the Lord. They “were cut off from his presence”. The curse mentioned in this chapter was separation from God. The changing of the Lamanites’ skin was a mark or sign of the curse. The nature of this mark is not fully understood. The mark at first distinguished the Lamanites from the Nephites. Later, as both the Nephites and Lamanites each went through periods of wickedness and righteousness, the mark became irrelevant as an indicator of the Lamanites’ standing before God.
Youth
1. Read 2 Nephi 5:10-34.
2. The chapter 2 Nephi 5 details the separation of Lehi’s family into the Nephites and the Lamanites. When Laman and Lemuel planned to kill Nephi, the Lord warned Nephi to separate from his brothers. Nephi obeyed the Lord and departed with those who “believed in the warnings and the revelations of God” (2 Nephi 5:6) and established a new community.
3. The Lamanites remained in the land and rebelled against the Lord. They “were cut off from his presence” (2 Nephi 5:20). The curse mentioned in this chapter was separation from God (see 2 Nephi 5:20–24). The changing of the Lamanites’ skin was a mark or sign of the curse. The nature of this mark is not fully understood. The mark initially distinguished the Lamanites from the Nephites. Later, as both the Nephites and Lamanites each went through periods of wickedness and righteousness, the mark became irrelevant as an indicator of the Lamanites’ standing before God.
4. Read 2 Nephi 5:27. How does Nephi describe the new community he established? What do you think it means to live after the manner of happiness? Read 2 Nephi 5:10–17, 26 to gain insight into what the Nephites did that led them to live after the manner of happiness.
5. What else can we do to invite happiness into our lives? Elder Claudio R. M. Costa of the Seventy taught:
We learn that happiness lies in doing small things that build us up, that increase our faith and testimony. Small things we do in our everyday lives, such as:
We are happy as we pray every morning and every night, when we can feel that the Lord hears us and is always willing to bless, forgive, and help us. We are happy as we feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost in our lives — as we feel the Spirit when we have to make important life decisions. … In short, we can feel happiness every day in our lives through little things we do, and we are fully happy as we keep the commandments of a loving God who cares about us. (Claudio R. M. Costa, “Fun and Happiness,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2002, 92–93)
6. Watch the video “The Nephites Live After the Manner of Happiness.”
Week 4
Day 1
Primary
1. Today read 2 Nephi 6 and 2 Nephi 7.
2. It had been at least 40 years since Lehi’s family left Jerusalem. They were in a strange new land, half a world away from Jerusalem. Lehi had died, and his family had already started what would become a centuries-long contention between the Nephites and the Lamanites. Jacob, who was Nephi’s younger brother and was now ordained as a teacher for the Nephites, wanted the covenant people to know that God would never forget them, so they must never forget Him.
3. To help his people understand that they were part of the house of Israel and could trust God and His promises, Jacob quoted prophecies of Isaiah, recorded in 2 Nephi 6–8. That message is for you too, because Latter-day Saints are also part of God’s covenant people. As you read these chapters, think about questions like the following: What do I learn about the Savior’s redeeming love for me? What words or phrases express this love especially well? What does the Savior offer to people who seek Him? What can I do to more faithfully “wait” for the Savior and His promised blessings?
4. Listen to the song “I Feel My Savior’s Love.”
Youth
1. Today read 2 Nephi 6 and 2 Nephi 7.
2. It had been at least 40 years since Lehi’s family left Jerusalem. They were in a strange new land, half a world away from Jerusalem. Lehi had died, and his family had already started what would become a centuries-long contention between the Nephites and the Lamanites. Jacob, who was Nephi’s younger brother and was now ordained as a teacher for the Nephites, wanted the covenant people to know that God would never forget them, so they must never forget Him.
3. To help his people understand that they were part of the house of Israel and could trust God and His promises, Jacob quoted prophecies of Isaiah, recorded in 2 Nephi 6–8. That message is for you too, because Latter-day Saints are also part of God’s covenant people. As you read these chapters, think about questions like the following: What do I learn about the Savior’s redeeming love for me? What words or phrases express this love especially well? What does the Savior offer to people who seek Him? What can I do to more faithfully “wait” for the Savior and His promised blessings?
4. Read the following statement by President Russell M. Nelson.
My dear extraordinary youth, you were sent to earth at this precise time, the most crucial time in the history of the world, to help gather Israel. There is nothing happening on this earth right now that is more important than that. There is nothing of greater consequence. Absolutely nothing.
This gathering should mean everything to you. This is the mission for which you were sent to earth.
(Russell M. Nelson and Wendy W. Nelson, “Hope of Israel” [worldwide youth devotional, June 3, 2018], ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
5. Consider your thoughts and feelings about participating in the gathering of Israel, which includes preaching the gospel to those on the earth now and doing family history and temple work for those who have already died so that all have an opportunity to come to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. How important is this work to you?
6. Watch the video “Jacob Teaches of the Resurrection.”
Day 2
Primary
1. Today read 2 Nephi 8.
2. Isaiah’s prophecies quoted in 2 Nephi 8 speak of the latter-day gathering of Israel. The Lord promised to “comfort Zion” and “make her wilderness like Eden” (verse 3). He admonished them, “Fear ye not the reproach of men” (verse 7). He promised that “the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion” (verse 11). He would cover them “in the shadow of [His] hand” (verse 16). The early Saints found comfort in this as well as other prophecies of Isaiah.
3. Listen to the song “Choose the Right.”
Youth
1. Today read 2 Nephi 8.
2. Isaiah’s prophecies quoted in 2 Nephi 8 speak of the latter-day gathering of Israel. The Lord promised to “comfort Zion” and “make her wilderness like Eden” (verse 3). He admonished them, “Fear ye not the reproach of men” (verse 7). He promised that “the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion” (verse 11). He would cover them “in the shadow of [His] hand” (verse 16). The early Saints found comfort in this as well as other prophecies of Isaiah.
3. President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) explained that our forefathers were participating in the fulfillment of these prophecies of Isaiah concerning the gathering of Israel:
Our forefathers … were strong and courageous in the Lord, knowing that He was their defense, their refuge, their salvation. Strengthened by this faith, they relied on their cherished independence, their frugality, and honest toil. And history records that even the climate was tempered for their sakes, and their humble untiring efforts made ‘the desert to blossom as the rose.’
Their faith was renewed by two of Isaiah’s remarkable prophecies concerning the last days—the days in which they knew they were living. In the first of these Isaiah announces: ‘The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.’ (Isaiah 35:1.) And again: ‘For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.’ (Isaiah 51:3.)
And while their natural eyes saw only their log cabins and immediate surroundings, they envisioned the day when the words of Micah would be fulfilled: ‘But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains. …’ (Micah 4:1–2.)
We have witnessed the fulfillment of these remarkable prophecies.
(This Nation Shall Endure [1977], 42)
4. In 2 Nephi 8:3–16 are listed many blessings that are offered to members of the house of Israel as they “gather.” Which of these blessings have you experienced? Which of them could you still seek? What would you need to do to receive them?
Day 3
Primary
1. Read 2 Nephi 9.
2. Jacob taught the Nephites about the conditions all mankind face because of the Fall of Adam and Eve. He testified that only through Jesus Christ and His redeeming power could mankind overcome sin and death.
3. Listen to the song “Nephi’s Courage.”
Youth
1. Read 2 Nephi 9.
2. Jacob taught the Nephites about the conditions all mankind face because of the Fall of Adam and Eve. He testified that only through Jesus Christ and His redeeming power could mankind overcome spiritual and physical death.
3. What would happen if we did not have a Savior? Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:
If our separation from God and our physical death were permanent, moral agency would mean nothing. Yes, we would be free to make choices, but what would be the point? The end result would always be the same no matter what our actions: death with no hope of resurrection and no hope of heaven. As good or as bad as we might choose to be, we would all end up “angels to a devil” [2 Nephi 9:9].
(D. Todd Christofferson, “Moral Agency,” Ensign, June 2009, 50)
4. What does it mean that the Savior’s Atonement is “infinite”? President Russell M. Nelson explained:
[Jesus Christ’s] Atonement is infinite — without an end. It was also infinite in that all humankind would be saved from never-ending death. It was infinite in terms of His immense suffering. It was infinite in time, putting an end to the preceding prototype of animal sacrifice. It was infinite in scope — it was to be done once for all. And the mercy of the Atonement extends not only to an infinite number of people, but also to an infinite number of worlds created by Him. It was infinite beyond any human scale of measurement or mortal comprehension.
(Russell M. Nelson, “The Atonement,” Ensign, Nov. 1996, 35)
Day 4
Primary
1. Read 2 Nephi 10.
2. During the second day of his teaching, Jacob again testified of the Lord’s power of deliverance from the consequences of sin. Jacob also taught his people how they should respond to the merciful gift of the Atonement.
3. Read 2 Nephi 10:23, looking for a truth Jacob taught about choices and consequences. What truth can we learn from Jacob’s words about choices and consequences? We are free to act for ourselves, and we will receive the consequences of our choices.
Youth
1. Read 2 Nephi 10.
2. During the second day of his teaching, Jacob again testified of the Lord’s power of deliverance from the consequences of sin. Jacob also taught his people how they should respond to the merciful gift of the Atonement.
3. Read 2 Nephi 10:23, looking for a truth Jacob taught about choices and consequences. What truth can we learn from Jacob’s words about choices and consequences? We are free to act for ourselves, and we will receive the consequences of our choices.
4. Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained that Satan seeks to limit our ability to exercise our agency:
[Satan] promotes conduct and choices that limit our freedom to choose by replacing the influence of the Holy Spirit with his own domination (see D&C 29:40; 93:38–39). Yielding to his temptations leads to a narrower and narrower range of choices until none remains and to addictions that leave us powerless to resist.
(D. Todd Christofferson, “Moral Agency,” Ensign, June 2009, 49)
5. An important phrase in this chapter is “reconcile yourselves to the will of God” (2 Nephi 10:24). It means that we should reestablish a close relationship with the Lord in which we are obedient and in harmony with His will.
6. Watch the video “Jacob Encourages the Nephites to be Reconciled With God.“
