Welcome to September!
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September, Week 1
Day 1
Primary
1. Read Helaman 2 and Helaman 3.
2. The Nephites started to have a lot of contention about who would be the chief judge. This led to murders and the formation of something called “secret combinations.” These were secret groups that plotted to carry out evil purposes together. These would cause a lot of problems for the Nephites for a very long time.
3. Listen to the song “Books in the Book of Mormon.” Make sure you can sing it through Helaman.
Youth
1. Read Helaman 2 and Helaman 3.
2. Because of contentions over who should be the chief judge, a wicked man named Kishkumen formed a secret group. He was soon joined by another wicked man named Gadianton. In the Book of Mormon, these types of groups are referred to as secret combinations.
3. Pride and contention can cause division among families, communities, and nations. President Russell M. Nelson gave some advice regarding the conflict and contention in our lives.
My call today, dear brothers and sisters, is to end conflicts that are raging in your heart, your home, and your life. Bury any and all inclinations to hurt others—whether those inclinations be a temper, a sharp tongue, or a resentment for someone who has hurt you. The Savior commanded us to turn the other cheek, to love our enemies, and to pray for those who despitefully use us. …
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)
4. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about becoming a peacemaker:
By the shield of our faith in Jesus Christ, we become peacemakers, quenching—meaning to calm, cool, or extinguish—all the fiery darts of the adversary. …
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. …
We genuinely love and care for all our neighbors, whether or not they believe as we do. Jesus taught us in the parable of the Good Samaritan that those of different beliefs should sincerely reach out to help anyone in need, being peacemakers, pursuing good and noble causes. (Neil L. Andersen, “Following Jesus: Being a Peacemaker,” Liahona, May 2022, 18–19)
5. Listen to the song “Books in the Book of Mormon.” Make sure you can sing it through Helaman.
Day 2
Primary
1. Today read Helaman 5.
2. There is a doctrinal mastery scripture in this chapter, Helaman 5:12. (Lucky you! There is a song for this one!)
12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.
3. Watch the video “Nephi and Lehi in Prison.”
4. Listen to the song “The Still Small Voice.”
Youth
1. Today read Helaman 5.
2. There is a doctrinal mastery scripture in this chapter, Helaman 5:12. (Lucky you! There is a song for this one!)
12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.
3. The prophet Helaman likened Satan’s attacks to a storm with mighty winds and hail that beats down upon us. He also declared that those who build the foundation of their lives “upon the rock of our Redeemer” will have power to resist evil and stay faithful.
4. How can I build my spiritual foundation on Jesus Christ? Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
Personal foundations, like many worthwhile pursuits, are usually built slowly—one layer, one experience, one challenge, one setback, and one success at a time. …
Just as repetition and consistent effort are required to gain physical or mental capacity, the same is true in spiritual matters. …
In the end, our faith in Jesus Christ is the essential foundation for our eternal salvation and exaltation. (Quentin L. Cook, “Foundations of Faith,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 127–31)
5. How can I face my personal storms and challenges with confidence? President Russell M. Nelson taught:
Please believe me when I say that when your spiritual foundation is built solidly upon Jesus Christ, you have no need to fear. As you are true to your covenants … , you will be strengthened by His power. Then, when spiritual earthquakes occur, you will be able to stand strong because your spiritual foundation is solid and immovable. (Russell M. Nelson, “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 96)
6. Watch the video “Nephi and Lehi Testify of Christ and are Protected by Divine Power.”
Day 3
Primary
1. Read Helaman 6.
2. Imagine writing a letter to help people who will live hundreds of years in the future. The prophet Mormon essentially did just that. As he abridged the Nephite history and engraved it on the gold plates, he occasionally pointed out important truths using statements such as “thus we see.” The truths he highlighted can help us with the challenges we face today.
3. Listen to the song “Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus.”
Youth
1. Read Helaman 6.
2. Imagine writing a letter to help people who will live hundreds of years in the future. The prophet Mormon essentially did just that. As he abridged the Nephite history and engraved it on the gold plates, he occasionally pointed out important truths using statements such as “thus we see.” The truths he highlighted can help us with the challenges we face today.
3. Read what President Russell M. Nelson said about a survival guide for your life:
[Book of Mormon] prophets, as inspired by the Lord, saw our day and selected the doctrine and truths that would help us most. The Book of Mormon is our latter-day survival guide. (Russell M. Nelson, “Embrace the Future with Faith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 75)
4. Mormon highlighted the following truths in this chapter.
- The better we know God, the more likely we are to keep His commandments (see Helaman 6:34)
- If we are wicked and harden our hearts, then the Spirit of the Lord will withdraw from us (see Helaman 6:35)
- If we choose to willingly believe in the Lord’s words, then He will pour out His Spirit upon us (see Helaman 6:36)
5. What does it mean that the Spirit of the Lord began to withdraw? Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that our choices and actions can cause us to withdraw from the Holy Spirit:
Precisely because the promised blessing [of baptism and the sacrament] is that we may always have His Spirit to be with us, we should attend to and learn from the choices and influences that separate us from the Holy Spirit.
The standard is clear. If something we think, see, hear, or do distances us from the Holy Ghost, then we should stop thinking, seeing, hearing, or doing that thing. If that which is intended to entertain, for example, alienates us from the Holy Spirit, then certainly that type of entertainment is not for us. Because the Spirit cannot abide that which is vulgar, crude, or immodest, then clearly such things are not for us. Because we estrange the Spirit of the Lord when we engage in activities we know we should shun, then such things definitely are not for us. (David A. Bednar, “That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2006, 30)
Week 2
Day 1
Primary
1. Read Helaman 7.
2. Today you will learn about Nephi, the son of Helaman. After being rejected by the Nephites in the land northward, Nephi returned to his home in Zarahemla. The people there were also very wicked. Mourning over their wickedness, Nephi went to his garden tower and cried unto God. After he realized the people had gathered to hear him, Nephi told the people to repent.
3. Watch the video “Nephi the Prophet.”
4. Listen to the song “I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus.”
Youth
1. Read Helaman 7.
2. Today you will learn about Nephi, the son of Helaman. After being rejected by the Nephites in the land northward, Nephi returned to his home in Zarahemla. The people there were also very wicked. Mourning over their wickedness, Nephi went to his garden tower and cried unto God. After he realized the people had gathered to hear him, Nephi told the people to repent.
3. Many people became angry over Nephi’s message. To help the people understand that he was speaking the truth, Nephi miraculously told them of events that had taken place while he was preaching to them. Nephi first told the people that their chief judge, Seezoram, had been murdered (see Helaman 8:27–28). The people felt that “Nephi must have agreed with some one to slay the judge” (Helaman 9:16). Nephi then told the people to find Seantum, who was Seezoram’s brother, and ask him certain questions. Nephi told the people exactly how Seantum would respond (see Helaman 9:26–36). This led to Seantum confessing that he was the murderer and that Nephi was innocent (see Helaman 9:37).
4. What if we don’t agree with what a prophet says? President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) taught:
You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may conflict with your political views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life. … Your safety and ours depends upon whether or not we follow the ones whom the Lord has placed to preside over His Church. … Let’s keep our eye on the President of the Church. (Harold B. Lee, in Conference Report, Oct. 1970, 152–53.)
5. President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency taught:
Sometimes we will receive counsel that we cannot understand or that seems not to apply to us, even after careful prayer and thought. Don’t discard the counsel, but hold it close. If someone you trusted handed you what appeared to be nothing more than sand with the promise that it contained gold, you might wisely hold it in your hand awhile, shaking it gently. Every time I have done that with counsel from a prophet, after a time the gold flakes have begun to appear and I have been grateful. (Henry B. Eyring, “Finding Safety in Counsel,” Ensign, May 1997, 26)
6. Why do prophets preach truths that are sometimes unpopular? President Russell M. Nelson taught:
Sometimes we are accused of being uncaring as we teach the Father’s requirements for exaltation in the celestial kingdom. But wouldn’t it be far more uncaring for us not to tell the truth—not to teach what God has revealed?
It is precisely because we do care deeply about all of God’s children that we proclaim His truth. We may not always tell people what they want to hear. Prophets are rarely popular. But we will always teach the truth! (Russell M. Nelson, “The Love and Laws of God” [Brigham Young University devotional, Sept. 17, 2019], speeches.byu.edu)
Day 2
Primary
1. Read Helaman 10.
2. After his prophecies regarding the murder of the chief judge, Nephi contemplated all the Lord had shown to him, but he was also discouraged because of the wickedness of the people. As he made his way home, he had a remarkable experience in which the Lord blessed him for his faithfulness in doing His will.
3. Watch the video “Nephi Receives Great Power.”
4. Listen to the song “The Still Small Voice.”
Youth
1. Read Helaman 10.
2. Pondering the things of the Lord prepares us to receive revelation. Why might pondering help us receive revelation? President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
It is important to be still and listen and follow the Spirit. We simply have too many distractions to capture our attention, unlike any time in the history of the world.
Everyone needs time to meditate and contemplate. Even the Savior of the world, during His mortal ministry, found time to do so. (M. Russell Ballard, “Be Still, and Know That I Am God” [Church Educational System devotional for young adults, May 4, 2014], broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
3. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
The word ponder means to consider, contemplate, reflect upon, or think about. Pondering the scriptures, then, is reverent reflecting on the truths, experiences, and lessons contained in the standard works. The process of pondering takes time and cannot be forced, hurried, or rushed. …
Writing down what we learn, think, and feel as we study the scriptures is another form of pondering and a powerful invitation to the Holy Ghost for continuing instruction. (David A. Bednar, “Because We Have Them before Our Eyes,” New Era, Apr. 2006, 6–7)
4. How can I place the Lord’s will above my own? Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:
When we consider the goodness of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, our trust in Them increases. Our prayers change because we know God is our Father and we are His children. We seek not to change His will but to align our will with His and secure for ourselves blessings that He wants to grant, conditioned on our asking for them. We yearn to be more meek, more pure, more steadfast, more Christlike. These changes qualify us for additional heavenly blessings. (Dale G. Renlund, “Consider the Goodness and Greatness of God,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 43)
Day 3
Primary
1. Read Helaman 11.
2. One of the patterns throughout the Book of Mormon is that people tend to forget God and become prideful when things are going well for them. On the other hand, people tend to humble themselves and turn to God when things are difficult. This is one of the things that caused the Nephites so much trouble.
3. Listen to the song “Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus.”
Day 4
Primary
1. Read Helaman 12.
2. How do you remember important information, like a family member’s birthday or information for a test? How is this similar to the effort that is required to “remember the Lord”? Helaman 12 describes several things that cause people to forget the Lord. What helps you remember Jesus Christ?
Week 3
Day 1
Primary
1. Read Helaman 13.
2. There came a time when the Lamanites were righteous and obeyed the word of God, but the Nephites became wicked. A Lamanite named Samuel came to the city of Zarahemla to teach and prophecy to the people there.
3. Watch the video “Samuel the Prophet.”
4. Listen to the song “The Still Small Voice.”
Youth
1. Read Helaman 13.
2. How do you think God feels about us when we have sinned? Many Nephites rebelled against God and His commandments, so God sent Samuel the Lamanite to them with a clear message to repent so they could be forgiven. Samuel the Lamanite loved even the wicked Nephites so much that he risked his life to teach them that repentance is a gift from Jesus Christ that leads to happiness and salvation.
3. As you read the following statement by President Russell M. Nelson, look for truths he taught that could help us overcome obstacles to repentance.
Too many people consider repentance as punishment—something to be avoided except in the most serious circumstances. But this feeling of being penalized is engendered by Satan. He tries to block us from looking to Jesus Christ, who stands with open arms, hoping and willing to heal, forgive, cleanse, strengthen, purify, and sanctify us. …
Nothing is more liberating, more ennobling, or more crucial to our individual progression than is a regular, daily focus on repentance. Repentance is not an event; it is a process. It is the key to happiness and peace of mind. When coupled with faith, repentance opens our access to the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. …
When we choose to repent, we choose to change! We allow the Savior to transform us into the best version of ourselves. We choose to grow spiritually and receive joy—the joy of redemption in Him. When we choose to repent, we choose to become more like Jesus Christ! (Russell M. Nelson, “We Can Do Better and Be Better,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 67)
4. Why are prophets so bold in inviting people to repent? President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:
There are times when parents and we who lead the Church must extend tough love when failing to teach and to warn and to discipline is to destroy.
We did not make the rules; they were revealed as commandments. We do not cause nor can we prevent the consequences if you disobey the moral laws (see Doctrine and Covenants 101:78). In spite of criticism or opposition, we must teach and we must warn. (Boyd K. Packer, “Ye Are the Temple of God,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 74)
