Lesson Posts

lesson post

“I Will Order All Things for Your Good”

Have you ever had a powerful spiritual experience and felt the joy of God’s love, only to feel down again when normal life resumes? Or an hour where your children were seemingly perfect and kind to one another, but the rest of the day was awful? This might have been how the early saints felt by the end of the year following the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. Life itself didn’t get easier with the temple’s completion. Financial troubles and increased persecution made enduring to the end difficult for many saints. Yet those who persevered were blessed not only with strength but also with direction on how they could be a blessing to God’s children even amidst their own trials. The Lord’s comforting words to them are extended to us today as we also can help others feel loved during our own struggles: “Let thy heart be of good cheer before my face… for I, the Lord, have a great work for thee to do” (D&C 112:4,6).

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“It Is Thy House, a Place of Thy Holiness”

March 27, 1836, was a special date both on earth and in heaven. For the first time since 70 AD, a temple of God was available for men and women to worship in. Many saints who were present for the dedication saw angels celebrating the return of temple blessings to the world. The Lord Jesus Christ shared His own joy of the temple’s completion in Doctrine and Covenants 110:6-7, when he said, “let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name. For behold, I have accepted this house…”.

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“The Order of the Son of God”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organized according to the Lord’s instructions, as detailed in this week’s reading in the Doctrine and Covenants. One of the ways we can apply the Lord’s guidance in these sections to our families is to establish councils within our homes. We should, with our children, “sit in council with them, and to teach them their duty, edifying one another” (D&C 107:85).

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“After Much Tribulation … Cometh the Blessing”

Zion’s Camp was less of an army marching to liberate Missouri and more of a multi-week training in how to be a true saint. Those who showed they trusted in the Lord by following the Prophet Joseph received a massive boost to their faith, giving them strength for the road ahead: “That they themselves may be prepared, and that my people may be taught more perfectly, and have experience” (Doctrine and Covenants 105:10).

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“Be Still and Know That I Am God”

Doctrine and Covenants 97 was given to the saints as both a blessing of comfort and instruction. With persecution growing around them, the saints needed to know the will of the Lord to guide them. Jesus Christ spoke peace to the saints through the Prophet Joseph, encouraging them to wait “patiently on the Lord” and to do what He would do, even if it meant further persecution (D&C 97:2).

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“For the Salvation of Zion”

It’s easy to think that, as parents, we’re not doing enough to give our children a good life. The world is always persuading us to look at what others are doing and tells us our kids are missing out on extravagant trips, the latest entertainment systems, and privileged extracurricular activities. Yet these experiences will fall short of the positive impact that regular family prayer, daily scripture study, and keeping covenants can have on our children.

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“Receive of His Fullness”

Following the Savior means growing as He grew “in wisdom and stature” (Luke 2:52). Jesus showed Joseph Smith that this example must be followed by all who seek to come unto Him. In Section 93, He tells the prophet, “For if you keep my commandments you shall receive… and be glorified in me” (D&C 93:20). When we choose to obey our Savior, He shares wisdom with us that can help our families come closer together. We must choose every day to follow Him if we are to grow “from grace to grace” in both our parenting and our discipleship (D&C 93:13).

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