lesson post
What does it mean to “go ye out of Babylon” (D&C 133:7)? As a parent, it might mean using kinder words with our children or putting our phones down to be a better listener. For children, it might mean learning to share or being willing to help around the house without being asked. Fleeing Babylon means choosing to be more like Jesus, even in the smallest of ways.
“Prepare Ye for the Coming of the Bridegroom” Read More »
We all have trials regardless of how many times in a row we have Family Home Evening or make it to Church on time. Joseph Smith taught that those called of God to serve His children would be blessed through their struggles. Obeying God’s commandments can bring rewards that bless us in life and in eternity. When we look to our Father in Heaven for help in our lives, we choose Him instead of relying only on ourselves. We can feel His love daily, for “if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me” (D&C 132:23).
“I Have Seen Your Sacrifices in Obedience” Read More »
Even during the early years in Nauvoo, there were times when the Prophet Joseph still had to flee for his life from those who sought to stop the work. Yet even in hiding, he continued to keep his focus on the restoration of the gospel, specifically with baptisms for the dead. “That subject seems to occupy my mind, and press itself upon my feelings the strongest, since I have been pursued by my enemies” (Doctrine and Covenants 128:1). No matter what trials he faced, Joseph never forgot his calling to restore Christ’s Church.
“A Voice of Gladness for the Living and the Dead” Read More »
Building the city of Nauvoo was not the first time the Saints had to begin again, but it was the first time they could start new from the ground up. As the saints gathered from Missouri to build this new city, many were sick and still reeling from the harsh persecution they had suffered. The Prophet Joseph administered to the saints, healing them both physically and spiritually. Through His Prophet, the Lord promised the saints that, “If ye labor with all your might, I will consecrate that spot that it shall be made holy” (Doctrine and Covenants 124:44)
“A House Unto My Name” Read More »
The recent passing of President Russell M. Nelson brings to memory his last conference talk, where he quoted verses from this week’s section: Doctrine and Covenants 121. President Nelson referenced D&C 121:45, where the Lord shares that having confidence “in the presence of God” comes from having charity and virtue. Additionally, we’re told that if we have charity and virtue, we will have a greater understanding of “the doctrine of the priesthood.”
“O God, Where Are Thou?” Read More »
Doctrine and Covenants section 115 is the first time we read the name of the Church as we know it today: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (D&C 115:4). As the saints were driven from both Kirtland, Ohio, and Independence, Missouri, they found a new haven in Far West, Missouri. This new start was a gathering point, allowing the saints to come together for support and grow their faith as one people.
“His Sacrifice Shall Be More Sacred unto Me Than His Increase” Read More »
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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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…”.
“It Is Thy House, a Place of Thy Holiness” Read More »
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).
“The Order of the Son of God” Read More »
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).
“After Much Tribulation … Cometh the Blessing” Read More »