Latter Day Men: Recent Episodes
latterdaymen
New year, new LDM. We go over Personal Development goals. Spiritual Goals, Social Goals, Intellectual Goals and Financial Goals.
Your experience studying the scriptures will be richer if your goal is to uncover truth. Begin with a prayer, listen to the Spirit, and record your impressions.
The Lord wants to speak to you. As you study the scriptures, pray and ask Him to help you discover His messages for you.
Referring to Doctrine and Covenants 109:24–28, Elder David A. Bednar said, “I invite you to study repeatedly and ponder prayerfully the implications of these scriptures in your life and for your family” (“Honorably Hold a Name and Standing,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 99). Consider this invitation as you study.
Elder Ulisses Soares taught, “We need to abide in [the Savior], immersing ourselves in the scriptures, rejoicing in them, learning His doctrine, and striving to live the way He lived” (“How Can I Understand?” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 7). As you immerse yourself in Doctrine and Covenants 106–8, record ways you can strive to live the truths you discover.
As you read Doctrine and Covenants 98–101, pay attention to the thoughts and impressions that come. How might acting on them help you become the person God wants you to be?
Prayerfully study Doctrine and Covenants 89–92, and record any spiritual impressions you receive. Be sensitive to how “the Spirit [manifests] truth” to you as you study (Doctrine and Covenants 91:4).
President Russell M. Nelson said, “I promise that as you diligently work to remodel your home into a center of gospel learning, … the influence of the adversary in your life and in your home will decrease” (“Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 113).
The Spirit may lead you to study principles in sections 85–87 that are not highlighted in this outline. Follow His promptings.
As you read Doctrine and Covenants 84, ponder the counsel to “live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God” (verse 44). How will you live by the words in this revelation?
As you study Doctrine and Covenants 81–83, make note of principles that can help you do good among your family, your friends, and others.
The Lord told Joseph Smith that He would “speak in [his] ears the words of wisdom” (Doctrine and Covenants 78:2). What words of wisdom do you receive as you study Doctrine and Covenants 77–80?
In section 76, the Lord expressed how much He wants to reveal truth to us (see verses 7–10). Read the scriptures with faith that He can and will reveal to you “the things of God” (verse 12) that you need to know. Then record the insights you receive “while [you are] yet in the Spirit” (verses 28, 80, 113).
Elder Quentin L. Cook taught, “The influence of the Holy Ghost most often accompanies individual scripture study and prayer in the home” (“Deep and Lasting Conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 10).
Although many of the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants were addressed to specific people in specific circumstances, they “are profitable for all” (“Testimony of the Twelve Apostles to the Truth of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants,” introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants). As you study, look for truths and principles that are profitable for you.
President Henry B. Eyring said: “I often go to the scriptures with the questions ‘What would God have me do?’ or ‘What would He have me feel?’ Invariably I find new ideas and thoughts I have never had before” (“How God Speaks to Me through the Scriptures,” Feb. 6, 2019, blog.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
The Lord said, “Ye receive the Spirit through prayer” (Doctrine and Covenants 63:64). Consider praying for the Spirit to guide your study.
President Dallin H. Oaks taught, “The scriptures will help us resolve all of our personal questions because by reading them we invite and qualify ourselves for the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, which will guide us into all truth” (in David A. Edwards, “Are My Answers in There?” New Era, May 2016, 42).
Studying the scriptures helps you recognize the Lord’s voice, for the scriptures were given by Him through His Spirit (see Doctrine and Covenants 18:34–36).
“He that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day” (Doctrine and Covenants 50:24). Ponder how you are receiving light by continuing in God.
As you read Doctrine and Covenants 46–48, write down impressions you receive. Then you might ask, as Elder Richard G. Scott suggested, “Is there more I should know?” (“To Acquire Spiritual Guidance,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 8).
President Russell M. Nelson taught: “Write the thoughts that come to your mind. Record your feelings and follow through with actions that you are prompted to take” (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 95).
“If thou shalt ask,” the Lord promised, “thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:61). What questions can you ask in order to receive the revelation you need?
Recording impressions as you study is one way you can obey God’s counsel to “treasure up wisdom” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:30).
As you prepare to commemorate the Savior’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday, ponder how modern revelation has deepened your faith that Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son of God and the Redeemer of the world.
One of the purposes of studying the scriptures is to learn doctrine, or gospel truths that are essential for our salvation. As you study Doctrine and Covenants 29 this week, look for doctrinal insights that are meaningful to you.
As you read Doctrine and Covenants 23–26, make note of the impressions you receive from the Holy Ghost. How can you apply the counsel in these revelations to strengthen your own discipleship and also the Church?
As you read Doctrine and Covenants 20–22, be open to the impressions of the Holy Ghost. Consider recording them so you can refer back to them.
The revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants were given in response to specific circumstances nearly 200 years ago, but the principles they teach are timeless. Look for these principles as you read, and consider how they apply to you.
Joseph Smith’s family and friends sometimes asked him to seek revelation about what God wanted them to do. As you read these revelations, consider what direction God has for you.
Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received additional knowledge as they prayed about truths they learned in the scriptures (see Joseph Smith—History 1:68). How will you follow their example?
Recording impressions while reading the scriptures is like planting seeds; even small impressions can lead to meaningful personal revelation.
Write down what you learn and feel as you study the scriptures. This will help you remember those impressions and share them with others.
As you read Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26, what messages do you find for your life? What is of most value to you and your family?
Think of Doctrine and Covenants 1 as the Lord’s personal introduction to this book of His latter-day revelations. What does He want you to know about the Doctrine and Covenants? Ponder this question, and write down any impressions that come as you read section 1.
The Christmas season is a time to reflect on and express gratitude for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As you read and ponder this week about His birth and life, consider how your study of the Book of Mormon this year has strengthened your testimony that He is the Savior of the world. Record impressions that come to you.
As you study Moroni 7–9, listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and record His messages to you. He can teach you both what you need to know and what you need to do.
Moroni recorded what he hoped would “be of worth … in some future day” (Moroni 1:4). What do you find in Moroni 1–6 that is of worth to you? Record what you discover, and consider sharing it with someone who also might find it valuable.
Recording impressions can invite further revelation and strengthen your testimony. It also helps you remember your impressions and share them with others in the future.
Speaking of the Jaredite record, Mormon commented that “it is expedient that all people should know the things which are written in this account” (Mosiah 28:19). Keep this in mind as you read Ether 6–11. Why are these things expedient—or beneficial—to you and your loved ones?
The book of Ether is the record of the Jaredites, who arrived in the promised land centuries before the Nephites. God inspired Moroni to include Ether’s record in the Book of Mormon because of its relevance to our day. How do you feel it is relevant to your life?
Mormon and Moroni had faith that their record would inspire those living in the latter days. As you read Mormon 7–9, write the impressions that come to you about how you can apply what you are learning.
As you read Mormon 1–6, ponder what you learn from Mormon’s example. Record what you feel inspired to do.
The Lord commanded His disciples to write the things they experienced (see 3 Nephi 27:23–24). As you study, write down the spiritual experiences you have.
When speaking of the scriptures, Jesus often used the word search (see 3 Nephi 20:11; 23:1, 5). When you read 3 Nephi 20–26, what will you search for?
While previous chapters in 3 Nephi focused mainly on the Savior’s words, chapters 17–19 describe His ministry and teachings among the people. As you read these chapters, what does the Spirit teach you about the Savior?
There are many principles to find in 3 Nephi 12–16. Some are highlighted in this outline, but you may find others. Let Heavenly Father, through His Spirit, teach you what you need right now.
In 3 Nephi 8–11, the people heard the voice of God speaking to them. As you read these chapters, pay attention to what His voice says to you.
As you record your impressions this week, think about how the principles in Helaman 13–16 build on and reinforce other things you have been learning in the scriptures.
Nephi, Lehi, and others had “many revelations daily” (Helaman 11:23). Frequent revelation is not just for prophets—it’s available to you, too. Recording your impressions can help you receive revelation more consistently.
The principles in this outline can help guide your study of Helaman 1–6, but don’t let them limit you. The Holy Ghost will guide you to the truths you need to learn.
The accounts in Alma 53–63 can help you see the consequences of living gospel truths or rejecting them. As you read Alma 53–63, record promptings and ponder ways you can live the truths you learn.
It may seem that the events described in Alma 43–52 are not particularly relevant to you. But as in all scripture, the Lord has a message for you. Prayerfully seek it.
As you study Alma 39–42, the Holy Ghost can give you insights about things that are happening in your life.
“As you feel the joy that comes from understanding the gospel, you will want to apply what you learn” (Preach My Gospel [2004], 19). Record your thoughts and impressions about how to apply the truths you are learning.
Record the spiritual impressions you receive as you study Alma 32–35. What do you feel inspired to do because of what you learn?
Alma testified of the “powerful effect” of the word of God (Alma 31:5). As you read Alma 30–31, record your impressions as you feel the powerful effect God’s word has on you.
As you study Alma 23–29, what messages do you find for yourself and your family? What can you share in your Church classes?
As you read Alma 17–22, record impressions that come to you and act on them. Doing so will show the Lord your willingness to receive more personal revelation.
The inspiration you receive as you ponder the scriptures is precious. You can show that you treasure it by recording and acting on it.
Alma 5–7 can help you reflect on your ongoing conversion to Jesus Christ. As you read, record what the Spirit teaches you.
Reading the scriptures invites revelation. Be open to the messages the Lord wants to give you.
After “the voice of the Lord came to [Alma],” he wrote down the things the Lord told him “that he might have them” (Mosiah 26:14, 33). How will you follow Alma’s example?
President Thomas S. Monson taught, “As we read and ponder the scriptures, we will experience the sweet whisperings of the Spirit to our souls” (“We Never Walk Alone,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 122).
Abinadi’s words caused a mighty change in at least one member of King Noah’s court (see Mosiah 17:2–4). Read Mosiah 11–17 with a prayer in your heart that you will receive impressions about how you can change.
As you read, the Spirit may bring to your attention certain phrases or passages. Write down how you feel that those passages apply to you.
As you read and ponder Mosiah 4–6, pay attention to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. What good things are you inspired to do? (see Mosiah 5:2).
King Benjamin gave one reason for recording our spiritual impressions: “It were not possible that our father, Lehi, could have remembered all these things, to have taught them to his children, except it were for the help of these plates” (Mosiah 1:4).
During the days leading up to Easter Sunday, consider focusing your personal and family scripture study on the Book of Mormon’s powerful testimony of the life, death, Resurrection, and atoning power of Jesus Christ.
As you read Enos through Words of Mormon, look for messages that will be valuable to you or your family.
Reading the scriptures invites revelation. So as you read Jacob 5–7, seek guidance from the Spirit to help you and your family. What messages does the Lord have for you?
When you record spiritual impressions, you show that you want the Holy Ghost to teach you. As you read Jacob 1–4, consider writing down your insights.
This outline suggests principles you may find meaningful in 2 Nephi 31–33. But the most important things you’ll learn in your study will come from the whisperings of the Spirit. Seek this guidance, and record the promptings that come.
The Lord said, “I command all … that they shall write the words which I speak unto them” (2 Nephi 29:11). Through the Spirit, the Lord will speak to you as you study His word. Record what you receive.
Nephi taught that Isaiah’s words “are plain unto all those that are filled with the spirit of prophecy” (2 Nephi 25:4). As you read, seek the spirit of prophecy by preparing yourself spiritually, listening to the Spirit, and recording your impressions.
As you read 2 Nephi 6–10, ponder what the Lord is trying to teach you. As you identify these truths, record them and prayerfully consider how you can act on what you are learning.
The scriptures can open the door to personal revelation. As you read 2 Nephi 1–5, you may find that the Lord has something specific that He wants to teach you.
As you study 1 Nephi 16–22, look for passages that impress you. Some people like to highlight such verses in their scriptures; others write notes in the margins. Consider how you will record the impressions you receive.
1 Nephi 11-15: Can you see yourself in 1 Nephi 11–15? What passages are of most value to you and your family?
1 Nephi 8-10: As you read 1 Nephi 8–10, consider what messages from Lehi’s vision apply to you. Record the spiritual impressions you receive in your scriptures, a notebook, or this resource.
1 Nephi 1-7: Nephi recorded the “things of God” (1 Nephi 6:3). As you study Nephi’s record, pay attention to the things of God you find, especially impressions from the Spirit.
December 30 – January 5 “Another Testament of Jesus Christ” Your study of the Book of Mormon can be enriched if you start by reading the pages that precede 1 Nephi. What do you find that strengthens your testimony?
As you read Revelation 12–22, look for parallels between what John saw and what you see in today’s world. Seek spiritual guidance to help you find personal lessons as you immerse yourself in John’s symbolic language.
Christmas
This lesson is an opportunity to help the children you teach celebrate the Savior’s birth, life, and mission at Christmastime. Keep this thought in mind as you prepare to teach.
Revelation 1-11
Consider writing down questions you have about what you read in Revelation. You can then search for answers to your questions or discuss them with a family member or in Church classes.
1-3 John; Jude
The Epistles of John and Jude teach about Heavenly Father’s love and light. As you study this week, ponder why the children you teach need His light and love in their lives. Remember to consider all of the activities in this outline, not just those listed under the age-group you teach.