Lesson 18:Heavenly Father Helps Us Obey His Commandments

"Nephi wrote down the things that happened to him and his family. We can read his history in the Book of Mormon. One of the things he told about was how he was blessed while he built a ship as the Lord had commanded him.

Nephi and his family had been journeying in the wilderness for eight years. When they kept the commandments, the Lord blessed them, and they were able to find food and had health and strength.

One day the voice of the Lord said to Nephi, “Arise, and get thee into the mountain” (1 Ne. 17:7). Nephi obeyed, and the Lord told him there, “Thou shalt construct a ship, after the manner which I shall show thee, that I may carry thy people across these waters” (1 Ne. 17:8).

Nephi did not know how to build a ship, nor did he have the tools to do it. But he knew that the Lord had told him to do it, and he “did strive to keep the commandments of the Lord” (1 Ne. 17:15).

Nephi prayed for guidance. The Lord told him where to find ore to make tools and gave him instructions on how to build the ship. Nephi’s brothers, Laman and Lemuel, didn’t think he could do it, and they refused to help him. “Our brother is a fool,” they said, “for he thinketh that he can build a ship; yea, and he also thinketh that he can cross these great waters” (1 Ne. 17:17).

Nephi told Laman and Lemuel that God had commanded him to build the ship and that He would help them to do it. He reminded them of the many times the Lord had already helped them.

But Laman and Lemuel only got angry and wanted to throw Nephi into the ocean. As they tried to grab him, he said, “In the name of the Almighty God, I command you that ye touch me not … ; and whoso shall lay his hands upon me shall wither even as a dried reed” (1 Ne. 17:48).

Laman and Lemuel were so frightened that they didn’t dare touch Nephi. After many days had passed, the Lord told Nephi to “Stretch forth thine hand again to thy brethren” (1 Ne. 17:53). When he did so, they were shaken by the power of the Lord. Laman and Lemuel then knew that the Lord had commanded Nephi to build the ship, and they began to help him. When the ship was finished, they put all the things needed for the journey into the ship. Then they sailed for the promised land.

God helped Nephi and his people obey the commandment to build the ship. He showed them how to make tools and how to build the ship. When they did as the Lord directed, they felt reverence for Heavenly Father and for one another.

The Lord has commanded us to be honest, to go to church, to be kind, to pay our tithing, and to do many other things. As we pray for his help in keeping his commandments, he will give us the courage and direction we need. When we obey his commandments, we will have a reverent feeling for Heavenly Father and Jesus."

By Virginia Pearce Friend Magazine March 1992

Lesson 17: We Believe the Book of Mormon to Be the Word of God

"Because Heavenly Father and Jesus love you, they gave you the scriptures so that you can learn about the gospel and how to live it. The word scripture means a “holy writing.” When we read the scriptures, we learn what Heavenly Father expects of us, what he will do if we obey him, and what will happen if we disobey him. The four books that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accept as scripture are the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. The inspired words of our living prophets are also accepted as scripture (see A of F 1:9).

The word Bible means “sacred book.” The Bible is divided into two sections—the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament foretells the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and records the Lord’s dealings with men before his birth. The New Testament tells about the life of Jesus when he was on the earth and about the Apostles he chose to lead his early church.

The Book of Mormon is about some of the people who were led anciently to the Americas and about the Savior’s visit to them soon after he was resurrected.

The Doctrine and Covenants contains revelations received by the Prophet Joseph Smith and others for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today. These scriptures teach us about principles and ordinances of the gospel such as baptism (D&C 20:72–74), the sacrament (D&C 20:75–79), and the law of tithing (D&C 119:3–4).

The Pearl of Great Price tells about our premortal life, the Creation, the purpose of life, and the last days. Joseph Smith’s story and the Articles of Faith are also found in the Pearl of Great Price.

Our scriptures contain some of the most exciting stories ever written, and the best part of all is that these stories are true!"

By Karen Lofgreen Friend Magazine August 1995

Lesson 16: We Can Show Our Faith by Being Obedient

"Suppose that one day your father told you and your family that you were going on a journey. However, he did not know how long you would be gone or where you would be going. You would take only food and tents, and you would have no map to guide you. Would you be willing to follow your father? It would take great faith for you to agree to do what your father asked. Faith is one of the first principles of the gospel.

Read about Lehi’s journey to the promised land in 1 Nephi in the Book of Mormon. Heavenly Father guided Lehi’s family with a strange ball called the Liahona. This ball was a kind of compass that worked according to the faith and obedience of Lehi and his family. When they were obedient, the spindles pointed in the direction that they were to travel and to places where they could find food. Writing would also appear on the Liahona to give them additional help. But when they were not faithful, or when they complained and quarreled, the Liahona would not work.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a Liahona to tell us the things that we should do every day? We are told that our conscience can be compared to the Liahona and that our conscience can help us find the right way to live, according to our faith and our obedience to Heavenly Father’s commandments."

BY PAT GRAHAM in Friend Magazine June 1987

Lesson 15: The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon

"What if you suddenly found yourself in a faraway, unfamiliar place and you wanted to return home. Where could you find directions? By reading and studying a road map, you could find out where you were and what roads you would travel to find your way home.

While you live on the earth, Heavenly Father has given you divine directions—the scriptures—to guide you back to your heavenly home. Like a road map, they will help you find your way as you read and study them."
By BY LAUREL ROHLFING Friend Magazine August 1989

Lesson 14: The Word of Wisdom

"Close your eyes and picture a temple. What color is it? How big is it? Does it have any windows? Are there spires? How many?

The temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are unique. The Salt Lake Temple in Utah has gray granite walls and six spires. It looks different from the Cardston Alberta Temple in Canada, which has natural stone walls and no spires. Even though each temple looks different, all are beautiful and are built for the same purpose. They are places where special ordinances take place that are needed for us to return to Heavenly Father. Temples are also places where Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father can come.

You are like the temple. You are different from everyone else, but you, too, are a house for the Spirit of God (the Holy Ghost). The Apostle Paul said: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? … For the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” (1 Cor. 3:16–17.) Your body is a temple.

Just as you treat temples with respect, you should treat your own body with respect. You can do this by obeying the Word of Wisdom (see D&C 89), by dressing modestly, and by following the counsel of President Gordon B. Hinckley to “be clean” (see Friend, February 2001, page 25). One way to be clean is to not have tattoos. President Hinckley said, “A tattoo is graffiti on the temple of the body” (Ensign, November 2000, page 52). You should also keep your heart and mind clean by reading, listening to, and watching only “things that are pleasing to Heavenly Father” (see My Gospel Standards).

If you are clean in mind and body, you can receive great blessings because “the Lord hath said he dwelleth not in unholy temples, but in the hearts of the righteous doth he dwell” (Alma 34:36)."
By VICKI F. MATSUMORI May 2002 Friend Magazine

Lesson 13: The Baptismal Covenant

"A covenant is a two-way promise between Heavenly Father and his children. The covenants he makes with his children are sacred and holy. When he makes covenants with us, his children, he promises glorious blessings to us. When we make covenants with him, we show our love for him and promise to keep his commandments.

The baptismal covenant is the first gospel-ordinance covenant you make with Heavenly Father. When you make this sacred covenant, you show your love for him. You also promise, or covenant, to take the name of Jesus Christ upon you, to always remember him, to keep his commandments, to bear testimony of him, and to love and serve him by loving and serving others (see Mosiah 18:8–10; D&C 20:37).

After you make your baptismal covenant by being baptized, you are confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and are given the gift of the Holy Ghost. Heavenly Father always blesses you with his Spirit when you keep your baptismal covenant. Each Sunday you can remember and renew this covenant as you partake of the sacrament. "

(KAREN ASHTON May 1997 Friend Magazine) Mosiah 18:8-9

Lesson 12: The Gift of the Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead. He has a body of spirit rather than of flesh and bones. Because He is a spirit, you cannot see Him. But you can feel Him with you. The Holy Ghost has many names. Some of them are the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, and the Comforter.

After you are baptized, you are confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and you receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Having this glorious gift means that if you live righteously, you can have the Holy Ghost with you always.

When you have special friends, you want to be with them. You might invite them to your home. You might prepare for their visit by cleaning your house. You might plan to do things to make them feel comfortable and welcome. When your friends arrive, you listen carefully to them. You probably tell them how glad you are to be with them.

The Holy Ghost is a special friend to you. To invite the Holy Ghost to be with you, you can sincerely pray and ask Heavenly Father to send Him. You can prepare for Him by remembering Jesus Christ, choosing the right, keeping the commandments. The Holy Ghost can bring feelings of warmth, love, peace, joy, and wanting to do good. (See Gal. 5:22–23; D&C 11:12–13.) When you feel the Holy Ghost with you, thank Heavenly Father for this blessing. The Holy Ghost is one of the greatest gifts Father in Heaven can give you.

Lesson 11: Baptism

A covenant is a two-way promise between Heavenly Father and us, His children. The covenants He makes with us are sacred and holy. In them He promises glorious blessings to us. When we make covenants with Him, we show our love for Him and promise to keep His commandments.

The baptism covenant is the first gospel-ordinance covenant you make with Heavenly Father. When you make this sacred covenant, you show your love for Him. You also promise, or covenant, to take the name of Jesus Christ upon you, to always remember Him, and to keep His commandments. (See D&C 20:37.) You should also be willing to bear testimony of Him, and to love and serve Him by loving and serving others. (See Mosiah 18:8–10.)

After you make your baptismal covenant (are baptized), you are confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and are given the gift of the Holy Ghost. Heavenly Father always blesses you with His spirit when you keep your baptismal covenant. Each Sunday you can remember and renew your baptismal covenant as you partake of the sacrament.

Lesson 10: Repentance

When you disobey the commandments or hurt others, the Holy Ghost cannot be with you and you may feel sad, guilty, lonely, or afraid. To change these feelings, you need to turn from doing wrong to doing right. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will help you change. This changing is called repentance.

Repentance begins inside of you—in your thoughts and in your heart. When you know you have done something wrong, think about it until a feeling of sorrow comes into your heart. Do not excuse yourself or blame someone else. Tell Heavenly Father what you have done and how you feel. Tell Him how much you love Him, and ask for His help. If you have hurt someone or something, try to make it better. Promise Heavenly Father that you will try, with all your heart, to do what is right from now on.

Repentance begins on the inside, but usually it shows on the outside as well. When you promise Heavenly Father that you will do what is right, you keep your promise by changing the way you act. You treat others with more love and kindness. You keep the commandments. These actions will help you feel good about yourself and others.

You will need to repent many times throughout your life. As you turn away from wrong and try to do what is right, you will grow closer and closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

The Lord Jesus Christ has promised that if you repent, He will bless you and remember your wrongs no more. (See Hel. 13:11; D&C 58:42.)

Lesson 9: Priesthood Blessings and Ordinances

Imagine walking up to this car. You are told the car is yours to take you to the place that would make you the most happy. One problem--no keys and no license to drive!

Heavenly Father has promised us something even better than a cool car. He has promised us that we can live happily with Him forever. Just like the car, we need to be able to unlock the doors to that promise.

The Priesthood is the power of God that allows worthy men to act in the place of our loving Heavenly Father. Since the beginning of time, Heavenly Father has allowed worthy men to hold the KEYS to this sacred power. For a time, after Christ's death, the priesthood was taken from the earth. The gates were again locked.

Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the priesthood KEYS with its power has been restored on earth and is a special gift from Heavenly Father to bless our lives. Through priesthood authority and power, we can receive the ordinances and blessings necessary to live again with Heavenly Father and live better lives here on earth.

Lesson 8: The Church of Jesus Christ Has Prophets to Teach Us

Throughout the scriptures we hear prophets warn the people of upcoming dangers and tell them how to avoid disasters. One such prophet was Noah who spent years trying to help the people repent. Because of the people's wickedness, the Lord was going to cover the earth in water. Not only did the Lord send Noah to warn them, the Lord also had Noah prepare away for the people who did repent to be safe.

Elder W. Don Ladd taught: “When it starts raining, it is too late to begin building the ark. … We … need to listen to the Lord’s spokesmen. We need to calmly continue to move ahead and prepare for what will surely come. We need not panic or fear, for if we are prepared, spiritually and temporally, we and our families will survive any flood. Our arks will float on a sea of faith if our works have been steadily and surely preparing for the future” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 37; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 29).

Heavenly Father still wants to warn and protect us. God tells the prophet what we should do. If we follow the prophet, we will be happy and Heavenly Father will bless us. Following the prophet means to do the things he tells us to do even when it isn't convenient.

Lesson 7: Faith in Jesus Christ

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

Reading from the scriptures and learning about people who have seen Jesus helps us to have faith in Jesus. Even though we may not have seen Jesus with our own eyes, we can have faith that he lives and loves us because of the testimonies of those who have seen him and have told us about him in the scriptures. We can know in our hearts that Jesus is our Savior when we ask our Heavenly Father in our prayers.

Lesson 6: Jesus Christ’s Church Has Been Restored

When Jesus lived on the earth, he wanted the people to learn and obey his teachings. These teachings would help the people learn what they must do to return and live with him and Heavenly Father again. Jesus organized his Church to help the people learn to live his teachings. After Jesus and his Apostles died, the people did not live by what Jesus taught. People changed his teachings so that the true Church was lost. Jesus took his priesthood from the people on the earth. This meant that people could no longer be baptized with the proper authority. Also, without that priesthood authority, people could not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, be sealed in the temple as a family, or have a prophet to speak for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ on earth.

Because Heavenly Father loves His children, He promised to restore His Gospel. Many good people continued to search for the restoration of His gospel and the Priesthood authority. When Joseph Smith went into the grove to pray, he was given the answers that many were seeking for--The truth needed to be restored and Heavenly Father would work through His prophet to bring back the light and knowledge that had long been taken from the earth.

Lesson 5: The First Vision

11 While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

12 Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible.

13 At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God.

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Joseph knew that he lacked wisdom. He was confused. He didn’t know which church was true, so he decided to do what the Bible says—pray to Heavenly Father. We can get confused and our Heavenly Father wants to help. If we are willing to seek for heavenly help, we can find the answers we are looking for.

Lesson 4: Joseph Smith’s Childhood

And there shall rise up one mighty among them, who shall do much good, both in word and in deed, being an instrument in the hands of God, with exceeding faith, to work mighty wonders, and do that thing which is great in the sight of God, unto the bringing to pass much restoration unto the house of Israel, and unto the seed of thy brethren.

2 Nephi 3:24




When seeds are planted in the ground, it is hard to imagine what it will become one day. Just like little seeds, we all have the potential to grow into the child of God our Heavenly Father needs us to be. One person who grew into the greatness God knew he had inside was Joseph Smith. As a small farm boy, he worked hard and obeyed his parents. He loved reading the scriptures and sought after truth. He prepared himself and was ready to see our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ when he prayed.

You are a seedling growing into greatness. The more you surround yourself with the Light and Nourishment of the gospel, the stronger you will be. Feed yourself with the scriptures and choose the right and you will be amazed with who you have become.

Lesson 3: The Commandments Help Us Choose the Right

And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you. Mosiah 2:22

Sometimes life can feel crazy and out of control. There are so many choices and sometimes it is hard to choose the right. When we feel overwhelmed, lost, and confused, we can follow the Lord's commands and find peace and great blessings.

Lesson 2: Heavenly Father Trusts Us to Follow His Plan

Choosing to follow Heavenly Father and Jesus when we lived with them in Heaven was the right choice. Heavenly Father and Jesus were pleased with our decision. Heavenly Father wants us to choose to follow his plan here on earth so we can return to live with him.


ABRAHAM 3:24-26
24And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell;

25And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;

26And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever.

Lesson 1: Choose the Right

Captain Moroni knew that Heavenly Father wanted us to be free to choose. When Moroni heard that evil men wanted to take away the people's freedom to choose, he made a banner to show what was important to him. Moroni was willing to fight for his Liberty and asked others to join him. Just like Moroni, we know it's important to be able to choose for ourselves. We use the CTR sign to remind us that it is important to Choose the Right.

"There's a right way to live and be happy. And it's choosing the right everyday. I am learning the teachings of Jesus. They will help me and show me the way. Choose the Right Way and be Happy. I will always Choose the Right."