25 The Lord Requireth the Heart and a Willing Mind
The Lord Requireth the Heart and a Willing Mind
The Lord Requireth the Heart and a Willing Mind
Building Zion is an ongoing quest and task. There will be
bad days and good days, pleasant weather and poor weather, optimistic views and
negative, pessimistic views. While desiring and working towards unity and
solidarity, we’re going to make mistakes.
Doctrine
and Covenants 64:10 10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom
I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.
Building Zion requires forgiveness. We ourselves are not
perfect, so we shouldn’t hold anyone else to a standard that we are not at.
verse 34
Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and
a willing mind; and the willing
and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in
these last days.
Am I will to be obedient and keep trying? Am I focusing the
efforts for my day to building Zion. Where is my heart? Where is my mind? Am I
in harmony with the Lord’s will?
verse 33
33 Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are
laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small
things proceedeth that which is great.
Don’t give up so easily. Allow for rest. Allow for
differences. Allow yourself to enjoy life. Do your best.
For Kids
Jesus Christ wants me to forgive everyone.
Doctrine
and Covenants 64:7–10
Forgiveness doesn’t mean that we permit others to do evil
against us. We need to seek appropriate help and sometimes distance ourselves
from those who are mean to us. Teach your own children about personal space and
boundaries and appropriate relationships. Teach them to speak up to someone
they trust, when someone wants them to do things they know are not right. Tell
them they do not have to keep a secret when it hurts them.
Read Doctrine
and Covenants 64:10 10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom
I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.
How does it make you feel when someone forgives you? How
have you felt when you have forgiven someone else? What did Jesus teach us
about forgiveness?
Doctrine
and Covenants 64:7–10
Vs 7 Jesus forgives us when we confess our sins and stop
doing them.
Vs 8 We can learn from the experiences of others and our own experiences that
holding grudges and comparing ourselves with others isn’t a good thing.
Vs 9 We offend Jesus when we don’t forgive each other. He wants to forgive and
bless us, but He’s also commanded us to love one another as He loves us.
Vs 10 Jesus wants us to forgive everyone. He will take care of things that are
not fair. We don’t have to.
Video: The Goal: A Story of Faith, Friendship and
Forgiveness: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2019-12-0110-the-goal-a-story-of-faith-friendship-and-forgiveness?lang=eng
“Forgive one another.”
Doctrine
and Covenants 64:1–11
Consider the following as you study Doctrine
and Covenants 64:1–11 (See notes below in section 64.)
The
Ministry of Reconciliation
Beauty
for Ashes: The Healing Path of Forgiveness
The Lord will help you forgive others. I have learned so
much about forgiveness from the times I haven’t felt forgiving and then the
same situation might happen with me on the other side of the table. I have felt
the hurt of others holding grudges and not forgiving me. Usually, it’s a
misunderstanding. It’s important to give each other the benefit of the doubt,
trust in the good things you know about each other, and not expect everyone to
see everything in the same light (or way) you do. In these times, as I have
sought guidance and direction, I have worked more diligently at not judging
character, but truly loving. Hopefully, some day relationships can be repaired,
and forgiveness can heal wounds in all of us. For now, I need to practice
patience, trust in the Lord’s timing, and accept His grace.
Because I have felt the Lord’s love for me, His gentleness
and acceptance, and His forgiveness, I want to extend that to others.
Video: Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2010-07-0014-forgiveness-my-burden-was-made-light?lang=eng
“Ye ought to forgive one another” (Doctrine and Covenants
64:9).
For Kids
God’s “great work” is built on “small things.”
Doctrine
and Covenants 64:33
Do a puzzle with the children. It has small pieces that,
when put together, make a beautiful picture.
Doctrine
and Covenants 64:33 33 Wherefore, be
not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a
great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.
What is God’s great work? To bring to pass the immortality
and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:39)
What small things can you do to help in the Lord’s work?
For Kids
I can follow Jesus with my heart and mind.
Doctrine
and Covenants 64:34
34 Behold, the
Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and
the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of
Zion in these last days.
(Point to your heart and to your head as you read this
verse.)
How can we give our hearts (desires) and minds (thoughts) to
the Savior? We can actively choose to have time with Him in study and prayer;
and we can serve and minister with His Spirit.
[Emphasize the example of Jesus Christ. Consider
how you can emphasize the example of the Savior when you study or teach. For
example, when teaching about Doctrine
and Covenants 64:34, you could talk with your children about how the Savior
gave His heart (desires) and mind (thoughts) to His Father in Heaven.
(See Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 6.)]
The Lord asks for my “heart and a willing mind.”
Doctrine
and Covenants 64:31–34
I think that spiritual work is the most physically
exhausting work I have ever done. Yes, there are times that I have become weary
in well-doing. But when I don’t just try to do things on my own, but include
the Lord and let His Spirit guide me in the work, the payback and dividends are
monumental.
33 Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are
laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small
things proceedeth that which is great.
34 Behold, the
Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and
the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of
Zion in these last days.
Don’t give up. Keep your heart in the work and be willing to
try new and better approaches. The Lord’s work will not fail. His promises are
sure.
verse
33 I admire Mosaics. They are intricate and beautiful. There are so many
minute pieces that come together to form a masterpiece. Remember that your
contributions are important. Your efforts are needed.
The work that the Lord has given us may seem overwhelming, but as we join
together in His cause, each person’s contribution is valuable.
What “small things” can you do every day to “[lay] the
foundation” of God’s great work? What are some examples of the “great work”
that the Lord has given you?
Video: Be not weary in well doing: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/97gwiayqg1lwge533h7lnv09zlshb5clifj8rc6n?lang=eng
Elder Renlund:
1. Make sure that what we are doing is necessary and in accordance with God’s
will (and not something extra that we impose on ourselves).
2. Don’t succumb to the temptation that God expects perfect
performance.
(commitment, desire: heart and a
willing mind is all that’s required)
“The Lord can make the willing able; but, he can’t or won’t
make the able willing….No matter how talented we are, He will not use us,
unless we are committed to His work and willing to help Him.”
3. Recognize that comparing your performance with that of
others, is a perfect recipe for becoming more weary in well-doing.
“Stop comparing yourself to others; the Lord knows your
heart” (Elder Cook).
“The heart and a willing mind”
Doctrine
and Covenants 64:31–34
“The heart is symbolic of love and commitment. We make
sacrifices and bear burdens for those we love that we would not endure for any
other reason. If love does not exist, our commitment wanes. …
“Having ‘a willing mind’ connotes giving our best effort and
finest thinking and seeking God’s wisdom. It suggests that our most devoted
lifetime study should be of things that are eternal in nature. It means that
there must be an inextricable relationship between hearing the word of God and
obeying it” (Elder Hallstrom).
Zion shall be “an ensign unto the people.”
Doctrine
and Covenants 64:41–43
An ensign is “a flag or standard around which people gather
in a unity of purpose or identity” (Ensign).
How has the Lord’s Church, and Zion, been an ensign to you
and your family? It is a clarion call that brings us out of the world to truth
and light. How are you using your own testimony and talents as an ensign to
others?
Numbers
21:6–9 If our only task is to look and live, shouldn’t we do it?
Matthew
5:14–16 Don’t hide your light. Let it shine. Hold up His light.
Alma
46:11–20 Title of Liberty!
12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece
thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and
freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the
end of a pole.
20 Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let
them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a
covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion,
that the Lord God may bless them.
Look for other ways the Lord describes Zion in Doctrine
and Covenants 64:41–43 (See notes below.)
Let
Zion in Her Beauty Rise: I want to sing this in choir!
For Kids
I can help prepare the world to receive Jesus Christ.
Doctrine
and Covenants 65
Show the picture of Jesus’s Second Coming. Let children
describe what they see.
Doctrine
and Covenants 65 Look words and phrases that describe the Second
Coming. (See notes below.)
The kingdom of God on earth prepares the world for the
Savior’s return.
Doctrine
and Covenants 65
Doctrine
and Covenants 65 What is the mission of the Lord’s Church in the
latter days? What does the Lord want His kingdom to accomplish on the earth?
What does He want me to do to help? (see notes below.)
Video: Prepare Today for the Second Coming: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2013-10-1010-prepare-today-for-the-second-coming?lang=eng
For Kids
The Lord knows who I am and loves me.
Doctrine
and Covenants 66
Brother McLennin had five questions for the Lord. Joseph
didn’t know about his questions, but Joseph received answer to each one.
Share a time when the Lord gave you answers or directions, so you clearly knew
what to do.
How are we blessed when we do what the Lord asks us to do?
4 And now, verily, I, the Lord, will show
unto you what I will concerning you, or what is my will concerning
you.
How can we go about learning what the Lord’s will is
concerning us?
The Lord knows the thoughts of my heart.
Doctrine
and Covenants 66
William McLennin asked Joseph to reveal God’s will for him.
Joseph didn’t know the five questions that were in William’s mind, but the Lord
did. Section 66 was addressed to him and answered the questions he had.
William
McLellin’s Five Questions
The Lord truly knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts.
How has this been manifested to you? Value you patriarchal blessing, and make
it a habit to read it Sunday mornings once again. The Holy Ghost can help you
to understand more aout God’s desires for you.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/64?lang=eng
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to the
elders of the Church, at Kirtland, Ohio, September 11, 1831. The Prophet was
preparing to move to Hiram, Ohio, to renew his work on the translation of the
Bible, which had been laid aside while he had been in Missouri. A company of
brethren who had been commanded to journey to Zion (Missouri) was earnestly
engaged in making preparations to leave in October. At this busy time, the
revelation was received.
Consider the following as you study Doctrine
and Covenants 64:1–11
- Think
about a time when the Lord forgave you. How did you feel?
- Is
there someone you need to forgive? Why can forgiving others be so
difficult? What helps you overcome these difficulties?
- What
truths about forgiveness in Doctrine
and Covenants 64:1–11 seem important to you? Why do you think the
Lord commands us “to forgive all”? (verse 10).
Vs 2 It is the desire of the Lord that we overcome our struggles
and temptations in this life He has compassion for us.
Vs 3 Jesus is quick to forgive our sins.
Vs 4 He is merciful. He’s given us the kingdom.
Vs 5 We have a prophet on the earth who holds the keys of
the kingdom.
Vs 5-9 Even our prophets have made mistakes. But they are
appointed by God. We shouldn't be so quick to find fault and condemn eachother
and our leaders. We should stop comparing and putting unrealistic expectations
on others. If we don't forgive others, our sin is far greater than theirs. We
are on the same team.
10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom I
will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.
11 And ye ought to say in your hearts—let
God judge between me and thee, and reward thee
according to thy deeds.
Vs 17 When we realize that we are doing wrong or have done
wrong, if we repent, we will be forgiven.
Vs 20 We need to remember that the promise that we won't be
tempted above what we can bear only applies to those who are striving to be
faithful to begin with.
If we are choosing to do wrong, we no longer have the help
of the Holy Ghost to withstand sin the same as we would have when we are living
by the Spirit.
Vs 22 … I, the Lord, require the hearts of the
children of men.
Vs 23 I remember watching the video where Joseph F. Smith
said we know when the Lord is coming. It is tomorrow; because "now it is
called today until the coming of the Son of Man." We need to make sure
that we are sacrificing to the Lord and paying our tithes, so that we are
prepared to meet Him.
25 Wherefore, if ye believe me, ye will labor
while it is called today.
29 Wherefore, as ye are agents, ye are on the
Lord’s errand; and whatever ye do according to the will of the Lord is the
Lord’s business.
31 And behold, I, the Lord, declare unto you,
and my words are sure and shall not fail, that they shall obtain
it.
33 Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing,
for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth
that which is great.
Vs 34 Be sure that you give your will to the Lord. He
requires you heart and mind. Are the affections of your heart placed upon Him?
Think Celestial.
Vs 37-38 Be a righteous judge. If the Lord's Church is to
judge the nations, we must first teach the nations and invite them to come unto
Christ, repent, be baptized, and be saved.
Look for other ways the Lord describes Zion in Doctrine
and Covenants 64:41–43
41 For, behold, I say unto you that Zion shall
flourish, and the glory of the Lord shall be upon her;
42 And she shall be an ensign unto the
people, and there shall come unto her out of every nation under
heaven.
43 And the day shall come when the nations of
the earth shall tremble because of her, and shall fear because of her
terrible ones. The Lord hath spoken it. Amen.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/65?lang=eng
Revelation on prayer given through Joseph Smith the
Prophet, at Hiram, Ohio, October 30, 1831.
Doctrine
and Covenants 65 What is the mission of the Lord’s Church in the
latter days? What does the Lord want His kingdom to accomplish on the earth?
What does He want me to do to help?
Vs 1 Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths
straight.
Vs 2 The keys of the kingdom of God are
committed unto man on the earth,
Vs 3 Prepare ye the way of the Lord,
4 Pray unto the Lord, call upon his
holy name, make known his wonderful works among the people.
Vs 5 Call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go forth upon
the earth, that the inhabitants thereof may receive it, and be prepared for the
days to come
Doctrine
and Covenants 65 Look words and phrases that describe the Second
Coming.
5 Call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go
forth upon the earth, that the inhabitants thereof may receive it, and be
prepared for the days to come, in the which the Son of Man shall come down
in heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to meet
the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth.
6 Wherefore, may the kingdom of God go
forth, that the kingdom of heaven may come, that thou, O God, mayest
be glorified in heaven so on earth, that thine enemies may
be subdued; for thine is the honor, power and glory, forever and
ever. Amen.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/66?lang=eng
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at
Hiram, Ohio, October 29, 1831. William E. McLellin had petitioned the Lord
in secret to make known through the Prophet the answer to five questions,
which were unknown to Joseph Smith. At McLellin’s request, the Prophet inquired
of the Lord and received this revelation.
Vs 1 Just think about that. I'm bless inasmuch as I've
turned away from my iniquities adn received the Lord's truth, and believed on
His name. As I continue to do that more fully in every facet of my life, I will
be more blessed.
2 Verily I say unto you, blessed are you for
receiving mine everlasting covenant, even the fulness of my gospel, sent
forth unto the children of men, that they might have life and be
made partakers of the glories which are to be revealed in
the last days, as it was written by the prophets and apostles in days of old.
Vs 3 Are you looking to the Lord and His Spirit to show you
the things that you need to repent of? Do you even want to know? Do you already
know, but aren't ready to let go? Repent, so that you are more fully clean.
Vs 8 Remember that the Lord will go with you went you are on
His errand.
Vs 10 Seek not to be cumbered. Don't bite off more than you
can chew.
11 Keep these sayings, for they are true
and faithful; and thou shalt magnify thine office, and push many
people to Zion with songs of everlasting joy upon their
heads.
12 Continue in these things even unto the
end, and you shall have a crown of eternal life at the right hand of
my Father, who is full of grace and truth.
13 Verily, thus saith the Lord your God,
your Redeemer, even Jesus Christ. Amen.
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