Lesson 50: Haggai; Zechariah 1-3; 7-14

December 5-11
Haggai; Zechariah 1-3; 7-14
"Holiness unto the Lord"

Materials: Paper and pencils, scriptures, picture of Provo City Center Temple, blocks or marshmallows and toothpicks
Opening Song: "I'm trying to be like Jesus" (Children's Songbook, 78)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Give each family member a piece of paper and something to write with. Write down 3 things you would like to accomplish in the next week. Look at the items on your list and number them 1-3 based on what you want to do first. 

When we put an item at the top of our to do list. It is usually because it's important to us or it's something that needs to be done like an obligation. This is called a priority. When we prioritize things in our lives, it means we are putting the most important things on the top of our list. 

Lesson:  

Heavenly Father blesses people who make Him a priority. Think about you list you made. Did you think about putting your personal prayers and scripture study on the list? It is often far to easy to not make the Lord our first priority, but He should be. When we do put the Lord first in our lives, everything else becomes easier to do and blessings follow. Jesus taught about priorities when He said, “Seek not the things of this world but seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (JST, Matt. 6:38, in Matt. 6:33, footnote a).

After Persia allowed Israelites to return to their homeland in Jerusalem, there were many things the Israelites needed to do. "But after roughly 15 years had passed since the Israelites’ return, the Lord was displeased that the rebuilding of the temple had not been given higher priority" (Come Follow Me For Individuals and Families, 2022. pg. 217). The Lord rebuked the Israelites and asked them to "consider their ways" (Haggai 1:5). A similar rebuke was given to Joseph Smith in Kirtland, Ohio, when the saints procrastinated building a temple there. Read D&C 95: 3-4. Why does the Lord want the building of temples to be a priority for His children?

Jesus said to seek first the kingdom of God. That means we have to seek it for ourselves by coming unto Christ through the building of our personal testimonies. It also means we need to build the kingdom of God as we share the gospel with others. We can share the gospel with others in our own families, our church callings, and with friends and acquaintances not of our faith. We can also build the kingdom of God as we participate in proxy ordinances in the holy temple. This is why building temples is such a priority in His church. 

Read Haggai 1:8 and 2:9. The Israelites did build a new temple to replace Solomon's temple that had been destroyed by the Assyrians. This new temple was referred to as the temple of Zerubabbel after its architect. (Show the picture of the Provo City Center Temple from the Manuel on page 219). Sometimes, holy buildings are destroyed. The Provo tabernacle burned down in 2010. Like the temple of Zerubabbel, the tabernacle was later rebuilt into the Provo City Center Temple making the "glory of this latter house... greater than of the former." 

Activities: Choose one of the following

• Using children's blocks or marshmallows and toothpicks, have each family member build their own little temple. 
• Go onto the website temples.churchofjesuschrist.org and look at the list of temples. Click on some of the temples that are currently under construction or have been announced. 

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said, "We also need priorities. Our priorities determine what we seek in life. Most of what has been taught in this conference concerns priorities. I hope we will heed these teachings... As regards knowledge, the highest priority religious knowledge is what we receive in the temple. That knowledge is obtained from the explicit and symbolic teachings of the endowment, and from the whisperings of the Spirit that come as we are desirous to seek and receptive to hear the revelation available to us in that sacred place" ("Focus and Priorities" April 2001, General Conference). 

Bear your testimony of the temple.  

Closing Prayer:
Closing Song: "Help me dear father" (Children's Songbook, 99)
Refreshment: Peppermint Oreo balls recipe here

Lesson 49: Nahum; Habakkuk Zephaniah

November 28- December 4
Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah
"His ways are everlasting"

Materials: a picture of Christ, poster board, markers
Opening Song: "Jesus once was a little child" (Children's Songbook, 55)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Show a picture of the Savior. Ask your family to go around the room and share one word that describes Jesus Christ. 

Lesson: 

This week, as we read from the books Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah, we will hear prophesies about the destruction and captivity Israel and other nations that failed to keep the covenant. They worshiped false gods, became complacent, became prideful, and failed to trust in the Lord. 

These prophets also encouraged their readers to come unto Christ and that Israel would one day again be gathered. Read Zephaniah 2:3. We all know what it means to seek the Lord--it means to come unto Christ in our hearts and in our actions. What does is mean to seek righteousness? (Choosing the right, keeping the commandments, trying to be good). What does Zephaniah mean when he says, "seek meekness?" What is meekness?

A meek peson is one who is "Godfearing, righteous, humble, teachable, and patient under suffering." (Guide to the Scriptures, "Meek, meekness." churchofjesuschrist.org) The Savior used the word meek when he chose to describe himself; "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Mathew 11: 29). 

Elder Bednar gave a talk about meekness in April 2018 General Conference. He said, "The Christlike quality of meekness often is misunderstood in our contemporary world. Meekness is strong, not weak; active, not passive; courageous, not timid; restrained, not excessive; modest, not self-aggrandizing; and gracious, not brash. A meek person is not easily provoked, pretentious, or overbearing and readily acknowledges the accomplishments of others" ("Meek and Lowly of Heart"). 

Activity: Righteousness/meekness poster 

Before FHE: using markers write the words below all over a standard sized poster board. Tape the pasteboard onto a bank wall with masking tape. 

righteous, responsive, willing, submissive, strong, restrained, active, courageous, modest, gracious, teachable, humble, acknowledging, grateful, god-fearing, weak, passive, prideful, timid, excessive, self-aggrandizing, brash, easily provoked, pretentious, over bearing, apathetic,  stubborn

Directions: Have family members use a marker and come up one at a time to circle words that have to do with being righteous or meek. Have each family member pick one word that has been circled. How can you use this attribute to be more Christlike?

Christ was the ultimate example of meekness. Elder Bendar said, "The Savior declared, 'Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.' Meekness is an essential aspect of the divine nature and can be received and developed in our lives because of and through the Savior’s Atonement. I testify that Jesus Christ is our resurrected and living Redeemer. And I promise that He will guide, protect, and strengthen us as we walk in the meekness of His Spirit."

Bear your testimony of the Savior and how you have tried to emulate Christlike attributes. 

Closing Song: "Seek the Lord early" (Children's Songbook, 108)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Eggnog Cheesecake recipe here

Lesson 39: Isaiah 40-49

September 19-25
Isaiah 40-49
"Comfort Ye My People"

Materials: blanket, Isaiah 40 cards printed front and back and cut out
Opening Song: "Redeemer of Israel" (Hymns, 6)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Take turns wrapping a warm blanket around each family member. How do they feel when the blanket is wrapped around them? We sometimes call the Holy Ghost, the comforter. Comfort often comes when we remember our blessings and our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior. 

Lesson:

This weeks' chapters in Isaiah deals with the time that the Jews are taken captive. They had lost their land, their homes were gone, and the temple had been destroyed. It is hard to imagine the pain and suffering they must have felt. They were in despair and yet, they had their faith. Isaiah wrote beautiful passages about the hope and comfort that can come from our faith in the Lord. 

Activity: Hope in Christ Cards

(Before FHE, print out and cut the cards below.) Place the cards words down in front of your family. Have family take turns choosing and card and reading the scripture on the back of each card. How would this scripture have helped the Israelites to have hope during their captivity? How could this scripture give you hope when you face trials?

We might not be driven off our lands and be made slaves and captives like the Israelites had, but we each have challenges and trials that can sometimes make us feel hopeless, discouraged, and depressed. We face so many challenges today. Think to yourself what you have been struggling with? How does your faith in Christ help you to have hope amidst your adversity? 

What are some things we can do to turn to Christ when we are having a difficult time? I encourage each of you have sincere and heartfelt prayers when you are struggling, especially when you are struggling with your faith. Pour your heart out to the Lord. Prayerfully and carefully study the scriptures, especially The Book of Mormon. Look for passages like these in Isaiah that can give you comfort, hope, and counsel. If need be, fast on behalf of your trial. Attending the temple, if you're able, can also bring you peace. 

Another thing you can do is to read recent General Conference messages that are relevant to your trial. Last conference, there were many inspiring messages that can bring us hope like: 

• "Steady in the storms" by President Eyring, 
• "Fear Not: Be Believing" by Elder Holland, 
• "He is Risen with Healing in His Wings" by Elder Kearon,
•  "Lift up your hearts and rejoice" by Elder Aidukatis, 
• "Then will I make weak things become strong" by Elder Hamilton, 
• "Your Devine Nature and Eternal Desitny" by Elder Renlund, 
• "Christ Heals that which is Broken" by Sister Wright, 
• "For God So Love Us" by Elder Ringwood
• "The Power of Spiritual Momentum" by President Nelson

Mortality is hard, but the challenges of this life can be overcome as we come unto Christ. He will be with us and shoulder our burdens if we turn to him. Christ promised to not forget us, "Behold, I have graven the icon the palms of my hands" (Isaiah 49:16). Jesus's atonement is the ultimate example of help and hope. When we remember the love and sacrifice of our Redeemer, we can be comforted in our trials like a warm blanket. 

Bear your testimony. 

Closing Song: "I Feel My Savior's Love" (Children's Songbook, 74)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Apple Fritters recipe here

Lesson 48: Jonah; Micah

November 21-27
Jonah; Micah
"He Delighteth in Mercy"

Materials: whale visual aide (printed, colored, and folded), video, whales printed and cut out, a stick, a magnet, a string, paper clips. 
Opening Song: "Follow the Prophet" verse 7 (Children's Songbook, 110)
Opening Prayer: 

Attention Activity: Before FHE, print and color the image below. Make a "z" fold along the mouth of the whale so that Jonah appears to be swallowed. Sing "Follow the Prophet" verse 7 again, but this time, on the chorus, sing "swallow the prophet" instead. Have family members take turns with the visual aide "swallowing the prophet".

Lesson:

Watch the video "Jonah and the Fish" video from YouTube. 

Jonah was a prophet during the reign of King Jeroboam around 788 b.c. Jonah's story is one of the most famous in the Old Testament because it is so fantastical. Jonah wasn't the typical prophet. When he received his call from the Lord to preach to the people of Ninevah, he ran away instead of doing what the Lord asks him to do. The Lord sent a storm to Jonah's boat and Jonah offered to go into the sea so the others on the boat may live, only then to be swallowed by a "great fish." Jonah's trial inside the whale lead him to repent and the Lord made it so the whale spat him out. Jonah finally completed his task and taught the gospel to the people of Ninevah, Assyria, and they turned to the Lord and repented. But Jonah, didn't like the fact that these Assyrians were forgiven and became angry with the Lord for forgiving them. God then taught Jonah about mercy. 

Activity: Magnet Fishing--Lessons from Jonah

(Before FHE, print and cut out the whales below. Put a paper clip on each whale. Tape a piece of yarn or string to a long stick or pole to act as a fishing rod. Set the whales in front of your family on the floor.) Have family members take turns fishing for a whale. As they pick one, read the lesson from the book of Jonah below that corresponds to the number on the whale. 

1. We can not hide from God. Jonah thought he could hide from God, but God always knows where we are, what we are doing, and the state of our hearts. He knows us better than we know ourselves. 

2. We shouldn't run from our responsibilities.  "Though most Latter-day Saints may never be called to do anything as dramatic as calling on a whole city to repent or be destroyed, we receive numerous calls of our own from the Lord. Sometimes, like Jonah, we seem to run away or at least to escape our responsibility. Consider the following: 1.A person who refuses to accept a call in the Primary because she would not be able to attend Relief Society meetings. 2. A young man who turns down a mission call so he can accept a scholarship from a university. 3. A family who does not hold regular family home evenings. 4. A person who gets behind on his bills and does not pay his tithing. 5. A young woman too shy to accept a call as a Young Adult Relief Society teacher. We all receive calls, and sometimes we try to escape them. But we can repent, accept the call, and reap joy in our service" (Old Testament Student Manuel, "Jonah: One Should Not Flee From His Responsibilities). 

3. All of God's children need to hear the gospel. Jonah wasn't to keen on preaching to the Gentile people of Ninevah in Assyria. Assyrians were supposed to be the "bad guys" after all. But God doesn't see people that way. All people are God's children and he wants what is best for us all. "We should never set ourselves up as judges of who is ready [to hear the gospel] and who is not. The Lord knows the hearts of all of His children. and if we pray for inspiration, He will help us find persons He knows to be 'in a preparation to hear the word [Alma 32:6]" (Dallin H. Oaks, "Sharing the Restored Gospel" Ensign, Nov. 2016). 

4. God hears and answers our prayers. Jonah spent 3 days praying in the belly of the whale. He "cried" unto the Lord, and the Lord heard him and answered his prayers. “It is true that the answers to our prayers may not always come as direct and at the time, nor in the manner, we anticipate; but they do come. And at a time and in a manner best for interests of him who offers the supplication” (David O. McKay, Conference Report, Apr. 1969, 152-52).

5. Our actions can have negative effects on others. When Jonah decided to board a ship to Tarshish instead of going to Ninevah, his actions had dreadful consequences on those around him. The great storm that God sent was so terrible that the "ship was likely to be broken" (1:4) We can not assume that action poor choices will only effect ourselves. Those around us, those we love, are effected negatively when we sin. 

6. The Lord is merciful to all who turn to Him. The Ninevites' repentance was immediate, humble, and sincere after they heard Jonah's words. They fasted and prayed for repentance and turned "everyone from his evil way" (3:7). God forgave the Ninevites and spared them their destruction.

7. Jonah's story was used by Jesus Christ to teach about His death and resurrection. Read Matthew 12:39-41. Jonah is a Christ-type because he spent 3 days in the belly of the whale and Jesus spent 3 days buried before He was resurrected. 

Read the words to "I'll go where you want me to go" (Hymns, 270). Bear your testimony. 

Closing Song:  "I'll go where you want me to go" (Hymns, 270)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Cheddar and Bacon Cornbread Muffins recipe here

Lesson 47: Amos; Obadiah

November 14-20
Amos; Obadiah
"Seek the Lord, and ye shall live"

Materials: Paper, writing/coloring utensils, President Nelson's October 2022 Conference Talk, coloring page
Opening Song: "We Thank Thee Oh God For a Prophet" (Hymns, 19)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Have your family color this coloring page and have them tell you one thing they know about President Nelson.

Lesson:

Amos was a shepherd from the Southern Kingdom of Judah who went North to preach to the people of Israel who had gone astray. He tried to worn all the Israelites of the coming calamities and urged them to repent. 

Amos foresaw the troubles ahead for his people as one of the Lord's prophets. Take turns reading Amos 3: 4-8. Amos uses common analogies to try to get Israel to understand that he is prophesying for a reason. A lion roars when he finds prey. A bird is caught when it takes the bate in a trap. A city should be afraid when it hears a warning trumpet. 

When there are dangerous times ahead, the Lord always warns His people by providing a prophet. The prophet, like Amos, encourages people to repent and make their relationship right with God. 

President N. Eldon Tanner said: “There are many scriptures which assure us that God is as interested in us today as he has been in all his children from the beginning, and thus we believe in continuous revelation from God through his prophets to guide us in these latter days" (In Conference Report, Apr. 1975, p. 52.).

Who is our prophet today? Can you think of any warnings the prophet has given to us recently? What has he urged us to do? 

Activity: Give each family member a paper and writing utensil. Listen to President Nelson's talk from October 2022 General Conference. Everyone should write or draw a picture of one thing President Nelson asked us to do. What are you doing or what will you do to follow this counsel?

Prophets today still give us warnings and encourage us to repent just like the prophets of old. They clarify doctrine and receive revelation that helps the church as a whole and the entire world. In the last 30 years alone, we have seen a clear pattern of divine guidance before troubling times ahead. The Family Proclamation was read in Conference in the 90's and now the family is attacked on every front. Prophets encouraged us to get out of debt during times of economic ease and then the economy floundered shortly after. President Nelson instituted a new program to study the gospel more at home before a global pandemic stuck which closed churches and temples.

The words of President Nelson are just as prophetic as Amos or Abinidi or Nephi or Peter. He leads our church today and He sees what we cannot see. He receives revelation to guide us through the turbulent times of the latter-days. 

Bear your testimony of the prophet. 

Closing Song: "Latter-Day Prophets" (Children's Songbook, 134)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: brown sugar peach crumble pie recipe here

Lesson 46: Hosea 1-6; 10-14; Joel

November 7-13
Hosea 1-6; 10-14; Joel
"I will love them freely"

Materials: video, scriptures, word search
Opening Song: "Come unto Jesus" (Hymns, 117)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Watch the "Parable of the 10 virgins" video. In this parable of Jesus, Jesus teaches that we must always be prepared for His second coming. In the parable, Jesus likens himself to a groom at a marriage. This is a common metaphor the Savior likes to use. He is the groom and we, the Church, are the bride. 

Lesson: 

In the book of Hosea, the prophet Hosea also likens Jehovah to a groom and God's people as the bride. Read Hosea 2: 19-20. Betroth is a word that means to be engaged to be married. Hosea prophecies that when we are righteous and faithful it is like we are betrothed to the Lord. How is our relationship to God like a marriage?

What happens when 2 people get married? In a marriage, 2 people make vows or promises of faithfulness and love to each other. As we make covenants, we make promises to the Lord to love Him and be faithful to Him. 

Ask a member of your family that has been baptized, "What covenants did you make with Heavenly Father when you were baptized?" 

Keep His Commandments-- Just like 2 people in a marriage promise to be faithful to one another, we have promised to be faithful in keeping the Lord's commandments. In Hosea, The Lord uses adultry symbolically for those who are "departing from the Lord" (Hosea 1:2). 

Always Remember Him-- In marriage, 2 people vow to love your spouse "with all your heart" (D&C 42:22).  In baptism, we covenant to always remember Him. Christ said, "Thou shalt ^alove the Lord thy God with all thy ^bheart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy ^cmind." (Matt. 22:37). 

Take His Name Upon You-- In marriage, you become one family. In most cases, the wife litterally takes the last name of her husband. As we are baptized, we promise to take His name upon us, meaning to be His disciples or to become the "children of Christ". In Hosea, the Lord says, "Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God" (2:23). 

Activity:

Baptismal Covenant Word Search

When we are baptized, we make a covenants with Heavenly Father. As we keep these covenants, our relationship to God grows stronger. We can renew these covenants every week as we take the sacrament. Bear your testimony of your baptismal covenants. 

Closing Song: "Come Follow Me" (Hymns, 116)
Closing Prayer: 
Refreshment: Cheddar Ranch Cheeseball recipe here

Lesson 45: Daniel 1-6

October 31- November 6
Daniel 1-6
"There is no other God that can deliver"

Materials: For the Strength of Youth *(if possible, have 1 pamphlet per family member to keep in the scriptures a future reference), video (link below), paper, coloring supplies,  
Opening Song: "I want to live the gospel" (Children's Songbook, 148)
Opening Prayer: 

Attention Activity: Watch "Daniel and His Friends" Old Testament Story video from the church website. 

Lesson:

In the book of Daniel, we will read stories about Daniel and his friends: Shadrach, Meshack, and Abed-nego. Daniel was a young man when Israel was taken captive by the Babylonians. Daniel was a man of great faith who showed time and time again that nothing would stop him from keeping the commandments. How did Daniel keep God's commandments in the video? 

At that time, jews were commanded to only eat and drink certain types of foods and drinks. Daniel and his friends did not want to break this commandment. The Lord blessed Daniel with added strength because he was willing to keep His commandments even though it was hard. Daniel practiced having high standards. 

What are personal standards? Standards are rules of behavior we set for ourselves that reflect our faith in God. For example, we do not take the Lord's name in vain by saying popular phrases like, "Oh my ___." Personal standards can be broken down into a number of different areas. The Church has a pamphlet called The For Strength of Youth that describes standards the Lord wants us to have. The pamphlet is geared towards the youth of the church, but it can be helpful for all members. 

(If possible, give all family members a copy of the For Strength of Youth  pamphlet and have them look at it.)

Activity: Pass out paper and coloring supplies. Have each family member pick a section in the For Strength of Youth and have them read it. Each family member will then use the paper and crayons to make a poster or draw a picture depicting what his or her section discussed. Take turns sharing everyones picture with others. 

This week, as we read Daniel, look for times Daniel keeps his high standards. For example, think back to the video. What were some of Daniel's personal standards you saw in the video (Daniel ate drank water and ate food that was good for him, instead of the wine and meat the King was offering. Daniel chose good friends who held high standards like he did. Daniel practiced faith in the Lord as he kept the commandments.) 

Bear your testimony on how your personal standards have blessed your life. 

Closing Song: "I will be valiant" (Children's Songbook, 162)
Closing Prayer: 
Refreshment: Brown sugar maple cookies recipe here

Lesson 44: Ezekiel 1-3; 33-34; 36-37; 47

October 24--30 
Ezekiel 1-3; 33-34; 36-37; 47
"A new spirit will I put within you"

Materials: a bag, scriptures, two sticks painted different colors and labeled "Bible" and "Book of Mormon", scripture story pictures, paper, crayons,  
Opening Song: "Scripture Power" (Additional Songs for Children, Gospel Music App)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Before FHE put a set of scriptures into a bag. Ask family member to come up and reach into the bag. Tell them to describe what they are feeling to the rest of the family. Have them keep giving clues until the family guesses it is the scriptures. 

Lesson: 

Before FHE, gather two sticks and paint them different colors. Label one "the Bible," and the other "Book of Mormon." Have your family take turns looking at the sticks and reading the labels. 

Why do you think the stick are labeled "The Bible" and "The Book of Mormon." Read Ezekiel 37:16-17. The children of Judah mainly wrote and assembled the Bible, and the children of  Joseph wrote and assembled The Book of Mormon. Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon are important works of scripture. 

What do you think it means when it says, "they shall become one in thine hand"? The Bible and The Book of Mormon are meant to be read and studied together. We are meant to learn from both and revere them both as God's word. What blessings have you had from studying the Bible and The Book of Mormon together?

Read Ezekiel 37: 21-22. The scriptures play an important part of the gathering of Israel in the latter-days. How can the scriptures help gather Israel? If someone in you family has served a mission, ask them how The Book of Mormon helped people to come unto Christ. 

The Gathering of Israel means that all will hear the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and make covenants and ordinances with Heavenly Father. The Lord says, "I will save them out of tall their dwelling places, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God" (Ezk. 37: 23). 

Activity: Before FHE gather pictures of scripture stories or paper and crayons. Ask your family to find or draw a picture of their favorite scripture story fro the Bible or The Book of Mormon. How does that story help you feel closer to the savior?

President Nelson has said, "The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a tangible sign to the world that the Lord has commenced gathering Israel and fulfilling covenants He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" ("The Book of Mormon, the Gathering of Israel, and the Second Coming, Ensign, July 2014). 

Bear your testimony of the scriptures and how reading the Bible and The Book of Mormon have helped you come unto Christ. 

Closing Song: "The Eighth Article of Faith" (Children's Songbook, 127)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Zucchini chocolate chip cookies recipe here

Lesson 43: Jeremiah 30-33; 36; Lamentations 1; 3

October 17-23
Jeremiah 30-33; 36; Lamentations 1; 3
"I will turn their mourning into joy"

Materials: video clips, quotes, gathering of Israel maze
Opening Song: "The Tenth Article of Faith" (Children's Songbook, 128b)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Watch "Home Alone: Kevin's night wish" from Youtube (2:57)

Kevin broke the rules and didn't listen to his mom. He wished to be seperated from his family. Kevin's wish to "live alone" comes true the next day. He wakes up to find his house empty, his family gone. But after a few days home alone, Kevin begins to miss his family. 

Watch, "Home Alone- Kevin just wants his family for Christmas" from Youtube (:51) 

Lesson: 

During the time of Jeremiah, The Israelites were scattered, just like Kevin was separated from his family in Home Alone. They had rebelled; they thought living a life of "ease" without the covenants and commandments would make them happy. But eventually, they came to see that they messed up. They wanted to be gathered again. 

Jeremiah assures the Israelites, the Lord will bring Israel out of captivity and gather them. "He that scattered Israel, will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock" (Jer. 31:10). He tells them they will one day be allowed back into their homeland and they will also receive a new and everlasting covenant. Have a family member read Jer. 31:31, 33. 

The new and everlasting covenant is the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It begins with faith in Christ and culiminates in enduring to the end after making sacred covenants and receiving ordinances in the holy temple. "It is new every time it is revealed anew following a period of apostasy. It is everlasting in the sense that it is God's covenant and has been enjoyed in every gospel dispensation were people have been willing to receive it" (Come Follow Me For Individuals and Families 2022, page 189). 

The gathering of Israel is taking place today. Share the following quote from President Nelson. 

What are some things that we can do to help gather Israel? (serve a mission, share the gospel with friends, bare your testimony, perform baptisms for the dead, attend the temple, teach your children the gospel, teach primary/sunday school, become an ordinance worker, do family history work, fellowship inactive members, etc.)

Share the quote below. 

Activity: Gathering of Israel maze 

Watch "Home alone- Kevin and mom "hug scene" from YouTube (2:21)

Just like the McAllisters at the end of Home Alone, Israel will one day be gathered all together again. Bear your testimony of the gathering of Israel. How have you helped gather Israel? How has that blessed your life?

Closing Song: "Israel, Israel, God is Calling" (Hymns, 7)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Pumpkin caramel cookies recipe here

Lesson 42: Jeremiah 1-3; 7; 16-18; 20

October 10-16
Jeremiah 1-3; 7; 16-18; 20
"Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee"

Materials: video, quote papers printed, paper and pencils
Opening Song: "I lived in heaven" (Children's Songbook, 4)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Watch the video "Jeremiah the Prophet" from the church website. 

Lesson:

Jeremiah was a prophet in the years before Jerusalem was destroyed and Israel was taken captive by the Babylonians, during the reign of the kings Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah. When Jeremiah was first called to be a prophet, he was a young man and he did not feel capable of such an important work. (Display the two papers below.) The Lord told him, "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." 

(Hold up the first have of the quote again.) God knew each of us before we were born. Before we came to earth, we knew Heavenly Father and He explained His plan for us. Our opening song today spoke was about our time in the pre-existence. 

I lived in heaven a long time ago, it is true.
Lived there and loved there with people I know; so did you.
Then, Heavenly Father presented a beautiful plan, 
All about earth and eternal salvation for man. 

We also sing another song all the time that mentions the Heavenly Father's plan for us. 

I am a child of God,
and He has sent me here, 
has given me an earthly home, 
with parents kind and dear. 

How does the knowledge that Heavenly Father knew you before you were born make you feel? The knowledge that Heavenly Father knows us personally can help us get through troubling times in our lives. It can give us the confidence to do what He needs us to do. Jeremiah didn't feel like he was qualified enough to be a prophet but the Lord knew Jeremiah was capable. 

(Hold up the second half of the quote and read it again.) In the pre-mortal life, Heavenly Father chose certain people to fulfill certain roles here on earth. This is called foreordination. For example, Jesus was fore-ordained to carry out the atonement. Prophets like Abraham, Joseph Smith, and Jeremiah were also foreordained to fulfill specific duties on the earth according to their faithfulness. 

"The doctrine of foreordination applies to all members of the Church, not just to the Savior and His prophets. Before the creation of the earth, faithful women were given certain responsibilities and faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood duties. As people prove themselves worthy, they will be given opportunities to fulfill the assignments they then received" ("Foreordination," Gospel Topics, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). 

One way to find out what plan Heavenly Father has in store for you personally is to receive your patriarchal blessing. 

Activity: Pass out paper and pencils to your family and have them take the True or False quiz from the website below and then go over the answers. 

Patriarchal Blessing Quiz 

Jeremiah might have felt inadequate in the beginning, but he went on to be a great prophet. He counseled the king, taught the people, and prophesied of the gathering of Israel. Through his, faithfulness, he fulfilled the mission God had given him to do before he was born. Heavenly Father knows each of us personally. He's known us since before man came to earth. He has a unique role and mission for us to fulfill. We probably won't be called to be prophets, but we each have an important work He wants us to do to build His kingdom. 

Bear your testimony of Heavenly Father's plan for you. 

Closing Song: "The Family is of God" ("Additional Songs for children" Gospel Music App)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: caramel apple bark recipe here

Lesson 41: Isaiah 58-66

October 3-9
Isaiah 58-66 
"The Redeemer shall come to Zion"

Materials: emoji picture, video, whiteboard and marker
Opening Song: "I pray in faith" (Children's Songbook, 14)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Display the picture below. Give each family member a piece of paper and a pencil and ask them to draw the emoji that they think of when they hear the word, "fasting."

Lesson: 

What is it mean to fast? Fasting is when we choose to give something up for a set period of time, in order to turn our hearts to God. Usually, when we talk about fasting, we talk about giving up food and water for 24 hours. 

When do we fast? Fasting occurs church-wide once a month--usually the first Sunday of the month. We fast as an entire church. Then, in our individual wards, we have a testimony meeting but, we can also fast whenever we feel the need for extra spiritual strength, or to ask Heavenly Father for special need. 

Activity: Watch the video "Wherefore have we fasted?" from the church website.

In the video, the young man describes reading a passage in the book of Isaiah as the catalyst for refocusing his personal fasting. In Isaiah 58, Isaiah emphasizes that there is a proper way to fast. It isn't simply to go hungry and thirsty for the day. Isaiah speaks that true fasting centers on breaking the bonds of wickedness or letting go of selfishness and pride. It's about letting go of the heavy burdens placed upon you for the day and taking care for the poor and needy. 

Have your family take turns reading Isaiah 58: 8-12. Ask them to look for the blessings we get from fasting. On a whiteboard or piece of paper list the blessings. (Personal light: knowledge,  spiritual light; good health; righteousness; glory of the Lord; answered prayers; guidance; personal security; spiritual nourishment; inspiration; helping others; etc.) What blessings in our lives have we seen from fasting? 

When we start a fast, we should start with our morning prayers. We should ask Heavenly Father to help us in our fast to focus our mind and attention on the Spirit. We can also ask for help with something specifically like the health of a loved one, guidance during adversity, or spiritual or mental preparation. We can take the time during the day to reflect and remember the Lord. When it is time for our fast to end we should kneel down and say a prayer to "break" or end the fast. We also give money as a fast-offering each month to the church. This donation helps the poor and needy in our area. 

Bear your testimony on how fasting has helped you or given you comfort. 

Closing Song: "In fasting we approach thee" (Hymns, 139)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: mini pumpkin bundt cakes

Lesson 40: Isaiah 50-57

September 26- October 2
Isaiah 50-57
"He Hath Borne Our Griefs, and Carried Our Sorrows"

Materials: masks sheet, Isaiah 53 cards
Opening Song: "I Stand all Amazed" (Hymns, 193). 
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Who is your favorite superhero? What can your favorite super hero do? If you had super powers, what would they be? Today we are going to talk about the ultimate hero. 

Lesson:

What does a hero do? What makes him or her heroic? Heroes save people. They don't save people for money or for fame, but because it's right because, they want to help others. You've been saved by a hero. But He didn't wear a mask, or a cape, or even a utility belt. He couldn't fly and He didn't have x-ray vision, but He saved you from death. Who do you think I'm talking about? 

Jesus Christ is the ultimate hero. He saved each one of us from. His atonement overcomes the obstacles of physical death, spiritual death due to sin and trangression; afflictions and infirmities; and weaknesses and imperfections. 

Oh My Father by Simon Dewey

"In one sense, [the atonement] is a series of divine events that commenced in the Garden of Gethsemane, continued on the cross, and culminated with the Savior’s Resurrection from the tomb. It was motivated by an incomprehensible love for each of us. It required a being who was sinless; who had infinite power over the elements—even death; who possessed a boundless capacity to suffer the consequences of all our sins and ailments; and who, in fact, descended beneath it all.¹ This was the mission of Jcsus Christ—this was His Atonement" ("The Atonement of Jesus Christ," Tad R. Callister, General Conference April 2019). 

Activity: Watch "My kingdom is not of this world" video 

Isaiah prophesied a lot about Jesus Christ. In Isaiah 53, we read about the trials Jesus went through in his mortal life, including His suffering at Gethsemane and crucifixion.  

Activity: Hero Masks

(Before FHE, print and cut out the cards and the masks below. Glue one verse to the back of each mask.) Set the masks face up in front of your family. Have your family take turns choosing a hero mask, reading the verse on the back. How does each verse from Isaiah 53 relate to the Savior? 

Bear your testimony of Jesus Christ and His role as the Savior of the world. What do these verses in Isaiah teach your about the Savior?

Closing Song: "Tis' sweet to sing the matchless love" (Hymns, 177)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Pecan Pie cupcakes recipe here

Lesson 38: Isaiah 13-14; 24-30; 35

September 12-18
Isaiah 13-14; 24-30; 35
"A Marvelous Work and a Wonder"

Materials: stacks of sticky notes (1/ family member), 35 small plastic bathroom cups, printout, glue or tape
Opening Song: "The Spirit of God" (Hymns, 2)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: (Give each family member a stack of at least 5 sticky notes.) We have been given many blessings because we are members of the church. We are going to go on a scavenger hunt to recognize these blessings. You can place a sticky note on anything we have in our home that we have because we are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (i.e. scriptures, temple pictures, family proclamation, etc.)

Lesson:

In Luke 4:14, Jesus Christ teaches from the book of Isaiah. Nephi said, "My soul delighteth in the words of Isaiah" (2 Nephi 25:5) Last week, we talked about Isaiah used symbols in his writings to teach. Isaiah was not just a prophet; he was also a seer. He saw and wrote about things past, present, and future. 

In Isaiah 29, Isaiah foretells of future events for him: the destruction of Jerusalem, the apostasy,  and the restoration. What is the apostasy? What is the restoration? Because the priesthood was taken off the earth, the restoration was neccessary to bring to pass Heavenly Father's plan for all his children. Read Isaiah 29: 13-14. The marvelous work and wonder that Isaiah prophesied of is coming to pass through the restoration of the gospel in the latter-days where "the meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel"(29:19).  Isaiah prophesied during the gathering of Israel, which is happening right now, "They also that erred in the spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine" (29:24). 

Activity: Restoration Cups

Note: There is 1 cup missing from this photo (the top cup)

Before FHE, print out the document below and cut each numbered phrase. Tape or glue each number onto the outside of 1 small plastic bathroom cup with the words facing downwards when the cup is upright. Label the top of each cup with the number indicated on the paper. 

Starting with cup #1 Jesus Christ you will build a tower with the cups to represent the church. You will have 2 rows of 7 across the bottom. The next row will have 6 cups, the next row 5, the next row 4, the next row 3, the next row 2, and the final cup should be the #35 temple ordinances cup in the middle on top. (I like to print out a small picture of our local temple to place on this cup and a picture of Christ to put on that cup.)

As you stack the cups, use these talking points to describe how Christ built his church. 

Christ is the cornerstone of the church. He has called prophets to help guide it from the beginning. Christ called 12 apostles to help him in his mortal ministry (name them). Christ set up the priesthood to include the offices of deacon, teacher, priest, bishop, elder, high priest, seventy, and evangelist or patriarch. Christ taught that His church should be named after Him. He taught about his Father, Heavenly Father, and in the Holy Ghost. He taught that the foundational doctrine of the church is faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. He taught people to keep the commandments, and he instituted the sacrament. The Church of Jesus Christ believes in additional scripture to the Bible and, most importantly, that eternal exaltation is possible for those who make scared ordinances and covenants. 

What happened to Jesus Christ here on earth? He was crucified (remove that cup carefully from the tower). After Christ died, he was resurrected and he came back to talk to his apostles. Christs apostles continued to preach his gospel after Christ returned to heaven, but by by one they started to be killed. (Have family members one by one slowly start to remove the apostle cups on the bottom until the tower falls over.) Without proper priesthood authority, the Church of Christ fell. People tried to rebuild it, making churches based on some of the things Christ taught, but none could match Christ's original church. 

Then in the spring of 1820, a 14 year-old boy decided to pray to know which church was the true Church of Christ. What was his name? Joseph Smith would go on to be the Lord's prophet in the latter-days. Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, received revelations we know of as the Doctrine and Covenants, and organized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Christ's true church through proper priesthood authority and based on the doctrine of Christ. 

Bear your testimony of the restoration of the gospel. How has it a marvelous work and a wonder for you?

Closing Song: "Joseph Smith's First Prayer" (Hymns, 26)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Cannoli Cupcakes recipe here