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Doctrine and Covenants 10-11 —"That You May Come Off Conqueror"
From Come, Follow Me :
As the translation of the Book of Mormon progressed, a question naturally arose: What should Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery do about those pages of the translation that had been lost? The logical thing might be to go back and retranslate that portion, but the Lord could see something that they could not—wicked men were plotting to alter the words on those pages to cast doubt on Joseph's inspired work. God had a plan to thwart Satan's efforts and compensate for what was lost. This plan was put into motion thousands of years earlier when the prophet Nephi felt inspired to create a second record that covered the same time period. Later, Mormon was inspired to include this record in the Book of Mormon "for a wise purpose" known to the Lord (see Words of Mormon 1:3–7).
"My wisdom," the Lord said to Joseph, "is greater than the cunning of the devil" (Doctrine and Covenants 10:43). That's a reassuring message in a day like ours, when the adversary's ongoing efforts to weaken faith are intensifying. Like Joseph, we can be "faithful and continue on" in the work God has called us to do (verse 3). Then we will find that He has already provided a way so that "the gates of hell shall not prevail" against us (verse 69). See Saints, 1:51–61.
FamilySearch Timeline
As you learn more about your heritage and the lives of those who came before you, what do you see as events and tender mercies that have been "put into motion" to bless you and your loved ones today?
Check out Historical Events Your Ancestors Lived Through and More. Compare with events happening at the same time. Record your discoveries and how they have influenced you and your family, and the results of Lord's hand in your life.
... the Lord's words in Doctrine and Covenants 10 reveal that Satan is in constant, active opposition to God's work. As you read verses 1–33, identify how Satan sought to destroy God's work in Joseph Smith's time (see also verses 62–63). What similarities do you see with the ways Satan works today? You could ask the Lord to help you see how Satan may be tempting you. What do you learn from section 10 that can help you resist Satan's efforts?
As you contemplate and discuss Section 10 with those you love, consider the promises that can help you resist Satan's efforts. In his conference address titled Family History And Temple Work: Sealing And Healing, Elder Dale G. Renlund shares that family history and temple work is not only for the dead, but blesses the living as well. "[As] we participate in family history and temple work today, we also lay claim to 'healing' blessings promised by prophets and apostles."
"If you have prayed for any of these blessings, participate in family history and temple work," Elder Renlund said. "As you do so, your prayers will be answered."
Promised Blessings
Copy each of the blessings listed below on small pieces of paper and put them into a basket. In a group or as a family, take turns drawing them out one-by-one and discussing the reasons why you would want that particular blessing in your life.
Increased understanding of the Savior and His atoning sacrifice
Increased influence of the Holy Ghost to feel strength and direction for our own lives
Increased faith, so that conversion to the Savior becomes deep and abiding
Increased ability and motivation to learn and repent because of an understanding of who we are, where we come from, and a clearer vision of where we are going
Increased refining, sanctifying, and moderating influences in our hearts
Increased joy through an increased ability to feel the love of the Lord
Increased family blessings, no matter our current, past, or future family situation or how imperfect our family tree may be
Increased love and appreciation for ancestors and living relatives, so we no longer feel alone
Increased power to discern that which needs healing and thus, with the Lord's help, serve others
Increased protection from temptations and the intensifying influence of the adversary
Increased assistance to mend troubled, broken, or anxious hearts and make the wounded whole
After the discussion activity, ask, "What one thing can we do to have these incredible blessings in our lives and in the lives of those we love?" Refer to Elder Renlund's talk (see above). Make plans together to do more temple and family history work to receive these blessings. Note that one of the promised blessings is that of "increased protection from temptations and the intensifying influence of the adversary" which exemplifies what Section 10 describes. Read more here.
If I ask of God, I will receive.
In Doctrine and Covenants 11, a revelation that Joseph received for his older brother Hyrum, the Lord said, "I will impart unto you of my Spirit, ... and then shall ye know ... all things whatsoever you desire of me" (Doctrine and Covenants 11:13–14).
In Doctrine and Covenants 11, what is the Lord trying to tell you about personal revelation? About participating in God's work? What other messages does He have for you?
Record Testimonies
President Nelson invites us all to "be proactive and look for opportunities to share [our] feelings about the Lord Jesus Christ with our family and friends…" Read more in How Do You Hear Him?.
You can scan or take a photo of hand-written testimonies to preserve in Memories on FamilySearch, or type directly into a document in memories. See instructions in The Family History Guide here. Record your personal witness of Jesus Christ on FamilySearch using the FamilySearch Memories Audio app or the Record My Story feature on FamilySearch Discovery.
You can also share these items with others in FamilySearch via text, email, etc. by tapping the "Share" symbol. Your testimony may contain the very words that will help family members strengthen their own testimonies! Read more here.
Patriarchal Blessings
Many personal messages from the Lord are found in patriarchal blessings. In addition to studying your own patriarchal blessing, you can read and study those of your ancestors. Discovering how the Lord loved, guided, and blessed your ancestors for their obedience can provide perspective and motivation to also be obedient.
Consider making a list of the things the Lord told Hyrum Smith to do so that he would be ready to share the gospel. What should we work on as a family?
President Nelson's call to action to the youth (see Youth Page: Gather Israel) is applicable to all church members in individual ways. Elder Bednar describes the connection between family history and missionary work in the video below. See also Missionary, Family History, and Temple Work.
Practice Using Family History In Missionary Work
You might try the following "practice sharing the gospel" activity using family history as a finding and retention tool. Invite other families to join in the fun if you would like.
Divide into companionships and practice door approaches with this guidance from Preach My Gospel: "Talk to people about their families. Help them see how the restored gospel can be a blessing to their families. Offer to help them find the names of grandparents, great-grandparents, or other ancestors. Enlist the help of ward temple and family history consultants."
Practice using The Family History Guide as a resource to explain how to find and record information about ancestors and to learn to use FamilySearch.
Practice what you might say to new converts about the temple blessings available to them, their families, and their ancestors. Share how the temple has blessed your life and the lives of your loved ones.
Fulfillment of Promises in Your Life
"As you study your scriptures during the next six months, I encourage you to make a list of all that the Lord has promised He will do for covenant Israel. I think you will be astounded! Ponder these promises. Talk about them with your family and friends. Then live and watch for these promises to be fulfilled in your own life." (President Russell M. Nelson, Let God Prevail, October 2020 General Conference)
Suggestion for journaling this week: Find promises in Doctrine and Covenants 10–11 and write or audio record about their influence in your life.
