FHE: Children of the Covenant

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “Covenants,” by Elder Russell M. Nelson,
Ensign, Nov 2011, 86.

Thought:
When we realize that we are children of the covenant, we know who we are and what God expects of us.

(Elder Russell M. Nelson, “Covenants,” Ensign, Nov 2011, 86.)

Song:
“I Am a Child of God,” Children’s Songbook, p. 2.

Scripture:
The Father having raised me up unto you first, and sent me to bless you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities; and this because ye are the children of the covenant.

(3 Nephi 20:26)

Lesson:
Invite your family to think of the last promise they made to someone. (You might have a willing family member share the promise.) Ask:

• Why do we make promises?
• What do we call promises we make with Heavenly Father? (Covenants.)
• Why is it important that we keep our promises and covenants?

Take turns reading D&C 3:16–20 and ask the following questions as you read:

• What did the Lord promise He would do for His people? (Give them knowledge of
the Savior—verse 16.)
• To whom did the Lord make that same promise in verses 17 and 18? (The
descendants of the Nephites and Lamanites.)
• How will the Lord keep His promise? (By preserving the Book of Mormon record.)
• What part can we play in helping the Lord to fulfill this promise? (Do missionary work.)

(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Doctrine and Covenants, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004], p. 7.)

Story:
While standing on the banks of the river Jordan, I thought of Joshua leading all of Israel to that river and the great challenge they faced in crossing the water. As the great mass of people approached the river Jordan, the Lord spoke to Joshua and instructed him to go to the very brink and then to stand still. He was apparently telling Joshua what He is telling us—to go as far as we can and then stand still, stop, be calm, and listen to the voice from within. The Lord further told Joshua, “And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.” We go to the brink, stand still, feel the Spirit, and then prepare to go just a little further if necessary. After Joshua had obeyed, we are told, “the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground.” (See Joshua 3.)

One of the really exciting things about reading the scriptures is to learn how our Father has cared about His children through the ages. We know that He will care about us no differently. We know what to expect, and our faith grows stronger because we know He is unchanging, and that His rules do not change. We know that He abides the law even when it must hurt Him dreadfully to see one of His children leave the path and wander off into dangerous territory.

(Ardeth Greene Kapp, My Neighbor, My Sister, My Friend, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1990].)

Activity:
Go for a short walk and look for evidences of God’s love for you.

Refreshment
Butterscotch Brownies
They’ll be in love with these.

3⁄4 cup butter or margarine
3 cups packed brown sugar
3 eggs, beaten
2 1⁄4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
1 cup flaked coconut

In a large saucepan, melt butter or margarine over low heat; remove from heat and cool. Blend
in brown sugar and eggs. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt; add to first mixture and blend well. Stir in vanilla, nuts, and coconut. Spread in greased 9x13-inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 to 35 minutes. Makes about 15 bars.

(Julie Badger Jensen, Essential Mormon Celebrations, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2005], p. 47.)

To access the PDF version of this lesson, click here.

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