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Steven Harper: Is Consecration Still A Thing?

Most of us have the same perception of consecration that Steven Harper had when he went to the temple for the first time: The Lord “revealed the law of consecration to the early Saints. They couldn’t live it, so the Lord revoked the higher law, gave the lower law of tithing, and would someday give the higher law again.” But if someone had asked him how he knew that, he says he wouldn't have had an answer. Now after studying the topic for years, Harper has a different understanding of what consecration is and on this week’s episode he shares the answers he's found with us.

31: "Thou Art Come … for Such a Time as This" (Esther)

Here’s a fun fact: did you know that the name Esther means star in Persian? And when you consider Esther’s story in the Old Testament, there’s obviously no coincidence that one of the greatest biblical heroines was given that name. In fact, as we study this incredible book of scripture this week, we’re going to see how brightly Esther shined in the midst of terrible adversity. Not only was she incredibly brave even when faced with death, but she also had an enduring faith in Jesus Christ that ultimately led to the salvation of an entire nation.

Melaney Tagg: Kindness Begins With Me

There is an old Primary song that says, “I want to be kind to everyone, for that is right, you see. So I say to myself, ‘Remember this: Kindness begins with me.'” Melaney Tagg, our guest on this week’s episode, is a living example of what this Primary song looks like in action. When she observed the contention running rampant in her county’s school board meetings, Tagg knew she couldn't stand idly by—she had to, as President Oaks put it, "seek to moderate and unify," knowing that kindness needed to begin with her.

35: “Let Every Thing That Hath Breath Praise the Lord” (Psalms 102–103; 110; 116–119; 127–128; 135–139; 146–150)

We’ve talked a lot about trusting in the Lord this year. And in this week’s lesson of Psalms 102–103; 110; 116–119; 127–128; 135–139; 146–150, that trust is an important theme. To help us dive deeper into this topic, we invited Chad and Kymberly Wells to talk with us. The Wells' are the parents of Mason Wells, who was severely injured as a missionary in the 2016 Brussels attacks. Their perspective on those harrowing events is anchored in trusting the Lord even through days of great distress and heartache. Their story, along with these chapters in Psalms, will teach us what trust in the Lord can do in our darkest moments.

Elliott Smith: Cultivating a Fear-Free Worship Experience

Attending church for the first time. Coming back to church after a period of inactivity. Going through the temple for the first time. Seeking to develop a love for the temple. These are all experiences that can feel daunting or overwhelming. But years ago, a bishop who had been through a period of inactivity himself sought to create what he called “a fear-free worship experience” for everyone in his congregation—and Elliott Smith says it made all the difference in their ward. So wherever you are on your journey along the covenant path, we invite you to consider how we can best help one another along by also seeking to eliminate fear in our own congregations.

6: "That You May Come Off Conqueror" (Doctrine and Covenants (10–11)

Do you remember a time when you were at a low point and someone knew just what to say to help you feel better? Maybe they shared some advice that you still use today or maybe it was a few words of encouragement you’ll never forget. For Joseph Smith, it was a little of both. In this week’s lesson, we’ll be studying Doctrine and Covenants 10–11 where we find words of encouragement and advice God has for all of us.

12: “All Things Must Be Done in Order” (Doctrine and Covenants 27–28)

This week’s lesson is full of important topics. The sacrament, seer stones, putting on the full armor of God—Doctrine and Covenants 27–28 is just a lot to unpack. But these topics are so essential for us to understand as we face challenges the world has never seen before. So grab your scriptures and let’s dig into how these topics can help us today.

13: Jesus Christ Will Gather His People (Doctrine and Covenants 29)

Have you ever heard this quote from Doctrine and Covenants 19:22, “For they cannot bear meat now, but milk they must receive”? It’s essentially comparing the teachings of Jesus Christ to food and how, just like a newborn baby, we need to master the basics (milk) before we can move onto the “meat” of the gospel. And this week’s lesson is all about the meat. So grab your scriptures, tuck in your napkins, and let’s dig into Doctrine and Covenants 29.

40: “Ye Are the Children of the Covenant” (3 Nephi 20–26)

It can be so easy to breeze through 3 Nephi 20–26. You may even think, “I’ve read these verses so many times, what else is there for me to learn?” But, like each brushstroke is intentional in a painting, every word in these chapters has a purpose. And as we dig into this week’s lesson, we’ll see how all the beautiful details of 3 Nephi 20–26 come together to create a scriptural masterpiece.

5: "I Will Prepare the Way before You" (Jan. 27–Feb. 2)

*This week's study group originally noted that one-third of the Book of Mormon consists of Isaiah. The transcript and show notes have been updated to note that one-third of Isaiah is in the Book of Mormon.

Do you ever wish you had a Magic 8-Ball that could answer all the important questions you have about your life? Like what God wants you to be doing or how to get through a trial? While those Magic 8-Balls don’t actually exist, God has given us something much better—our own personal Liahonas. In this week’s Sunday on Monday study group, we’ll be digging into 1 Nephi 16–22 to find out what our Liahonas are and how they can help guide us through the storms of life.

Find full episodes of the Sunday on Monday study group here. Start your free trial of Deseret Bookshelf PLUS+ here.