Post on 24-Jul-2020
transcript
Valiant for Courage and Strength
DAILY STUDY AND DEVOTIONALS LDS ENCAMPMENT 2015
Contents
Introduction........................................................................................................................ 1
Monday: Valiant ................................................................................................................ 1
Evening Sharing ........................................................................................................... 1
Tuesday: Courage ............................................................................................................. 4
Morning Study .............................................................................................................. 4
Evening Sharing ......................................................................................................... 14
Wednesday: Strength ................................................................................................... 15
Morning Study ............................................................................................................ 15
Evening Sharing ......................................................................................................... 21
Thursday: Anxiously Engaged .................................................................................. 22
Morning Study ............................................................................................................ 22
Evening Sharing ......................................................................................................... 25
Friday: Truth .................................................................................................................... 27
Morning Study ............................................................................................................ 27
Hymns ................................................................................................................................. 33
Call to Arms! ..................................................................................................................... 36
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 1 | P a g e
Introduction
Welcome to camp! This study guide’s theme “valiant for courage and
strength” is intended to help you learn about and develop these
attributes.
We become what we want to be by consistently
being what we want to become each day.
– Richard G. Scott
This booklet contains Morning Study sections for personal study with
space to record thoughts, impressions, and goals. The Evening Sharing
sections are for group discussion.
Monday: Valiant
Evening Sharing
Lead a discussion about being valiant. Consider using the content below.
Definition: possessing or showing courage or determination
Synonyms: brave, courageous, valorous, intrepid, heroic, gallant,
lionhearted, bold, fearless, daring, audacious
Alma 53:20
And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for
courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—
they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they
were entrusted.
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 2 | P a g e
How do you picture these young men earning the description of being
valiant in these respects—for courage, strength, and activity?
What does valiant mean to you?
We testify that God lives. It is our fervent prayer
that you will remain steadfast and valiant
throughout your lives and that you will trust in the
Savior and His promises. As you do this, you will be
an influence for good in helping to build the
kingdom of God and prepare the world for the
Second Coming of the Savior.
– Message to the Youth from The First Presidency
(For the Strength of Youth, p. iii)
Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of being valiant. He understood his
mission and was never distracted from it.
“From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that
he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and
chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third
day.” Peter rebuked him “saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not
be unto thee.” The Savior replied “thou savourest not the things that be
of God, but those that be of men” (Matthew 16:21-23).
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 3 | P a g e
Understanding the atoning sacrifice that needed to take place there,
Jesus “steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). He was
valiant in focusing on his duty to God and saving mankind.
In the Garden of Gethsemane when the guards came to take Jesus
prisoner, Peter tried to defend the Savior with his sword. Jesus told him
to put his sword away. “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my
Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of
angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must
be?” (Matthew 26:53-54)
Heavenly Father has part for each of us in His plan. How can you be
valiant in following Heavenly Father’s plan for your life?
D&C 76:79-80
These are they who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus;
wherefore, they obtain not the crown over the kingdom of our God.
And now this is the end of the vision which we saw of the terrestrial….
What can you do to be more valiant this week?
How can you be a more valiant priesthood holder?
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 4 | P a g e
Tuesday: Courage
Morning Study
Definition: the ability to do something that you know is difficult or
dangerous; mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and
withstand danger, fear, or difficulty
Decisions are constantly before us which can
determine our destiny. In order for us to make the
correct decisions, courage is needed—the
courage to say no when we should, the courage to
say yes when that is appropriate, the courage to
do the right thing because it is right.
Inasmuch as the trend in society today is rapidly
moving away from the values and principles the
Lord has given us, we will almost certainly be
called upon to defend that which we believe. Will
we have the courage to do so? – President Monson
D&C 6:36
Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.
Mark 5:36
Jesus saith “Be not afraid, only believe.”
Alma 53:16-21
16 But behold, it came to pass they had many sons, who had not
entered into a covenant that they would not take their weapons of war
to defend themselves against their enemies; therefore they did assemble
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 5 | P a g e
themselves together at this time, as many as were able to take up arms,
and they called themselves Nephites.
17 And they entered into a covenant to fight for the liberty of the
Nephites, yea, to protect the land unto the laying down of their lives;
yea, even they covenanted that they never would give up their liberty,
but they would fight in all cases to protect the Nephites and themselves
from bondage.
18 Now behold, there were two thousand of those young men, who
entered into this covenant and took their weapons of war to defend
their country.
19 And now behold, as they never had hitherto been a disadvantage
to the Nephites, they became now at this period of time also a great
support; for they took their weapons of war, and they would that
Helaman should be their leader.
20 And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant
for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not
all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they
were entrusted.
21 Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been
taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before
him.
In the scripture passage above, how did these 2000 young men
demonstrate courage?
In what ways can you be true at all times in the things which you are
entrusted (see v20)?
What motivated the young men to come forward and “assemble
themselves together?”
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 6 | P a g e
What influence and effect would their “assembl[ing] themselves
together” have on their collective courage and the number of young men
coming forward “to defend their country?”
Alma 56:43-48
43 And now, whether they were overtaken by Antipus we knew not,
but I said unto my men: Behold, we know not but they have halted for
the purpose that we should come against them, that they might catch us
in their snare;
44 Therefore what say ye, my sons, will ye go against them to battle?
45 And now I say unto you, my beloved brother Moroni, that never
had I seen so great courage, nay, not amongst all the Nephites.
46 For as I had ever called them my sons (for they were all of them
very young) even so they said unto me: Father, behold our God is with
us, and he will not suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth; we
would not slay our brethren if they would let us alone; therefore let us
go, lest they should overpower the army of Antipus.
47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they
did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their
lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not
doubt, God would deliver them.
48 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying:
We do not doubt our mothers knew it.
What were the sources of the stripling warriors’ courage?
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 7 | P a g e
From the quotes and scriptures below, identify and choose two ways
you can be more courageous.
For the Strength of Youth, “Friends”
“Everyone needs good and true friends. They will be a great strength
and blessing to you. They will influence how you think and act, and even
help determine the person you will become. They will help you be a
better person and will make it easier for you to live the gospel of Jesus
Christ. Choose friends who share your values so you can strengthen
and encourage each other in living high standards.”
For the Strength of Youth, “Agency and Accountability”
“You are responsible for the choices you make. God is mindful of you
and will help you make good choices, even if your family and friends use
their agency in ways that are not right. Have the moral courage to stand
firm in obeying God’s will, even if you have to stand alone. As you do
this, you set an example for others to follow.”
Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not
afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee
whithersoever thou goest.
D&C 121:45
Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the
household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then
shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine
of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.
Tools You’ve Identified
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 8 | P a g e
How can you be more courageous today?
Study the scriptures below as they explain different types of courage
and how to live them. Applying what you learned to your own life, set
a goal for each type of courage to strive for when you get back home.
You can apply your goals in your home, school, quorum, or when you
serve a mission.
Courage to Refrain From Judging Others
3 Nephi 14:2-5
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what
measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but
considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother: Let me pull the mote out of
thine eye—and behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast the beam out of thine own eye; and then
shalt thou see clearly to cast the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the
height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not
as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord
looketh on the heart.
Your goal to refrain from judging others
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 9 | P a g e
Courage to Be Chaste and Virtuous
Genesis 39:7-12
7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast
her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.
8 But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master
wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all
that he hath to my hand;
9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back
any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do
this great wickedness, and sin against God?
10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he
hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the
house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house
there within.
12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he
left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.
In what ways did Joseph avoid temptation?
Preach My Gospel – “Virtue”
Virtuous people are clean and pure spiritually. They focus on
righteous, uplifting thoughts and put unworthy thoughts that lead to
inappropriate actions out of their minds. They obey God’s
commandments and follow the counsel of Church leaders. They pray for
the strength to resist temptation and do what is right. They quickly
repent of any sins or wrongdoings. They live worthy of a temple
recommend.
Your mind is like a stage in a theater; in the theater of your mind,
however, only one actor can be on stage at a time. If the stage is left
bare, thoughts of darkness and sin often enter the stage to tempt. But
these thoughts have no power if the stage of your mind is occupied by
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 10 | P a g e
wholesome thoughts, such as a memorized hymn or verse of scripture
that you can call upon in a moment of temptation. By controlling the
stage of your mind, you can successfully resist persistent urges to yield
to temptation and indulge in sin. You can become pure and virtuous.
Your goal to be chaste and virtuous
Courage to Stand Firm for Truth and Righteousness
1 Nephi 3:1-8
1 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, returned from speaking with the
Lord, to the tent of my father.
2 And it came to pass that he spake unto me, saying: Behold I have
dreamed a dream, in the which the Lord hath commanded me that thou
and thy brethren shall return to Jerusalem.
3 For behold, Laban hath the record of the Jews and also a genealogy
of my forefathers, and they are engraven upon plates of brass.
4 Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me that thou and thy
brothers should go unto the house of Laban, and seek the records, and
bring them down hither into the wilderness.
5 And now, behold thy brothers murmur, saying it is a hard thing
which I have required of them; but behold I have not required it of them,
but it is a commandment of the Lord.
6 Therefore go, my son, and thou shalt be favored of the Lord,
because thou hast not murmured.
7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and
do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord
giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall
prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he
commandeth them.
8 And it came to pass that when my father had heard these words he
was exceedingly glad, for he knew that I had been blessed of the Lord.
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 11 | P a g e
Alma 46:1-21
1 And it came to pass that as many as would not hearken to the words
of Helaman and his brethren were gathered together against their
brethren.
2 And now behold, they were exceedingly wroth, insomuch that they
were determined to slay them.
3 Now the leader of those who were wroth against their brethren was
a large and a strong man; and his name was Amalickiah.
4 And Amalickiah was desirous to be a king; and those people who
were wroth were also desirous that he should be their king; and they
were the greater part of them the lower judges of the land, and they
were seeking for power.
5 And they had been led by the flatteries of Amalickiah, that if they
would support him and establish him to be their king that he would
make them rulers over the people.
6 Thus they were led away by Amalickiah to dissensions,
notwithstanding the preaching of Helaman and his brethren, yea,
notwithstanding their exceedingly great care over the church, for they
were high priests over the church.
7 And there were many in the church who believed in the flattering
words of Amalickiah, therefore they dissented even from the church;
and thus were the affairs of the people of Nephi exceedingly precarious
and dangerous, notwithstanding their great victory which they had had
over the Lamanites, and their great rejoicings which they had had
because of their deliverance by the hand of the Lord.
8 Thus we see how quick the children of men do forget the Lord their
God, yea, how quick to do iniquity, and to be led away by the evil one.
9 Yea, and we also see the great wickedness one very wicked man can
cause to take place among the children of men.
10 Yea, we see that Amalickiah, because he was a man of cunning
device and a man of many flattering words, that he led away the hearts
of many people to do wickedly; yea, and to seek to destroy the church of
God, and to destroy the foundation of liberty which God had granted
unto them, or which blessing God had sent upon the face of the land for
the righteous’ sake.
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 12 | P a g e
11 And now it came to pass that when Moroni, who was the chief
commander of the armies of the Nephites, had heard of these
dissensions, he was angry with Amalickiah.
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.
13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his
shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole,
which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of
liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto
his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as
there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land—
14 For thus were all the true believers of Christ, who belonged to the
church of God, called by those who did not belong to the church.
15 And those who did belong to the church were faithful; yea, all
those who were true believers in Christ took upon them, gladly, the
name of Christ, or Christians as they were called, because of their belief
in Christ who should come.
16 And therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of the
Christians, and the freedom of the land might be favored.
17 And it came to pass that when he had poured out his soul to God,
he named all the land which was south of the land Desolation, yea, and
in fine, all the land, both on the north and on the south—A chosen land,
and the land of liberty.
18 And he said: Surely God shall not suffer that we, who are despised
because we take upon us the name of Christ, shall be trodden down and
destroyed, until we bring it upon us by our own transgressions.
19 And when Moroni had said these words, he went forth among the
people, waving the rent part of his garment in the air, that all might see
the writing which he had written upon the rent part, and crying with a
loud voice, saying:
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.
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 13 | P a g e
21 And it came to pass that when Moroni had proclaimed these
words, behold, the people came running together with their armor
girded about their loins, rending their garments in token, or as a
covenant, that they would not forsake the Lord their God; or, in other
words, if they should transgress the commandments of God, or fall into
transgression, and be ashamed to take upon them the name of Christ,
the Lord should rend them even as they had rent their garments.
How did Moroni demonstrate courage? What did he do before going
among the people?
Your goal to stand firm for truth and righteousness
Courage to Share the Gospel
Preach My Gospel (p. 198-199)
A testimony is a spiritual witness and assurance given by the Holy
Ghost. To bear testimony is to give a simple, direct declaration of
belief—a feeling, an assurance, a conviction of gospel truth. Sharing
your testimony often is one of the most powerful ways of inviting the
Spirit and helping others feel the Spirit….
Powerful testimony is not dependent on eloquence or the volume of
your voice but on the conviction of your heart.
Your goal to share the gospel
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 14 | P a g e
Evening Sharing
Review the “Call to Arms!” on page 36 as a group.
When discussing courage, consider referring to the Morning Study
scripture passages and quotes that most impressed you.
What is courage?
Share examples with each other of courage—either that you have
personally experienced or that you have seen in those around you.
Who is someone you know who exemplifies courage? How does this
person demonstrate courage?
In Alma 53:16-21, what motivated the stripling young men to come
forward and “assemble themselves together?”
What influence and effect would their “assembl[ing] themselves
together” have on their collective courage and the number of young men
coming forward “to defend their country?”
When have you been especially courageous? What gave you the
strength to overcome fear?
In what ways would you like to be more courageous?
What can you do to develop courage?
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 15 | P a g e
Wednesday: Strength
Morning Study
“In the strength of the Lord we can do and
overcome and endure all things” –David A. Bednar
1 Samuel 17:37
37 David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of
the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the
hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be
with thee.
1 Nephi 17:3
3 And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled.
And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God
he doth nourish them, and strengthen them….
Alma 26:11-12
11 But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, nor
in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with
joy, and I will rejoice in my God.
12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak;
therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his
strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we
have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.
Alma 56:56
But behold, to my great joy, there had not one soul of them fallen to
the earth; yea, and they had fought as if with the strength of God; yea,
never were men known to have fought with such miraculous strength;
and with such mighty power did they fall upon the Lamanites, that they
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 16 | P a g e
did frighten them; and for this cause did the Lamanites deliver
themselves up as prisoners of war.
In whom do we have strength? Why?
Alma 48:11-13
11 And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a
perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a
man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country,
and his brethren from bondage and slavery;
12 Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for
the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a
man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.
13 Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he
had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country,
and his religion, even to the loss of his blood.
What are some ways we can rely on the Lord’s strength?
Strength of Prayer
Moses 1:20
And it came to pass that Moses began to fear exceedingly.
Nevertheless, calling upon God, he received strength, and he
commanded, saying: Depart from me, Satan, for this one God only will I
worship, which is the God of glory.
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 17 | P a g e
Alma 13:28
28 But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on
his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be
tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy
Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all
long-suffering;
Preach My Gospel, Lesson 4
As we pray with faith, sincerity, and real intent..., He will warn us of
danger and strengthen us to resist temptation.
Thoughts
Strength of Scripture Study
2 Nephi 31:20
Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ,
having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.
Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ,
and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have
eternal life.
Psalms 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
2 Nephi 32:3
Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell
you all things what ye should do.
John 20:31
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the
Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 18 | P a g e
Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do
according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way
prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
As you study, pay careful attention to ideas that
come to your mind and feelings that come to your
heart.
–Preach My Gospel “Learning by the Holy Ghost”
Alma 17:1-3
1 And now it came to pass that as Alma was journeying from the land
of Gideon southward, away to the land of Manti, behold, to his
astonishment, he met with the sons of Mosiah journeying towards the
land of Zarahemla.
2 Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first
appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his
brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in
the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth;
for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the
scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.
3 But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and
fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of
revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority
of God.
Thoughts
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 19 | P a g e
Strength of the Atonement
Ether 12:27
27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I
give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is
sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they
humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak
things become strong unto them.
President Henry B. Eyring
It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through
faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins,
receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise
would not be able to maintain if left to their own means.
Alma 36:12-24 (Alma the Younger’s experience)
12 But I was racked with eternal torment, for my soul was harrowed
up to the greatest degree and racked with all my sins.
13 Yea, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for which I was
tormented with the pains of hell; yea, I saw that I had rebelled against
my God, and that I had not kept his holy commandments.
14 Yea, and I had murdered many of his children, or rather led them
away unto destruction; yea, and in fine so great had been my iniquities,
that the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my
soul with inexpressible horror.
15 Oh, thought I, that I could be banished and become extinct both
soul and body, that I might not be brought to stand in the presence of
my God, to be judged of my deeds.
16 And now, for three days and for three nights was I racked, even
with the pains of a damned soul.
17 And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I
was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I
remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people
concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the
sins of the world.
18 Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my
heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of
bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 20 | P a g e
19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains
no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.
20 And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my
soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!
21 Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so
exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you,
my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and
sweet as was my joy.
22 Yea, methought I saw, even as our father Lehi saw, God sitting
upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels, in
the attitude of singing and praising their God; yea, and my soul did long
to be there.
23 But behold, my limbs did receive their strength again, and I stood
upon my feet, and did manifest unto the people that I had been born of
God.
24 Yea, and from that time even until now, I have labored without
ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring
them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that they might
also be born of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Thoughts
Strength of Service
D&C 4:2
Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve
him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand
blameless before God at the last day.
Mosiah 2:17
And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye
may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are
only in the service of your God.
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 21 | P a g e
Elder Richard G. Scott
Fill your life with service to others. As you lose your life in the
service of Father in Heaven’s children, Satan’s temptations will lose
power in your life.
Thoughts
What are some things you will do today to rely on God’s strength?
What can you do today and this week to increase your spiritual
strength?
Evening Sharing
When discussing strength, consider referring to the Morning Study
scripture passages and quotes that most impressed you.
What does it take to develop physical strength? What similar principles
are required to develop spiritual strength?
What are the different types of strength?
Describe people in your life who embody strength.
How have you exhibited strength? How can you demonstrate strength?
What have you learned about strength from your activities this week?
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 22 | P a g e
Thursday: Anxiously Engaged
Morning Study
Alma 53:20
And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for
courage, and also for strength and activity….
How do you picture these young men being “valiant for activity?”
Being “valiant for activity” could also be described as being “anxiously
engaged.”
Wishing will not make it so. The Lord expects our
thinking. He expects our action. He expects our
labors. –President Thomas S. Monson
Alma 53:16-21
16 But behold, it came to pass they had many sons, who had not
entered into a covenant that they would not take their weapons of war
to defend themselves against their enemies; therefore they did assemble
themselves together at this time, as many as were able to take up arms,
and they called themselves Nephites.
17 And they entered into a covenant to fight for the liberty of the
Nephites, yea, to protect the land unto the laying down of their lives;
yea, even they covenanted that they never would give up their liberty,
but they would fight in all cases to protect the Nephites and themselves
from bondage.
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 23 | P a g e
18 Now behold, there were two thousand of those young men, who
entered into this covenant and took their weapons of war to defend
their country.
19 And now behold, as they never had hitherto been a disadvantage
to the Nephites, they became now at this period of time also a great
support; for they took their weapons of war, and they would that
Helaman should be their leader.
20 And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant
for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not
all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they
were entrusted.
21 Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been
taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before
him.
Doctrine and Covenants 58:26-27
26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for
he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise
servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and
do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much
righteousness;
We should be “anxiously engaged” in good
causes and leave the world a better place for
having lived in it. –President Ezra Taft Benson
Come, Follow Me “Self-Reliance”
When we plan prayerfully and work diligently to achieve our goals,
the Lord magnifies our efforts and helps us reach our potential.
How does your life change when you do good things of your own free
will rather than waiting to be commanded?
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 24 | P a g e
What does it mean to you to be anxiously engaged in a good cause?
D&C 107:99
Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in
which he is appointed, in all diligence.
For the Strength of Youth
Remember that God has a great work for you to do. He will bless you
in your efforts to accomplish that work.
President Thomas S. Monson
Miracles are everywhere to be found when priesthood callings are
magnified. When faith replaces doubt, when selfless service eliminates
selfish striving, the power of God brings to pass His purposes.
The priesthood is not really so much a gift as it is a commission to
serve, a privilege to lift, and an opportunity to bless the lives of others.
What calling do you have as a holder of the Aaronic priesthood and
member of the Lord’s church?
D&C 60:13
Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent
that it may not be known.
Russell M. Nelson
Without sure identity and priority, blessings that matter most are at
the mercy of things that matter least.
President Thomas S. Monson
Brethren, it is in doing—not just dreaming—that lives are blessed,
others are guided, and souls are saved. ‘Be ye doers of the word, and not
hearers only, deceiving your own selves,’ declared James (James 1:22).
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 25 | P a g e
Your goals to be anxiously engaged
How might you personally use your time more efficiently and
effectively?
How will you be more anxiously engaged in a good cause today?
Commit to your goal and be prepared to share experiences that you
have.
How will you commit to being more anxiously engaged in the next
months and years leading up to your mission?
Evening Sharing
When discussing the topic “anxiously engaged,” consider referring to the
Morning Study scripture passages, quotes, and questions that most
impressed you. Make sure you introduce the headbands!
You might discuss how being anxiously engaged in a good cause will
benefit you in this life and the next.
Lead a short discussion on setting goals—both long term and short
term—to increase the youth’s abilities to be anxiously engaged.
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 26 | P a g e
Introduce the Headbands
Refer to the Morning Study scripture passage Alma 53:16-21. Verses 16
and 17 refer to the young men “assemb[ling] themselves together” and
“enter[ing] into a covenant... to protect the Nephites.”
The italicized portion of Alma 56:47 below demonstrates the priorities
of the young Ammonites and how they acted on them.
Alma 56:47, 46 (in reverse order)
47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they
did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their
lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not
doubt, God would deliver them.
46 For as I had ever called them my sons (for they were all of them
very young) even so they said unto me: Father, behold our God is with
us, and he will not suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth; we
would not slay our brethren if they would let us alone; therefore let us
go, lest they should overpower the army of Antipus.
These young men had firm faith in God that had developed by observing
and hearing their mother’s testimonies.
Alma 56:48
And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We
do not doubt our mothers knew it.
As a sign of assembling yourselves together, distribute the headbands to
the young men. Each headband has a pocket that contains the
testimony of a mother or another faithful sister who “knew it.” Take
time for each person to read the testimony in his headband.
On Friday, wear your headband to and during the closing
ceremonies!
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 27 | P a g e
Friday: Truth
Morning Study
Alma 53:21
Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught
to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him.
How can you stand out as a man of truth?
Truth
Ether 3:12
Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of
truth, and canst not lie.
John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the
Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he
shall testify of me....
Most frequently, revelation comes in small
increments over time and is granted according to
our desire, worthiness, and preparation. Such
communications from Heavenly Father gradually
and gently ‘distil upon [our souls] as the dews from
heaven’ (D&C 121:45). – Elder David A. Bednar
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 28 | P a g e
D&C 121:26
God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the
unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost….
Moroni 10:5
And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all
things.
How do you recognize truth?
What truths have you learned this week?
D&C 50:24
He that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more
light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.
How can you “continue in God” to receive more light and truth?
Truth, Faith, and Doubts
Elder Kevin W. Pearson
When adversity comes, don’t let something you don’t fully understand
unravel everything you do know. Be patient, cling to truth;
understanding will come.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 29 | P a g e
Elder Neil L. Andersen
As I contemplated the challenge of a mission, I felt very inadequate
and unprepared. I remember praying, “Heavenly Father, how can I serve
a mission when I know so little?” I believed in the Church, but I felt my
spiritual knowledge was very limited. As I prayed, the feeling came:
“You don’t know everything, but you know enough!” That
reassurance gave me the courage to take the next step into the mission
field.
Our spiritual journey is the process of a lifetime. We do not know
everything in the beginning or even along the way. Our conversion
comes step-by-step, line upon line. We first build a foundation of faith in
the Lord Jesus Christ….
We each have moments of spiritual power, moments of inspiration
and revelation. We must sink them deep into the chambers of our souls.
As we do, we prepare our spiritual home storage for moments of
personal difficulty. Jesus said, “Settle this in your hearts, that ye will do
the things which I shall teach, and command you” (JST, Luke 14:28).
What actions will you take when you have doubts?
Being True
Alma 53:20
… they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they
were entrusted.
In what ways can you be true at all times in the things which you are
entrusted?
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 30 | P a g e
Exodus 18:13, 17-23
13 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the
people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the
evening.
17 And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest
is not good.
18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with
thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it
thyself alone.
19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall
be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest
bring the causes unto God:
20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew
them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as
fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them,
to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and
rulers of tens:
22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that
every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter
they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the
burden with thee.
23 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou
shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in
peace.
In the scripture passage above, how does the Lord use men of truth?
What are the characteristics of a person who is true?
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 31 | P a g e
What challenges do you face being true?
How can you be more true at home?
As we learn truth, we must be true to the knowledge we receive.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
In moments of fear or doubt or troubling times, hold the ground you
have already won, even if that ground is limited. … When those
moments come, hold fast to what you already know and stand strong
until additional knowledge comes. … The size of your faith or the degree
of your knowledge is not the issue—it is the integrity you demonstrate
toward the faith you do have and the truth you already know.
… I am not asking you to pretend to faith you do not have. I am asking
you to be true to the faith you do have.
Goals
Joseph Smith History 1:23-25
23 It caused me serious reflection then, and often has since, how very
strange it was that an obscure boy, of a little over fourteen years of age,
and one, too, who was doomed to the necessity of obtaining a scanty
maintenance by his daily labor, should be thought a character of
sufficient importance to attract the attention of the great ones of the
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 32 | P a g e
most popular sects of the day, and in a manner to create in them a spirit
of the most bitter persecution and reviling. But strange or not, so it was,
and it was often the cause of great sorrow to myself.
24 However, it was nevertheless a fact that I had beheld a vision. I
have thought since, that I felt much like Paul, when he made his defense
before King Agrippa, and related the account of the vision he had when
he saw a light, and heard a voice; but still there were but few who
believed him; some said he was dishonest, others said he was mad; and
he was ridiculed and reviled. But all this did not destroy the reality of
his vision. He had seen a vision, he knew he had, and all the persecution
under heaven could not make it otherwise; and though they should
persecute him unto death, yet he knew, and would know to his latest
breath, that he had both seen a light and heard a voice speaking unto
him, and all the world could not make him think or believe otherwise.
25 So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of
that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and
though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision,
yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and
speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to
say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually
seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the
world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a
vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny
it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend
God, and come under condemnation.
Your goals to be true
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 33 | P a g e
Hymns
True to the Faith (#254)
1. Shall the youth of Zion falter In defending truth and right? While the enemy assaileth, Shall we shrink or shun the fight? No!
(Chorus) True to the faith that our parents have cherished, True to the truth for which martyrs have perished, To God's command, Soul, heart, and hand, Faithful and true we will ever stand.
2. While we know the pow'rs of darkness Seek to thwart the work of God, Shall the children of the promise Cease to grasp the iron rod? No!
3. We will work out our salvation; We will cleave unto the truth; We will watch and pray and labor With the fervent zeal of youth. Yes!
Rise Up, O Men of God (#324)
1. Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things. Give heart and soul and mind and strength To serve the King of Kings.
2. Rise up, O men of God, In one united throng. Bring in the day of brotherhood And end the night of wrong.
3. Rise up, O men of God! Tread where his feet have trod. As brothers of the Son of Man, Rise up, O men of God!
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 34 | P a g e
Hope of Israel (#259)
1. Hope of Israel, Zion's army, Children of the promised day, See, the Chieftain signals
onward, And the battle's in array!
(Chorus) Hope of Israel, rise in might With the sword of truth and
right; Sound the war-cry, "Watch and
pray!" Vanquish ev'ry foe today.
2. See the foe in countless numbers,
Marshaled in the ranks of sin. Hope of Israel, on to battle; Now the vict'ry we must win!
3. Strike for Zion, down with error;
Flash the sword above the foe! Ev'ry stroke disarms a foeman; Ev'ry step we conq'ring go.
4. Soon the battle will be over; Ev'ry foe of truth be down. Onward, onward, youth of Zion; Thy reward the victor's crown.
Let Us All Press On (#243)
1. Let us all press on in the work of the Lord, That when life is o'er we may gain a reward; In the fight for right let us wield a sword, The mighty sword of truth.
(Chorus) Fear not, though the enemy deride; Courage, for the Lord is on our side. We will heed not what the wicked may say, But the Lord alone we will obey.
(Chorus: Alto, Tenor, and Bass) Fear not, courage, though the enemy deride; We must be victorious, for the Lord is on our side. We'll not fear the wicked nor give heed to what they say, But the Lord, our Heav'nly Father, him alone we will obey.
2. We will not retreat, though our numbers may be few When compared with the opposite host in view; But an unseen pow'r will aid me and you In the glorious cause of truth.
3. If we do what's right we have no need to fear, For the Lord, our helper, will ever be near; In the days of trial his Saints he will cheer, And prosper the cause of truth.
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 35 | P a g e
Choose the Right (#239)
1. Choose the right when a choice is placed before you. In the right the Holy Spirit guides; And its light is forever shining o'er you, When in the right your heart confides.
(Chorus) Choose the right! Choose the right! Let wisdom mark the way before. In its light, choose the right! And God will bless you evermore.
2. Choose the right! Let no spirit of digression Overcome you in the evil hour. There's the right and the wrong to ev'ry question; Be safe thru inspiration's pow'r.
3. Choose the right! There is peace in righteous doing. Choose the right! There's safety for the soul. Choose the right in all labors you're pursuing; Let God and heaven be your goal.
Ye Elders of Israel (#319)
1. Ye elders of Israel, come join now with me And seek out the righteous, where'er they may be-- In desert, on mountain, on land, or on sea-- And bring them to Zion, the pure and the free.
(Chorus) O Babylon, O Babylon, we bid thee farewell; We're going to the mountains of Ephraim to dwell.
2. The harvest is great, and the lab'rers are few; But if we're united, we all things can do. We'll gather the wheat from the midst of the tares And bring them from bondage, from sorrows and snares.
3. We'll go to the poor, like our Captain of old, And visit the weary, the hungry, and cold; We'll cheer up their hearts with the news that he bore And point them to Zion and life evermore.
They did not doubt. We will not doubt! I will not doubt! 36 | P a g e
Call to Arms!
Throughout this week you will be asked the question “What say ye?”
You will learn a response to the question: “They did not doubt! We will
not doubt! I will not doubt!”
The first line of the response has reference to the 2000 stripling
warriors who did not doubt the testimonies of their mothers. The
second line refers to all young men attending the Encampment—
collectively you are powerful as you live the gospel. The third line is a
personal reference. As your faith and testimony grow stronger, you will
have great influence for good in God’s Kingdom.
Use this study journal. Take time to read, reflect, and pray about these
principles. Let these truths sink deep into your heart, and record the
thoughts that come to you. Follow the impressions you receive to set
personal goals to follow the Savior.
Recognize that you are needed in this great work. You have a part in
strengthening the Kingdom of God. He will bless you in your efforts to
be true at all times in whatsoever thing you are entrusted.
Brethren, Adieu!
We hope you had a great week at camp and that your experiences have
strengthened your desire to be valiant and courageous.
Remember what God shared with Moses also applies to you: “Behold,
thou art my son; . . . and I have a work for thee” (Moses 1:4, 6).
We are confident in your abilities and testify of the truth of President
Ezra Taft Benson’s words: “men and women who turn their lives over to
God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than
they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their
minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their
blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up
friends, and pour out peace.”
We part quoting the prophet Jacob’s final words: “Brethren, adieu”
(Jacob 7:27), which means we entrust to you to God who is our sure
anchor and rock.
I can do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me. – Philippians 4:13