Daniel Obeys the Lord

“Daniel Obeys the Lord,” Friend, Jun 1998, 34

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Prov. 3:5–6.)

When King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered the land of Judah, he brought back to his kingdom some of the well-favored children of Israel. Chosen were those who were without blemish, who were wise and well-educated. Among them were four young men—Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. The king told his servant to feed them rich foods and wines for three years, the same food he would eat himself, and then bring them before him.

Daniel and his friends had been taught to eat a more healthy diet, and he made a request of the king’s servant. “Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse [seeds, grains, vegetables] to eat, and water to drink.

“Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.” (Dan. 1:12–13.)

The servant agreed. The Lord blessed the four young men for their faithfulness, and after ten days had passed, Daniel and his friends were fairer and healthier than those who ate the king’s meat.

You can be like Daniel in the scriptures. You, too, know what the Lord would have you eat and drink. You know what is not good for you (see Doctrine and Covenants 89). If a king, or a friend, or anyone else tempts you to try something that is harmful to your body, say no with the same courage shown by Daniel.

Color the flannel-board figures, then mount them on heavy paper. Cut them out and use them to retell the story of Daniel and his three friends.

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The King’s servant; Daniel; Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah; King Nebuchadnezzar.
(Illustrated by Beth Whittaker.)

Filed under: Lesson 40: Daniel and the King’s Food, Babylon, Dan. 1:12–13, Daniel Obeys the Lord, King Nebuchadnezzar, land of Judah, Lesson 40: Daniel and the King’s Food, word of wisdom

Word of Wisdom

Virginia Pearce, “Sharing Time: Joseph Smith Receives a Revelation,” Friend, Jun 1992, 44

And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint (D&C 89:20).

Joseph Smith started a school for men in the Church called the School of the Prophets. In a room in Newel Whitney’s store in Kirtland, Ohio, he taught the men about the priesthood and the scriptures.

While they were learning together, many of the men smoked pipes or cigars. The room was filled with smoke. Some men chewed tobacco, and the floor became dirty. The room always needed cleaning when the men went home.

Joseph wondered if men should smoke or chew tobacco. He prayed and asked God what was right.

In answer, the Lord told him that people should not use alcohol, tobacco, tea, or coffee. He said, “Strong drinks are not for the belly, … tobacco is not for the body, … hot drinks are not for the body or belly.” (D&C 89:7–9.) Joseph was told that fruits, vegetables, and grains are good for people to eat. He learned that people should not eat too much meat. (See D&C 89.)

The Lord told Joseph that if people would take only good things into their bodies, they would have good health, be wise, and be able to learn many things.

Joseph was happy to be able to teach the people of the Church about the things that they should and should not take into their bodies.

We can show respect, honor, and love for ourselves and Heavenly Father by refusing to ever use tea, coffee, tobacco, alcohol, or any harmful drugs. When we eat those things that are good for us, and give our bodies the right amount of exercise and sleep, we are showing reverence.

Instructions

Find the hidden pictures of things that are good for your body: a loaf of bread, carrot, head of lettuce, sheaf of grain, roasted chicken, pie, bell pepper, peach, fish, steak, bean, pea pod, peanut, bunch of asparagus, strawberry, cucumber, squash, pineapple, carton of milk, pumpkin, tomato, muffin, slice of watermelon, banana, sandwich, half grapefruit, radish, plum, cracker, mushroom, pear, lemon, beet, pickle, an apple, ear of corn, egg, eggplant, olive, onion, celery, cherries, broccoli, and grapes. Now color the picture.

Filed under: Lesson 14: The Word of Wisdom, word of wisdom

Primary 3 Lesson 14: The Word of Wisdom

Lesson

Coloring Page Link

Illustrated by Julie F. Young

Illustrated by Julie F. Young

Filed under: Lesson 14: The Word of Wisdom, word of wisdom