Accessing God’s Power through Covenants

*** At the end of Elder Renlund’s talk – I have included my Conference Round Up – full of my “honorable mentions”, questions, promises, invitations, and personal applications. It is the BEST ending to six months of study 🤍 ***

Elder Dale G. Renlund’s message, Accessing God’s Power through Covenants, spoke about covenants in ways that I had never before considered. I was taught and inspired and I am grateful for that.

I feel like the topic of covenants or the covenant path are frequently heard during recent years in General Conference. And I think I may have been unintentionally glazing over it a little bit. I am not sure why this is – maybe perhaps I was seeing them too much as a checklist. Baptism and confirmation – check! Initiatory and Endowment – check! Sealing to parents and spouse – check!

Now, I mean it when I say this was unintentional. When I stop and think about my covenants – I do not think of them as a checklist. But I think sometimes we can unknowingly glaze over them when we have made those covenants.

BUT then comes the enduring part. I was talking with a friend this week about how hard that enduring part can feel. For many of us, making those covenants came fairly easily, but that does not mean our journey down the covenant path is over. We need those covenants. We need to understand them. How can we do our part, if we do not even understand what that part is?

I’ve spent a lot of time in my life waiting for some big change to happen within myself. A change where my life becomes completely focused on my Savior. Where my very nature has become aligned with Him.

My testimony came in a moment. It is a moment I will always remember. I remember where I was – what scripture I was reading – and I will never forget the feeling. I was overcome with the Spirit and it was a moment I could never deny. But CHANGE, true, lasting change, happens bit by bit for most of us. It comes as we walk that path. Not just by “completing” the ordinances and covenants – but by honoring them every day. Because as we live those covenants – we are changed, bit by bit. We are given His power to change our very natures. To go against the “natural man” within ourselves and be who we are destined to be.

Elder Renlund’s message gave me hope. Hope that if I continue to honor my covenants, He will work within me and change me. And even though I may not notice the changes, He is giving me power to become more than this world would ever make of me.

There are two promises that Elder Renlund gives that are so powerful:

• As you walk the covenant path, from baptism to the temple and throughout life, I promise you power to go against the natural worldly flow – power to learn, power to repent and be sanctified, and power to find hope, comfort, and even joy as you face life’s challenges.
• I promise you and your family protection against the influence of the adversary, especially when you make the temple a major focus in your life.

And that was what I was inspired to do moving forward – make the temple a major focus in my life. I know in the Lord’s holy temples, I can be strengthened and endowed with power from on high. I can’t wait to spend more time in that holy place.

Highlights

It is not natural for us to be humble, meek, or willing to submit our wills to God. Yet only by doing so can we be transformed, return to live in the presence of God, and achieve our eternal destiny.

When we yield “to the enticings of the Holy Spirit” and put off the selfish tendencies of the natural man or woman, we can receive the Savior’s transforming power in our lives, the power to do difficult things.

We can access the power of God, but only when we connect with Him through sacred covenants.

A covenant is a pledge that we should prepare form, clearly understand, and absolutely honor…We make a covenant only when we intend to commit ourselves quite exceptionally to fulfilling it. We become covenant children of God and inheritors of His kingdom, especially when we identify ourselves completely with the covenant.

The term covenant path refers to a series of covenants whereby we come to Christ and connect to Him. Through this covenant bond, we have access to His eternal power.

We become His disciples and represent Him well when we intentionally and incrementally take on ourselves the name of Jesus Christ through covenants. Our covenants give us power to stay on the covenant path because our relationship with Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father is changed. We are connected to Them by a covenantal bond.

The endowment is God’s gift of sacred covenants that connect us more fully to Him. In the endowment, we covenant, first, to strive to keep the commandments of God; second, to repent with a broken heart and contrite spirit; third, to live the gospel of Jesus Christ…Fourth, to keep the law of chastity and, fifth, to dedicate ourselves and everything the Lord blesses us with to build up His Church.

By making and keeping temple covenants, we learn more about the Lord’s purposes and receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost…We live with an eternal perspective and are more motivated to serve God and others. We receive increased capacity to fulfill our purposes in mortality. We are protected from eve, and we gain greater power to resist temptation and to repent when we stumble…By connecting to God’s power, we…are able to against the flow of the world, throughout our lives and into the eternities. Ultimately, our destinies are changed because the covenant path leads to exaltation and eternal life.

Keeping covenants made in baptismal fonts and in temples also provides us with strength to withstand mortality’s trials and heartaches. The doctrine associated with these covenants eases our way and provides hope, comfort, and peace.

As you walk the covenant path, from baptism to the temple and throughout life, I promise you power to go against the natural worldly flow – power to learn, power to repent and be sanctified, and power to find hope, comfort, and even joy as you face life’s challenges. I promise you and your family protection against the influence of the adversary, especially when you make the temple a major focus in your life.

As you come to Christ and are connected to Him and our Heavenly Father by covenant, something seemingly unnatural happens. You are transformed and become perfected in Jesus Christ. You become a covenant child of God and an inheritor in His kingdom. I can imagine Him saying to you, “Thou art my dear child in whom I delight . Welcome home.”

FULL text and video of Elder Dale G. Renlund’s message can be found HERE.

Other messages from the April 2023 General Conference that I have found particularly impactful:

• Peacemakers Needed by President Russell M. Nelson
• The Greatest Easter Story Ever Told by Elder Gary E. Stevenson
• “There Can Be Nothing So Exquisite and Sweet as Was My Joy” by Elder Craig C. Christensen
• Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Parents by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
• Followers of the Prince of Peace by Elder Ulisses Soares

Conference Round Up

Another six months of study has come and gone and it has been just as lovely as always. I love and am immensely strengthened by reading and pondering and studying these words and I am grateful to share my testimony in this little corner of the world.

Honorable Mentions

I’ve said it before, and I will say it again – the hardest part is picking only six messages to spotlight. There are so many beautiful and inspiring messages. Here are my six additional messages that really touched my heart and definitely deserve a read, a listen, and a ponder.

Trusting the Doctrine of Christ

Elder Evan A. Schmutz spoke of church doctrine and trust. Trust is the “assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something”. I desired to trust in the doctrine of Christ and focus on my Redeemer.

“When we have built our houses on the foundation of a covenantal relationship with Christ, we are trusting the doctrine of Christ, and as we come unto Him, we have His promise of eternal life.”

Focus on Jesus Christ

Brother Milton Camargo spoke of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He encouraged me to transform my home into a sanctuary of faith and a center of gospel learning.

“The Lord Jesus Christ lives today. He can be an active, daily presence in our lives. He is the solution to our problems, but we must lift our eyes and raise our sights to see Him.”

Remember What Matters Most

President M. Russell Ballard spoke of priorities. This message spoke so directly to my heart. And while there is so much I could say, more than anything, it made me want to bear my testimony of Jesus Christ more regularly. He is what matters most.

“I have learned what matters most is our relationships with Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, our families, and our neighbors, and allowing the Spirit of the Lord to guide us in those relationships so we can testify of the things that matter most and last longest.”

“Abide in Me, and I in You; Therefore Walk with Me”

Elder David A Bednar spoke of discipleship. This was another one that just hit me to my core. Again, there is so much I could say, but I yearn to be steadfast and firm in my devotion to the Savior and make Him the center of my life. Are you seeing a pattern? I am.

“We abide in Christ as we are firm and steadfast in our devotion to the Redeemer and his holy purposes, in times both good and bad.”

When to Receive Your Patriarchal Blessing

Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita spoke of patriarchal blessings. There was not one, but TWO messages specifically focused on patriarchal blessings. It has prompted so many discussions in my home that I am so grateful for. Both messages go hand in hand so well – but I felt a focus to encourage receiving your patriarchal blessing and also to study mine more regularly. This has been such a blessing in my life.

“Patriarchal blessings are sacred gifts from [Heavenly Father and His Beloved and Only Begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ]. When you receive your blessing, you will realize and feel how They love you and how They focus on you individually.”

Safely Gathered Home

Elder Quentin L. Cook spoke of gathering. It has made me think how I “gather” and encouraged me to be a beacon light example to help others. His message has also encouraged me to ponder how I have accepted counsel on gathering Israel.

“The Lord expect those who have receive His gospel to urgently strive to be a beacon-light example that will help others come to God. This allows our brothers and sisters across the earth to enjoy the supernal blessings and ordinances of the restore gospel of Jesus Christ and be safely gathered home.”

Questions

As always, there are three things I keep a running list of while I study the messages from General Conference – questions, promises, and invitations.

Prior to General Conference, I always make a short list of any questions I may be having and seeking answer for. And I have been amazed at how frequently a speaker will ask my question – or a variation of my question – and then go on to answer it. Reading and pondering these questions has been greatly impactful for me.

• How do I model the teaching and celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Easter story, with the same balance, fulness, and rich religious tradition of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Christmas story?
• How can reading Book of Mormon scriptures at Easter bless our lives and those of our loved ones in a meaningful way?
• Am I as anxious to witness for myself as the multiudes in the scriptures?
• How can I get close enough to gain a personal witness of Jesus Christ?
• Do I honor [holy habits] as sacred opportunities to testify of Christ?
• How would intentionally TRUSTING the doctrine of Christ change the way I life my life?
• Have I ever thought about the tremendous risk our Father in Heaven takes each time He sends a child to earth?
• What work could be greater than helping God’s precious children learn who they really are and build their faith in Jesus Christ, His gospel, an His Church?
• How do I avoid the mistake of concentrating so much on the problems that I lose focus on the solution, our Savior, Jesus Christ?
• Have I truly been forgiven?
• Do I remember my Heavenly Father?
• Do I love my Heavenly Father?
• In our extremely contentious world, how can unity be achieved, especially in the Church, where we are to have “one Lord, one faith, one baptism”?
• Why do I insist on carrying my rocks [or mortal burdens] alone?
• How does the Savior relieve me of the burdens of living in a fallen world with mortal bodies subject to grief and pain?
• What is relief?
• Have I heard of patriarchal blessings?
• Am I continually grateful for the incomparable Atonement of Jesus Christ?
• Do I feel the Atonement’s purifying power right now?
• I, like the ten virgins, have a lamp; but do I have oil?
• How can I move stones and build upon His rock?
• How can I figuratively arise and come forth?
• How can I, with the Lord’s help, loose myself of all that binds me?
• Do you know why I as a Christ believe in Christ?
• Why did Jesus have to die?
• How do I actually learn and come to abide in Him?
• Is it possible for Christ to abide in me – individually and personally?
• Is the word in me?
• Are the truths of the savior’s gospel written in the fleshy tables of my heart?
• Am I coming unto and gradually becoming more like the Savior?
• Is the tree of Christ growing in me?
• Am I striving to become a “new creature” in Him?

Promises

Promises from our leaders are incredibly powerful. Always look for the promises.

• Power to go against the natural worldly flow – power to learn, power to repent and be sanctified, and power to find hope, comfort, and even joy as I face life’s challenges as I walk the covenant path.
• Protection against the influence of the adversary when I make the temple a major focus in my life.
• If I prepare spiritually, my experience [receiving my patriarchal blessing] will be sacred to me.
• As I follow the guidance of the prophets and learn how to do my family history and perform the temple ordinances for my ancestors, I will experience great joy to the point that I will not want to stop doing it.
• The Savior will heal me.
• As I pursue and develop Christlike attributes, I will become more and more cordial and sensitive to the needs of my fellow beings and will experience joy, peace, and spiritual growth.
• Heavenly guidance and heavenly power – power that brings strength to my covenants, peace to my difficulties, and joy to my blessings as I continue to attentively catch hold of this thought of Jesus Christ, trust in Him, and keep His commandments.
• As my mind remains firmly and forever upon the thought of Jesus Christ, and as I continue to focus my life more fully on the Savior, I will feel His hope, HIs peace, and His love.
• As I bear testimony of what I KNOW, BELIEVE, and FEEL, the Holy Ghost will confirm the truth to those who earnestly listen to my testimony.
• As I strive to act righteously by making and keeping sacred covenants and applying the doctrine of Christ in my life, my faith will not only be sufficient to carry me to the fourth day, but with the Lord’s help I can also be capable of moving stones that are in my path, arising from despair, and loosening myself of all that binds me.
• As I press forward in faith and walk in the meekness of the Lord’s Spirit, I am blessed with power, guidance, protection, and peace.
• By the power of the Holy Ghost, I can know and feel the gospel truths for myself individually and personally.
• If I abide in Jesus Christ, He will abide in me. And as I walk in and with Him, I will be blessed to bring forth much fruit.

Invitations

And finally, invitations. This become my list for change.

• Look at the Book of Mormon in a new light and consider the prfound witness it bears of the reality of the risen Christ as well as the richness and depth of the doctrine of Christ.
• Look for Christ everywhere.
• Give our young men and young women needed opportunity to accompany and be mentored by experienced brothers and sisters.
• Let our young rising generation inspire ministering brother and sister companionships.
• Hearken to the Good Shepherd and help Him “seek that which was lost,….bring again that which was driven away…bind up that which was broken,…strenghten that which was sick.”
• Review how I individually and collectively accept dramatic counsel to help gather Israel that has been issued by the Lord and our beloved prophet.
• Members who have not yet received their patriarchal blessing should prayerfully seek to know when they are ready.
• Those who have already received their patriarchal blessing will study it and treasure it.
• Have the doctrine of Christ rooted in the marrow of MY bones.
• Make prayer a priority in my life and seek each day to improve my communication with God.
• Trust the doctrine of Christ and build my life upon the rock of the Redeemer.
• Contact the family history consultants in my ward or branch who will guide me in my family history.
• Accept God’s offer to guide my family by personal revelation.
• For all young single adults – Join FSY conferences as mentors and counselors.
• For parents – Build on the spiritual momentum your youth bring home from FSY conferences.
• Remember to seek the Savior, to love Him, and to always remember Him.
• Resolve never to forget what Christ endured to redeem me.
• Never lose the overwhelming joy I will feel as I contemplate His victory over the grave and the gift of universal resurrection.
• Consider ways I can transform myself into an uplifting and supportive person.
• More consciously shape, strength, and secure the thought of Jesus Christ in the chamber of my soul, allowing it to eagerly flow into my mind, guide me in what I think and do, and continually bring the sweet joy of the Savior’s love.
• Praise my holy God and rejoice in His goodness to me.
• Interact with others in a higher, holier way.
• CHOOSE to be a peacemaker, now and always.
• Remember Jesus Christ in situations that are highly charged and filled with contention
• Look into my heart to see if there are shards of pride or jealousy that prevent me from becoming a peacemaker.
• Examine my discipleship within the context of the way I treat others.
• Bear my testimony of Jesus Christ more often.
• Fill my bucket with oil in the form of the living water of Jesus Christ.
• Do my best, bring what I can, and with faith, lay my imperfect offering at His feet.
• Ask, seek, knock, and learn for myself by the power of the Holy Ghost meaningful ways I can make Christ the center of my life in all that I do.
• Seek for the Holy Ghost to guide me in my study as I contemplate the truths taught in General Conference.
• Savor the scripture verses about the last week of the Savior’s life and His resurrection and find every way I can to thank my Heavenly Father for sending His Only Begotten Son.
• Study the account of the Savior’s appearance to the Nephites in the Americas.
• Come unto Jesus Christ so that He can heal ME.

Personal Application

And this list is for me. Everyone should leave conference with their own personal thoughts and impressions of where they need to direct their lives. These are mine.

• Observe a more Christ-centered Easter and study regularly from the Book of Mormon.
• Look for Christ everywhere and make my holy habits purposeful.
• Just keep going! Exercise faith in my Savior to overcome.
• Love and care for those around me as the Savior would.
• Be a beacon light example to help others and ponder how I have accepted counsel on gathering Israel.
• Be confident in following prophetic counsel.
• Come unto the Savior and find peace and help others to find it.
• Make the temple a major focus in my life.
• Allow the Atonement to be an active part of my life.
• Study deeply the truths found in my patriarchal blessing.
• Repent daily and keep redirecting my life and choices on the Savior.
• TRUST in the doctrine of Christ and focus on my Redeemer.
• Continue to learn from my ancestors and unite my family in the temple.
• Let God guide my family through revelation and guide my children in truth and faith – seek the savior’s help in my parenting.
• Seek the blessings of Christlike poise – to stay calm and focused on what matter most in any storm.
• Transform my home into a sanctuary of faith and a center of gospel learning.
• REMEMBER my Savior and let His love heal me.
• Minister, care, and love INDIVIDUALLY.
• Love others as Christ loves them.
• Find Jesus, the source of relief AND bind myself to Him.
• Study the attributes of Christ and strive to develop them.
• Encourage those around me to receive their patriarchal blessings and study my own frequently.
• Examine my priorities and time – focus my life on the Savior.
• Make attending the temple every month a priority.
• Treat others in a higher and holier way.
• Feast on the scriptures and follow Jesus Christ.
• Bear my testimony of Jesus Christ more regularly.
• Be willing to live the Savior’s ways and share His light.
• Be sincere in giving my best efforts and trust in the Savior’s grace to make up the difference.
• Move forward with faith and do all that I can do as I walk through the experiences of mortality.
• Examine my WHY – why do I choose to follow Jesus Christ?
• Be firm and steadfast in my devotion to the Savior and make Him the center of my life.
• Invite the savior into every aspect of my life. Let Him in!

Final Thoughts

I love this space. I hope it is an uplifting place for anyone who stumbles upon it. It is a place to share my family’s story, but also, I hope in even a small way, it uplifts and draws your thoughts to our Father in Heaven and our Savior, Jesus Christ. They are my everything. Sending love to all as we prepare to hear from our Prophet in a few more weeks.