So I'm realizing that I never post on here. Or take any pictures. Or update my Facebook page. The world probably thinks I'm non-existent due to the fact that I hardly ever post anything on the internet. However, somehow when I am studying a gospel topic or come across good quotes, I feel a draw to post them on here (meaning, my blog). I think it's because it's a place I can always come back to and remember what I was thinking while I was studying these topics. Maybe the few readers of my blog will find these spiritual insights I'm having of use.
Today, I've been studying the topic of covenants. Remembering what a covenant is, how it binds us to God, what the covenants I've made mean, and what covenants I'll make in my future. I came across an amazing talk by D. Todd Christofferson called "The Power of Covenants" (see here.)
1. When explaining our need for covenants he says, "What is the source of moral and spiritual power, and how do we obtain it? The source is God. Our access to that power is through our covenants with Him." He explains the definition of a covenant by saying: "A covenant is an agreement between God and man, an accord whose terms are set by God. In these divine agreements, God binds Himself to sustain, sanctify, and exalt us in return for our commitment to serve Him and keep His commandments."
Thus, covenants are essential for accessing the power we need from God. The covenants we make on earth with God are intended to literally bind our souls to God--God agrees to help, strengthen, and exalt us, we agree to serve and obey him.
2. "Divine covenants make strong Christians. I urge each one to quality for and receive all the priesthood ordinances you can and then faithfully keep the promises you have made by covenant. In times of distress, let your covenants be paramount and let your obedience be exact. Then you can ask in faith, nothing wavering, according to your need, and God will answer. He will sustain you as you work and watch. In His own time and way, He will stretch forth his hand to you saying, "Here am I."
What I take away from all of this is that I have made covenants that bind my soul to God. God will strengthen me according to how devoted, obedient, and careful I am with these covenants. He will always do his part, but the challenge remains as to whether I will do mine.
Great post regarding an eternally important doctrine.
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