Study Guide for "Abound with Blessings"

In this talk, Elder Dale G. Renlund discusses the nuanced nature of how we receive blessings from God. He emphasizes that blessings are not earned, but faith-inspired actions are essential. Using the metaphor of a woodpile and a match, he illustrates how small actions can release the potential blessings God has for us. He also discusses the importance of patience and faith in God's timing.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

How does Elder Renlund describe the process of receiving blessings from God?
What is the role of faith-inspired action in receiving blessings?
What examples does Elder Renlund use to illustrate his points?
What does Elder Renlund say about God's timing in bestowing blessings?
How does Elder Renlund relate these principles to our personal and family study of the gospel?

Topics

Understanding the Nature of Blessings

Elder Renlund explains that blessings from God are not earned, but they require faith-inspired actions on our part. These actions are small compared to the blessings we receive, but they are necessary to ignite God’s promises.

Blessings from heaven are neither earned by frenetically accruing “good deed coupons” nor by helplessly waiting to see if we win the blessing lottery.

Restored truth reveals that blessings are never earned, but faith-inspired actions on our part, both initial and ongoing, are essential.

The required action, though, is always tiny when compared to the blessings we ultimately receive.

What does Elder Renlund mean when he says blessings are not earned?
Why are faith-inspired actions necessary to receive blessings?
How do our actions compare to the blessings we receive?
How can you apply faith-inspired action in your life?
Can you recall a time when a small action on your part led to a blessing?

Activating Blessings through Faith in Jesus Christ

Elder Renlund teaches that blessings from God require action based on our faith in Jesus Christ. He uses the example of the ancient Israelites who were healed by looking at a brass serpent. Our actions, though small, are necessary to activate the blessings God has for us.

Faith in the Savior is a principle of action and of power. First we act in faith; then the power comes—according to God’s will and timing.

Like those ancient Israelites, we too must act on our faith in Jesus Christ to be blessed.

In the dark, a match that is lit can be seen for miles. In fact, it can be seen in heaven because small acts of faith are required to ignite God’s promises.

How does faith in Jesus Christ activate blessings?
What does Elder Renlund teach about the sequence of action and power?
Why are small acts of faith significant in the sight of God?
How can you act on your faith in Jesus Christ this week?
What small act of faith can you perform to ignite God’s promises?

Ongoing, Faith-Filled Actions Required for Blessings

Elder Renlund explains that often, the activation energy needed for blessings requires more than just looking or asking; ongoing, repeated, faith-filled actions are required. He uses the example of pioneers settling Arizona and the story of Michael and Marian Holmes to illustrate these principles.

Often, the activation energy needed for blessings requires more than just looking or asking; ongoing, repeated, faith-filled actions are required.

The first clunky prayer was a small but faith-filled action that triggered the blessings of heaven.

Faith in Christ requires ongoing action for the blaze to continue. Small actions fuel our ability to walk along the covenant path and lead to the greatest blessings God can offer.

Why are ongoing, faith-filled actions necessary for blessings?
How do small actions fuel our ability to walk along the covenant path?
What can we learn from the story of Michael and Marian Holmes?
What ongoing, faith-filled actions are you taking in your life?
How can you better fuel your journey along the covenant path?

Patience and Trust in God's Timing

Elder Renlund emphasizes the importance of patience and trust in God's timing. Some blessings are reserved for later, even for the most valiant of God’s children. The “irrevocably decreed” law governing reception of blessings is time insensitive, meaning blessings come on God’s timetable.

When you receive any blessing from God, you can conclude that you have complied with an eternal law governing reception of that blessing. But remember that the “irrevocably decreed” law is time insensitive, meaning blessings come on God’s timetable.

If a desired blessing from God has not been received—yet—you do not need to go crazy, wondering what more you need to do.

Some blessings are reserved for later, even for the most valiant of God’s children.

What does Elder Renlund teach about God's timing in bestowing blessings?
Why is patience important in the process of receiving blessings?
What does it mean that the law governing reception of blessings is time insensitive?
How can you show patience and trust in God's timing?
Is there a blessing you've been waiting for? How can you continue to faithfully act while you wait?

Our Responsibility in Receiving Blessings

Elder Renlund emphasizes our responsibility in receiving blessings. We must act with faith, striking the metaphorical match on which the heavenly blessing is contingent. This includes personal and family study of the gospel.

To receive a desired blessing from God, act with faith, striking the metaphorical match on which the heavenly blessing is contingent.

We are each responsible to open and study Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families, along with the scriptures and other Come, Follow Me material.

What is our responsibility in receiving blessings from God?
How does personal and family study of the gospel relate to receiving blessings?
What steps can you take to more faithfully act on your responsibility to receive blessings?
How can you improve your personal and family gospel study?