Talk Preparation Guide for "Opening the Windows of Heaven"

In this talk, Elder Neil L. Andersen discusses the principles and blessings of tithing. He shares personal experiences and scriptural references to illustrate the importance of this commandment, the blessings that come from obedience, and how tithing is utilized in the Church.

Topics

Experiencing Miracles through Tithing

Elder Andersen starts his talk with a story from a member in Venezuela who experienced protection and blessings as a result of faithfully paying tithes.

“Papa! I know why our store was protected. You and Mama always pay your tithes.”

“I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground” [Malachi 3:11]. We knelt down and gratefully thanked our Heavenly Father for His miracle.”

Key Points:

Tithing can bring protection and blessings in times of trial.
Faithful tithe payers recognize the hand of the Lord in their lives.

Experiences:

Have you ever experienced a miracle or blessing that you attribute to paying tithing?
How has tithing helped you in times of trial or difficulty?
Can you share a time when you felt the Lord’s protection as a result of your faithfulness in paying tithing?

Understanding Tithing as a Matter of Faith

Elder Andersen emphasizes that tithing is not just about money, but is a matter of faith and putting the Lord first in our lives.

The sacred law of tithing is principally a matter of our faith.

Being honest in our tithes is one way we show our willingness to put the Lord first in our lives, above our own cares and interest.

I promise you that as you trust in the Lord, the blessings of heaven will follow.

Key Points:

Tithing is a demonstration of our faith and trust in the Lord.
Paying tithing shows our willingness to put the Lord first.

Experiences:

How has paying tithing strengthened your faith in the Lord?
Can you share an experience where you had to choose between your own needs and paying tithing?
How has paying tithing helped you put the Lord first in your life?

Recognizing the Sacred Nature of Tithing

Elder Andersen explains how tithing funds are used in the Church and the sacred nature of these funds.

These sacred funds do not belong to the leaders of the Church. They belong to the Lord.

We deeply feel the weight of being “answerable to the Lord.”

Key Points:

Tithing funds are used for the Lord's work, including missionary work, building temples, and providing education.
Church leaders feel the weight of their responsibility in handling these sacred funds.

Experiences:

How does understanding the sacred nature of tithing change your perspective on this commandment?
Can you share an experience where you felt the blessings of the Lord’s work funded through tithing?
How has seeing the use of tithing in the Church strengthened your commitment to this commandment?

Experiencing Blessings from Tithing

Elder Andersen shares experiences and testimonies of the blessings that come from paying tithing. He emphasizes that these blessings are not just temporal, but also spiritual.

The blessings of tithing come in many ways.

The spiritual power of the divine law of tithing is not measured by the amount of money contributed, for both the prosperous and the poor are commanded by the Lord to contribute 10 percent of their income. The power comes from placing our trust in the Lord.

Key Points:

Blessings from tithing are both temporal and spiritual.
The power of tithing comes from trusting in the Lord, not from the amount contributed.

Experiences:

Can you share a spiritual blessing you have received from paying tithing?
How has paying tithing helped you trust in the Lord?
Can you share an experience where you saw the Lord’s hand in your life as a result of paying tithing?

Recognizing Tithing in God's Work

Elder Andersen concludes his talk by testifying of the importance of tithing in the Lord's work and the blessings that will come as we faithfully pay our tithes.

You and I are part of God’s important work upon the earth.

In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns, He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful.

Key Points:

Tithing is a crucial part of the Lord's work on earth.
Faithful tithe payers will witness and receive great blessings in the last days.

Experiences:

How do you see your tithing contributing to the Lord’s work?
Can you share a blessing you have received that you attribute to your faithfulness in paying tithing?
How has your understanding of tithing influenced your commitment to the Lord’s work?