I DID IT!!

I just want to announce to the world that I FINISHED reading the Old Testament. In the end it took me a lot longer than I had originally planned, but that was because I was actually studying, and because I was studying, I learned a lot and my love of the Old Testament has expanded so much. I'm so grateful it is our course of study for Gospel Doctrine this year. I want to share a quick thing that I learned on my last day of study, when I read Malachi chapters 3 & 4. Malachi 3 is famous for it's verses on tithing. Whenever anyone teaches the principle of tithing, they quote Malachi 3:8-12 and bring out the temporal blessings that we receive for our obedience to this law. Children or posterity are often referred to as "fruit" in the scriptures and, with that thought in mind, verse 11 took on a new significance for me. "And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts." The "devourer" is most often seen as natural calamities, but can also be Satan, so our obedience to the law of tithing will protect our children from the power of the adversary. They will learn the importance of keeping our covenants because they see US do it, they will know the blessings that come from tithing because they will hear US testify of it, and they will be strengthened because of OUR example. Isn't it great?! I love, Love, LOVE the Old Testament!!