Topic: Tenets Of Giving [Open Heavens for Teens 14 November 2020]

Click HERE for Previous Open Heaven Devotional for Teens

Memorise: But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: Matthew 6:3

Read: Matthew 6:1-4

1. Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
2. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
3. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4. That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Bible In One Year: Ezekiel 7-9; Hebrews 10:24-39

MESSAGE:

Some people give but don’t receive in return and they wonder why they are not getting rewarded. There are laid down principles that must be followed if you really want to reap when you sow. One of the principles is to give based on your capacity. Some persons give below their capacity. If someone asks for 100 naira, and you can spare that amount or even more, but then, you decided to give the fellow 50 naira, you have not given bountifully as stated in the Bible.

Another principle is give cheerfully. Some fellows give after grumbling and complaining of how they have a lot of financial obligations or needs, things to do with money and how they might be in need after giving. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7 b). So whether you are giving to people or God, do it with joy. A very important point worthy of note from the passage we read today is that God does not expect you to tell anyone whenever you give to someone. Imagine, if your left hand that is attached to your body is not meant to know, how much more a third party? When you announce your good deeds to people, you have gotten your reward. Don’t also give to the one that can repay you. Rather, give to those who cant so that God can reward you.

Key Point:

Give the right way so as to get the right reward.

Hymns: What A Friend We Have In Jesus

1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
   All our sins and griefs to bear;
   What a privilege to carry
   Ev’rything to God in prayer
   Oh! what peace we often forfeit,
   Oh! what needless pain we bear
   All because we do not carry
   Everything to God in prayer.
2. Have we trials and temptations?
   Is there trouble anywhere?
   We should never be discouraged,
   Take it to the Lord in prayer
   Can we find a Friend so faithful
   Who will all our sorrow share?
   Jesus knows our every weakness,
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3. Are we weak and heavy laden,
   Cumbered with a load of care?
   Precious Saviour still our refuge,
   Take it to the Lord in prayer
   Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
   Take it to the Lord in prayer
   In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
   Thou wilt find a solace there.

Daily Devotional for Teen’s guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.