Daily Devotional
Are You Teaching Your Children to Give?
“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
May 17, 2023
Ponder This
If you were to clench your hand for a long time, eventually you would feel pain. The relief comes when we let go. So many people go along in life with clenched fists, saying, “That’s mine.” Life is made up of takers and givers. Teach children, and there’s so much they can give. Give them understanding, and they’ll give you understanding. There are many people today who look for someone to understand and care. It’s an amazing thing. Give acceptance. Give forgiveness to your children. Don’t let bitterness poison you and them. Give love. Love means, “I’ll do you good no matter what you do to me.” Teach children to give this way.
John Wesley, founder of Methodism, a great man of God said, “Make all you can, save all you can, and give all you can.” Teach children integrity. Teach children industry. Teach children charity and generosity. Clean up a neighbor’s yard. Help a widow carry groceries inside. Teach children to bring their own money to church. Give them their allowance. Teach them to take out of their allowance a gift. It may not be much, but let the children have the joy of bringing their offerings to the Lord. Exemplify a life of giving.
- What lessons have you learned from your parents?
- What are some valuable lessons you have received that you want to pass on to the next generation? How can you live as a model?
Practice This
Make a list of children and young people you know and pray for each of them.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
