Giving to Those in Need • Devotion 1: Charity
Pastor John Carter
As we walk through this series and focus particularly on the passages of Matthew chapter 6, I wanted to give you some real and practical ways to read these devotions. These devotions will walk day-by-day through the particular passage we are studying. Sometimes it might just be a phrase or word that really sticks out or leads us to the power and substance of God’s Word. I intentionally made them short so they would quickly point you to the meat of the subject.
This week, we are going to walk through Jesus’ teaching on charity, or giving. Jesus, over the next several weeks, is going to walk us through the comparison and contrast of the right way to give versus the wrong way to give. You often hear this in church, “Just tell me the right way; I can figure out the wrong stuff.” Churches in the past have been ridiculed for always only pointing out the “what not to do” with very few instructions on “what to do.” Jesus is going to give us plenty of both. If we do not take an honest approach to the things God says “not” to do then we may very well find ourselves in the traps and lies of the devil. I am very thankful that Jesus gives us both so that we can not only see the warning and what to be careful of but He also instructs us in the proper way to walk.
This week we are going to walk through the subject of giving, or charity. Before we really dive into Matthew chapter 6, I think the following passage is a good reminder for us. As Kind David opened the assembly at the temple in prayer, he pointed to some powerful truths.
In 1 Chronicles 29:10-13, we read, “Therefore David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: ‘Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.’”
David, with all of the victories in battle, wealth, power, and security they received, recognizes that it all came by the hands of God. God blessed David and the people of Israel in many ways. David wants us to remember Who it is that actually gives us strength, power, wealth, and security. He said, “All that is in heaven and in the earth is yours [God’s].” This is really the fundamental question we have to answer, “Do I believe that statement?” As we walk through Matthew chapter 6, we will see the comparison and contrast of those who give only to be seen versus those who give in secret.
Practically, walk through today and evaluate that question. Take time to really digest it. “Do I believe that God is in charge of all that is in Heaven and Earth?” Maybe you should ask yourself how you might act differently if you say “yes” to that question. Pray that God will show you some amazing truth from His Word this week as we dive into Jesus teaching us practical applications concerning life.