Merry Christmas Beloved, we are glad you could join in today again, we look forward to your engagement everyday as always. Please, say these declarations in faith and believe God for a performance.

Note: These prayers are spiritual and can only be understood and fully enjoyed by God’s children. If you want to be blessed from these prayers, you must first, surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, by saying this prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me all my sins. Today, I surrender my life to You, I believe that Jesus is Lord and I confess it with my mouth. Jesus, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction in hellfire. In Jesus’ name I pray.”

If you joined in that life-changing prayer! Kindly reach us today: [email protected] for guidance on how to grow in Christ.

Join today’s Devotion: Open Heavens 25 December 2022

Today’s Prayer Points: Prayers points for Open Heavens 25 December 2022

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today I am a friend of God. I am not His enemy. I will not fight God’s Word and commands therefore God will not fight me. Instead, He showers me with blessings and calls me His own in Jesus’ name, Amen. Hallelujah!

DAILY DECLARATION

Father, thank You for building my life and family and ensuring that the gates of hell cannot prevail against it.

I declare that I set myself apart and live holy as a friend of Jesus in Jesus name.

I declare that I win souls into the Kingdom of God in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that I have the spirit of diligence in prayer, fasting and study of God’s word in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that I am swift to preach the Gospel. As a representative of Gods Kingdom, I receive boldness and utterance to preach the Goodnews to mankind in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that since God is for me, everyone that stands against me falls, for greater is He that is in me in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that I am a channel of miracles and blessings. God uses me to do mighty things on earth. I am a miracle dispenser in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that principalities and powers are brought under subjection. They have been overcome, therefore I trample upon them in Jesus name.

Thank You Father for the blessings of Christmas. Thank You for paying the ultimate price.

Father, bless my church members and strengthen them. Heal the sick amongst them and bless the needy in Jesus name.

Thank You Father for your son Pastor E. A Adeboye, and how You keep using him world wide. Lord may Your grace be multiplied to him and may You cause an increase to every seed You have planted through him. I decree and declare may the wisdom and inspiration of the Almighty upon him never cease and the grace of God will continually dwell with him and his entire household, may they continue to enjoy Your faithfulness in the mighty name of Jesus.

I decree and declare heaven responds to these prayers and declaration as I say them and I receive answers in Jesus name.

Holy Spirit thank You for the intercessory team, thank You for Your power and presence in their midst, please continue to inspire the intercessory team for more prophetic declarations. Help them to continue to communicate Your heart even through these declarations, please continue to inspire them for more prophetic declarations in Jesus’ name.

Thank You Lord for everyone working on this platform (RCCGONLINE.ORG). Please Lord, perfect everything that concerns them and make them great in Jesus name.

Thank You Holy Spirit for all the testimonies and miracles coming through these prayers. May they be permanent in Jesus name.

Father, let everybody joining in to say this declarations all over the world experience great miracles throughout this month. May we have numerous testimonies in Jesus name.

Somebody shout Hallelujah!

See you tomorrow.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 25 DECEMBER 2022 MEMORIZE: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 25 DECEMBER 2022 BIBLE READING MATTHEW 1:20-21

20. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 25 DECEMBER 2022 MESSAGE

Imagine a birthday where theres a lot to drink and eat, good music, big cake and lots of fun but the celebrant is absent and not known by anyone. This is exactly what happens in some homes every Christmas. Maybe you too have prepared a lot of food and drinks for todays occasion; you may even have new clothes to wear, but you don’t have Jesus in your life.

My dear, you are only celebrating in vain because Jesus is the reason for Christmas. Our Bible text for today explains the purpose for Christmas which is that Jesus the Saviour was born to save the world from destruction. This is why I find it fulfilling to go on evangelism on Christmas day so that I can tell others about the love of God because if Jesus hadn’t been born, there would be no point for our celebration anyway.

Therefore, I charge you today that, in the midst of your eating and drinking, place priority on telling others about Jesus. You can write short messages on Christmas cards and add them to gift packs or hampers, send text messages or post on social media about the love of Christ. However, if you are yet to accept Him as your Lord and Saviour, don’t savour that chicken before you do. Merry Christmas!

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 25 DECEMBER 2022 ACTION POINT

Jesus Christ is the reason for the season!

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 25 DECEMBER 2022 HYMN

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.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 25 DECEMBER 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: REVELATION 16:1-21 , HAGGAI 1-2

LESSON SEVENTEEN (17)
TOPIC: REST FOR YOUR SOUL

HOUSE FELLOWSHIP ANTHEM
1. I love this family of God,
So closely knitted into one,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

2. I bless this family of God,
So greatly prospered by the Lord,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

3. I know this family of God,
So deeply rooted in the word,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

4. I see this family of God,
So highly lifted above all,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

5. Come, join this family of God,
So highly favoured by the Lord,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family.

OPENING PRAYER: Father, please grant me peace every stormy situation.

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: Leader should remind members that devil will come to children of God without invitation.

MEMORY VERSE: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”.

BIBLE TEXT: PROVERBS 3:5-6
5. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path

LESSON INTRODUCTION: To rest means to cease from work or movement in order to relax, sleep or recover strength. To be at rest means to be at peace with yourself, with God and your environment, to get a break from multiple struggles and stress. Many things can be a burden to us: financial difficulties, troublesome work environment, painful family situations and our health. Often, we may feel completely worn out, not just outwardly tired but inwardly exhausted from struggling to bear these burdens. In Matthew 11:28, the Lord Jesus sounded a call with these gracious words “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”.

LESSON AIM: To have understanding why believers should find rest for their souls.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, members should be able to:
i. know how believers should access rest for their souls.
ii. know doom attached to not getting rest in God.

TEXT REVIEW: PROVERBS 3:5-6
i. Trusting Almighty God is an avenue to get all these issues resolved.
ii. Never in life lean on your own understanding or your own inputs.
iii. Acknowledging God gives you direction.

LESSON OUTLINES:
HOW CAN WE FIND REST FOR OUR SOULS?

1. By heartening to the voice of the Lord. Jesus said “come unto me” He said you must come. What a simple but important word for your freedom. The word come is found in the Bible in at least 1900 times. So, whoever you may be the Lord wants you to come to Him for solutions to all life challenges and you will find rest for your soul.

2. By invitation – inviting Jesus into your life and situation. Jeremiah 33:3, call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not”.

3. We are serving a God that does not sleep nor slumber, a solution provider, the ever present God. He has promised to answer us when we call upon His name.

4. By studying the word of God. This is another factor that will give rest for your soul. 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”. Studying and meditating on the word of God gives peace and rest of mind.

5. Through prayers and supplication – Philippians 4:6, communicating with God through faith in His word, promises and through total trust in his faithfulness and in His love. The lasting rest we all need is given to those who call on Him in the place of prayer. Rest for our souls come and abide because of personal encounter with the Lord. This should give added motivation to us to spend time with Him invthe place of prayer.

ASSIGNMENT: Members should study David’s approach to situation in 1 Samuel 30.

SUMMARY: Trusting God keeps you out of unnecessary anxiety.

CONCLUSION: Our great revelation of Matthew 11:28 is that the rest your soul desires, Jesus has promised you. He has promised to give you rest and indeed, He has given you. But you can only find the rest as you follow His directives. Come unto Him and you will find rest for your soul.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, thank You for giving rest to my soul.

2. Father, please give me uncommon rest in every area of my life.

3. Father, please give all RCCG members worldwide, rest from pains, cries, diseases and infirmities. Give us now o Lord.

4. Father, in Your mercy my life and my head will not reject the power of rest and grace to be at rest.

5. Father, please let my rest on every side be celebrated daily in Jesus Name.

6. Father, please multiply Daddy G.O’s rest on every side.

GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY: Hebrews 3:9-12.

TUESDAY: Hebrews 4:3.

WEDNESDAY: Hebrews 4:11.

THURSDAY: Beware of anxiety and unbelief, they are hindrances to God’s rest.

FRIDAY: Psalms 34:8.

SATURDAY: Psalms 125:1.

SUNDAY: Proverbs 3:5-6.

LESSON: 17

TOPIC: REST FOR YOUR SOUL

HOUSE FELLOWSHIP ANTHEM
1. I love this family of God,
So closely knitted into one,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

2. I bless this family of God,
So greatly prospered by the Lord,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

3. I know this family of God,
So deeply rooted in the word,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

4. I see this family of God,
So highly lifted above all,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

5. Come, join this family of God,
So highly favoured by the Lord,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family.

A. MEMORY VERSE: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”.

B. BIBLE TEXT: PROVERBS 3:5-6
5. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path

C. LESSON INTRODUCTION: To rest means to cease from work or movement in order to relax, sleep or recover strength. To be at rest means to be at peace with yourself, with God and your environment, to get a break from multiple struggles and stress. Many things can be a burden to us: financial difficulties, troublesome work environment, painful family situations and our health. Often, we may feel completely worn out, not just outwardly tired but inwardly exhausted from struggling to bear these burdens. In Matthew 11:28, the Lord Jesus sounded a call with these gracious words “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”.

HOW CAN WE FIND REST FOR OUR SOULS?
1. By heartening to the voice of the Lord. Jesus said “come unto me” He said you must come. What a simple but important word for your freedom. The word come is found in the Bible in at least 1900 times. So, whoever you may be the Lord wants you to come to Him for solutions to all life challenges and you will find rest for your soul.

2. By invitation – inviting Jesus into your life and situation. Jeremiah 33:3, call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not”.

3. We are serving a God that does not sleep nor slumber, a solution provider, the ever present God. He has promised to answer us when we call upon His name.

4. By studying the word of God. This is another factor that will give rest for your soul. 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”. Studying and meditating on the word of God gives peace and rest of mind.

5. Through prayers and supplication – Philippians 4:6, communicating with God through faith in His word, promises and through total trust in his faithfulness and in His love. The lasting rest we all need is given to those who call on Him in the place of prayer. Rest for our souls come and abide because of personal encounter with the Lord. This should give added motivation to us to spend time with Him invthe place of prayer.

CONCLUSION: Our great revelation of Matthew 11:28 is that the rest your soul desires, Jesus has promised you. He has promised to give you rest and indeed, He has given you. But you can only find the rest as you follow His directives. Come unto Him and you will find rest for your soul.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for giving rest to my soul.

2. Father, please give me uncommon rest in every area of my life.

3. Father, please give all RCCG members worldwide, rest from pains, cries, diseases and infirmities. Give us now o Lord.

4. Father, in Your mercy my life and my head will not reject the power of rest and grace to be at rest.

5. Father, please let my rest on every side be celebrated daily in Jesus Name.

6. Father, please multiply Daddy G.O’s rest on every side.

GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY: Hebrews 3:9-12.

TUESDAY: Hebrews 4:3.

WEDNESDAY: Hebrews 4:11.

THURSDAY: Beware of anxiety and unbelief, they are hindrances to God’s rest.

FRIDAY: Psalms 34:8.

SATURDAY: Psalms 125:1.

SUNDAY: Proverbs 3:5-6.

OPEN HEAVEN 30 DECEMBER 2022 MEMORIZE: It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:31

OPEN HEAVEN 30 DECEMBER 2022 BIBLE READING 2 CHRONICLES 36:15-16

15. And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:

16. But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy.

OPEN HEAVEN 30 DECEMBER 2022 MESSAGE

The greatest mistake anyone can ever make in life is to provoke the Almighty God. 1 John 4:8 tells us that God is love. He is not just a loving God, He is love personified, but Hebrews 12:29 also says He is a consuming fire.

Every coin has two sides. On one side of God, you have love – love so great that He gave His only begotten Son for our sake. On the other side, however, He is a consuming fire. Thus when you hear of people who talk about God as love only, about grace 100% of the time and nothing more, stay away from them.

God is indeed kind, merciful, and loving, but don’t mess with Him because He is a consuming fire. If He loves you specially and you fool around with Him, He will deal with you. The word of God made it clear in Hebrews 12:6 “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”

You would think the Bible would say that whosoever the Father loves, He kisses, but that is not what it says. If you know that what you are doing is wrong and have been corrected severally yet you refuse to yield, then you are very likely provoking Him to anger already.

You had better stop doing that thing you know He does not like. Proverbs 29:1 says: “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”

Nobody can tell me that because God loves you, you can go ahead and do whatever you like. If you can do whatever you like, it is likely that He has forsaken you, because the Bible made it clear in Hebrews 12:8 “But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.”

For those who say, Pastor Adeboye is legalistic, he is always talking law, I didn’t write the Bible. It is stated there clearly in both the Old and New Testaments that if you are doing wrong and God is not punishing you for it, then you are a bastard, and bastards will not be admitted into the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21-23).

OPEN HEAVEN 30 DECEMBER 2022 KEY POINT

Do everything possible to ensure that you never ever provoke God.

OPEN HEAVEN 30 DECEMBER 2022 HYMN

OPEN HEAVEN 30 DECEMBER 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: REVELATION 15:1-8, REVELATION 16:1-21, REVELATION 17:1-18, REVELATION 18:1-24

LESSON: SEVENTEEN (17)

TOPIC: DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE II

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN

1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friend friendship suits me well,
Both young and will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

MEMORY VERSE: “And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judeh? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron”. – 2Samuel 2:1

BIBLE PASSAGE: HABAKKUK 2:1-2

1 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.

2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

INTRODUCTION
The Bible is full of records of believers who yielded to the leading and guidance of God. While it may seem difficult for some people in our contemporary world to allow God in their pursuit, Christians that meet the requirements will walk in the path of God.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE
2. REQUIREMENTS FOR DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE

BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE

In Genesis 12:1-4, God ordered Abram out of his country to a promised land and he obeyed. Numbers 9:17-23 narrates how the Israelites obeyed the instruction of God to travel with the cloud. God instructed Jacob to return to his fatherland (Genesis 31:3) just as He told Elijah in 1Kings 18:1 to show himself to a Ahab as He would open the heavens for the rain to fall. According to *2Samuel 5:19,* David enquired from God on whether to go against the Philistines or not.

Matthew 2:9-12 tells that God led and guided the wise men to the place of birth of Jesus Christ. In *Acts 9:10-11*, the Lord gave and guided Ananias to a specific address of Saul of Tarsus. Surprisingly, the Holy Spirit can forbid you to perform a task, though, it may seem like it would please God (Acts 16:6).

REQUIREMENTS FOR DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE

1. Delights in the Lord Psalm 37:4-5; 1Corinthians 2:9).

2. Passion for God’s will (Luke 22:42). The will of God does not leave you miserable or regretful but rather it takes you to the expected end (Jeremiah 29:11)

3. The willingness to be led (Romans 8:14; Psalm 23:1-2).

4. The attitude of meekness (Psalm 25 9) : meekness equals being teachable.

5. The attitude of enquiry (Jeremiah 6:16; Matthew 7:7)

6. The attitude of hearing and listening – activate the listening mode (Psalm 85:8; Habakkuk 2:1-2).

7. The attitude of patience (Isaiah 28:16). Do not force yourself to hear what God is not saying

8. Soak in and meditate on the word of God (Psalm 119:105).

9. Pay attention to godly leaders over you (1Samuel 3:9).

10. Obey previous instructions (Mark 4:24b). If you have not harkened to previous instructions, you may not hear the next move of God.

CONCLUSION
If God is the One leading you, you can never miss the mark. Ask for the grace to understand the mind of God and be guided in the right direction. If you think you have gone far in the wrong direction and refuse to turn back, you will only end in the wrong destination.

QUESTION
1. Give four (4) biblical examples of people who follow the divine leading and guidance of God.
2. What are the requirements for the leading and guidance of God?

LESSON: SEVENTEEN (17)

DATE: SUNDAY DECEMBER 25TH 2022

TOPIC: DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE II

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN

1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friend friendship suits me well,
Both young and will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

OPENING PRAYER
Father, open my understanding to the need for Your leading

MEMORY VERSE: “And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judeh? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron”. – 2Samuel 2:1

BIBLE PASSAGE: HABAKKUK 2:1-2

1 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.

2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

INTRODUCTION
The Bible is full of records of believers who yielded to the leading and guidance of God. While it may seem difficult for some people in our contemporary world to allow God in their pursuit, Christians that meet the requirements will walk in the path of God.

TEXT REVIEW: HABAKKUK 2:1-2

Prophet Habakkuk recounted his activities when he was waiting on God to speak to him.
A. He stood upon his watch to …… V1
B. The Lord told him to;
i. . …..V2b
ii. ……. V2c
iii. So that …….. V2d

LESSON OUTLINES
1. BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE
2. REQUIREMENTS FOR DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE

BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE

The following are some instances of those who were led and guided by God in the bible:

i. *Genesis 12:1-4*, God ordered Abram out of his country to a promised land and he obeyed.

ii. *Numbers 9:17-23* The Israelites obeyed the instruction of God to travel with the cloud.

iii. *Genesis 31:3:* God instructed Jacob to return to his fatherland.

iv. *1Kings 18:1* God told Elijah to show himself to a Ahab as He would open the heavens for the rain to fall.

v. *2Samuel 5:19,* David enquired from God on whether to go against the Philistines or not.

vi. *Matthew 2:9-12* God led and guided the wise men to the place of birth of Jesus Christ.

vii. *Acts 9:10-11*, the Lord gave and guided Ananias to a specific address of Saul of Tarsus.
Surprisingly, the Holy Spirit can forbid you to perform a task, though, it may seem like it would please God (Acts 16:6).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1
Like the above examples, students should mention specific instructions they get from God and whether or not they obeyed.

REQUIREMENTS FOR DIVINE LEADING AND GUIDANCE

Some of the requirements for divine leading and guidance are listed below:

i. Delights in the Lord Psalm 37:4-5; 1Corinthians 2:9).

ii. Passion for God’s will (Luke 22:42). The will of God does not leave you miserable or regretful but rather it takes you to the expected end (Jeremiah 29:11)

iii. The willingness to be led (Romans 8:14; Psalm 23:1-2).

iv. The attitude of meekness (Psalm 25 9) : meekness equals being teachable.

v. The attitude of enquiry (Jeremiah 6:16; Matthew 7:7)

vi. The attitude of hearing and listening – activate the listening mode (Psalm 85:8; Habakkuk 2:1-2).

vii. The attitude of patience (Isaiah 28:16). Do not force yourself to hear what God is not saying

viii. Soak in and meditate on the word of God (Psalm 119:105).

ix. Pay attention to godly leaders over you (1Samuel 3:9).

x. Obey previous instructions (Mark 4:24b). If you have not harkened to previous instructions, you may not hear the next move of God.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2
Mention other requirements for divine leading and guidance not listed above.

SUMMARY
The scripture is full of people who were practically guilded by God. You too can be led by God today.

CONCLUSION
If God is the One leading you, you can never miss the mark. Ask for the grace to understand the mind of God and be guided in the right direction. If you think you have gone far in the wrong direction and refuse to turn back, you will only end in the wrong destination.

CLOSING PRAYER
Father, I receive the grace to meet all the requirements for divine leading and guidance

ASSIGNMENT
Recall and write down an occasion that you refused to follow the leading of God and the consequence of such disobedience. Make a pledge to be led and guided by God always. (No mark).

LESSON SEVENTEEN {17}
DATE: SUNDAY

TOPIC: LEADERSHIP: MEANS AND ROLES

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
*1.* O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

*2.* O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friend friendship suits me well,
Both young and will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

*3.* O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

*4.* O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee

*5.* O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

*6.* O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

MEMORY VERSE: “Discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you”. Proverbs 2:11(NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: GENESIS 41:38-41

38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:

40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.

INTRODUCTION: Having discovered what leadership is and certain theories of leadership with biblical instances, we need to find out how to become leaders as Christians. Equally, based on the situational theories of leadership, the role of team leaders should evolve as team develop through different stages. Effective leaders are aware of the stages and carry out the necessary actions required at each stage that will enable the team to be successful.

LESSON OUTLINE
1. MEANS OF BECOMING LEADER
2. THE ROLE OF LEADERS

1. MEANS OF BECOMING LEADER
There are various means of attaining leadership positions. These means includes:

1. Qualification: some people become leaders because they achieve the necessary certification or credentials for a position, e.g Vice-chancellor, Judges, etc. (Daniel 1:17-20).

2. Merit: Some people become leaders primarily through faithful and enthusiastic participation as well as competent performance over time. These leaders may be considered to have “paid their dues” (1Samuel 17:31-37). E.g. sSudent Union leaders.

3. Capturing: some people become leaders by campaigning for a position being political, or otherwise maneuvering themselves into a position. Leaders in this category may also take possession or seize the position through positive or negative means. E.g. politicians, military dictators, etc. (2Samuel 15:6).

4. Identification: Some people become leaders because they possess personal or professional qualities that are recognised as beneficial and undeniable, and are appropriate for meeting the team’s need at a particular time (Genesis 41:38-41). E.g. project manager of a business course representatives, etc.

5. Default: Some people become leaders simply because other team members are unwilling or unable to accept the position of responsibility. An example is someone in a small discussion group to lead the discussion (1 Samuel 17:10-11, 32).

6. Heritage: some people become leaders simply because they come from a privilege family or ruling class. E.g. children of great business owners, royal descendants, etc. (1Chronicles 19:1)

The categories also overlap, resulting in many ways that someone can attain a leadership position. Leaders can perform as I levels and make valuable contributions to their teams, regardless of how they were selected or designated as a leaders.

2. THE ROLE OF LEADERS
Certain situations that effective leaders need to be aware of and the actions they can take to deal with them at the various stages of team development are briefly outlined below:

1. Forming: Leaders play a dominant role at this stage. Leader should provide the team with clear direction and establish easily identifiable and understandable objective/outcomes Exodus 4:29-31).

2. Storming: Leaders needs to help team members overcome feelings of discomfort and be aware of any members who may feel overwhelmed (Ephesians 4:31-32). Leaders work to resolve conflicts and build a good relationship between team members. Leaders needs to remain positive and firm in the face of challenges to their leadership or to the team’s goal (Numbers 16:1-3)

3. Norming: Team members come to respect the leader’s authority and some members demonstrate leadership in specific areas. Team leaders can take a step back from the team at this stage as individual members take greater responsibility (Exodus 18:14-17). This is also when a team hierarchy was established.

4. Performing: The leaders are able to delegate much of the work and can concentrate on developing the skills and abilities of individual team members (Exodus 18:21). Leaders should organise “get together/fun time” as much as possible with a view to celebrate success once the team has achieved high performance. Being a part of the team at this stage feels easy and comfortable compared to the early stages.

5. Adjourning: Team may organise a celebratory event at the end of a project. Team members will likely leave with fond memories of their experience.

CONCLUSION: You should influence people around you positively.

QUESTIONS:
1. Mention five of the various means of attaining leadership position.

2. What are the five actions that characterize the role of a leader?

Beloved, we are glad you could join in today again, we look forward to your engagement everyday as always. Please, say these prayers in faith and believe God for a performance.

Note: These prayers are spiritual, this can only be understood and fully accessed by God’s children. If you want to be blessed from these prayers, you must first, surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, by saying this prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me all my sins. Today, I surrender my life to You, I believe that Jesus is Lord and I confess it with my mouth. Jesus, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction in hellfire. In Jesus’ name, I pray.”

If you joined in that life-changing prayer, congratulations! Welcome to the family of God. Kindly reach us today via this email: [email protected]

Today’s Devotional: Open Heavens 24 December 2022

Powerful Declarations: Powerful Declarations For Today 24 December 2022

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today I am called with a holy calling, not according to works but according to God’s own purpose and grace which was given to me in Christ Jesus before the world began. I function in my place in Christ and I take charge of everything put under me. I come in the volume of the books as it written of me to do the will of God. I walk in purpose and destiny. I am led and my steps are ordered to the right location, people, places, opportunities, and work. I will not miss my place in life and purpose in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Hallelujah!

PRAYER POINTS

Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done, and Your thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto You: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

My father, I come humbly before You and I ask that you forgive my trespasses. Search my heart, purge it and wash me clean oh Lord.

Father, I desire Your mercy in my life. Father please, have mercy upon me in the name of Jesus.

Lord, help me to show mercy to people that I too might obtain mercy in Jesus name.

Father, please reveal Your plan and purpose for my life to me in Jesus name.

Lord, help me to walk in the volume of the books as You have written of me in the name of Jesus.

Lord, please lead me and let me find the good work for which You formed me, let me focus on it and do it well in Jesus name.

Lord, help me not to miss my place in destiny and purpose. May I not miss way and end up doing someone else’s purpose in Jesus name.

Oh Lord, help me to do my work well. Please provide the grace, wisdom, people, resources and everything I need to do it well and please reward me greatly in Jesus name.

Father, help me to make the right decisions and choices that are in line with Your plan for me daily in Jesus name.

Lord please begin to direct my path and align my steps towards the right location, decision, people and places for my assignment in life in Jesus name

Father, please bring me up out of horrible pits, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings in the name of Jesus.

Father, put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto You: let many see it, and fear, and trust in the LORD in Jesus name.

Oh Lord, Grant me the grace to continue in prayer. May I not give up on the verge of my breakthrough in the name of Jesus!

Father, please direct my footsteps, and take me to a place of prosperity in the name of Jesus.

Lord please, take take away every negative person and negative group from me, and surround me with of good counsel in Jesus name.

Lord I pray against every bad vision and revelation upon my life; and I pray that only Your will shall come to pass in my life in Jesus name.

Thank You for the benefactors and beneficiaries of Your great work on this platform (RCCGONLINE.ORG). Father I ask that fresh fire fall upon them, that they will be set ablaze for You.

Oh Lord, bless your son Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye for all his years of continual service, remember him, guide him on the path, help him remain focused, bless his entire household, and fulfill all Your promises for their liberation, ministry and family, in Jesus’ name.

Thank You Father for the intercessory team and the online platform (RCCGONLINE.ORG) and that which You have put in their hearts, I pray that You make them as flaming swords to bring men to Your kingdom and shut down the works of darkness in the name of Jesus.

Father, bless everyone dedicating their time to pray through these prayers & declarations at the point of their needs. Give them the grace to share/rebroadcast, in Jesus’ name.

Father, please uphold Your children working everyday on this platform (rccgonline.org) to prepare these prayers and declarations with Your right hand of righteousness and all those who have been rebroadcasting them, give them the grace to keep up with this good work of Faith, in the name of Jesus.

By faith, appreciate God for answered prayers. Your testimonies are undeniable in Jesus’ name.

Father, let every challenge, hindrance and obstacle of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus’ name.

Submit yourself and your personal petitions to God. Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.

( Philippians 4:6)

In Jesus’ name I pray.

(John 14:13-14; 15:16)

Thank you Father for answered prayers.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18).

#GodBlessOurNation

These prayers have no expiry date! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.

See you here tomorrow.

Beloved, we are glad you could join in today again, we look forward to your engagement everyday as always. Please, say these declarations in faith and believe God for a performance.

Note: These prayers are spiritual and can only be understood and fully enjoyed by God’s children. If you want to be blessed from these prayers, you must first, surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, by saying this prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me all my sins. Today, I surrender my life to You, I believe that Jesus is Lord and I confess it with my mouth. Jesus, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction in hellfire. In Jesus’ name I pray.”

If you joined in that life-changing prayer! Kindly reach us today: [email protected] for guidance on how to grow in Christ.

Join today’s Devotion: Open Heavens 24 December 2022

Today’s Prayer Points: Prayers points for Open Heavens 24 December 2022

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today I am called with a holy calling, not according to works but according to God’s own purpose and grace which was given to me in Christ Jesus before the world began. I function in my place in Christ and I take charge of everything put under me. I come in the volume of the books as it written of me to do the will of God. I walk in purpose and destiny. I am led and my steps are ordered to the right location, people, places, opportunities, and work. I will not miss my place in life and purpose in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Hallelujah!

DAILY DECLARATION

Praises and Thanksgiving be unto the Lord for his great works in my life in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that I am not useless or purposeless. God created me for a reason and purpose in Him. I am God’s battle axe and His weapon of war. I will not be useless and fail in my purpose. I will fulfil purpose to the fullest in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that I should walk in them in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that I know the purpose of God for my life and I run with it with so much vigour that it becomes like food to me in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that God’s will is coming to pass and His glory is beginning to shine in me in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that I do the will of God and people glorify God for my life in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that I continue in God’s will and I finish strong in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that I will be fruitful and prosperous in all of my doings in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that though the young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: I shall not want any good thing for I trust in the Lord in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that the Lord is my shield and no weapon formed against me shall prosper in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that I will wait patiently for the LORD; and he will incline unto me, and hear my cry In the name of Jesus

I decree and declare that I am blessed because I make the LORD my trust, and do not turn aside to lies in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that my family will be impacted by the power of God in Jesus name.

Thank You Father for your son Pastor E. A Adeboye, and how You keep using him world wide. Lord may Your grace be multiplied to him and may You cause an increase to every seed You have planted through him. I decree and declare may the wisdom and inspiration of the Almighty upon him never cease and the grace of God will continually dwell with him and his entire household, may they continue to enjoy Your faithfulness in the mighty name of Jesus.

I decree and declare heaven responds to these prayers and declaration as I say them and I receive answers in Jesus name.

Holy Spirit thank You for the intercessory team, thank You for Your power and presence in their midst, please continue to inspire the intercessory team for more prophetic declarations. Help them to continue to communicate Your heart even through these declarations, please continue to inspire them for more prophetic declarations in Jesus’ name.

Thank You Lord for everyone working on this platform (RCCGONLINE.ORG). Please Lord, perfect everything that concerns them and make them great in Jesus name.

Thank You Holy Spirit for all the testimonies and miracles coming through these prayers. May they be permanent in Jesus name.

Father, let everybody joining in to say this declarations all over the world experience great miracles throughout this month. May we have numerous testimonies in Jesus name.

Somebody shout Hallelujah!

See you tomorrow.