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?

OPENING PRAYER: Father, open my heart to all that there is to know about leadership.

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.

TEACHING REVIEW: GENESIS 41:38-41.
Pharaoh responding to Joseph’s counsel over the inevitable farming that was to overcome the land, made the following comment before his servants:
i. Can we find a man like this, who has the spirit of God in him? …. V38
ii. …………. V39
iii. ………… V40
iv. And he said unto Joseph….. V41

LESSON OUTLINES:
1. MEANS OF BECOMING A LEADER
2. THE ROLE OF LEADERS

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

ii. 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. Sudent Union leaders.

iii. 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).

iv. 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.

v. 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 (1Samuel 17:10-11, 32).

vi. 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)

B. 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.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Share with the class by what means you attained the leadership position you occupied in the past or currently occupying.

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.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should mention how they have thrived so far in their roles as leaders.

CONCLUSION: You should influence people around you positively.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father I receive the grace to influence people positively to Your glory in Jesus name

ASSIGNMENT: Students should mention five names each of spiritual and Political leaders they admire. (2×5=10 marks).

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 24 DECEMBER 2022 MEMORIZE: But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed. 2 Kings 6:5

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 24 DECEMBER 2022 BIBLE READING 2 KINGS 6:1-7

1. And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.

2. Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye.

3. And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go.

4. So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.

5. But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.

6. And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he showed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.

7. Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 24 DECEMBER 2022 MESSAGE

The sons of the prophets in our Bible text T for today showed a very good attitude when the head of the axe they borrowed fell into the river. At first, they tried all they could to recover it, to no avail, then they went to Elisha for assistance.

This concern for other peoples things is lacking today, particularly in the lives of many young ones. People have a nonchalant attitude towards their own things, not to talk of what they borrowed.

My child, it is a bad attitude to borrow something and not return it, or worse, returning it in a bad condition. It shows that the fellow does not know the value of what was borrowed or is careless.

Much more important than possessions is the life we live. Many young ones, when corrected for doing something wrong, would say, Leave me alone, it is my life.

No, actually, it is not your life, you only borrowed it and someday, you will give an account of how you used it. Romans 14:12 says: “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”

As from today, I want you to be mindful of what you do with your life. However, note that the best way to make good use of your life is to surrender it to the lordship of Jesus Christ.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 24 DECEMBER 2022 ACTION POINT

Surrender your life to Christ if you haven’t done so yet.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 24 DECEMBER 2022 HYMN

LET OTHERS SEE JESUS IN YOU

1. While passing through this world of sin,
And others your life shall view,
Be clean and pure without, within,
Let others see Jesus in you.

CHORUS
Let others see Jesus in you,
Let others see Jesus in you;
Keep telling the story, be faithful and true,
Let others see Jesus in you.

2. Your life’s a book before their eyes,
They’re reading it through and through;
Say, does it point them to the skies,
Do others see Jesus in you?

3. What joy ’twill be at set of sun,
In mansions beyond the blue,
To find some souls that you have won;
Let others see Jesus in you.

4. Then live for Christ both day and night,
Be faithful, be brave, and true,
And lead the lost to life and light;
Let others see Jesus in you.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 24 DECEMBER 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: REVELATION 15:1-8, ZEPHANIAH 1-3

OPEN HEAVEN 31 DECEMBER 2022 MEMORIZE: And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Revelation 21:5

OPEN HEAVEN 31 DECEMBER 2022 BIBLE READING ISAIAH 43:18-21

18. Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

19. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

20. The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.

21. This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.

OPEN HEAVEN 31 DECEMBER 2022 PRAYERS

1. Thank You so much Lord for preserving me this far in year 2022. I am grateful for all the times You healed me, provided for me, and protected me this year.

2. Father, please don’t let anything stop me from seeing year 2023. Let me see the new year in joy, in Jesus name.

3. Father, please disappoint every enemy that has determined that I will not reach my goal in 2023, in Jesus name.

4. Father, please don’t let any bad habit cross into year 2023 with me, in Jesus name. Whatever would hinder me from moving forward in 2023, I will leave behind in this year, in Jesus names.

5. Father, year 2023 will be far better than 2022 for me in Jesus name. I will experience numerous breakthroughs in the new year, in Jesus name.

6. Father, please go ahead of me to make every crooked path in 2023 straight and help me escape every trap of the enemy in the new year, in Jesus name.

7. Father, I ask for greater grace to live holy and serve You better in year 2023 than I did this year in Jesus name.

8. In 2023 Lord, please bless the works of my hands and let me flourish in Jesus name. Let all that I lay my hands on prosper in the new year, in Jesus name.

9. Father, every good thing You started in my life in 2022, perfect it in 2023 in Jesus name. Dont let me have any unfinished projects in my life, in Jesus name.

10. I speak blessings, greatness, prosperity, promotion and celebration into 2023 for myself (mention your full name) in Jesus name. (Mention your full name) – you will prosper in 2023. You will be first amongst your peers in 2023. 2023 is your year of great exploits, in Jesus name.

11. Father, all the prayers I will pray in 2023, please answer them speedily in Jesus name. Please hear me every time I call on You in the new year, in Jesus name.

12. Your personal prayer requests for the year 2023.

OPEN HEAVEN 31 DECEMBER 2022 HYMN

OPEN HEAVEN 31 DECEMBER 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: REVELATION 19:1-21, REVELATION 20:1-15, REVELATION 21:1-27, REVELATION 22:1-21

OPEN HEAVEN 1 JANUARY 2023 MEMORIZE: Aman’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. Proverbs 16:9

OPEN HEAVEN 1 JANUARY 2023 BIBLE READING 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 paths.

OPEN HEAVEN 1 JANUARY 2023 MESSAGE

Every New Year typically comes with renewed hope, encouraging many people to set new goals. Yes, it is important to set goals; however, it is more important to ensure that they align with God’s will for your life. Let us consider God’s recommendation for setting goals as captured in Habakkuk 2:1, which says: I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me…

Have you asked the Lord about His plans for you this year? Have you waited on Him to know what exactly He will have you pursue this year? If you haven’t, please spend some time seeking His face for divine direction.

Speed is not always synonymous with progress. If you are speeding away in the wrong direction, you will discover that you have gone backwards rather than forward at the end of the day. Only God, who created you for His purpose knows the direction you should be going per time, so always ask him for guidance. Remember, a way that seems right may have death at its end (Proverbs 14:12).

There was a time when we were organising crusades across various cities in Nigeria. When we were scheduled to move to the southern part of the country, I asked God for His will and He told us to go to Ede instead, a town in the western part of the country. I responded that we had just been to Ife (a town just a few kilometres away from Ede) but I still went ahead to obey Him.

At the crusade, the king of Ede, a Muslim, promised to gift us whatever size of land we desired. As we were about to mention a size we considered huge enough, the Lord directed us to ask for a whole lot more. Humanly speaking, it didn’t make sense to make such a request, but we obeyed God, and the king granted our request.

Today, the Redeemer’s University and the School of Missions are situated on that land. Let God be the One to show you the goals to pursue this year. If it is His vision, you are assured of His provision and support until you achieve it.

OPEN HEAVEN 1 JANUARY 2023 PRAYER POINT

Father, please show me the goals you want me to pursue this year and how I should go about achieving them in Jesus’ name.

OPEN HEAVEN 1 JANUARY 2023 HYMN

WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD

1. When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way,
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

CHORUS
Trust and obey,
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.

2. Not a shadow can rise,
Not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away,
Not a doubt or a fear,
Not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

3. Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay,
Not a grief nor a loss,
Not a frown nor a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.

4. But we never can prove
The delights of His love,
Until all on the altar we lay,
For the favour He shows,
And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

5. Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way,
What He says we will do,
Where He sends, we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.

OPEN HEAVEN 1 JANUARY 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: GENESIS 1-4

OPEN HEAVEN 26 DECEMBER 2022 MEMORIZE: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

OPEN HEAVEN 26 DECEMBER 2022 BIBLE READING JOHN 11:1-45

1. Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

2. (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)

3. Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

4. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

5. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

6. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

7. Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.

8. His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?

9. Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.

10. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

11. These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

12. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.

13. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.

14. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

15. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

16. Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

17. Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.

18. Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:

19. And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

20. Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

21. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

22. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

23. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.

24. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

25. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

26. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

27. She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

28. And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.

29. As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.

30. Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.

31. The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.

32. Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

33. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.

34. And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.

35. Jesus wept.

36. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

37. And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

38. Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

39. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

40. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

41. Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

42. And | knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.

43. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

44. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

45. Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

OPEN HEAVEN 26 DECEMBER 2022 MESSAGE

Divine love, holiness is a must. Key Point: love is good, but then, what are the benefits of being loved by God? Let us use Lazarus as a case study. Lazarus was sick and his sisters sent to Jesus saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

Jesus loved Lazarus and it was obvious to everyone, but what was His reply? “When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” John 11:4

When God falls in love with you, every challenge you face will lead to a testimony. The day you discover that you are beloved of God, you can begin to rejoice because each time a challenge comes, God is going to bring a testimony out of it for you.

In fact, the greater the problem, the greater should be your rejoicing. For those who God loves, He will from time to time give them a new testimony, and you cannot have a new testimony except you have a new problem. A testimony is the result of a problem that is miraculously solved.

That is why when I face challenges, I rejoice. I rejoice because a new challenge means a new testimony is on the way. In fact, those of us who are convinced beyond any doubt that He loves us look forward to challenges because we know that, with every challenge, there would be a miracle around the corner.

Do you believe that God loves you? If you do, why do you worry so much about the challenges facing you? Why do you lose sleep over something that He has already decided to use to bring glory to His name? Beloved of God, don’t worry yourself unnecessarily.

You can relax, God is planning to use your story to show the whole world how great He is. You just ensure that you don’t do anything to make Him change His mind about loving you, then leave the rest to Him. He will shock your enemies.

OPEN HEAVEN 26 DECEMBER 2022 KEY POINT

New challenges mean new testimonies for Gods beloved.

OPEN HEAVEN 26 DECEMBER 2022 HYMN

 

OPEN HEAVEN 26 DECEMBER 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: 1 JOHN 4:1-21 , 3 JOHN 1:1-15

OPEN HEAVEN 27 DECEMBER 2022 MEMORIZE: In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. Isaiah 63:9

OPEN HEAVEN 27 DECEMBER 2022 BIBLE READING ISAIAH 63:7-9

7. I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.

8. For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour.

9. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

OPEN HEAVEN 27 DECEMBER 2022 MESSAGE

The very first time I read our memory verse for today (Isaiah 63:9), I couldn’t believe my eyes. The first sentence really surprised me. “In all their affliction he was afflicted”

Whenever those that God loves are afflicted, He is afflicted too. No wonder in Matthew 25:37-40 , Jesus referred to Himself as the one in prison, the one who was hungry and so on, while the people He was talking to saw other humans in those situations. Anytime Gods beloved is in pain, He is in pain too.

Galatians 6:10 says: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” It makes sense that when we, His beloved, are in pain, He is in pain too.

When you see someone you love in pain, you wish that the pain could be transferred to you. Each time someone you love is suffering, you are suffering too.

This explains 1 Peter 2:24 to us: “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”

What He is saying there is, Let your sickness fall on me. He was saying I would rather die than see you die. This gives me the assurance that aches and pains cannot stay in my body. You can say confidently to any pain in your body, Jesus and I cannot suffer for the same thing.

He has already suffered my pain, so I cannot be in pain again. If death tries to threaten you, tell him, Jesus died so that I can live. It is because of Jesus love for me that I know I can never be poor.

2 Corinthians 8:9 says: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”

Surrender your life to Jesus Christ and forsake all your sins if you also want to experience this special divine love.

OPEN HEAVEN 27 DECEMBER 2022 KEY POINT

Consider whatever challenge you are facing now and tell it, You cannot afflict Jesus and afflict me. Jesus has paid the price for me, so get out of my life in the name of Jesus Christ.

OPEN HEAVEN 27 DECEMBER 2022 HYMN

OPEN HEAVEN 27 DECEMBER 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: JUDE 1:1-25, REVELATION 1:1-20, REVELATION 2:1-29, REVELATION 3:1-22, REVELATION 4:1-11

OPEN HEAVEN 28 DECEMBER 2022 MEMORIZE: And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him. 2 Samuel 12:24

OPEN HEAVEN 28 DECEMBER 2022 BIBLE READING 2 CHRONICLES 1:6-15

6. And Solomon went up thither to the brazen altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.

7. In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.

8. And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast showed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.

9. Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.

10. Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?

11, And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:

12. Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.

13. Then Solomon came from his journey to the high place that was at Gibeon to Jerusalem, from before the tabernacle of the congregation, and reigned over Israel.

14. And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.

15. And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycamore trees that are in the vale for abundance.

OPEN HEAVEN 28 DECEMBER 2022 MESSAGE

The divine love of God makes Him set a person up for uncommon miracles. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings in one day; this moved God to ask him for what he wanted and he said, Give me wisdom.

God responded to his request by saying, I will give you wisdom and add every other thing you didn’t ask for. I spent some time studying Solomon because of his wisdom and prosperity.

I had to ask myself This was a young man who knew he was not wise, because that must have been why he asked for wisdom; how come he thought of giving God a thousand burnt offerings? I then got a revelation from the Lord it was a divine set-up.

It is God who inspired Solomon to do something nobody had ever done before so that He, in turn, could do for him what He had never done for anyone before. In 2 Samuel 12:24-25, the Bible says that when Solomon was born, God Himself called him Jedidiah, meaning Beloved of the Lord.

When God loves you, from time to time, He will set you up for an uncommon miracle. He will inspire you to do something that will sound stupid to everybody else so that He can give you what nobody else can get.

One day, when my Father-in-the-Lord was still alive, he told all the Church workers that there was an urgent need in the Church that had to be met early that week, so he asked us all to go and close our accounts, then bring all the money to the Church.

My wife and I went to the bank the next day, closed our accounts, then brought the money to Church. The next Sunday, my Father-in-the Lord announced to all workers that the need had been met, then asked Wait a minute; how many of you closed your accounts? Only my wife and I raised our hands.

When I realised that we were the only ones who closed our accounts, I started to think, I hope I have not added madness to my own Christianity? Just then I heard the Lord speak to me, Son, you are not mad, I have made you do something that nobody else will do, so that when I take you to where I am taking you to, nobody can complain.

Is the Lord inspiring you to do something seemingly crazy for Him? Do it so that you don’t miss the opportunity to get an uncommon miracle.

OPEN HEAVEN 28 DECEMBER 2022 PRAYER POINT

Father, when You set me up for an uncommon miracle, please Lord, don’t let me fail.

OPEN HEAVEN 28 DECEMBER 2022 HYMN

 

OPEN HEAVEN 28 DECEMBER 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: REVELATION 5:1-14, REVELATION 6:1-17, REVELATION 7:1-17, REVELATION 8:1-13, REVELATION 9:1-21

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 23 December 2022

Today’s Prayer Points: Prayers points for Open Heavens 23 December 2022

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today I live a life worthy of my faith and confession in Christ Jesus. I do not live reckless or foolish lifestyle. I do not cause people to stumble. I give light and direction to people through my decisions and actions. I am led by the Spirit of God because I am a child of God. I do not lead people astray or make them stumble instead, I inspire them unto good works and righteousness in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Hallelujah!

DAILY DECLARATION

I decree and declare that I do not live a life that insults the gospel of Christ. I do not become a rock of offence to God’s people. I walk wisely in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that I live a godly and worthy life. The name of the Lord will not be brought down because of me in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that through my words and lifestyle, all men come to the knowledge of the truth that is Christ Jesus in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that I walk worthy of the faith and confession that I make. I am a Christian not just by name but indeed 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.

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 23 December 2022

Powerful Declarations: Powerful Declarations For Today 23 December 2022

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today I live a life worthy of my faith and confession in Christ Jesus. I do not live reckless or foolish lifestyle. I do not cause people to stumble. I give light and direction to people through my decisions and actions. I am led by the Spirit of God because I am a child of God. I do not lead people astray or make them stumble instead, I inspire them unto good works and righteousness in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Hallelujah!

PRAYER POINTS

My father and my God, I praise You this morning for Your sovereignty and greatness is above all. You are a great and mighty God. Be glorified in Jesus name.

Lord I ask that Your mercy over my life be renewed today. Forgive me for every sin I have committed and don’t pay me according to my unfaithfulness in Jesus name.

Father, as I step out today, let Your protection be upon me and my household. May we always abide under Your shadow in the name of Jesus.

Father, as Your representative to the flock, grant me the grace to care for them and live an exemplary life that removes all stumbling blocks from their way understanding that You value each soul in the congregation in Jesus name.

Heavenly Father, help me not to fail in my assignment over Your people, in Jesus name. Amen.

Father, may I never be the reason someone mocks the Gospel of salvation or stumbles in their walk with You in the name of Jesus.

Lord, I surrender my life to You. Guide my steps and my actions. Help me not to lead anyone astray in Jesus name.

Lord, grant me grace to live a sinfree life in Jesus name.

Father, help me to live according to Your principles and standards for me in Jesus name.

Father, help me to daily surrender to Your Lordship and let me shine even in the darkness of this world in the name of Jesus.

I rebuke every form of darkness in my life. Let everything that represents darkness flee from my life in the name of Jesus.

Let the darkness of sickness become history in my life in Jesus name.

Father, please send Your light upon me and let me begin to shine like my Lord – the Bright and Morning Star, in the mighty name of Jesus.

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.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 23 DECEMBER 2022 MEMORIZE: Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. Acts 3:6

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 23 DECEMBER 2022 BIBLE READING ACTS 13-8

3. To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

4. And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

5. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

6. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

7. And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

8. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 23 DECEMBER 2022 MESSAGE

I usually tell my pastors that the anointing is to be desired more than anything else. The anointing breaks the yoke. Anointing in the life of any believer makes the difference. In our Bible text for today, Jesus promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit would come and when He did, there would be anointing.

No wonder Peter and John could boldly tell the lame man at the Beautiful Gate that they had no silver or gold because what they carried was worth more than money.

The anointing is more than any worldly possession. No wonder Elisha waited until his master, Elijah was carried away in a chariot of fire so that he could receive the double portion of his anointing (2 Kings 2:1-15), unlike Gehazi who preferred worldly possessions and inherited leprosy (2 Kings 5:26-27).

You are not too young to desire the anointing. For you to receive the anointing, you must be holy, then wait on God just like the disciples did. Believe me, exploits for God become easy when you are anointed.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 23 DECEMBER 2022 PRAYER POINT

Father, please pour Your anointing upon me today.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 23 DECEMBER 2022 HYMN

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 23 DECEMBER 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: REVELATION 14:1-20, HABAKKUK 1:1-17, HABAKKUK 2:1-20, HABAKKUK 3:1-19