Anyone could easily spot a pimple on someone’s cheek, or a dried leaf on a friend’s hair. That’s because no one can see their face, of course without a mirror, so everyone walks around, confident of themselves (or not) until someone who sees below their chin points out a flaw they have.

Sometimes this is done nicely and the one with the flaw takes it in nicely too. Some other time they are not told nicely about their flaws and it gets really hard to swallow.

No one is without flaws.

Scripture puts it in a better way in John’s first epistle: “if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.”

Yes, some of us are more flawed than others, but one feature every living human has inbuilt, whether young or old, male or female, is imperfection.

As a Christian in a relationship, in a family, and in the social world, interaction with flawed people is inevitable. So how do you deal with people’s flaws? Let’s take a few tips that could help you:

1. SELF CONTROL

It is almost impossible not to get angry or retaliate at people’s flaws, but the fruit of the Holy Spirit brings it closer to our hearts that it’s not about the person’s flaws, it’s about keeping your self under control when those flaws are flaunted in your face.
One way to control self in the face of a glaring flaw is to be “slow to speak, and swift to hear”. Never be in a hurry to talk when you’re angry or irritated at something.

2. GENTLENESS

Handling flaws can be tiring. Adjusting to things you either didn’t know of or overlooked can try even the most gentle of hearts. We must be as gentle as doves. Gentleness towards people’s flaws is not indifference. It is grace to take a blow without hitting back. It is meekness even when you’re on the right.

3. FAITH

Have a little faith. Pray for the person, either your friend, spouse, colleague, employee or boss and believe they’ll change. There is no guarantee they would, especially when they’re not Christians. But while praying for them, believe they will work on themselves. And give them time to do so, one step at a time.

4. GOODNESS

You have probably figured out we’re talking about the fruit of the spirit from the last to the first. You are right. Now to this next step, goodness is a weapon the Bible instructs we use when bad things are done to us. It “heaps hot coals on their head” is what it says. This is not to make people feel bad about themselves. It does two things in fact. First of all it helps your heart to not allow hurt and anger get to you, but goodness also makes the person with the flaws that get to you to retrace his or her steps and do the right thing. Imagine complaining everyday that your sister not laying the bed after she wakes up. Then you suddenly stopped complaining and you now lay the bed. She would notice your goodness, and if she is sincere, she would adjust and make the bed once or twice a week. That’s progress, isn’t it?

5. PATIENCE

Many times we think it’s our patience being tried when people’s flaws pop at us, but no. The result of whatever goes on in your heart at such a time should be patience. Patience is not waiting to get back at someone, it is giving them a new sheet everytime the mess up.

6. PEACE

This part might be what some do first, but most times they do it wrong. You don’t just make peace by airing out your mind. You make peace by being at peace in your mind first, calming the storm in your heart, talking to the Holy Spirit, then to yourself. After then, make peace with this person. Speak calmly and talk about these things you’ve noticed, not being judgemental, but to yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness.

7. LOVE

You would have expected we’d have started with this, the greatest commandment. Love covers a multitude of sins. Some flaws are not flaws that disappear after many years, or even varnish at all, and sometimes you might just have to live with that boil on their face. One strong antidote to a heavy and tired heart is love. For even as sinners, God loved us and gave himself for us. Learn to live with people’s flaws. One very special line in the Lord’s prayer says, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”. Be like your heavenly Father: forgive and love.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 11 DECEMBER 2022 MEMORIZE: Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 11 DECEMBER 2022 BIBLE READING 2 KINGS 4:8-17

8. And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.

9. And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.

10. Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.

11. And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there.

12. And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.

13. And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.

14. And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old.

15. And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door.

16. And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.

17. And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 11 DECEMBER 2022 MESSAGE

Hospitality is the act of generosity and friendliness towards strangers and guests. Several Scriptures of the Bible speak about the importance of hospitality. For instance, Romans 12:13 says:B“Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”

Every child of God is therefore expected to be hospitable. One reason is that since we expect people to be hospitable towards us, we should be so to others, too. Whatever you sow, you will reap (Matthew 7:12 ).

Another reason is that hospitality is a criterion that would be used to separate the goats from the sheep on the last day. In Matthew 25:33-35 , Jesus clearly stated that the goats will be sent to hell where there will be gnashing of teeth.

You should always be hospitable. Rather than spend your birthday with friends, spend time in an orphanage. Take your food and cake there to celebrate with the less privileged children. God is particular about the needy, never miss an opportunity to be a blessing to the ones around you.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 11 DECEMBER 2022 ACTION POINT

Being hospitable tells if you are a true child of God.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 11 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 11 DECEMBER 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: REVELATION 2:1-29 , HOSEA 9-11

Welcome to Day 6!

Today is the Youth Expression by @rccgnyaya 🔥🗣🥁

Ministering are young and fiery men and women of God, and young-at-heart ministers.

Day 6
#HGC2022
#DoublePortion

If we thought each day has been powerful, then we’re about to be pleasantly surprised by the increased abundance of God’s goodness which He will pour out through His ministers.

Do not miss today’s program!

Day 5

#HGC2022
#DoublePortion

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 10 December 2022

Today’s Prayer Points: Prayers points for Open Heavens 10 December 2022

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today I let go of every excuse and reason hindering me from moving forward and making progress. I advance and I make great progress regardless of all the prevailing circumstances and discouraging situations. I refuse to be held down in Jesus’ name, Amen. Hallelujah!

DAILY DECLARATION

I decree and declare; my day is blessed and shall be full of testimonies in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that I fear not; for I shalt not be ashamed: neither will I be confounded; for I will forget the shame of my youth, and shall not remember the reproach of my affliction any more in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that every area of my life that has been shut is opened today, in Jesus name. It doesn’t matter if the devil thinks he has shut any part of my life, the Key of David is a Master Key that opens them back for me in Jesus name.

I decree and declare; my life shall be a source of blessing to people and shall bring value to the kingdom of God in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare; the borders of my life are strengthened and fortified by God in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that the word of Christ dwells in me richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing me in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that God will break the bands of the evil ones asunder and cast their cords away in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that the Lord will speak onto all my enemies with his wrath and vex them in his sore displeasure in the name of Jesus.

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 10 December 2022

Powerful Declarations: Powerful Declarations For Today 10 December 2022

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today that the Lord delights in me as His obedient child, therefore He remembers me and causes me to experience fruitfulness all round and everywhere in my life. Every door that has been shut against me is opened now for my good and I experience an overflow and avalanche of blessings in Jesus name. Amen. Hallelujah!

PRAYER POINTS

Heavenly Father I thank You because You bare good, for Your continuous blessings and provision upon my life. Lord I thank You in Jesus name

Father I have come to You to confess all my sins and I pray for Your forgiveness upon my life in the name of Jesus

Oh Lord, I believe that You are the one in charge of fruitfulness. No one can open wombs but You. Please Lord, look upon me in mercy and make me fruitful in Jesus name.

Father, please open my womb of success, and let me get a breakthrough that will be so big that it would be impossible for me to enjoy it alone. The womb of my success shall be opened this month, in Jesus name.

Lord, help me to continually look to You and You alone for my success and as I look to You, please teach me what to do like You taught Peter where to cast his net.

Father, help me not to give up hope on my situation. May I keep believing until You make me fruitful in Jesus name.

Father, open my womb today and let this month mark a turnaround for the better for me in Jesus name.

Father grant me the grace to live and seek You more and more in the name of Jesus.

Lord bless me with the wisdom and the knowledge to win souls to Your kingdom in the name of Jesus.

Dear God I commit my day in Your hands, I pray that You will order my steps in the name of Jesus.

My Father let every dry bone come alive, I ask that You send forth Your word and restore health to Your people in Jesus name.

Lord let every deaf ear open at the sound of Your name, let every blind eye open at the appearing of Your presence, let every dumb mouth open, and let every weak limb receive strength in the name of Jesus.

Lord I thank You for my leaders and pastors and I ask that You heal anyone of them that is held down by any sickness in the name of Jesus.

Today, I say enough is enough of (mention the problem you are tired of) and I decree that this problem ceases immediately 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.

It is December already and so many end of year programs, parties, family thanksgivings, carols, and all other ceremonies that go on at the end of the year. There’s a lot of eating and visiting, some are so happy it’s December that they don’t realize it’s two days to January and they never had an overlook of their year, neither are they ready for the coming year. Don’t feel guilty if you never thought that there were things you’d need to do before the year runs out. It’s good you asked and have gotten an answer.
There are some things you should do before the year wraps up. Let’s discuss a few:

1. A PERSONAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Underline the word ‘personal’. Don’t be carried away with the church’s Thanksgiving, or dinner at your family house coming up next week. You need a personal time to really thank God for the year. If you are short of words you can start from playing a praise song and either dance to it or sing along with it before praying, or you could read Bible verses on Thanksgiving, especially from the book of Psalms. As you read you speak out and pray each verse, thanking God for what He has done. But if your best expression of Thanksgiving comes by going face down and talking to your heavenly Father, just let your gratitude find expression.

2. GO ON A RETREAT

This is not one of those retreats you go on when you’re seeking God’s face for more revelation or access to His will. This retreat is a time set out for Thanksgiving, seeking mercy for anything you did or didn’t do in line with God’s purpose that you overlooked or were to heavy to talk about with God during the year, evaluating your life throughout the year. Run a check your growth: spiritual, intellectual, physical, financial, relational, and any other aspects of your life. What would you need to not do or improve on in the coming year. Then give good time to prayer. Prayer goes before you into the new year. It’s like saving money in the bank.

3. LET GO OF THE CURRENT YEAR

Not just letting go of your failures, that is very helpful, but also letting your success sit in the past as your run towards what’s ahead. Paul put it this way, “… but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before” (Philippines 3:13). Letting go doesn’t mean they don’t matter any more, but they don’t weigh you down or make you content.

4. PREPARE FOR THE NEW YEAR

You have already started preparing for the new year by looking for answers to what you should do before the year wraps up. To prepare you can get a book and a pen, write down your expectations for the year, your goals, your major plans and strategies to achieve all that you have in your heart to do. Scripture encourages us in Habakuk 2:2 to write down our visions. It gives you something tangible to see and run with.

5. PRAY, AND PRAY AGAIN

Prayer is a sign of trust. You pray because you trust who you’re praying to. So praying means you’re trusting the Lord with all your heart, and like Proverbs 3:5 tells us, “He shall direct your path.” Prayer is also partnership with God to do what He would do and to know what he would have you do. So, pray, and pray again.

6. HAVE FAITH AND BE HOPEFUL

You don’t have to see a rainbow in your room before you trust that God will help you through the coming year. Don’t see the new year like every other year, saying you messed up last year, so there’s every chance you’d mess up next year. That is a lying spirit. Have faith in God and be hopeful that your coming year will be better than the previous years, for the path of the just is as a shining light, and that shining light shines brighter and brighter. Keep calm, God has got your back.

7. GET YOUR ‘LAMP’ AND ‘LIGHTS’ READY

That means get directions and anchors from the word of God. It is the lamp to your feet and the light to your path (Psalm 119:105) Get scriptures that will encourage you and guide you through different phases and faces of your life. Get scriptures on faith, relationships, purity, finances, health, purpose, and all aspects of your life that are pivotal. You can also get books that you can read through the year to build yourself up. Get direction.

8. REACH OUT TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS

It must have been a busy year for you, and you never really took out time to call or text that cousin, that friend, that neighbor. It’s not too late. Instead of waiting for the new year to send a bulk SMS, you can reach out now, and even hangout with family and friends that are close enough. For those afar off, a call is never too far.

9. GIVE YOURSELF A TREAT

O yes, it must’nt be something large, but if it can be, why not? Don’t overspend and empty your bank account, but get yourself a treat or a gift and present it to yourself. Appreciate yourself for standing strong through thick and thin through the year. It is therapeutic.

10. CLEAN UP

Very important point to note, clean up before the coming year. Do your laundry, take off the cobwebs, sweep under the bed, clean the windows, go to the salon, do your nails, you can do a detox, either by fasting or drinking detox drinks, it’s still cleaning. Pay attention to areas in the house and on or in your body that you haven’t paid attention to in a while. You can clean up all the dishes in the kitchen, clean the pets cage, just anything to clean up as the year wraps up.

LESSON FIFTEEN (15)
TOPIC: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF VOICES

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 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 blessings on me

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, please open my eyes of understanding as I learn today in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE PASSAGE: PSALMS 29:3-9

[3]The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters.

[4]The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.

[5]The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.

[6]He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.

[7]The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire.

[8]The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.

[9]The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.

MEMORY VERSE: “ There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.” 1 Corinthians 14:10

LESSON INTRODUCTION:

We live in a world of voices (1 Cor. 14:10): demonic voices, the voice of friends, the voice of enemies, the voice of those who love us, the voice of those who hate us, the voice of God, etc. Also, different voices come with different impacts. 1 Corinthians 14:10b says there is not one of those voices without meaning. It is, therefore, expedient for all believers to learn about the impact of the voices they listen to and the value of listening to God.

TEXT REVIEW: Psalm 29:3-9
The Psalmist in this passage describes the impact or efficacy of the voice of the Lord.
A. He says the voice of the Lord is:
i. Upon many waters, He thunders and He is upon many waters. V3
ii. Powerful and full of…….V4.

B. He goes further to emphasize the efficacy of the voice of the Lord. He says the voice of the Lord:
i………V5.
ii………V6.
iii………V7.
iv………V8.
v. ……..V9.

LESSON OUTLINES
LESSON OUTLINE 1: THE IMPACT OF VOICES
Question 1: Are there Bible characters who listened to people or voices?
Answer: Yes, there are people who took advice or instructions from other people in the Bible and this had an impact on their lives. The voice you listen to affects your outcome. For instance;
i. Eve listened to the serpent (Gen.3:1-7)
ii. Samson listened to Delilah (Judges 16:6, 17)
iii. Amon listened to Jonadab (2 Sam. 13:4-14)
iv. The young prophet listened to the old prophet (1 Kings 13:11-24)
v. Saul of Tarsus listened to Jesus Christ (Acts 9:1-6)

Question 2: What are the things that can
be affected by the voice you listen to?
Answer: Who you give your ears to can affect:
i. Your mindset and invariably your thought
pattern (Prov.23:7).
ii.Your choices and decision-making (1Kgs.12;6-14).
iii. Your emotion, feelings, and psychological
well-being (Num.13:32-33; 14:1-4).
iv. Your lifestyle and the steps you take (Jn.4:25-29).
v. Your life’s outcome and fulfilment of destiny (Acts 26:13-16; Jer. 1:4-5).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should share their experiences with the class on how positively or otherwise they were once affected by who they listened to.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: THE VALUE OF
LISTENING TO GOD
Question 1: What are the blessings of listening to God?
Answer: There are innumerable blessings
in listening to God. Some of these are:
i. A fulfilling life and destiny. The most important choices you will have to make in life are choices that will require God to assist you to have a fulfilled life. For example, the choice of who to marry (Prov.18:22), the business/career to pursue (Jer.1:5), the place to live or settle (Gen.26:1-3), etc.
These are decisions that will require God’s assistance as you put your trust in Him (Ps.37:4; Prov.3:5-6).

ii.The fulfilment of life’s purpose and vision. This is the reason for living as a whole. It seemed God was telling Jeremiah, ‘I planned for you, I prepared for you, I organised what you should do with your life before you came’ (Jer.1:5). In Acts 26:12-19, Paul narrates the details of his assignment in life.

iii. Supernatural supply or divine provision.
As long as God is the one leading, you do not need to struggle for ‘pasture’ (Ps.23:1-2). God knows where your supply is, and He will direct you to the right place (1Kgs.17:2-6; Matt. 17:27; Lk.5:4-7).

iv. Supernatural power and authority. The voice of God comes with power (Ps.29:4).
When God speaks to you, power rushes into you (Ezek.37:1-10). There is a boldness that is backed up by the voice of the Lord (Ex.3:1-10). You can face the future without fear (Gen.12:1-4).

v. Victory over enemy forces including afflictions, battles, or conspiracies (Isa.30:31, 1 Sam.30:1-8, 18-19; 2 Sam.5:17-21). Many people are victims of battles, only because they do not know what God is saying, and what they ought to do.

vi. Escape from danger and disaster
(Prov.22:3; 1Sam.23:7-13).

vii.The impartation of divine wisdom. When God guides, you cannot be foolish (Prov.1:5). If you hear from God, your wisdom is not contestable (Luke 21:15). You need divine wisdom to handle the affairs of life successfully (Eccl.10:10).

viii. Existence in peace and tranquillity. One of the top secrets of peace is the voice of God (Ps.85:8). Psalm 23:2 ‘…beside still waters,’ talks about peace, not troubled waters’ When you are disconnected from what God is saying, you become troubled and worried about everything.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What are the dangers of refusing to listen to God’s voice?

3. SUMMARY: There are many voices in the world with various significations. Listen to God always, for a fulfilled life.

4. CONCLUSION: The voice you listen to determines your direction and destination. To end well, always listen to the voice of God.

5. EVALUATION: What are the possible impacts of those we listen to on our life’s decisions?

6. CLOSING PRAYER: Father, I choose to listen to you always. Help me to always obey your voice in Jesus name.

7. ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) definite things you will do to control the voices you hear apart from God’s voice (2×5=10 Marks).

LESSON: FIVETEEN (15)

TOPIC: THE ZEALOUS PHINEHAS

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: “Phinehas the Son of Eleazer, the Son of Aaron the preist, has turned back my wrath from the children of Israel, because he was zealous with my zeal among them, so that I did not consume the children of Israel in my zeal”. –Timothy 3:9(NKJV).

BIBLE PASSAGE: NUMBERS 25:6-13

6 And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

7 And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand;

8 And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel.

9 And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.

10 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

11 Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy.

12 Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace:

13 And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.

INTRODUCTION
Phinehas was the son of the high priest, Eleazer (exodus 6:25), and the grandson of Aaron, The name Phinehas is primarily a male name of Greek origin that means, Face of protection. Although not a major Bible character, is record as a hero cannot be overlooked.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. HIS CHARACTER
2. ACHIEVEMENT AND LESSONS

HIS CHARACTER

Phinehas had an undying hunger for God thus sin was an irritating to him (Matthew 5:6). He was an outstanding and respected leader, who was delegated to meet with the children of Reuben, Gad, and half – tribe of Manasseh when they built an altar against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan (Joshua 22:13).

He was a good mediator who was able to resolve the conflict that would have erupted amongst the Israelites (Joshua 22:31-33). He was a responsible young man who provided a place of rest for his father. (Joshua 24:33). He was a wise and faithful priest who took charge of the sacred objects and trumpet for giving signals during the war against the Midianite (Numbers 31:6)

ACHIEVEMENT AND LESSONS

This young man named Phineas hard right standing with God, thus he was bold to confront sin (Proverbs 28:1). His zeal for God turned away God’s wrath from the children of Israel (Numbers 25:11). His righteous act stop the plague and exalted the nation of Israel (Proverbs 14:34). He was fearless in putting an end to a sinful act (2Timothy 1:7). He stood out amongst his equals (Psalm 106:30-31). He had a passion for God’s commandments so he knew what he wanted (Psalm 119:9). He was a vibrant young man (1John 2:14).

He secure a covenant of peace and everlasting priesthood for himself and his linage (Numbers 25 :12-13). He saw an Israelites having an unlawful love affair with a medianite woman in Israel’s camp when the whole nation was mourning and because of his zeal for God, he stopped the nefarious acts and thus putting an end to the plague (Numbers 25:7-8). He was a daring young man who went all the way for God.

The uncommon zeal exhibited by Phineas is remarkable and worthy of emulation. Our enthusiasm for God can avert danger and bring about a blessing to our lineage thus making us a source of blessing to our family and nation at large (Numbers 25:13). We must stand out of the crowd and be passionate about God.

CONCLUSION
The story of Phineas is a pointer that we can make a difference anywhere we are.

QUESTION
1. Mention four attributes of Phineas
2. Mention three achievements of Phineas.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 10 DECEMBER 2022 MEMORIZE: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 10 DECEMBER 2022 BIBLE READING GENESIS 35:9-15

9. And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him.

10. And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel.

11. And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;

12. And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land.

13. And God went up from him in the place where he talked with him.

14. And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.

15. And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Bethel.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 10 DECEMBER 2022 MESSAGE

The meaning of Jacob can be interpreted T as a supplanter, usurper, deceiver or impersonator and he lived this name until he had an encounter with God who changed his name to Israel, which means triumphant with God. This change had a great effect on his life in every ramification. He stopped exhibiting the characteristics of his former name and started acting in line with his new name.

You see, what happened to Jacob in the Old Testament is what happens when someone accepts Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. A change occurs in the fellows life and there is a turnaround so the fellow has a divine nature which is brought about by the Spirit of God. This change is evident in the fellows behaviour and lifestyle generally.

Therefore, it is funny to see a child of God who claims to have accepted Jesus, behave like one who does not know Christ. The evidence of salvation is change. When I gave my life to Christ, everything about me changed, including my circle of friends. I became better as I gave myself more to the word of God. Anyone that has encountered Christ will experience a change from within that would become evident for all to see.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 10 DECEMBER 2022 ACTION POINT

The evidence of an encounter with Jesus is a change in character and lifestyle.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 10 DECEMBER 2022 HYMN

O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST

1. O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast,
and our eternal home;

2. Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure.
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
and our defence is sure.

3. Before the hills in order stood,
or earth received her frame,
from everlasting Thou art God,
to endless years the same.

4. A thousand ages in Thy sight
are like an evening gone,
short as the watch that ends the
night
before the rising sun.

5. Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
bears all its sons away.
They fly forgotten, as a dream
dies at the opening day.

6. O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
be Thou our guard while troubles last,
and our eternal home.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 10 DECEMBER 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: REVELATION 1:1-20 , HOSEA 5-8