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 here: Open Heavens 9 April 2022

Today’s Prayer Points: Prayers points for Open Heavens 9 April 2022

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today, I awake and arise as God’s mighty warrior and battleaxe. I am not lazy, slow or inactive. The power of the Holyghost makes me a proactive, effective, and fiery part of God’s kingdom. God’s word in my life is ever sure; it is surer than my experiences. God’s way is perfect; His Word is tried and true. God is my refuge, strength, buckler, and shield. I trust Him with my life, health, and wellbeing. Today and always, I take God at His Word, acting on it, no matter what the circumstances or situation I find myself in, for I know His word has integrity in Jesus name. Amen. Hallelujah!

DAILY DECLARATION

I decree and declare I freely and readily obey God’s commandments in Jesus name.

I decree and declare I do not oppose God’s Word. I stand with God. I stand for God. I am on the Lord’s side in Jesus name.

I decree and declare as God’s child and an obedient servant of His Word, everyone fighting and opposing me is brought down to the dust in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that forever, the Word of God is settled in my life in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that everything I need in my life is created today by the Word of God in Jesus name.

I decree and declare I am spiritually awake and alert. I do not spend any moment struggling in the flesh in Jesus mighty name!

I decree and declare my prayer life, word life and fasting life grows. I am diligent and disciplined and I commit to growing in these areas in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that I bear fruits and my fruits last in Jesus name.

I decree and declare I have dominion through Christ, and my dominion is evident through power, wisdom, and possessions in my life in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that my life is filled with productivity and fruitfulness in Jesus name.

Our father in heaven, bless your son and his entire household, Pastor E.A. Adeboye; renew his strength, power and anointing, in Jesus’ name.

Holy Spirit thank You for the intercessory team, thank You for Your power and presence in their midst. Help them to continue to communicate Your heart even through these prayers.

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

Somebody shout Hallelujah!

See you tomorrow.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 9 APRIL 2022 MEMORIZE: And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 2 Corinthians 9:8

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 9 APRIL 2022 BIBLE READING ESTHER 4:10-17

10. Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;

11. All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.

12. And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words.

13. Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.

14. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

15. Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,

16. Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

17. So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS APRIL 2022 MESSAGE

Esther was a Jewish slave girl captured and brought with others to King Ahasuerus’ kingdom. Through God’s favour, she was selected as one of the candidates for queen, when the position became vacant.

Esther won the contest but years later, persecution arose against Gods people who were still slaves in the land. Initially, she was silent and on the verge of losing her people, but her uncle Mordecai reminded her that God had most probably made her queen to save the lives of the Jews.

God blesses, promotes and gives His children certain privileges for different reasons. He has blessed you in one or more areas of life such as: spiritually, materially, intellectually, financially et cetera, so that you can be a blessing to your generation. Never for once think that what you have is solely for your benefit or that of your immediate family.

You were blessed by God for a purpose, so I urge you to ask Him: “Lord, what is Your purpose or expectation for blessing me with (mention the particular blessing or gift)? The answer will help you live a purpose-driven life.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 9 APRIL 2022 PRAYER POINT

Ask God to reveal His purpose for blessing you and help you to fulfil it to His glory.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 9 APRIL 2022 HYMN

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING

1. “There shall be showers of blessing:”
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Saviour above.

CHORUS
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.

2. “There shall be showers of blessing,”
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.

3. “There shall be showers of blessing;”
Send them upon us, Oh Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing,
Come and now honour Thy Word.

4. “There shall be showers of blessing:”
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!

5. “There shall be showers of blessing,”
If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
If we let God have His way.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 9 APRIL 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: LUKE 12:1-59, 1 SAMUEL 1-3

OPEN HEAVEN 10 APRIL 2022 MEMORIZE: Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12

OPEN HEAVEN 10 APRIL 2022 BIBLE READING PSALMS 37:3-6

3. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4. Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

6. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

Happy Sunday Beloved, you’re welcome. Thank you for joining us in today’s Open Heavens Devotional.

Today’s devotional is a continuation of the wake up call to believers. A state of sleep can also mean a state of inertia, stagnation, or unfulfilled dreams.

Many believers are in a state of sleep; experiencing little or no advancement in life. Today’s devotions brings light and deliverance to that.

May the eyes of your understanding be enlightened as you read to apply to your life in Jesus name.

Don’t keep the word to yourself. Share this blessing with other believers by saving this website (rccgonline.org) and sharing the link by using the share button below. And don’t forget to go through the prayers and declarations of the day.

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today, that I receive the grace for advancement and marching forward. I begin to experience great and beautiful things in my life. I awake and arise as God’s mighty warrior and battleaxe. I am not lazy, slow or inactive. The power of the Holyghost makes me a proactive, effective, and fiery part of God’s kingdom. in Jesus name. Amen. Hallelujah!

OPEN HEAVEN 10 APRIL 2022 MESSAGE

In Isaiah 29:8, the Bible says that a hungry man can eat in his dream but then when he wakes up, he will realise that he is still hungry. If a poor man sleeps and dreams of himself living in a mansion and having many servants, when he wakes up, he would still find himself on his little bed in his little room.

The sleeping state hence can also be described as a state of unfulfilled dreams. When a fellow continually has beautiful dreams which never come true, that is a state of sleep.

When I was a lecturer at the University of Lagos, there was an engineering student who, after years of not being able to move beyond 100 level, was asked to withdraw. He then changed his course of study to architecture.

After a few years, he was asked to withdraw again. He changed his course of study again, this time to fine arts. He never graduated. This is a classic example of unfulfilled dreams. If you have noticed that your dreams just never seem to get fulfilled, then you may just be sleeping.

I decree that everything beyond your power, hindering your dreams from being fulfilled is destroyed today, in Jesus name. If you have noticed that for many years, you have not been making any significant progress in your life, then you are in a sleeping state.

You must wake up today. Physically, check those things that you have been doing which have not been giving you results and change your strategy. Stop moving round in circles; look for the direction that will take you to your goal and go in it.

For some people it is a habit or a bad attitude that has kept them in the same spot for years; prayerfully search for the cause of any stagnation in your life and get rid of it.Spiritually, you must pray to break every barrier to your moving forward in life.

Make sure that you are not the one who is a hinderance to the fulfilment of your own dreams; make sure that you don’t have any sin in your life that is hindering your progress.

Pray against that enemy that has stopped you from moving forward and you will soon begin to see progress in your life. You will soon testify, in Jesus name.

OPEN HEAVEN 10 APRIL 2022 PRAYER POINT

I decree: everything that has hindered the fulfilment of my dreams must be destroyed today, in Jesus name.

Thank you for reading today’s devotional Beloved.

Make the decision to be a contributor to the advancement of God’s Kingdom in one way or another. Live your life daily mindful of the purposes and plan of God.

Kindly purchase your own hard copy version of the Open Heavens devotional. You can buy it for your friends too as a potent evangelism tool.

God bless you, as you sow, into the book ministry of Pastor E.A. Adeboye in Jesus’ name.

FROM THE TEAM: Thank you for reading today’s OPEN HEAVEN 10 APRIL 2022, written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye. Kindly share with someone on Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and other social media platforms using the social buttons at the beginning or scroll to the end of this post. Have a good day! #RemainRapturable

OPEN HEAVEN 10 APRIL 2022 HYMN

CONQUERORS AND OVERCOMERS NOW ARE WE

1. Conquerors and overcomers now are we,
Thro’ the precious blood of Christ we’ve victory
If the Lord be for us, we can never fail,
Nothing ‘gainst His mighty pow’r can e’er prevail.

REFRAIN:
Conquerors are we, thro’ the blood, thro’ the blood,
God will give us victory, thro’ the blood, thro’ the blood
Thro’ the Lamb for sinners slain,
Yet who lives and reigns again,
More than conquerors are we,
More than conquerors are we.

2. In the name of Israel’s God we’ll onward press,
Overcoming sin and all unrighteousness;
Not to us, but unto Him the praise shall be,
For salvation and for blood-bought victory.

3. Unto him that overcometh shall be giv’n,
Here to eat of hidden manna sent from heav’n,
Over yonder he the victor’s palm shall bear,
And a robe of white, and golden crown shall wear.

OPEN HEAVEN 10 APRIL 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: 1 KINGS 3:1-28, 1 KINGS 4:1-34

LESSON THIRTY-TWO (32)
TOPIC: HOLY “MATRI-MONEY” (PART 2)

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: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 2.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 31:10-31.

INTRODUCTION: Most of us have strong feelings about money. Some people hoard it while others are carelessly generous. Some invest conservatively while others take great risks. The influence of our parents as well as our past experiences with money (before marriage), play a significant role in our behaviour towards money. Often, these factors create strain and tension in marriage. Remember, you are different from your spouse.

OUTLINES:
1. COMMUNICATION IS THE PRICELESS KEY
2. BUDGETING IS GOOD

1. COMMUNICATION IS THE PRICELESS KEY

Effective communication is a major key to financial success in marriage (Eph.4:15). Assumptions and lack of good discussion about money create room for marital conflict. During financial discussions, allow room for discussion about taking a loan, new purchases, day to day spending, etc., having the couple’s income in view.

A spender’s perception would be different from a hoarder’s perception. Be patient and show understanding to one another. Discuss financial transactions i.e. cheque/ATM transactions, credit cards and debit cards purchases. Discuss and pray together on all financial matters in the home (Col.4:2). When a spouse makes purchases independent of the other, it may create a danger in the home. “Two are better than one” (Eccl. 4:9).

2. BUDGETING IS GOOD

No matter how rich or how poor a couple is, one of the constant subjects of marital disagreement is money because money is a part of daily life (Eccl.10:19). Financial freedom does not come from having a large income (Prov.16:8). Instead, it comes from managing the money that you earn (Prov.14:18). Budgeting is good.

The very purpose of establishing a workable budget can help a hurting marriage simply because of the level of communication and cooperation it takes. Couples who use and adhere to their budget are more trusting and honest. Such couples also discuss more and argue less about finances. Budgeting will assist the home to spend less impulsively and encourage savings (Prov.16:9).

CONCLUSION: The key to financial success in marriage is for the couple to discuss their views on money and decide how they will make decisions about how the family’s money will be managed.

QUESTIONS:
1. What role does communication play in marital financial success?
2. Mention two (2) advantages of budget in marriage.

FURTHER READING:
MON: Col.3:9. TUE: 1Sam.25:37. WED: Acts 5:9. THUR: Gen.14:20. FRI: Lk.14:28. SAT: 2Kgs. 4:8. SUN: Prov.16:9.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) dangers of failure to communicate with spouse and to budget.

LESSON THIRTY-TWO (32)
TOPIC: HOLY “MATRI-MONEY” (PART 2)

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, please give us all-round prosperity in the name of Jesus.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 31:10-31.
[10] Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

[11] The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

[12] She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

[13] She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

[14] She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

[15] She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to
her maidens.

[16] She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

[17] She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

[18] She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

[19] She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

[20] She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

[21] She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

[22] She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

[23] Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

[24] She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

[25] Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

[26] She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

[27] She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

[28] Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

[29] Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

[30] Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

[31] Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

MEMORY VERSE: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 2.

INTRODUCTION: Most of us have strong feelings about money. Some people hoard it while others are carelessly generous. Some invest conservatively while others take great risks. The influence of our parents as well as our past experiences with money (before marriage), play a significant role in our behaviour towards money. Often, these factors create strain and tension in marriage. Remember, you are different from your spouse.

TEXT REVIEW: Proverbs 31:10-31.
i. Teacher should find out from the above Bible passages any five things which a good wife does to support the financial resources of the family.
i. ————————————————————
ii. ————————————————————
iii. ————————————————————
iv. ————————————————————
v. ————————————————————

LESSON OUTLINES
1.COMMUNICATION IS THE PRICELESS KEY
2. BUDGETING IS GOOD

1. COMMUNICATION IS THE PRICELESS KEY
i. Couple should discuss properly their income and expenditure at all times to avoid wrong feelings and conflicts. (Eph.4:15).

ii. The line of discussion should include regular expenses, new expenses or project, regular income, additional revenue, new business, loans, grants, etc.

iii. Further discussion could include the use of cash, ATM, cheques, transfer, credit/debit cards, POS, etc.

iv. There should not be any bases for hoarding or reckless spending of the limited available resources.

v. Couple should pray over their financial matters in agreement and avoid impromptu purchases outside agreement. (Col.4:2; Eccl.4:9).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Discuss why some couples do not discuss their financial resources pointing out the inherent dangers in such omission.

2. BUDGETING IS GOOD
i. Planning spending in the reality of available income/revenue over a period of time, say monthly, quarterly or annually is a very good approach to avoid financial crises in the family.

ii. A good budgeting could lead to effective spending, saving and financial freedom. (Eccl. 10:19; Prov. 16:8; 14:18).

iii. Executing a budget as proposed could engender trust, honesty, good communication, moderation and contentment.

iv. If reduces frequently argument over financial matters in the family.

v. It discourages impulse purchases and promotes prudence and saving (Prov. 16:9).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Discuss why many couples fail to budget (financial budget)?

SUMMARY: Good communication and budgeting could lead to financial freedom.

CONCLUSION: The key to financial success in marriage is for the couple to discuss their views on money and decide how they will make decisions about how the family’s money will be managed.

EVALUATION: What are the benefits of budgeting and good communication in family financial management?

CLOSING PRAYER: Almighty Father, please help Your children to manage their financial resources well in the name of Jesus.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) dangers of failure to communicate with spouse and to budget.

LESSON THIRTY-TWO (32)
TOPIC: SELF-DISCOVERY AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT

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, please reveal my true identity and purpose for living to me.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 26:12-22

[12] Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.

[13] And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great:

[14] For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.

[15] For all the wells which his father’s servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth.

[16] And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.

[17] And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.

[18] And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them.

[19] And Isaac’s servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.

[20] And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac’s herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.

[21] And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah.

[22] And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.

MEMORY VERSE: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” Ecclesiastes 9:10.

INTRODUCTION: One of the crucial challenges every human faces is the discovery of his purpose for living. When the use of a thing is not known, abuse is usually inevitable. If you do not know what God has prepared you for, you may not be able to operate successfully as an entrepreneur. This is why it is important to find out what exactly it is, God has purposed for your life and acquire the necessary skills for the accomplishment of this divine purpose in the contemporary, complex and competitive world you live in.

TEXT REVIEW: Genesis 26:12-22.
The author of the book of Genesis – Moses gives us:
A. Lessons to learn from Isaac’s entrepreneurial adventure
i. Isaac sowed (invested) in the land. v12a
ii. He reaped (gained)………………………..V12b.
iii. ………………………………………………………V12c.
iv. He experienced exponential growth. V13.
v. He had possessions of ………………………………………………………V14a.
B. The challenges he faced as an entrepreneur
i. The Philistines…………………………………V14.
ii. As a result, they ……………………….Vs 15-21.
C. How Isaac refused to give in to the challenges he faced but kept trying until he succeeded. V22.

LESSON OUTLINES:
1. DISCOVER YOUR CREATIVE ABILITY
2. DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

1. DISCOVER YOUR CREATIVE ABILITY

A. God is the first entrepreneur (Gen.1:1-31).
i. He is the source of all creativity and the originator of our ability to make something of value out of the raw materials of this world (Jn.1:3; Heb.11:3).

ii. God exposes your purpose through prayer, Bible study, education, trainings, dreams, visions, instincts, inclinations, desires, counselling, urgings and yearnings towards particular area (Jer.29:11; Ps.119:105; Prov.3:5-6).

B. The entrepreneurial process requires a lot from a person. It requires them to:
1. Look at the world and see an unmet need, an area of dissatisfaction, or a problem.

2. Visualise a solution, often a solution others belittle. In many cases, the solution requires a completely different approach, something no one else could see (Gen. Gen.41:33-40; 46-57; Gen.47:13-26).

3. To create something truly useful, lasting and of value, we must create like God did. The enterprise must serve others, give them value, make life more enjoyable and glorify God (Col.3:17).

4. A person that creates purely for himself has a hobby, not a business. When your hobby translates into a business, it adds value to others. When the motivation as well as the business is honourable, God delights to bless it (Ps.37:23).

C. Accepting Jesus Christ as your Saviour and having a relationship with Him is the prerequisite to discovering God’s purpose for you as an entrepreneur (Isa.2:5; 1Jn.1:7; Eph.5:8).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Class should distinguish between a hobby and a profitable business.

2. DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
The following are the essential skills required from an entrepreneur:
1. Communication Skill: The ability of the entrepreneur to pass information about the product, its unique selling point, location, price and other relevant information that the customer should be aware of about the product and the company (Col.4:6; Eccl.10:12; Mk.9:50; 1Pet.3:15).

2. Listening Skill: This is the ability of the entrepreneur to be attentive and respond to the prospective customer’s questions and complaints about the product being introduced to them through personal selling, sales promotion, etc. The salesman must not be aggressive in his approach so that he can successfully close sales. (James 1:19).

3. Negotiation Skill: This is the ability of the entrepreneur to bargain successfully with the middlemen i.e. wholesaler and retailer about placing orders, volume/Quantity of product, pricing, discount and other incentives provided by the company with utmost sincerity and proper articulation of its policies on penetration, distribution, and competitive strategies. (Lk.14:28; Gen.21:28-31).

4. Conflict Management Skill: The ability to settle disputes amicably between the company and its customer is another vital skills required from an entrepreneur (Heb. 12:14).

5. Problem Solving Skill: The entrepreneur should possess the ability to identify, analyse and proffer appropriate solutions to various problems encountered in carrying out its selling activities. He must be able to gather relevant information from veritable sources, analyse and interpret the information in line with his knowledge about consumer behaviour and purchasing decision process. (1Kgs.3:16-28).

6. Interpersonal Skill: The entrepreneur must be able to interact with people easily and relate with them because anybody met is a potential customer someday or somewhere. The salesperson must be approachable, cheering, and purposeful. (1Sam. 22:1-2).

7. Time Management skill: Proper time management is necessary to differentiate between the extremely urgent tasks and those that can wait. An entrepreneur should use a notebook or whiteboard to prioritise tasks by writing them down (Eccl.3:1).

8. Technical skill: To be in stride with the recent times, entrepreneurs should at least have a basic knowledge about the technologies that are to be used (Dan.9:2).

9. Managerial skill: Entrepreneurs should have the required skill to manage different people such as clients, employees, co-workers, competitors, etc. (Gen.39:4, 9a).

10. Organising skill: They should be highly organised and should be able to maintain everything in a format and style (1Chron.12:32).

CLASS ACTIVITY: Students should mention the importance of acquiring essential skills to the success of a business.

SUMMARY: It is important for a Christian youth to discover his/her creative ability like God and acquire the essential skills required of an entrepreneur.

CONCLUSION: Proper use of your skill is a gateway to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Be intentional.

EVALUATION: What are the essential skills required from an entrepreneur?

CLOSING PRAYER: Help me o Lord, let me be able to fulfil the conditions for divine blessings.

ASSIGNMENT: Highlight five (5) things you can do to succeed independently in life.

LESSON THIRTY-TWO (32)
TOPIC: SELF-DISCOVERY AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
01. 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: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” Ecclesiastes 9:10.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 26:12-22
[12] Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.

[13] And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great:

[14] For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.

[15] For all the wells which his father’s servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth.

[16] And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.

[17] And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.

[18] And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them.

[19] And Isaac’s servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.

[20] And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac’s herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.

[21] And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah.

[22] And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.

INTRODUCTION: One of the crucial challenges every human faces is the discovery of his purpose for living. When the use of a thing is not known, abuse is usually inevitable. If you do not know what God has prepared you for, you may not be able to operate successfully as an entrepreneur. This is why it is important to find out what exactly it is, God has purposed for your life and acquire the necessary skills for the accomplishment of this divine purpose in the contemporary, complex and competitive world you live in.

OUTLINES:
1. DISCOVER YOUR CREATIVE ABILITY
2. DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

1. DISCOVER YOUR CREATIVE ABILITY

God is the first entrepreneur (Gen.1:1-31), the source of all creativity, and the originator of our ability to make something of value out of the raw materials of this world (Jn.1:3; Heb.11:3). God exposes your purpose through prayer, Bible study, education, trainings, dreams, visions, instincts, inclinations, desires, counselling, urgings and yearnings towards particular areas (Jer.29:11; Ps.119:105; Prov.3:5-6).

The entrepreneurial process requires a lot from a person. It requires them to look at the world and see an unmet need, an area of dissatisfaction, or a problem. Visualise a solution, often a solution others belittle. In many cases, the solution requires a completely different approach, something no one else could see (Gen.41:33-40; 46-57; Gen.47:13-26).

To create something truly useful, lasting and of value, we must create like God did. The enterprise must serve others, give them value, make life more enjoyable and glorify God (Col.3:17). A person that creates purely for himself has a hobby, not a business. When your hobby translates into a business, it adds value to others.

When the motivation as well as the business is honourable, God delights to bless it (Ps. 37:23).
Accepting Jesus Christ as your Saviour and having a relationship with Him is the prerequisite to discovering God’s purpose for you as an entrepreneur (Isa.2:5; 1Jn. 1:7; Eph.5:8).

2. DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
The following are the essential skills required from an entrepreneur:
1. Communication skill. The ability of the entrepreneur to pass information about the product, its unique selling point, location, price and other relevant information that the customer should be aware of about the product and the company (Col.4:6; Eccl. 10:12; Mk.9:50; 1Pet.3:15).

2. Listening skill. This is the ability of the entrepreneur to be attentive and respond to the prospective customer’s questions and complaints about the product being introduced to them through personal selling, sales promotion, etc. The salesman must not be aggressive in his approach so that he can successfully close sales. (James 1:19).

3. Negotiation skill. This is the ability of the entrepreneur  to bargain successfully with the middlemen i.e. wholesaler and retailer about placing orders, volume/quantity of product, pricing, discount and  other incentives provided by the company with utmost sincerity and proper articulation of its policies on penetration, distribution, and competitive strategies. (Lk.14:28; Gen.21:28-31).

4. Conflict management skill. The ability to settle disputes amicably between the company and its customer is another vital skill required from an entrepreneur (Heb. 12:14).

5. Problem-solving skill. The entrepreneur should possess the ability to identify, analyse and proffer appropriate solutions to various problems encountered in carrying out its selling activities. He must be able to gather relevant information from veritable sources, analyse and interpret the information in line with his knowledge about consumer behaviour and purchasing decision process. (1Kgs.3:16-28).

6. Interpersonal skill. The entrepreneur must be able to interact with people easily and relate with them because anybody met is a potential customer someday or somewhere. The salesperson must be approachable, cheering, and purposeful. (1Sam.22:1-2).

7. Time management skill. Proper time management is necessary to differentiate between the extremely urgent tasks and those that can wait. An entrepreneur should use a notebook or whiteboard to prioritise tasks by writing them down (Eccl.3:1).

8. Technical skill. To be in stride with the recent times, entrepreneurs should at least have a basic knowledge about the technologies that are to be used (Dan.9:2).

9. Managerial skill. Entrepreneurs should have the required skill to manage different people such as clients, employees, co-workers, competitors, etc. (Gen.39:4,9a).

10. Organising skill: They should be highly organised and should be able to maintain everything in a format and style (1 Chron.12:32).

CONCLUSION: Proper use of your skill is a gateway to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Be intentional.

QUESTIONS:
1. How can you discover your creative ability as an entrepreneur?
2. Mention four (4) essential skills of an entrepreneur from the manual.

FURTHER READING:
MON: Ex.31:2-5. TUE: James 1:5. WED: 1 Kgs.7:13-14, 1 Chron. 12:3.THUR: 1 Kgs.3:11-12. FRI: Prov.2:3-8. SAT: Matt.7:7. SUN: Jn.15:7.

ASSIGNMENT: Highlight five (5) things you can do to succeed independently in life.

OPEN HEAVEN 9 APRIL 2022 MEMORIZE: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. Matthew 13:25

OPEN HEAVEN 9 APRIL 2022 BIBLE READING 1 SAMUEL 26:4-16

4. David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul was come in very deed.

5. And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his host: and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him.

6. Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.

7. So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him.

8. Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time.

9. And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD’s anointed, and be guiltless?

10. David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish.

11. The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD’s anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.

12. So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul’s bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them.

13. Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off; a great space being between them:

14. And David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, Answerest thou not, Abner? Then Abner answered and said, Who art thou that criest to the king?

15. And David said to Abner, Art not thou a valiant man? and who is like to thee in Israel? wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord the king? for there came one of the people in to destroy the king thy lord.

16. This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the LORD liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the LORD’s anointed. And now see where the king’s spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster.

Beloved, you’re welcome. Thank you for joining us in today’s Open Heavens Devotional.

Today’s devotional is a wake up call to believers. Sleep is a vulnerable state that leaves you prone to attack from the enemy. No matter how great a man is, he is powerless when asleep. Now imagine being spiritually asleep.

May the eyes of your understanding be enlightened as you read to apply to your life in Jesus name.

Don’t keep the word to yourself. Share this blessing with other believers by saving this website (rccgonline.org) and sharing the link by using the share button below. And don’t forget to go through the prayers and declarations of the day.

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today, I awake and arise as God’s mighty warrior and battleaxe. I am not lazy, slow or inactive. The power of the Holyghost makes me a proactive, effective, and fiery part of God’s kingdom. God’s word in my life is ever sure; it is surer than my experiences. God’s way is perfect; His Word is tried and true. God is my refuge, strength, buckler, and shield. I trust Him with my life, health, and wellbeing. Today and always, I take God at His Word, acting on it, no matter what the circumstances or situation I find myself in, for I know His word has integrity in Jesus name.Amen. Hallelujah!

OPEN HEAVEN 9 APRIL 2022 MESSAGE

The statement, Wake up implies that the fellow being spoken to had been sleeping. Sleeping at the wrong time can be very dangerous while sleeping spiritually is even more dangerous!. In the Bible reading for today, we learnt that King Saul slept.

He was surrounded by mighty men of Israel not ordinary soldiers, but the best in the land, and they all slept too. While they were sleeping, David (the man they were seeking to kill) and his men came and took the sword of the king as well as his water bottle.

Abishai, one of Davids men said to him, Let me smite him just once – not twice, just once and he will be dead. When you are sleeping, no matter how strong you are, you would be helpless and open to the attack of the enemy.

That is why you must never sleep spiritually. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter 5:8 The above passage says that the devil is walking around, and his only mission is to look for people that he can devour.

If he gets to you and finds you sleeping spiritually, just one stroke from him can kill you. As strong as Saul’s bodyguards were, the moment he slept, they slept too. When you sleep spiritually, you disconnect your protective covering in the spirit.

The moment you stop fasting, stop praying, stop studying your Bible and you now begin to dip your hands into one little sin or the other, the protective covering that God had put over you and your family members begins to weaken, giving a chance for the enemy to attack successfully.

In Numbers 22:1-41, Balaam tried to curse the Israelites but could only bless them because of the protective covering that God had put over them. That covering was however, lifted when the people of Israel began to sleep spiritually.

This led to a plague killing twenty-four thousand of them. Many Christians are suffering from the oppression of the devil today because they are sleeping spiritually. Where they should be victors, they are victims.

WAKE UP! Start praying again! Start evangelising again! Run away from those little sins! Stop being a prey to the devil! WAKE UP!

OPEN HEAVEN 9 APRIL 2022 KEY POINT

Wake up from your spiritual slumber.

Thank you for reading today’s devotional Beloved.

Make the decision to be a contributor to the advancement of God’s Kingdom in one way or another. Live your life daily mindful of the purposes and plan of God.

Kindly purchase your own hard copy version of the Open Heavens devotional. You can buy it for your friends too as a potent evangelism tool.

God bless you, as you sow, into the book ministry of Pastor E.A. Adeboye in Jesus’ name.

FROM THE TEAM: Thank you for reading today’s OPEN HEAVEN 9 APRIL 2022, written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye. Kindly share with someone on Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and other social media platforms using the social buttons at the beginning or scroll to the end of this post. Have a good day! #RemainRapturable

 

OPEN HEAVEN 9 APRIL 2022 HYMN

HO! MY COMRADES, SEE THE SIGNAL

1. Ho, my comrades, see the signal
Waving in the sky!
Reinforcements now appearing
Victory is nigh.

CHORUS
“Hold the fort, for I am coming,”
Jesus signals still;
Wave the answer back to Heaven,
“By Thy grace we will.

2. See the mighty host advancing
Satan leading on;
Mighty ones around us falling
Courage almost gone!

3. See the glorious banner waving!
Hear the trumpet blow!
In our Leader’s Name we triumph
Over every foe.

4. Fierce and long the battle rages
But our help is near;
Onward comes our great Commander
Cheer, my comrades, cheer!

OPEN HEAVEN 9 APRIL 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: 1 KINGS 1:1-53, 1 KINGS 2:1-46

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 8 April 2022

Powerful Declarations: Powerful Declarations For Today 8 April 2022

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today I receive a baptism of the Wisdom of God via the Word of God. Insights rain ceaselessly upon me and I know what to do at all time. Clarity is sure for me. I am as Jesus wherever I go. I know what to do, and how to do it well in Jesus name. Amen. Hallelujah!

PRAYER POINTS

My Lord and my God, I thank you for the blessing of a new day. Thank you, Lord, for the precious gift of life that you have given unto us.

Everlasting God I give you all the praise, glory and honour for this new day which you have given me.

Father, I humbly ask that you forgive me for every iniquity and transgression in me. Forgive me for every sin I have committed. Wash me clean and help me to live a holy life in the name of Jesus.

Lord I ask for your favor and blessings today. May today be blessed for me and my family in the name of Jesus.

Father, as I go about my daily activities for today strengthen me and make me productive in the name of Jesus.

Oh Lord, let every evil lurking around me be destroyed completely in the name of Jesus.

Father, help me to diligently seek you. Father, let me know you in the name of Jesus.

Oh Lord, let me increase in my knowledge of you. As I seek you with all my heart, reveal yourself to me in the name of Jesus.

Lord make your ways and your acts known unto me and my family in Jesus name.

Jesus, I want to be your friend. I want you to trust me with everything. Help me oh Lord to diligently seek you everyday in the name of Jesus.

Father, I’m desperate to know you. Help me not to procrastinate or delay in my pursuit of you in Jesus name.

Father, please draw me closer to You; I just want to know You more

Father, in your name, I send every device of the devil in form of sickness, poverty, thieves, the devourer, bandits, and every other evil away from my life and surrounding in the name of Jesus. .

I Stand on the authority I have as a son/ daughter of the Living God and I send all stubborn problems out of my life, family, territory, country, and church this moment. They depart from me, in Jesus name.

Lord, I pray for every person saying these prayers with me, may their heart desires be granted in Jesus name.

Father, please draw me closer to You so that I can have free access to Your throne of grace, in Jesus’ name.

Oh Lord, bless your servant Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye for all his years of continual service, remember him guide him on the path and help him remain focused and bless his entire household, 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.

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.

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 here: Open Heavens 8 April 2022

Today’s Prayer Points: Prayers points for Open Heavens 8 April 2022

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today I receive a baptism of the Wisdom of God via the Word of God. Insights rain ceaselessly upon me and I know what to do at all time. Clarity is sure for me. I am as Jesus wherever I go. I know what to do, and how to do it well in Jesus name. Amen. Hallelujah!

DAILY DECLARATION

I decree and declare that the Lord is my God, forever and ever in the name of Jesus.

I arise this morning and I take charge of my day. I declare that this is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Who shall decree a thing and it will come to pass in my life when the Lord has not said it?

I stand as an oracle of God over my life and the life of my loved ones. We are kept safe by God’s power.

I decree and declare that from this morning till the end of the day my eyes shall see no evil, my ears shall hear no evil, my hands shall touch no evil in the name of Jesus.

I decree anything from the kingdom of darkness that has made it their business to hinder me, I single you out right now and bind you, in the name of Jesus. Be bound with chains that cannot be broken, in Jesus’ name. I strip off all your spiritual armour, in Jesus, name.

I decree and declare that I diligently seek to know the Lord in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that I seek God with all my heart. I do not procrastinate or delay my fellowship and study to know him. I am diligent and I pay the price to know God in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare I am disciplined enough to spend time with God and be one His friend in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare let the handwritings of ordinances programmed by satanic agents against me be wiped out by the blood of Jesus.

Every wicked war working against me in the heavenlies, I overthrow you, in the name of Jesus.

Our father in heaven, bless your son and his entire household, Pastor E.A. Adeboye; renew his strength, power and anointing, in Jesus’ name.

Holy Spirit thank You for the intercessory team, thank You for Your power and presence in their midst. Help them to continue to communicate Your heart even through these prayers.

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

Somebody shout Hallelujah!

See you tomorrow.