LESSON TWENTY (20)
TOPIC: PERSPECTIVE OF SELF-DEFENCE

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 old 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.

Read: Open Heavens 16 January 2022

MEMORY VERSE: “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand. Psalms 149:6

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 22:35-38

[35]And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

[36]Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

[37]For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

[38]And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: As Christians, we believe that God is able to protect us from both physical and spiritual attacks (Ps.7:10; Zech.12:8). We must be trusting and dependent like little children toward God and He must be our strength and safety (Ps.28:2).

However, in the world today, crime and violence are on the increase. Christians are like sheep among wolves (Matt.10:16). In most cases, they are in the most vulnerable state partly due to Christ’s injunction in Matthew 5:39 and Paul’s words in Romans 12:17-21.

OUTLINES
1. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT SELF-DEFENCE?
2. WHAT SHOULD A CHRISTIAN DO?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT SELF
DEFENCE

Self-defence is defined as “protecting oneself from injury at the hand of others.” Self defence involves preserving one’s own health, life and property when it is threatened by the actions of others (Neh. 4:7-23; Lk.11:21).

There is a distinction between self-defence and vengeance, retaliation or reprisal attack. Self-defence is taking neither about vengeance nor about premeditated attack on others. The commandment of Jesus to “turn the other cheek” (Matt.5:39) has to do with our response to personal slights and offences.

Some situations may call for self-defence, but not retaliation in kind. The context of the command of Jesus is His teaching against the idea of “eye for eye, and tooth for tooth (verse 38). Our self-defence is not a vengeful reaction to an offence. In fact, many offences can simply be absorbed in forbearance and love (Rom.12:17-21).

The Bible gives some clues about God’s attitude toward self-defence: “If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft” (Ex.22:2-3).

Two basic principles taught in this text are the right to own private property and the right to defend that property. Also, Jesus explicitly commands His followers to buy a sword, even if they have to sell their cloak to do so (Lk.22:35-38).

Jesus knew that there would be a time when His followers would be threatened, and He upheld their right to self-defence. However, Jesus told Peter not to use his sword because He must be arrested, put on trial and die (Matt.26:51-52). Jesus took prudent measures to protect Himself from harm until it was time for Him to die.

WHAT SHOULD A CHRISTIAN DO?

The Bible never forbids self-defence (Ps.144:1), and believers are allowed to defend themselves and their families (1 Sam.30:1-8; Acts 7:24). The proper use of self-defence has to do with wisdom, understanding and tact.

We must have wisdom that comes from Heaven regarding when to fight back and when not to, so as not to make a dangerous situation worse (James 1:5;3:17).

The full exercise of the right to self-defence depends on the situation. No one should be too quick to use deadly force against another, even someone who means to do harm.

Deadly force is expected to be a last resort in the event of a panicked “surprise attack” scenario where the victim is confused and disoriented.

A godly person should try to restrain the attacker rather than an immediately resort to killing him. It is important for every Christian to undergo some basic trainings on safety and self-defence.

CONCLUSION: The shepherd risks his life by combating wild animals that threaten the flock (1Sam.17:34-36). A pacifist or fearful shepherd would soon have no flock.

QUESTIONS
1. What does the Bible say about self-defence?
2. Should a Christian defend himself against physical attacks?

FURTHER READINGS: MON: Neh.4:7-23; TUE: Matt.5:3; WED: Rom.12:17-21; THUR: Ex.22:2-3; FRI: Luke 22:35-38; SAT: Matt. 17:22-23; SUN: Ps.144:1.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) Bible characters that were attacked physically and how they responded to the attack. Give scriptural reference for each.

LESSON TWENTY (20)
TOPIC: PERSPECTIVE OF SELF-DEFENCE

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 old 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.

Read: Open Heavens 16 January 2022

OPENING PRAYER: Father, You are my shield, please protect me from all attacks.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 22:35-38

[35] And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

[36] Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

[37] For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

[38] And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

MEMORY VERSE: “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand. Psalms 149:6

LESSON INTRODUCTION: As Christians, we believe that God is able to protect us from both physical and spiritual attacks (Ps.7:10; Zech.12:8). We must be trusting and dependent like little children toward God and He must be our strength and safety (Ps.28:2).

However, in the world today, crime and violence are on the increase. Christians are like sheep among wolves (Matt.10:16). In most cases, they are in the most vulnerable state partly due to Christ’s injunction in Matthew 5:39 and Paul’s words in Romans 12:17-21.

TEXT REVIEW: Luke 22:35-38

Jesus, in an attempt to prepare His disciples
for the challenges ahead, had the following
conversation with them:
A. Jesus said unto them, when I sent you without a purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything? V35a.
->i. And they said …….. v35b.
->ii. Then He said to them, he that …..V36a.
->iii. And he that ………. V36c.

B. Jesus also said:
->i. What is written ………..V37a.
->ii. The things concerning Him…V37b.

C. The Disciples said:
->i. Lord, behold ……….V38a
->ii. Jesus said unto them ……….V38b.

LESSON OUTLINE 1: WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT SELF-DEFENCE?

1. Question: What is self-defence?
Answer: Self-defence is defined as “protecting oneself from injury at the hand of others.”
Self-defence involves preserving one’s own
health, life and property when it is threatened
by the actions of others (Neh.4:7-23; Lk.11:21).

2. Question: Is there any distinction between self-defence and vengeance?
Answer: Yes, there is a distinction between
self-defence and vengeance (retaliation or reprisal attack). The difference can be explained in the following ways:

->a. Self taking defence is about neither
vengeance nor about premeditated attack on others.

->b. Jesus’ command to “turn the other cheek” (Matt.5:39) has to do with our response to personal slights offenses.

->c. Some situations may call for self-defence, but not retaliation in kind.

->d. The context of Jesus command is His
teaching against the idea of “eye for eye, and tooth for tooth” (Verse 38).

->e. Our self-defence is not a vengeful reaction
to an offense.

->f. Many offenses can simply be absorbed in forbearance and love (Rom.12:17-21).

3. Question: Are there Biblical clues about God’s attitude towards self-defence?
Answer: Yes, for instance:

->i. “if the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed. If the sun has risen on him, there shall be guilt for his bloodshed” (Exo. 22:2-3). Two basic principles taught in this text are the right to own private property and the right to defend that property.

->ii. Jesus explicitly commands His followers to buy a sword, even if they have to sell their cloak to do so (Luke. 22:35-38). Jesus knew that there would be a time who His followers would be threatened, and He upheld their right to self-defence.

->iii. However, Jesus told Peter not to use his sword because Jesus must be arrested, put on trial and die (Matt. 26:51-52).

->iv. Jesus took prudent measures to protect Himself from harm until it was time for Him to die (Luke 4:28-30).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should discuss the ways Jesus protected Himself from harm until His appointed time to die. Teacher should guide the class with the following scriptures (Jn.8:52; Jn.10:39).

LESSON OUTLINE 2: WHAT SHOULD A CHRISTIAN DO?

1. Question: Does the Bible forbid self-defence?
Answer: No, the Bible never forbids self-defence (Ps.144:1).

2. Question: Are believers allowed to defend themselves?
Answer: Yes, Believers are allowed to defend themselves and their families (1 Sam.30:1-8; Acts 7:24)

3. Question: Are there proper use of self-defence?

Answer: Yes. The proper use of self-defence has to do with wisdom, understanding and tact. We must have wisdom that comes from heaven regarding when to fight back and when not to, so as not to make a dangerous situation worse (James 1:5; James 3:17).

4. Question: Are there cautions to the full exercise of the right to self-defence?
Answer: Yes, the cautions are:

->i. The full exercise of the right to self-defence depends on the situation (Ex.22:2-3).

->ii. No one should be too quick to use deadly force against another, even someone who means to do harm (Matt. 26:51-52).

->iii. Deadly force is expected to be a last resort in the event of a panicked “surprise attack” scenario where the victim is confused and disoriented.

->iv. A godly person should try to restrain the attacker rather than an immediate resort to killing him.

->v. It is important for every Christian to under, some basic trainings on safety and self-defence (Prov.4:7).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should mention the available platforms/institutions where people can be trained on safety measures and self-defence.

3. SUMMARY: There is a clear difference between self-defence and vengeance. Believers are allowed to defend themselves and their families from attacks but should do so with caution.

4. CONCLUSION: The shepherd risks his life by combating wild animals that threaten the flock (1 Sam.17:34-36). A pacifist or fearful shepherd would soon have no flock.

5. EVALUATION: Teacher should ask the students to explain the biblical perspective of self-defence

6. CLOSING PRAYER: Father, let me always find a way of escape from all attacks in Jesus’ name.

7. ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) Bible characters that were attacked physically and how they responded to the attack. Give scriptural reference for each.

LESSON TWENTY (20)
TOPIC: GOD IS WATCHING YOU

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

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

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

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

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

Read: Open Heavens 16 January 2022

OPENING PRAYER: Father, I thank you tor watching over me and all my loved ones

MEMORY VERSE: For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings. Proverbs 5:21

BIBLE TEXT: Proverbs 5:21-23

[21]For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

[22]His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

[23]He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

Psalms 33:13-15

[13]The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.

[14]From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.

[15]He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: When God says he’s watching us, it is a reason to be both careful and joyful. we should not foolishly think that, because our parent or pastors don’t know about the sinful things we are doing, we are going to get away with them. God knows.

TEXT REVIEW: Proverbs 5:21-23, Psalm 33:13-15
i. The Lord see clearly what a man does.
ii. God understands everything a man does.

LESSON OUTLINE
GOD IS WATCHING US FOR SEVERAL GOOD REASONS:

i. He is watching us whether we do good or evil. Proverbs 15:3

ii. He is watching us to see every step we take. Job 31:4, Job 34:21

iii. He is watching us to give strength to those whose hearts are loyal to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9

iv. He watches us everywhere and knows what we are doing Psalm 11:4

v. He knows our hearts. Psalm 17:33

vi. He searches our minds and tests our hearts and treat each of them according to the way we live and what we do. Jeremiah
17:10

vii. He rewards us according to our actions. Jeremiah 32:19, Psalm 62:12
viii. Nothing is hidden from Him. Psalm 139:1-12, Hebrew 4:13

ACTIVITIES:
i. Where can the eyes of God not reach or see?
ii. Name things Christians do that is wrong, and they will end up saying God understand?

SUMMARY: God is watching us, so we should live a life of holiness.

CONCLUSION: God knows everything about us, He knows our failures and our successes. He knows our good deed and our sins, but He chooses to be merciful to us, therefore, we must not abuse His Grace.

Romans 6:1-2 says “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God Forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”

PRAYER POINTS

1.Father, as I yield myself to Your Spirit, tear away every garment that makes me susceptible to sin in Jesus’ Name.

2. Father, please reveal to me any pending restitution I need to make.

3. Pray for the rapid growth of RCCG spiritually, numerically and materially.

4. Pray for Daddy G.O and his family.

5. Your personal prayer request

ASSIGNMENT: Diligently carry out all the daily tasks outlined in the Golden diet below.

GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY: Psalm 139:2, God sees you.

TUESDAY: 1 Corinthians 6:20, You are God’s temple.

WEDNESDAY: Luke 19:37-40, Replaced by stones?

THURSDAY: 1 Corinthians 6:11-14 Internet and you.

FRIDAY: Samuel 15:28, God has substitutes.

SATURDAY: Ephesians 4:22, Tear that garment!

SUNDAY: Hebrew 6:10, Your pay day will come.

OPEN HEAVEN 16 JANUARY 2022 MEMORIZE: Salute the brethren which are in Laodiceea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. Colossians 4:15

OPEN HEAVEN 16 JANUARY 2022 BIBLE READING ROMANS 16:3-5

3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

Happy Sunday Beloved,

With Jesus joy in our hearts, we welcome you to today’s devotional. You are on the most engaged gospel website in Africa where you are provided with daily devotionals, prayers, and declarations. We’re so glad to have you here today. Along with millions of believers around the world, you are getting edifying and uplifting content every morning. Do not 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.

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today, my home shall be a worthy custodian of the Church of God in Jesus name, Amen Hallelujah!

Join Today’s RCGG Fasting: Rccg Fasting And Prayer Guide For 16 January 2022

Powerful Declarations: Powerful Declarations For Today 16 January 2022

Today’s Prayer Points: Prayer Points For Open Heavens 16 January 2022

Teens Devotional: Open Heavens For Teens 16 January 2022

OPEN HEAVEN 16 JANUARY 2022 MESSAGE

The Home Church model is the oldest form of worship centres right from the Old Testament days. It should be recalled that what is now known as Abrahamic faith in at least three notable religions of the world started as a family mode of worship.

The Bible tells of how the Abrahamic faith started within the household of Abraham in Genesis 18:19. lt is equally interesting to note that the New Testament Church was born, it
was within a household at the Upper Room (Acts 1:13).

This was where all the earliest apostles were residing when the New Testament Church was inaugurated by the coming of the Holy Ghost.

Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus.…Likewise greet the church that is in their house… Romans 16:3,5. Therefore, adopting the Home Church model is going back to the basics.

The Home Church model has been proven to be beneficial right from the birth of the Church and all the hostility from the world against it. The blessings accruing from this model are innumerable but we shall mention some of the spiritual ones today.

To start with, putting a Church in your house in the form of a House Fellowship Centre is like putting the Ark of the Covenant there and it brings abundant blessings like in the
case of Obededom in 2 Samuel 6:10-11.

Obededom became a national celebrity to the extent that even King David envied him and hurriedly took the Ark away from his household. The good news is that no one can take the Church away from you as long as you allow Jesus to remain in your house.

Corporately speaking, the Home Church model enhances all-round growth of the Church. Spiritually, members Of the House Fellowship and by extension, of the Church are groomed since they would be properly taken care of.

This model discourages the loss of souls in the multitude of the bigger mother-Church. As we can see from the scriptures we reviewed above, the Home Church model is a design from God and we must all return to it.

Beloved, decide to use your home as a sub-unit of a bigger Church today and you would be richly blessed by so doing, in Jesus’ name.

OPEN HEAVEN 16 JANUARY 2022 PRAYER POINT

Father, please qualify my home as worthy to be a custodian of Your Church, in the mighty name of Jesus.

Beloved, be determined to be a contributor to the advancement of God’s Kingdom in one way or the other. 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 16 JANUARY 2021, 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 16 JANUARY 2022 HYMN

NEARER MY GOD TO THEE

1. Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee;
E’ en though it be a cross
That raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.

2. Though, like a wanderer
The sun gone down,
Darkness comes over me,
My rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee.

3. There let me see the sight,
An open heaven;
All that thou sendest me,
In mercy given;
Angles to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee

4. Then, with my walking thoughts
Bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs
Bethel I’ll raise,
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee

5. Or if on joyful wing
Cleaving the sky
Sun, moon, and stars forgot,
Upwards I fly,
Still all my song shall be,
Nearer my God to Thee,
Nearer my God to Thee,
Nearer to Thee!

OPEN HEAVEN 16 JANUARY 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: GENESIS 46-48

DAY 5: SATURDAY

TOPIC: THANKSGIVING TO GOD: RCCG IS 70.

To God be the glory, the Redeemed Christian Church of God is grateful for God’s goodness and faithfulness since the past 70 years, we thank God for all he has done for the church.

BIBLE TEXT: Psalm 95:1-5, 118:24, Col. 3:15-17, 1 Chro. 29:13, 16:34

Powerful Declarations: Powerful Declarations For Today 15 January 2022

Today’s Prayer Points: Prayer Points For Open Heavens 15 January 2022

Read: Open Heavens 15 January 2021

PRAYER GUIDE:

1. Father, we thank you for been our help in ages past and our hope for years to come.

2. Father, we thank you for permitting us to sing and make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. For our Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods in Jesus name. Psa 95:1-3

3. Father, we thank you because you are good and your mercy endures forever, in all our parishes, Area Zones, Provinces and Regions in RCCG, in Jesus name. Psa 136:1-3

4. Father, thank you because it is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name for you have been truthfully good to us as a church, Psa 92:1-3.

5. Father thank you for allowing us enter into your gates with thanksgiving and your courts with praise, in Jesus name. Psa 100:4

6. Father; we give thanks and praise your name for your unfailing love and wonderful deeds in RCCG in Jesus name. Psa 100:4

7. Father, we thank you for the priceless gift of salvation through our Lord Jesus that made us the righteousness of God in Christ. 2Cor 5:21

8. Father, we thank you because, you are the strength and shield of RCCG from the beginning till date. Psa 28:7

9. Father, we thank you because you have put joy in our hearts as a church for these years. Psa 4:7

10. Father, we thank you, because of divine enlargement of RCCG in nations all over the world, Isa 9:3

11. Father, we thank you, for choosing your son and his entire family, Pastor Josiah Akindayomi as vessels of honour for the establishment of this great church- RCCG. Mat 16:18

12. Father, we thank you for the life of your son, Past E. A Adeboye and his family for the expansion of your work and kingdom in RCCG – 2Cor 9:15, Isa 6:8, Luk 8:10

13. Father, we thank you for not allowing the gate of hell to prevail over your Church. RCCG. Mat 16:18

14. Father, we thank you for frustrating every devices of the enemy against your Church. Job 5:12

15. Father, we thank you for all your goodness and mercies we have enjoyed as a church for past 70 years. We confess, it has been you and you alone.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 15 JANUARY 2022 MEMORIZE: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:12.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 15 JANUARY 2022 BIBLE READING MATTHEW 4:1-4

[1] Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

[2] And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.

[3] And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

[4] But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Adults Version: Open Heavens 15 January 2022

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 15 JANUARY 2022 MESSAGE

The nature of responses given by the Lord Jesus Christ to counter Satan’s temptations in today’s Bible reading shows that He wasn’t in haste. Jesus had just finished a 40-day fast and when He was to break, the devil suggested that He should change stones to loaves of bread.

If Jesus had done it, it would have been harmful to His physical health. The next time you want to break a fast, do so with light homemade food and fruits, not junk or heavy meals.

Many believers today are impatient and the devil is exploiting them, particularly the young ones. This he does subtly by suggesting different ungodly things to them when they are in unpleasant situations.

Unfortunately, the ones who are not spiritually sensitive or discerning succumb to his will and become his prey. You must be like those who obtained the promise through patience in the Bible.

For instance, Joseph’s expectation of being released from the prison didn’t come through until Pharaoh had a dream and he was sent for to interpret it. This took about two years after he interpreted the Butler’s dream (Genesis 40:1-6).

Whatever has a beginning, has an end. Your trying time will not last forever; be patient.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 15 JANUARY 2022 PRAYER POINT

Father, please help every teenager facing any challenge right now to make the right decision in patience.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 15 JANUARY 2022 HYMN

BE GLAD IN THE LORD AND REJOICE

1. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice,
All ye that are upright in heart;
And ye that have made
Him your choice,
Bid sadness and sorrow depart.

CHORUS
Rejoice, rejoice!
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice!
Rejoice, rejoice!
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice!

2. Be joyful for He is the Lord,
On earth and in Heaven supreme;
He fashions and rules by His word;
The “Mighty” and “Strong” to redeem.

3. What though in the conflict for right
Your enemies almost prevail,
God’s armies, just hid from your sight,
Are more than the foes which assail.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 15 JANUARY 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: MATTHEW 12:1-21; GENESIS 36-37

Thank you for joining us today. 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 15 January 2022

Today’s Prayer Points: Prayers for 15 January 2022

Today’s Powerful Confession: Today I confess that I am a faithful and obedient servant of God. I listen to Him and do exactly as He says because I trust Him.

DAILY DECLARATION

I decree and declare that this is the day the Lord has made, 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 year 2022 and beyond, my eyes shall see no evil, my ears shall hear no evil, my hands shall touch no evil.

I decree and declare that my daily bread is provided for. The air I breathe is purified and the water I drink is sanctified.

I decree and declare that I am not a victim of any sad story, neither the lead role in tragedy. The Lord orders my steps.

I decree and declare that no weapon that is formed against me, both physical and spiritual, will prosper.

I decree and declare that the gates of the enemy are closed towards me and the gates of help are open towards me

I decree and declare that nothing I touch turns against me and no place I go becomes my death place

I decree and declare that as the Lord is my Shepherd I lack nothing good. I eat the good of the land I dwell in

I decree and declare that milk and honey flows to me effortlessly and milk and honey flows through me abundantly.

I decree and declare that my needs are met and I have all I need in abundance that I begin to meet the needs of others around me

I declare that in this year I lend to nations and I do not borrow. Riches flow to me from all the streams I am expecting

My Father my Father, I thank You for Your word and Your works that You wrought through the life of Pastor E.A Adeboye. I declare that in You they are yes and amen.

Thank You for the intercessory team and the grace You have bestowed upon them. I decree that the oil upon them will flow from their head down just like it did to Aaron

Praise be to the God from whom all blessings flow. Thank You for the testimonies that will erupt from our lives even today and all through the year. In JESUS name. Amen

Somebody shout Hallelujah_

Beloved, thank you for joining us today. 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]

Join today’s Devotion here: Open Heavens 15 January 2022

Powerful Declarations: Powerful Declarations For Today 15 January 2022

Today’s Powerful Confession: Today I confess that I am a faithful and obedient servant of God. I listen to Him and do exactly as He says because I trust Him.

2022 Prophecies: Prophecies for 2022 by Pastor E.A Adeboye

PRAYER POINTS

God of wonders, I praise you today. I enter into your gates with thanksgiving and your courts with praises.

You are God of wonders. You do amazing things. I stand in awe O you today.

Thank You Father for all the awesome things you have done in time past and continue to do even in my life.

Thank you God of wonders because you are alive to deal with my situation and give me pleasant wonders as I journey through the year 2022. I praise you Lord.

Lord, I humbly seek Your mercy for the times when I kept your grace aside and did as I chose. Thank You for not leaving me in my errors.

Forgive me Lord for every time I have been small minded and trivialized your majesty and sovereignty. 

My Lord and Savior hold my hands this year and teach me Your way. I choose to follow in Jesus name. 

My Lord and Master I ask that You make me a fisher of men, not for fame or wordly pleasures, but for Your harvest. 

Lord Jesus I ask You this morning that You grant me the boldness and wisdom to dispense Your gospel to the souls of men in the name of Jesus! 

Holy Spirit I pray that You stir up in my bones a fire that will drive me into the place of prayer. I refuse to be a prayerless Christian. 

My Lord and King, make me a vessel unto honour, fit for Your use and Your use alone.

Precious Jesus I ask that You speak to me out of the many voices that surround me and speak Your word into my ears.

Oh God of wonders, show your mighty hands in my life and deal with (mention the situation). Give me pleasant wonders as I journey through the year 2022. 

Dear God, I thank You for the life of Your servant Pastor E.A Adeboye. You alone can do the things You do through him. I pray that You strengthen him even as he goes about his Father’s business and give him more access to the depths of Your Spirit.

Dear God You know every heart that is poured out to the work on this platform (rccgonline.org). Lord bless them and increase to higher levels of grace and power.

Dear God for everyone that visits this platform even to pray along, answer their prayers according to Your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Ask for whatever you need and believe that in the name of Jesus, it will be done. (John 14:13-14) 

 Thank You Father for answering my prayers; for in Christ all Your promises are yes and amen. In JESUS name I pray. Amen

#GodBlessOurHomes

OPEN HEAVEN 15 JANUARY 2022 MEMORIZE: Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? And where is the place of my rest? Isaiah 66:1

OPEN HEAVEN 15 JANUARY 2022 BIBLE READING JOHN 1:1-3,14

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

With Jesus joy in our hearts, we welcome you to today’s devotional. You are on the most engaged gospel website in Africa where you are provided with daily devotionals, prayers, and declarations. We’re so glad to have you here today. Along with millions of believers around the world, you are getting edifying and uplifting content every morning. Do not 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.

Today’s Powerful Confession: Today I confess that I am a faithful and obedient servant of God. I listen to Him and do exactly as He says because I trust Him. 

Join Today’s RCGG Fasting: Rccg Fasting And Prayer Guide For 15 January 2022

Powerful Declarations: Powerful Declarations For Today 15 January 2022

Today’s Prayer Points: Prayer Points For Open Heavens 15 January 2022

Teens Devotional: Open Heavens For Teens 15 January 2022

OPEN HEAVEN 15 JANUARY 2022 MESSAGE

The word ‘wonder’ could be rightly considered as an apt description of God. Our God is full of wonders. At creation we saw how God brought order out of a chaotic situation.

The Bible says: And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. – (Genesis 1:2-3).

The above Scripture gives assurance of peace to anyone who would come to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. In our memory verse today, we read that God is so magnificent that the entire heaven is His throne while, as large as the earth is, it is merely His footstool.

This is to tell us that no matter how big our challenges are, God is bigger than them all, as a songwriter affirms.

Another area of the wonders of God is found in our Bible text of today. God is an eternal Personality playing different roles. He is the Word with God and at the same time He is God. In a nutshell, God is the Word and the Word is God.

The implication of this reality is that whoever trivializes the Word of God trivializes God Himself. Jesus Christ said, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” – (John 6:63).

Moreover, because the Word is powerful, if we abide in Him, our lives would be transformed and we would be victorious.

The Centurion in Matthew 8:5-13 understood this and took advantage of his knowledge of this truth when he requested that Jesus Christ should merely speak the Word to his servant’s situation for healing.

The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. – (Matthew 8:8).

The God of wonders is alive to deal with your situation and give you pleasant wonders as we journey through the year 2022. Go ahead and praise the God of wonders right now.

OPEN HEAVEN 15 JANUARY 2022 PRAYER POINT: Prayer Points For Open Heavens 15 January 2022

Father, please perform Your wonders in my life today, in Jesus’ name.

Beloved, be determined to be a contributor to the advancement of God’s Kingdom in one way or the other. 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 15 JANUARY 2021, 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 15 JANUARY 2022 HYMN

O LORD, OUR HELP IN AGES PAST

1. O Lord, 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 your throne,
your saints have dwelt secure;
sufficient is your arm alone,
and our defense is sure.

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

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

OPEN HEAVEN 15 JANUARY 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: GENESIS 43-45

DAY 4: FRIDAY

TOPIC: THANKSGIVING FOR PAST HOLY GHOST CONGRESS (HGC), CONVENTIONS AND OTHER PROGRAMS.

BIBLE TEXT: Psalms 101:1; Psalms 136:1-END.

Let us express our gratitude with dancing and singing for wonders that God has performed in the midst of His people whenever we gather to seek his face in any of the past Holy Ghost Congresses (HGCs), Conventions and monthly Holy Ghost Services.

Powerful Declarations: Powerful Declarations For Today 14 January 2022

Today’s Prayer Points: Prayer Points For Open Heavens 14 January 2022

Read: Open Heavens 14 January 2021

PRAYER GUIDE

1.Father, we Thank You for establishing Holy Ghost Congress, Convention and other Programs in RCCG, in Jesus’ Name.

2. Father, we Thank You for souls that were saved in the last HGCs,
Convention and other Programs in RCCG, in Jesus’ Name. Luke 15:10

3.Father, we Thank You for the privilege to gather unto You in any of the past HGCs, Conventions and other Programs, in Jesus’ Name. Zephaniah 1:7

4.Father, we Thank You for Your presence anytime we gather at any of these past Programs, in Jesus’ Name. Psalms 68:8

5.Father; we Thank You for making provision for all our past HGCs, Conventions, and other Programs in Jesus’ Name. Psalms 132:15

6.Father, we Thank You for showing us mercy in all of these past Programs,in Jesus’ Name. Genesis 39:21

7.Father, we Thank You for inspiration that transformed lives in these past Programs, in Jesus’ Name. Ephesians 1:17

8.Father, we Thank You for the multitudes of Your Mercies that brought deliverance to millions of people in these past Programs, in Jesus’ Name. Psalms 5:7

9.Father, we Thank You for Your great mercy that convert sinners in large numbers at our past Programs in Jesus’ Name. 1 Chronicles 16:23

10. Father, we Thank You for the fire on our Prayer Altars during past
Programs, in Jesus’ Name. Leviticus 1:7

11. Father, we Thank You for the Secrets of Kingdom Prosperity that were expounded to us in the past Programs, in Jesus’ Name. Deuteronomy 29:29

12. Father, we Thank You for multitude of barren that became fruitful during past Programs, in Jesus’ Name. Exodus 23:26

13. Father, we Thank You for transformation of millions of lives through these past Programs, in Jesus’ Name. Romans 12:2

14. Father, we Thank You for renewing the oil upon Daddy G.O. and other Ministers you used in these past Programs, in Jesus’ Name.

15. Father, we Thank You for numerous Testimonies that emanated from these past Programs, in Jesus’ Name. Acts 8:6-8