OPEN HEAVEN 23 APRIL 2023 MEMORIZE: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6

OPEN HEAVEN 23 APRIL 2023 BIBLE READING PSALMS 67:5-6

5 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

6 Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.

OPEN HEAVEN 23 APRIL 2023 MESSAGE

My God is so generous that when He wants to make the barren fruitful, He gives them multiple babies. If you don’t believe me, ask Hannah. In (1 Samuel 2:21), Hannah asked for just one boy and even promised to give him back to God, but the Lord gave her the boy she asked for and five more children! I have good news for at least one woman who has been labelled barren: In nine months’ time, you will be carrying your twins, in Jesus’ name.

There have been several testimonies at our programmes in The Redeemed Christian Church of God where people were told by doctors that they could not have a baby and God gave them multiple babies.

There was one particular woman who the doctors had told that her womb was too small to accommodate a baby. She wrote us and we prayed. From that same womb pronounced as ‘too small’ for one baby, four babies came out at once. I decree once again: It doesn’t matter how long you have been waiting for the fruit of the womb, my God will give you multiple children in nine months’ time, in Jesus’ name.

If you’re already bearing fruit and want more, note that John 15:1-2 says if you already have fruit, God will make sure that you bear even more. Being fruitful is however, not limited to child bearing; it also involves business, ministry and many more areas of life.

There are two types of fruitful people — those whose fruits increase by addition and those whose fruits increase by multiplication. I don’t know about you, but I prefer to multiply than to merely increase by addition.

The secret to your fruits multiplying is in thanksgiving. When you thank God adequately for the things He did for you yesterday, He will do even more for you today. After Hannah had Samuel, she sang a song of thanksgiving to God and He gave her five more children (1 Samuel 2:1-10, 21).

When Jesus needed the multiplication anointing to work on the five loaves of bread and two fishes in Matthew 14:13-21, He simply thanked God for the provision and it began to multiply. Thank God for His provision and watch Him transform you from the realm of additional increase to that of divine multiplication.

OPEN HEAVEN 23 APRIL 2023 PRAYER POINT

Father, thank You for all the things You have already done for me. I would never have amounted to anything without Your help. Thank you, Lord.

OPEN HEAVEN 23 APRIL 2023 HYMN

OPEN HEAVEN 23 APRIL 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: 2 KINGS 14-16

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

LESSON THIRTY-FOUR (34)
TOPIC: RELATIONAL TRUST

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

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

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

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His 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 PRAYERS: Father, help me to build a healthy and trustworthy relationship in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 6:2-7

[2]Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

[3]Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

[4]But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

[5]And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

[6]Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

[7]And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

MEMORY VERSE: “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.” Proverbs 31:11

LESSON INTRODUCTION: The five-letter word “trust” occurs in 139 verses in the Bible (KJV). While there are various root words translated ‘‘trust,’’ in this context, it means reliance on the integrity, strength or ability of a person or thing. Trust can be dependent or relational. Dependent trust is between man and God in which an individual completely trusts God while relational trust deals with human relationships and signifies the trust one reposes in another person.  We shall focus on the attributes of a trustworthy person and how to be one.

TEXT REVIEW: Acts 6:2-7
From the above Bible passage, the teacher should identify:
a.Three requirements of the disciples who were appointed to serve the table.
i.   ——————–
ii. ——————-
iii. ——————-
b.Two focal points of the duties of the apostles. Vs.4.
i.   ———————
ii. ——————–
c.  Seven names of the ministers to serve at the table. Vs.5.
i.   ———————-
ii. ———————
iii.  ——————–
iv.  ——————–
v.  ———————-
vi.  …………………………
vii. …………………………

LESSON OUTLINES
LESSON OUTLINE 1: ATTRIBUTES OF A TRUSTWORTHY PERSON
The teacher should explain the 10 attributes of a trustworthy person as stated below:
i. Tenacious: Trustworthy people are stubbornly unyielding to untruthfulness. Dan.1:8

ii. Resolute: This means they are unwavering. Ruth 1:16

iii. Unbendable:  They are always determined to do the right thing. Est.3:2

iv. Steady: They are straightforward. 2 Chron.24:11-12

v.Tested: They have proved their trustworthiness through thick and thin. 1 Sam.12:3

vi. Accountable:  They are always answerable for whatever task they engage in. Neh.13:13

vii. Wholistic: They can be wholly trusted with time, money, the opposite sex, work, etc.

viii. Reliable:  They have your back and do not betray a trust or leak a secret for any reason.
Reliable: Prov.14:23

ix. Weighty:  Trust is weighty but not burdensome as a result; the carrier is conscious of carrying something important and does not misbehave. Gen.39:9

x. Solid: They are always firm. Job 17:9

CLASS ACTIVITY 1:
Students should rate themselves based on the scale below. They should allow the Holy Spirit to guide them as this exercise would serve as self-appraisal and should lead to prayers.

ATTRIBUTES 5  4 3 2  1
1. Tenacious
2. Resolute
3 . Unbendable
4 . Steady
5 . Tested
6 . Accountable
7  Wholistic
8.  Reliable
9 . Weight
10. Solid

* The total score is 50 Marks i.e. 5 Marks X 10. Students who score less than 25 should ask God to help them to be trustworthy

LESSON OUTLINE 2: BEING TRUSTWORTHY
-The teacher should explain the following elements of being trustworthy.
i. Being trustworthy is an intentional, deliberate, planned and purposeful resolve that an individual makes. Dan.5:17

ii. It is not entrusted to an individual. Trust is consciously earned. Prov.31:12

iii. There is a price tag of sacrifices to be paid by anyone who chooses to be trustworthy. Gen.39:10

iv. We need to ask God for help to be trustworthy. Rom.7:22-25

v.  Trust is a bed rock of a lasting relationship

vi.  Some of the rewards of being trustworthy are: Peace of mind, Boldness, Crown of honour, etc.

vii.Some of the consequences of distrust are: Shame, Dishonour, Loss of opportunities, etc.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Give examples or illustrations on how to earn a trust.

SUMMARY: A Christian must be trustworthy.

CONCLUSION: Trust is significant and essential to any relationship we may build because it is this trust in one another that forms the foundation of a strong relationship.

EVALUATION:  What are the attributes of a trustworthy person?

CLOSING PRAYER:  Almighty Father, help me not to fail the confidence reposed in me in the name of Jesus.

ASSIGNMENT: Identify five (5) reasons for lack of trust among brethren today (2×5=10 Marks).

LESSON THIRTY-FOUR (34)
TOPIC: RELATIONAL TRUST

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

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

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

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His 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: “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.” Proverbs 31:11

BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 6:2-7

[2]Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

[3]Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

[4]But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

[5]And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

[6]Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

[7]And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: The five-letter word “trust” occurs in 139 verses in the Bible (KJV). While there are various root words translated ‘‘trust,’’ in this context, it means reliance on the integrity, strength or ability of a person or thing. Trust can be dependent or relational. Dependent trust is between man and God in which an individual completely trusts God while relational trust deals with human relationships and signifies the trust one reposes in another person. We shall focus on the attributes of a trustworthy person and how to be one.

OUTLINES
1. ATTRIBUTES OF A TRUSTWORTHY PERSON
2. BEING TRUSTWORTHY

1. ATTRIBUTES OF A TRUSTWORTHY PERSON
Trustworthy people are:
1. Tenacious: Trustworthy people are stubbornly unyielding to untruthfulness. Dan.1:8

2. Resolute: This means they are unwavering. Ruth 1:16

3. Unbendable: They are always determined to do the right thing. Est.3:2

4. Steady: They are straightforward. 2 Chron.24:11-12

5.Tested: They have proved their trustworthiness through thick and thin. 1 Sam.12:3

6. Accountable: They are always answerable for whatever task they engage in. Neh.13:13

7. Wholistic: They can be wholly trusted with time, money, the opposite sex, work, etc.

8. Reliable: They have your back and do not betray a trust or leak a secret for any reason.
Prov.14:23
9. Weighty: Trust is weighty but not burdensome as a result; the carrier is conscious of carrying something important and does not misbehave. Gen.39:9
10. Solid: They are always firm. Job 17:9

2. BEING TRUSTWORTHY
Being trustworthy is a deliberate and purposeful resolve an individual makes (Dan.5:17). Trust is earned (Prov.31:12): trust is not entrusted to anyone; it is consciously earned by an individual. There is a price tag of sacrifices to be paid by anyone who chooses to be trustworthy (Gen.39:10). We need to ask God for help (Rom.7:22-25) as we take time to study and obey His word because trust is the bedrock of a lasting relationship.
Some of the rewards of being trustworthy are peace of mind, boldness, a crown of honour and an asset while the consequences of distrust include shame, dishonour and loss of opportunities.

CONCLUSION: Trust is significant and essential to any relationship we may build because it is this trust in one another that forms the foundation of a strong relationship.

QUESTIONS:
* Mention four (4) attributes of a trustworthy person.
* How can one be trustworthy?

FURTHER READINGS: MON: Ps,4:5, TUE: Ps,40:4, WED: Prov. 31:11, THUR: Isa.36:
FRI.1 Tim.6:20, SAT: Heb. 13:18, SUN: Job 13:1

ASSIGNMENT: Identify five (5) reasons for lack of trust among brethren today (2×5=10 Marks).

Hello Beloved, we are delighted that you are joining us again today. We always look forward to your participation. Please declare these declarations with faith and trust that God will bring them to fruition. Amen!

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

To fully benefit from these prayers, you must first accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me for 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 Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN!

If you participated in that 

life-changing prayer! Please contact us at [email protected] today.

✅ Open Heavens 21 April 2023

✅ Powerful Declarations For today 21 April 2023

Today’s Confession: I confess today I am delivered and exempted from evil. Every downfall planned out for me and weapon fashioned against me fails woefully because I am God’s righteous one and He jealously guards me in Jesus’ name, Amen. Hallelujah!

PRAYER POINTS

Thank You Father for the free gift of Your love. You loved me even when I didn’t know me. Thank You Lord.

Thank You Father for giving me Your Son as a ransom for my sins. Thank You for snatching me for the hands of eternal death.

Lord forgive me for the times I have done my will and hindered Yours. Forgive me for not being obedient to Your voice.

Father, help me to continually live a holy and blameless life in Jesus’ name.

Father, make me righteous. Help me to forsake all unrighteous ways in the name of Jesus.

Father, please set me free from every thing holding me down. Set me free from debt, sickness, confusion, illluck, poverty, and failure in the mighty name of Jesus!

Father please set me free and also annoint me to set people free. Let me cast out demons from their lives in Jesus’ name.

Father, please set me free from all forms of bondage and use me to set captives free.

Oh Lord, may I not be substituted and place in the path of evil in Jesus’ name.

Oh Lord, as I become righteous before You, take me away from every evil planned and intended for me in the name of Jesus.

Lord Jesus, I ask that for this year all I do excels exceedingly in the name of Jesus.

Lord Jesus, I ask that Your power be available to make me exceptional and exempted from every evil and in Jesus’ name.

Father I ask that You bless Your servants all over the world doing Your work faithfully. Reward them and grant their heart desires in the name of Jesus.

Pray your individual prayers, believing that Your heavenly Father who hears also answers.

Lord, bless Your son Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye for all his years of continual service, remember him, guide him on the path, help him remain focused, bless his entire household, and fulfill all Your promises for their liberation and ministry, Lord of peace, may You grant him and his family peace at all times and in every way (2 Thess. 3:16). May You equip him with everything good for doing Your will, and may You work in him what is pleasing to You, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. I ask You to deliver him from people who have wrong motives, I also pray that he will have joy in his ministry; and that he will always feel strong and refreshed in his spirit, soul, and body. in Jesus’ name.

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.

Thank You, Lord,  for everyone working on this platform (RCCGONLINE.ORG). Please Lord, perfect everything that concerns them and makes them great, in this new year, expand and move the platform forward for Your Kingdom. Grant the workers wisdom and inspiration on how to expand in Jesus’ name. Jesus name.

Lord all those who have been rebroadcasting these prayers and declarations, give them the grace to keep up with this good work of Faith, in the name of Jesus.

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

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

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

( Philippians 4:6)

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

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

Thank you Father for answered prayers.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18).

#GodBlessOurNation

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

See you here tomorrow.

Hello Beloved, we are delighted that you are joining us again today. We always look forward to your participation. Please declare these declarations with faith and trust that God will bring them to fruition. Amen!

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

To fully benefit from these prayers, you must first accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me for 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 Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN!

If you participated in that 

life-changing prayer! Please contact us at [email protected] today.

✅ Open Heavens 21 April 2023

✅ Prayer Points For Open Heavens 21 April 2023

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today I am delivered and exempted from evil. Every downfall planned out for me and weapon fashioned against me fails woefully because I am God’s righteous one and He jealously guards me in Jesus’ name, Amen. Hallelujah!

DAILY DECLARATION

I decree and declare that I am set free from every bondage and captivity of the enemy, demons and strongholds for this saith the LORD, “Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will content with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.” This is my heritage in Christ in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that I am set free and it is God who sets me free so I am free indeed in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that for everywhere I have been in any form of bondage, I receive total freedom right now, in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that not only am I set free, I am empowered to set captives free in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that I am a child of God therefore no fire will burn me in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that every pit dug for me, the enemy begins to fall into it in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that I am the righteous one who is delivered out of trouble, not the unrighteous one who is used as a substitute for the righteous in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that I am purposeful. God created me for a reason and I will fulfil it in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that I discover my purpose, and do not get distracted by the devil to end up pursuing other things rather than the purpose of God for my life in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that by the blessings of Calvary, I have victory over sin, over the devil and over death in Jesus’ name

I decree and declare that my family is kept from evil by the mercy of the Lord in Jesus’ name.

I decree the life I live is a life of Christ therefore no lies from the pit of hell can rule over me, in Jesus’ name.

Thank You Father for your son Pastor E. A Adeboye, and how You keep using him worldwide. Lord may Your grace be multiplied to him and may You cause an increase to every seed You have planted through him. Lord of peace, may You grant him and his family peace at all times and in every way (2 Thess. 3:16). May You equip him with everything good for doing Your will, and may You work in him what is pleasing to You, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. I ask You to deliver him from people who have wrong motives. I also pray that he will have joy in his ministry; and that he will always feel strong and refreshed in his spirit, soul, and body. I decree and declare may the wisdom and inspiration of the Almighty upon him never cease and the grace of God will continually dwell with him and his entire household, may they continue to enjoy Your faithfulness in the mighty name of Jesus.

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

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

Thank You, Lord, for everyone working on this platform (RCCGONLINE.ORG). Please Lord, perfect everything that concerns them, make them great, in this new year, expand, and move the platform forward for Your Kingdom. Grant the workers wisdom and inspiration on how to expand in Jesus’ name.

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

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

Somebody shout Hallelujah!

See you tomorrow!

SUNDAY
LESSON THIRTY-FOUR (34)
TOPIC: BREAK THE YOKE OF POVERTY

*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 deliver me completely from poverty.

MEMORY VERSE: “All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him! he may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him”. Proverbs 19:7(NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: PROVERBS 6:9-11

9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

INTRODUCTION: Generally, poverty can be described as a state of being extremely poor. Poverty can take different forms: mental, spiritual, material or financial. In the context of material/financial possessions, poverty is said to exist when people lack the means to satisfy their basic needs. Scriptures clearly state that even brethren of the poor hate him (Proverbs 19:7) and that poverty can destroy the poor (Proverbs 10:15). What then causes poverty and how can a believer break free from it?

TEACHING REVIEW: PROVERBS 6:9-11
A. In the above text, the writer raised two fundamental questions:
i. What are those thing which the sluggard should do?
i. ………………………………V9a
ii. ………………………………V9b

B. He went further to highlight the inaction of the sluggard and the consequences respectively
i. …………………………..V10
ii. …………………………..V11

LESSON OUTLINES
1. CAUSES OF POVERTY
2. HOW TO BREAK FREE

CAUSES OF POVERTY
i. The teacher should ask the students to mention the forms of poverty they are aware of.
ii. The teacher should classify and raise discussions on poverty as outlined below and allow the students to make contributions accordingly.

1. Personal attitude which includes:
a. Laziness/Idleness. (Proverbs 10:4;19:15).
b. Poor work ethics. (Proverbs 14:23; 2 Thessalonians 3:10).
c. Lack of self discipline. (Proverbs 12:27).
d. Stubbornness. (Proverbs 13:18).
e. Drunkenness and gluttony (Prov. 24:21)
f. Worldliness and frivolous persuits. (Proverbs 21:17;28:19).
g. Limitation mentality. (Proverbs 23:7a).
h. Natural disasters (famine, floods, droughts etc.) *Genesis 12:10*
i. Health challenges (Mark 5:25-26).
j. Fire outbreaks. (Job 1:16).
k. Death of a benefactor. (2Samuel 4:4).

2. Oppression of others: Examples of oppression that can cause poverty include:
a. Delayed wages (Leviticus 19:13; 1Timothy 5:18).
b. Exorbitant interest rates on loans. (Exodus 22:25).

3. Spiritual causes of poverty include:
a. Repercussion of sin (Deuteronomy 28:15-21).
b. Wrong spiritual concept as some believers equate poverty to holiness.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Share with the class, the causes of poverty of anyone you know and what others should do not to fall into poverty.

HOW TO BREAK FREE
A. To break free from the yoke of poverty, you need to:
1. Discover your purpose for living and diligently pursue it. (2 Peter 1:10; Proverbs 22:29).

2. Father sufficient information on how to improve yourself in your chosen career, vocation or trade. (Proverbs 18:15; 24:4).

3. Be intentional about creating multiple streams of income (Ecclesiastes 11:2).

4. Find a problem around you that you can solve that will earn you good money. Acquire additional skill: re-skill and up-skill. (Proverbs 9:9)

5. Believe in yourself and have the ‘i can’t attitude. (Phil 4:13).

B. Essentially, breaking free from poverty requires giving (Prov. 11:24)
i. Pay your tithes and offerings. (Malachi 3:10-12)
ii. First fruit Proverbs 3:9-10).
iii. Give to the less privileged.
iv. Pray and study the word of God to know His perfect will for you in all your life endeavors (Psalm 37:23).
v. Stop living on debt, borrow only to invest (Proverbs 22:7).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2
Mention other things a believer can do to create wealth and avoid unnecessary borrowing

CONCLUSION: Poverty is not pre-destined, therefore, change your mindset towards material wealth knowing that God gives the ‘power’ to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).

CLOSING PRAYER: I receive the grace to live a life that is void of poverty in Jesus name

ASSIGNMENT: List 5 ways to invest so as to get out of poverty (2×5=10 Marks).

SUNDAY
LESSON THIRTY-FOUR (34)
TOPIC: BREAK THE YOKE OF POVERTY

*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: “All the brethren of the poor hate him: How much more do his friends go far from him! he may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him”. –Proverbs 19:7(NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: PROVERBS 6:9-11

9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep

10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

INTRODUCTION: Generally, poverty can be described as a state of being extremely poor. Poverty can take different forms: mental, spiritual, material or financial. In the context of material/financial possessions, poverty is said to exist when people lack the means to satisfy their basic needs. Scriptures clearly state that even brethren of the poor hate him (Proverbs 19:7) and that poverty can destroy the poor (Proverbs 10:15). What then causes poverty and how can a believer break free from it?

LESSON OUTLINES
1. CAUSES OF POVERTY
2. HOW TO BREAK FREE

1. CAUSES OF POVERTY
While poverty can be in categories or degrees, several factors can be responsible for it:
1.Personal attitude which includes laziness/idleness (Prov.10:4; 19:15); Poor work ethics (Prov.14:23; 2Thess.3:10); Lack of self-discipline (Prov.12:27); Stubbornness (Prov.13:18); Drunkenness and gluttony (Prov.23:21); Worldliness and frivolous pursuits (Prov. 21:17; 28:19); Limitation mentality (Prov.23:7a).

2. Natural disasters (famine, floods, droughts, etc.) – Gen.12:10, health challenges (Mk.5:25-26), fire outbreaks (Job 1:16), death of a benefactor (2Sam.4:4).

3. Oppression of others: Examples of oppression that can cause poverty include delayed wages (Lev.19:13; 1Tim.5:18), exorbitant interest rates on loans (Ex.22:25-27).

4. Spiritual causes of poverty include: Repercussion of sin (Deut.28:15-21) and wrong spiritual concepts as some believers equate poverty to holiness.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Share with the class, the cause of poverty of anyone you know and what others should do not to fall into poverty.

2. HOW TO BREAK FREE
You need to discover your purpose for living and diligently pursue it (2Pet.1:10; Prov.22:29). Gather sufficient information on how to improve yourself in your chosen career, vocation, or trade (Prov.18:15; 24:4). Be intentional about creating multiple streams of income (Eccl.11:2). Find a problem around you that you can solve that will earn you good money. Acquire additional skills: re-skill and up-skill (Prov.9:9). Believe in yourself and have the ‘I can’ attitude (Phil.4:13).

Essentially, breaking free from poverty requires giving (Prov.11:24): pay your tithes and offerings (Mal.3:10-12), first fruit (Prov.3:9-10), give to the less privileged. Pray and study the word of God to know His perfect will for you in all your life’s endeavours (Ps.37:23). Stop living on debts, borrow only to invest (Prov.22:7).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Mention other things a believer can do to create wealth and avoid unnecessary borrowing.

CONCLUSION: Poverty is not pre-destined, therefore, change your mindset towards material wealth knowing that God gives the ‘power’ to make wealth (Deut.8:18).

CONCLUSION: Poverty is not pre-destined, therefore, change your mindset towards material wealth knowing that God gives the ‘power’ to make wealth (Deut.8:18).

QUESTIONS:
* Mention four factors responsible for poverty.
* How can believers break free from poverty?

FURTHER READINGS: MON: Hos.2:8. TUE: 1 Tim.6:17. WED: Prov.16:9. THUR: 1Thess.4:16. FRI: Heb.6:10. SAT: 1 Tim.6:18-19. SUN: 1 Cor.9:9.

ASSIGNMENT: Give five reasons people are poor financially and spiritually (2×5=10 Marks).?

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 21 APRIL 2023 MEMORIZE: Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Malachi 3:9

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 21 APRIL 2023 BIBLE READING MARK 11:20-21

[20]And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.

[21]And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 21 APRIL 2023 MESSAGE

I once visited the capital of a state in Nigeria some years ago. This state had a lot of large rivers, yet the state capital had no pipe-borne water. Surprised, I made some inquiries, and I was told that there was a tree in the centre of the capital that could not be uprooted.

In fact, they had to build a road around it, and yet nothing good could happen to them in the town as long as the tree remained. Then, I cursed the tree in the name of the Lord. That night, there was a storm in the town, and by morning, the tree was uprooted completely.

From the moment God cursed the ground after the fall of Adam and Eve until now, the earth has not yielded to its full potential. When God places a curse, it begins to work from the root upwards, just like it did in our Bible reading for today. Beloved, be careful of the things you do or say so that God will not place a Curse on you. If He does, He alone can deliver you from the curse.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 21 APRIL 2023 KEY POINT

If you have brought a divine curse upon yourself by your actions, ask the Lord to forgive and deliver you now.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 21 APRIL 2023 HYMN

HYMN 5 – TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE

1. Take my life and let it
Consecrated Lord to Thee
Take my moment and my days
Let them flow ceaseless praise.

2. Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for thee

3. Take my voice and let me sing
Always only for my king;
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.

4. Take my sliver and my gold
Not a mite would I withhold
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as thou shalt choose.

5. Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall no longer mine:
Take my heart, it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,

6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for thee.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 21 APRIL 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: 2 KINGS 9-10

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVEN 22 APRIL 2023 MEMORIZE: And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. Genesis 22:18

OPEN HEAVEN 22 APRIL 2023 BIBLE READING JEREMIAH 17:7-8

7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.

8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

OPEN HEAVEN 22 APRIL 2023 MESSAGE

Our God is very generous. When He decides to bless, He does so abundantly. For example, when the wedding hosts ran out of wine for their guests, Jesus gave them much better wine in abundance (John 2:1-11). Psalm 68:19 says, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.”

In Deuteronomy 28:1-2, He talks about great blessings — blessing so great that they’ll overtake you. The kind of blessing that will cause you to say, “Lord this is too much” will begin to come your way from now, in Jesus’ name.

Beyond loading you with blessings every day, God can make you so blessed that you will become a blessing to others. That is what He did through Solomon. In (1 Kings 3:13), God said He would bless Solomon so much that no king would be like him all through his life. Solomon’s blessing caused the Israelites to be blessed also. (1 Kings 10:27) says, ‘And the king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycomore trees that are in the vale, for abundance.”

God can do the same for you. He can bless you so much that no one in your generation will ever be poor again. This type of blessing however, comes to those who give sacrificially to God like Solomon did in (1 Kings 3:4).

In 2007, one young man came to me, saying he wanted to pay for the feeding at our next convention so I gave him a conservative estimate of what it would cost to feed one million people twice daily for a week. He said he would get back to me. I didn’t expect to see him again, but he came back the following week as promised and paid for it.

Apparently, he had gone to get a loan from a bank because he couldn’t afford it. Before long, the same bank he took the loan from invited him to become their Managing Director. If you are willing to give sacrificially to God, He will also make you so blessed that you will become a blessing to others.

OPEN HEAVEN 22 APRIL 2023 PRAYER POINT

Father, please give me the grace to give sacrificially to You, in Jesus’ name.

OPEN HEAVEN 22 APRIL 2023 HYMN

HYMN 17 – THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS

1. “There shall be showers of blessing”
This is the promise of love;
There shall be season refreshing
Send from a savior 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 now and honour Thy Word.

4. “There shall be showers of blessing”
Oh, that today thy might fall,
Now as to God we are Confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!

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

OPEN HEAVEN 22 APRIL 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: 2 KINGS 11-13

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVEN 21 APRIL 2023 MEMORIZE: But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will content with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. Isaiah 49:25

OPEN HEAVEN 21 APRIL 2023 BIBLE READING 2 KINGS 4:1-7

1 Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the Lord: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.

2 And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.

3 Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.

4 And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.

5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.

6 And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.

7 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.

OPEN HEAVEN 21 APRIL 2023 MESSAGE

God doesn’t know how to be stingy; whatever He does, He does generously. David said in Psalm 23:5, “..thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over”. That is God’s nature; when He gives you something, He gives it to you in abundance.

One day many years ago while I was preaching, the Lord said there was someone in the congregation who would get three breakthroughs. The first was to be given completely to Him, the second shared between the fellow and Him and then the third one would be for the fellow alone.

Sometime later, a woman came to me with a huge amount of money and said she had come to fulfil her part of the bargain. I knew this woman – she was a widow whose husband had left a huge debt upon his death. She however, insisted that the prophecy was for her and I couldn’t do anything to dissuade her.

Not long after, she returned with more money, saying this was half of the second breakthrough. After this, she came back with a testimony: the bank her husband had been indebted to called her to apologise, saying they had made a mistake and rather than her husband owing them, they were the ones owing him! They paid the money to her and it was a lot.

When God sets you free from debt, He does it such that it will be difficult for you to get into debt again. If you are in debt now, the All-Sufficient God will set you free from it, in Jesus’ name.

John 8:36 says, “If the Son therefore Shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed”. When a person is medically healed from an ailment, there might still be traces left behind, but when Jesus sets you free, He does it perfectly, making you whole. If you have been in any form of bondage, receive total freedom right now, in Jesus’ name.

Not only will God set you free indeed, He can even empower you to set captives free (Mark 16:17), so that You would cast out demons from their victims. This privilege is given to God’s children who are ready to fast and pray often (Matthew 17:21).

OPEN HEAVEN 21 APRIL 2023 PRAYER POINT

Father, please set me free from all forms of bondage and use me to set captives free.

OPEN HEAVEN 21 APRIL 2023 HYMN

HYMN: 1 – ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME

1. All hail the power of Jesus’ name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all.

2. Let highborn seraphs tune the lyre,
And as they tune it, fall
Before His face Who tunes their choir,
And crown Him Lord of all.
Before His face Who tunes their choir,
And crown Him Lord of all.

3. Crown Him, ye morning stars of light,
Who fixed this floating ball;
Now hail the strength of Israel’s might,
And crown Him Lord of all.
Now hail the strength of Israel’s might,
And crown Him Lord of all.

4. Crown Him, ye martyrs of our God,
Who from His altar call;
Extol the stem of Jesse’s Rod,
And crown Him Lord of all.
Extol the stem of Jesse’s Rod,
And crown Him Lord of all.

5. Ye seed of Israel’s chosen race,
Ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail Him who saves you by His grace,
And crown Him Lord of all.
Hail Him who saves you by His grace,
And crown Him Lord of all.

6. Hail Him, ye heirs of David’s line,
Whom David Lord did call,
The God incarnate, Man divine,
And crown Him Lord of all.
The God incarnate, Man divine,
And crown Him Lord of all.

7. Sinners, whose love can ne’er forget,
The wormwood and the gall,
Go spread your trophies at His feet,
And crown Him Lord of all.
Go spread your trophies at His feet,
And crown Him Lord of all.

8. Let every tribe and every tongue,
Before Him prostrate fall,
And shout in universal song,
And crown Him Lord of all.
And shout in universal song,
And crown Him Lord of all.

OPEN HEAVEN 21 APRIL 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: 2 KINGS 9-10

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE