OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 13 MAY 2024
MONDAY: A MOTHER’S TOUCH

MEMORISE: A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. Proverbs 15:20

READ: Proverbs 1:8-9
[8]My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
[9]For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

MESSAGE
Many teenagers have little respect for their mothers. This is probably because mothers are believed to be soft and easily accessible, while fathers are believed to be tough and usually unavailable. Sometimes, in order to command some respect or get a grip on a child, some women tend to yell, especially when they are stressed.
The Bible says that children should honour their fathers and mothers so that they can live long. If your mother is happy with you, I can assure you that your greatness is guaranteed. Most times, when she advises you, she has considered a situation from different angles to know what will be most favourable to you. Her emotions make her a love warrior who would give her all just to see her children comfortable and happy.
I am great today partly because of the actions, decisions, prayers, and prayerful decrees of my mother. Sadly. some people turned out badly because they did not get good words from their mothers. I hope you will do the right thing today to get a blessing from your mother or a mother figure in your life.

ACTION POINT
Buy something special for your mom or a mother figure in your life.

HYMN 2 – GOD GIVE US CHRISTIAN HOMES
1. God give us Christian homes
Homes where the Bible is loved and taught
Homes where the Master’s will is sought
Homes crowned with beauty Thy love has wrought
God give us Christian homes
God give us Christian homes

2. God give us Christian homes
Homes where the father is true and strong
Homes that are free from the blight of wrong
Homes that are joyous with love and song
God give us Christian homes
God give us Christian homes

3. God give us Christian homes
Homes where the mother, in queenly quest
Strives to show others Thy way is best
Homes where the Lord is an honoured guest
God give us Christian homes
God give us Christian homes

4. God give us Christian homes
Homes where the children are led to know
Christ in His beauty who loves them so
Homes where the altar fires burn and glow
God give us Christian homes
God give us Christian homes!

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
1 Samuel 14:1-52 John 7:31-53
AUTHORS: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

TOPIC: DEPENDABLE GOD

Memory Verse:

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct thy path. ” Proverbs 3:5-6

Bible Text: Numbers 23:19-20

¹⁹ God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

²⁰ Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.

Lesson Introduction

To be dependable means to be capable of being depended on, it means to be worthy of trust or reliable.

Dependable also means true, safe, secure or good. Our God is dependable, you can trust and rely on Him for everything. He is Jehovah Shammah because He is present everywhere, we can look up to God for everything we need.

OUR DEPENDABLE GOD

Our God is dependable, we can trust Him with all our heart (Prov.3:5) because He has promised, He will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

God is faithful, reliable, trustworthy and ever true to His promise and He can be depended on.

REASONS WHY WE NEED TO DEPEND ON GOD

• He is our Shepherd. A good shepherd takes good care of the sheep Ps. 23:1.
• He is our Very Present Help – Psalms 46:1.
• He is the Great Provider, Jehovah Jireh – Philippians 4:19.

DO YOU DEPEND ON HIM?

Depending on God is basic to the Christian life. In fact, we depend on God for everything – Psalms 104:27. We depend on God for;

1. Salvation – Ephesians 2:8.9
2. Wisdom – James 1:5.
3. Direction – Psalms 32:8.

HERE ARE SOME PRACTICAL WAYS TO DEPEND ON GOD ALONE

1. Prayer: Prayer is an acknowledgement of God’s power. When you pray, you demonstrate dependence on God – Jeremiah 33:3.
2. The word: Joshua 1:8, the Word of God has information, instructions, examples and promises. Read from the Bible everyday and discover the power in His Word.
3. Abide in Christ: John 15:4, the Christian life is not a “now and then” endeavours with God. It is making God your dwelling place, living with Him, abiding and putting all your trust in Him.

Activity:

Sing with faith the song,

“Dependable, Reliable God X2.

You will do as You say, You are worthy to be praised. Dependable, Reliable God.”

SUMMARY:

There is none dependable and reliable as our God.

CONCLUSION: RCCG House Fellowship Manual 12 May 2024

Our dependable God cares for His children even more than the grass He clothes with flowers and birds that He feeds daily. Learn to cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Appreciate God for He has never failed us. He has been the most dependable, reliable and faithful Father.
2. Lord, help us to totally depend on You at all times.
3. Father, only You can make a nation great. We depend on You for a better Nigeria.
4. Lord, RCCG depends solely on You. Please, increase RCCG on every side.
5. Pray that Daddy G.O. will continue to depend on God alone in Jesus Name
6. Every spirit of double mindedness destroyed by fire in Jesus name.

GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY:	Psalms 33:20.
TUESDAY:	Psalms 121:1-2.
WEDNESDAY:	Philippians 4:19.
THURSDAY:	Proverbs 3:5.
FRIDAY:	Philippians 4:13.
SATURDAY:	Hebrews 12:2.
SUNDAY:	Ephesians 3:20.

RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS MANUAL 12 MAY 2024 (LESSON 37)

TOPIC: DEPRESSION (PART 1)

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Kings 19:1-4

¹ And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword.

² Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.”

³ And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.

⁴ But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”

MEMORY VERSE:

“Now when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister, and said to Jacob. “Give me children. or else die: Genesis 30: 1 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION

Depression is a word from the Latin verb “deprimere,” meaning to press down. It is an emotional response triggered by circumstances beyond one’s mental stability.

It is a mental health illness or mood disorder where one experiences unusual persistent sadness.

As the saying goes, there Is no health without mental health. This shows that other aspects of health such as physical, financial, spiritual, and social can also take a downward spiral due to a depressive illness. Hence, it is important to educate ourselves on the causes, symptoms, and the way out of depression.

OUTLINES:

1. BIBLICAL INSTANCES AND CAUSES

2. PREVENTION OF DEPRESSION

1. BIBLICAL INSTANCES AND CAUSES

Depression is often viewed as a persistent feeling of sadness (Romans 8:20-22).

There are many biblical examples of men of God who struggled with sadness, even to the point of depression.

David, a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), did not gloss over his sadness; he expressed it to God (Psalm 56:8).

Both Moses (Numbers 11:15) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:3-5), two heroes of the faith, confessed to God that they preferred to die than live in their current reality

Depression can be triggered by negative events such as:

The loss of a loved one.

Loss of a job.

Loss of a relationship.

Loss of a pet.

Economic crises.

Financial instability

Unpleasant circumstances. etc. (1 samuel 1:6-7; Nehemiah 2:2).

Biologically, depression manifests when some chemical changes occur in the human brain due to persistent uncontrollable sad feelings.

These cause changes in the levels of some hormones in the brain which include cortisol adrenaline and dopamine.

These changes affect multiple organs in the body including the brain leading to a gross reduction in human productivity and health.

Consequently, symptoms of depression include a depressed mood or feeling of sadness, constant tiredness, reduced or lost interest in previously enjoyable activities, forgetfulness, hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness, thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts, and being suspicious of people or events.

Excessive complaints of body pains, loss of appetite, loss of interest in sex, loss of sleep, and poor attention can also signal a depressive illness.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1.

Can a true Christian suffer depression?

2. PREVENTION OF DEPRESSION

Some people use inadequate coping mechanisms for this mood disorder.

They may engage in the abuse of alcohol.

Smoking.

Absenteeism.

Spouse battery.

Over spirituality.

Over-socialization etc.

These maladaptive coping mechanisms give short-term relief but only worsen the symptoms and eventually lead to a severe mental illness.

To prevent depression believers should note the following, in addition to seeking medical or professional interventions:

1. A Christian is supposed to be filled with joy (Romans 15:13). Joy is something the Holy Spirit produces in the life of a follower of Jesus Christ (Galatians 5:22; 1 Thessalonians 1:6).

2. God will never leave His own (Deuteronomy 31:8).

3. God will strengthen and uphold His children regardless of the situation (Isaiah 41:10).

4. God hears our cry (Psalm 40:1-3).

5. God is near to the broken-hearted (psalm 34:18-19: Matthew 11:48-30).

We should also develop positive attitudes; understand our mental limits; build problem-solving skills, resilience skills; and good communication skills.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2:

Can a Christian seek medical assistance for depression? Discuss.

CONCLUSION: RCCG YAYA Sunday School Youth 12 May 2024

Depression contributes to poor personal, family, community, and economic growth.

It can be difficult to recognise but once any of the symptoms are noticed, it is important to seek care immediately.

QUESTION:

What are some causes and prevention of depression?

FURTHER READING:

SUN: Isa 41:10

MON: Ps 34:18-19

TUES: Rom. 15:13

WED: Ps. 40:1-3

THURS: I Kings 19:3-5

FRI: Rom. 8:20-22

SAT: 1 Sam 1:6-7

RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER MANUAL 12 May 2024 (LESSON 37)

TOPIC: DEPRESSION (PART 1)

OPENING PRAYER:

Almighty Father, please heal Your children from depression in the name of Jesus.

TODAY’S LESSON

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Kings 19:1-4

¹ And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword.

² Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.”

³ And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.

⁴ But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”

MEMORY VERSE:

“Now when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister, and said to Jacob. “Give me children. or else die: Genesis 30: 1 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION

Depression is a word from the Latin verb “deprimere,” meaning to press down. It is an emotional response triggered by circumstances beyond one’s mental stability.

It is a mental health illness or mood disorder where one experiences unusual persistent sadness.

As the saying goes, there Is no health without mental health. This shows that other aspects of health such as physical, financial, spiritual, and social can also take a downward spiral due to a depressive illness. Hence, it is important to educate ourselves on the causes, symptoms, and the way out of depression.

TEACHER’S DIARY

LESSON AIM:

To study instances, causes, and prevention of depression.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES:

Through this lesson, students should be able to:

a. Discover some instances and causes of depression in the Bible.

b. Understand how to prevent depression.

TEXT REVIEW: 1 Kings 19:1-4.

From the passage above, the teacher should identify four (4) reasons why Elijah was depressed.

i. ……………………….

ii. ……………………

iii. …………………..

iv. ……………………..

TEACHING METHOD:

Discussion and Question and Answer Method.

OUTLINES:

1. BIBLICAL INSTANCES AND CAUSES

2. PREVENTION OF DEPRESSION

1. BIBLICAL INSTANCES AND CAUSES

i. The teacher should discuss the following with the students.

A. Biblical Instances

i. Depression is often viewed as a persistent feeling of sadness (Romans 8:20-22).

ii. There are many biblical examples of men of God who struggled with sadness, even to the point of depression.

a. David, a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), did not gloss over his sadness; he expressed it to God (Psalm 56:8).

b. Both Moses (Numbers 11:15) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:3-5), two heroes of the faith, confessed to God that they preferred to die than live in their current reality

B. Causes

1. Depression can be triggered by negative events such as:

i. The loss of a loved one.

ii. Loss of a job.

iii. Loss of a relationship.

iv. Loss of a pet.

v. Economic crises.

vi. Financial instability

vii. Unpleasant circumstances. etc. (1 samuel 1:6-7; Nehemiah 2:2).

viii. Biologically, depression manifests when some chemical changes occur in the human brain due to persistent uncontrollable sad feelings.

2. These cause changes in the levels of some hormones in the brain which include cortisol adrenaline and dopamine.

3. These changes affect multiple organs in the body including the brain leading to a gross reduction in human productivity and health.

C. Symptoms

Consequently, symptoms of depression include a depressed mood or feeling of sadness, constant tiredness, reduced or lost interest in previously enjoyable activities, forgetfulness, hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness, thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts, and being suspicious of people or events.

Excessive complaints of body pains, loss of appetite, loss of interest in sex, loss of sleep, and poor attention can also signal a depressive illness.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1.

Can a true Christian suffer depression?

2. PREVENTION OF DEPRESSION

Question 1: What are some inadequate coping mechanisms some people use for this mood disorder?

Answer:

i. Abuse of alcohol.

ii. Smoking.

iii. Absenteeism.

iv. Spouse battery.

v. Over spirituality.

vi. over-socialization etc.

Question 2: Can this coping mechanism cure depression?

Answer: These maladaptive coping mechanisms give short-term relief but only worsen the symptoms and eventually lead to a severe mental illness.

Question 3: In addition to seeking medical or professional interventions, what can believers do to prevent depression?

Answer: 1. Be filled with joy (Romans 15:13). Joy is something the Holy Spirit produces in the life of a follower of Jesus Christ (Galatians 5:22; 1 Thessalonians 1:6).

2. Christians should know that God will never leave His own (Deuteronomy 31:8).

3. He will strengthen and uphold His children regardless of the situation (Isaiah 41:10).

4. God hears our cry (Psalm 40:1-3).

5. God is near to the broken-hearted (psalm 34:18-19: Matthew 11:48-30).

6. Develop positive attitudes.

7. Understand our mental limits.

8. Build problem-solving skills, resilience skills, and good communication skills.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2:

Can a Christian seek medical assistance for depression? Discuss.

CONCLUSION: RCCG YAYA Sunday School Teacher Manual 12 May 2024

Depression contributes to poor personal, family, community, and economic growth.

It can be difficult to recognise but once any of the symptoms are noticed, it is important to seek care immediately.

EVALUATION:

What are some causes and prevention of depression?

CLOSING PRAYER:

O God, please fill our hearts with joy in the name of Jesus.

ASSIGNMENT: RCCG YAYA Sunday School Teacher Manual 12 May 2024

Write five (5) misconceptions people have about depression (2×5= 10marks).

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 11 MAY 2024 SATURDAY: THE MAGIC WORD: THANK YOU

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 11 MAY 2024 MEMORISE: First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. Romans 1:8

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 11 MAY 2024 READ: Psalms 103:1-2

1](A Psalm of David.) Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2]Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 11 MAY 2024 MESSAGE

Most parts of the book of Psalms are an expression of gratitude from King David to God from his youth up until his old age.

No wonder God referred to him as a man after His heart.

The Yorubas have a saying that, “A child who says thank you for the good deed done to him yesterday will definitely receive another.”

Thanksgiving is a good culture to imbibe now that you are still young. When relating with God, you should be grateful for all that you have received from Him.

When sharing your testimonies about God’s provision, protection, and support for your academics or business, say, “Thank you Jesus”.

When someone does you a favour or gives you any kind of help, no matter how small, say, “Thank you.” If the person is elderly, you should go ahead and add ‘Sir’ or ‘ Ma’.

Saying ‘thank you’ shows that you are thoughtful and appreciative of the good that someone does to you or for you.

The next time you need a favour, such a person would gladly oblige you.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 11 MAY 2024 ACTION POINT

Thanksgiving usually opens more doors. Say ‘thank you’ often.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 11 MAY 2024 HYMN 11 – O LORD MY GOD, WHEN AM IN AWESOME WONDER,

1. O lord my God!
When am in awesome wonder,
consider all
The worlds thy hands hath made
I see the stars,
I heard the rolling thunder
Thy pow’r thro’ out
The universe displayed

CHORUS
Then sing my soul,
My savior God to thee;
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sing my soul,
My savior God to thee;
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!

2. Then through the woods
And forest glads I wander,
And hear the birds
Sing sweetly in the tress;
When I look down
From lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook
And feel the gentle breeze;

3. And when I think
That God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die
I scare can take it in;
That on the cross,
My burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died
To take away my sin.

4. When Christ shall come
With shout of acclamation
And take me home,
What joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow
In humble adoration
And there proclaim,
My God how great Thou art!

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 11 MAY 2024 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 10:1-11:15 John 6:43-71

AUTHORS: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVEN 12 MAY 2024 MEMORIZE: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:5

Open Heaven, May 12, 2024, Bible Reading Romans 5:1-9

1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Beloved, please share this message with someone. If you do so, we will continue to post timely and make this platform better for you and your loved ones. Thank you! 

Open Heaven 13 May 2024

Open Heaven 11 May 2024

OPEN HEAVEN 12 MAY 2024 MESSAGE

One of the ways the devil attacks and hinders God’s plan for people’s lives is to lead their hearts into a state of hopelessness.

It is unfortunate that some people in the church today have yielded to the devil’s devices and are living a life that is full of hopelessness.

In Ecclesiastes 1:1-14, we see the richest and wisest king in the world speak with a tone of depression and loss of hope.

This tells us that money, power, and all the material things of life cannot give anyone joy and hope.

Those who allow the deceitful pleasures of sin to erode the love for God from their hearts will one day look at themselves and feel empty.

This was what happened in King Solomon’s life as we see in 1 Kings 11:3:

And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.

The Bible warns us in Hebrews 3:12 that we should take heed, “…lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”

Solomon departed from God, and his life became empty even though he was a rich king.

There is no joy or satisfaction in having material wealth and losing your connection with God.

Mark 8:36 says: For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Money and fame cannot give you hope. Only Christ in you can give you hope for a better tomorrow.

With Christ, you not only have high hopes for your future here on earth, but you also have an assured future in eternity.

If you have Christ, hold on tight to Him because that is the greatest possession you will ever have. 2 Peter 1:3 says:

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

If you have backslidden at one point or the other, do a self examination, identify where it all went wrong, and go to God in genuine repentance.

You should also ensure that you seek help from other believers around you.

Never be too proud to speak to someone that can help you regain your connection with God.

If your heart has been turned away from God, I pray that He will restore your connection with Him and take away every feeling of hopelessness you might be experiencing, in Jesus’ name.

OPEN HEAVEN 12 MAY 2024 REFLECTION

Re-examine your life. Do you prioritise God above all things?

OPEN HEAVEN 12 MAY 2024 HYMN

HYMN 29: WHEN PEACE LIKE A RIVER ATTENDETH MY WAY

1 When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul.”

Refrain (may be sung after final stanza only):
It is well with my soul;
it is well, it is well with my soul.

2 Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control:
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and has shed his own blood for my soul. Refrain

3 My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
my sin, not in part, but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more;
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! Refrain

4 O Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend;
even so, it is well with my soul. Refrain

OPEN HEAVEN 12 MAY BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: 2 Chronicles 21-24

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE