Open heaven 3 May 2018 Thursday – AFRAID OF DEATHS?

Open heavens 3 May 2018 Memorise: 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

Read: John 5:19-29 Open heaven 3rd May 2018

19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.

22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

Open heaven 3 May 2018

Bible in One year: 1 Samuel 12-13, Hebrews 10:19-11:3

Hymnal: Sing Hymn 3

OPEN HEAVEN 3 MAY 2018 DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE

Everyone prefers life to death, and this is the reason why we all do everything humanly possible to stay alive. The question is, do we need to struggle to keep ourselves alive? In response to this, Jesus Christ in Matthew 6:27 & 34 said:

“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

The reason why people worry about life and death can be viewed from two perspectives. Firstly, most people don’t know the source or essence of true life. Secondly, many do not know how to conquer death because they are ignorant of the truth that death has already been conquered.

Today’s Bible text speaks extensively on the true source of life, and I pray that your heart will grab the full understanding of this in Jesus’ Name.

OPEN HEAVEN 3 MAY 2018 THURSDAY

Why do people die? A careful study of Genesis 2:15-17, Genesis 3:2-7, Romans 1:28-32 and Romans 6:23 would answer this question. These passages of the Bible reveal God’s warning to Adam not to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, man’s blatant disobedience in eating the forbidden fruit and God’s judgement that followed thereafter. Open heaven 2 May 2018

We can therefore say that men die today because of sin. Death is a consequence of the nature and lifestyle of sin. However, we don’t have to live under the fear of death any longer, because our Lord Jesus Christ has given us the assurance of being partakers of the victory He won over death at Calvary. In John 14:19 He said:

“Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.”

Although the wages of sin is death, the gift of God for all those who believe in Jesus Christ is eternal life. Apostle Paul’s testimony in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 assures us that death has been conquered for us. The Holy Spirit further expounds this truth in Hebrews 2:14-15 saying,

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”

We are more than conquerors through the victory won for us by our Lord and Saviour. You therefore have no reason to be afraid of death if you belong to Him. Do you belong to Him?

Action Point – Open heaven 3 May 2018

Banish the fear of death from your hearts and thank God for liberating you from its power.

OPEN HEAVEN 3 MAY 2018 THURSDAY HYMN

SING HYMN 3 – WHAT CAN WASH AWAY MY SINS

What can wash away my sin?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus;

What can make me whole

again?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Chorus:

Oh! Precious is the flow

That makes me white as snow;

No other fount I know,

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

For my cleansing this I see

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

For my pardon this my plea

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

Nothing can my sin erase

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

Naught of works, ‘tis all of grace

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

This is all my hope and peace

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

This is all my righteousness

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

Open Heaven 2 May 2018 Wednesday – ACCESSING HIDDEN SECRETS

Open Heaven 2 April 2018 Memorise: The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Psalm 25:14

Read: Daniel 9:1-3 Open Heaven 2 May 2018

1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;

2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

Read: Daniel 9:20-22 (KJV)

20 And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God;

21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.

22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.

Open Heaven 2 MAY 2018

Bible in one year: Numbers 32:33, Jeremiah 24

Hymnal: Sing hymn 10

OPEN HEAVEN 2 MAY 2018 WEDNESDAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Our Heavenly Father has access to all the secret things of life, and He may choose to share some of these secrets with any of His children. One reason why He does this is to provide information that will help in the fulfilment of our destinies. Open Heaven 1 May 2018

He also reveals secrets to help us avert pending calamity. Daniel’s experience in today’s Bible reading reveals some of the God-ordained means of accessing hidden secrets that are vital to success in life. In the place of prayer and studying God’s word, Daniel gained access to secrets vital to the liberation of his people. Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heavens: (Tuesday, May 1, 2018) – The Reward of Diligence

May you receive access to hidden secrets that will accelerate this fulfilment of your destiny today in Jesus’ Name. A lady once visited me in the office to complain about her inability to attract a suitor in marriage, and she was advancing in age.

The Lord immediately revealed the source of her problem to me, and I told her to go and announce to her family members including her mother that anyone behind her problem would die within seven days, if the person refused to repent. A few days later, this lady came back to see me with her mother, who angrily demanded to know why I sent her daughter to pass a death sentence on her.

I answered her that I did not pass a death sentence on her or on anyone else for that matter, but that my Daddy clearly said that anyone behind her daughter’s inability to marry would die within seven days unless he or she chose to repent.

This elderly woman then asked her daughter to excuse us for a private discussion. She asked me if what I said was the truth, and I told her in clear terms that this person would surely die within seven days unless he or she put an end to the wickedness against this lady.

She then confessed to me that her daughter was the only one taking care of her, and so she was afraid that she would be abandoned if her daughter were to get married, which is why she did not want to let her daughter get married.

She then immediately promised to let her go. A few weeks later, this lady met a suitor and got married thereafter. I decree that God will release hidden secrets that will accelerate the fulfilment of your destiny today in Jesus’ Name.

OPEN HEAVEN 2 MAY 2018

There are two main sources of knowledge: sense and revelation. Many people operate at the level of sensual knowledge and are ignorant of the other.

Sensual knowledge is available through formal or informal learning. While sensual knowledge is earthly, revelation knowledge is supernatural and comes only from God. Sensual knowledge is limited, sometimes inaccurate and often leads to uncertainty, but revelation knowledge brings assurance, confidence and peace. Do you have access to revelation knowledge?

Prayer Point – Open Heaven 2 MAY 2018

Father, please open my eyes to the secret things that will make a difference in my life, and help me make a difference in my community.

OPEN HEAVEN 2 MAY 2018 WEDNESDAY HYMN

SING HYMN 10 – MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE

My faith looks up to Thee,

Thou Lamp of Calvary,

Savior divine!

Now hear me while I pray

Take all my guilt away

Oh, let me from this day

Be wholly Thine!

May Thy rich grace impart

Strength to my fainting heart

My zeal inspire!

As Thou hast died for me,

Oh, may my love to Thee

Pure, warm, and changeless be,

A living fire!

While life’s dark maze I tread,

And griefs around me spread,

Be Thou my guide;

Bid darkness turn to day,

Wipe sorrow’s tears away,

Nor let me ever stray

From Thee aside

When ends life’s transient dream,

When death’s cold, sullen stream

Shall o’er me roll;

Blest Savior, then in love

Fear and distrust remove;

Oh, bear me safe above,

A ransomed soul!

Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heavens: (Tuesday, May 1, 2018) – The Reward of Diligence

1.Thank you, Father, for all the gifts and talents, that you have endowed me with.

2.Father, in anyway, l have fallen short of your glory, please, have mercy and forgive me, in Jesus’ name.

3.Father, let your fire consume every spirit of procrastination and laziness in my life, in Jesus’ name.

4.Father, release upon my life the spirit of diligence and hard work, in Jesus’ name.

5.Father, empower me to be faithful in all that you have committed into my hands, so that bigger and greater things, can be committed unto me, in Jesus’ name.

6.Father, help me to be fully occupied with the business of your kingdom, until your coming, in Jesus’ name.

7.Father, when you shall come, let me receive the voice of commendation from you, of “well down, thou good and faithful servant”, in Jesus’ name.

8.Father, make me ruler over many things and cause me to enter into your joy, in Jesus’ name.

9.Father, please, bless the works of my hands and cause me to prosper in the land of the living, in Jesus’ name.

10.Father, let me be rewarded for all my labours of love in your vineyard and grant me eternal life, in Jesus’ name.

11.Father, in any area the accuser of brethren, the devil, may be accusing, your son, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, please, let your mercy prevail over judgement, in his life, in Jesus’ name.

12.Your Personal petitions.
( Philippians 4:6)
13.In Jesus’ name I pray.
(John 14:13-14; 15:16)
14.Thank you Father for answered prayers.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Open Heaven 1 May 2018 Tuesday – THE REWARD OF DILIGIGENCE

Open Heaven 1st May 2018 Memorise:Take therefor the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.Matthew 25:28

Read: Matthew 25:14-28 Open Heaven 1 May 2018

14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.

17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.

19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:

25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

Open Heaven 1 May 2018

Bible in one year: 1 Samuel 8-9, Hebrews 9:11-28

Hymnal: Sing Hymn 4

OPEN HEAVEN 1 MAY 2018 TUESDAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE

God Almighty has called all of mankind to a life of diligence. After He created Adam, He charged him to keep and diligently dres the beautiful garden. He bequeathed to him (Genesis 2:15). The Almighty indeed rewards diligence. In Proverbs 10:4, He enlightens us on the reward that awaits diligent people:

“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent make rich.”

The Lord Jesus Christ further drove home this point with the story of a diligent servant to whom his master had entrusted five talents wot trade with. He was so diligent that these talents yielded five more talents. When his master returned to take stock of his activities, he was commended and handsomely rewarded. Matthew 25:21

“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

OPEN HEAVEN 1 MAY 2018

In this same parable, we also see the direct opposite of diligence and it consequences. The servant with one talent mischievously kept the talent and refused to trade with it.

His reward was the loss of his talent and outright rejection from the joy of his lord. On the other hand, the diligent servant who started with five talents gained the talent that was taken away from the indolent servant, and ended up with eleven talents in all.

Beloved, laziness, in whatever guise it may come, is not a Christian virtue. Every child of God must be diligent. In Proverbs 6:6-8, the Lord instructs the lazy to learn from the ants, saying:

“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”

As a matter of fact the Proverbs 6:10-11, we understand that penury is the outcome of laziness:

“Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.”

Proverbs 27:23-27 further highlights the reward of diligence. The Lord promised to bless the work of your hands, not your idleness. Know for sure that faithful is He who has promised you this and He will fulfil all He has said if you diligently play your own part (Deuteronomy 28:1-5, Hebrews 10:23).

Prayer Point – Open Heaven 1 May 2018

Father, Please bless the works of my hands and cause me to prosper in the land of the living.

OPEN HEAVEN 1ST MAY 2018 TUESDAY HYMN

SING HYMN 4 – TRUST AND OBEY

When we walk with the Lord in

the light of His Word,

What a glory He sheds on our

way!

While we do His good will, He

abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and

obey.

Chorus

Trust and obey, for there’s no other

Way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust

and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a

cloud in the skies,

But His smile quickly drives it

away;

Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh

or a tear,

Can abide while we trust and

obey.

Not a burden we bear, not a

sorrow we share,

But our toil He doth richly

repay;

Not a grief or a loss, not a frown

or a cross,

But is blessed if we trust and

obey.

But we never can prove the

delights of His love

Until all on the alter we lay;

For the favor He shows, for the

Joy He bestows,

Are from them who will trust and

obey.

Then in fellowship sweet we

will sit at His feet,

Or we’ll walk by His side in the

way;

What He says we will do, where

He sends we will go;

Never fear, only trust and obey.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TEENS MONDAY 30TH APRIL 2018

THEME: CHOOSE YOUR APPROACH

MEMORISE: By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
Proverbs 25:15

Please read: Colossians 4:1-6

MESSAGE:
Pride and anger are very terrible things that shouldn’t be allowed in the life of a child of God.
An example of someone who pride and anger almost destroyed is Naaman, Pride is a terrible thing; it is a blindfold that veils the mind of its
host. Naaman could have died a leper if not for his servant who advised him correctly.

Open Heaven 1 May 2018

Approach is important in communication. You may have a good idea, but if it is not presented well, your idea may not be taken seriously.

Do your ideas in class always get turned down by
the teacher? Do your friends often reject your
suggestions? Maybe it is time to choose a better
approach to presenting your ideas.
When presenting an idea or a suggestion, never
be too forward or aggressive. Whatever it is you
are presenting, do it with humility and not with the intention to put anybody down in any way.
Make sure that you know quite much about what
you are talking about. And once you are done, always thank the person you presented the idea to for his/her time.

KEY POINT:
Approach is a platter on which ideas are served.
If it is enticing, the idea will be accepted. But if
it is repelling, no matter the idea on it, it will be
rejected.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Samuel 23-24
Luke 22:31-53

Hymn 13
1. Is your life a channel of blessing?
Is the love of God flowing through you?
Are you telling the lost of the Savior?
Are you ready His service to do?

Chorus:
Make me a channel of blessing today,
Make me a channel of blessing, I pray;
My life possessing, my service blessing,
Make me a channel of blessing today.

2. Is your life a channel of blessing?
Are you burdened for those that are lost?
Have you urged upon those who are straying
The Savior who died on the cross?

3. Is your life a channel of blessing?
Is it a daily telling for Him?
Have you spoken the word of salvation
To those who are dying in sin?

4. We cannot be channels of blessing
If our lives are not free from known sin;
We will barriers be and a hindrance
To those we are trying to win

Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heavens: (Monday, April 30, 2018) – Progressive Prosperity

1.I worship and adore you, my Father, because you are a covenant keeping God.

2.Thank you, Father, for divine guidance, strength and the ability to work.

3.Father, in anyway, l have fallen short of your glory, please, have mercy and forgive me, in Jesus name.

Open Heaven 1 May 2018

4.Father, let your mercy prevail over every judgement of sin, that has stagnated and slowed down the journey of my life, in Jesus name.

5.Father, let every evil hand and power, directing the journey of my life, into dry and desert land, be withered and paralysed, in Jesus name.

6.Father, please, open my eyes to opportunities around me and teach my heart to yield to the wisdom of your timing, in Jesus name.

7.Father, by your mercy, show me and take me to the place of my destiny fulfilment, in Jesus name.

8.Father, give me a heart and spirit of sacrificial giving and sowing; and let me give & sow, in season and out of season, in Jesus name.

9.Father, you are the one who gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater; please, grant unto me steady and progressive prosperity, in Jesus name.

10.Father, I invite you to come and take preeminence and control over all my life’s affairs and endeavours, in Jesus name.

11.Father, prosper all the works of the hands of your son, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the author of the open heavens daily devotional and general overseer of RCCG, in Jesus name.

12.Your Personal petitions.
( Philippians 4:6)
13.In Jesus name I pray.
(John 14:13-14; 15:16)
14.Thank you Father for answered prayers.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18).

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Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heavens: (Sunday, April 29, 2018) – It Came To Pass 1.Thank you, Father, for your…

The post Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heavens: (Sunday, April 29, 2018) – It Came To Pass appeared first on OPEN HEAVEN FOR TODAY, RCCG OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 2018.

Open Heaven 30 April 2018 Monday – PROGRESSIVE PROSPERITY

Open Heaven 30 April 2018 Memorise:And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: Genesis 26:13

Read: Genesis 26:1-14 Open Heaven 30 April 2018

1 And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.

2 And the Lord appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of:

3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;

4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;

5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.

6 And Isaac dwelt in Gerar:

7 And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon.

8 And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife.

9 And Abimelech called Isaac, and said, Behold, of a surety she is thy wife; and how saidst thou, She is my sister? And Isaac said unto him, Because I said, Lest I die for her.

10 And Abimelech said, What is this thou hast done unto us? one of the people might lightly have lien with thy wife, and thou shouldest have brought guiltiness upon us.

11 And Abimelech charged all his people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.

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

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

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

Open Heaven 30 April 2018

Bible in one year: 1st Samuel 6-7, Hebrews 8:1-9:10

Hymnal: Sing hymn 4

OPEN HEAVEN 30 APRIL 2018 DAILY DEVOTIONAL

When the Bible says that we should study to show ourselves approved unto God, it means that we should study the successful heroes of faith who have gone ahead of us and learn their ways (2nd Timothy 2:15, 1st Corinthians 10:11).

A very good example of someone who experienced steady and progressive prosperity is Isaac. If you want to have steady and progressive prosperity like Isaac did, wisdom demands that you learn his ways.

How did Isaac manage to become so prosperous in the time of famine, so much so that the king and natives of the land in which he sojourned envied him? The first thing Isaac did to experience steady and progressive prosperity was to enquire of the Lord on where to go during an austere time.

Genesis 26:2-6 reveals the outcome of Isaac’s enquiry. The Lord told him not to move an inch of Gerar. This is a great lesson to all those who plan to prosper by the hand of the Lord. Some people would say to you, “Follow your heart”, but based on God’s word, that is folly. Jeremiah 17:9says,

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

Isaac did not follow his heart; rather he followed God’s command. He stayed in Gerar. Proverbs 3:5-7 also says,

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”

What else did Isaac do that earned him steady and progressive prosperity? He sowed in the land (Genesis 26:12). If you don’t engage your hands in something the Lord can multiply, your expectation of steady and progressive prosperity will end in disappointment.

The Almighty God knows the appropriate time for whatever a man puts forth his hand to do. It is counter-intuitive to sow in the time of famine, but God knew this was the best time for Isaac to cash in on the demand created by scarcity.

This the reason why God is telling you to seek His face before you embarks on that project at hand. Isaac prospered progressively because God was in his business. Have you invited God into your business as the Senior Partner?

Does God call the shots in your business transactions or you don’t even involve him at all? Do you pay your tithes? Do you give offerings? Do you honour God with your first fruits? Learn from the life of Isaac today.

Prayer Point – Open Heaven 30 April 2018

Father, please open my eyes to the opportunities around me, and teach my heart to yield to the wisdom of Your own timing in Jesus’ Name.

OPEN HEAVEN 30 APRIL 2018 MONDAY HYMN

SING HYMN 4 – TRUST AND OBEY

When we walk with the Lord in

the light of His Word,

What a glory He sheds on our

way!

While we do His good will, He

abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and

obey.

Chorus

Trust and obey, for there’s no other

Way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust

and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a

cloud in the skies,

But His smile quickly drives it

away;

Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh

or a tear,

Can abide while we trust and

obey.

Not a burden we bear, not a

sorrow we share,

But our toil He doth richly

repay;

Not a grief or a loss, not a frown

or a cross,

But is blessed if we trust and

obey.

But we never can prove the

delights of His love

Until all on the alter we lay;

For the favor He shows, for the

Joy He bestows,

Are from them who will trust and

obey.

Then in fellowship sweet we

will sit at His feet,

Or we’ll walk by His side in the

way;

What He says we will do, where

He sends we will go;

Never fear, only trust and obey.

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL LESSON THIRTY-FIVE SUNDAY, 29TH APRIL 2018: A SCRIPTURAL APPROACH TO FAMILY PLANNING

*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 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, help all married adults to plan their families in line with the word of God. Do not allow ignorance to ruin our families.

MEMORY VERSE: ‘’Lo children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward” – Psalm 127:3

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 127:3-5

Psalm:127.3
Behold, children [are] a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb [is] a reward.
Psalm:127.4
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So [are] the children of one’s youth.
Psalm:127.5
Happy [is] the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

INTRODUCTION:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Family planning allows individuals and couples to anticipate and attain their desired number of children and the spacing and timing of their births. It is achieved through use of contraceptive methods and the treatment of involuntary infertility”. It is important to examine God’s plan for the institution called “family” and to understand the reasons for us to also plan our families.

TEXT REVIEW: PSALM 127:3-5
i. The Lord builds the family like house. Psalm 127:1

ii. An expert who wants to build without God will labour in vain. Psalm 127:1

iii. The Lord gives children. Psalm 127:3

iv. Experts who thought they can use their skills to produce children will labour in vain. Psalm 127:1

v. Since children are gifts from God, those who receive the gifts and train them in the way they should go. Pro. 22:6 would enjoy the following benefits:
a. They will have reward for their exploits. Psalm 127:2-3
b. They will be strong and have courage in battle. Psalm 127:4
c. They will be happy. Psalm 127:5.
d. They shall not be ashamed. Psalm 127:5.
e. They will speak and the enemies will not be able to contend against them. Psalm 127:5.
f. They will enjoy sweet rest. Psalm 127:2
What happened when parents fails to train up the child? Such parents stand the great risk of trouble and sorrow at their old age. 1Sam 2:12-22

LESSON OUTLINES
1. The biblical view
2. Reasons for family planning

THE BIBLICAL VIEW

I. Class to discuss briefly the issue of family planning in the secular i.e
i. What the class understands by family planning.
ii. Benefit of family planning.
iii. Dangers related to it, etc
(Note) The discussion does not need medical expertise or competence. It is just to elicit information from the students.

II. Teacher should lead students through the scriptures to discover the premium which God places on children, fruitfulness and child bearing as indicated below:

a. God’s command is that we should be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28).

b. Children are great blessings from God (Psalm 127:3).

c. Children are weapons of defense (Psalm 127:4).

d. Children are ones pride and joy (Psalm 127:5; Proverbs 27:11).

e. God cherishes children as tools for propagating His kingdom (Mark 10:14-16).

III. Teacher should round off the session by pointing out to students that:
a. God does not want children to suffer because of inadequate care.
b. God does not want patents to suffer because of risk associated with mother’s health and child bearing
c. God does not want us to produce or bear children written cannot raise.
Note: (Jeremiah 29:11).

REASONS FOR FAMILY PLANNING
i. Every parent is required to consider how to take care of children before bearing them

ii. Parents must provide enough food, clothing, shelter and adequate education for their children. These consideration should help to determine how many children they need.

iii. Failure to consider these necessities of life would produce poverty in the family and society.

iv. Teacher should discuss the under-listed items which necessitate birth control ( NOT ABORTION).

a. Priorities and Necessities: This is to meet other pressing needs such as shelter, career, education, economy, etc (Proverbs 16:9).

b. Resources: Adequate provision is needed for every child. It is a sin to raise children you cannot cater for (1Timothy 5:8).

c. Health, especially of the mother: If and when the life of the mother is at risk, birth control should be considered (Ephesians 5:28-29).

d. Pleasure: This may be to give room for marital/sexual intimacy (1Corinthians 7:3-5).

e. Government policy: Many nations have policy on the acceptable number of children for each family in order to regulate their population.

v. Teacher should discuss the need for those in need of family planning to consult medical expert to prevent medical hazard.

vi. Teacher should NOT recommend any approach or methods to any married student. All decisions on the matter should be left to the family to take.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1-2:
Students who participate in the discussion should he scored full marks for class activities.

SUMMARY
Bear only children you can care for

CONCLUSION:
God’s plan for man is to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28). However, we must be wise and ensure that we raise children that we can cater for (Proverbs 4:7; Ecclesiastes 10:10b).

CLOSING PRAYER
Father, do not let me be guilty of my children

ASSIGNMENT
Give five reasons why some people still continue to raise or bear children they know they can not cater for

RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual April 29th, 2018 Lesson 35 — A Scriptural Approach To Family Planning

MEMORY VERSE: “Lo children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward” – Psalm 127:3

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 127:3-5

3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

INTRODUCTION:

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Family planning allows individuals and couples to anticipate and attain their desired number of children and the spacing and timing of their births. It is achieved through use of contraceptive methods and the treatment of involuntary infertility”. It is important to examine God’s plan for the institution called “family” and to understand the reasons for us to also plan our families.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. The biblical view
2. Reasons for family planning

THE BIBLICAL VIEW
The biblical view on family planning can be traced to the importance that God places on fruitfulness and child bearing. These include the fact that:
1. God’s command is that we should be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28).
2. Children are great blessings from God (Psalm 127:3).
3. Children are weapons of defense (Psalm 127:4).
4. Children are ones pride and joy (Psalm 127:5; Proverbs 27:11).
5. God cherishes children as tools for propagating His kingdom (Mark 10:14-16).
However, God’s plan of fruitfulness and multiplication does not call for the suffering or neglect of any child in this world (Jeremiah 29:11).

REASONS FOR FAMILY PLANNING
God has given man the grace for increase and procreation. However, wisdom demands that man should consider the need to cater for the children God gives which must include provision of food, shelter, education, etc. The reasons for birth control may differ from one family to another. These include:

1. Priorities and Necessities: This is to meet other pressing needs such as shelter, career, education, economy, etc (Proverbs 16:9).
2. Resources: Adequate provision is needed for every child. It is a sin to raise children you cannot cater for (1Timothy 5:8).
3. Health, especially of the mother: If and when the life of the mother is at risk, birth control should be considered (Ephesians 5:28-29).
4. Pleasure: This may be to give room for marital/sexual intimacy (1Corinthians 7:3-5).
5. Government policy: Many nations have policy on the acceptable number of children for each family in order to regulate their population.
If believers in the Christian family have reasons for family planning, they should consult with the appropriate professionals in that field for proper counseling and recommendations.

CONCLUSION:
God’s plan for man is to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28). However, we must be wise and ensure that we raise children that we can cater for (Proverbs 4:7; Ecclesiastes 10:10b).

QUESTIONS
1. What are the biblical views on family planning?

2. Mention five reasons given for birth control.