OPEN HEAVEN 16 APRIL 2018 – ABBA FATHER

Memorise: For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Romans 8:15

OPEN HEAVEN 16 APRIL 2018 Read: Romans 8:14-17

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit
of God, they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit
of bondage again to fear; but ye have
received the Spirit of adoption,
whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness
with our spirit, that we are the children
of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of
God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Bible in one year: Judges 3-4, 1st Timothy 5

There are many names used to describe God in the Holy Scriptures.
While all His names
are important in many ways, the name “Abba” is one of the most significant names of God in understanding how He relates with
mankind. The word Abba is an Aramaic word that means “Daddy” in common parlance. It is a loving name that young children use to address their father. This name shows the intimate relationship that exists between
father and child, and it conveys the absolute trust children have in their fathers.

It is important to recognise that although all those who believe in the Almighty can call Him God, not all of them can call Him Abba. Who then can refer to the Almighty as Abba?

Only those who have the boldness to call Him “Daddy”. These are people who believe in
Jesus, the Son of the Living God, and in the work of atonement He has accomplished for
all mankind (John 1:12-13) . Galatians 4:6 says,

“And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”

Furthermore, only those who honour God as a child honours his or her daddy can call the
Almighty Abba. Malachi 1:6a says,

“A son honoureth his father, and a
servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour?”

Your attitude towards God as a Father will determine whether you can call Him Abba, because Abba is an appellation that confirms your intimate relationship with the Almighty. You may want to ask: How can I honour God
as Abba? You honour Him by keeping His
commandments.

Some so-called children of God erroneously believe that grace means
lawlessness. They couldn’t be further from the truth (Romans 6:1-2) ! There are many
blessings we receive when we are true children of the Great Abba. In Genesis 17:1 , Abba Father declared Himself as the Almighty God. Because He is almighty, He grants His children their requests and daily loads them with blessings ( Psalm 3:4, Psalm 68:19 ).

Beloved, do you belong to this loving Daddy? I congratulate you if your attitude towards Him is that of total disregard for His person or
blatant disobedience to His commandments,
then you need to change your ways today.

You stand to lose a whole lot if you don’t have God as your Father.

Prayer point –
Abba, Father, transform my attitude towards
You and draw me close to You in Jesus’ Name.

SING HYMN 15 – NEARER MY GOD
TO THEE
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee;
E’ en though it be a cross
That raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.

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

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

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

Open Heaven 15 April 2018 Sunday – TOUCH NOT MY ANOINTED

Open Heaven 15 April 2018 Memorize: But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Matthew 12:36

Read: Numbers 12:1-15 Open Heaven 15 April 2018

1 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.

2 And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it.

3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

4 And the Lord spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.

5 And the Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.

6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.

7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.

8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

9 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and he departed.

10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.

11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.

12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb.

13 And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.

14 And the Lord said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.

15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.

Open Heaven 15 April 2018

Bible in one year: Judges 1-2, 1 Timothy 4

Hymnal: Sing Hymn 16

OPEN HEAVEN 15 APRIL 2018 SUNDAY 2018 DAILY DEVOTIONAL

It is confounding that most children of God see it as an obligation to speak out against different forms of abuse in the society, but do not deem it necessary to raise their voices against anyone blaspheming the Lord of the universe or His anointed representatives on earth.

RCCG Sunday School TEACHER Manual 15th April 2018 Lesson 33 – Conflict Management In The Family

The Lord did not mince words in 1 Chronicles 16:22 when he commanded “Touch not My anointed!” As it is today, so it was in the time of the Lord Jesus Christ. Several people spoke out against Him, and some even accused Him of casting out demons by Beelzebub, the prince of demons! See the Lord’s response to this outagrous allegations in Matthew 12:36:

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”

Speaking against the Lord’s ministers and their spirit-motivated deeds is a typical way of touching the Lord’s anointed. Beloved, it is idle talk when you attribute an act of the Holy Spirit in a man of God to the power of familiar spirits or charms and rituals of the occult, and this is punishable on the Day of Judgement.

RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual April 15th, 2018 Lesson 33 — Conflict Management In The Family

Can you imagine the sin of idle talk waylaying you on the Day of Judgement? If you are guilty of this, you repent and restitute your ways before it is too late. Never join a multitude to say terrible things against a minister of a God when you are not very sure that what they are saying about him or her is true. Take heed to these instructions of God in Exodus 23:2:

“Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:”

OPEN HEAVEN 15 APRIL 2018 SUNDAY

Today’s Bible reading narrates how Moses’ two siblings Miriam and Aaron, spoke against him because of the Ethiopian woman he had married. Even though Moses actually married an Ethiopian woman, what did that have to do with the assignment or role God asked him to play? The truth of the matter is that Miriam and Aaron were just being jealous and mischievous. God saw through their motives, and he decided to put them in their place and punish them.

Open Heaven 14 April 2018 Saturday – THE LORD NEEDS IT!

Miriam became leprous! Beloved, it is not until you cast a man of God into prison before you touch him or her in an evil way. Watch your tongue and stop any move that is detrimental to the assignment given to an anointed man or woman of God.

Prayer Point – Open Heaven 15 April 2018

Father, please forgive me in any way I have touched Your anointed with my words, actions and inactions.

RCCG Sunday School TEACHER Manual 15th April 2018 Lesson 33 – Conflict Management In The Family

OPENING PRAYER: Father, uproot every
instrument of conflict in our families in Jesus’
name. Let your power restore peace in our families

Bible Passage: Genesis 13:7-9
7 And there was a strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdsmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.

8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and
between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen; for we
be brethren.

9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if
thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

MEMORY VERSE: “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men,” Romans 12:17

LESSON INTRODUCTION:
A family is defined as a group of people
related by blood, marriage, law (e.g. adoption) or custom. Generally, conflict can be defined as strong disagreement between people,
groups, etc., that results in often angry argument.

Conflict management is the
practice of being able to identify and handle conflicts sensibly, fairly, and efficiently. Conflict is inevitable. No relationship is perfect or conflict free, but conflict when managed
biblically can serve as a catalyst for change and opportunity for a good family growth.

TEXT REVIEW: GENESIS 13:7-9
One may be surprised to discover that both
riches and poverty cause conflict. Solomon knew that wherever poverty bites hard, there
will be conflict. )Proverbs 30:8-9). In today’s Bible passage, it was riches or wealth that
originated strife between Lot and his uncle, Abraham.

Genesis 13:6-11 mentioned a few
things which can lead to conflict.
i. Material factor of riches can cause conflict. Gen.13:6

ii. Land or space can be another cause of conflict. Gen. 13:6

iii. The original human factor behind the conflict between Abraham and his nephew
were their servants (herdsmen). This calls for proper management of staff, house help,
labourers. Gen. 13:7

iv. Abraham demonstrated maturity in
resolving the crises in the following ways. (Gen. 13:8):
a. Abraham called his nephew to a round table
discussion. He charged him not to allow strife.
Gen. 13:8

b. Abraham identified the sources of the
conflict was strife among the herdsmen. Gen.
13:7

c. Abraham understood the fact that the unbelievers were watching and it was unacceptable for them to strife when the
Canaaniteses and Perizzites were watching. Gen. 13:7

d. Abraham accepted to forgo the right of “first choice” Being an elder to Lot, he should choose first, but he allowed his brother to make the first choice for the sake of peace.
Gen. 13:9, 11.

e. Abraham considered the land as nothing worth dying for “is not the whole land before
you” Gen. 13:9

There comes the question, where is our maturity in conflict.? Some leaders or followers could fight in public for a few provisions, some may extend their fists to the
church or even vestry. Some people are ready to die for what is not worth dying for, etc. We
do not need to be DEAD RIGHT for a right we can allow. We can tow the path of peace instead.

LESSON OUTLINES:
Lesson Outline 1: CONFLICT IN THE FAMILY AND ITS CAUSES
i. Misunderstanding among members of
immediate or extended family.

ii. Contradictory interest among family members.

iii. Incompatibility (Amos 3:3).

iv. Unresolved disagreement. Eph.4:26-27.

v. Lack of trust. Prov. 31:11.

vi.Unforgiveness. 2Cor. 2:10-11.

vii. Communication gap. Heb.13:16.

viii. Unfaithfulness. Gen 39:7-12.

ix. Financial challenges. 1Tim 6:8-10.

x. Lack of genuine love. Col.3:19; 1Pet.1:22.

Class Activity 1: How can we control the role of selfish interest in family conflicts?

Lesson Outline 2: BIBLICAL WAYS OF
MANAGING CONFLICT WITHIN THE FAMILY.
i. Examine yourselves. Ps. 26:2; 2Cor.13:5.

ii. Love God and put Him at the centre of your family. Deut. 6:4-5.

iii. Forgive one another. Lk. 17:3; Eph. 4:26.

iv. Communicate effectively and resolve all conflicts as fast as possible. Rom.12:17-18.

v. Maintain openness and sincerity with one
another. Gen.2:25.

vi. Live a life of humility. Prov.29:23;
Jer.13:18.

vii. Love one another. I Pet. 1:22.

viii. Revenge not yourself for wrongs done against you. Rom. 12:19.

ix. Commit your ways to the Lord. Ps. 37:5.

x. Take every matter to God in prayers. James. 5:16.

Class Activity 2: What role can love for brethren play in resolving family conflict?

SUMMARY: Let there be no strife among us.
Gen. 13:8a

CONCLUSION: According to the word of God, all old conflicts must be resolved while there
should not be occasion for a new one for God to accept our worship. Matt. 5:23-25 5.

EVALUATION: How can we avoid conflict in the family?

CLOSING PRAYER: O God, let peace reign in our families.

ASSIGNMENT: Give five counsels at a family meeting to resolve material conflict e.g. Heritage.

RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual April 15th, 2018 Lesson 33 — Conflict Management In The Family

MEMORY VERSE: ‘’ Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men” – Romans 12:17

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 13:7-9
7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s
cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.

8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and
between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we
be brethren.

9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if
thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

INTRODUCTION:
A family is defined as a group of people
related by blood, marriage, law (e.g adoption) or custom. Generally, conflict can be defined as strong disagreement between people,
groups, etc, that results in often angry argument.

Conflict management is the
practice of being able to identify and handle conflicts sensibly, fairly and efficiently.

Conflict is inevitable. No relationship is perfect or conflict free, but conflict when managed
biblically can serve as a catalyst for change and opportunity for a good family growth.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. Conflict in the family and its causes

2. Biblical ways of managing conflicts within the family.

CONFLICT IN THE FAMILY AND ITS CAUSES
Conflict in the family may arise from misunderstandings among members of the family that is parent-children, spouse-in-law,
etc. Contradictory interest among members of the family can also be another factor. Other causes of conflict in the family may include:
1. Incompatibility (Amos 3:3)

2. Unresolved disagreement (Ephesians
4:26-27)

3. Lack of trust (Proverbs 31:11)

4. Unforgiveness (2Corinthians 2:10-11).

5. Communication gap (Hebrews 13:16)

6. Unfaithfulness (Genesis 39:7-12).

7. Financial challenges (1 Timothy 6:8-10)

8. Lack of genuine love (Colossians 3:19; 1Peter 1:22).

BIBLICAL WAYS OF MANAGING CONFLICTS
WITHIN THE FAMILY
1. Examine yourselves (Psalm 26:2; 2 Corinthians 13:5).

2. Love God and put Him at the centre of your family (Deuteronomy 6:4-5).

3. Forgive one another (Luke 17:3; Ephesians 4:26).

4. Communicate effectively and resolve all
conflicts as fast as possible (Romans
12:17-18).

5. Maintain openness and sincerity with one
another (Genesis 2:25).

6. Live a life of humility (Proverbs 29:23; Jeremiah 13:18).

7. Love one another (1Peter 1:22).

8. Revenge not yourself for wrongs done against you (Romans 12:19).

9. Commit your ways to the Lord (Psalm 37:5).

10. Take every matter to God in prayers (James 5:16).

CONCLUSION:
Conflict is inevitable in the family. However, every conflict should be resolved in the fear
and love of God.

QUESTIONS:
1. Mention 5 causes of conflicts in the family?

2. What are the biblical ways of managing
conflicts within the family?

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?

Open Heaven 14 April 2018 Saturday – THE LORD NEEDS IT!

Open Heaven 14 April 2018 Memorise:And if any man ask you, why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him. Luke 19:31

Read: Luke 19:29-35 (KJV) Open Heaven 14 April 2018

29 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.

31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.

32 And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.

33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?

34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him.

35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.

Open Heaven 14 April 2018

Bible in one year: Joshua 23-24, 1st Timothy 2-3

Hymnal: Sing hymn 12

OPEN HEAVEN 14 APRIL 2018 DAILY DEVOTIONAL

A salient truth that everyone, particularly children of God, should not be ignorant of is that God created everything for a purpose. This is why we call the Almighty God the God of plan and purpose. For example, in Genesis 1:26, when man was to be created, God first declared his purpose before creating him, saying:

“Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”

OPEN HEAVENS 14 APRIL 2018

God will not create what He does not need. Whatever you find on earth has a reason for existing. Not knowing the usefulness of an entity in God’s creation does not negate the reason why God created it. It is just unfortunate that more often than not, we abuse, misuse or completely neglect the use of many things created for one divine purpose or the other. In today’s Bible reading, even the owner of the donkey did not know the eternal purpose God had for his donkey until the Lord’s message got to him, asking him to release it to fulfil the prophecy concerning it (Zechariah 9:9). This donkey looked ordinary to it owner, but to its Maker it was a unique donkey. You therefore need to look at things through the eyes of the Creator to understand their purpose. Many years ago, I told some ministers who had just answered the divine call into full-time ministry that whatever skills they had acquired should be kept because all such skills would be needed in the running of the church. These days, there is a tendency for an architect to drop his or her skill set when going into ministry. Such people fail to realise that the Church needs architects to design her buildings. Who would do a better job of this than a Spirit-filled architect? In Exodus 36:1-2, God purposely raised Bazaleel and Aholiab for the purpose of the building of His tabernacle, indeed, every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights (James 1:17) Beloved, the Lord need that skill, that gift, that memory and that position you have. I appeal to you to use your talents primarily for God and secondarily as your meal ticket. May the Lord bless you as you bless Him with your divine endowments in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point – Open Heaven 14 April 2018

Father, pleas open my eyes to see the divine purpose for my existence. Grant me grace to use the gifts, skills, position and wealth You have endowed me with for Your glory and pleasure.

OPEN HEAVEN 14 APRIL 2018 SATURDAY HYMN

SING HYMN 12 – TAKE MY LIFE, AND LET IT BE

Take my life, and let it be

Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;

Take my moments and my days,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

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,

Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing

Always, only, for my King;

Take my lips, and let them be

Filled with messages from Thee,

Filled with messages from Thee.

Take my sliver and my gold;

Not a mite would I withhold;

Take my intellect, and use

Every power as Thou shalt choose

Every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine;

It shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart; it is Thine own;

It shall be Thy royal throne,

It shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour

At Thy feet its treasure-store.

Take myself, and I will be

Ever, only, all for Thee,

Ever, only, all for thee

Open Heaven 13 April 2018 Memorise: It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Ecclesiastes 7:2

Read: Matthew 14:6-11 (KJV) Open Heaven 13 April 2018

6 But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.

7 Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.

8 And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger.

9 And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.

10 And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.

11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.

Open Heaven 13 April 2018

Bible in one year: Joshua 22, 1st Timothy 1

Hymnal: Sing hymn 5

OPEN HEAVEN 13 APRIL 2018 DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Today’s Bible reading narrates the sad story of how unbridled merriment can propel a man to do what he would otherwise not have done. The devil is a cunning old serpent. He knows too well that his chances of success are slim whenever he attacks a child of God directly.

He therefore deploys trick to attack people when they are in a vulnerable state, such as when the heart is merry and full of happiness. When you are light-hearted, be watchful so that it does not end in sorrow and regret. This is why the wisdom of God in Proverbs 14:13teaches us that

“Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.”

OPEN HEAVEN 13 APRIL 2018

A quick lesson we should learn from the story in today’s Bible reading is that merriment outside of God will always end up in crisis. King Herod was very sorry for making the promise he had made to his daughter, probably under the influence of alcohol, but it was too late for him to take back the oath he had committed himself to in his light-hearted mood.

Another lesson we should learn here is that the enemy looks out for moments when you let your guard down, and then he strikes. Examples of such moments are times when you just won a victory and when you are in high spirits. Happiness often has the same effect as alcohol on the reasoning faculties of man, and so you need to watch it. There is a type of laughter that is derived from pleasurable but sinful acts.

The Bible refers to such laughter as the crackling of thorns under a pot (Ecclesiastes 7:6). The Israelites manifested such laughter and merriment when they made a golden calf for themselves as their god. Exodus 32:6 says:

“And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.”

But for Moses’ intercessory prayers. They would have been wiped off the face of the earth by this foolish act. It is commonly said that “He who laughs last, laughs best.” The last and best laughter is the laughter in eternity with our Maker. Speaking about this laughter, Jesus Christ in Luke 6:21b says:

“Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.”

When the Messiah shall return the second time, He shall put an end to all suffering, and there shall be everlasting laughter (Revelation 21:1-7). Ensure you don’t miss it!

Prayer Point – Open Heaven 13 April 2018

Father, help me not to indulge in any act that would give me temporary happiness and produce eternal sorrow.

OPEN HEAVEN 13 APRIL 2018 FRIDAY HYMN

SING HYMN 5 – I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS

I have decide to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;

No turning back, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross

Before me;

The world behind me, the cross

before me;

The world behind me, the cross

Before me;

No turning back, no turning back.

Through none go with me, still I

Will follow;

Through none go with me, still I

Will follow;

Through none go with me, still I

Will follow;

No turning back, no turning back.

My cross 1’ll carry, till I see Jesus;

My cross 1’ll carry, till I see Jesus;

My cross 1’ll carry, till I see Jesus;

No turning back, no turning back.

Will you decide now to follow

Jesus?

Will you decide now to follow

Jesus?

Will you decide now to follow

Jesus?

No turning back, no turning back.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TEENS THURSDAY 12TH APRIL 2018 – WORSHIP

MEMORISE: All nations whom thou has made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.
Psalm 86:9-10

Please read: John 4:21-24

MESSAGE:
When it comes to our relationship with God, worship is a very important and a key part of it.

Worship is the adoration, respect or admiration that we give God through our prayers, songs or the state of our hearts.

One of the most common forms of worship is by singing songs to
God that shows our love to Him, our adoration of His name and of His great works.

Moments of true worship are one of the purest for a child of God, because in that time of worship, the world around you is shut out and you have a direct
connection to the Heart of God.

A heart of worship is a heart of gratitude, of love
and of trust in a God who saved your soul and has promised you a better life in eternity.

Never underestimate the power of worship, as it is one of the fastest way to reach the heart of God and
is one of the few ways to truly capture God’s
attention.

ACTION POINT:
From today, set aside an hour every day to worship God from the bottom of your heart.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 10-12
Luke 13:22-35

Hymn 8
1. Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.

2. Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above,
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and
love.

3. To all life thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish-but nought changeth Thee.

4. Great Father of Glory, pure Father of Light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All laud we would render; o help us to see;
‘Tis only the splendour of light hideth Thee.

5. Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.

Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heavens: (Wednesday, April 11, 2018) – Overcoming Mountains

1.Thank you, Father, for where you started with me, thank you, for where I am, and thank you, for where you are taking me.

2.Thank you, Father, for all the battles you have fought and won on my behalf, that have enabled me to reach where I am today.

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

4.Father, no matter the challenge or obstacle that I may face, on this journey to heaven, please, don’t let be ever give up or turn back, in Jesus’ name.

5.Father, let every spirit of retrogression and backwardness, in my life, be paralysed and destroyed, in Jesus’ name.

6.Father, grant unto me the spiritual power and strength to subdue and overcome every challenge, obstructing my moving forward, in Jesus’ name.

7.Father, make a way for me spiritually, materially and financially, where there seems to be no way, as you did at the red sea for your children, the Israelites, in Jesus’ name.

8.Father, let heavenly, spiritual dynamites be released from above, to blast to pieces, every mountain, blocking the way to my promised land, in Jesus’ name.

9.I speak to every mountain of lack, poverty, sickness, failure, etc, plaguing my life and family, “be thou removed and be cast into the sea”, in Jesus’ name.

10.Father, give me the grace to wait upon you, always; and as I do, renew my strength, as the eagle’s; I shall run and not be wearied; I shall walk and not faint; in Jesus’ name.

11.Father, give your son, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the spiritual strength and heavenly support, to overcome every ministerial challenge, 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 12 April 2018 Thursday – AND YE SHALL BE MY WITNESSES

Open Heaven 12 April 2018 Memorise:But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8

Read: Jonah 3:1-10 (KJV) Open Heavens 12 April 2018

3 And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying,

2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.

3 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days’ journey.

4 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.

5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.

6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.

7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:

8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn everyone from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.

9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?

10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.

Open Heaven 12 April 2018

Bible in one year: Joshua 20-21, 2nd Thessalonians 3

Hymnal: Sing hymn 7

MESSAGE – OPEN HEAVEN 12 APRIL 2018 THURSDAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Lord’s decision to make us His witnesses is a divine set up for blessings, just like when He asks us to give to Him, in spite of the fact that He owns everything (Psalm 50:9-11). In the same vain, the Lord does not need our publicity, just as the sun does not need to be announced. When the sun rises in the east, it is seen as far away as the west, and we know Jesus is the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2).

It is an honour to be a witness of the Sun of Righteousness, because by virtue of this status, the world will see the grace of God upon our lives. When Elisha agreed to abandon his farming business to become Yehweh’s prophet, little did he know that the king would later refer to him as “my father” (1st Kings 19:19-21, 2nd Kings 13:14). Open Heaven 11 April 2018

OPEN HEAVENS 12 APRIL 2018

What are the characteristics and responsibilities of Christ’s witnesses? The Lord hints us on some of these in Mark 16:15-18:

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and of they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

The primary character of the Lord’s witnesses is that they follow Him sincerely, and their primary responsibility is preaching the gospel. This responsibility is even more serious that what was committed to Jonah, because a very high price has now been paid for the redemption of mankind, which must not be allowed to go to waste. Another responsibility is to cast out devils. If we will take territories for the kingdom of our God, we must be ready to cast out the demons that currently reign over such territories. Speaking in tongues enables every witness of Jesus Christ to be an effective mouthpiece of God with man and mouthpiece of man with God in the place of intercessory prayer. Taking up serpents as referenced in Mark 16:18 could mean dealing with serpents that come in human clothing, deceiving people just like the old serpent did. The Lord’s witnesses must challenge such lies with the Master’s true message. When we do all these as witnesses of Jesus, souls shall be rescued from eternal damnation. This is our joy and goal. Are you an effective witness of Jesus.

Prayer point – Open Heavens 12 April 2018

Father, please make me an effective witness of Your Son from now onward in Jesus’ Name.

OPEN HEAVEN 12 APRIL 2018 THURSDAY HYMN

SING HYMN 7 – WONDERFUL STORY OF LOVE

Wonderful story of love;

Tell it to me again;

Wonderful story of love;

Wake the immortal strain!

Angles with rapture announce

It,

Shepherds with wonder receive

it;

Sinner, oh, won’t you believe it?

Wonderful story of love.

Chorus:

Wonderful! Wonderful!

Wonderful, Wonderful story of love.

Wonderful story of love;

Through you are far away;

Wonderful story of love;

Still He doth call today;

Calling from Calvary’s

Mountain,

Down from the crystal-bright

fountain,

E’en from the dawn of creation,

Wonderful story of love.

Wonderful story of love;

Jesus provides a rest;

Wonderful story of love;

For all the pure and blest,

Rest in those mansions above

us, With those who’ve gone on

before us,

Singing the rapturous chorus,

Wonderful story of love.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TEENS WEDNESDAY 11TH APRIL 2018: FORGIVENESS

MEMORISE: Forbearing one another, and
forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel
against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Colossians 3:13

Please read: Matthew 6:14-15

MESSAGE:
Forgiveness is easier said than done, but this doesn’t mean that it cannot be done. As
Christians we are expected to forgive others no matter how painful whatever it is that was done to us.

To forgive involves removing any feelings of anger from your heart towards someone who did you wrong.

It also involves making conscious
decision to stop blaming such an individual for
whatever it is that he/she did wrong.

As a human being, there is no way you will not be offended in your interactions with fellow human beings. It is in the human nature to offend one another either knowingly or unknowingly. But it takes special grace from God to forgive and remove any
feelings of bitterness from your heart.

Have you been offended by a friend, a member of your family or even someone you consider to be an enemy? Pray to your Father in Heaven and ask Him to give you the grace to forgive that person.

Ask Him to remove any anger or
bitterness from your heart and replace it with His love. This is the only way you can truly forgive.

KEY POINT:
True forgiveness can only be done with the help of God.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 7-9
Luke 13:1-21

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