LESSON TWENTY SEVEN (27)
TOPIC: AGEING

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

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

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

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

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

OPENING PRAYERS: Father, please keep our old ones in their old and prepare our youths as they are ageing, never to derail.

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The leader should remind members of benefits enjoyed when they managed their behaviors in order to avoid negative consequences in our Christian journey.

MEMORY VERSE: “The hoary head is a crown of glory if it be found in the way of righteousness” Proverbs 16:31.

B. BIBLE TEXT: Isaiah 46:3-4.

3. Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:

4. And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Ageing is the process of growing old or older with signs of developing the appearance and characteristics of old age. Every living soul from infancy shall go through this process and begin to experience a decline in biological function and, or strength, which goes on over the entire adult life of the person. It is a fact of life that the young shall also grow.

LESSON AIM: To prepare every member’s mind that old age is a must for all human beings to go through and early understanding about the concept makes the old age profitable.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, members should be able to:
1. Know the benefits of believers at old age.

2. Know the dangers of going through old age without Christ.

TEXT REVIEW: ISAIAH 46:3-4
1. God has plan for every stage of Christian life.
2. God has provision to carry HIS children to old age and grant them assistance.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE:
BENEFITS OF BELIEVERS AT OLD AGE
1. Old age is a blessing from the Lord and we should never be afraid of aging- Isaiah 46:4

2. When living by the word of God, old age brings wisdom that helps and guides others, particularly younger one – Job 12: 12, Job 32:7.

3. Older people have been through many different experiences that will help your walk of faith and achieving success in assigned tasks or positions- 1Kings 12:6.

4. Elderly Christians do not truly get old if they do not stop seeking the advancement of the Kingdom of God and losing the zeal for Christ – Ps 71: 18-19.

5. Life renewal and sustenance at old age is assured- Ruth 4: 14-15

6. Godly elders continue to flourish and bear fruit of the body and soul winning- Ps 92:12-14

7. God answers the prayers of the elderly- James 5:4

8. Gray or Hoary hair is a crown of glory obtained by following a righteous path- Prov. 16:31, Pro 20: 29.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO:
DANGERS OF OLD AGE WITHOUT CHRIST
1. Disobedience or refusal to remember the creator, submit to and honor Him from the youthful days, makes aging a difficult and troublesome experience full of lamentations- Eccl 12:1

2. Living our lives away from God the creator makes sustenance at old age difficult without God’s help Ps 100:3

3. Coping with health problems, social problems and the ability to recover from depression more quickly, become difficult without the help of the Lord.

4. Lacking in fruit-bearing – John 15:5

5. Hindrance to answered prayers – John 15:7

6. Eternity with the Lord is lost – John 15:6

ACTIVITIES: What are benefits of living in old age as believers and menace of going through old age without Jesus?

SUMMARY: Old age is blessing from God.

CONCLUSION: Every believer should therefore live righteously through the process from their youth so they can earn the crown of glory at old age.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, help me to walk in the righteous path as I go through the aging process.

2. Every error/ makes of the past that may hinder me from receiving the crown of glory, by Your mercy Oh Lord, overrule and make them of no effect in my life

3. Father, give our youth a heart that pants after you so they can walk in your ways as they grow older.

4. Pray for the numerical, spiritual and financial growth of RCCG.

5. Pray for Daddy and Mummy G.O that they will grown to good, glorious old age.

6. Personal prayer request.

ASSIGNMENT: Find one ageing believer around you this week and bless him/her.

GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY: A better tomorrow start today. We are all growing older each day. Start today. We are all growing older each day. Start doing the needful now and God will help you in Jesus name.

TUESDAY: Old age is glorious, so let us not be afraid of it. Prov. 20: 29

WEDNESDAY: Read and meditate on job 12: 12-13

THURSDAY: NO Jesus, NO peace. A peaceful old age is one with Christ.

FRIDAY: Ask God to help you to continuously walk in holiness and His will as you go through the ageing process.

SATURDAY: Join or encourage an elderly person to go out for evangelism.

SUNDAY: Your HF center can visit an elderly person today, to show him/her love and encourage according to Isaiah 46: 4 and James 5: 14.

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

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

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

Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me for all my sins. Today, I surrender my life to You, I believe that Jesus is Lord and I confess it with my mouth. Jesus, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN!

If you participated in that 

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

READ: Prayers And Declarations For The Month Of March 2023

Join today’s Devotion: Open Heavens 5 March 2023

Today’s Prayer Points: PRAYER POINTS FOR OPEN HEAVENS 4 MARCH 2023

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today that my desire is to see Jesus lifted and glorified. My heart is in alignment to His will. I am fully submitted to His plans and purposes for my life. God lifts and promotes me and my life glorifies His name in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Hallelujah!

DAILY DECLARATION

I decree and declare that I am passionate about doing God’s will. His purpose and agenda are my desires in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that my motive is always to see Jesus glorified. I will not get carried away by money, fame, or power in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that I am divinely promoted and lifted in all my endeavors in Jesus name.

I decree and declare over my current situation God laughs, and two things happen: I rejoice at the enemy and the enemy is disgraced in Jesus name.

I decree and declare over rulers and world leaders bringing in laws and various agenda to oppose the ways of the Lord, God will laugh at them in the name of Jesus!

I decree and declare that God laughs at His enemies, and I am on God’s side. Therefore I am on the winning side in Jesus name.

I decree I am shielded in the secret place of the Most High and hidden under the shadow of the Almighty

I decree my strength is daily renewed in Christ Jesus no power of hell will have dominion over me, in Jesus’ name

Great king have Your way in me and all that I do henceforth, in Jesus’ name

I decree my body remains the dwelling place of The Most High, therefore no evil penetration will have their way inside of me in Jesus’ name

I declare that I live a holy life and when the roll is called up yonder, I will be there in the name of Jesus.

I declare that the day of rapture will be a day for rejoicing for my family and I in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that I do not defile my garment. Therefore I shall walk with Jesus in white: for I am worthy in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that I walk worthy of Jesus’ calling therefore my name will not be blotted out of the book of life in the name of Jesus.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Somebody shout Hallelujah!

See you tomorrow!

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

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

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

Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me for all my sins. Today, I surrender my life to You, I believe that Jesus is Lord and I confess it with my mouth. Jesus, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN!

If you participated in that 

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

READ: Prayers And Declarations For The Month Of March 2023

Today’s Devotional: Open Heavens 5 March 2023

Powerful Declarations: Powerful Declarations For today 5 March 2023

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today that my desire is to see Jesus lifted and glorified. My heart is in alignment to His will. I am fully submitted to His plans and purposes for my life. God lifts and promotes me and my life glorifies His name in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Hallelujah!

PRAYER POINTS

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision.

Holy God, Great Judge. The One who putteth down one, and setteth up another. I worship You today.

Thank You, Father, for lifting up my head above those of my enemies, for healing me, and for the grace to be counted among the living today.

Father, in anyway I have fallen short of Your glory, please, have mercy and forgive me, in Jesus’ name.

Father, help me to remain submitted to Your Word. May I not break off the restrictions in the word of God that are for my own good in Jesus name.

Father, prune my desires and make me passionate about Your will alone. May my only desire be to serve and life You above everything in the world in Jesus name.

Father, may I always seek Your will and agenda alone. Keep me away from seeking self glory in the name of Jesus.

Father, may my family and I enjoy Your divine lifting and promotion in the name of Jesus.

Lord, whatever will make me derail from You, keep it away from me. May I truly serve You and desire to see You glorified. Keep pride and evil away from my heart. May I not be disgraced in Jesus name.

Lord, help me to discipline myself to live according to Your will now in the name of Jesus.

Father, help me to always exercise my faith when I come to You in prayer, in Jesus’ name.

Father, wear upon me the garment of prayer, and help me to always pray and not faint, in Jesus’ name.

Oh Lord, please help me to maintain my garment and not defile it. That I may walk with You in white in Jesus name

Father, empower me by Your grace to pray without ceasing, and let whatever I decree in prayer, be instantly established, in Jesus’ name.

Father, when the roll is called up yonder, let me be there in the name of Jesus.

Oh Lord, let the day of rapture be a day for rejoicing for my family and I in the name of Jesus.

My Lord and my God, may my family and I not be amongst those who will cry because they would have missed the rapture in Jesus name

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

Thank You for the benefactors and beneficiaries on this platform (RCCGONLINE.ORG). Father, I ask that fresh fire falls upon them, that they will be set ablaze for You.

Thank You Father for the intercessory team and the online platform (RCCGONLINE.ORG) and that which You have put in their hearts, I pray that You make them flaming swords to bring men to Your kingdom and shut down the works of darkness in the name of Jesus.

Father, bless everyone dedicating their time to pray through these prayers & declarations at the point of their needs. Give them the grace to share/rebroadcast, in Jesus’ name.

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

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

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

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

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

( Philippians 4:6)

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

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

Thank you Father for answered prayers.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18).

#GodBlessOurNation

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

See you here tomorrow.

Now, it is Time to Pray!

Like I said earlier on – I beg you that you make sure that you Pray intensely tonight.

1. Praise God that you are even here tonight.

*Today is the 3rd of March 2023 – It will never come back again. So, this moment in History is a “Once and for all the Moment”.*

2. Now, when we talk of Breakthrough Physically; some People will say that I’m not Sick.

*Real Physical Breakthrough means:*

I. You are Whole

II. It also means that no more Sickness until you are ready to go Home (Die).

When Elisha has that Breakthrough, he was sick once when he was about to go and the Sickness didn’t last long.

*I don’t know about you, but I need Physical Breakthrough – I don’t want to be sick again: No Pain, No Ache.*

Say: Almighty God, this Night give me Physical Breakthrough never to be sick again.

3. When talking of Material Breakthrough; not only do I want all my Needs met but let it be met Abundantly.

Lord, it is written that: I will lend to Nations but won’t borrow.

So, you will talk to God that I want Material Breakthrough – That Promise of lending to Nations I want it fulfilled in my Life; that anything that I want to do for God I will do it easily and won’t be scratching my Head.

Lord, I want a Material Breakthrough tonight!

4. This has to do with Fruitfulness.

Not only those that are without a Child that is barren.

*Barrenness means working hard and having Nothing to show for it.*

Lord, I need a Touch from You tonight – Prosper me and Prosper me Mightily.

5. Then Father, I want Spiritual Breakthrough.

I don’t know how far that you want to go Spiritually – It will be a Good Idea:

I. If anytime I can raise the Dead.

II. If I can wave my hands and Miracles will happen.

III. If the devil will see me coming and run away.

6. You can add any other Breakthroughs that you want from God.

*You have thirty (30) Minutes to Pray!*

*The Altar is open; so go ahead and bombard the Throne of Heaven that I won’t Stand Up unless I got my Breakthrough tonight!*

Go ahead and talk to God!

*Watch Out for the Full Text of the Message on the Label of DMC!*

*. . Discovery Media Crew; Reaching Out to the world through the Power of the Gospel!*

DATE: SUNDAY,
LESSON: 27

TOPIC: AGEING

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

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

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

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

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

A. MEMORY VERSE: “The hoary head is a crown of glory if it be found in the way of righteousness” Proverbs 16:31.

B. BIBLE TEXT: ISAIAH 46:3-4.

3. Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:

4. And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

C. LESSON INTRODUCTION: Ageing is the process of growing old or older with signs of developing the appearance and characteristics of old age. Every living soul from infancy shall go through this process and begin to experience a decline in biological function and, or strength, which goes on over the entire adult life of the person. It is a fact of life that the young shall also grow.

BENEFITS OF BELIEVERS AT OLD AGE

1. Old age is a blessing from the Lord and we should never be afraid of aging- Isaiah 46:4

2. When living by the word of God, old age brings wisdom that helps and guides others, particularly younger one – Job 12: 12, Job 32:7.

3. Older people have been through many different experiences that will help your walk of faith and achieving success in assigned tasks or positions- 1Kings 12:6.

4. Elderly Christians do not truly get old if they do not stop seeking the advancement of the Kingdom of God and losing the zeal for Christ – Ps 71: 18-19.

5. Life renewal and sustenance at old age is assured- Ruth 4: 14-15

6. Godly elders continue to flourish and bear fruit of the body and soul winning- Ps 92:12-14

7. God answers the prayers of the elderly- James 5:4

8. Gray or Hoary hair is a crown of glory obtained by following a righteous path- Prov. 16:31, Pro 20: 29.

DANGERS OF OLD AGE WITHOUT CHRIST

1. Disobedience or refusal to remember the creator, submit to and honor Him from the youthful days, makes aging a difficult and troublesome experience full of lamentations- Eccl 12: 1

2. Living our lives away from God the creator makes sustenance at old age difficult without God’s help Ps 100: 3

3. Coping with health problems, social problems and the ability to recover from depression more quickly, become difficult without the help of the Lord.

4. Lacking in fruit-bearing – John 15: 5

5. Hindrance to answered prayers – John 15:7

6. Eternity with the Lord is lost – John 15: 6

CONCLUSION: Every believer should therefore live righteously through the process from their youth so they can earn the crown of glory at old age.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, help me to walk in the righteous path as I go through the aging process.

2. Every error/ makes of the past that may hinder me from receiving the crown of glory, by Your mercy Oh Lord, Overrule and make them of no effect in my life.

3. Father, give out youth a heart that pants after you so they can walk in your ways as they grow older.

4. Pray for the numerical, spiritual and financial growth of RCCG.

5. Pray for Daddy and Mummy G.O that they will grown to good, glorious old age.

6. Personal prayer request.

ASSIGNMENT: Find one ageing believer around you this week and bless him/her.

GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY: A better tomorrow start today. We are all growing older each day. Start today. We are all growing older each day. Start doing the needful now and God will help you in Jesus name.

TUESDAY: Old age is glorious, so let us not be afraid of it. Prov. 20: 29

WEDNESDAY: Read and meditate on job 12: 12-13

THURSDAY: NO Jesus, NO peace. A peaceful old age is one with Christ.

FRIDAY: Ask God to help you to continuously walk in holiness and His will as you go through the ageing process.

SATURDAY: Join or encourage an elderly person to go out for evangelism.

SUNDAY: Your HF center can visit an elderly person today, to show him/her love and encourage according to Isaiah 46: 4 and James 5: 14.

ENOCH is a movie that was aired on the 2nd of March, 2023, the 81st birthday of Pastor ENOCH ADEJARE ADEBOYE.

It is a biopic movie based on the true life story of God’s servant, Pastor ADEBOYE the general overseas of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

ENOCH is a story of determination, redemption, journey of faith, the election of grace, and God’s mighty hand that lifts.

The movie tells the story of a little boy ‘Dejare whose journey in life has so many lessons embedded in it.

The movie is divided into 5 short but powerful chapters that summarize the highlights of the life of ENOCH ADEJARE ADEBOYE.

From teenagehood till now.

Chapter 1- MAA KÀWÉ

Tells of his growing up as a teenager and his passion and insistence on going to school even when his parents could not afford it.

Chapter 2- The Boy without Shoes.

Tells of his academic exploits regardless of the physical lack that ravaged him.

Chapter 3- Meeting Foluke

Chapter 3 shows how he met his wife and continued the journey with her.

Chapter 4- Way out

In chapter 4, we are given insight into some of the struggles ‘Dejare faced in life and how he went to different places looking for a way out until he found Jesus – the only Way out.

Chapter 5- Test of Faith

This chapter summarizes ‘Dejare’s tests, growth, and advancement in God.

The defining moment that led to where Pastor Enoch ADEBOYE now is.

We would not want to give too much away. You should watch the movie yourself and get blessed.

ENOCH the movie was brought to us by SOLID ROCK FOUNDATION IN COLLABORATION WITH MOUNT ZION FILM PRODUCTIONS.

You can watch Enoch on Dove Tv or on the following YouTube channels:

YouTube PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

https://youtube.com/@PastorEAAdeboye

YouTube SOLID ROCK FOUNDATION TV https://youtu.be/2c5AkQMjGMg

YouTube DAMILOLA MIKE-BAMILOYE https://youtu.be/7TxD3cxUQcc

3 WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR PASTOR

OPEN HEAVEN 5 MARCH 2023 MEMORIZE: And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. Acts 13:22

OPEN HEAVEN 5 MARCH 2023 BIBLE READING 2 SAMUEL 6:20-22

20 Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!

21 And David said unto Michal, It was before the Lord, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel: therefore will I play before the Lord.

22 And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.

OPEN HEAVEN 5 MARCH 2023 MESSAGE

(1 Samuel 2:7-8) tells us that God can make one fellow poor and another rich, He can bring one down and raise another. He can lift a beggar out of the dust and keep on promoting him until he is sitting amongst princes. Psalm 75:7 says further, “But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”

What does God look out for in the people He promotes? The first thing, according to our memory verse, is a willingness to do His will. Once He finds out that you are the kind of fellow who always wants to do His will, then He will mark you out for promotion. If He sees how passionate you are about lifting His name above every other name, He will lift you.

This is the kind of heart that David had; it was this passion that made him confront Goliath when he heard the giant defiling the name of the Lord. And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? (1 Samuel 17:26).

In (1 Samuel 17:45-47), David said that the fight belonged to God. He wasn’t fighting for his own accolades; he was fighting for the glory of God. How passionate are you about the will of God being done in your life and around you?

Once in a while, a fellow could start out pursuing the Lord’s will, so He promotes him or her, but then along the line, the person could get so carried away with power that he or she is no longer pursuing the Lord’s will. The Lord responds by demoting such a fellow immediately and disgracefully, as we see in the story of King Saul in (1 Samuel 15:23).

Today, when people talk about King Saul, they use him as a bad example. You can hardly find any good thing to say about him. That is the lot of those who, after being promoted by God, begin to do their own will rather than His.

OPEN HEAVEN 5 MARCH 2023 REFLECTION

Within your sphere of influence, do you pursue God’s will or your own agenda?

OPEN HEAVEN 5 MARCH 2023 HYMN

I AM THINE O LORD

1. I am Thine, O Lord
I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.

REFRAIN:
Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.

2. Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord
By the power of grace divine
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.

3. Oh, the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God
I commune as friend with friend!

4. There are depths of love that I cannot know
Till I cross the narrow sea;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach
Till I rest in peace with Thee.

OPEN HEAVEN 5 MARCH 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: JOSHUA 1-4

OPEN HEAVEN 6 MARCH 2023 MEMORIZE: And David said unto Michal, it was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD. 2 Samuel 6:21

OPEN HEAVEN 6 MARCH 2023 BIBLE READING 2 SAMUEL 6:20-23

20 Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!

21 And David said unto Michal, It was before the Lord, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel: therefore will I play before the Lord.

22 And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.

23 Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.

OPEN HEAVEN 6 MARCH 2023 MESSAGE

Beyond the willingness to do the Lord’s will, another thing we notice about people who God promotes is that they are very humble. They don’t regard themselves more highly than they ought. In today’s Bible reading, we see the same trait in Michal as was in her father, because just like Saul, she cared too much about what the people thought, whereas David’s focus was on giving praise to the Lord who made him king.

If you can be humble enough to praise God in whatever way you can in front of people, if you don’t think too highly of yourself, He will keep promoting you. As far as God is concerned, the one who should be at the top should be able to wash the feet of his subordinates, not one who wants everyone to see and regard him as above them all.

Mark 10:44 says, ‘And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.” When you are full of pride, God will resist you rather than lift you James 4:6).

If you really want to experience divine promotion, you must humble yourself before the Lord. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.-(1 Peter 5:6). Furthermore, James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

One day, God showed me a vision of two graphs. The graphs look like two mountains with a valley in between them. He asked me where I was on the graph, “Top or bottom?”. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, I replied “The bottom”, knowing that from there, He could then lift me. The Lord then said to me, “If you want to go to the top, then you have to be humble; you have to remove the titles ‘Reverend Doctor’ from your name and simply be called ‘Pastor’.

I did that and since then, I have been enjoying divine promotion. If you would choose to be truly humble, the only way to go would be higher.

OPEN HEAVEN 6 MARCH 2023 KEY POINT

God promotes the humble.

OPEN HEAVEN 6 MARCH 2023 HYMN

WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay,
Not a grief nor a loss,
Not a frown nor a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.

4. But we never can prove
The delights of His love,
Until all on the altar we lay,
For the favour He shows,
And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

5. 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 HEAVEN 6 MARCH 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: JOSHUA 5-7

LESSON TWENTY SEVEN (27)
TOPIC: BREAK THE YOKE OF POVERTY

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

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

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

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

BIBLE PASSAGE: PROVERBS 6:9-11

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

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

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

MEMORY VERSE: “All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.” Proverbs 19:7.

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

OUTLINES:
1. CAUSES OF POVERTY
2. BREAKING FREE FROM POVERTY

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

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

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

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

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The class should discuss other causes of poverty not included in the above classifications.

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

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

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should discuss other godly ways to be free from poverty?

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

QUESTIONS:
* Mention four (4) factors responsible for poverty.
* How can believers break free from poverty?

ASSIGNMENT: Give five (5) dangers of poverty (2×5=10 Marks).

LESSON TWENTY SEVEN (27)
TOPIC: BREAK THE YOKE OF POVERTY

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

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

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

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

OPENING PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please teach me how to break free from poverty in the name of Jesus.

BIBLE PASSAGE: PROVERBS 6:9-11

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

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

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

MEMORY VERSE: “All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.” Proverbs 19:7.

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

TEXT REVIEW: Proverbs 6:9-11.
From the above-stated passage,
i. What are those things which the sluggard should do?————————————-
ii. What are the consequences of slumbering?
——————————————————–

LESSON OUTLINES
1. CAUSES OF POVERTY
2. BREAKING FREE FROM POVERTY

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

A. PERSONAL ATTITUDE:
i. Laziness and idleness. (Prov.10:4; 19:15).
ii. Poor attitude to work/work ethics. (Prov.14:23; 2Thess.3:10).
iii. Lack of self-discipline. (Prov.12:27).
iv. Stubbornness. (Prov.13:18).
v. Worldliness and frivolous pursuits. (Prov.21:17; 28:19).
vi. Limitation mentality. (Prov.23:7a).
vii. Drunkenness and gluttony. (Prov.23:21).

B. NATURAL DISASTERS:
i. Famine, flood, droughts. (Gen.12:10).
ii. Health-related challenges/epidemic. (Mark 5:25-26).
iii. Fire outbreaks. (Job 1:16).
iv. Death of benefactor. (2Sam.4:4).

C. OPPRESSION:
i. Poor wages/Delay wages/Refusal to pay wages. (Lev.19:13; 1Tim.5:18).
ii. Exorbitant interest rates on loans. (Ex.22:25-27).

D. SPIRITUAL CAUSES:
i. Consequences of sin. (Deut.28:15-21).
ii. Wrong belief that poverty is equal to holiness or godliness.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The class should discuss other causes of poverty not included in the above classifications.

2. BREAKING FREE FROM POVERTY
The following information could lead a person out of poverty:
i. Discover and pursue your purpose for living.
(Prov.22:29).

ii. Improve yourself in your chosen career, vocation and trade. (Prov.18:15; 24:4).

iii. Create multiple streams of income. (Eccl.11:2).

iv. Solve people’s problems

v. Acquire additional knowledge through re-skill and upskill. (Prov.9:9; Eccl.10:10).

vi. Believe in your ability to perform. (Phil.4:13).

vii. Be a generous giver. (Prov.11:24).

viii. Pay your tithes, first fruit and offerings regularly. (Mal.3:10-12; Prov.3:9-10).

ix. Pray and study the word of God for direction. (Ps.37:23).

x. Don’t live on debt, borrow only to invest. (Prov.22:7).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should discuss other godly ways to be free from poverty?

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

QUESTIONS:
* Mention four (4) factors responsible for poverty.
* How can believers break free from poverty?

EVALUATION: How can poverty be dealt with?

CLOSING PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please give me enough riches and honour and send poverty far away from me.

ASSIGNMENT: Give five (5) dangers of poverty (2×5=10 Marks).