MEMORISE: And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. Genesis 22:2

READ: 1 Kings 17:8-16
8 And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,

9 Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.

10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

11 And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.

12 And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.

13 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.

14 For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.

15 And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.

16 And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.

MESSAGE
In today’s Bible reading, Elijah came to the widow of Zarephath, who had only one meal left. The Bible says in Luke 4:25-26 that there were many widows in the land, but Elijah was only sent to her. This is because God had chosen to bless her with supernatural provision. Even though God had chosen to bless her, she needed to give something to bring the blessing into manifestation. When Elijah asked for her last meal, she could have said, “You want to take the last meal out of the mouth of a widow and her son? And you call yourself a man of God.” However, she obeyed and brought the meal to Elijah, and from that moment on, lack became a thing of the past in her family.

God is the owner of heaven and earth; He can get whatever He needs without the help of any human being. He said in Psalm 50:10-12 that if He was hungry, He could eat any of the cattle on a thousand hills because they are His. However, as great as He is, He sometimes requests that a man should give Him something. When He does this, it is because He has chosen to bless that man. God could have provided for Elijah in any way; He had been feeding him for months using birds. In 1 Kings 19:4-8, when Elijah was hungry, an angel brought food and water, so when the brook dried up, God could have sent angels to feed him. It was not Elijah that needed help, it was the widow of Zarephath; she was the one in serious need. When God decides to meet your need, I pray that you will not resist His will.

In 2 Kings 4:8-17, you will see the story of the great woman of Shunem. She saw the man of God passing by, and God moved her to invite him to eat. Elisha refused, but the Bible says that she constrained him. Something within her said, “Don’t let that man of God go until you have blessed him.” Elisha ate the meal and kept coming back for more. She kept feeding him and even built an apartment for him. Then one day, God put an end to her barrenness when Elisha prayed for her. God prompted her to do the things she did, and although they cost her money, she got what money couldn’t buy in return. May you cooperate with God on the day He decides to bless you, in Jesus’ name.

PRAYER POINT
Father, please let me do what I need to do to receive my blessings, in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 1-8

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE

HYMN 26: THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS

1 There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.

Refrain

Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need;
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.

2 There shall be showers of blessing—
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.

3 There shall be showers of blessing;
Send them upon us, O Lord!
Grant to us now a refreshing;
Come, and now honor Thy Word.

4 There shall be showers of blessing;
O that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!

5 There shall be showers of blessing,
If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
If we let God have His way.

————————
Remember: ‘There Is No Problem Without Solution; Jesus Is The Solution To All Problems’.
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OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 4 JUNE 2024 TUESDAY: KING ISHBOSHETH

MEMORISE: But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Jude 1:20

READ: 2 Samuel 2:8-12
[8]But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul’s host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;
[9]And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.
[10]Ishbosheth Saul’s son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David.
[11]And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.
[12]And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ishbosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.

MESSAGE
A major leadership lesson from the life of Ishbosheth, who took over from his father, Saul, is not to be timid. In his two-year reign, he did not exhibit any independent confidence. His strength was from a man called Abner, the commander of his father’s soldiers. No wonder he totally lost courage when he heard that Abner had died in Hebron (2 Samuel 4:1). As a leader, you must be sure of your leadership qualities so that your followers won’t lose trust and confidence in you. This is the reason the Bible encourages believers to build up themselves on their most holy faith so that their minds and spirits can be strong enough for God to entrust great responsibilities to them.
Beloved, don’t be a teenager who likes everything to be done for him or her without taking any initiative or risks. Risks actually prepare you for the future. You need to build your confidence and skills as you grow into becoming an adult. Take responsibility to train yourself now because a time will come when your parents or mentors will not be there to guide you.

ACTION POINT
Build spiritual and mental stamina now.

HYMN 18 – TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS
1 ‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise;
Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord.”

CHORUS
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

2 O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
Just in simple faith to plunge me
‘Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

3 Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

4 I’m so glad Learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Saviour, Friend,
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Samuel 22:1-23:23 Acts 2:1-47
AUTHORS: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 3 JUNE 2024
MONDAY: QUIET OR TALKATIVE?

MEMORISE: In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19

READ: Proverbs 17:27-28
[27]He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
[28]Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

MESSAGE
The memory verse for today implies that only a fool has a loose mouth. There is no swag in being talkative. James 1:19 says:
*”Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”*
There is also no strength in responding to everything. For instance, if you don’t respond or take any action when someone insults you, you have already ridiculed the fellow, and you will have earned the respect of other people who heard the insult. In Isaiah 30:15, the Bible says, *”In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”*
My beloved child, you are not a fool for keeping quiet or walking away; rather, you are wise and strong. The less you respond when you are angered, the better for you.

ACTION POINT
You don’t have to give a response to everything.

HYMN 3 – DRAW ME NEARER
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.

CHORUS:
Draw me nearer, 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 pow’r 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

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Samuel 20:14-21:22 Acts 1:1-26
AUTHORS: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

MEMORISE: So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. Mark 5:20 (NIV)

READ: Mark 5:14-20
[14]And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.
[15]And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
[16]And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.
[17]And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
[18]And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.
[19]Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
[20]And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

MESSAGE
When I first got born again, I used to get treated for malaria every two weeks. Many pastors preached to me about avoiding medications and seeing Jesus as the Great Physician, but I did not believe them. Then, one day in church, an old man shared a powerful testimony. He said that when he was younger, he contracted a venereal disease that gave him a burning sensation. The pain was so much that he couldn’t walk straight. However, while on holiday in his hometown, he went on a door-to-door evangelical outreach. During the outreach, the devil told him to stop deceiving people because if Jesus was so powerful, He would have healed him. He said that he became angry that the devil mocked God, so he broke his walking stick, preferring to die from pain than allow Satan to laugh at God in his life. He bent over and continued to walk in pain for the rest of the outreach. However, by the time he got home, the pain had completely disappeared! The old man’s testimony amazed me, so I took my case to Jesus. I can boldly say that for more than 35 years now, God has kept me in divine health.
My beloved child, has God done something in your life? Share your testimony today so that it can boost the faith of others who hear it.

ACTION POINT
List three things that God has done for you and share them with people today.

QUIZ
What happened to King Nebuchadnezzar before he was restored as king?

HYMN 11 – O LORD MY GOD, WHEN AM IN AWESOME WONDER,
1. O lord my God!
When am in awesome wonder,
consider all
The worlds thy hands hath made
I see the stars,
I heard the rolling thunder
Thy pow’r thro’ out
The universe displayed

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

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

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

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

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Samuel 19:11-20:13 John 21:1-25
AUTHORS: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 1 JUNE 2024 MEMORISE: And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear:… Mark 4:24

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 1 JUNE 2024 READ ISAIAH 33:14-16

14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?

15 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;

16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.

Prayer Points For Open Heavens 1 June 2024

Powerful Declarations For Today 1 June 2024

Open Heaven 1 June 2024

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 1 JUNE 2024 MESSAGE

Every believer is a work in progress, and and one of the things that can cause either a progression or regression in our walk with God is what we listen to, including what is on our playlists.

What you listen to goes a long way in shaping your thoughts and influencing your actions.

Do you only listen to gospel music on Sundays or when you need things from God? The truth is, you will become what you train your ears to hear.

When I first gave my life to Christ, I still used to listen to songs by worldly musicians.

Interestingly, they were not ‘bad songs’; I mean, you can’t compare the oldies to the noise today’s generation of artistes make in the name of music.

One Tuesday, I went for Bible study and the teacher taught on listening to worldly music.

When I got back home, I quickly gathered all the music records that I had and burnt them; I had peace afterwards.

My dear child, every musical piece has a spirit behind it. You cannot desire to hear God clearly and yet listen to songs that are not scriptural and spiritual.

Get rid of those songs that do not glorify God like I did many years ago. Remember, obedience is better than sacrifice.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 1 JUNE 2024 ACTION POINT

A right heart is what you need to hear from God.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 1 JUNE 2024 HYMN 

S FOR TEENS 31 MAY 2024 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 SAMUEL 18:1-19:10 JOHN 20:1-31

AUTHORS: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

As we step into June 2024, a season of God’s divine favor, overflowing blessings, and supernatural breakthroughs.

With hearts full of thanksgiving, we embrace june as an opportunity to deepen our relationship with the Almighty and to witness His mighty hand at work in our lives. Let us unite in prayer and declarations, tapping into the promises of His Word and stepping into the fullness of His plans for us.

Open Heaven 1 June 2024

Happy New Month Prayers for June:

Heavenly Father, I commence this new month of June with gratitude. I relinquish October into Your miraculous hands, and I decree that Your perfect will shall manifest in my life and household, in the mighty name of Jesus. (Matthew 6:10)

Father, as I start this June, I decree and declare divine navigation. Lead me in the paths of righteousness, and I decree that the wisdom to make godly decisions shall overflow within me, in the mighty name of Jesus. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Father, I lay my strategies for June at Your holy feet. I decree and declare divine establishment in my endeavors, in the mighty name of Jesus. (Psalm 90:17)

Father, I decree and declare unending favor throughout June. Doors of opportunity are open before me, and I decree divine connections in my path, in the mighty name of Jesus. (Psalm 5:12)

Father, I raise my voice in declaration for divine protection and preservation throughout June for me and my household, in the precious name of Jesus. (Psalm 121:7)

I decree and declare in the mighty name of Jesus that every sickness and ailment, whether physical or spiritual, is annihilated from my life and household in June 2024, in the mighty name of Jesus.

I decree and declare financial breakthroughs throughout June. Overflowing provision is my portion, in the mighty name of Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

I declare, in the mighty name of Jesus, the encompassing love and tranquility of God to saturate my dwelling and envelop my household, in the precious name of Jesus. (Psalm 133:1)

I decree and declare, that the Almighty uses me as a vessel for His kingdom’s work, leaving a transformative mark on lives and radiating His glory, in the mighty name of Jesus. (Ephesians 2:10)

In alignment with Jeremiah 29:11, I decree and declare the unveiling of divine strategies and supernatural breakthroughs in June, propelling me towards the consummation of God’s intricate design for my life, in the mighty name of Jesus.

I decree for my nation and its leaders, earnestly desiring wisdom to guide them in decisions that glorify God and uplift the populace, in the precious name of Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Happy New Month Prayers for the Month of June:

I decree and declare that the month of  June is divinely ordained for my breakthrough and blessings, in the mighty name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that I am guided by the Lord’s righteous path, walking in His favor and wisdom throughout June, in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that every dream and aspiration I entrust into the hands of God for June 2024 shall flourish beyond measure, in the mighty name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that divine favor opens doors of divine appointments and fruitful connections, in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare divine protection and security for me and my dear ones throughout June 2024, in the mighty name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that my body is impervious to sickness and disease, as I abide in divine health and vitality, in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare financial abundance and overflow, as the Lord’s provision cascades into my life, in the mighty name of Jesus.

I decree and declare love and serenity reigning within my home and relationships all through June 2024, in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that I am an effective vessel in God’s service, impacting lives and leaving an indelible mark for His glory, in the mighty name of Jesus.

I decree and declare divine strategies and miraculous breakthroughs are unleashed, propelling my aspirations and visions to fruition in June 2024, in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that our nation and leaders are endowed with divine insight to make righteous decisions that usher in transformation, in the mighty name of Jesus.

I decree and declare unity and compassion flourishing among believers, as we stand together in unwavering faith and mutual support, in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare favor and accomplishment gracing my professional journey and enterprises all through June, in the mighty name of Jesus.

I decree and declare reconciliation and revival in fractured relationships, as hurts are mended and mercy prevails, in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare souls are irresistibly drawn to the knowledge of Christ in this month, embracing His love and life-changing salvation, in the mighty name of Jesus.

I decree and declare divine discernment and illumination as I delve into God’s Word, uncovering its profound truths and walking in its brilliance, in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare tranquility and harmony in places ensnared by turmoil and strife, as the peace of God reigns supreme, in the mighty name of Jesus.

I decree and declare my mind is safeguarded from negative influences, and my thoughts are aligned with God’s uplifting truth, in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare divine portals of opportunity swing open for ministry and service, igniting revival and transforming lives for His kingdom, in the mighty name of Jesus.

I decree and declare an overflow of God’s Spirit in June, with miraculous manifestations and supernatural occurrences accompanying my every step, in Jesus’ name.

Join today’s Devotion here: OPEN HEAVEN 1 JUNE 2024

I thank You, Father, for bringing us into the 6th month of 2024. Be glorified in the name of Jesus.

Father, forgive me for every way and time I have sinned against you. Let your mercy prevail in my life, in Jesus’ name.

Father, I ask that you beautify my life and make it full of light and splendor like heaven, in Jesus’ name.

Father, I ask that you help my family and me hold on to our faith in Jesus’ name.

This new month of June, hold us under the shadow of your wings in Jesus’ name.

Oh Lord, this June, we will not go out of your presence in Jesus’ name.

Father, help us to remain steadfast this month of  June, in Jesus’ name.

Oh God, grant me and my household testimonies in June, in Jesus’ name.

Father, from today until June ends, let us enjoy your goodness in the name of Jesus.

Oh Lord, let Your favor be upon me and my family this month of  June. Every good door we knock on, let it be opened to us in the name of Jesus.

Lord, I ask that no matter how long I live here on earth, I will not miss Heaven in Jesus’ name.

Father, as a citizen of heaven, let my life radiate and show beauty in this new month of  June, in the mighty name of Jesus.

Father, help me in this new month of June to reach out to lost souls and bring them to you so that they can make heaven in Jesus’ name.

Father, I ask that You will continue to keep us all witness for more months and years, in Jesus’ name.

Father, I ask that you grant me ease this month of June. Let nothing be difficult for me to achieve in the mighty name of Jesus.

Father, thank You for Your ministers and Your grace upon them. I ask that the new month of June will be a blessed month for them, in the name of Jesus.

Father, thank You for honoring Your word and for answering my prayers in June. In Jesus’ mighty name

Note: These prayers have no expiration date! Please pray for them, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.

LESSON FORTY (40)
TOPIC: WAYS OF RESTORATION

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 PRAYER: Father, please restore me totally in order to fulfill Your plans and purposes in Jesus name.

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: Leader should ask members the impact CSR did in their neigbourhood (the activity dedicated to last week’s lesson).

MEMORY VERSE: “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.” Joel 2:25

BIBLE TEXT: Joel 2:12-26
[12]Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
[13]And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
[14]Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
[15]Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:
[16]Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.
[17]Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?
[18]Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.
[19]Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:
[20]But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.
[21]Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.
[22]Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.
[23]Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.
[24]And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.
[25]And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
[26]And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Restoration means the process of bringing someone or something back to their God ordained state or previous condition. When something is restored, it is always better than how it was a better way, a better life, and a better future. God will take that which is broken and put it together again and make it better than it was before.

LESSON AIM: To discuss what can aid your restoration as a true child of God.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, members should be able to know:
• the need for the heart to be turned to God before restoration is enforced.
• some biblical examples of those who received restoration.

TEXT REVIEW: Joel 2:12-26
• There are factors required before restoration.
• Turning to God is the first step to restoration. • Divine cleansing precedes restoration.
• The mercy of God is also required before restoration.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
TURN YOUR HEART TO GOD
Before one can be restored, their hearts must be turned to God for cleansing and purification. A polluted heart cannot be restored. Other conditions for restoration are:
• Genuine repentance – Lamentations 5:21; I Kings 8:47.
• Divine gratification of mercy – Romans 9:15.
• Quitting all access to sinful lives.
• Never cover up your sins – Proverbs 28:13.
• Get new friends and build godly relationships.
• Being crucified with Christ – Galatians 2:20.

We are going to be using the 4 Rs of restoration to drive;
a. Replace: God has replaced stony heart with the heart of flesh – Eze. 36:26.
b. Renew: By focusing on the Bible, the mind is renewed continually – Rom. 12:2.
c. Revive: Through the resurrection power of God, we are given a new and everlasting life – Romans 6:4.
d. Return: This new and everlasting life is forever in the possession of the Owner of our lives – Romans 5:10.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO
BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO WERE RESTORED
• The Prodigal son – Luke 5:20-21.
• King David – II Samuel 24:10-25.
• Peter-John 21:3; Matthew 26:33.
• The Woman with the issue of blood-Mark 5:25-34.
• The Widow of Nain-Luke 7:11-15
• Blind Bartimaeus – Mark 10:46-52.

Other references are Genesis 37:27-28; 41:40-44 (the story of Joseph), Joel 3:3; Amos 2:6-7.

ACTIVITY: What are other benefits of turning one’s hearts to God aside from restoration?

SUMMARY: Repentance or firm resolution comes before restoration.

CONCLUSION: “And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth of the evil.” – Joel 2:13.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, please restore to us all lost virtues and glory by Your mercy.
2. Oh Lord, by Your mercy, restore the glory of our nation.
3. Father, help Daddy G.O and his family to recover all lost grounds.
4. Father, revive all pastors in RCCG to recover all lost grounds.
5. Personal prayer request

ASSIGNMENT: Study the life of the prodigal son and his journey to full restoration.

GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY: Pray for the restoration of backsliders Psalms 51:12.
TUESDAY: Pray for the restoration of health for the sick – Joel 2:25.
WEDNESDAY: Psalms 23:3.
THURSDAY: Ruth 4:15.
FRIDAY: Joel 2:25.
SATURDAY: Isaiah 62:3-4.
SUNDAY: Pray for the restoration of lost glories.

LESSON: FORTY (40)
TOPIC: NATURAL DISASTERS

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me
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 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: Almighty Father, please by Your mercy, avert all manners of natural disaster from our land in the name of Jesus.

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should inform the students of the outcome of the Quarterly Review Exercise and encourage them.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 24:6-8.
[6]And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
[7]For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
[8]All these are the beginning of sorrows.

MEMORY VERSE: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. Matthew 24:7.
Natural disasters challenge the Christian belief that God is good. The enormous loss of lives and properties resulting from pandemics, earthquakes, floods, etc, is terrible and tragic. Our grief and even our anger are human, but no one grieves more than the Lord Himself (Hebrews 4:15). Christ is moved by the afflictions we suffer and even weeps over our pains (John. 11:35). Could the God who loves us also be the one to destroy us? How do we reconcile the mercy of God in Christ with His permission for natural disasters?

LESSON AIM: To study the description of natural disasters and why God allows it.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through this lesson, students should be able to:
a. Describe natural disasters.
b. Explain why God allows it.

TEACHING PLAN: To attain the above-stated objectives:
a. The Assistant Teacher should mention the topic, guide the students to read the Bible passage, guide the students to recite the memory verse then take the lesson introduction, mark attendance and assignment.
b. The students should participate in the class activities and discussions, and do the assignment.
c. The teacher should explain the two lesson outline, summarize the lesson and then conclude, evaluate, and give an assignment.

TEXT REVIEW: Matthew 24:6-8.
The teacher should mention five (5) things that would mark the beginning of sorrow according to the Bible passage
i. …………………………………………………
ii. ………………………………………………
iii. ……………………………………………..
iv. ……………………………………………..
v. …………………………………………….

OUTLINES:
1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION
2. WHY GOD ALLOWS IT

1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The teacher should first ask each question indicated below and, allow the students to respond before providing the answers as indicated below:
Question 1: What do you understand by natural disasters?
Answers:
i. Natural disasters are catastrophic events with atmospheric, geological, or hydrological origins.
ii. It is a major adverse event resulting from the natural processes of the Earth
Question 2: Mention some forms of natural disasters you are aware of.
Answers: firestorms, dust storms, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, storms, and other geological processes.
Question 3: What are the effects of natural disasters?
Answers:
i. Loss of lives or damaged properties.
ii. Economic damages- the severity of which depends on the affected population’s resilience or the infrastructure available (Luke 21:11).
Question 4: How do natural disasters occur?
Answer:
i. God created the whole universe and the laws of nature (Genesis 1:1). Most natural disasters are a result of these laws at work. For instance, hurricanes, typhoons, and tornados are the results of divergent weather patterns colliding.
ii. Earthquakes are the result of the earth’s plate structure shifting. A tsunami is caused by an underwater earthquake.
Question 5a: Are there differences between natural disasters and God’s use of natural force to prove His supremacy?
Answer: Yes. Natural disasters differ from God’s use of natural forces.
Question 5b: What are the differences?
Answers:
i. As recorded in the Bible. Natural disasters kill and maim indiscriminately. God’s acts of judgement recorded in the Bible were selective (Genesis 19:29-30).
ii. Natural disasters usually strike with little or no warning. On the other hand, God gave warnings to the wicked before using natural forces against them (Genesis 6:13; Matthew 24:38-39).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should recall instances of natural disasters they are aware of.

2. WHY GOD ALLOWS IT
It is distressing that natural disasters are often termed “acts of God” while no “credit” is given to God for years, decades, or even centuries of peace and stability.
However, generally, God allows natural disasters so as:
i. To serve as a warning for unbelievers. Disasters are warnings, and unbelievers often turn to God for the first time when they face a tornado or an earthquake (Revelation 11:13).
ii. To remind us that even nature was affected by sin. Natural disasters remind us that nature, while beautiful, is broken and cursed (Genesis 3:17-18).
iii. To establish God’s supremacy over man. Some disasters give no warning even with all the science and technology a country can afford to put in place (Psalm 115:3).
iv. To indicate the beginning of the last days. They are signs of the end times (Matthew 24:3, 7).
v. To allow cause and effect to operate independently. Some natural disasters are a result of man’s abuse and damage to the natural environment (Ecclesiastes 7:29).
vi. To allow believers to demonstrate God’s love to humanity by helping, ministering, counselling, praying, and leading people to the saving faith in Christ (Acts 11:28-30; Galatians 6:10).
vii. To establish God’s judgement upon the wicked (Genesis 18:20; 19:24-25).

CONCLUSION: God can, and does, bring great good out of terrible tragedies (Romans 8:28).

QUESTIONS:
* Describe the term ‘natural disaster’
* Why does God allow ‘natural disasters’?

EVALUATION:
i. Describe natural disasters?
ii. Why does God allow it?

CLOSING PRAYER: Students should pray that there would be no incidence of natural disasters in the remaining part of this year.

ASSIGNMENT: Identify five ways the church can help those affected by natural disasters. (2×5=10 marks)