Topic: Let Love Flow 2 [TREM Devotional 14 December 2018]

“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” 1 John 4:20 (KJV)

Yesterday, I started out challenging you to let the love of God in you flow. It is so easy to say “I love you” but beyond the words are the actions.

Look at the scripture for today; please read it again and again. God did not say you should love yourself; because He knows that some people may not love themselves. He laid the example for you. The love of God is not love because of; it is love in spite God. God is calling the church to be different. In the world, you have a lot of hypocrisy, but that should not be in the church. In the world, you are constantly watching your back because you don’t know what the next person is about to do. But that should not be the case in the church. God expects us to reach out one to another in love. When Jesus came, He walk the earth as a perfect example for us to follow.

The Apostle John in our word for today is querying your profession of love for God if you cannot love your neighbour. Don’t be a hypocrite that chants the love for God but cannot tolerate his brother or sister. No! The proof of our discipleship is in our love for each other. Jesus said, by this shall men know that you are My disciples when you have love one for another (John 13:35).

Today, I am calling you to love. Love the unlovable. Where you cannot seem to love, take it to God in prayer. You remember I challenged you before to take everything to God in prayer. So, take this to God. Be sincere. Ask God for the grace to love and you will see a change in your disposition towards the brother or sister. Love also covers a multitude of sin. Therefore, when love flows, the behaviour you think you cannot tolerate becomes insignificant to you.

Further Reading: John 13:33-35; 1 John 4:16-21

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Joel 1; Evening- Revelation 5

“If you missed yesterday devotional click HERE to read TREM Daily Devotional by Dr. Mike Okonkwo’’ 

Written by Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); a versatile man of God with over 30 years of dedicated service unto the Lord.

Topic: Heaven’s Love Song [Our Daily Bread 14 December 2018 Devotional]

Read: Revelation 5:1–13, Bible in a Year: Joel 1–3; Revelation 5

We love him because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

In 1936, songwriter Billy Hill released a popular hit song titled “The Glory of Love.” Before long a nation was singing about the joy of doing even little things out of love for one another. Fifty years later, lyricist Peter Cetera wrote a more romantic song with a similar title. He imagined two people living forever, knowing together they did it all—for the glory of love.

Revelation, the last book in the Bible, describes a new love song that will someday lift the voices of everyone in heaven and earth (Revelation 5:9, 13). The music begins, however, in a minor key of mourning. John, our narrator, cries, seeing no answer to all that has gone wrong with the world (vv. 3–4). But his mood brightens and the music builds to a crescendo (vv. 12–13) as John learns the real glory and story of love. Soon he hears all creation praising the powerful Lion-King of Judah (v. 5), who has won the hearts of His subjects by lovingly sacrificing Himself, like a Lamb, for our rescue (v. 13).

In the most moving lyrics ever sung, we see why even simple acts of kindness rise on the wings of a song. The glory we sing about reflects the heart of our God. We sing about Him because He gave us our song.

Prayer: Father, please help us to see that even the smallest acts of love and kindness can remind us of Your love for us.

In what ways can you thank God today through simple acts of kindness?

INSIGHT
A repeated word in today’s passage is worthy (vv. 2, 4, 9, 12), which is used to describe Jesus. But what does worthy mean? While a dictionary definition is helpful, the passage itself defines it. First, Jesus is worthy because He has triumphed (v. 5) and can therefore open the scroll and break the seals. But John goes on to describe how He has triumphed. Jesus is worthy because He has triumphed by being slain and purchasing people with His blood (v. 9). J.R. Hudberg

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Our Daily Bread Devotionals HERE”

This message was written By Mart DeHaan [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 14 December 2018 By Dr. D.K Olukoya – Reconciled For Greater Works

TOPIC: Reconciled For Greater Works (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM Daily Devotional 14 December 2018)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: Mark 3:13-19

MEMORY VERSE: “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;” – 2 Corinthians 5:18

The MESSAGE:

Reconciliation means the ending of conflict or renewing of a friendly relationship between disputing parties, who had been separated over a period of time. What this means is that there was a friendly relationship between both parties before, but as a result of one problem or another, there is now a quarrel between them. In the beginning, there was a cordial relationship between man and God which was severed by man’s disobedience to God’s instruction. However, Christ came to reconcile man to the former friendly relationship with God.

In His earthly ministry, Jesus often sent out His disciples to preach, heal, and cast out devils. Notice, however, that before He sent them out, He would have a long period of personal fellowship with them. God desires intimacy with everyone of us. He sent His Son to die for this purpose — the purpose of reconciling us to Himself. We, who are born again, have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. Giving your life to Jesus Christ is therefore the first step towards accepting to be reconciled to God. We become friendly and intimate again with God as He first planned it from the foundation of the world. We are separated from sin and separated unto God.

The question now is, does it end there? Is that all there is to our salvation?

NO! There is another aspect and ministry in which God would have all men to be saved. John 14:12 tells us that Jesus assures that greater works we shall do. He has done the work of reconciling us to God and calling us into ministry of reconciliation. We have been called to witness to souls, to preach, win souls and to do greater works. When we surrender our lives to Christ, we are reconciled to God and immediately as believers, it is our duty to bring the unbelievers to the knowledge of Christ so they can also be reconciled. The first point of call is at the level of personal intimacy with God, but we cannot just be selfish and be satisfied with that. Our love for God should push us to talk to our fellow men and women, so that they too can enjoy the intimacy and relationship we have with God. Get intimate with God. Develop a relationship with Him. Pray for souls. Preach Christ Jesus. Partake in the ministry of reconciliation. I assure you, the reward is immense.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
GOD DESIRES INTIMACY WITH EVERY MAN, HE SENT HIS SON TO DIE FOR THIS PURPOSE.

PROPHETIC WORD:
You have been called to reconcile sinners to God, receive the anointing for soul wining.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING

1. O God my Father, equip me for the harvesting of souls, in the name of Jesus.
2. Every power discouraging me from preaching Jesus Christ, die, in the name of Jesus.
3. As from today, I become an agent of reconciliation, in the name of Jesus.

EVENING

1. Holy Ghost fire, incubate me for soul winning, in the name of Jesus.
2. I plug my destiny into the socket of divine power, in the name of Jesus.
3. O God my Father, strengthen my relationship with You, in the name of Jesus.
4. I will be a vessel unto honour, in the mighty name of Jesus.

“If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional HERE

MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE is a daily devotional by Dr. D.K Olukoya (General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, Worldwide)

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

Topic: Miraculous Deliverance [DCLM Daily Manna 14 December 2018 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]

Text: Acts 12:12-19 (KJV)

Key Verse: “But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished” (Acts 12:16).

MESSAGE:

The miraculous is always available for those who love and serve God wholeheartedly. In life, challenges will come before a child of God spiritually and physically in the family, workplace, neighbourhood and anywhere humans exist. Persecutions may take very serious dimensions like incarceration, threat to life and properties, deprivations and restrictions. However, none of these should move a child of God. Faith in God and complete rest upon His unfailing promises are all we need to weather all storms.

Peter was incarcerated and kept for execution as it happened to James the brother of John. But Peter’s miraculous deliverance from the maximum security prison was midwifed by the unrelenting, fervent prayer of the believers in a house-church where Rhoda and other Christians were interceding.

By divine guidance, Peter’s feet were directed to the very centre where he was being prayed for. This served to boost the faith of those believers who were praying.

We should cultivate the habit of interceding for fellow believers who are persecuted because “…the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man (and woman) avails much”. No matter who is behind the persecution of a believer, intercessory prayer to the King of kings will liberate him.

When we pray, we should believe that God hears and answers abundantly above what we can think or ask. God chooses how and when to answer. Giving of testimonies also, as Peter did, helps to strengthen and encourage intercessors.

Thought For The Day: The answer to a believer’s prayer is closer than he expects.

Bible Reading In One Year: Acts 27-28

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Deeper Christian Life Ministry, DCLM Daily Manna HERE

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.

Flatimes’ Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

Topic — Fruit of the Spirit; Gentleness [Open Heavens for Teens 14 December 2018]

Memorise: And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 2 Timothy 2:24

Read: Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)

Bible In One Year: Amos 1-3, Revelation 5

MESSAGE:

The present world is a very aggressive one, and it gets even more aggressive by the day. By default, humans will want to pay aggression back with aggression. Your classmate screams at you, the first thing that comes to mind is to scream back at the fellow. A stranger treats you harshly, and you automatically want to repay him with that same coin.

This might be the order of the day in the world, but as a child of God it is not allowed at all. The Holy Spirit within us doesn’t give room for aggression at all. You are charged to be gentle at all times to everyone you come in contact with. You must not be quarrelsome, you must not be lousy, and you must not be talkative. Your presence should never in any way cause trouble or take away the peace of another fellow. Let aura speak gentleness at all times.

Prayer Point: Sweet Holy Spirit, please teach me to be gentle at all times.

Also Read: Teen Open Heaven Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye

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.

1. 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 does on the cross
2. 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?
3. We cannot be channels of blessing
   If our lives are not free from sin;
   We will barriers be and a hindrance
   To those we are trying to win.

Daily Devotional for Teen’s guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.

Topic: Breaking Forth In Fasting [Seeds of Destiny 14 December 2018 Devotional]

Scripture: Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?… Isaiah 58:6

Thought For The Day: Fasting comes with a force that breaks things forth and opens doors where necessary.

Fasting is a major key to breaking forth in life and destiny. The period of fasting is a period of breaking forth in many realms. Fasting comes with a force that breaks things forth and opens doors where necessary.

There are many dimensions of breaking forth brought about by fasting. Let me give you three of them:

1. Breaking Forth into Liberty
   The period of fasting is a period for breaking of chains, ancestral and generational yokes and diverse bondages. It is a period of captivity turnaround (Isaiah 58:6).
2. Breaking Forth of Light
   The fast period is a period of multi-dimensional explosions of light; it is the season where scriptures come alive (Isaiah 58:8).
3. Breaking Forth in Health
   During the period of fast, diverse ailments and afflictions are healed (Isaiah 58:8).

Now, how do we fast productively?

1. Reach out to the needy as a lifestyle
   Reaching out to the needy is a key to a productive fast. People who are hardened against the needy do not see much result from their fast (Isaiah 58:7).
2. Avoid careless talk
   The period of fasting is the period of spiritual exercise and soberness. We must avoid vanity, loquacity and talkativeness (Isaiah 58:9).
3. Avoid wordless fast
   We must study the scriptures while fasting. Light and revelations come out from the Word during fasting (John 1:1-5).

Beloved, make up your mind to fast often in order to deepen your relationship with God.

Remember This: Fasting comes with a force that breaks things forth and open doors where necessary.

Assignments:

1. Take at least one day in the week to wait on the Lord in fasting, praying and studying of the Word.
2. Let prayer flow sufficiently during fasting.

Prayer: O Lord, I ask for the grace to wait on You in fasting. Open my eyes to see and hear from You in this season, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: BREAKING FORTH IN FASTING.

Quote: Any step taken outside of God is a step unto disaster. Culled from 21 FOOLISH THINGS PEOPLE DO by Dr Paul Enenche

Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 16:37 to 18:17, Romans 2:1 to 24, Psalm 10:16 to 18, Proverbs 19:8 to 9.

Amazing Fact: A year on Mercury is just 88 days long.

Today In History: 14/12/1918 – British women voted for the first time in a general election and were allowed to run for office.

Also Read: Click HERE to read Other Inspirational Messages by Pastor Paul Enenche 

Today’s devotional was written by Pastor Paul Enenche of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Pastor Paul and Becky Enenche, as the Senior Pastors. It is a power-packed arena where God’s Presence, Principles and Power are at work for the salvation, healing and restoration of human destinies and dignities

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 16 December 2018 Lesson 16 – Knowing God’s In Marriage

TOPIC: Knowing God’s In Marriage

OPENING PRAYER: Father, let all our youth discover your will in marriage and help them to do it. (Scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 16 DECEMBER 2018 HYMN)

MEMORY VERSE: “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.” – Proverbs 18:22 (scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 16 DECEMBER 2018 HYMN)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 24:1-19 KJV (RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 16 December 2018)

1 And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.

2 And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:

3 And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:

4 But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.

5 And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?

6 And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again.

7 The LORD God of heaven, which took me from my father’s house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence.

8 And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again.

9 And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and sware to him concerning that matter.

10 And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.

11 And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water.

12 And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.

13 Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:

14 And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

15 And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.

16 And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

17 And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.

18 And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.

19 And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.

LESSON INTRODUCTION:
Marriage is ordained by God and it is a legal relationship between a man and a woman that should last for a life time. Gen. 2:22-23.
The step taken before going into this journey is very important to prevent pitfalls. In knowing God’s will therefore, you do not have to rely vague feelings and strange rituals.

TEXT REVIEW: GEN. 24:1-19 “MARRIAGE TO WRATH”
i. The instruction to seek only God’s will for Isaac in marriage was followed by an oath. Gen. 24:2-3,8.
ii. In Isaac’s days it involved travelling to Mesopotamia from Canaan to the city of Major. Gen. 24 :10-11.
iii. Living in the land of Canaan did not translate to marrying the Canaanite. Abraham identified himself as a stranger Canaan. He said, ” I am a stranger and a sojourner with you”. Gen. 23:24, but thou, my servant shall go to my country and to my kindred, Gen. 24:4 and take a wife for my son, Isaac. Gen. 24:4.
iv. The effort of going out of Canaan to Nahor might look cumbersome especially in the light of verse 10 of Gen. 24, but if we consider the characters and spiritual dispositions of the Canaanite, we would prefer to follow the instruction. Psalm 106:38 indicates that blood of innocent sons and daughters were shed as sacrifice to Canaan’s idols. Sons and daughters were sacrificed to demons. Verse 37-38.
v. Canaanite represent ungodly people, therefore intermarriage with them might open the believers to the risk of mingling with the gentles. Psalm 106:35-36. Such attitude would surely attract the wrath of God. Psalm 106:40.

LESSON OUTLINE 1:
RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD FIRST
i. God created/started marriage. Gen. 2:18.
ii. God will give right thing to His children who rely on Him. Her. 10:23.
iii. God does not do or allow guess game.
1 Cor. 14:33
iv. God reveals right path to His children who seek for guidance. Psalm 119:105.
v. God’s children must develop a relationship with Him first. Psalm 119:130.
vi. Believers must learn to fellowship with God and not fear. 2 Tim. 1:7.
vii. Believers must develop their God-given gift and watch their step.Psalm 85: 8; 37:23.
viii. Believers must develop their purpose through relationship with Jesus Christ. John 18:37.
ix. Discovering purpose will reduce stress and prepare one for eternity. 2 Peter 1:3-4.
x. Believers must work in God’s vineyard. They must also have source of income. Gen. 2:15-18.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Why do some people marry outside God’s will?

LESSON OUTLINE 2:
HOW DO WE RECOGNISE HIS WILL IN MARRIAGE?
Since God does want His children to be joined with unbelievers in marriage, ( 2 Cro. 6:14-17)then, there must be specific guidelines to be followed as indicates below:
i. Discover His will through His word. Prov. 3:5-7. His word Israel and not shadow.
ii. Pray for God’s approval. Prov. 18:22; Gen. 19:14.
iii. Be sensitive and pay attention to those doors He opens and closes with regard to the issue of marriage. Phil. 2:12.
iv. God will use circumstances and situations to perfect His will. Phil. 2:13.
v. God reveals His will through the counsel from elders or spiritual heads in the church. Psalm 1:1; Pro.19:21; 11:14; 15:22; Acts 1:24; Titus 2:3-5.
vi. Believers should not despise Godly counsel from spiritual heads. Prov. 14:29b; Isa. 52:12.
vii. Avoid pressures from peer, passion for sex, age and poverty to be cloud your reasoning or influence your decision and lead you into temptation. Matt. 26:41.
viii. Keep company with believers and avoid company with unbelievers. 1 Cor. 15:33.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2:
Identify some consequences of making marital choice with God’s will.

SUMMARY: Believers must marry only God’s will.

CONCLUSION:
Prayer, pure word of God, worship, fellowship and service for God and right environment of good spiritual nourishment are factors that aid our spiritual sensitivity. As a child of God, you have His word, His spirit within you and His ministers to guide and counsel you.

EVALUATION:
How can believers know God’s will.

CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, let your will be done in marriages in our church.

ASSIGNMENT:
Find out ten (10) attractions that could lead a person to choose a marriage partner outside the will of God.

Read previous RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual Here

NOTE:
Flatimes.com EMPLOYS EVERYONE TO PURCHASE THE HARD COPY TO SUPPORT RCCG EDUCATION (SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT). THE SOFT COPY (ONLINE) IS JUST TO HELP EASY ACCESS. GOD BLESS YOU AS YOU DO SO.

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 16 DECEMBER 2018 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?

TOPIC: Knowing God’s In Marriage [RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 16 December 2018]

MEMORY VERSE: “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.” – Proverbs 18:22 (scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 16 DECEMBER 2018 HYMN)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 24:1-19 (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 16 December 2018)

1 And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.

2 And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:

3 And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:

4 But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.

5 And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?

6 And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again.

7 The LORD God of heaven, which took me from my father’s house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence.

8 And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again.

9 And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and sware to him concerning that matter.

10 And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.

11 And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water.

12 And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.

13 Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:

14 And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

15 And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.

16 And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

17 And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.

18 And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.

19 And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.

LESSON INTRODUCTION:
Marriage is ordained by God and it is a legal relationship between a man and a woman that should last for a life time. Gen. 2:22-23.
The step taken before going into this journey is very important to prevent pitfalls. In knowing God’s will therefore, you do not have to rely vague feelings and strange rituals.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD FIRST
2. HOW DO WE RECOGNISE HIS WILL IN MARRIAGE?

1. RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD FIRST
Marriage is a creation of God, it all started from Him(Gen. 2:18).God will only guide His own(Jer. 10:23). He will not play a guessing game with His people(1 Cor. 14:33). He wants us to know and do His will and He is actively involved in revealing it. Therefore, before seeking God’s will in marriage, develop a relationship with Him(Psalm 119:105,130). You must not live your life in fear but in fellowship with God(2 Tim. 1:7). Develop your God’s given gift and master how God deals with or guides your steps( Psalm 85:8; 37:23). Discover your purpose through a relationship with Jesus Christ (John 18 :37). This will reduce stress, give your life meaning and prepare you for eternity (2 Peter 1:3-4). You must be found working in His vineyard like Adam and have a source of income( Gen. 2:15-18) because marriage is not for lazy people. Marriage is for matured adults, not juveniles.

2. HOW DO WE RECOGNISE HIS WILL IN MARRIAGE?
The Scripture is clear about the fact that God does not His people to be joined with unbelievers in marriage (2 Cor. 6:14-17). How then do we recognise his will in marriage?

1. Through the word of God. (Prov. 3:5-7)
   God has placed His words in our hands so that we can have a more objective set of guidelines to follow than dreams, feelings and impulses. Despite your dreams and your conviction, pray to have spiritual backing.( Prov. 18:22; 19:14; Gen. 2:22).
2. God will work in you to do His will. He will use circumstances and situations to perfect His will for your life.(Rom. 8:28; Phil. 2::12-13).
3. Through the counsel from elders or spiritual heads in the church. (Psalm 1:1; Prov.19:21; 11:14; 15:22; Acts 1:24; Titus 2:3-5). Do not despise Godly counsel from spiritual heads. (Prov.14:29b; Isa. 52:12).

However, be careful of the following pitfalls:
i. Passion for sex, peer/ parental pressure, age and poverty etc may influence your hasty decision or push you into marriage. Watch and pray to overcome temptations (Matt. 26:41)
ii. The environment you are in and the friend you keep may also influence your choice. Therefore, keep company with believers and not unbelievers (1 Cor. 15:33).

CONCLUSION:
Prayer, pure word of God, worship, fellowship and service for God and right environment of good spiritual nourishment are factors that aid our spiritual sensitivity. As a child of God, you have His word, His spirit within you and His ministers to guide and counsel you.

QUESTIONS:

1. Why have a relationship with God before marriage?
2. How do you know God’s will in marriage?

ASSIGNMENT:
Find out ten (10) attractions that could lead a person to choose a marriage partner outside the will of God.

For Further Reading: 1 Cor. 7:32; Prov. 20:18; Judges 14:1-3; Psalm 25:9.

Also Read: RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 9 December 2018, Lesson 15

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 16 DECEMBER 2018 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?

Topic: No Deposit—No Return [Kenneth Copeland Devotional 14 December 2018]

…Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments…. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. – Psalm 112:1,7

Are you ready to face a crisis? Don’t wait until one hits to find out. Prepare yourself now.

That’s what a couple of my Partners did. They faced a situation that would have made many people panic. But when the crisis hit, their hearts were so deeply established on the Word of God that their first response was not one of fear but of faith.

What affected me most when I heard their testimony was one particular phrase they kept using:

No Deposit—No Return

What they meant by that was that if you don’t take the time to deposit the Word in your heart now, it won’t be there later when you really need it. You’ll end up in a crisis with only doubt and unbelief instead of the faith and power you need to see you through. In a situation like the one this couple faced, that could be deadly.

You see, their 2-year-old son had suffered a fall that had cracked his skull and critically injured his neck. He had no feeling in his arms and legs and was unable to move. Yet as they rushed him to the emergency room, a great sense of peace rested on them. Rather than crying with fear, they prayed in faith and declared, “By Jesus’ stripes, our son is healed!”

Sure enough, within hours, their boy was totally restored. Even the X-rays verified the fact that a miracle had taken place.

What’s important to understand about that story is this: The victory was not won when the damage to that little boy’s body disappeared. It was won all during the days and weeks and months before when his parents were listening to tapes and studying the Word and praying in the spirit. It was won because these people had spent time building a foundation on the Word so that when this storm came, they were able to stand.

Now is the time for you to build a rock-solid foundation! Don’t wait around until you’re faced with a crisis. Get the Word in your heart in abundance now, so when you really need it, it will flow out in power.

Remember: No deposit—no return.

Start making those precious deposits today!

Scripture Reading: Psalm 112

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Kenneth and Gloria Copeland’s Daily Devotional Here’’

This message was written by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, the leader of the Kenneth Copeland Ministries (www.KCM.org) that specializes in teaching principles of bible faith – prayer, healing, salvation and other biblical topics.