Topic: Safe in His Arms [Our Daily Bread 12 October 2018 Devotional]

Read: Isaiah 40:9–11, Bible in a Year: Isaiah 39–40; Colossians 4

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart. Isaiah 40:11

The weather outside was threatening, and the alert on my cell phone warned about the possibility of flash floods. An unusual number of cars were parked in my neighborhood as parents and others gathered to pick up children at the school bus drop-off point. By the time the bus arrived, it had started to rain. That’s when I observed a woman exit her car and retrieve an umbrella from the trunk. She walked towards a little girl and made sure the child was shielded from the rain until they returned to the vehicle. What a beautiful “real time” picture of parental, protective care that reminded me of the care of our heavenly Father.

The prophet Isaiah forecast punishment for disobedience followed by brighter days for God’s people (Isaiah 40:1–8). The heavenly dispatch from the mountain (v. 9) assured the Israelites of God’s mighty presence and tender care. The good news, then and now, is that because of God’s power and ruling authority, anxious hearts need not fear (vv. 9–10). Included in the announcement was news about the Lord’s protection, the kind of protection shepherds provide (v. 11): vulnerable young sheep would find safety in the Shepherd’s arms; nursing ewes would be led gently.

In a world where circumstances aren’t always easy, such images of safety and care compel us to look confidently to the Lord. Those who trust wholeheartedly in the Lord find security and renewed strength in Him (v. 31).

Prayer: Father, in a world where we are sometimes threatened, we are comforted because of Your gracious care for us—in and through the Lord Jesus Christ.

The good news is that God cares for us!

Insight:
We also see the shepherd imagery in the New Testament when Jesus is described as our Good Shepherd. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11) and “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep” (vv. 14–15). Just as a shepherd watched over, provided for, and protected his sheep against danger and death and even pursued them when lost (Psalm 23:1–3; Luke 15:4), Jesus laid down His life for our sins and then rose again so that we would have the opportunity to live forever with Him (John 3:16). By doing so, He freed all who receive Him as Savior from the clutches of our enemy, Satan, and from eternal misery. And in this life, our Shepherd leads and guides us along the way. We need not fear, for He is with us (Psalm 23:4). He loves us and knows us (John 10:14–15).

In what area of your life do you need the comfort of the Good Shepherd?

Alyson Kieda

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

This message was written By Arthur Jackson [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 14 October 2018 Lesson 7 – Christian Discipleship

TOPIC: Christian Discipleship

OPENING PRAYER: Father, help me to follow Christ to the very end. (Scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 14 OCTOBER 2018 HYMN)

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: Teacher should allow the Assistant Teacher to review the previous week’s lesson.

MEMORY VERSE: “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 11:1 (scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 14 OCTOBER 2018 HYMN)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 5:1-11 (RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 14 October 2018)

1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: A true Christian (not one by name only) is expected to be a disciple of Christ. However, not all Christians are willing or ready to make the commitments of a disciple. John 6:36; Matthew 19:21-22. We, therefore, need to examine who a Christian disciple should be and how to become one.

TEACHER’S DIARY
LESSON AIM: To study the meaning and the requirements to become a Christian disciple.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through the lesson, students should be able to:
(i) Discover who a Christian disciple is.
(ii) Understand how to become a Christian disciple.

TEACHING PLAN: To achieve the above-stated objectives, teachers should:
(i) Allow the students to pray the opening prayer, recite the memory verse, do the class activities and participate in the lesson through contributions and do the assignment.
(ii) Allow Assistant teacher to review the previous week’s lesson, conduct the class, grade the student’s performance, mark the attendance and assignment and take the closing prayer.
(iii) Teach the lesson outlines, administer the two (2) class activities, summarize, conclude, evaluate the lesson and give assignment.

TEXT REVIEW: LUKE 5:1-11 “MARK OF TRUE DISCIPLE”.

A few lessons can be learnt from the life of Simon Peter and his co-fishermen:
(i) Peter was very committed to his fishing profession to the extent that he labored night and day for a catch. Luke 5:5; 5:1-2. A true disciple is to be committed.
(ii) Peter and his fellows were washing their nets even when they had caught nothing. Luke 5:2. This is in preparation for another escapade. A true disciple must be prepared always for the next assignment from the master.
(iii) Although Jesus chose one ship which happened to be Simon’s, Simon demonstrated submission by rowing the ship from the land to the sea which served as Jesus pulpit. Luke 5:3. A true disciple must submit to the choice/will of the master.
(iv) Simon distinguished himself by his unique obedience and faith in the face of doubt. He said, “although “WE” had caught nothing, nevertheless at your word “I” will let down the net”. Luke 5:5. A true disciple must be a person of faith and be ready to obey always.
(v) Simon was very grateful to God for the wonder which the Lord has just performed. He considered himself unworthy (sinner) to receive such benevolence from the Lord Jesus. He, therefore, fell down at Jesus knees which symbolizes worship or gratitude. Luke 5:8. A true disciple must be a worshipper.
(vi) Simon and his co-fishermen demonstrated unity of purpose by coming together to help their colleague to harvest his great catch. Luke 5:7. Unity to win the race through collaborative efforts of others is a must fora true disciple.
(vii) Simon sacrificed his great multitude of fish to follow Christ. Luke 5:6,11. A Christian disciple must sacrifice all for the Lord.

This story teaches us: commitment, preparedness, submission, obedience, appreciation, unity and sacrifice “CPSOAUS” as mark of true Christian disciple.

TEACHING METHOD: Teacher to use lecture method.

TIME MANAGEMENT: Teacher to use two (2) lesson outlines time.

LESSON OUTLINE 1: WHO IS A DISCIPLE?
(i) Teacher to test the knowledge of the students on the meaning of the term ‘disciple’ by asking students to define it.
(ii)Teacher could receive such responses as ‘students’ or ‘learner’ or other responses.
(iii) Teacher should explain a disciple as:

(a) A close follower of another person or master.
(b) A person who adheres strictly to the teaching of the master
(c) A person who applies the teaching of his master and spreads such teaching to others.

(iv) Teacher should explain a Christian disciple as:

(a) A fellow called by the lord Jesus and who follows him. Matthew 9:9; Luke 5:19,11.
(b) Discipleship is a process by which the called begins to grow in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
(c) It is the developmental process in which a person who was called to be a disciple forsakes ail, deny self and follows Christ. Mark 8:34-35.
(d) It is becoming like Christ. Philippians 3:10-11.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What are the differences between a Christian Disciple and a social media follower?

LESSON OUTLINE 2: HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN DISCIPLE Teacher should explain how to become a Christian Disciple with the following points:

(I) Personal decision to follow Christ Luke 9:23, 14:26-27.
(ii) Put Jesus first in all things, put self last. Mark 8:34-38.
(iii) Follow and obey the teachings of the Lord Jesus. John 8:31- 32; 14:15; 15:15.
(iv) Prepare to live a committed and sacrificial life. Luke 14:33; Phil. 3:6-8; Matt. 16:24. (v) Be ready to abide in Christ and bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Gal. 5:22-23. (vi) Be prepared at all times to share the good news and teachings about Jesus to all people. Matt. 28:18-20.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Why do some people stop following Jesus after a while?
SUMMARY: To be a true disciple of Jesus, you must prepare to follow him totally.
CONCLUSION: Do not follow Jesus from afar, strive to be a close follower.
EVALUATION: How can a fellow become a disciple of Jesus?
CLOSING PRAYER: Father, don’t let me turn my back to you.
ASSIGNMENT: Find out the Bible passage(s) which support the following characteristics of a true Christian disciple from the Bible passage for today’s lesson.

NOTE:
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Read previous RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual Here

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 14 OCTOBER 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: The Statement Of Character [Seeds of Destiny 12 October 2018 Devotional]

Scripture: When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? Matthew 16:13

Thought For The Day: You are meant to be a mobile epistle by your character.

Character is the distinctive behavioural pattern of a person. It is critical to know that character speaks. Your character makes statements whether you are aware or not, and the statement of your character is louder than the utterance of your speech.

The truth is, your character determines your destiny; your nature fuels your future, your behaviour facilitates your becoming; your doings determine your dignity, and your action affects your outcome in life.

From our anchor Scripture, Jesus Christ asked His disciples, ‘Whom do men say that I the Son of man am’? Jesus seemed to be saying, ‘I am aware that I am the Son of God, but from my behaviour, character and dealings with men since I came to the Earth, do men still regard me as the Son of God?’ (Matthew 16:13 Paraphrased).

Today, the tragedy is, the sound of the character of many Christians repels unbelievers from God and His Church.

Beloved, you are meant to be the Bible that your neighbour, colleague or classmate who is an unbeliever does not have. They believe what you do more than what you say to them. This is why St. Francis of Assisi once said, ‘Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary use words’. That is, you are meant to be a mobile epistle by your character. You are meant to convict sinners of sin by the voice and statement of your Godly character.

Beloved, make up your mind to live a quality Christian life; display a character that shows people that you belong to God.

Remember This: You are meant to be a mobile epistle by your character.

Assignments:
1. Determine to live a life of quality character.
2. Be conscious of the fact that others are watching you to learn from you; live right. Live well.

Prayer: O Lord, I make demands on Your grace to maintain a quality character. I refuse to live a life that repels people from You or from Your Church, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: SEVEN-WAY LIFESTYLE TEST

Quote: What people think, feel or know you to be affects your future. Culled from WHO ARE YOU? by Dr Paul Enenche

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 19:1 to 21:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:4 to 28, Psalm 82:1 to 8, Proverbs 25:9 to 10

Amazing Fact: Suits or clothes can be made out of coconut

Today In History: 12/10/1850 First women’s medical school (Women’s Medical College of Penns), opened.

Don’t Forget To Attend: The Home Church meeting tomorrow by 6:00pm at a Dunamis Home Church near you. Invite your neighbours and family. God bless you.

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.

Topic: Confronting Falsehood [DCLM Daily Manna 11 October 2018 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]

Text: Jeremiah 26:7-24 (KJV)

Key Verse: “…And all the people took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die. Why hast thou prophesied in the name of the LORD, saying, This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be desolate without an inhabitant? And all the people were gathered against Jeremiah in the house of the LORD” (JEREMIAH 26:8,9).

MESSAGE:

God sends His servants, the prophets, to bring His message of love and warning to guide the people in the path of rectitude. Jeremiah was one of such prophets. God had instructed him to go to the temple and declare His word to the Jews who were gathered for worship. But his message angered the religious leaders – the priests and prophets who accused him of functioning outside the will of God, saying he was worthy of death, for daring to say the temple would become like Shiloh. Such charges carried capital punishment (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). But God used the people and princes to save his life (verses 16-24). He, however, insisted that what he preached was the truth as given to him by God.

The battle for the souls of men is now at its peak; as Satan is doing everything possible to keep men bound in darkness and error. The infiltration of the Church by worldly-minded preachers who give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils is doing a great harm. So, true and standing Christians must “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).

In a way, the eternal destiny of all, is in the hands of all believers. If believers fail to reach out to the people, they will perish in their sins.”Son of man, I have made thee a watchman over the house of Israel: therefore, hear the word at my mouth and give them warning from me” (Ezekiel 3:17). Present-day believers with all the advantages of technology cannot have any excuse, but must go forth and preach everywhere, having been assured by the Lord that He will confirm the Word with signs following. What are you waiting for? Rescue the perishing, win the lost to Christ.

Thought For The Day: Preach the word despite persecution.

Bible Reading In One Year: Matthew 11

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.