DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 29/3/2017

You Were Gifted For A Purpose

1 Cor. 12: 7; Jn. 3:27

It is worthy of note that everyone is enriched. Each person has a gift. God has given different gifts and talents to different people and each gift and talent has its function. Some gifts are more prominent and are seen more publicly, while others are hardly noticed. All gifts, however, are needed in the body of Christ and they are important. The smallest part of the body has its function and it must be valued. The talents and gifts are from the Lord. There is nothing a man has that he did not receive from heaven, (Jn. 3:27). God did not give us gifts and talents for fun. He has reasons for giving us the talents and gifts. The talents and gifts were not given to us for show off. The purpose of the gifts is not to make wealth for ourselves. The main purpose is for us to use the gifts to bless others, build up the body of Christ and in turn glorify God. The gifts were given to us by God for the common good of every member of the body of Christ. You must therefore discover your own gifts, develop them and use them for the benefit and blessings of those tied to your destiny. A man that fails to use his gift is depriving others of their blessings as those who ought to benefit from him will not enjoy their rights. Don’t leave your world the way you met it. Don’t leave it worse than you met it. Use your gifts and talents to affect lives positively.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: Gifts were given to you for the blessings of others.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, help me to discover, develop and deploy my God - given gifts for the blessings of others.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 30/3/2017

Don’t Take The Grace Of God In Vain

2 Cor. 6: 1-2

The richest place in the world is the graveyard. This is because many talents are buried there. God gave gifts and talents to each Christian but it is only a few that are using their gifts. The more a gift is used to edify the body of Christ, the more valuable and desirable it is. Do not despise or neglect the gifts of God in your life. Be a profitable servant. Some of the gifts mentioned in the Bible like the gift of mercy, service, helping people, giving e.t.c are not prominent like miracles and healing but they are very important. Also, note that the gifts of God must not be used for selfish ambitions. ‘Each one should use the gift he has received to serve others, faithfully, administering God’s grace in its various forms (1 Pet. 4:10).

POINT OF EMPHASIS: Do not deprive others of their blessings, your talents and gifts should be used to bless others.

PRAYER POINT: I shall not be wasted; I receive grace to maximise my gifts for the blessing of my generation in Jesus’ name

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Fri. 31/3/2017

Discover, Develop and Use Your Gifts And Talents

Rom. 12:4-6

The gift of God is available to all believers to enable them serve in specific ways that bless others. Knowing your gift is the first step as it will help you to function in your God-given place of service. Every Christian is endowed with at least one spiritual gift, (1 Cor. 12:7, 11). The fact is that if everyone uses his or her gifts and talent maximally, there would be no lack of resources in our churches. No one is created as an observer. It is expected that everyone who has received grace participates in building and edifying the body of Christ, the church. We are all expected to serve in the areas where there are needs. The following points would help you to discover your specific place and assignments. Passion is a driving force that transforms your thinking into action. Your passion is a pointer to your gift. What thrills you and what you enjoy doing is a pointer to your area of gifting. Any area of service where you can easily function without struggle may likely be the area where you are gifted. Whatever you can conveniently, voluntarily and consistently do even when there is no praise, recognition and incentives, may be a clue to discovering your gift. The honest assessments of those who know you intimately will help in discovering your gift. Fasting and prayer as well as regular service to God and humanity will unveil your gift. Once you have discovered your gifts and talents, you must use them to serve others faithfully and following divine patterns. The more you use the gift, the more it grows.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: No one is created as an observer; everyone must use his or her gifts and talents to meet needs in the body of Christ.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, help me to discover, develop and use my gifts and talents faithfully for the common good of the body of Christ.

2/4/2017 LESSON 5

STEWARDSHIP OF TALENTS AND GIFTS

Quarter’s Theme: UNDERSTANDING BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIP

Unit 2: Your Stewardship (Lessons 3- 6)

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 69, 243

Devotional Reading: LK. 19:15-27

Topic For Adults

YOU WERE GIFTED FOR A PURPOSE

Topic For Youths

DON’T TAKE THE GRACE OF GOD IN VAIN

Topic For Intermediates

DISCOVER AND USE YOUR GIFTS

Scripture Lesson

MATT. 25:21

(SOUL WINNERS CROWN COMPETITION MONTHS)

MEMORY VERSE

“His Lord said to him, ‘well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things, enter into the joy of Your Lord”. Matt. 25:21 (NKJV)


BACKGROUND

Stewardship of talents and gifts – the lesson for today implies that believers are in a state of work and business. God our Creator has entrusted into our hands various talents to make gains in His kingdom. There is a necessity for habitual preparation and diligence in our work and service. The Lord Jesus Christ is the owner of all persons and things. This lesson is enjoining us to awake from our slothfulness and prepare to render account of how we have used the talents which our Master has entrusted into our care.

NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: STEWARDSHIP OF GIFTS AND TALENTS (MATT. 25:14-15)

A steward is one who manages the possessions of another person. Stewardship is an act of managing another man’s resources. We are stewards of the grace, abilities, gifts, talents that God has entrusted to our care. We own nothing, not even our lives. All good and perfect gifts are from the Lord, (Jam. 1:17). God reserves the right to all gifts and talents. God gave us the responsibility to use the gifts and talents under His watchful eyes.

We cannot create any talent or gift on our own. Talents, whether those with which we are born or those we acquired through learning and self-development, are traceable to God. There is nothing a man has that he did not receive from God, (Jn. 3:27). Gifts of the Spirit are given by the Holy Spirit and He gives to men as He wills. All that we have are given to us on trust and we must justify the confidence reposed on us. Those who have acquired talents through learning should bear in mind that they have only built on the divine deposits in them. You can only improve on what is already in existence.

God created everyone and He knows the ability of each person. He has given grace, talents and gifts to each person according to their ability. He will not give a man what he cannot manage. He gave much to some but to whom much is given, much is expected. It is not how many talents or gifts one has that matters but how one uses them. Do not forget that the master did not isolate any of his servants in the parable. He gave to his entire servants and what he gave to each of them is called “gift”. Everyone has a gift except if you are not one of His own. Lastly, all His gifts are good and important.

PART 2: PURPOSE OF TALENTS AND GIFTS (MATT. 25: 16-18)

It is clear from the parable that the master has an expectation. He did not distribute his resources to the servants for fun. He expects each servant to use the talent and make it grow. The purpose of the gifts is not to make wealth for ourselves. The main purpose is for us to use the gifts to bless others, build up the body of Christ and in turn glorify God. (1 Pet. 4:10-11). You must, therefore, discover your own gifts, develop them and use them for the benefits and blessings of those tied to your destiny. You must use your gifts and talents. You have no reason to fail and no amount of excuses will justify your failure. Those who fail to discover and use their gifts and talents will end up contributing and enriching the wealth of the grave. The richest place in the world today is the graveyard. This is because many people with great gifts and talents have been buried there with unutilised potentials.

Those who use their talents and gifts properly and faithfully will experience increase. The only way to grow the divine deposit is by using it faithfully, consistently and correctly. You cannot afford to hide or neglect the grace, gifts and talents of God in your life. You must serve with it to bless your generation. There are people waiting to be blessed through the gifts and talents that were given to you. All gifts are important and if we all use our gifts and talents effectively, efficiently and faithfully, there will be no lack in our churches. Please note that you are not qualified for more gifts until you have maximised the ones you were given.

PART 3: GOD’S STANDARDS OF REWARD (MATT. 25: 19-30)

God cannot lose track of His resources. He knows where each of His resources is located. He watches over His investment and will make everyone to account for the grace given to him / her in due course. God will hold you responsible for what you have been given, (Rom. 14:12). God will always measure our performances against the expectations and reward us accordingly. In the parable, the master came back suddenly, each servant accounted for what he had been given. The activities of the servants were judged in line with the standard specified by the master and reward was given to each person. It is, therefore, instructive to note that Jesus, the owner of all and the giver of all will come suddenly when no man expects. He will equally measure our activities in line with His standard, and give rewards to everyone based on his or her work.

Those who used their gifts according to the will of the master were considered good and faithful. He also expects that the gifts and talents should be used faithfully. Our obedience must be total; we must use our gifts and talents wherever and whenever He wills. You must not wait for people to persuade you before you serve with your gifts and talents. On the other hand, God requires our faithfulness.

Faithfulness is keeping pace where you are kept. It means doing exactly what you were shapened and endowed to do and doing same with your strength without robbing God of His glory. God will reward those who use their gifts, and those who fail to use theirs. He will equally reward those who mismanage their gifts. Those who fail to use their talents and gifts will lose their place and relevance in divine agenda, (Matt. 25:30). One of the standards is that reward is certain as far as God is concerned.

CONCLUSION

Christ Jesus gives His followers talents proportional to their ability. The greater our talent is, the more pain we must exact in order to make profit of it. Those that are given little talents should not despise it but should utilise it and make gains out of it for God and His kingdom. God will not ask us to account for more than what He gave us. He is going to ask us to render our stewardship in proportion to our talents. Don’t bury your talent because God will ask you what you do with it.

QUESTIONS

Explain this statement in your own words whether it is true or not “we own nothing, not even our lives”.

Why does God reserve all the rights to every gift?

Is there anything a man has that he did not receive from God? Explain.

What is the purpose of your gifts?

How can you make your gift(s) important?

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Mon. 3/4/2017

God Owns Everything

Ps. 24:1

All the fullness of the earth belongs to God. He only chooses to put all things under man’s care. But we fail to realise this, some feel they own the world and all the things therein. They selfishly behave as if they were immortal and careless about other people, even things of God. Man needs to acknowledge that God has ABSOLUTE control over inhabitants of this world. We are at His mercy, God can call it quit to anyone who fails to honour Him with his riches. (Lk. 12:15-21). Therefore, let’s learn to honour God with our possessions.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: What shall it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?

PRAYER POINT: Lord God, please give me the grace to honour You with my riches.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Tue. 4/4/2017

God’s Resources Entrusted to Your Care, You Will Give Account

Gen. 1:26-31

God created everything man would need on earth before man was created. God handed the dominion over earthly creatures over to man. Man is to make good use of all things created and not to abuse them. Therefore, accountability is made inevitable. Man will give account of all treasures entrusted into his care one day – the day of reckoning. For you not to be guilty of this, you need to play by the rule, that is, you should totally obey the command as instructed by the owner.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: Use God’s product according to His instructions placed on them.

PRAYER POINT: Oh Lord, help me to always act according to Your divine instructions.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 5/4/2017

God Gives The Power To Get Wealth

Deut. 8:10-18

Man fails to acknowledge that all we have belong to the Lord. In most instances, rich and wealthy people tend to be arrogant, and look down on others, thinking they have achieved everything by their own power, wisdom, connections and smartness. Far from it! The fact remains that the power to get wealth is from God and doesn’t reside with anybody else. This realisation should make us not to be high – minded, proud and arrogant (1 Tim. 6:9-10).

POINT OF EMPHASIS: All you are and have belong to the Lord.

PRAYER POINT: Oh Lord! Give me a humble heart.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 6/4/2017

Get God Involved In Your Finances

2 Cor. 9:11

You need to get God involved in your finances and keep Him involved. Your finances are an area in which you can experience an interactive relationship with Him. But you need to invite Him in. Man only remembers God when the bottom drops. So what’s keeping you from asking God to get involved now before the bottom drops out? Doesn’t it make sense to position yourself to receive His direct intervention as soon as possible? Something happens when you open your hands to God, He opens His hands to you!

POINT OF EMPHASIS: Be willing to acknowledge that God controls everything.

PRAYER POINT: God, give me the grace to get and keep You involved in my finances.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Fri. 7/4/2017

God Partners With You To Accomplish It

2 Cor. 9:9

It’s one thing to give because it puts God on your side financially. “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” At first glance, you may think, what’s that got to do with anything? A lot! God’s committed to healing the hurts of our world; that’s why He speaks of “gifts to the poor.” When we get involved with God through our giving, we’re taking our place in a plan to reach the world. This is His objective and He’s committed to it. And it’s going to cost money. Now the truth is, God will get the money from somewhere, but He’d like to partner with you to accomplish it. The fact remains that God would not drain you of your resources, without replenishing them. If you’re a partner with God, why would He hinder your ability to give towards the things that matter most to Him – the needy, and winning a lost world? The truth is, God’s going to do it with or without you. He’s just giving you an opportunity to get involved with Him. Don’t miss out on it!

POINT OF EMPHASIS: God is committed to healing the hurts of our world – the poor.

PRAYER POINT: God, give me the grace not to disappoint You in reaching to the needy.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Sat. 8/4/2017

The Joy of Giving

Deut. 16:17

The scripture above enjoins thus “Every man shall give as he is able.” The story below shows practical demonstration of the scripture. The academy award winning movie Shindler’s list, is the story of one man’s effort to make the most of a desperate opportunity. As the director of a factory in Germany, Shindler decided to use his position to save people by employing them in his factory. Shindler was able to rescue condemned Jews from the gas chambers. But keeping them is costly. Little by little, he liquidated his personal possessions in order to keep the business afloat so that more lives could be saved. At the end of the story, Shindler was not yet happy because he believed he had not done enough. He wished he had done more. We can learn a powerful lesson about giving from this man. Because, in the same way, even joyful givers will not look back on their lives and wish they’d done more. As for those who don’t give at all, or who give less than they can, imagine their thoughts as they stand before God in the final audit to give account of how they used their finances and are rewarded accordingly.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: If you’re a cheerful giver, you will always want to give the more.

PRAYER POINT: Lord God, please give me the grace to see the reasons to always give.

9/4/2017 LESSON 6

STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

Quarter’s Theme: UNDERSTANDING BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIP

Unit 2: Your Stewardship (Lessons 3- 6)

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 69, 236

Devotional Reading: 1 CHRO. 29:10-14

Topic For Adults

THE TREASURES ARE NOT YOURS, YOU’RE A CARETAKER

Topic For Youths

TREASURES YOU WILL GIVE ACCOUNT

Topic For Intermediates

ALL WE HAVE, GIVEN FROM ABOVE

Scripture Lesson

GEN. 1:1; 1 CHRO. 29:12-14; PS. 24:1;

MAL. 3:6-12

MEMORY VERSE

The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, says the Lord of hosts. Hagg. 2:8 (NKJV)


BACKGROUND

One of Satan’s most effective ways of deceiving people is the idea that happiness consists in the things that we posses. Through his deceitfulness, he has erected a golden calf, an idol called materialism. Christians with a spiritual calling and heavenly assets are neither automatically exempted from Satan’s schemes or from his disease of materialism nor inoculated against infection from the deadening. Jesus Christ made it clear that a mark of true Spirituality is a right attitude towards wealth. The mark of a godly and righteous man is his preoccupation with God and Heavenly treasure. Therefore treasures are trusts given to us by God which we are to invest for God’s kingdom and glory.

NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: GOD OWNS ALL (GEN. 1:1; 1 CHRO. 29: 12-14; PS. 24:1)

We must be conscious that “the earth

is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof”. No matter how hard we have worked or how talented we are to make wealth, once we start to unwrap where it all came from, we end up at God’s front door. We, along with everything in the world, are His creations. Man, regardless of his status, is under absolute control of God. We’re at His Mercy. What God does is, He handed the dominion over earthly creatures over to man. Man is to make good use of all things created and not to abuse them. He is expected that man will give detail account of all the resources entrusted into his care.

Sad enough, man fails to acknowledge this. In most instances, rich and wealthy people tend to be arrogant, thinking that they have achieved everything by their power, wisdom, connections and smart-ness. Far from it! Nothing is received except it’s given from above.

God is generous, therefore, we must be generous. He is a giver. When we are giving, we are reflecting the likeness of God.” We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give”.

In other words, we only give back to God what comes from His hand.

PART 2: THE LANDLORD’S DUE (MAL. 3:6-12)

Our secular landlords, based on mutual agreements, expect something from us at the end of every month or year as the case may be. Likewise, the agreements initiate and sealed by our Heavenly Landlord, and which is binding on us is “bring ye all the tithes unto my house.”

We need to know that everything we have belongs to God. 100% of our income belongs to God! Everything we have is a gift from Him. If it wasn’t for His grace, we wouldn’t have any of these things. When we realise this, and that we are mere stewards of His resources, it makes it easier to think about how we use the resources He has entrusted into our care.

Tithing is a way of showing apprecia-tion to God from the material,

finance and blessing given us to enjoy. God commands it. It is one tenth (10%) of our income. There is no one who cannot pay tithes. Obedience to this shows our commitment and faithfulness to the giver.

The issue of tithe is a two – edged sword – God wants us to love Him enough to obey His commands to pay the tithe, and in return to bless us beyond measure. In as much as we dare not default on our agreements with our secular landlords without risking dire consequences, we should not expect less from our divine Landlord. So, let’s honour our part of the agreement by giving Him His due and thereby enjoy continued tenancy of His divine favours.

Conclusively, everything we own belongs to God. He entrusts His resources to us and commands us to give back to Him first 10% of everything we earn. This is minimum standard for faithful financial stewardship.



CONCLUSION

Giving a portion of financial resources is part of stewardship living. It is a powerful way of showing that we truly believe that all we have possessed are given to us by our God. That is, we involve God’s claim in what He entrusted in our hands. The Psalmist in appreciation and gratitude says “What shall I render to the Lord, for all His benefits towards me.”



QUESTIONS

What is Stewardship?

What is treasure?

The amount of treasure we have is not the most important.

What we do with our treasure is the most important.’ Do you agree? Explain.

The product of our ability, power, wisdom, connections and smartness are our wealth and riches. Do you agree? If no, explain.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Mon. 10/4/2017

Love God, Justice And Pay Your Dues

Lk. 11:42-44

Jesus opposed the hypocritical practices of the Scribes and the Pharisees. Some have used this Bible passage to justify that Jesus opposed payment of tithe. This is erroneous, reading from different versions of the Bible will give us better understanding of what Jesus meant. God’s word for students Bible reads “How horrible it will be for you Pharisees! You give God one-tenth of your mint, spices, and every garden herb, but you have ignored justice and the love of God. You should have done these things without ignoring the others” Jesus denounced the Pharisees though they were faithful in payment of their tithes in everything but they failed to love God with their whole heart and refused to love justice. This attitude is a fact that one does not have the Holy Spirit with His regenerating grace (Rom. 8:5-14). If you remain in this condition, how can you escape the damnation of hell? (Matt. 23:33). Re-appraise your life to see whether you are faithful in loving God, justice and payment of your tithe. Jesus expects you to be faithful in both.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: Don’t ignore justice and the love of God. Also, pay your tithe accurately and faithfully.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, by Your grace I will not ignore loving You and justice. I will also pay my tithe faithfully.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 12/4/2017

There Are Blessings In Paying Tithe

Mal. 3:10b-12

Obedience brings blessing of covenant, those who have been faithful in payment of their tithes would affirm that there are blessings for tithe payers. The law of sowing and reaping operates in the area of financial giving because God has promised to reward us according to how we give to Him (1 Tim. 6:18-19). Perhaps you have not been faithful, God is giving you room to repent and return to Him. As a result of your repentance, begin to pay your tithe in order to support God’s work and be obedient to His commands. Your obedience will make you to enjoy the following: God will open the windows of heaven for you and pour on you His divine blessings (verse 10), you and your work would not be infected. Your produce and crops would not be destroyed. You would become a preferred and delightful candidate. There is no other way to make all these blessings yours than to obey Him. Start paying your tithe faithfully and you will see the changes that will come your way.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: Test the Lord with the prompt payment of your tithe to see if He will not pour His blessing on you.

PRAYER POINT: Help me to reap the reward of what I sow to You through my tithe here on Earth and Heaven to come. Bless me according to the proportion of my giving

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thurs. 13/4/2017

Reasons For Paying Tithe

Deut. 14:22-23

In the Bible passage read this morning, it states the habit of setting aside one-tenth of income and returning it back to God. First, it shows we are not the owner of our income but we are just stewards of it. Second, it is a way of praising God for He generously gives to you; He wants us to celebrate His generosity and wants us to give back to Him generously. Furthermore, it is God’s standard way of paying tithe. In addition, it is a means of supporting God’s work and our spiritual leaders who labour for our spiritual well-being. In addition, it shows that we fear the Lord. Without the fear of the Lord, our worship is purposeless. If you love God truly, be reasonable to fear Him and abide with the standard which He sets out for His children. For you not to have problem with reasons for giving tithe, first of all give yourself unto the Lord (2 Cor. 8:5).



POINT OF EMPHASIS: The reason for giving tithe is convincing enough for godly children to pay their tithes.

PRAYER POINT: I receive grace to reciprocate Your generosity over my life oh Lord, I will henceforth be faithful to the payment of my tithes

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Sat. 15/4/2017

Don’t Rob God

Mal. 3:6-9

God doesn’t change as against the thinking of some people in the days of Malachi. God remain faithful to His covenant. It is in view of this that they were not destroyed despite Israel history of unfaithfulness (verse 6). Many people in the world have made cheating to become their way of life. Some Christians have emulated this lifestyle to the extent of robbing God by withholding what rightly belongs to God. Are you among those that are robbing God? The consequence is far beyond your temporary gain. God is calling you to repentance so that you will not experience calamities.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: Will a man rob God? (verse 6).

PRAYER POINT: I vow not to withhold what rightly belongs to God in the name of Jesus.

16/4/2017 LESSON 7

TITHE – GOD’S MANDATORY PORTION

Quarter’s Theme: UNDERSTANDING BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIP

Unit 3: Pathway To Prosperity (Lessons 7-12)

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 75, 311

Devotional Reading: MAL. 3:10-12

Topic For Adults

HAVE YOU SURRENDERED ALL TO GOD?

Topic For Youths

WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S KINDNESS?

Topic For Intermediates

CAN YOU SHORT-CHANGE GOD?

SCRIPTURE LESSON

DEUT. 4:22-23; 1 COR. 16:1-2

(SOUL WINNERS CROWN COMPETITION MONTHS)

MEMORY VERSE

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. Mal. 3:10a (NKJV)

BACKGROUND

The importance of understanding God’s demand from believers cannot be overemphasised. Many times some people’s view of obedience to God is short-sighted. There is nothing God asks us to do that doesn’t make sense. The Bible is explicit enough on His demand that we should bring one-tenth of our income into His storehouse so that there can be enough food in His house. This is not man’s postulation, it is God that ordained it. It is God’s mandatory portion.

This week’s lesson focuses on the need for Christians to put God first and abide by His injunction so that God can bless us more. We should realise that we are stewards of our possession. God is the owner.





NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: PURPOSE OF TITHING (DEUT. 14:22-23; 1 COR. 16:1-2)

God specifically mentions His demand for one-tenth of the income of His people. He tells us when, what, where and how to give our tithe. This is not negotiable, if God is truly having the first place in our heart (Deut. 14:22-25). It is guaranteed that if we give according to His demand promptly and accurately, He will recompense us with His blessings. Since a steward is expected to be faithful, we must give good account of our stewardship by giving God one-tenth of our income.

A man of God – Sam Adeyemi says “you are not doing God a favour by tithing. It is His. He factored it into your income from the beginning. If you agree that order creates increase, you will agree that the first thing to take out from your income is your tithe.

Also, the purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives. It is a proof that faithful tithers fear God and have put their dependence on Him for their provisions because they know that they are not self-sufficient. The man of God mentioned above positioned that “it is like circumcising your money which purifies the remaining of it”. God’s blessing is not limited to monetary reward alone, He is talking about the blessing that brings the blessings”.

Tithing should be done according to the measure by which God has prospered individuals. It is not subject to any human preference or control; it is an action of the will based on divine standard as stipulated in the word of God (1 Cor. 16:2)

It is a means of God’s provision for the Levities i.e. those that are working in His vineyard because they completely depend on God. You must, therefore, do it truly, faithfully and promptly (Deut. 14:22)

PART 2: FACTS ABOUT TITHERS AND NON-TITHERS (MAL. 3:6-10A)

The mixed multitudes are not good as the on-lookers while the on-lookers are not like the committed ones. This is a paradox that fits the congregation in our church today which ought not to be. There are good numbers of people who are not tithing at all while some are paying non-challantly below their income levels. Those who pay one-tenth and above are very few. Tithing is a vital part of our faith. Whatever may be your reason for not paying shows that you are faithless. Remember Jesus asks a vital question in Luke 18:8 “When the Son of man comes will He find faith on earth?” (NRSV).

A researcher gives six top reasons why non-tithing Christians are not faithful to their tithes.

¨ Some claim they could not afford to tithe

¨ They owe many debts (bankrupt).

¨ Their spouses or partners did not agree on tithing

¨ They believe in proportionate giving

¨ Their book-keeping or finances are not in good order

¨ They believe that tithing is Old Testament practice

Defaulters! You that are cheating God, what is your reason for not tithing? Take this appeal from the lesson, ‘pay your tithe so that things will not be tight with you’.

Many Christians are not ignorant of the necessity of paying tithe but some have developed a close mind to this biblical injunction. God will open their eyes of understanding to see the benefits of paying tithe so that they will not continue to rob God.

Start paying your tithe accurately and promptly. Ask yourself, what do I gain from robbing God. Also, encourage your spouse and children to start paying their tithes faithfully.

PART 3: OBEDIENCE BRINGS BLESSING (MAL. 3:10B-12; DEUT. 28:1-13)

In Malachi 3:6, God spoke that He never changes, He wants those who are disobedient to His command to change their ways of life so that they can receive His blessing in abundance. We must first do the work in our own part and then trust Him for the reward. God says ‘prove me now’ and see if I will not bless you to the extent of getting more than you need. However, the blessings God promised is based on this promise “nothing ventured, nothing gained’.

Sir John Temptation says, “I have watched over 100,000 families over my years of investment counselling, I always see greater prosperity and happiness among those families who tithed than among those who don’t.

Aside from what sir John Temptation says, there are other blessings which accrue to those who pay their tithes faithfully.

¨ Tithing Christians are better off financially than non-tithing Christians

¨ Tithing Christians are highly active in their local congregation

¨ Most tithers regularly read their Bible.

¨ Tithers come from all income brackets and location

Think about your attitude to tithing with a view to obeying God’s command and His blessing will be yours. God will open the window of Heaven for you (2) Divine blessings will be yours (3) Devourers will stop from eating your crops (4) Destroyers will not destroy the produce of your land (5) Your fruits will not be aborted (6) You will be called ‘blessed’ by all Nations because God will make you delightful.



CONCLUSION

A true child of God will know that these blessings are surfix to bring the desired change, whereas the disobedient are cursed with everlasting curse – Deut. 28:1-12; 15ff. Take this opportunity to do the right thing.



QUESTIONS

Who commanded that one-tenth of our gross income should be paid as our tithe?

What are the reasons for tithing?

Mention some facts about tithers and non-tithers

How did God describe non-tithers? Is it good to rob God?

What are the blessings that God promised tithers?

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 19/4/2017

In Giving, Your Motive Is Crucial

Gen. 4:3-4; Matt. 5:23-24

God is concerned with the condition of your heart. In the beginning of the Bible, we see that Cain and Abel brought an offering to God. The Bible tells us that God did not respect Cain and his offering, but He did respect Abel and his offering. The reason for this is because God looks at the condition of the heart first. He was looking at Cain’s heart before looking at his offering. However, Cain already had sin lying at the door. We see that he did not master the sin, rather it mastered him and he ended up killing his brother Abel. Jesus said in Matthew 5:23-24, that if you are bringing an offering to the Lord and you have something against your brother, you are to leave your gift, go and reconcile yourself to your brother, then come and offer your gift. Cain’s attitude was improper or perhaps his offering was not up to God’s standards. Proverbs 21:27 says “the sacrifice of the wicked is detestable – how much more than when brought with evil intent” ! God evaluates both our motives and the quality of what we offer Him. When we give to God and others, we should have a joyful heart because of what we are able to give.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: God evaluates both our motives and the quality of what we offer Him.

PRAYER POINT: Lord Jesus, I receive the anointing of giving that opens doors in the name of Jesus.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 20/4/2017

The Offering That Pleases God

Mk. 12:41-43; Matt. 6:1-4

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd put their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. In Matt. 6:2, some wealthy people even had a trumpet fanfare to announce their offerings before dropping them. Unnoticed among these proud and prominent men was a poor widow. “But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents”. Jesus saw her and was so impressed by her offering that He called His disciples to Him to use her as an object lesson for the kind of giving that pleases God. He said, “She gave more than all the others.” God has an altogether different way of judging the value of our gifts. We look at the actual amount and are impressed or not impressed by it (Matt. 6:1-4). Beware of practising your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. So, when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honoured by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: God has an altogether different way of judging the value of our gifts.

PRAYER POINT: My Lord and my God, give me the grace to change in the area of giving so that my giving can command Your blessings.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Fri. 21/4/2017

The Nobles Of Tekoa

Neh. 3:5

Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to rebuild city walls of Jerusalem. Because of the enemies within and without, the rebuilding wall project was divided into portions, one of which was assigned respectively to each of the great families which had returned from the captivity. They were to commence the work simultaneously. In Nehemiah 3:5, the Bible talks about a group of people with unusual attitude. “The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors”. Here we have the nobles of Tekoa, people who are rich and capable in their days but they refused to be part of the project. These men were the only people mentioned that did not support the rebuilding of wall project in Jerusalem. Every group, even churches will have those who think they are too wise or important to support God’s project in the church. They don’t participate and also discourage people who are willing to work and support the work. These nobles were mentioned and singled out here not for good reasons but for their refusal to support God’s own project. If you are like the nobles of Tekoa, God expects you to repent and change so that you could be remembered for your good deeds and store up treasures in heaven. The way we give is an indication of our love for God. All things belong to God. God says in Psalms 50:10, “For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.” Everything we have received has come from God. God has only loaned them to us.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: Every group, even church will have those who think they are too wise or important to support God’s project in the church.

PRAYER POINT: Lord Jesus don’t let me stand out in Your household for wrong reasons in the name of Jesus.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Sat. 22/4/2017

Pay Your Vows In Full Unto God

1 Sam. 1:11; 1:25-28; Ps. 116:14

When you redeem your vow to man, you would be held in high esteem by men as a person of integrity. But when you pay your vow unto God, you move the hand of God to lavish you with abundant blessings. When one fails to fulfil what he or she has promised God, heaven holds back the blessings that follow fulfilment of vows. When many are in problem or looking desperately for something, they make all kinds of vows, but, after they’ve what they wanted, they would refuse to play their part by fulfilling their vow to God. And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. Hannah vowed unto God when she was looking for a child, she said, If God would give her a son, she would give him to God. God gave her a male child and as vowed, she returned him back to God, because she kept to her promise. God opened her womb and blessed her with five more children. Hannah is a good example of those who vowed and fulfilled it. David said, I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all His people (Ps. 116:14).



POINT OF EMPHASIS: But when you pay your vow unto God, you move the hand of God to lavish you with abundant blessings.

PRAYER POINT: Lord Jesus, help me to fulfil all my vows in the name of Jesus.

23/4/2017 LESSON 8

OFFERING, VOWS AND PROJECT SUPPORT

Quarter’s Theme: UNDERSTANDING BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIP

Unit 3: Pathway To Prosperity (Lessons 7-12)

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 10, 235

Devotional Reading: 2 COR. 9:1-15

Topic For Adults

THE HARVEST IS ACCORDING TO THE SOWING

Topic For Youths

FULFIL YOUR VOWS

Topic For Intermediates

GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER

Scripture Lesson

LEV. 22:29; 2 COR. 8:12; 9:7; ECCL. 5:4-7; JUDG. 11:29-40; DEUT. 23:21-23;

EXO. 35:4-5; 35:21-22

(SOUL WINNERS CROWN COMPETITION MONTHS)

MEMORY VERSE

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. 9:7 (NKJV)

BACKGROUND

Most Christians do not know that giving offering, vows and special donations to God is as old as creation. It is a practice instituted and approved by God. It is not the device of your pastors and church leaders to keep extorting money from you. It is one of the spiritual principles instituted by God for your continual blessings and abundant supplies. Your offerings, vows and special donations also help to maintain a good relationship between you and God. Learn to give without bitterness, complaining and murmuring.



NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: OFFERING THAT IS ACCEPTABLE TO GOD (LEV. 22:29; 2 COR. 8:12; 9:7)

Offering is something offered as a religious sacrifice or token of devotion. There are two main characteristics of an offering to God namely: a) Worthy and b) Acceptable. “Worthy” means something that is deserving, good enough and suitable. Acceptable means something that is satisfactory or adequate. From these characteristics, you can have an idea of the type of offering you should be giving to God. It must be an offering that is deserving, good enough, suitable, satisfactory and adequate. In other words, God deserves your best at all times. The offering must have nothing unrigh-teous associated with it. God hates robbery for burnt-offering. Trade morality is more acceptable in God’s sight than spurious temple munificence. Offering must be presented under the influence of right emotions. God regards the impulses that stir the offerer more than the offering. It is for the offerer’s sake that God requires an offering. In presenting our offerings rightly, we need the followings:

¨ The promptings of love.

¨ The inspiration of gratitude.

¨ The ardour of consecration.

The offering must be offered in a right way. God has made known the right approach to Himself. The offering must be presented with sincerity. Insincerity is unrighteous. The offering must be made to God, and not to win the favour, admiration, or interest of men. The offering must be presented with humility. Self-righteousness is unrighteousness. The offering must be presented with faith in God’s revelation of Himself in Christ. It must be proportionate to our possessions. Our possessions test us. Our willing offerings to God often manifest the righteousness or unrighteousness of our characters as nothing else does. God gives to us that we may have the joy of giving to Him. The righteous offerings of His people are in accordance with His own righteous nature. They manifest the effects of His grace upon their hearts. They tend to spread the knowledge of His benevolence in the earth.

The followings are the few biblical facts about offering:

1) It is a command by God. Exo. 34:20c, Mal. 3:6-8

2) Your offering can do what your prayers cannot achieve. 2 Cor. 9:7-8; Lk. 6:38

3) Your offering provokes remembrance. Ps. 20:3

4) Your offering speaks. Acts 10:1-4

5) It shows how you value God. 2 Sam. 24:24.

6) It attracts its kind. Gal. 6:7, 2 Cor. 9:6.

7) Your offering gives you importance before God. Gen. 4:4.

God is interested in what you give. Lk 21:3-4.

9) Your offering connects you to the miraculous supplies. 1 Kgs. 17:15-16.

10) Your offering determines your level. Prov. 28:22; 11:24-25.

11) God has a standard of what you must offer him. Lev. 22:22-23.

12) God is interested in your attitude when giving. Lev. 22:29; 2 Cor. 8:12; 9:7.

There is something about offering that made God to ask for it. It is to enable you tap into his limitless abundance. Be wise and generous in this matter, so that it can go well with you. Prayers cannot get what can be gotten by biblical principles.



PART 2: GOD EXPECTS US TO FULFIL OUR VOWS (ECCL. 5:4-7; JUDG. 11:29-40; DEUT. 23:21-23)

Vow is a promise to worship God with a certain offering in the future, motivated by gratitude for God’s grace in the life of the offerer. Vow is usually made, promising to offer something to God if God would intervene on behalf of the individual. In many instances, vows are made in a time of great danger or need. There are about 30 biblical references to vows, most of which are from the Old Testament. The books of Leviticus and Numbers have several references to vows in relation to offerings and sacrifices. There were dire consequences for the Israelites who made and broke vows, especially vows to God.

Numerous examples of vows similar to those of Leviticus 27 can be found in the Bible. Jacob vowed to pay a tithe if God would bless and keep him (Gen. 28:20-22). The Nazarite vow is defined in Numbers chapter 6 and Samson (Judges 13) is the most famous Old Testament example. When the Israelites fought the Canaanite king of Arad, they vowed to utterly destroy their cities if God gave them victory (Num. 21:1-3). The most tragic vow is that of Jephthah, who vowed to offer to God the first thing to came from his tent to greet him, which proved to be his only daughter (Judg. 11:29-40). Hannah vowed that if God gave her a son she would give him to the Lord all his life (1 Sam. 1:10-11). Jonah’s vow was made from the belly of the great fish that had swallowed him (Jonah 2:9). Vows were also made by the heathen (Jonah 1:16). In the New Testament, we find that Paul continued to make vows and fulfil them (Acts 18:18; cf. 21:23).

A broken vow, while serious, is not an unforgivable matter if taken to the Lord in true confession. God will not hold us to vows made imprudently, but He expects us to obey Jesus and refrain from making vows in the future. When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it, for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! It is better that you should not vow than you should vow and not pay. Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God (Eccl. 5:4-7).



PART 3: SACRIFICIAL GIVING TOWARDS CHURCH PROJECTS (EXO. 35:4-5, EXO. 35:21-22)

It is a natural progression that as a family grows, they eventually try to own their own home. Similarly, as a church grows, a church eventually owns a buil-ding. It is natural and biblical for church to own their building or any other assets that can assist in the adminis-tration and expansion of the gospel. Exo. 35:4-5 “And Moses spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which the Lord commanded, saying: ‘Take from among you an offering to the Lord. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as an offering to the Lord: gold, silver, and bronze;” Here Moses was commanded by God to build a tabernacle of worship for the Lord. He would need materials, skilled workers and a lot more. The response of the congregation was amazing. In Exo. 35:21-22 “Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering for the work of the tabernacle of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments. They came, both men and women, as many as had a willing heart, and brought earrings and nose rings, rings and necklaces, all jewelry of gold, that is, every man who made an offering of gold to the Lord.

It appears that all the people, men and women, rich and poor, brought gifts of all kinds. Their stirred hearts caused them to seek and search for ways to give, not excuses for why they could not give. The giving was abundant and exceeded the expectations (Exo. 35:23-29).

The response of the people to Moses’ challenge was overwhelming. The people

responded in three ways.

a) They gave finances-the people gave of their resources for the construction of the temple (Exo. 35:4-9. 20-29, 36:1-7).

b) They gave time - the skilled craftsman help to build the tabernacle (Exo. 35:10; 35:30-39:43).

c) They followed instructions - the people obey the Lord’s prescriptions regarding the tabernacle (38:21-40:33).

Moses had to stop the people because too much was coming inside. (Exo. 36:6-7) “And Moses gave commandment… Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it and too much.” What we have witnessed here should be our attitude towards church projects.



CONCLUSION

There is something about offering and special donations that made God to ask for it. It is to enable you tap into His limitless abundance. Giving to God is part of our worship. Be wise and generous in this matter, so that it can go well with you. Prayers cannot get what can be gotten by biblical principles. Your giving must be deserving, good enough, suitable, satis-factory and adequate to God at all times so that God can move mightily on your behalf.

QUESTIONS

Lists five biblical facts about offering.

In presenting our offering right before God we need three things. Name them.

List three people in the Old Testament that made vows and fulfilled them in the Scripture.

Name one person that made a vow in the New Testament.

Compare our present response to giving to church project to what obtained in Exodus 35 and 36.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Mon. 24/4/2017

Wisdom Is The Currency Of Wealth

Prov. 8: 12- 21

God does not give money but He gives the power to get wealth. (Deut. 8: 18). Money is not printed in heaven. God made man; man makes money because we are co-creators together with God. You don’t have to pray for money. The richest men and women do not look like prayer warriors. Some of them are Muslims, idol worshippers or even atheists. While the rich work for money, the poor pray for it. Praying for money is not a bad thing to do because the Bible says that anything we ask the father He will do it for us. However, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (Jam. 2:17). People get rich because they are diligent in business and invest in meaningful opportunity. Getting wealthy is not a mystery but a mastery of certain principles of wealth creation. Wealth is created through information and wisdom is the ability to understand and apply knowledge rightly (Prov. 24:3-4). Pursue wisdom not money; get understanding not riches; wealth, riches and honour follow a man of wisdom. And if anyone lacks wisdom let him ask God (Prov. 4: 7; Jam. 1: 5; 2 Chro. 1: 11-12).



POINT OF EMPHASIS: Wealth is created when you know what to do and do what you know diligently and wisely.

PRAYER POINT: O Lord, give me the power to get wealth today and make me wiser in the matters of money in Jesus’ name

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 26/4/2017

Ask For Divine Leading

Isa. 48:17-21

Investment is a tricky game. A lot of people have lost an entire life savings and hard earned money due to wrong business decision. It’s important that you invest in what you truly understand, be it stock, bond, equity, land or property. Get as much information as you can get before taking any investment decision. The first person you need to go to for leading is God. The information you receive from God is revelation and that is the best and the highest form of information. Revelation comes through fervent prayer and meditation (Jer. 33:3). Be sensitive to when and how God speaks to you. You also need to read books, get expert advice and counsels from your mentor, obtain market information, and talk to customers, read company’s financial reports and newspapers, study business plan to get information relevant to the investment you are interested in. God teaches us to profit and leads in the way to go. Prov. 11: 14 says where there is no counsel people fall but in the multitude of counsellor there is safety and victory. One reason why many investors fail is because they make decision based on speculation. Risk is what you take when you know what to do and not when you don’t know what to do. You should form the habit of making prompt business decisions based on revelation and adequate relevant information, not by trial and error.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: In the multitude of counsel there is safety. Revelation is better than speculation.

PRAYER POINT: Dear Lord, I don’t want to walk in error, give me access to relevant information that will help me to take the right investment decision today in Jesus’ name.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 27/4/2017

Create Multiple Streams Of Income For Yourself

Gen. 2:8-15

What defines your financial status are your assets. The wealthy are those whose assets are more than their liabilities. Asset is anything that produces money for you e.g. salary, profit, interest on term deposit, land, rent, dividend, stock portfolio and your business. While liabilities are those things that take money from you e.g. your car, rent, school fees etc. Income is the money you earn while expenditure is what you spend. God planted a garden and put man to works in it. The one who plants is the investor or business owner and the one who works the garden is a career person or a professional. God’s plan of prosperity covers both of them but it depends on the streams that supply the garden. From our reading today, if you desire to be financially independent and enjoy paradise on earth, your streams of income must not be less than four; the first river is called Pison and it represents income from your job, talent, financial favors, self-employment, fees etc.; the second is river Gihon represents income from your investments e.g bonds, stocks, interest etc.; the third river is called Hiddekel and it represents income from business and the fourth river is called Euphrates that represents income from real estate. Through proper planning, diligence and discipline, it is possible to have all these streams flowing into your life no matter what you do and how much you earn. Invest in what brings money to you and stop spending on what takes money from you. If you must acquire a liability, it will be wise to create an asset that will fund it.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: You cannot achieve your desired financial dreams on one source of income; create multiple streams.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, open my eyes to profitable ventures and opportunities that will change my financial fortunes today in Jesus’ name.

READING

Sat. 29/4/2017

Invest Your Time Wisely

Eccl. 3:1-13

Time is money. Time is life. Whatever or whoever takes your time is taking your money and life with it. Avoid time wasters. Time is an equal opportunity, resources and divine gift bequeathed on humanity by God. The rich is not given more, the poor is not given less. Everyone is given the same 24 hours but what each does with his own decides his financial fortune. While the poor spend their time, the rich invest it. The rich use their time for information gathering and self-development while the poor use it on meaningless discussion and Television viewing. The rich invest their time in developing meaningful relationships while the poor goes about gossiping and involving in meaningless quarrel. If you spend 10,000 hours on an endeavour, you become an expert in it. The same is true for anyone who sleeps 8 hours a day and lived up to 75 years; invariably he or she has slept for 25 years. The Psalmist prayed, teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Give attention to what, how and with whom you spend your time, it decides your financial destiny.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: What or with whom you spend your time on is creating your future. Invest your time, don’t just spend it.

PRAYER POINT: O Lord, deliver me from all wasteful activities and relationships. Give me wisdom to differentiate my seed from my bread.

30/4/2017 LESSON 9

WEALTH CREATION THROUGH INVESTMENTS

Quarter’s Theme: UNDERSTANDING BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIP

Unit 3: Pathway To Prosperity (Lessons 7-12)

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 243, 244

Devotional Reading: GEN. 26:12-14

Topic For Adults

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE OR TOO EARLY TO START

Topic For Youths

THERE IS NO SHORTCUT TO GODLY RICHES

Topic For Intermediates

WISDOM IS THE PRINCIPAL THING

Scripture Lesson

GEN. 30:25-43; LK. 19:12-26

(SOUL WINNERS CROWN COMPETITION MONTHS)



MEMORY VERSE

“And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your father, as it is this day.” Deut. 8:18 (NKJV)


BACKGROUND

Not many people aspire to be wealthy in their lifetime, but this is the will of God for His Children (3 Jn. 2; Ps. 35: 27). God is the possessor of heaven and earth, He makes rich or poor because silver and gold belong to Him (Gen. 14: 19; 1 Sam. 2: 7; Prov. 22: 2; Hag. 2:. However, wealth is not what you merely wish or pray for, though Eccl. 5: 9 says that the wealth of the earth is for everyone even the Kings attain great wealth and power from the field. Poverty or prosperity is a choice. There is a big difference between being rich and wealthy. The main difference is that rich people possess money but wealthy people create money. This week’s lesson focuses on how believers could create wealth by making their money and talent to work for them.



NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: YOU CAN CREATE WEALTH (GEN. 30:25-43)

There are many ways people make legitimate income but 6 are common; by working in a steady job, trade, self-employment from their acquired skills and talents, by inheritance, by starting their own business and by investment. The ungodly resort to stealing, begging, borrowing and gambling which are illegitimate and unadvisable ways of making money.

Most Christians though already blessed, still live in poverty, because they do not tap into the Divine way of creating wealth. Jacob had the blessing of God in his life. The blessing is the divine empowerment to get wealth (Gen. 8: 18). It brings riches and adds no sorrow. The blessing of God on a man causes him to prosper in whatever he lays his hands upon to do (Ps. 1:3). The blessing is what God pronounced on man when He said prosper! Have dominion in Genesis 1:28. This led to the all round blessings for Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3). Joseph prospered in Egypt because he carried the blessing of Abraham. But the blessing cannot produce wealth unless it’s activated and invested in work for ‘faith without work is dead’. (Jam. 4: 17).

Jacob left his father’s house totally poor with a staff and the blessing over his life but came back amazingly rich.

Believers should learn divine pattern for creating wealth. Start from making money, get a job, use your skill or talent to create self-employment and develop a guaranteed source of income. Also, manage money, see it as a means and seed not a provision or bread. Save first, delay gratification, budget spending and create definite savings target. Join registered cooperative society, place a standing order for direct debit, open non-checking account, fixed deposit etc over a period of time for specific target.



PART 2: INVEST MONEY WISELY (LK. 19:12- 26)

Investing is the act of committing money or capital to an endeavour with the expectation of obtaining an additional income or profit. It’s a different way of making money by using your money to make more money as against working extra hours or extra hard to make more money. An investor does not have to go to work, whether he sleeps, plays or in church, he is making money. The benefits of investments are true financial independence, sense of security, early and safe retirement and ability to afford everything you desire in life. You no longer have to wait on promotion list, work overtime or get another higher paying job to achieve your financial dreams. It takes clarity of purpose, proper planning, per-sistence and patience to be a successful investor. According to our text, the master gave each of his servants money, each according to his ability. The instruction was that they should do business with it pending his arrival. While the rest servants invested what they were given and earned more money, the foolish servant reacted badly and kept it. Christian investors should give attention to their character, capacity, capability and the capital because each one of these would inform his investment decision. You must develop your capability before you invest your capital; don’t let your financial characters and habit diminish your capacity to turn your capital to profit; don’t take more than you can grow; don’t risk more than you can afford to lose unless you truly understand the business.

People make investments into personal development, children educa-tion, real estate, stock, business, inven-tion, bond, insurance bond etc. each having various expectations. It does not matter how you choose to invest your money, the goal is always to put your money to work so it earns you additional profit. It is important to emphasise that investment is not gambling. It is not about putting your money to risk or in a get-rich-quick scheme. An investor does not put his or her money to some random investment; he or she must have adequate information, perform thorough analysis and commit capital only when there is a reasonable expectation of profit. There are some investments you can do. You can buy stocks (Lk. 19:21; Deut. 6:11, 4:38). You can buy land and other properties (Prov. 31:16). These do not depreciate but appreciate. You can also invest in any legitimate business (1 Thess. 4:11-12). You should know that those who create wealth find a need or a problem, create a product or services to solve it.



CONCLUSION

Have you ever wondered how the rich get their wealth and keep growing it? Do you have dream of having to be working so hard for money or have money work for you? It is the blessing of God that makes one rich without hard labour. You can enjoy rest from labour if you develop a long term investment plan, pray for guidance, get expert advice and persist patiently. Wealth creation through investment takes time but that is the way the wealthy built their empire.



QUESTIONS

What is the difference between the state of being rich and wealthy?

How can you become a wealthy Christian?

What is the divine plan of making wealth?

Why is investing more than hoping to be lucky?

Name some profitable investment you can do.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 3/5/2017

Engage Your Mind Productively

2 Sam. 11:1-4

Today’s passage contains the record of one of the mistakes David made in his life; perhaps, the most grievous. It was a shameful occurrence David would have wished never happened; it depicted him as a callous King and one that lacks self-control. David, being the commander of the host of Israel, was supposed to be in the battle field at this time but he tarried behind. God created the human mind to be busy; and if it’s not engaged productively, the devil will get it busy to do evil. Idleness obviously led David to adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah – an officer in Israel’s army. The web of sin enlarged to include further deceit and the planned murder of a faithful soldier. This is how idleness gives great advantage to the devil to tempt believers. We should be wary of complacency and love of ease.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: Don’t allow the devil to take control of your mind; guard it jealously.

PRAYER POINT: Heavenly Father, deliver me from the spirit of complacency.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 4/5/2017

Diligence Makes Rich

Prov. 10:4-10

A renowned world footballer was once asked the secret behind his success. He simply took his inquisitive audience round the training field in his home, which was not too far from Old Trafford then, and also showed them some video clips of his rigorous practising both during the day and at night. Diligence is a constant and persistent effort to achieve a set goal or desire. He was diligent in practising his skills. Little wonder that he’s one of the most dazzling footballers that ever lived. There is not a single venture where success comes cheap; it comes with conscientious and diligent efforts. The scripture says in today’s passage that a diligent hand brings wealth [vs 4]. Some of us do think that once you become a celebrity or get to the peak of your carrier, then it’s enjoyment and relaxation all the way. But on the contrary, it takes more diligence and discipline to remain celebrated than to become a celebrity. Just like it takes more commitment for couples to live together than it takes for a man to clutch a woman to his arm and walk through the isle, it takes more diligence to maintain riches than for a man to climb the ladder of wealth.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: Lazy hands bring poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.

PRAYER POINT: Oh God, help me to be diligent in my work

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 4/5/2017

Diligence Makes Rich

Prov. 10:4-10

A renowned world footballer was once asked the secret behind his success. He simply took his inquisitive audience round the training field in his home, which was not too far from Old Trafford then, and also showed them some video clips of his rigorous practising both during the day and at night. Diligence is a constant and persistent effort to achieve a set goal or desire. He was diligent in practising his skills. Little wonder that he’s one of the most dazzling footballers that ever lived. There is not a single venture where success comes cheap; it comes with conscientious and diligent efforts. The scripture says in today’s passage that a diligent hand brings wealth [vs 4]. Some of us do think that once you become a celebrity or get to the peak of your carrier, then it’s enjoyment and relaxation all the way. But on the contrary, it takes more diligence and discipline to remain celebrated than to become a celebrity. Just like it takes more commitment for couples to live together than it takes for a man to clutch a woman to his arm and walk through the isle, it takes more diligence to maintain riches than for a man to climb the ladder of wealth.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: Lazy hands bring poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.

PRAYER POINT: Oh God, help me to be diligent in my work

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Sat. 6/5/2017

ReceiveThe Fulfillment Of God’s Promises Through Diligence
Heb. 6:9-15

The book of Hebrew contains the exploits of faith. Those who through their faith in God, surmounted mountains and hence were inducted into the hall of fame. They couldn’t have achieved such feat without diligence and patience; they waited on God patiently until they saw the fulfilment of His promises. In verse 12, there seems to be a relationship between slothfulness and putting our faith to work. The scripture admonishes us to follow those who through faith inherited the kingdom. The disposition of some Thessalonica brethren to Paul’s teaching on Christ’s second coming was condemned in 2 Thess. 3:10-12. They withdrew from their secular jobs with the understanding that Christ would soon come; instead of getting busy doing productive works as they await the fulfilment of this promise, they became busybodies. What a misconception! Believers are encouraged to work so that they can have enough to support themselves and others as well as the church of God. Apostle Paul set forth this precedence to the Corinthians in 1Cor. 4:12.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: Diligence is also required in God’s work

PRAYER POINT: Oh Lord help me to be diligent and steadfast in You till the end.

7/5/2017 LESSON 10

FLEE LAZINESS, EMBRACE DILIGENCE

Quarter’s Theme: UNDERSTANDING BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIP

Unit 3: Pathway To Prosperity (Lessons 7-12)

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 114, 150

Devotional Reading: PROV. 6:6-11

Topic For Adults

GOD HATES INDOLENCE

Topic For Youths

DILIGENCE LEADS TO PROMINENCE

Topic For Intermediates

DON’T BE LAZY

Scripture Lesson

GEN. 2:1-8,15; 2 THESS. 3:6-15;

PROV. 22:29

(PRESERVATION AND CONSOLIDATION MONTH)

MEMORY VERSE

Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men. Prov. 22:29 (NKJV)


BACKGROUND

“There is no royal road to learning, even if you’re from a royal family”. These were often the words of a principal at a local community high school to his students every morning as the pupils gathered on the assembly ground to observe their devotion before marching into their classes to start the day’s work. In this same vein, planning for the future and hard work in the present are the bases for life. The Bible admonishes us to study this principle from the ants. The way to greatness in any human endeavour is through diligence. Even if you are put on the winds of favour, you need hard work and diligence in order to continue to enjoy ‘the land flowing with milk and honey’. There is no shortcut neither is there a substitute for diligence. God set the example of diligence during creation and everyone who had affected their generation positively, as recorded in the Bible, had walked the same way. This, in addition to the rewards of diligence and the dangers of idleness, we shall examine in the lesson of today.

NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: GOD SETS EXAMPLE OF DILIGENCE (GEN. 2: 1-8, 15)

God set the example of hard work during creation, working for six days before resting. God assigned the responsibility of dressing the garden He had planted to man. He could have allotted such a responsibility to angels but He didn’t. God did not send anybody into the world to remain idle. Even in the Garden of Eden, man still had to work. This is sharing a part of God’s attribute; rather than seeing it as punishment. The reason for engaging man in labour may not be far fetch; productive labour gives a sense of responsibility. It’s often said that there is dignity in labour. Adam couldn’t have been happy if he had been idle. God has given everything to work with and the earth to work upon. Work makes us stewards of God’s created world.

Jesus also set the example of hard work when, at the beginning of His ministry, he fasted for 40 days (Matt. 4:1 – 2). It takes diligence to be able to deliver the Beatitude, which covers Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7, in a sitting! It took relentless efforts for Jesus to be able to fulfil His ministry in just three and a half years (Jn. 4: 33-42; 9:4), covering all the coast of Galilee with the gospel at the time when there were no faster means of transportation as we have!

Apostle Paul and others also followed the precedence of hard work and diligence in preaching the gospel, and in the pursuit of excellence in their businesses (1 Cor. 4:12; 1 Thess.2: 8-12). In 2 Thess. 3:10, Paul gave injunction to the brethren in Thessalonica that those who refused to work should not eat. These Christians had misunderstood Paul’s message about Christ’s eminent return, to the extent that some literarily withdraw from their secular job waiting for the rapture! With time they became busybodies, constituting nuisance and becoming burdens upon the church, against which Apostle Paul waded in swiftly to correct the misconception. That shows how God hates indolence. In fact, a servant who is faithfully awaiting the return of his Lord must be working as his Lord has commanded.

PART 2: THE DANGER OF IDLENESS (2 THESS. 3:6-15)

God knew the danger of having an idle man in the Garden of Eden. The human mind is a busy entity; if it’s not engaged in good works, it will be doing evil. If we are idle, the devil and sinful hearts will soon get us occupied. An idle hand is the devil’s workshop. Idleness will make someone to become a busybody in other men’s matter. This attitude was condemned among younger widows in Ephesus – a church in which Timothy was a Pastor (1Tim. 5:13). Idleness can make an able-bodied person to become dependant, thereby becoming a burden to the people around him (1Thess. 2:8-13). In most cases, idle fellows are avoided because no one likes to be a friend to burdensome people. Apostle Paul had to labour conscientiously in his tent-making business, alongside the preaching of the gospel, so that he may have enough to support himself and the church; hence, setting an example to the church and those who may want to use leadership positions for extortion. Idleness can lead to hunger (Prov. 19:15, 24). Labour is an essential part of our calling as Christians. Little wonder God commands that anyone who is capable of working but refuses to work should not eat. Idleness can make someone a beggar (Prov. 20: 4). An idle man who refuses to sow during sowing time will beg when harvest comes. The plan of God for us is to be great and become lenders to nations, not beggars. We need to vehemently resist every attempt of the devil to reduce us to the level of begging before we can meet our needs and those of our family members. Idleness leads to lack and want (Prov. 6:11; Eccl. 10:18). Poverty will make a man not to be able to defend the integrity of his property – the roof of his house will cave in and be leaking because he has no means to put it inorder. An idle Christian may find it difficult to provide for his household. The Bible says such a man is worse than an infidel, and thus has denied the faith (1 Tim. 5:. Moreover, poverty in the life of an idle Christian can hinder others from accepting the gospel he preaches.

PART 3: REWARDS FOR DILIGENCE AND HARD WORK (PROV. 22: 29)

Hard work and industry are synonyms with diligence. Diligence is constant and persistent efforts to achieve a set goal or desire. Diligence will help you to make a proof of yourself in studying God’s word and living the Christian life (1Tim. 4:11-16; 2 Cor. 8:22). It takes some level of diligence and discipline for you to be able to study the Bible and other inspired Christian books. It’s doubtful that a lazy Christian will be able to live a triumphant life.

Diligence is required to inherit the kingdom of God (Heb. 6:9-12). To inherit the promised kingdom, patience and persistence are necessary requirements. All the legends of faith mentioned here demonstrated commendable diligence. As a matter of fact, diligence is a symbol of an undying faith in God’s promises; not a dead faith which is without diligent works. Remember Jesus’ parable in Matt. 25:26. The slothful servant, who would rather fold his hands in idleness, was thrown into the outer darkness. He missed the privilege of having his talent doubled as well as possessing the promised kingdom. Other than the lesson on talents versus individual ability that we often learn from this parable, God is showing us one of the reasons why some people remain poor while those that already have continue to have more. Some know how to leverage on the available information and the expertise of the brethren around them to make wise investment, while others don’t. Sometimes, indolence could be the reason behind passiveness and status quo – not willing to try a new business and resistant to changes. Yet, there are those who hide behind certain scriptural passages to justify their laziness.

The Bible says a man who is diligent in his business will take his place before kings, not among mean men (Prov. 22:29). Diligences brings wealth and abundance (Prov. 10:4-10; Prov. 21:5-11; 13:4). The hand of the diligent will bear rule (Prov. 12:24). Another benefit of hard work is that you become an encouragement to the idle people (1 Thess. 5:12-24). A diligent man is showing a good legacy to his children and followers (1 Cor. 4:12).

CONCLUSION

Christianity is not a cloak for slothfulness. Our God is diligent and industrious, and so must we too. Jesus Christ demonstrated unparalleled level of diligence during His earthly ministry as well as the early Apostles. Labour makes us to share a part of God’s attribute; rather than seeing it as punishment upon man. Even in the Garden of Eden, man still had to work. Adam couldn’t have been happy if he had been idle. We have seen in the lesson, some of the dangers of idleness and rewards of diligence. God has given us several abilities and He expects us to work diligently to make a proof of ourselves in our chosen careers and in the ministry He has entrusted into our hands. As stewards, we can’t afford to disappoint God because we will give account of our stewardship.

QUESTIONS

How did God set example of diligence during creation?

Mention five people in the Old Testament and five in the New Testament who were ordained or called into the ministry while they were on their duty post.

Mention five consequences of being idle.

List five rewards of diligence.

Why do you think Jesus did not call people who were idle on the street to be His disciples?

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Mon. 8/5/2017

The God Of Riches

Phil. 4:19, Ps. 24:1

The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants belong to the Lord. He rules over the affairs in heaven and on earth. He is the God of abundance, who dwells in riches and splendour and because man was made in his image, it is his desire that he becomes prosperous in all his ways. Wealth acquired outside Christ, does not last but comes with sorrow and regret, but wealth acquired through hard work has great gain. Therefore, we should not rely upon the strength of flesh, it would fail us.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: It is God’s will to make our ways prosperous, therefore, follow His commandments so that you may prosper in everything you do.

PRAYER POINT: Father, teach us to trust YOU to lead us to the path of success.