₦airaland Forum

RCCG Sunday School STUDENT’s Manual for April 8th, 2018 Lesson 32 : Topic — Divorce - Not An Option

TOPIC — Divorce: Not An Option

MEMORY VERSE: “But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery” – Matthew 5:32 (scroll down for SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 19:3-13 (KJV)

For better understanding follow Teacher's manual here https://www.muyilight.com/2018/04/rccg-sunday-school-teachers-manual-for.html

3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

10 His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.
11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
12 For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.
13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

INTRODUCTION:

Divorce is one of the major problems facing homes today. Divorce is granted to the unbelievers for many reasons such as adultery, cruelty, desertion, drunkenness, neglect to provide, conviction of crime, separation, bigamy, incompatibility etc. However, is divorce permissible for Christians? Let us approach this lesson by attempting to answer a number of questions.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. Some common questions and answers
2. Counsel for partners in a shaky marriage

SOME COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Is there any scriptural ground for divorce?

There is one and only one reason and that is fornication (Matthew 19:9). What does the word “fornication” mean in this passage? The basic meaning is illicit sexual relationship with a third party. However, the “innocent partner” should be ready to forgive the “guilty partner” (Matthew 6:14-15, Proverbs 28:13). Divorce was not in the original plan of God for human beings.

2. How long is a marriage contract?

The answer is simply, until death breaks it (Matthew 19:6). In marriage, God performs a miracle when two individuals become one person. Only God is permitted to break that union by taking one of the partners in death.

3. Can the ‘innocent partner’ in a divorce re-marry?

It is doubtful if there is such a thing as an innocent partner in the sight of God. It is most likely that the “innocent” partner failed in some ways.

4. Why should people avoid divorce like a plague?

(a). Divorce represents a tragedy that has undermined the home, the very basis of society.
(b). Misery always follows in its path, broken homes, bruised and broken hearts, bewildered, homeless children, delinquent youth, loneliness, tears and at times suicide or insanity.
(c). The couple should consider the welfare of the children who would suffer most and the shame connected with divorce and the scandal that it engenders.
(d). Many Christians look at divorce as sinful, regardless of the circumstances because it is a public admission of utter failure which belittles the power of Christ (Philippians 4:13).
(e). Economic disaster often follows divorce and it is the cause of lack of love and happiness in marriage.

COUNSEL FOR PARTNERS IN A SHAKY MARRIAGE

Let both husbands and wives solemnly renew their vow “for better or for worse till death do us part”. Let each get right with the Lord and then with one another. Confession and repentance with mutual sharing would make any marriage a success. Let them spend time in prayer individually and as a couple (James 5:6). Let the husband be the actual head of the home and not merely a figurehead (1Timothy 5:. Let the wives be subject to their husbands (Ephesians 5:24). Let husbands and wives continually woo each other because each needs a great deal of affection. Married couples should continuously ask God for a holy love for each other (1Corinthians 7:5).

CONCLUSION:

Can there be love when there is no respect? The answer is yes, for God loves the unlovely sinner, whom He cannot respect. Love that is unselfish and godly can be deep and powerful even with those whom we cannot respect. With such a love, our marriages would last for life (1 Peter 4:. Let us pray for such divine love.

QUESTIONS:

1. What is the scriptural ground for divorce?
2. Why should people avoid divorce?

For better understanding follow Teacher's manual here https://www.muyilight.com/2018/04/rccg-sunday-school-teachers-manual-for.html

RCCG Sunday School STUDENTS Manual for April 1st, 2018 Lesson 31 : Topic — Broken Homes

TOPIC: Broken Homes

Follow Teachers Manual here at https://www.muyilight.com/2018/03/rccg-sunday-school-teachers-manual-for_31.html

MEMORY VERSE: ‘’And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” – Mark 3:25 (scroll down for SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 25:24-34
24 And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.
25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.
26 And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.
27 And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.
28 And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.
29 And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:
30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.
31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.
32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?
33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.
34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.

INTRODUCTION:

Families are the bedrock of society. When families fall apart, society falls into social and cultural decline. The plan of God for divinely instituted homes is for them to remain united in body and in spirit (Psalm 133:1). A broken home is a family in which the parents are separated or divorced. It is also a family that is set apart due to tension and certain problems.

Unless you live in complete isolation, you have seen a broken home. It may be the family of a friend, relative or your own home. Hardly anything perplexes and discourages us more than broken homes. The Bible talks a lot about broken homes and we should, too.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. Why are so many home broken?
2. Effects and remedy for broken homes

WHY ARE SO MANY HOME BROKEN?

Many of us attribute the problem of broken homes to recent cultural shifts (the decline of religion and morality). However, the reasons so many homes are broken may include but are not limited to the following: wrong choice in marriage (Proverbs 21:9,19; 19:13), parental or friends influence (Genesis 2:24; Proverbs 13:20) and lack of genuine sacrificial love (1John 3:16; Romans 5:7-. Communication breakdown is also responsible for many broken homes today (Matthew 5:37). Sexual unfaithfulness to one’s wife or husband has caused lots of broken homes (Hebrews 13:4; Hosea 2:2). Others include stinginess/meanness. Improper money management is equally not good for any home (1Timothy 6:10). Preference for a child at the expense of others (Genesis 25:28), time consuming jobs are not good for the family (Psalm 127:2; Proverbs 31:14-15) and worldly pleasures (1John 2:15).

EFFECTS AND REMEDY FOR BROKEN HOMES

Broken homes often lead to husbands abandoning their spouses and children. Wives walk out of their husband’s lives and leave children with devastated emotions. Single mothers give birth to children with no marriage and no father-image for support and guidance.
What can spouses do when their partners walk out? What can children do when their parents abandon them? Here are some solutions:

1. Commit everything to God in prayer (Psalm 127:1; Psalm 50:15).
2. Stop and consider that God is greater than any difficulty (Jeremiah 32:27).
3. Embrace the fact that Jesus loves you (Romans 5:8; Matthew 11:28-30).
4. Ask God to make you a better person in the present circumstances (Psalm 51:10).
5. Seek the help of other Christians (Proverbs 11:14).
6. Learn to forgive and seek reconciliation/restoration (Ephesians 4:32; Romans 12:18; Isaiah 57:18).
7. Be patient to meet your spouse at their point of need (Ecclesiates 7:8; 1Corinthians 7:10).

CONCLUSION:
Do your best to be the kind of spouse, parent or child God wants you to be, but never take your eyes off of the One who actually holds your family’s future.

QUESTIONS:
1. Why are so many home broken?
2. Mention five remedies for broken homes.

Follow Teachers Manual here at https://www.muyilight.com/2018/03/rccg-sunday-school-teachers-manual-for_31.html

RCCG Sunday School Students Manual for 25th March 2018 Lesson 30 : Topic – A Happy Marriage

TOPIC: A Happy Marriage

For better understand follow RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual for 25th March 2018 Lesson 30 : Topic – A Happy Marriage here https://www.muyilight.com/2018/03/rccg-sunday-school-teachers-manual-for_24.html

MEMORY VERSE: ‘’Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD” –Proverbs 18:22 (scroll down for SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN)
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 7:1-15

1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

INTRODUCTION:

There are seasons and times for everything and every purpose in life (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Like in every other facet of human endeavour, doing the right thing at the right time, in marital issues, is crucial to success. Many people have entered the institution of marriage at the wrong time and for the wrong reasons. Believers in Christ should be different and get it right from the onset. When should a Christian marry? What makes a happy marriage? These questions will be addressed in this lesson.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. When should a Christian marry?
2. What makes a happy marriage?

WHEN SHOULD A CHRISTIAN MARRY?

1. Wait until you are old enough to marry. Marriage is for adults and not for children, for it carries heavy responsibilities requiring maturity and experience (1Corinthians 7:36; Hebrews 5:14).

2. Let God guide you into marriage after much prayer and seeking His will (Romans 12:2; Philippians 2:13).

3. Do not rush into marriage even after you know whom God wants you to marry. It is always advisable to know your partner sufficiently well to know his or her dislikes (Isaiah 28:16).

4. Never marry a man or a woman with the hope of reforming or transforming him or her. Instead of reforming they may drag you to hell. Therefore, wait until any moral problems are settled (1Corinthians 10:12).

5. Wait for health. Marriage requires strong bodies. If your partner is unwell, jointly pray for healing from above (Jeremiah 30:17).

6. Wait for the approval of the girl’s parent. This is very important. A Christian should not “steal” a wife (Isaiah 28:16; Colossians 3:20).

7. Wait for a measure of financial stability. Not wealth as such but at least some security (1 Timothy 5:.

WHAT MAKES A HAPPY MARRIAGE?

To the couple planning to get married, courtship should be handled carefully. It is a time of getting better acquainted and ascertaining whether or not they are prepared for marriage. It is very important to note that they must not take liberties one with another at this time, for they are not yet married (1 Corinthians 8:9). Avoid petting and caressing lest passion override reason and you ruin everything. Keep yourself pure or you may discover how easily love can turn to hate (2 Samuel 13:15). Any mistake made during courtship can stamp a regrettable mark on the marriage, if it eventually holds.

A happy and successful marriage is based on genuine heart agreement of the couple (Amos 3:3). They must be willing to establish a Christian home with Christ as the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20), the husband as head of the home (Ephesians 5:23-24), the wife a pleasant helpmate (Genesis 2:18) and with the family altar (Matthew 18:19). They must not defraud one another, rather they should render full benevolence to each other (1 Corinthians 7:3-5). Genuine love is essential to a happy marriage (1 Corinthians 13:4-8; Ephesians 5:25; Titus 2:4).

CONCLUSION:

Marriage is not
an experiment for a short time. It is permanent. It must be based on lifetime anticipation, “till death do us part” – Matthew 19:6-9.

QUESTIONS
1. When should a Christian marry?
2. What makes a happy marriage?


For better understand follow RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual for 25th March 2018 Lesson 30 : Topic – A Happy Marriage here https://www.muyilight.com/2018/03/rccg-sunday-school-teachers-manual-for_24.html

RCCG Sunday School STUDENTS Manual March Sunday 18th, 2018 Lesson 29 : Topic — Martial Intimacy: The Perspective Of Christ And The Church

TOPIC — Martial Intimacy: The Perspective Of Christ And The Church

MEMORY VERSE: ‘’Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God” –Romans 15:7 (scroll down for SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Ephesians 5:24-33

For better Understanding ,check the link to follow RCCG Sunday School Teachers Manual March Sunday 18th, 2018 Lesson 29 https://www.muyilight.com/2018/03/rccg-sunday-school-teachers-manual-for.html

24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

INTRODUCTION:

The marriage of a man and a woman is a mirror of the relationship that exists between Jesus Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:23, 32). In examing marital intimacy, therefore, it is important that we explore the path that Jesus Christ took in procuring intimacy with the Church.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. Shared responsibilities
2. Shared results

SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Jesus Christ has always been with His Father from the very beginning (John 1:1-2) but He left that age long relationship in order to be joined to the Church – the believers (Galatians 4:4). The Church must also be ready and willing to let go of every “father and mother” relationship for the purpose of an intimate relationship with Christ (Matthew 10:37).

2. Jesus Christ left His exalted place of glory and honour and took on the position of a servant in order to bridge the relationship between Himself and the Church (John 10:17-18; Philippians 2:5-. The Church must also sacrifice self (ego, personal achievements and glory) to pursue intimacy in relationship with Christ (Matthew 16:24-25; 19:21-22).

3. Jesus Christ demonstrated a selfless love for the Church (John 15:12-13; Romans 5:8; 1John 3:16). The Church must, in like manner, demonstrate a selfless love to Jesus Christ and also to the brethren (Luke 10:27; Matthew 25:31-40).

4. Jesus Christ shared with the Church every secret that gave Him the comparative advantage over her, and in doing so, He transformed the Church from being servant to being His companion (John 15:15-16). He invested time and resources in refurbishing the Church to match His worth in glory and holiness (Ephesians 5:25-27).

SHARED RESULTS

The process of intimacy has been completed and oneness between Jesus Christ and the Church achieved. Therefore, they both enjoy:

1. Shared persecutions (2Timothy 3:12; John 15:18-19).
2. Shared peace (John 14:27; Colossians 3:15).
3. Shared power and authority (Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 10:19).
4. Shared victory (John 16:33; 1John 5:4-5).
5. Shared inheritance (Matthew 19:27-29; Romans 8:16-17).

CONCLUSION:

Jesus Christ showed us a perfect example of how to develop a mutually benefitting intimacy in our marriages. May God help us in following His example in Jesus’ name (Amen).

QUESTIONS

1. Mention the shared responsibilities between Christ and the Church.
2. What are shared results of the intimacy between Christ and the Church?

For better Understanding ,check the link to follow RCCG Sunday School Teachers Manual March Sunday 18th, 2018 Lesson 29 https://www.muyilight.com/2018/03/rccg-sunday-school-teachers-manual-for.html

RCCG Sunday School Students Manual March 11th, 2018 Lesson 28 : Topic — Marital Intimacy: The Man And His Wife
March 10, 2018 - Pastor E. A. Adeboye, RCCG Weekly Sunday School Manual

Pay Attention for better understanding follow RCCG Sunday School Teachers Manual for March 11th, 2018 Lesson 28 here https://www.muyilight.com/2018/03/rccg-sunday-school-teachers-manual-11th.html

RCCG Sunday School Students Manual March 11th, 2018 Lesson 28 : Topic — Marital Intimacy: The Man And His Wife

TOPIC — Marital Intimacy: The Man And His Wife

MEMORY VERSE: ‘’Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 2:23-25

23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

INTRODUCTION:

The intention of God for marriage is that the couple becomes one flesh (Mark 10:6-10). Marital intimacy, therefore, is the process that brings about the intended oneness in marriage. It involves bridging the gaps between the two worlds of the husband and wife until complete oneness is achieved physically, spiritually and emotionally. Oneness in marriage does not happen by default or by accident, but takes concerted and conscious effort of the two parties involved (1 Peter 3:.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. What brings about marital intimacy?
2. Communication is key

WHAT BRINGS ABOUT MARITAL INTIMACY

Acceptance: There is no perfect human (Mark 10:18). Therefore, the journey of marital intimacy begins by accepting the totality of your partner, including the strengths and the weaknesses (Genesis 2:23; Ephesians 5:28-29).

Agreement: It takes two to tango. Marital intimacy will be difficult to achieve with an unwilling partner (Ecclesiastes 4:9-11). Therefore, there is a need for the couple to agree on certain values of marriage (Amos 3:3) and set appropriate goals towards achieving them (Habakkuk 2:2-3).

Prioritising: If the marriage must not be hanging on the balance of marital instability, there is need to break ties with relationships and engagements that could compete for equal attention (Genesis 2:24). Make out more time for each other.

Service: Just as Jesus Christ cultivated the Church for the purpose of intimacy, couples must serve each other in love and reverence to achieve the intended goal of oneness (1Corinthians 10:24; Philippians 2:4). You will make sacrifices for each other (Ephesians 5:25). You must celebrate, comfort, cuddle and rebuke each other in love when necessary (Romans 12:15; SOS 1:13; 3:3-4).

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

A crucial key to intimacy in marriage is communication (Hebrews 13:16). Communication helps break down every wall of partition between a man and his wife and gives unhindered access to each other’s world. Effective communication breeds trust and transparency (Proverbs 8:7-8; 24:26), strengthen the cord of love (Romans 12:9) and breaks the backbone of assumption and suspicion. The line of communication must be open and unambiguous on any subject. Love, care, compliments, offences, rebukes, forgiveness, aspirations, ideas etc., must all be communicated timely and rightly (Proverbs 15:4, 13; 28:13). When the barrier of communication is out of the way, there is unity at the home front, thereby, paving way for love to flourish (Romans 14:19; Hebrews 10:24).

CONCLUSION:

Marital intimacy is no smooth ride and the experience differs with each couple. One partner might pay a higher price than the other but on the whole, it takes commitment and patience of the duo to arrive at ecstasy.

QUESTIONS

1. Mention five things that bring about marital intimacy.
2. What are the effects of good communication in marital intimacy?

Pay Attention for better understanding follow RCCG Sunday School Teachers Manual for March 11th, 2018 Lesson 28 here https://www.muyilight.com/2018/03/rccg-sunday-school-teachers-manual-11th.html

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL
LESSON TWENTY-SEVEN
SUNDAY, 4TH MARCH 2018

TOPIC: ESSENCE OF MARRIAGE

FOR Better understand follow RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL Teachers MANUAL March 4, LESSON 27 here https://www.muyilight.com/2018/03/rccg-sunday-school-teachers-lesson-27.html


MEMORY VERSE: ‘’Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge” – Hebrews 13:4
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 2:15-25

INTRODUCTION:

Marriage is the oldest human institution. It is older than the Church or any human government. Marriage has been ordained of the Lord for companionship and the procreation of the race. Marriage leads to the establishment of homes for children where happiness and joy can reign (Proverbs 18:22). Although we live in the days of low moral standards, when marriage vows are easily broken and divorce is considered common, God’s law and standard do not change. Any Christian who breaks his marriage vows is therefore playing with fire.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. Why should we marry?

2. Who should a Christian marry?

WHY SHOULD WE MARRY?

There are several reasons we should marry if we feel led by God to do so. Some of the reasons are:
a. To obey the command of God (Genesis 1:28; 2:24).
b. For fellowship (Genesis 2:18).
c. For partnership (Ecclesiastes 4:9-11). It takes to make “one flesh”. (Genesis 2:24).
d. To satisfy the sexual and emotional desires that are good, holy and legitimate but can only be satisfied in marriage (1Corinthians 7:2, 9).
e. For the propagation of the human race (Genesis 9:1).

WHO SHOULD A CHRISTIAN MARRY?

Christians may only marry Christians – 2Corinthians 6:14-17. In God’s sight, it is unacceptable for a godly person and ungodly one to be united in holy matrimony to be one flesh. How can they be one when one serves God, in holiness and righteousness, while the other serves sin and Satan? In 2Corinthians 6:14-17, we have six clear reasons a believer should not marry an unbeliever:

1. God’s command: ‘be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers’ (vs 14a).
2. Reghteousness has no fellowship with unrighteousness (vs 14b).
3. Light has no communion with darkness (vs 14c).
4. Christ has no concord with Belial (vs 15a).
5. Believers have no part with infidels (vs 15b).
6. God’s temple has no agreement with idols (vs 16a).
It is easy then to see that the question that naturally comes to mind is, how can this two set of people who are so different, form a true partnership and have joyful fellowship?

CONCLUSION:

Marriage is an honourable institution that believers must prayerfully and watchfully enter into. It is more of a spiritual affair than just being physical.

QUESTIONS

1. Why should we marry?
2. Who should a Christain marry?

FOR Better understand follow RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL Teachers MANUAL March 4, LESSON 27 here https://www.muyilight.com/2018/03/rccg-sunday-school-teachers-lesson-27.html

The Secret: The 5 Rules of engagement to defuses Anger as a Christian
February 28, 2018 - The Secrets

Pay Attention: click here to see other Secrets you need to know as a Christian - https://www.muyilight.com/search/label/The%20Secrets?&max-results=7

Even in the best of marriages arguments will arise from time to time. With two people of differing temperaments, tastes, and ways of thinking, how could it be otherwise? So here are a few rules of engagement:

1) Think before you speak.

Ask yourself if fear, stress, or worry may have provoked your mate’s response. Is it bothering you right now because you are feeling insecure and unappreciated? Could you be misreading or exaggerating the problem? Take time to try and identify what’s really happening.

(2) Ask for what you need.

It’s okay to admit that some days you are needier than others. Dr Gary Oliver says: ‘When a woman feels panicked every time her husband comes home late because her previous husband had an affair…it’s okay to say, “I know it’s irrational, but I’m having a panicky day.” That kind of honesty strengthens a relationship.’

3) Never threaten.

Threats just make your mate defensive and insecure. As a result, they can’t hear what you’re saying and nothing gets resolved.

4) Ditch the baggage from previous relationships.

The Bible says, ‘Love…always looks for the best, never looks back’ (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 MSG). It’s wrong to make your mate keep ‘proving’ themselves over and over again. Don’t assume that old relationship problems are destined to keep repeating themselves. They won’t if you’re communicating and growing.

5) Say something nice to your mate every day.

Any time you think something good about your spouse, stop and tell them. And when they reciprocate, respond graciously to what they’re saying. Remember, sharp words can create wounds, but ‘a gentle response defuses anger’.

Pay Attention: click here to see other Secrets you need to know as a Christian - https://www.muyilight.com/search/label/The%20Secrets?&max-results=7

The Secrets: The 3 Reasons Why You need To Set A Goals As A Christian
February 27, 2018 - The Secrets
. . .

The Secrets: The 3 Reasons Why You need To Set A Goals As A Christian


“God can do anything, you know — far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!” (Ephesians 3:20 The Message).

The Bible tells us that Jesus set goals. In fact he often announced publicly what his goal was for the next phase of his ministry.

So why should you set goals? We’re going to talk about three reasons today and three more tomorrow.

Pay Attention: Click here to see other Secrets you need to know as a Christian https://www.muyilight.com/search/label/The%20Secrets?&max-results=7

1. You need to set goals because it is a spiritual responsibility.

If you don’t have goals for your life, you have already decided to let other people run your life. When you don’t decide in advance what’s important, you’re letting other people decide. You end up wasting your life, because you haven’t clarified how you want to grow as a follower of Christ.

The Bible says that to be spiritually mature, you have to set your goal and move toward it as you keep your eyes focused on it.

“I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize. . . . I run toward the goal, so that I can win the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize that God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done. All of us who are mature should think in this same way” (Philippians 3:12, 14-15 CEV).

2. You need to set goals because they are statements of faith.

If you’re a believer in Jesus Christ and you set a goal, you’re saying, “I believe that God wants me to accomplish this by this time. This is what I believe God is going to do in my life.”

Goals aren’t just a statement of faith; they also stretch your faith. The bigger your goal, the more your faith will be stretched. And that pleases God.

Ephesians 3:20 says, “God can do anything, you know — far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!” (The Message).

3. You need to set goals because they focus your energy.

Focus is the key to an effective life. If you spread your energy out and diffuse it over a whole bunch of things, you’ll make no impact at all. But if you focus your life, it’s going to be powerful, and it will change the world.

You don’t have time to do everything. Here’s the good news: God doesn’t expect you to do everything! The key to being effective in life as a woman or man of God is to do what matters most and forget everything else. Goals help you maintain that kind of focus.

Pay Attention: Click here to see other Secrets you need to know as a Christian https://www.muyilight.com/search/label/The%20Secrets?&max-results=7

“I do not run without a goal. I fight like a boxer who is hitting something — not just the air” (1 Corinthians 9:26 NCV)

How do your goals reflect what you believe about God?

Does your family set goals together? Why would it be important to do this as a family?

What things do you spend your time and energy on that don’t really matter?

The Secrets: The 3 Things You Need to Reach Your Goals
February 26, 2018 - The Secrets


You get to plan the way you want to live, but only God gives you the power and energy to actually make the transformation. Why? Because God provides the three things you must have to reach your goal and change your life.

Pay Attention: Do you want to develop Spiritually as Christian, click here https://www.muyilight.com/search/label/The%20Secrets?&max-results=7


1. You need God’s Spirit to empower you.

God’s Spirit can help you to make changes you can’t make on your own. It’s not based on willpower; it’s based on God power. It’s not based on trying; it’s based on trusting.

Zechariah 4:6 says, “‘You will not succeed by your own strength or by your own power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord All-Powerful” (NCV).

2. You need God’s Word to guide you.

The Bible is the owner’s manual for life. The more you read it, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it, the more successful and fulfilled you’re going to be in life.

When Joshua was given the great dream of taking over the Promised Land — a goal that was going to take him the rest of his life — God had these words for him: “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success” (Joshua 1:8 NASB).

3. You need God’s people to support you.

You will not be able to reach your goals on your own. It takes a team to fulfill a dream!

A crowd can’t support you, but a small group can. They know when you’re sick, when you’re having a tough time, when you need a break. You can share your goals and your successes and failures, and they will rejoice with you and encourage you to keep going. You’re going to need that when you make the right kind of goals and pursue them wholeheartedly.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped” (The Message).

Pay Attention: Do you want to develop Spiritually as Christian, click here https://www.muyilight.com/search/label/The%20Secrets?&max-results=7

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES TEEVO DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Saturday, February 25th, 2018
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

THE LORD IS YOUR EXTRAORDINARY STRATEGIST

Read more daily different Devotionals at www.muyilight.com

Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
When you fully understand the power of the scripture above, you’ll discover that you can
never be disadvantaged. The way this scripture is rendered in the New King James Version of the Bible makes it a little obscure. As a result, many people don’t fully understand its significance. You see, in the original Hebrew rendering of Isaiah 9:6, there is no punctuation between the words “Wonderful” and “Counsellor.” It actually reads, “Wonderful Counsellor.” You would observe that the other words in this scripture are dualized: “The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace;” the Prophet was actually being poetic in his praise of the Son of God.

So, when he said “he shall be called Wonderful Counsellor,” he actually means “Extraordinary Strategist!” In other words, He’s wise and powerful enough to bring His children out of seemingly impossible situations. He knows exactly what strategies to employ to get you out of trouble. He’s a Master at it. His strategies are so divinely impeccable that they can only be described as “extraordinary.” He’s the Extraordinary Strategist.

As far as He is concerned, there’s never a dead end, for He can’t be confused. He is the embodiment of ALL wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3). It makes no difference in which crisis you may have found yourself, He knows the way out; He knows exactly what to do to get you out of the dilemma. He knows how you can come out of that darkness. What’s more, He lives right inside you! The Holy Spirit has brought His presence right into your spirit. Take advantage of His wisdom today and move from victory to victory, with your Extraordinary-Strategist.

Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Mark 7:1-23, Leviticus 26-27
TWO YEAR
Matthew 17:22-27, Exodus 6

Act
Spend some time talking with the Lord today and let Him give you extraordinary strategies for living victoriously today.

Read more daily different Devotionals at www.muyilight.com

The Secret: The 4 Steps To Defeat The Giants In Your Life
February 21, 2018 - The Secrets

Read more of Christianity Secrets here https://www.muyilight.com/search/label/The%20Secrets?&max-results=7

How do you defeat the giants that are keeping you from being the man God wants you to be? How do you defeat the fears that keep you from being the woman God wants you to be?

If you want to be a person of great faith with a great dream and a great life work, you do the very things that David did to defeat the giants of delay, discouragement, disapproval, and doubt.

1. Remember how God has helped you in the past.

David says in 1 Samuel 17:37, “The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (NLT).

When you remember the ways that God has helped you in the past, it gives you confidence for the future.

2. Use the tools that God has given you now.

David used the tools that God provided that utilized his strengths: “Then Saul gave David his own armor . . . ‘I can’t go in these,’ he protested to Saul. ‘I’m not used to them.’ So David took them off again. He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag” (1 Samuel 17:38-40 NLT).

Don’t wait for something you don’t have — such as money, education, or connections. Use the tools God has already given you to face your giants with confidence.

3. Ignore the dreambusters.

Later in life, when others were speaking against him, David had to encourage himself in the Lord: “David was seriously worried, for in their bitter grief for their children, his men began talking of killing him. But David took strength from the Lord” (1 Samuel 30:6 TLB).

When you encourage yourself in the Lord, it’s not just a positive mental attitude. There is a bedrock trust in God’s grace, provision, security, and power.


4. Expect God to help you for his glory.

David stormed the battlefield, shouting, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty . . . This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands . . . and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel” (1 Samuel 17:45-46 NIV).

I made this decision when I was a young man. On the mountains of Northern California one night, I got down on my knees and said, “God, I’m not the smartest guy, the best educated, or the most talented. But I’m going to trust you. And I will do anything, anytime, anywhere in faith, even when it doesn’t make sense to me.” And what an adventure my life has been!

I stand up and speak to a crowd every week that is about five times bigger than the town I grew up in. I’m a country boy — with a slingshot.

Pay Attention: Check here for others Useful Secrets to Win Daily Christianity Battle https://www.muyilight.com/search/label/The%20Secrets?&max-results=7

God will use anybody who will trust him and expect to be used by him — not because of who you are, but for his glory.

Word For Today: EVAGELIST BILLY GRAHAM DIES AT 99

February 23, 2018 - Billy Graham Devotional, Word For Today


Evangelist Billy Graham dies at 99 — a guiding light to generations of American evangelicals

Evangelist Billy Graham — a guiding light to generations of American evangelicals and a globe-trotting preacher who converted millions to Christianity — died Wednesday at the age of 99, his spokesman confirmed to CNN, a confidant to presidents,
Graham passed away at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, spokesman Jeremy Blume said.

The skinny preacher with the booming voice evangelized to nearly 215 million people over six decades and prayed with every US president since Harry Truman.
Several presidents, including Lyndon Johnson, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, relied closely on his spiritual counsel.

He was tall and handsome, with a disarming aw-shucks demeanor and a Southern twang to his voice. But Graham’s influence, historians say, was monumental. Some called him “America’s pastor,” others referred to him as the “Protestant pope.”
Graham is reported to have persuaded more than 3 million people to commit their lives to Christianity and his preaching was heard in 185 of the world’s 195 countries, according to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

“He was probably the dominant religious leader of his era; no more than one or two popes, perhaps one or two other people, could come close to what he achieved,” said William Martin, a former historian at Rice University and the author of “A Prophet with Honor: The Billy Graham Story.”
The creation of a ministry

Graham built his ministry by bringing the gospel message of tent-revival preachers into the modern media age, using any tool at his disposal — from telegrams to telephones to satellites and the Internet — to “win souls for Christ.”
Billy Graham, the 20th-century Christian crusader and father of showman evangelicalism who had the ear of 12 US presidents, has died at the age of 99.

Among the first to pay tribute were Donald Trump and his vice-president Mike Pence, the most recent beneficiaries of the voting power of US evangelical Christians.
From the 1930s until the early years of this century, Graham drew crowds of thousands to hear his rallying cry for Christianity. Over almost six decades, it is estimated that he preached to more 200 million people.

As well as his US coast-to-coast roadshows and tours across every continent, Graham harnessed the power of the media to reach millions, deploying television and radio networks, newspaper columns, feature films and satellite hookups.

He wrote dozens of books and his sermons were translated simultaneously into 48 languages and transmitted to 185 countries by satellite.

Graham, who had suffered from prostate cancer, pneumonia and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, died at his home in North Carolina, his spokesperson said.
Trump tweeted: “The GREAT Billy Graham is dead. There was nobody like him! He will be missed by Christians and all religions. A very special man.”
Pence, himself a renowned evangelical, said his “matchless voice changed the lives of millions. We mourn his passing but know with absolute certainty that today he heard those words: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”

Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader and former candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, described him as “the pope of the evangelical movement”.
Jimmy Carter, the former president, said Graham had “shaped the spiritual lives of tens of millions of people worldwide. Broad-minded, forgiving, and humble in his treatment of others, he exemplified the life of Jesus Christ by constantly reaching out for opportunities to serve.”

Read more of the story here - https://www.muyilight.com/2018/02/word-for-today-evagelist-billy-graham.html

The Secret: The 4 Steps To Defeat The Giants In Your Life
February 21, 2018 - The Secrets

How do you defeat the giants that are keeping you from being the man God wants you to be? How do you defeat the fears that keep you from being the woman God wants you to be?


If you want to be a person of great faith with a great dream and a great life work, you do the very things that David did to defeat the giants of delay, discouragement, disapproval, and doubt.

1. Remember how God has helped you in the past.

David says in 1 Samuel 17:37, “The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (NLT).

When you remember the ways that God has helped you in the past, it gives you confidence for the future.

Pay Attention: Check here for others Useful Secrets to Win Daily Christianity Battle here -https://www.muyilight.com/2018/02/the-secret-4-steps-to-defeat-giants.html

2. Use the tools that God has given you now.

David used the tools that God provided that utilized his strengths: “Then Saul gave David his own armor . . . ‘I can’t go in these,’ he protested to Saul. ‘I’m not used to them.’ So David took them off again. He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag” (1 Samuel 17:38-40 NLT).

Don’t wait for something you don’t have — such as money, education, or connections. Use the tools God has already given you to face your giants with confidence.

3. Ignore the dreambusters.

Later in life, when others were speaking against him, David had to encourage himself in the Lord: “David was seriously worried, for in their bitter grief for their children, his men began talking of killing him. But David took strength from the Lord” (1 Samuel 30:6 TLB).

When you encourage yourself in the Lord, it’s not just a positive mental attitude. There is a bedrock trust in God’s grace, provision, security, and power.

4. Expect God to help you for his glory.

David stormed the battlefield, shouting, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty . . . This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands . . . and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel” (1 Samuel 17:45-46 NIV).

I made this decision when I was a young man. On the mountains of Northern California one night, I got down on my knees and said, “God, I’m not the smartest guy, the best educated, or the most talented. But I’m going to trust you. And I will do anything, anytime, anywhere in faith, even when it doesn’t make sense to me.” And what an adventure my life has been!

I stand up and speak to a crowd every week that is about five times bigger than the town I grew up in. I’m a country boy — with a slingshot.

Pay Attention: Check here for others Useful Secrets to Win Daily Christianity Battle here - https://www.muyilight.com/2018/02/the-secret-4-steps-to-defeat-giants.html

God will use anybody who will trust him and expect to be used by him — not because of who you are, but for his glory.

The Secret: The 5 Psalms for People Who Struggle with Anxiety
February 18, 2018 - The Secrets

Pay Attention: - Read more of this kind of Articles here - https://www.muyilight.com/search/label/The%20Secrets?&max-results=7

Anxiety and depression are two words that I desperately wish were not in my personal vocabulary and experience. But, they are. God allowed me to walk through several years in the valley of the shadow of death and now that I’m on the other side of it, I believe He had my good in mind. I believe He taught me things in the valley that I could never have learned on the mountaintop. I believe that He wanted to prove to me that I truly am never alone, though I felt it many times. I believe He wanted to teach me that my feelings do not equate truth. God wanted to show me parts of Himself that I might never have known otherwise.
My season of depression is over for now; however, the anxiety can creep in, often unannounced, and leave me reeling. Sometimes the fear is so thick that I just know if I reach out my hands I can touch it. Sometimes the fear and anxiety keep me awake at night.

I know I’m not the only one that struggles. God has taught me much on this journey and I hope that these verses and these words will remind you that you also aren’t alone, you aren’t forsaken, and the God of the universe loves you. He longs for you to trust Him even through seasons where we don’t understand what is happening around us or in us.

For me, praying God’s Word in particular has been one thing that has helped me my heart so much. Sometimes in the depth of despair we don’t feel like we have the words to pray. So, instead, God gives us His own word and we pray it back to Him. We want to be close to God but don’t know how. His Word provides that closeness and nearness of Himself. He gives us Himself through the gift of His Word. His Word can be your lifeline, friend, don’t take it for granted!
Here are some of my favorite verses to pray when I’m struggling. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

1. Psalm 23 -

This passage is so well known to most people, but don’t overlook the profound truth and comfort this Psalm brings to us just because you’ve heard it many times before. Speak the words to God:
“God, You are my shepherd, I lack nothing. You make me lie down in green pastures, You lead me beside still waters, You restore my soul. You lead me in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me! Your rod and your staff, they comfort me! You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in Your house forever. Amen.” Psalm 23:1-6

2. Psalm 27 -

This Psalm is one of my life verses. I’ve struggled a lot with people pleasing which I think leads to anxiety so often. Wondering and worrying and becoming fearful of what others think or what they might do or say about us. We can’t live in that place! We must preach the gospel to ourselves and remind our hearts the The LORD alone is our light and our salvation!
“God, You are my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? You are the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked come against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear!” Psalm 27:1-3


3. Psalm 34 -

I like to think of this Psalm as the Psalm for the brokenhearted and fearful one. God love the brokenhearted, you know. And we are all broken, by the way.
“I will bless You at all times, Your praise will continually be in my mouth. I sought You, Lord, and You heard me, You delivered me from all my fears. When we look to You we are radiant. Your angels encamp all around those who fear You and You deliver us. Help me to taste and see that You are good, oh Lord. You say I will be blessed when I trust You. Those who seek You lack no good thing.” Psalm 34:1-1

4. Psalm 61 -

Isn’t it encouraging to read the words of avid, a Bible hero, who struggled like we do? may be one of the reasons the Psalms are my favorite place to camp in God’s Word when I’m struggling. I especially like Psalm 61 in the New King James because of the word “overwhelmed.” I have spent seasons living in an overwhelmed state. When I find myself there, I pray these words:

“Hear my cry, O God; from the ends of the earth I cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you are a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy…” Psalm 61:1-3

5. Psalm 91 -

Psalm 91 is another Psalm with such comfort that helps us learn how much it truly impacts us when we abide in Christ. Psalm 91 tells us that when we abide or dwell in the shelter of the Most High, we can REST in His shadow. He gives us rest from our worry, from our fears, from our anxiety.
“You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:2
When the anxiety sets in, repeat some of these verses out loud. Speak them to God. Memorize His Word. Cling to these truths. Repeat to the Lord, “I trust You, I trust You…” and when we abide in Christ, the peace that passes all understanding begins to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-6

Did you catch the beautiful truth in that passage? Prayer brings peace. When we are anxious about anything we are instructed to take it to God - with thanksgiving even! And then? Then, the peace of God, which we may never understand, will GUARD our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Prayer brings peace. Prayer gives us more of Jesus. And that is just what we need in our moments and seasons of anxiety: more of Jesus.

Note - If you or a loved one struggles with anxiety, depression or any mental illness, please reach out for help! Tell someone, a friend, a spouse, or your doctor. There is help, hope and healing available for you! Do not suffer alone.

Pay Attention: - Read more of this kind of Articles here - https://www.muyilight.com/search/label/The%20Secrets?&max-results=7

RCCG Sunday School Students Manual for February 18th, 2018 Lesson 25 : Topic — Turning The Tide
February 18, 2018 - Pastor E. A. Adeboye, RCCG Weekly Sunday School Manual

For better understand, Check the Teacher's manual here - https://www.muyilight.com/2018/02/rccg-sunday-school-teachers-manual.html

TOPIC: Turning The Tide

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?

MEMORY VERSE: "Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad" - Psalm 53:6

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 126:1-6

1 When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.

5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

INTRODUCTION:

At least five possibilities exist in having a turning point in one's life. These are when things go from bad to good, good to bad, bad to orse, good to better and a combination of any two or more of these categories. Obviously, these possibilities are determined by the decisions we make and the circumstances in which we find ourselves in our abilities and limitations (1Chronicles 4:9-10). The tide can have a negative or positive turn. May the Lord turn the tide in our favour as we study today, in Jesus' name.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. It has happened before
2. It can happen again

IT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE

The tide has turned in different directions for different people from time immemorial:

1. From bad to good - A certain man by the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9). The woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-29). Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52). Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:9-10).

2. From good to bad - King Saul (1 Samuel 13:13-14; 15:22-23, 28; 16:14). Samson (Judges 15:16; 16:20-21, 25-28). Eli (1 Samuel 2:27-32). Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:15-17; 3:6, 16-19, 23).

3. From bad to worse - Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:2-5). Michal (2Samuel 6:20-23). Gehazi (2 Kings 5:20, 25-27).

4. From good to better - King Solomon (1 Kings 3:4, 13; 10:1). Elisha (1 Kings 19:19-21).

5. Combination of turning points - King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:1-2; 4:30-37). Peter (Luke 5:3-11; Mark 14:66-68; Acts 2:14, 41; 5:16).

IT CAN HAPPEN AGAIN

Regardless of your present situation, you can experience a possible turn-around if you do the following:

1. Repent, turn from your sinful ways and turn to God (2Chronicles 7:13-14).

2. Return and ask for mercy if you are already backslidden (Ezekiel 33:10-13).

3. Restitute so that God can make good what is bad for you (Joel 2:25).

4. Redress, seek after God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 12:2; Psalm 121:1-.

5. Re-fire, do not quit, and keep trying as things can be better (Ephesians 3:20).

CONCLUSION:

Where and what you are, are functions of the choices and decisions you made and still making. Make up your mind to get to the positive side of life. The tide is still turning.

QUESTIONS:

1. What are the possibilities that exist in having a turning point?
2. Enumerate the steps to take for the tide to turn in your favour.

For better understand, Check the Teacher's manual here - https://www.muyilight.com/2018/02/rccg-sunday-school-teachers-manual.html

Thought For Today February 17, 2018: Topic - Taking Time to Pray While Pushing Through Distractions
February 17, 2018 - Thought For Today


Taking Time to Pray While Pushing Through Distractions

Acts 10:9-10

About noon the following day as they [Cornelius' servants] were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.

Thoughts for Today:

Has that ever happened to you? You have the best intentions, yet some personal need gets in the way of your prayer or devotional time? I usually get up early in the morning to spend time with God because the house is quiet, my wife and daughter are still sleeping, the phone isn't ringing, and most of my concerns about work haven't yet surfaced. Invariably something comes up to distract me away from my time with God. Sometimes it's my daughter who woke up early and wants to chat with me (hard to say "no" to that). Other times it's my stomach that won't leave me alone unless I feed it. You know exactly what I'm talking about -- there is always some kind of distraction that gets in your way.

Too often we blame Satan for our distractions, as if he has some mission specifically designed against us each morning or during our prayer time. While I believe we must defend ourselves against the enemy's attacks, when it gets down to it -- the most important elements of study and prayer time are found in good old fashioned self-discipline and the earnest desire to seek the Lord. To be successful, we simply have to concentrate and remain committed. One thing I've found as my most meaningful time with God has been when I have fought through all the distractions and continued (or returned) to focus my heart and my mind -- completing my study and prayer time -- that is when God speaks to me most clearly, or rather when I am listening most intently.

Questions to Ponder:

Peter found time to spend with God, but hunger got in his way -- he pushed on and as a result the Lord changed his world-view completely (we'll see this unfold in future devotions). Do you feel stagnant? Does your faith feel strong but not vibrant? Perhaps you need to spend more time with the Lord, setting aside time every day (at specific times or whenever you have a free moment) -- not with an agenda, but just to enjoy fellowship with Him. He will then change you and use you -- just like He did Peter -- are you ready? Are you willing? Will you stay committed? How can you start today to listen more intently to the Lord? Is it a frequency issue? Or, is it an issue of focusing your heart and mind?

RCCG 50 Days Fasting and Prayer Points in 2018 For Day 1 - Day 50 [First Lap]
February 16, 2018 - Pastor E. A. Adeboye, Yearly Churches programs and Events


PREAMBLE:

We give glory to God who has given us victory by Strengthening us above all our enemies and has put a new song in our mouth. Arising from the last Holy Ghost Congress, we have started singing Songs of Victory. It is therefore not surprising that God gave our father in the Lord, The General Oversea; Pastor E.A. Adeboye “Stronger than Our Enemies” as the theme for the first Holy Ghost Service in the Year 2018. He reiterated in his prophecies for this year that “Many of us will triumph over our enemies” because it is a year of reward when many will “count down comprehensive victories”. May God help us to experience the harvest of these prophesies in full. May we have an unprecedented victories in all spheres of life that will keep us singing with an overflowing joy in Jesus name. Amen.

As we know that whatever is good require prayers, the following prayer points will be helpful as we wait upon the Lord in a declared 50 days of fasting and prayers starting from Thursday 11th January to Thursday 1st March, 2018. May you be mightily blessed, as we pray through in the mighty Name of Jesus.

THURSDAY 11th Jan 2018
DAY 1 WORSHIP AND PRAISES

Intense praise and worship Psalm 124
Praise God for being God Almighty. Gen 17:1
Let your soul bless the lord and praise His Holy name Psalms 34:1
Let us praise Him for the manifestation of Signs and Wonders since the establishment of RCCG.
Psa 150:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
Psa 150:2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Psa 150:3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
Psa 150:4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
Psa 150:5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
Psa 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

FRIDAY 12th Jan 2018
DAY 2: MERCY AND FORGIVENESS

PRAYER OF FORGIVENESS: Text: Matt. 18:22Jere. 31:34; LUKE 23:34, 1kings 13:1-6; Act 7:54-60, John 3:16.Your lack of forgiveness can sabotage your comprehensive victory. Since no one can offend you Seventy times Seven Times, therefore, learn to forgive so that your fasting and prayers can be acceptable before God. Your waiting on Him will never amount to an hunger strike. Amen.

Example of complete forgiveness in the Bible- JOSEPH, Gen. 45:5-15; Gen 50:19-20, DAVID 1 Samuel 24:1-22, 2 Samuel 9:1-13. Stephen Acts. 7:59-60.
Father!!! Please have mercy on me for not forgiving others and give me the heart of flesh to forgive in Jesus name.
Father!!! By your grace, I forgive totally all that I have offended me; I released them from every captivity of bitterness in my heart.
Father!!! By your Holy Spirit, touch the heart of those that I have offended to forgive and forget my offenses in Jesus name.
Father!!! I release all that have offended me now, please release every benefit and blessing that un-forgiveness has delayed in my life, in Jesus name.
Fire of the Holy Ghost!! Purge my heart of every un-forgiveness in Jesus name.
Lord Jesus, by your blood, released me from every family captivity resulting from inherited offenses.
Father!!! Everyone I need to forgive for my life to break through, please lead me to them now in Jesus name.
Father!!! Let every seed of un-forgiveness in my life be consumed by fire in Jesus name.
Father!!! Please let me reap the reward of a forgiving heart in Jesus name.

SATURDAY 13th Jan 2018
DAY 3: PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING

Intense praise and worship
Thank God for His mercy that is renewed upon us every morning. Ps 136:1
Let us thank God for Late Pa. Josiah Akindayomi and other Men of honour inspired by the Holy Spirit to establish the RCCG.
Let us bless the name of the Lord for the obedience of Pastor E.A. Adeboye and other men of vision to the call of God upon them.
Thank God for Daddy and Mummy G.O and for what God is doing through them. Ps. 1
Let us thank God for the progress made so far in RCCG. Ps127:1-2
Thank God for preserving our lives. Ps 23:1-4
Thank God for the peace of God that is reigning in your country. Ps 23:2
Thank God for the glory of God that is manifesting all over the world. Ps 24:1
Thank God for the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ that is penetrating the unreached part of the world. Mk 16:16-18

SUNDAY 14th Jan 2018
DAY 4: PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING

Intense praise and worship
Thank God for His mercy that is renewed upon us every morning. Ps 136:1
Let us thank God for Late Pa. Josiah Akindayomi and other Men of honour inspired by the Holy Spirit to establish the RCCG.
Let us bless the name of the Lord for the obedience of Pastor E.A. Adeboye and other men of vision to the call of God upon them.
Let us thank God for the progress made so far in RCCG. Ps127:1-2
Thank God for preserving our lives. Ps 23:1-4
Thank God for the fulfilment of all the promises of God in past years
Let us thank for not allowing civil war in our country
Let us thank God for not allowing hunger and famine in our country.
Let us bless the name of Jehovah God for his protection past years. Ps 124:1-end

MONDAY 15th Jan 2018
DAY 5: BREAKING GENERATIONAL SINS AND CURSES

PRAYER FOR BREAKING GENERATIONAL SINS, SOUL TIES AND CURSES: Text: Rom. 5:15; Exo. 20, 34:5-7, Eze 18:19.Generational sins, courses and patterns are attitudes, actions, beliefs, behaviour, and/or habits that we have inherited from our family or relatives. We then “enter into” the same thing pattern and make it our own.
Father!!! Let every unknown soul tie influencing my life negatively, be consumed by fire in Jesus name.
Father!!! I stand in the finished work of the cross to severe my life from every effect of generational sin of my household in Jesus name.
Father!!! Deliver me from every evil pronouncement that is causing affliction in my family in Jesus name.
Father!!! By the fire of the Holy Ghost, every strongman perpetrating evil occurrence in my life and ministry let them be consumed by fire in Jesus name.
Father!!! I stand in the blood of Jesus and revoke every legal ground that the enemies have possessed in Jesus name.
Holy Ghost fire!!! Release your demolishing bullets and dynamites on every curse and soul ties affliction in my life.

TUESDAY 16th Jan 2018
DAY 6: PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING

Intense praise and worship
Thank God for genuine men of God and their ministerial assignments in RCCG. Mk. 16: 16-18
Thank for fighting for your country against destruction and terrorists. Ps91:1-3
Thank God for blessing your country and making her triumphant over her enemies of progress. Ps 124
Thank God forgiving your country victoryover civil war. Ps 91
Thank God for His mercy on RCCG. Rom. 9: 15-16
Thank God for not allowing the enemy to have none of his ways on RCCG Ps. 124
Thank God for His awesome moves in RCCG. Ps 136
Thank God for what He has done for you and every individual in RCCG. Ps 138
Thank God for the family of Daddy and Mummy G.O and for His mercy on them Exod. 33:19
Let us thank God for His new move in raising a New Army of vibrant youths in RCCG. Isa. 43: 18 -19

WEDNESDAY 17th Jan 2018
DAY 7: PRAYERS OF DIVINE PRESENCE

Let us bless the name of Jehovah God for his protection over me and my family in past years. Ps 124
Thank God for preserving our lives, guidance and provisions. Ps 23:1-4
Thank God for the fulfilment of all the promises of God in past years
Let us thank for not allowing civil war in our country
Let us thank God for not allowing hunger and famine in our country.
Father, please go with me in the journey of my life all through. Exodus 33:14-19
Father; wherever your presence cannot be, restrain my feet from going there also.
O my Father, help me to dwell in your presence always in this New Year and beyond. Psalms 91:1
Father; let me under the covering of your shadows.
Father; let your angel encamp around me in all my ways

THURSDAY 18th Jan 2018
DAY 8: PRAYER OF REDEDICATION AND COMMITMENT

Intense praise and worship
Ask God for mercies for the past acts of non commitment
Pray that you will be more available for God use this year. 2 Tim 2:21
Pray that our churches home and abroad will be supportive of Daddy GO in mission outreaches programmes. 2 Cor 6:1
Pray that they will be more passionately involved in missions, evangelism, church planting and discipleship this year. Matt 28: 19
Pray that they will do this by the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Lk.24:49; Acts1:8;
Ask the Lord to send more (Labourers) missionaries to un-reached people groups. Matt 9:37-38, Mk.16:15.
Pray that the Church will have willingness and passion to commit more resources to missions, supportand empowering of missionaries.

Continue reading till the last date match 1st 2018, Read here - https://www.muyilight.com/2018/02/rccg-50-days-fasting-and-prayer-points.html

DCLM Daily Manna Devotional For 14 February, 2018 by Pastor Kumuyi : Topic – Beware Of God's Judgement
by Adegbola Akanni on February 14, 2018 in Daily Devotion, Pastor Kumuyi Devotional

Read more Devotionals here www.muyilight.com

Topic: Beware Of God's Judgement

Text: Ecclesiastes 11:7-10 (KJV)

Key Verse: “Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment” (Ecclesiastes 11:9)

MESSAGE:

Sitting morosely on the pavement of the church main building, Kenneth looked like a shadow of his old self. Here was a young man who, a few years back, was full of life, living and behaving as if there was not going to be tomorrow. He was given to alcohol, women and despicable night life. He scorned at preachers, called them unprintable names. He scoffed at every warning and advice. He would say his life belonged to him and that no one should tell him how to live it. But today he is as thin as a broom stick, sick of HIV/AIDS and waiting ... while the clock ticks.

The passage under consideration warns us, youths in particular that we must beware of the ‘days of darkness’ in spite of the sweetness of the light. God has given us all things to enjoy while we live on this side of heaven. But our enjoyment and rejoicing must be moderated by the inescapable fact that God holds everyone accountable for what they do in the process.

People live their lives today as if it belongs to them in absolute terms and consequently do not remember God, their Creator. They engage in cult practices: they murder innocent children for ritualistic, money-making purposes. With the ill-gotten wealth, they live in adultery, fornication and multiple marriages. These attract God’s wrath: “know thou, that for all these things, God will bring thee into judgment”.

This is the day to make U-turn in order to escape the judgment of God with all its unpleasant and tragic consequences. It may seem momentarily that God stays His hands against iniquities. Know for sure, that each and every sin committed shall be judged by Him who is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity. The only way of escape is to repent of your sins, ask God for forgiveness and cleansing in Christ’s blood, and live daily in anticipation that you will give account of it one day.

Thought For The Day: There are two paths ahead of everyone: life and death.

Bible Reading in a Year: Leviticus 5-7.

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.

Read more Devotionals here www.muyilight.com

The 8 Reasons to Keep Praying Even When You Want to Quit
by MuyiLight on August 10, 2017 in Inspirational Stories, Motivational Stories, The Secrets

Read more at the source -- https://www.muyilight.com/search/label/The%20Secrets

Prayer is one of the most important disciplines in the Christian faith. It is our connection to the Creator of this world and the Savior of our souls. When a Christian makes it a habit to pray every day, he or she experiences the benefits of communing with God on such an intimate level. There are times however, that no matter how faithful you are to God and how strong your walk with the Lord is, prayer is simply difficult. So difficult in fact, you may want to just stop praying all together.
Maybe you've been praying for the same thing for years and you've grown tired, weary, and wonder if God even hears you anymore. Or cares.
Maybe you don't want to get your hopes up by praying about a particular situation because you doubt it will really turn out as you desire.
Maybe you're scared to pray because you fear God's answer may not be what you are hoping for.

Maybe your prayer life has become monotonous and feels more like a chore than a blessing.
Despite its many benefits, prayer is a spiritual discipline that we sometimes just want to quit doing. If you've found yourself feeling this way I want to encourage you with 8 reasons why you should keep praying even when you want to quit.
READ ALSO : When It Seems Life Doesn't Turn Out The Way You Expect, Pray This Prayers

1) OUR FEELINGS DON'T REFLECT GOD'S TRUTH

If you want to quit praying because you've given up hope that God will answer your prayers, I want you to think on this truth:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 NIV
We can trust God is working on our behalf for our good even if it doesn't feel like it. The truth is if it's not good, then God's not done. And if God's not done then neither are we. So let's hold on to God's truth over our feelings and wait patiently on Him.


2) God's Silence Does Not Mean His Absence

We can wait patiently on God to answer our prayers when we understand God heard us the first time we prayed. Think of Daniel from the Bible. For three weeks Daniel prayed and fasted for God to answer his prayer and he did not stop praying until he received an answer. In Daniel chapter 9 we read that God sent and angel to give Daniel understanding about his prayer the first time he prayed.
How encouraging is it to know that those prayers you’ve been praying were heard the very first time? God starts moving in the heavenly realm to answer your prayers even when it looks like nothing is happening, when it looks like you’ve waited beyond your waiting point, and there is no sign or clue in sight of what you’ve been waiting for.

3) PRAYER GOES BEYOND MAKING REQUESTS AND WAITING FOR RESULTS

Prayer changes lives. However, it does not always change our circumstance. Many times prayer changes our perspective and how we respond to our circumstance well before anything in our lives actually changes. As we make our requests to God there is usually time between our petition and God actually answering. We still need to pray during this time because prayer goes far beyond making requests to God. It's about connecting with Him and aligning our will to His. It's in this type of prayer where we really see change occur not only in our situation but more importantly in our hearts.

Read more at the source - https://www.muyilight.com/search/label/The%20Secrets

4) Prayer Works

Prayer brings healing, power, strength, and comfort when we actually take the time to pray. There are things we may forfeit if we give up on praying. James tells us: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16 NIV

5) PRAYER ALLOWS THE POWER OF GOD INTO OUR LIVES

You may be wondering why even pray if God already knows what we need? Well, there are simply some things in our lives that require prayer before God releases them to us. When Jesus' disciples were unable to heal a possessed boy in Mark 9, the boy's father asked if Jesus could save the boy. Of course Jesus could and He did. When Jesus' disciples asked why they were unable to heal the boy as Jesus did Jesus replied:
“This kind can come out only by prayer.” – Mark 9:29 NIV
There are just certain things that only come into our lives through the power of prayer.


6) PRAYER HELPS US STAY FOCUSED ON GOD

When we pray we are placing ourselves in a posture that says we really need God in our lives and we can't do this life without His help. Why is this so important? Because God is our source and without prayer connecting us to Him we lose the power to live the lives He's called us to live. Prayer prevents us from slipping into the dangerous thinking that we can handle this life without God. The type of thinking that causes us to lose focus on our very source of strength and power.


7) PRAYER IS ALSO ABOUT LISTENING

Usually when we think of prayer we think about what we want to ask God. As we've learned however, prayer is how we communicate with God not just to God. Any good communication goes both ways. Not only should we be talking but we should also be hearing from God. One word from Him may be the simple answer we needed all along.

JUST BECAUSE YOU WANT TO QUIT DOESN'T MEAN YOU HAVE TO

I know prayer is not always the easiest thing to do, especially if you've been praying for the same thing over and over again. If something isn't working it seems logical to stop trying, right? Well, that's not how prayer works. The more you pray, the stronger you get regardless of the outcome. So I want to encourage you not to give up in this area of your life. Galatians reminds us:

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 NIV
Each prayer you pray is planting a seed of faith that will produce a harvest under one condition: that you don't give up.

Read more at the source - https://www.muyilight.com/search/label/The%20Secrets

The Secret :- The 5 Indicators of an Evil and Wicked Heart
by MuyiLight on August 06, 2017 in The Secrets

Read more at the source -- www.muyilight.com

As Christian counselors, pastors and people helpers we often have a hard time discerning between an evil heart and an ordinary sinner who messes up, who isn’t perfect, and full of weakness and sin.
I think one of the reasons we don’t “see” evil is because we find it so difficult to believe that evil individuals actually exist. We can’t imagine someone deceiving us with no conscience, hurting others with no remorse, spinning outrageous fabrications to ruin someone’s reputation, or pretending he or she is spiritually committed yet has no fear of God before his or her eyes.

The Bible clearly tells us that among God’s people there are wolves that wear sheep’s clothing (Jeremiah 23:14; Titus 1:10; Revelations 2:2). It’s true that every human heart is inclined toward sin (Romans 3:23), and that includes evil (Genesis 8:21; James 1:4). We all miss God’ mark of moral perfection. However, most ordinary sinners do not happily indulge evil urges, nor do we feel good about having them. We feel ashamed and guilty, rightly so (Romans 7:19–21). These things are not true of the evil heart.

Below are five indicators that you may be dealing with an evil heart rather than an ordinary sinful heart. If so, it requires a radically different treatment approach.

1. Evil hearts are experts at creating confusion and contention.

They twist the facts, mislead, lie, avoid taking responsibility, deny reality, make up stories, and withhold information. (Psalms 5:8; 10:7; 58:3; 109:2–5; 140:2; Proverbs 6:13,14; 6:18,19; 12:13; 16:20; 16:27, 28; 30:14; Job 15:35; Jeremiah 18:18; Nehemiah 6:8; Micah 2:1; Matthew 12:34,35; Acts 6:11–13; 2 Peter 3:16)



2. Evil hearts are experts at fooling others with their smooth speech and flattering words.

But if you look at the fruit of their lives or the follow through of their words, you will find no real evidence of godly growth or change. It’s all smoke and mirrors. (Psalms 50:19; 52:2,3; 57:4; 59:7; 101:7; Proverbs 12:5; 26:23–26; 26:28; Job 20:12; Jeremiah 12:6; Matthew 26:59; Acts 6:11–13; Romans 16:17,18; 2 Corinthians 11:13,14; 2 Timothy 3:2–5; 3:13; Titus 1:10,16).

3. Evil hearts crave and demand control, and their highest authority is their own self-reference.

They reject feedback, real accountability, and make up their own rules to live by. They use Scripture to their own advantage but ignore and reject passages that might require self-correction and repentance. (Romans 2:8; Psalms 10; 36:1–4; 50:16–22; 54:5,6; 73:6–9; Proverbs 21:24; Jude 1:8–16).

4. Evil hearts play on the sympathies of good-willed people, often trumping the grace card.

They demand mercy but give none themselves. They demand warmth, forgiveness, and intimacy from those they have harmed with no empathy for the pain they have caused and no real intention of making amends or working hard to rebuild broken trust. (Proverbs 21:10; 1 Peter 2:16; Jude 1:4).

Continue the reading Here -- https://www.muyilight.com/2017/08/the-5-indicators-of-evil-and-wicked.html

RCCG Sunday School Students Manual For February 11th, 2018 Lesson 24 : Topic — Dealing With Addictions
by Adegbola Akanni on February 11, 2018 in Pastor E. A. Adeboye, RCCG Weekly Sunday School Manual

For better understand follow RCCG Sunday School Teachers Manual For February 11th, 2018 Lesson 24 here https://www.muyilight.com/2018/02/rccg-sunday-school-teachers-manual-for.html

TOPIC: Dealing With Addictions

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?

MEMORY VERSE: ‘’Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD." - Isaiah 52:11

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 31:2-7

2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

INTRODUCTION:
Addiction is a compulsive tendency developed over a period of continuous and repeated actions or exposures to a certain substance. It can result in loss of willpower and self-esteem, loss of or shift in focus, social and emotional disconnect, poverty, death, etc. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. Types of addictions
2. Overcoming addictions

TYPES OF ADDICTIONS:
1. Substance Addictions (Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35; Isaiah 5:11-12; 28:7- e. g. drug abuse (cocaine, opioids-heroine, amphetamines, benzodia-zepines), alcoholism, smoking (cigarette, tobacco, marijuana, nicotine), caffeine (coffee, coke, cola), etc.

2. Behavioural or Process Addictions (1Kings 11:4-5; Proverbs 31:3; 1Peter 4:3): This is addiction to mood-altering behaviours such as gambling, sexual activity (masturbation, sex, pornography, etc.), eating disorders, spending, shopping, watching television, etc.

3. Position Addiction is a kind of addiction associated with power, influence and affluence (Proverbs 28:15). Just as with every other type of addictions, the position addict enjoins his power, influence or affluence at the expense of others. Examples are King Saul (1Samuel 19:1; 8-10). And King Hezekiah (Isaiah 39:1-.

OVERCOMING ADDICTIONS:

1. Take a stand. You must first of all acknowledge that addiction is an affliction and you are already caught up in its web. Then, you must be willing to break free from its bondage while acknowledging that you cannot help yourself (Psalm 51:1-4).

2. Seek help (James 5:13-16). You must open up to God (Proverbs 3:4-5; 1Peter 5:7) and to people who can be of help in breaking the evil habit. Surrender yourself for proper screening and therapies (pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and spiritual therapy).

3. Avoid relapse. Relapse is to addiction what backsliding is to sin and its episode is usually worse than before the treatment/deliverance (Matthew 12:43-45; 2Peter 2:20-22).

4. Keep your heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23) and renew it daily (Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:22-23). Addiction is really a battle of the mind.

5. You must avoid exposures to all forms of triggers (1Corinthians 15:33; 2Corinthians 6:15-20; Ephesians 5:11-12).

6. Keep the company of those who can encourage you in your journey to total victory (Hebrews 10:24-25).

CONCLUSION:
Withdrawal from addiction often comes with a myriad of challenges usually referred to as withdrawal syndrome. It is incumbent on the brethren not to cast away (Psalm 38:11) the victim at this critical time but to show him/her love and encouragement until the victory is won (2Timothy 1:15-16; Psalm 133:1-3).

QUESTIONS:
1. What are the types of addiction we have around us?
2. How can one overcome addictions?

For better understand follow RCCG Sunday School Teachers Manual For February 11th, 2018 Lesson 24 here https://www.muyilight.com/2018/02/rccg-sunday-school-teachers-manual-for.html

Open Heavens devotional For 10th February 2018: Saturday by Pastor Adeboye : Topic — Now That You Are Saved IV
by Adegbola Akanni on February 10, 2018 in Daily Devotion, Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Read more daily Devotionals fro www.muyilight.com

Topic: Now That You Are Saved IV

Memorise: “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13

Read: Romans 12:9-10 (KJV)

9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Bible in One Year: Exodus 37-38, Romans 13:8-14:12

MESSAGE

In conclusion of our series on what is expected of you now that you are saved, today we shall be reflecting on brotherly kindness and charity as key ingredients of the Christian life (2 Peter 1:7). What is brotherly kindness? Brotherly kindness is benevolence that springs forth from the heart of a Christian, whose nature has been translated from the darkness of sin and is now conformed to the nature of the Lord Jesus Christ. Brotherly kindness is sincere and does not attach any satanic strings to its gesture. This is the type of kindness our Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated when He was here on earth. It was brotherly kindness that made Him teach the word of God to people who were without purpose in life and feed them with bread when He was done teaching (Mark 6:34-37). This type of kindness made Him acquit the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). Not only did He acquit her, He also liberated her from the hold of sin by declaring over her life: “Go and sin no more”.

Similar to brotherly kindness is charity. Charity is love: God’s type of love. It is pure, untainted and without ulterior motives. This love is void of partiality. Here is how the Holy Spirit describes it in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”.

Considering this special type of love, one would agree that it is indeed the greatest of all ingredients required to build the Christian life. There is one aspect of charity that is worthy of note in 1 Corinthians 13:4, which is that it “rejoiceth not in iniquity”. Many misinterpret charity as being tolerant to sin. It should not be so. Believers, especially those put in charge of the flock of the Great Shepherd, should not mistake discipline for wickedness. As a matter of fact, disciplining a member of the flock who errs is a demonstration of God’s love.

This is the type of love God demonstrated to Adam and Eve by sending them out of the garden of Eden so that their redemption and that of their descendants would not become impossible (Genesis 3:22-24). Mankind would have lived for ever without the remedy of salvation but for God proactively blocking them from eating from the tree of life, which would have perpetuated their state under the curse of sin eternally. I pray that you will not find yourself in an environment where you will not be corrected in the name of love.

Action Point: Reflect on all we have discussed in the past four days and work on every area where you do not yet measure up to stature of the fullness of Christ.


Read more daily Devotionals fro www.muyilight.com

Dunamis Seeds of Destiny Devotional For 9 February 2018 by Pastor Paul Enenche : Topic - Your Passion And Your Preservation
by Adegbola Akanni on February 09, 2018 in Daily Devotion, Pastor Paul Enenche

Read more Devotional at the source - www.muyilight.com

Topic: Your Passion And Your Preservation

Scripture: Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.Psalm 91:9-10

Thought For The Day: No one can waste the life of a God chaser.

Like we saw previously, in our world today, people are being driven by different passions. Some are driven into sin, and consequently destruction by their passions. However, it is important to note again that passion for God is the most profitable passion in life and eternity.

Today, we are going to see more profits of passion for God.

1. Your passion for God determines your protection by God. David was passionate for God (Psalms 63:1-6) and in Psalms 23:4, he said, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

No one can waste the life of a God chaser. You cannot be pursuing God and the devil is successfully pursuing you unto destruction (Isaiah 43:1-4).

2. Your passion for God determines your prominence in life. Daniel was passionate for God (Daniel 6:10) and he was the most prominent personality in the Babylonian and Medio-Persian Empires (Daniel 6:1-3). You cannot be obscure if you are passionate for God. Isaiah 60:1, says, Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

People who were passionate for God in scripture – Joseph, David, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Daniel etc., were prominent in their generations. They put God first and they could not come last in their generation.

Beloved, pursue God consistently, and the things the world is struggling for would struggle for you.

Remember this: No one can waste the life of a God chaser.

Assignment (S):

1. Make your daily fellowship with God a priority. Pray, worship God and study the Scripture before you begin your daily activity.

2. Make demands on the preservation Power of God over your life, family, and career.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: PASSION FOR GOD

Prayer: Father, I thank You for Your help in my life. Give me the grace O Lord, to worship and serve You with passion. My life is in Your Hands Lord. My life cannot be cut short and I cannot be small in life, in Jesus’ Name.

Daily Reading: Exodus 29:1 to 30:10, Matthew 26:14 to 46, Psalm 31:19 to 24, Proverbs 8:14 to 26

Quote: What you do not seek after, you are not permitted to find. Culled from 10 PRINCIPAL SECRETS OF PRINCIPAL PEOPLE by Dr Paul Enenche.

Amazing Fact: A giraffe can clean its own ears with its 21-inch tongue.

Today In History: 09/02/1996 – Copernicium was first discovered.

Don’t Forget To Attend: The Home Church meeting by 6:00pm tomorrow at a Home Church near you. Also invite your friends and neighbours. God bless you as you do so.

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.

Read more Devotional at the source - www.muyilight.com

Thought For Today February 8, 2018: Topic - How Will You Be Remembered?
by Adegbola Akanni on February 08, 2018 in Thought For Today

Read more Devotional and Inspirational messages at the source -- www.muyilight.com

How Will You Be Remembered?

Acts 9:36-39

"In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!" Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them."

Thoughts for Today:

My grandmother was from a little town in the panhandle of Oklahoma called Guymon. She was an incredibly godly woman, and on her 90th birthday our family had a party for her -- I think the whole town turned out -- there were probably 5,000 people in attendance. As I walked around the community center (the only place large enough for that many people) person after person come up to me to share some story of my grandmother -- usually related to something she had done for them. I had no idea my sweet, unassuming, joyful grandmother had so much respect and admiration from the entire town.

When I read the story of Dorcas from our passage today, I thought of my grandmother -- of all the people who spoke about the things she had done and the difference she had made in their lives. What about Dorcas -- what was so important about her that she would be so greatly missed? The answer: she was "always doing good and helping the poor" as well as making "robes and other clothing." Like my grandmother, Dorcas was not the mayor of the town, nor the pastor of the church. She was just one godly person serving other people, one at a time -- in what some people might consider an insignificant position. My point is that what you are doing may not seem all that important or significant, but the value can be immeasurable.

Questions to Ponder:

Have you held back Christian service because you felt you needed some great mission before you got started? Have you looked at Jesus' example lately? He did not come to be served but to serve. If you want your life to be significant you must first strive for what might seem to be insignificant, unrecognized and humble service. Have you been asked to serve recently and declined because you thought it was beneath your ability? Does your humility need a checkup? Where can you begin?

Read more Devotional and Inspirational messages at the source -- www.muyilight.com

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL For February 7, 2018 : Topic - DON’T ASK FOR STRENGTH…DECLARE STRENGTH .
by Adegbola Akanni on February 07, 2018 in Daily Devotion, RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

Read more Devotionals at www.muyilight.com

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DON’T ASK FOR STRENGTH…DECLARE STRENGTH .
Wednesday, February 7th , 2018
Pastor Chris

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man (Ephesians 3:14-16).
The Apostle Paul had such a beautiful and powerful understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Consider His prayer in our theme scripture; notice that he wasn’t praying for himself, but for the church at Ephesus, that they be strengthened with might in their inner man by the Holy Spirit. He prayed thus for them because he knew that’s the level in which the Christian ought to function. He was already functioning at that level; recall in Philippians 4:13, he said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Have you come to know Him as your strength? Have you recognised Him as the strength of your life? David said in Psalm 27:1, “…the Lord is the strength of my life….” As your strength, you have nothing to fear; no impossibilities; no limitations; you triumph always, in every situation.
Affirm always that the Lord is your strength; that’s the language of the spiritually mature. Don’t ask God for strength; affirm He’s your strength. Declare, “I’ve been invigorated with might for every task. I can do all things through Christ who is my strength.”

Yes, before you received the Gospel, you may have been weak and timid, giving up easily and unable to face challenges. But thanks be unto God! The Bible says, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6). Now, you’re turned on from within, by His divine power! You’re bold and courageous; audacious in faith.

Read more daily Devotionals at the source www.muyilught.com

The Secret: The 20 Amazing Bible Verses about God’s Power We Need To Know
by Adegbola Akanni on November 29, 2017 in The Secrets

Read more secrets here at www.muyilight.com

Also Read: The 7 Powerful. Ways To Hear From God
Contimplating the power of God is something that can benefit all believers. Whenwe meditate on the fact that God is all powerful, we are reasurred that he is in control and that we don’t have to be. Here are 20 verses to draw your gaze to the power of the Almighty. May these verses encourage your walk, strengthen your faith and guide your prayers today.
1. God is solid – 2 Samuel 22:33

“For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God is my strong fortress, and he makes my way perfect.” 2 Samuel 22:33

2. None can withstand God – 2 Chronicles 20:6

“And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD before the new court and said, “O LORD God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.”” 2 Chronicles 20:6
3. God created everything through his power – Job 26:7-14
“God stretches the northern sky over empty space and hangs the earth on nothing. He wraps the rain in his thick clouds, and the clouds don’t burst with the weight. He covers the face of the moon, shrouding it with his clouds. He created the horizon when he separated the waters: he set the boundary between day and night. The foundations of heaven tremble; they shudder at his rebuke. By his power the sea grew calm. By his skill he crushed the great sea monster. His Spirit made the heavens beautiful, and his power pierced the gliding serpent. These are just the beginning of all that he does, merely a whisper of his power. Who, then, can comprehend the thunder of his power?” Job 26:7-14


Also Read: The 13 Scriptures to Meditate on When Your Future Is Uncertain
4. God’s power is to be proclaimed – Psalm 71:18

“Now that I am old and grey, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.” Psalm 71:18

5. God is the ultimate authority – Romans 13:1

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” Romans 13:1

6. God numbers the stars – Psalm 147:4-5

“He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.” Psalm 147:4-5

7. God has power over the weather – Jeremiah 10:12-13

“But God made the earth by his power, and he preserves it by his wisdom. With his own understanding he stretched out the heavens. When he speaks in the thunder, the heavens roar with rain. He causes the clouds to rise over the earth. He sends the lightning with the rain and releases the wind from his storehouses.” Jeremiah 10:12-13

8. God’s power is seen in the Scriptures – Matthew 22:29

“Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God.”” Matthew 22:29

Continue reading from here https://www.muyilight.com/2017/11/the-secret-20-amazing-bible-verses.html

DCLM Daily Manna Devotional 5 February, 2018 by Pastor Kumuyi : Topic – Weighed And Found Wanting
by Adegbola Akanni on February 05, 2018 in Daily Devotion, Pastor Kumuyi Devotional

Read more Devotionals on www.muyilight.com

Topic: Weighed And Found Wanting

Text: Jeremiah 7:16-28 (KJV)

Key Verse: "Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee” (Jeremiah 7:16)

MESSAGE:

“When God measures a person, He places the measuring-tape around the heart and not the mind” – Augustine (early Christian theologian and philosopher).

God told Prophet Jeremiah in the Bible passage under consideration not to bother himself praying for Israel because He would not answer. Thus, their access to God was effectively blocked because of their idolatry. The indictment was brought upon all Israelites including fathers, mothers and children who offered sacrifices to the queen of heaven and to other deities. In his fury, God threatened judgment that would completely devastate the land and wipe out even the trees and vegetation. Their attempt to invoke His blessings through animal sacrifices was useless because God demands obedience rather than sacrifice.

Israel’s existence and continued progress depended on the presence of God in their midst to deliver them from surrounding stronger nations who opposed and often attacked them. They have had outcomes of battles miraculously decided in their favour because God fought for them. They had enjoyed much favour through His help, usually secured through prayers offered by their priests and prophets. With that avenue of getting divine help now blocked, the road became wide open for the predicted Babylonian captivity to take effect.

We should be careful not to turn around to the sins we left behind. Allowing the old sins to come back in any form attracts God’s judgment. This accounts for the difficulty some unstable believers are having today in securing answers to their prayers because access to the throne of mercy and grace where prayers are answered will be denied once sin is accommodated. The way to restore divine pleasure is through repentance, cleansing and obedience to God.

Thought For The Day: Backsliding will deny you access to God.

Bible Reading in a Year: Exodus 19-21.

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.

Read more Devotionals on www.muyilight.com

RCCG Sunday School Students Manual For February 4th, 2018 Lesson 23 : Topic — Christianity And Socialisation
by Adegbola Akanni on February 04, 2018 in Pastor E. A. Adeboye, RCCG Weekly Sunday School Manu

Follow teacher's manual for better understanding here -- https://www.muyilight.com/2018/02/rccg-sunday-school-teachers-manual-4.html

TOPIC: Christianity And Socialisation

MEMORY VERSE: "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand." - Philippians 4:5

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 6:12-13

12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.

INTRODUCTION:

To socialise simply means "to talk to and do things with other people in a friendly way". There are various ways of socialising, ranging from relating with people in the immediate environment, to getting involved in governance and community development activities. Christian socialisation cuts across recreation, social interaction, cultural activities and political issues. While there may be diverse opinions on the extent of the involvement of Christians In social issues, it should be noted that moderation should be the watch word.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. Biblical instances of socialisation

2. Worldly perspective verses biblical perspectives

BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF SOCIALISATION

Jesus Christ and His disciples attended a wedding ceremony at Cana of Galilee (John 2:1-2). He dined with Zacchaeus in his house (Luke 19:5). He was a friend to the family of Lazarus, Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) and also paid them condolence visit (John 11:33-35). He and His disciples also participated in the Feast of Passover (Mark 14:12-14; Exodus 12:24-27). Apostel Paul interacted with diverse classes of people for the sake of the Gospel in order to win some (1Corinthians 9:19-23). Daniel was involved in the political administration of land in his days (Daniel 1:18-21; 6:1-3).

WORLDLY PERSPECTIVE VERSES BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES

Christians cannot live in isolation in this present world. However, we must know when and how to draw the line between worldly (sinful) and acceptable (holy) socialisations.

For instance, Christians are expected to recreate (1Timothy 4: but visiting bar/beer joints and night clubs for recreation are unacceptable. Christians should avoid participating or feasting at occasions where idols are celebrated (1Corinthians 10:28). Modernised carnivals with satanic undertones and other places where Christian integrity is questionable should also be avoided (1Corinthians 8:10-11; 10:19-21). Watching of immoral movies, listening to/singing of ungodly music and wearing seductive apparels in the name of socialisation are also ungodly things Christians must avoid (Philippians 4:5; 1Corinthians 8:8-11).

While getting involved in secular activities, Christians should watch out and abstain from things that can make them compromise their faith (Philippians 4:.

CONCLUSION:

Whatsoever we do to socialise should be to the glory of God and edification of the saints (1Corinthians 10:31). Christians are to show moderation in socialinteractions.

Follow teacher's manual for better understanding here -- https://www.muyilight.com/2018/02/rccg-sunday-school-teachers-manual-4.html

QUESTIONS:

1. Mention three biblical instances of socialisation.

2. Distinguish between worldly and godly socialisations.

Sunday School Hymn

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

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord's day, Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and 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?


Follow teacher's manual for better understanding here -- https://www.muyilight.com/2018/02/rccg-sunday-school-teachers-manual-4.html

Seven scriptural steps to success
by Adegbola Akanni on December 07, 2017 in Daily Devotion, The Secrets, UCB Devotional

Read more of this kind of messages at www.muyilight.com

Seven scriptural steps to success

7 DECEMBER 2017
‘He was…successful…because he obeyed the LORD.’
2 Chronicles 31:21 CEV

Here are seven scriptural steps to success in life:

1) Put God first. He wants you to succeed; what good parent wouldn’t? So work on your relationship with Him. ‘Acquaint now thyself with him…thereby good shall come unto thee’ (Job 22:21 KJV).

2) Help others to become successful. ‘Whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord’ (Ephesians 6:8 KJV). Don’t just be interested in yourself, become interested in others too.



3) Create a climate of confidence around you. As long as you keep speaking words of doubt, you’ll never experience victory. Remind yourself that your ‘sufficiency is of God’ (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV).

4) Stay informed. ‘A wise man will hear and increase in learning’ (Proverbs 1:5 NASB). Observe, read, and grow. If you’re willing to pay money for a good meal but not for a good book, perhaps you value your appetite more than your intellect.

5) Visualise yourself attaining your goal. Think and talk in success pictures. Moses did that: ‘He had his eye on the One no eye can see, and kept right on going’ (Hebrews 11:27 MSG).

6) Write down your plan and establish deadlines. Make a detailed list of required activities, and set checkpoints. Guard your mind and prioritise your time. ‘Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get’ (Ephesians 5:16 MSG).

7) Set a realistic goal. And work towards it one priority at a time. Many things in life fail for one reason – broken focus. So avoid distractions: ‘A double minded man is unstable’ (James 1:8 KJV). If you do these seven things, you’ll succeed in life.

Read more of this kind of messages at www.muyilight.com

Catholic Daily Reflections For February 2, 2018: Topic - Fulfilling Our Mission
by Adegbola Akanni on February 02, 2018 in Catholic Daily Reflections, Daily Devotion

Read more Devotionals at the source -- www.muyilight.com

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32

We celebrate, today, the glorious event of Jesus being presented in the Temple by Mary and Joseph. Simeon, a “righteous and devout” man, had been waiting for this moment throughout his life. The passage above is what he spoke when the moment finally arrived.

This is a profound statement that came from a humble and faith-filled heart. Simeon was saying something like this: “Lord of Heaven and earth, my life is now complete. I’ve seen Him. I’ve held Him. He is the one. He is the Messiah. There is nothing more I need in life. My life is fulfilled. I am now ready to die. My life has reached its purpose and culmination.”

Simeon, like any other ordinary human being, would have had many experiences in life. He would have had many ambitions and goals. Many things he worked hard for. So for him to say that he was now ready to “go in peace” simply means that the purpose of his life was fulfilled and that all he has worked for and striven for has come to culmination in this moment.

That’s saying a lot! But it’s really a great witness for us in our daily lives and gives us an example of what we should strive for. We see in this experience of Simeon that life must be about encountering Christ and fulfilling our purpose in accord with God’s plan. For Simeon, that purpose, revealed to him through the gift of his faith, was to receive the Christ Child in the temple at His presentation and to then consecrate this Child to the Father in accordance with the law.
What is your mission and purpose in life? It will not be the same as Simeon but it will have similarities. God has a perfect plan for you that He will reveal to you in faith. This calling and purpose will ultimately be about you receiving Christ in the temple of your heart and then praising and worshiping Him for all to see. It will take on a unique form in accord with the will of God for your life. But it will be as significant and important as Simeon’s calling, and will be integral to the entire divine plan of salvation for the world.

Reflect, today, upon your own calling and mission in life. Don’t miss your call. Don’t miss your mission. Continue to listen, anticipate, and act in faith as that plan unfolds so that you, too, may one day rejoice and “go in peace” confident that this calling has been fulfilled.

Lord, I am Your servant. I seek Your will. Help me to respond to You in faith and openness and help me to say “Yes” to You so that my life will achieve the purpose for which I was made. I thank You for the witness of Simeon and pray that I, too, will one day rejoice that my life has been fulfilled. Jesus, I trust in You.

Read more Devotionals at the source -- www.muyilight.com

Thought For Today February 1, 2018: Topic - A Strategic Exit -- Getting Back on Plan
by Adegbola Akanni on February 01, 2018 in Thought For Today


A Strategic Exit -- Getting Back on Plan

Acts 9:23-25

"After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him, but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall."

Thoughts for Today:

The Jews were completely baffled -- here was Saul, their number one persecutor of the new Christian movement, who was now preaching, teaching and proving that "Jesus is the Christ" (verse 9:22). They were having difficulty arguing his message so they did the next best thing -- they tried to kill the messenger. Fortunately, Paul's followers saved his life by taking him at night and lowering him in a basket, through a hole in the city wall in order to escape to Jerusalem.

It is interesting to me that the Book of Acts does not speak about mass conversions to Christianity as a result of Saul's preaching in Damascus (unlike Phillip in Samaria). I think the reason for this lies in verse 9:15 -- the Lord's instruction was for Saul to first carry the Lord's Name before the Gentiles, then their kings, and lastly the Jews. Saul began with the Jews, and as so often happens when we try to work for the Lord rather than doing the Lord's work -- it was a disaster. No one was converted -- they just wanted to kill him. God didn't want Saul in Damascus preaching to the Jews -- He wanted him somewhere else -- back on God's plan not Saul's plan.

Questions to Ponder:

Our own power or God's power -- how do we know the difference? I was speaking with one of the leaders of our Men's Community a few Saturdays ago, thanking him for the great job that he and his team had done of organizing the sign-ins and collection of money for our breakfast. His response will tell you the answer to the "my power or God's power" question. He said, "It was easy, I'm good at it and I enjoy doing it." The result was overall success -- the sign-in process was smooth and efficient.

When we use our talents and gifts (his was organizational skill) according to God's will, the result will always seem effortless and exceed the expectations of those around us. What have your results been recently? If you are having difficulty in Christian service you might want to consider where you are doing your will instead of God's will

Source -- www.muyilight.com

The Secret : The 10 Powerful Verses from Isaiah to Help You Fight Fear and Find Hope in Jesus
by Adegbola Akanni on www.muyilight.com

Many of the most popular and frequently quoted Bible verses we hear or read are from the powerful book of Isaiah. 66 chapters are filled with such reminders of who God is and how He’s still with us today. We can find strength from the truth that His word never changes. We can find faith over the stronghold of fear that tries to hold us back in a cycle of worry. We can find an anchor in Jesus our Savior to hold us secure in changing times.
And what Isaiah penned so many years ago through God’s leading, is hope, real hope, that flows through its pages, offering us assurance in a world that often seems dark and uncertain.

The book of Isaiah has several main themes that run through the chapters:
It reflects on God’s holiness and calls his people to repentance.
It prophecies of the coming Messiah, who He is, and what He’s called to do. It tells us of the salvation we can find in Christ alone.
It shares the hope we’re offered through the gift of God’s Son, who promises comfort for the weary, deliverance from sin, restoration in the midst of brokenness, and courage when we face fear.
If you find yourself needing a boost of encouragement and hope today, or help fighting fear and worries that surround, here’s a few truths to focus on…
10 Verses from Isaiah to Help Us Fight Fear and Find Hope in Jesus:

1. ISAIAH 43:1-3

God reminds us not to fear. Over and over again, He gives us promises of what He’s done, and continues to do, on our behalf. We have no reason to give way to worry when God is the One who fights for us. He’s redeemed us. He’s called us by name. He’s always with us no matter what we face. He brings us through every hard place and through the deep waters:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” - Isaiah 43:1-3

2. ISAIAH 41:10

This verse is a go-to for many to recite when fears rise and weakness feels insurmountable. When that happens, speaking the Truth of God to ourselves is critical, and this verse in Isaiah reminds us of powerful truth: God is with us, He is for us, He will strengthen us, he will help and uphold us.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

3. ISAIAH 40:30-31

Often weariness and fear go hand in hand. We get down and discouraged, and anxiety can take over. But when we place our hope in God, He promises to renew us and give us the strength we desperately need when we are weary:
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”Isaiah 40:30-31

4. ISAIAH 43:18-19

God alone has the power to make a way where there seems to be no way. We don’t have to stay stuck in the past or fear the future. He reminds us not to dwell on what’s behind us, but brings us into new places, and opens up doors that may otherwise be impossible to walk through:
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19

Click here to follow and discover other Secrets to know as Christian

5. ISAIAH 54:10

Just over this year we’ve heard story after story of destruction and tragic events that have caused huge suffering and pain for many. We may begin to wonder where God is in it all. Yet He reminds us that no matter what happens in this world, His love over us will not be shaken, and His covenant of peace will never be removed. That alone should give us huge security when times feel shaky and we struggle through brokenness. Though we may still “feel” fear, it doesn’t have to control us. Our faith in God is powerful and He holds us steady and secure:
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10

6. ISAIAH 58:11

This verse is such a helpful verse for the day-to-day needs and decisions all of us must make. Reminding ourselves daily that God will guide us and satisfy our needs can quiet our souls when we feel like the entire world depends on us making the right choice or decision. We are like well-watered gardens, thriving under the care of our Master Gardener.
“The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11

7. ISAIAH 60:1-2

Through every day, His hope still rises strong. His Spirit within us shines brightly in a world that can seem dark much of the time. We may not always see it, we not always know we’re making a difference, we may succumb more to worry than peace at times, but God’s Presence over us and in us, is powerful in this life. Be assured, His light will never be put out by the darkness. He is always greater.
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.” Isaiah 60:1-2

8. ISAIAH 9:16

Throughout the chapters of this great book, Isaiah points us to our Savior, the Messiah, Christ the King, Emmanuel. Through the gift of Jesus and the price He paid on the cross for us, we can find hope, deliverance, healing, and purpose for our lives. He alone is the One who can set us free from the stronghold of fear and sin. He alone holds the power to renew our days and give us peace.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

9. ISAIAH 53:5

The gospel isn’t only for those who need salvation and then put away and never remembered – we need reminding of the gospel each day. We need reminding of the price that was paid for our freedom and our eternal life. All of Scripture speaks to our need for a Savior to save us from our sins, and this verse in Isaiah is a visceral reminder of the length God went to rescue His beloved children. Thank you Jesus, that by your wounds we are healed!
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

Click here to follow and discover other Secrets to know as Christian at www.muyilight.com

10. ISAIAH 61:1-3

Jesus reads this passage of Isaiah in the synagogue on the Sabbath in Luke 4. He was aware of his anointing and knows his Messianic calling, to proclaim the good news of God’s grace to us: the poor, the brokenhearted, the captive and prisoner. He came to bring comfort and joy to those who mourn and despair. In Jesus, the power of our greatest fears is vanquished and we find peace and rest.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:1-3

Read more secrets on www.muyilight.com