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DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 6/7/2017

Love Fervently With Pure Heart

1 Pet. 1: 22-25

Every born-again Christian was once deep in sin with a deceitful heart. The goal of the death of Jesus on the cross is to deliver those who come to Him from the power of sin, to purify their hearts and to make them worthy of entering the kingdom of heaven. The fruit of being saved is expected in the lives of those who have been saved. God expects the saved ones to love one another with sincere love coming from pure hearts. But there are still those who, though they profess to be Christians, have not surrendered their hearts to be thoroughly purged of sin. This is often the reason why there is little of genuine love in the church, there are so many prayers unanswered, and unbelievers cannot see much difference between themselves and many so-called Christians.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: God demands from Christian genuine love from a pure heart

PRAYER POINT: Holy Ghost fire, consume all seeds of sin which defile my heart.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 5/7/2017

Keep Yourself Pure

1 Tim. 5:17-25

The epistle of 1 Timothy was written to Timothy – the Pastor of the church. The instructions are however not for ministers only but for all believers. There are people within the congregation who live double lives – public life of apparent holiness, but secret life of sin. When exposed, such people seek for sympathisers so that they are not shamed. Those who endorse their lifestyle become partakers in their sin. Any heaven bound Christian will be careful not to give support to sin. The church is not a place for politics where one would support another person blindly. The Christian needs to keep himself pure, and not to be a partaker of someone else’s sin. There are people who appear pure, but whose sin will be revealed at the throne of judgment.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: Do not share in other people’s sin, keep yourself pure.

PRAYER POINT: I refuse to share in other people’s sin; I receive wisdom to keep myself pure.

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Mon. 3/7/2017

Purity of Heart Needed In God’s Holy Place

Ps. 24:1-6

Notwithstanding the fact that some people do not believe that God exists or that He is relevant in the events happening in the world, the Scripture declares that the whole world and all the people who dwell in it belong to Him. Man’s belief or lack of belief in His existence does not diminish His claim to the ownership of creation. There are prerequisites to having personal relationship with God or making requests. God is pure and demands that those who would relate with Him must possess pure hearts. Human relationships rely mostly on external appearances, but God looks deeper into the heart of man. Without a pure heart, a person cannot enjoy fellowship with God neither can a person approach the presence of God. In essence, anyone without a pure heart is not a member of the commonwealth of God’s children.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: You cannot draw near to God without a pure heart.

PRAYER POINT: I pray that the blood of Jesus will cleanse my heart and make me worthy to come into God’s presence.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Sat. 1/7/2017

Mercy Preserves

Lam.3:21-23; Act 9:36-41

Many believer sometimes are so confident and make boast of the long hours they spend in prayers, or the number of vigils, fasting and commitment to self-disciplines they have subjected themselves to. Our preservation and salvation from destruction is not dependent on self-righteousness, it is a function of God’s mercy and grace. The testimony about Dorcas is that of a believer who was always doing kind things for others, especially for the poor. Giving to the poor is lending unto God. He is not unfaithful to owe any man. Good deeds will not only preserve a man, hopeless situations and the valley of dry bones in a life can still become great and mighty army due to investments made by showing mercy.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: There is no hopeless situation for anyone who shows mercy.

PRAYER POINT: Holy Spirit, I receive help to be sensitive to the needs of the people around me and I receive divine supplies to meet such needs in the name of Jesus Christ.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 29/6/2017

Making a Difference

Jude 1:22-23; 1 Cor. 9:19-23

Crave for evangelism, soul-winning and intercession for the unsaved in the heart of each believer is a signal, a measure and a pointer to the content and genuineness of mercy the believer possesses and professes to have. The heart of mercy should drive every genuine believer into the act of intercession on bended kneels for the lost. We must rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still many to whom we need to show mercy with every sense of urgency (Jude 23). There is a very great opportunity to make a difference in these difficult times by our compassion for the unsaved. Mercy on the lost driven out of compassion made the Apostle Paul to state that “I am made all things to all men”. This should drive every believer too to seek the salvation of some by any possible godly means.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: Intercession for the lost is an act of mercy.

PRAYER POINT: In the name of Jesus, I receive a fresh burden to reach out to the unsaved.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 28/6/2017

Mercy Preserves from Judgment

Jam. 2:12-13

One of the blessings of showing mercy to others is that God’s mercy will win out over His judgment towards us. If God’s mercy can prevail over His judgment, how much more the verdicts or judgment the wicked ones might have cast over those who show mercy. These scriptures reveal that showing mercy is a seed planted, which has a due season for harvests. The harvest of mercy is manifested by the annulment of any form of punishment that was due to such who shows mercy. Therefore as believers, we must not be tired or wearied in well doing, even when it looks like it doesn’t pay or our acts of mercy are not recognized. God’s judgment was certain upon the disobedient human race before Jesus brought mercy for the forgiveness of the sins of the people.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: Showing mercy to others is like a seed that is planted and has its season of harvest. Never be tired of sowing the seed of mercy.

PRAYER POINT: As I sow in mercy, every pronounced or written judgment against me is turned around for my good, in the name of Jesus Christ.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Mon. 26/6/2017

“Sell All Your Possessions”

Lk. 18:18-23; Exo. 16:16-20

It is the will of God that His children greatly prosper and be blessed with the wealth of the earth. In these last days, God will command the wealth of the nations into the hand of His people (Isa 2:2-3). “But whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God” (Jam. 1:17). Believers are only custodians and caretakers of divine wealth. Jesus had instructed the ruler what to do with his wealth. Jesus knew everything about his secret life, he knew the things he held in high esteem and he knew what his priorities were. The revolution of materialism and battle for survival in some quarters will produce in a lot of people greed, self-centeredness and selfishness. Believers must watch out, else, we lose our focus on heaven, If we desire to be rich towards God (Lk. 12:21, 33-34), we must begin to pity the poor (Prov. 19:17).



POINT OF EMPHASIS: Giving out to the poor is an act of mercy. In so doing we are storing up treasures in heaven.

PRAYER POINT: Dear father of grace, help me to fix my eye on You. Deliver me from greed, and selfishness.

BLESSINGS FOR THOSE WHO HUNGER FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

Quarter’s Theme: CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE

Unit 1: Our Spiritual Condition (Lessons 1-4)

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 154, 243

Devotional Reading: ISA. 55:1-7

Topic For Adults

MAKE RIGHTEOUSNESS YOUR TOPMOST PRIORITY

Topic For Youths

SECURE YOUR DESTINY WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS

Topic For Intermediates

LIVE TO PLEASE GOD

Scripture Lesson

ROM. 3:20-26; 1 TIM. 6:7-12; MATT. 5:6

MEMORY VERSE

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matt. 6: 33 (NKJV)


BACKGROUND

The foundational requirement for all godly living is to hunger and thirst after righteousness. To thirst and hunger after righteousness is one of the most important issues in the sermon delivered by Jesus on the ‘Beatitudes’. The spiritual condition of Christians will depend on how they thirst and hunger after righteousness. It is important for you to commit this week’s lesson to heart in order not to be destroyed by worldly anxiety and deceit.

NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: RIGHTEOUSNESS THROUGH FAITH (ROM. 3:20-26)

No one can achieve right standing with God by trying to obey His commandments. The carnal nature is too weak to obey all the commandments of God. Everyone has sinned and come short of the glory which God bestows. The sword of God’s judgment hangs on every person who sins. To help man escape the impending judgment, God has made a way available for man to fulfil His demands – through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The righteousness that can save is that imputed on the Christian through the atoning death of Jesus. Some people trust in their own righteousness because they are morally better than other people around them. Others trust in their religious activities. But our righteousness is like filthy rag before God (Isa. 64:6).

PART 2: PURSUE RIGHTEOUSNESS (1 TIM. 6:7-12)

One of the problems plaguing the society is the love of money, which is making many people do ungodly things. Many believers have forsaken the faith in Jesus to pursue wealth, fame, power and pleasure. At the same time they assume they are still in right standing with God. Righteousness regulates one’s ways of life; it is not a topic for debate, but a lifestyle. Righteousness does not happen by accident; people do not become righteous because there is an irresistible force coming upon them. The one who will be righteous must strongly desire to become righteous. He needs to hunger and thirst after righteousness. He needs to get fed up with living the life of sin, and pant after righteousness as a deer pants for water after a long chase. While others pursue worldly and temporal blessings, the Christian should pursue righteousness.

PART 3: BLESSINGS OF SEEKING RIGHTEOUS-NESS (MATT. 5:6)

Worldly acquisition and achievements give temporary satisfaction. The thirst for satisfaction is assuaged only for a short time. This is the reason why men run from pillar to post desiring more and more things to quench this thirst. Those who make money their ultimate goal never acquire enough; those who desire posi-tion and power never get enough; those who pursue pleasure never get complete satisfaction. In the end, the experience can be summarised as “it is all vanity and grasping for the wind” (Eccl. 2:26; Jn. 4:13).

God ensures that the person who thirsts after righteousness is satisfied. God fills him with the living water such that he will no longer thirst. The person is filled with the Holy Spirit in such a measure that He becomes a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life (Jn. 4: 14). The satisfaction a man is look-ing for cannot be obtained by accumu-lating more wealth, objects; etc. The void inside each individual person cannot be satisfactorily filled with material things or achievement, but by God Himself.

Another blessing for the righteous is that of being at peace with God. Anyone who has forsaken righteousness lacks this peace and is like a weed tossed to and fro by the waves of the sea. The one who has peace with God does not need to fear any opposition or attack from the wicked.

CONCLUSION

A Christian should have his priority right; he needs to take righteousness as number one on his priority list. In the world where all around him have chosen unrighteousness in order to enjoy the goodies of the world, the Christian should be committed to living a righteous life. God will reward the righteous with satisfaction and all other things the unrighteous are running after.

QUESTIONS

Why does the carnal nature lack the power to obey God?

What is the only way available for man to be righteous?

Explain why righteousness doesn’t happen by accident.

Why are people who pursue worldly acquisition not satisfied but those who thirst after righteousness are?

Mention the blessings for those who hunger and thirst after righteousness?

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Fri. 23/6/2017

Exceed Righteousness of Scribes

Matt. 5:17-20

There is the natural resistance to obeying rules and regulations. Man wants to range free and not be constrained by God’s commandments. Jesus’ disciples would have loved to be free of following the laws which God had given. But Jesus made it clear that He had not come to abolish the laws. The laws were meant to lead man to righteous living. Rather than relax the laws, Jesus made His disciples to know that He was calling them to a higher order of righteousness than the laws demands. The scribes and Pharisees loved to teach people the law, but they were not willing to submit themselves to obeying the laws. God is not interested in playing religion; He demands that those who call the name of the Lord should depart from iniquity and put into practice all that laws demand. The righteousness of the Christian should go beyond verbal profession.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: The righteousness of the Christian should go beyond verbal acclamation.

PRAYER POINT: Father, establish us in practical righteous living.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 22/6/2017

Follow After Righteousness

Isa. 51:1-3

The righteous has a model to look up to – Abraham. Abraham was called from a pagan background; he had an unshakable faith in God that was credited to him as righteousness. His life so much pleased God that He made a covenant with him; the covenant is still valid till today. The covenant resulted not only in blessing for Abraham, but also in a blessing to all nations of the earth through Abraham. The righteous has the privilege of looking at how God dealt with Abraham as an example of what God does for those who choose to live righteous lives. God promises to comfort those who choose righteousness, turn their desert into gardens of the Lord where joy and gladness will be found. Since God fulfilled His promise to Abraham, He is committed to fulfilling His promises to the righteous.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: God blessed Abraham because Abraham was righteous.

PRAYER POINT: I overcome every challenge that wants to undermine my faith; I will grow in righteousness in Jesus’ name.

18/6/2017 LESSON 3

BLESSINGS FOR THE MEEK

Quarter’s Theme: CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE

Unit 1: Our Spiritual Condition (Lessons 1-4)

(RESPONSIBILITY MONTHS)

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 75, 259

Devotional Reading: GAL. 5:22-26

Topic For Adults

HUMBLE YOURSELF BEFORE GOD

Topic For Youths

DON’T ASSOCIATE WITH THE PROUD

Topic For Intermediates

IMITATE JESUS, BE MEEK

Scripture Lesson

GAL. 5:17-23; MATT. 11:28-30; 5:5; PS. 22:26; 147:6; 149:4



MEMORY VERSE

But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Ps. 37:11 (NKJV)



BACKGROUND

Another requirement to enjoy the abundant blessings of God is meekness which is the focus of this week’s lesson. Meekness means gentleness, restraint coupled with strength and courage to possess humble submission. The information therein is to make the kingdom people be in their proper position to relate with fellow believers and unbelievers as well.



NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: MEEKNESS, FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT (GAL. 5:17-23)

The same word is translated as, humility or gentleness depending on which translation of the Bible one reads. This attribute is only possible for a person that is filled with the Holy Spirit as it is part of the fruit of the Spirit. A person without the Holy Spirit may pretend to be meek, but it is certain that those who are in the flesh cannot please God (Rom. 6:. It is not natural for a person that has not accepted the lordship of Jesus Christ to conduct himself meekly. The natural man strives to please God, but the power of carnality makes the effort futile. The Holy Spirit deals with the power of carnal nature in a person who has surrendered his life to the lordship of Jesus Christ and empowers the Christian to bear the fruit of the Spirit.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not optional for a Christian who wants to please God; it is imperative. The fruit of the Holy Spirit, rather than the gift of the Holy Spirit, is the sure sign of being right with God. The gift of the Spirit can still manifest when a person has backslidden.



PART 2: IMITATORS OF CHRIST IN MEEKNESS (MATT. 11:28-30)

Jesus Christ assured His hearers that whatever testimony He bore about Himself is true. God the Father also testified that Jesus is His beloved Son in whom He is well pleased. So man can accept His testimony as being true and reliable. His testimony about Himself is that He is “gentle and lowly in heart”. He demonstrated His meekness throughout His incarnation: He came into the world through very humble parents; He shied away from any form of publicity throughout His ministry; He laid aside His importance as part of the God-head to serve His disciples and humankind; He surrendered His life to die for man on the cross; He did not seek revenge on those who crucified Him. His lifestyle is an example for believers to follow. We are too consumed by the sense of our importance. Many have abandoned the narrow path of meekness to follow the highway of self-glorification. Today, He still calls us to take His yoke upon us an to learn from Him, for He is gentle and lowly in heart.



PART 3: BLESSINGS IN MEEKNESS (MATT. 5:5; PS. 22:26;147:6; 149:4)

The world may despise those who are meek, but God calls them blessed. One of the blessings for the meek is “rest for your souls”. Many souls are troubled because of the strife they have been drawn into while they walk the path of self-glorification and disobedience to God’s commands. The meek have peace with God and with those around them. They may appear not to possess much on the earth, yet their heavenly Father declares that they will inherit the earth. God also blesses them with satisfaction; their hearts are full of praise to God because of the abundance He gives them. At God’s own time, He lifts up the meek and makes them to dine with the rulers of the world. God beautifies the meek with salvation – eternal salvation from the torment of hell and temporal salvation from the oppres-sion of the wicked.



CONCLUSION

The meek are scarce in the world because the society despises them. The world considers them wretched, but God declares them blessed. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with proud. The meek are kind, they don’t want to hurt anyone or cause them pain. Are you truly meek? It is a quality one must have to enjoy God’s blessing and enter His God’s kingdom.



QUESTIONS

How could someone become meek?

Why is it difficult for a carnal man to please God?

Why is being filled with the power of the Holy Spirit not optional for a Christian?

How did Jesus demonstrate His meekness?

The world hates those who are meek, how then are they considered to be ‘blessed’?

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Sat. 17/6/2017

Jesus, Greatest Example

Jn. 13:1-15

Jesus selected twelve men to be His disciples. They went together for over three years. They saw Him perform miracles, and at one point Peter, one of the twelve, confessed Him to be the Christ. The time for Him to be betrayed was drawing near. He knew who would betray Him, yet He did not fight the traitor. Instead He demonstrated the highest example of meekness to all His disciples. He took a bowl of water and a towel and proceeded to wash and dry the feet of His disciples – a job that was reserved for the lowest slave in a household. He told His disciples that what He did was an example for them. They were enjoined to follow the examples laid down. How do you treat those who oppose you, especially when they are your subordinates?



POINT OF EMPHASIS: “I have given you an example; that you should do as I have done to you.”

PRAYER POINT: Help us to treat others with the meekness You demonstrated, Lord Jesus.

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Fri. 16/6/2017

Meekness of Christ in Paul

2 Cor. 10:1-6

Paul was specially called by God and commissioned to carry the gospel to the Gentiles. He diligently fulfiled the mandate God gave him and became the founder of several churches. But some in the congregation challenged his spiritual authority and despised his personality. While he labored among them to found the churches and in all his relationship with the churches, he demonstrated meekness. He was gentle with them as he nurtured them spiritually. His reaction to those who opposed his authority was that of gentle correction while reminding them that his weapon was not carnal but mighty through God to deal with insubordination. A meek person also shows his displeasure to those who oppose him without losing his control. You only know a person’s personality when he is put in position of authority.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: Deal with people with the meekness and gentleness of Christ.

PRAYER POINT: Father, grant me the grace to live with the meekness and gentleness of Christ.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 15/6/2017

Moses The Meekest Man

Num. 12:1-8

Moses grew up in the palace of Pharaoh. He was called by God to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. He spoke with God face to face and experienced God’s first hand miracle. His curriculum vitae show that he was of higher pedigree than anyone else in his generation. In spite of these qualifications, Moses remained a meek person, the meekest man on earth. His siblings talked against him because of his wife. It takes meekness to have such status and remain calm and gentle under provocation. Many of us lose control under very little provocation. It is a sign of lack of the spirit of meekness. We need the Holy Spirit to break us down, and fill us so that the fruit of the Holy Spirit can manifest in our lives. God rose to defend Moses by rebuking Aaron and Miriam. Moses was still the one pleading with God to heal Miriam.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: When you are meek, God fights your battle for you.

PRAYER POINT: Holy Spirit, bring forth Your fruit in my life in Jesus’ name

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 14/6/2017

Pride Goes Before Destruction

Prov. 16:18-21

When a man does not possess the spirit of meekness, he is very likely to possess the spirit of pride. While meekness and humility walk hand in hand, pride is on the other side of the aisle. A proud person finds it difficult to follow godly instructions; when people rub him on the rough side, he is likely to blow hot because his ego has been wounded. Those who find it difficult to follow godly instruction follow the path that leads to destruction. Society looks down upon those who choose to be meek and encourages people to blow their own trumpet, push themselves forward, prove that they are second to none, accept nonsense from no one; etc. Any philosophy that makes one to reject God’s commands or selectively obey God or makes one brash when dealing with others, is not of God and will lead to destruction.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.

PRAYER POINT: I pray in the name of Jesus Christ that I will not be destroyed by pride.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Tue. 13/6/2017

Put On Meekness Like Christ

Phil. 2:5-11

Jesus Christ was fully aware of His being part of the God-head, but did not consider that as something He should be preoccupied with. He was willing to follow God’s salvation plan. Even when the terror of the impending crucifixion came upon Him, He readily yielded to God’s will. He meekly went to the cross without cursing the people who crucified Him. Many in the church do not have this spirit of meekness; the ministers find the congregation members behaving like stubborn goats and not like meek sheep. Such stubborn spirit draws people away from obeying instructions that will make them grow in the knowledge of God. We are enjoined to have the spirit of meekness that Jesus Christ demonstrated on earth. Only those who possess the mind of Christ can hope for such exaltation given to Him.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: Let the mind of meekness that was in Jesus Christ be in you.

PRAYER POINT: I receive the spirit of meekness that I may be able to obey God more readily.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Mon. 12/6/2017

God Gives Grace To The Humble

1 Pet. 5:5-11

Meekness is a human character of being quiet, gentle and submissive. The meek easily yield to God’s commands and directives. They are also gentle in their interaction with other people. When provoked, they are able to control their emotion, sometimes remaining silent or sometimes return soft answer. This does not portray a weak character, but strong character put under control. Meekness and humility are closely related and walk side by side. The proud finds it difficult to follow God’s instructions and is head-strong. Those who lack meekness set themselves up against God’s authority; just as Satan did in his rebellion against God, and was cast out of heaven. Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD. On the other hand, God gives grace to those who are humble.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: God resist the proud, but gives grace to and helps those who are meek.

PRAYER POINT: I humbly surrender myself under Your authority, God, grant unto me the grace to obey You.

11/6/2017 LESSON 2

BLESSINGS FOR THE SPIRITUAL MOURNERS

Quarter’s Theme: CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE

Unit 1: Our Spiritual Condition (Lessons 1-4)

(RESPONSIBILITY MONTHS)

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 158, 159

Devotional Reading: 2 PET. 2:4-11

Topic For Adults

DON’T GET USED TO SIN

Topic For Youths

DON’T JOIN THOSE WHO ENJOY SIN

Topic For Intermediates

RUN AWAY FROM SIN

Scripture Lesson

PROV. 29:1; ISA. 1:5-6; PHIL. 3:18-19; MATT. 5:4; 2 CHRO. 30:9; HOS. 6:1

MEMORY VERSE

For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 2 Cor. 7:10 (NKJV)


BACKGROUND

Jesus is still seeking those that are lost. Jesus is having concerns for those languishing in sins. This week’s lesson centres on another requirement for entering into the kingdom of God for those who are in God’s kingdom, must grieve their hearts over their own weaknesses in relation to God’s standard of righteousness. They must mourn over things that grieve God. The ideal characteristics of the members of God’s kingdom are spelt out.



NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: DANGERS OF IMPENITENCE (PRO. 29:1; ISA. 1:5-6; PHIL. 3:18-19)

Sin has become the norm and an acceptable thing to the average man on the street. He cannot see why anyone would feel bad about doing something that presumably everyone else does. Many boast about their exploits in things which the Bible describes as their shame, which is sin. The people have sold themselves to work uncleanness (1 Tim. 3:13). The hearts of so many people are no longer sensitive to the work of the Holy Spirit; there is no desire to cry over sin, no repentant heart, no broken spirit.

When man persists in sin, he incurs God’s wrath and brings punishment upon himself. A large percentage of the disasters befalling man today come as a result of man’s sin. Self-inflicted disasters pile one upon another, there is hardly any facet of life that is not affected. These are judgments from God upon the impenitent. Before God sends His judgment upon a sinner, He would have warned him or her. But if the sinner refuses to repent, then the judgment comes upon him; he is likely to perish without a way out (Prov. 29:1). The hand of God is always heavy upon the impenitent and he cannot have peace (Ps. 32:3-4; Isa. 3:11); God is angry with him everyday (Ps. 7:11). Finally, the impenitent will end up in hell and be confined there eternally.



PART 2: BLESSINGS OF PENITENCE (MATT. 5:4; 2 CHRO. 30:9; HOS. 6:1)

A Christian must not allow his or her heart to become so hardened that it is not affected by the presence of sin in his or her life or people around him or her. Lot lived among very depraved people. As he beheld what lifestyle they lived, his heart was gravely distressed. He remained sensitive to what God demands and was keenly aware of the repercussion of sin. In some churches today, sin is allowed or tolerated while some sons of God behave as if it did not matter. It is high time we turned to God mourning for sin in our lives and in our society that God may look upon us with mercy.

God ever attends to those who mourn for sin to comfort them. They are indeed blessed because their sins are forgiven and there is, therefore, no condemnation in their hearts (Ps. 32:1,2; Rom. 8:1). They enjoy the mercy of God, restoration from whatever they have roamed and are given the privilege of enjoying the bounties of the Father. Those who mourn for sin are also given the privilege of partaking in the covenant blessings of Abraham.



CONCLUSION

Those whose hearts remain sensitive to God’s demand for holiness in their lives are bothered by the presence of sin either in their lives or in the lives of those around them. They are not happy, and in fact they mourn, because they know it is a terrible thing to fall into the hand of God; for our God is a consuming fire. God comes to them in their mourning to comfort them and grant them His salvation. Pray that the Holy Spirit will make your heart always sensitive to God’s demands.



QUESTIONS

What is the reward of anyone who persists in sin?

Before God judges a sinner, what would He have done?

What is the fate of the sinner who refuses to repent?

What should be the response of the church in respect of the lifestyle of her members?

Explain what you understand by the term ‘Blessed are those who mourn’.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Sat. 10/6/2017
Mourning For The Only Son
Zech. 12:10-14
The prophecy of what the Jews would do to the Messiah when He came into the world was given long before His coming. They would reject Him and get Him killed. What sin can be greater than rejecting the Savior sent by God to reconcile men to Him, and then getting Him killed. For millennia after the crucifixion of the Savior, the Jewish race had persisted in rejecting the Messiah. To bring to pass God’s covenant with Abraham, He is going to pour upon the Jews a spirit that will bring them to repentance of their unbelief, their rejection of the Messiah and their part in the crucifixion. The mourning over their sin will be nationwide and will involve everyone. The repentance will open a door to forgiveness and deliverance from damnation.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: The whole Jewish nation will mourn over the rejection of the Messiah.

PRAYER POINT: Father, pour upon our nation the spirit of grace and supplication to bring us to repentance.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Fri. 9/6/2017
Lot Mourned Over Wickedness Of Sodom
2 Pet. 2:4-11
Mourning for sin comes from a realisation that unless there is genuine repentance, terrible judgment is inevitable. The mourner knows that “it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” because “our God is a consuming fire” (Heb. 10:31; 12:29). The mourning does not necessary have to be for one’s personal sin. Lot knew that the people of Sodom were going to suffer the repercussion of their sins. Knowing the terror of falling into the hands of God, he was tormented and fearful for what was to come upon them. Besides, his righteous soul did not find rest, seeing the horrible sins going on around him. There is the temptation for a righteous person to get used to seeing sins around him and to accept as normal. The acceptance is a slippery way for the righteous person to compromise. Do not let your soul become comfortable with sins around you.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: Do not let your soul get comfortable with the sins around you.

PRAYER POING: Father, make my spirit comfortable only with those things that please You.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Thur. 8/6/2017
Impenitence Brings God’s Wrath
Jer. 7:8-15
At times, people use confession just as a ruse to escape the repercussion of one’s sin. People confess their sin, only to return to the sin again and again. God sees through the deceit and cannot be fooled. When man refuses to genuinely turn away from sin, judgment is inevitable. Man often has some reasons or something he trusts in for refusing to genuinely repent. The Jews believed that as long as the temple was in their midst, they could not suffer any disaster. That kind of thinking ignores history. God has sternly judged unrepentant sinners in the past. People trusted in Shiloh being the place where God put His presence, but sin caused Shiloh to be destroyed under His judgment. God warns sinners in every generation, including ours, of impending judgment; it is left for the generation to seek His face in genuine repentance.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: Do not put your trust in anything but the mercy of God, else judgment is inevitable.

PRAYER POINT: Father, move through our land and destroy the spirit of impenitence.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Wed. 7/6/2017
Mourning Over Sin Brings Healing
2 Chro. 7:12-18
Sin brings judgment, not only on individuals, but also on a nation. Sometimes the judgment could be instant, while at other times the judgment is delayed. In any case judgment will come upon an unrepentant sinner. The punishment may be in form of hardship meted out to the sinner, or any other form of punishment God deems appropriate. When the persons put under such judgment genuinely repent of their sin, turn from their wicked ways, and cry unto God for forgiveness, God gives the assurance that He will forgive and deliver from the punishment. God is willing to forgive, to restore man to His loving kindness, and to heal their land. While man can be deceived by confession which is not genuine, God cannot be deceived. He knows the heart of man.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: It is high time our nation turned to God genuinely that He may heal our land.

PRAYER POINT: Holy Spirit, give us repentant heart, come and heal our land in Jesus’ name.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Tue. 6/6/2017

Rend Your Hearts, Not Your Garments
Joel 2:12-17

When a person’s misdeed is exposed there is always the expression of regret. The expression can be superficial, not coming from the heart. Several things are done so that the offender can be accepted back into the good books of the offended – giving apology; presenting gifts; becoming more polite. When it is sin against God, the person becomes more active in religious activities, gives bigger offerings and pays church dues regularly; etc. Outward show of repentance is of little value to God because it is often the consequence of regretting that one is found out, rather than an expression that one judges one’s action to be wrong. God is more interested in the inward expression of repentance. On the level of a community, the repentance should involve everyone, and sometimes accompanied with fasting.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: Rend your heart and not your garments; return to the Lord your God.

PRAYER POINT: Father, grant us Your mercy as we look unto You in repentance.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Mon. 5/6/2017

The Lord Is Near To Those of Broken Heart

Ps. 34:15-22

When a person falls into sin, there are two possible steps the person can take. The person can choose to persist in the sin. Sin then becomes a way of life for the person. The other path opens to the person is a broken heart over the sin committed. The person mourns over the sin and seeks a way of repentance and reconciliation with God. The unrepentant sinner gets cut off from God as long as he persists in his sin. The face of God is against him; and God eventually cuts off his remembrance from the earth. But God draws closer to the penitent to deliver them from the repercussion of sin committed and all forms of affliction. People who persist in sin do so thinking God does not mind what they do because He does not execute judgment promptly. God’s wheel of judgment grinds slowly, but grinds finely.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: God delivers those who are broken hearted because of sin as well from their afflictions.

PRAYER POINT: I reject a heart that accepts and gets used to sin; I receive a spirit sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

BLESSINGS FOR THE POOR IN SPIRIT

Quarter’s Theme: CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE

Unit 1: Our Spiritual Condition (Lessons 1-4)

(RESPONSIBILITY MONTHS)

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 190, 203

Devotional Reading: LK. 6:17-20

Topic For Adults

DO NOT REMAIN A SPIRITUAL BABE

Topic For Youths

HEAVEN - ADMISSION ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Topic For Intermediates

AN INHERITANCE IS WAITING FOR YOU

Scripture Lesson

Lk. 18:9-14; MATT. 13:24-32; 5:3



MEMORY VERSE

I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your unclothedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. Rev. 3:18 (NKJV)


BACKGROUND

Those who want to receive the blessings of God’s kingdom must be qualified by the ways and values of His revealed requirements in the Scripture and not by the standard of this world. One of the vital expectations from those who have developed a sound relationship with God through Jesus Christ is the topic for our discussion this week.



NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: THE POOR IN SPIRIT (LK. 18:9-14)

The poor in spirit are people who evaluate their spiritual state with sincerity. They realise that God is infinitely holy and demands that they be holy too. They are keenly aware that they have fallen short of that standard. Their judgment about themselves is not based on human standard but God’s standard. “Knowing the terror of the Lord” they seek to be continually cleansed of their sins so they can be found worthy before God through the accomplished work of Jesus Christ.





PART 2: THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (MATT. 13:24-32)

The terms “kingdom of heaven” and “kingdom of God” are often used interchangeably (Matt. 5:3, Lk. 6:20). The kingdom is the realm over which the kingly or sovereign rule of God is exerted. Jesus Christ came preaching and saying that the kingdom of heaven is very near. Though God created the whole universe and we see Him rule in the affairs of men, yet many of His human creatures do not submit to His authority right now. The devil and his angels are also very active – stealing, killing and destroying; waging war against those who have given their lives to Jesus Christ. The kingdom of God will be fully established when all the adversaries of God would have been committed to hell. God’s peaceful and glorious reign will then be manifested. Various characteristics of the kingdom are described in Revelations 21:1-4.

Jesus tells several parables to teach about the kingdom of heaven. Some glimpses we have from the parables are: right now both those who will inherit the kingdom and those who will not co-exist can sometimes be mistaken one for the other; in the kingdom, and those who started insignificantly, will grow to become big; those who appreciate the kingdom will sacrifice whatever is needed to be part of it, etc.



PART 3: INHERITORS OF KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (MATT. 5:3)

Those who will inherit the kingdom of heaven are quite aware that no sinner shall be admitted. They take great pains to prepare themselves to be counted worthy to be admitted. The categories of people that will be excluded from the kingdom are listed in 1 Cor. 6:9-10 along with those listed in Gal. 5:19-21. Every person alive is going through a sieving process; a selection process – to be made fit for the kingdom of heaven or not. The poor in spirit may not be perfect, but they have such a contrite spirit which genuinely mourns whenever they fall into sin. While others could not careless when they sin, the poor in spirit is thrown into sorrow when caught in sin, fearful of being found wanting and unworthy of the kingdom of heaven. God is mindful of these ones and He preserves them for the kingdom.

Those who are counted worthy of inheriting the kingdom of heaven are called “blessed” because of the bliss and joy which will be theirs forever. In their blissful rest, there will be no more sorrow, no more pain, no more death. Even before they are admitted into the presence of God, they start to enjoy the power and blessings of the world to come right here on earth.

If the kingdom of heaven were to appear today, what is that thing in your life which you have taken for granted and is likely to disqualify you from inheriting the kingdom?

What have you learnt about the kingdom of heaven that should motivate you to strive to enter into and inherit it?

CONCLUSION

While others revel and carouse, those who aspire to enter into and inherit the kingdom of heaven strive hard to make up for their spiritual deficit. They draw closer to God so that He may fill them with His Spirit and establish them firmly in His court. While mockers jest about the things of eternity, the ones that will inherit the kingdom of heaven are fully aware they are just pilgrims here, they look for a city whose architect is God Himself. We must recognised that we are not self-sufficient, we need the Holy Spirit’s power and sustaining grace for us to inherit the kingdom of God.





QUESTIONS

Who are the poor in spirit?

What does the poor in spirit do having known the terror of the Lord?

When would the kingdom be fully established?

What should those who will inherit the kingdom do?

As a wise kingdom seeker, what should you do to things that may likely disqualify you from inheriting the kingdom of God?

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 1/6/2017

David, A Man After God’s Heart

Ps. 51:1-12

David was a king in Israel. He fell into the sin of adultery with Bathsheba and committed murder by arranging that Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, be killed. Nathan, the prophet, confronted David concerning the sin; David did not try to find excuses for his actions, instead, he humbled himself before God. One of the symptoms of spiritual pride is finding excuses for one’s sin, or blaming others for one’s actions. A man who realises his spiritual poverty and desires to make heaven does not hesitate to confess his sin to God and ask for forgiveness. David went further to ask for a clean heart and a steadfast spirit. The goal is not just to acknowledge one’s spiritual poverty, but to seek to be built up spiritually and to be established in holiness. One who will inherit the kingdom of God will not remain a spiritual babe perpetually.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: Realising your being poor in spirit should drive you to aspire to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER POINT: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

REVISION DAY 6

SATURDAY 27/05/2017



LESSON 11

CREATING A POOL OF RESOURCES

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B: 350

Devotional Reading: Matt. 25:14-30

Topic For Adults: Building Wealth And Keeping It

Topic For Youths: Look Unto God To Make Your Way Prosperous

Topic For Intermediates: Don’t Eat All, Save For The Raining Day

Scripture Lesson: Gen. 41:33-37, 53-55; Ps. 92:12-15; 1 Sam. 2:7-9; Gen. 26:12-14; Jer. 17:7-8; 29:11; Prov. 3:9-10; Heb. 13:5; Lk. 12:15-21



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



SUMMARY

Creating a pool of resources requires self-control. To discipline oneself is very difficult but we can do this because our self-control comes from our confidence that God is in control of our lives.

In this lesson, we discover that it is only God that we can run to for open heaven out of our financial difficulties. In achieving these, we have to forego a lot of things that is sinful which the devil has tied around us, preventing us from breaking free. All these stand as a barrier between you and God Almighty, but thank God for His marvellous grace that abound that has reconciled us to God.



LESSON 12

BUILD A REPUTATION FOR INTEGRITY



Suggested Hymns: G.H.B: 32, 99.

Devotional Reading: Ruth 2:8-14, 4:13-17

Topic For Adults: You Have An Opportunity To Re-Shape Your Reputation

Topic For Youths: What Is Your Trademark?

Topic For Intermediates: Does Your Name Match Your Character?

Scripture Lesson: Neh. 9:5-10; Tit. 1:5-13; 2:1-8; Esther 8:15 – 9:4



Memory Verse: In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility. Tit. 2:7 (NKJV).



SUMMARY

Integrity made Mordecai to become a powerful man of influence all over the province. All the officials assisted the Jews because they became afraid of Mordecai. A good reputation brings blessings. There is nothing more valuable than this. It has an incalculable value that cannot be sold or bought but whom you are and what you stand for will make you to retain its value. Continue to build good reputation for yourself, the blessings you will get is more than what money can buy.

REVISION DAY 5

FRIDAY 26/05/2017

LESSON 9

WEALTH CREATION THROUGH INVESTMENTS



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

Devotional Reading: Gen. 26:12-14

Topic for Adults: It Is Never Too Late Or Too Early To Start

Topic for Youths: There Is No Shortcut To Godly Riches

Topic for Intermediates: Wisdom Is The Principal Thing

Scripture Lesson: Gen. 30:25-43; Lk. 19:12-26



Memory Verse: “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

Deut. 8: 18 (NKJV).



SUMMARY

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





LESSON 10

FLEE LAZINESS, EMBRACE DILIGENCE



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

Devotional Reading: Prov. 6: 6-11

Topic for Adults: God Hates Indolence

Topic for Youths: Diligence Leads To Prominence

Topic for Intermediates: Don’t be lazy

Scripture Reading: Gen. 2: 1-8, 15; 2Thess. 3:6-15; Prov. 22:29



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



SUMMARY

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

REVISION DAY 3

WEDNESDAY 24/05/2017

LESSON 5

STEWARDSHIP OF TALENTS AND GIFTS

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

Devotional Reading: Lk. 19:15-27

Topic For Adult: You Were Gifted For A Purpose

Topic For Youth: Don’t Take The Grace Of God In Vain

Topic For Intermediate: Discover And Use Your Gifts

Scripture Lesson: Matt. 25:21



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



SUMMARY

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



LESSON 6

STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

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

Devotional Reading: 1 Chro. 29:10-14

Topic for Adults: The Treasures Are Not Yours, You’re A Caretaker

Topic for Youths: Treasures. You Will Give Account

Topic for intermediates: All We Have, Given From Above

Scripture lesson: Gen. 1:1; 1 Chro. 29:12-14, Ps. 24:1, Mal. 3:6-12



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



SUMMARY

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