₦airaland Forum

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Sat. 20/5/2017

Don’t Allow Your Reputation To Suffer

Ruth 2:1-13

Ruth had everything going against her, she was a foreigner, a Moabite, poor and a window. She displayed again her humility to Boaz (verse 10) whereas her good reputation which people were talking about her had got to Boaz before (verse 11). Character is indeed contagious. Ruth did not allow her character to suffer under the unpleasant situation she went through and was rewarded for it. If you have made up your mind to please God and people with good character, God will strengthen you.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: Ruth’s character earned her a reputation despite her depressing situation.

PRAYER POINT: Lord Jesus, I am trusting you for the grace that will not allow my reputation to suffer under any circumstance.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 18/5/2017

Reputation Takes Time To Build

Esther 8:5 – 9:4

Mordecai was a role model. He had a better view of serving. Some people’s patience in doing good is often limited especially when the recipient doesn’t thank them. When king Ahasuerus did not acknowledge Mordecai’s contribution, he didn’t give up but continued serving the king wholeheartedly. Mordecai did not turn to a hero overnight. He had consistently lived a life of integrity long before he was rewarded. He had disrupted an assassination plan involving the king and it seems nobody noticed his life saving plot. Haman, the king’s top official, hated Mordecai and the entire Jews. He planned to exterminate all of them. It was Mordecai that reversed Haman’s evil attack on the Jews. Mordecai was celebrated by the Jews and king Ahasuerus rewarded him for what he did. It took time before his reputation came to limelight. God expects Christian to serve with long-lasting patience and in due time, our good reputation would be rewarded.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: God expects you to build good reputation with long-lasting patience.

PRAYER POINT: I will not give up living a life of good reputation I will surely reap my patience in the name of Jesus.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 17/5/2017

God’s Steward Must Be Of Good Conduct

Tit. 2:1-8

The highest incentive for doing God’s will is a strong desire to please God. We may have other worthy motives as anticipation of getting heavenly rewards, living a comfortable life and reaching the highest peak of our profession. But we bring the greatest glory to God when we obey Him and do what brings Him delight. A faithful steward must practice sound Biblical doctrines because they are good and holy. They make members fit in the service of God (verse 1). The guidelines here apply to the old, young, men and women and to the preacher. Take to the one that belongs to your age so that you can adhere to the truth of the gospel and for you not to be found wanting. For you to have influence on others and for your preaching to have positive effect, conduct yourself well both in your conversation, dressing and lifestyles. Note that any defect in these areas is a great blemish and hindrance to your reputation. With God’s help live above reproach. Enemies would be seeking occasion to find anything amiss in your conduct, don’t allow them to speak evil of you.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: Let your life correspond with Biblical sound doctrine.

PRAYER POINT: I receive grace through the Lord Jesus Christ to live a life that is worthy of Christ.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Tue. 16/5/2017

Good Reputation Entails Good Works

Tit. 1:5-13

The commission of Titus in Crete and the responsibilities with the qualities spelt out for a Bishop apply these days to every child of God. Those who say one thing and do another thing are called hypocrites. Christians’ walk and act must match their confession. Hypocrisy is more destructive in the lives of people who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. If they preach, teach the word, and refuse to live the word to demonstrate their new life in Christ for all to see it, it is better not to claim to be Christians at all, than to say they are born-again and then behave like unbelievers. The guidelines spelt out here for Titus by Paul are not meant only for leaders in the church but for all professing Christians. Since actions speak louder than words, ensure that your actions or behaviours match your belief.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: Hypocrisy is more destructive in the life of Christians if they don’t live out their belief.

PRAYER POINT: Help me Oh Lord to have a good reputation. By Your grace, I will not behave like an unbeliever.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Sat. 13/5/2017
Be Generous
Prov. 11:25
God has been so good to man since inception, that He made man to rule over the affairs within his environment. God is a perfect example of this where He gave His only begotten Son Jesus Christ for us to be reconciled back to Him. It is God’s desire for us to show compassion. Giving is a challenge to most people that is why we need to acknowledge that God owns everything, once we grasp this fact we look at our possessions and finances differently. God has entrusted us with a portion of His riches, you have the privilege and responsibility of taking care of His property and spending His money in ways that please Him (2 Cor. 9:11). God wants us to bless others, pay our tithe, support local churches and give special offerings, He loves a cheerful giver.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: It is good to show mercy to the needy, this makes the heart

of God happy.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, help me to love and bless others.

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Fri. 12/5/2017
You can Rise Again Where You Fail
Jer. 8:4, Prov. 24:16, 2 Cor. 4:9
It is important to know that anything good does not come easy and we all fail at some point in our lives. Jesus encouraged us not to give up at the face of temptation but we should put our hope in God to lead us through and be overcomers. Failing is a learning experience so that we do better next time. We had biblical characters like Job and Peter who failed but did not dwell on them. Instead, they learnt from their mistakes and kept moving forward. Determination and failure lead to success. When you fail, you get up and try again and you will get it right. God is always near and if you fall, He’ll pick you up and dust you off. Keep on pursuing righteousness and use God’s strength. A failure is not a loss, it’s a gain, you learn, you change, you grow. You only fail when you stop trying.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: The good thing about failure is that you learn from it.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, give me the courage to face and triumph over challenges that come my way.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Thur. 11/5/2017
Diligence And Hard Work Required
Eccl. 9:10; Prov. 21:5; 6:6-11
Getting to the top in our career, business and spiritual life requires maximum effort because the hands of the diligent will rule. The diligent worker plans ahead for the future just as the virtuous woman in the Bible. Hard work yesterday has to be followed with hard work today to guarantee tomorrow’s prosperity (Prov. 6:6). The call to hard work is a call to a truly purposeful living. It is a call not to waste your life but to get up and get out and do something with the opportunity God has placed before you. God is an industrious God, because he succeeds, we too can succeed if we are not slothful in business. God honours hard workers by crowning them with His personal blessings. Therefore, use your power, intelligence, vision, gifts and all that God gave you to do something worthwhile.



POINT OF EMPHASIS: Hard work brings great gain.

PRAYER POINT: Father Lord, I refuse to labour in vain.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Tue. 9/5/2017
Being A Member Of God’s Family
Matt. 6:33-34
Life without Christ is full of crisis. The worry and anxiety of life prevent us from thinking right and to excel in life. We need Christ seated at the centre of our heart in order to guide us aright in our endeavours. Accepting Jesus into our lives changes situation, it picks up the pieces of our lives together and makes them fall in pleasant places. One of the greatest benefits we enjoy as Christians is that we are actually adopted as children of God and enjoy all the privileges connected with that. For one to be able to press on in these difficult times, one needs the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Job 22:21). When you submit to God and live at peace with Him, He will make your way prosperous.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: He who trusts in the Lord will prosper.

PRAYER POINT: Father Lord, I ask for the grace to be at peace with You so as to make my way prosperous.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Mon. 8/5/2017

The God Of Riches

Phil. 4:19, Ps. 24:1

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

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

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

7/5/2017 LESSON 10

FLEE LAZINESS, EMBRACE DILIGENCE

Quarter’s Theme: UNDERSTANDING BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIP

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

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

Devotional Reading: PROV. 6:6-11

Topic For Adults

GOD HATES INDOLENCE

Topic For Youths

DILIGENCE LEADS TO PROMINENCE

Topic For Intermediates

DON’T BE LAZY

Scripture Lesson

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

PROV. 22:29

(PRESERVATION AND CONSOLIDATION MONTH)

MEMORY VERSE

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


BACKGROUND

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

NOTES ON THE TEXT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CONCLUSION

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

QUESTIONS

How did God set example of diligence during creation?

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

Mention five consequences of being idle.

List five rewards of diligence.

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

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Sat. 6/5/2017

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

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



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

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

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 4/5/2017

Diligence Makes Rich

Prov. 10:4-10

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



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

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

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 4/5/2017

Diligence Makes Rich

Prov. 10:4-10

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



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

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

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 3/5/2017

Engage Your Mind Productively

2 Sam. 11:1-4

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



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

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

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30/4/2017 LESSON 9

WEALTH CREATION THROUGH INVESTMENTS

Quarter’s Theme: UNDERSTANDING BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIP

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

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

Devotional Reading: GEN. 26:12-14

Topic For Adults

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE OR TOO EARLY TO START

Topic For Youths

THERE IS NO SHORTCUT TO GODLY RICHES

Topic For Intermediates

WISDOM IS THE PRINCIPAL THING

Scripture Lesson

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

(SOUL WINNERS CROWN COMPETITION MONTHS)



MEMORY VERSE

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


BACKGROUND

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



NOTES ON THE TEXT

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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



CONCLUSION

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



QUESTIONS

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

How can you become a wealthy Christian?

What is the divine plan of making wealth?

Why is investing more than hoping to be lucky?

Name some profitable investment you can do.

READING

Sat. 29/4/2017

Invest Your Time Wisely

Eccl. 3:1-13

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



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

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

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 27/4/2017

Create Multiple Streams Of Income For Yourself

Gen. 2:8-15

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



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

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

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 26/4/2017

Ask For Divine Leading

Isa. 48:17-21

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



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

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

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Mon. 24/4/2017

Wisdom Is The Currency Of Wealth

Prov. 8: 12- 21

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



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

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

alexistaiwo:
ON behalf of all Chelsea fans worldwide.
I say we don't care.
Barcelona denied us more than three penalties in 2009.
Herrera handball led to a goal last week at Old Trafford.
Manchester United once gave us two red cards (Torres and ivanovic) to draw from 3-0 down
Luis Garcia ghost goal UEFA champions League semi-final 2005.
Even our Oga Real Madrid needed two offside goals and fake red card to eliminate Bayern Munich.
And more that lack of time wont permit me to write.
So once again we don't care.
Goal na Goal
I am in my house comman beat me

.. Even the day they gave chelsea 11mins additional time and Mata scored his first goal.... Goal na goal

Painment

To me, moses was smart. son had made an attempt by sliding before getting close to the ball and moses saw that they are both in the box already, he just pushed the ball a little bit forward and after there was a contact he won the penalty.

Btw... Give the cup to matic .. That goal na die ...

23/4/2017 LESSON 8

OFFERING, VOWS AND PROJECT SUPPORT

Quarter’s Theme: UNDERSTANDING BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIP

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

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

Devotional Reading: 2 COR. 9:1-15

Topic For Adults

THE HARVEST IS ACCORDING TO THE SOWING

Topic For Youths

FULFIL YOUR VOWS

Topic For Intermediates

GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER

Scripture Lesson

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

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

(SOUL WINNERS CROWN COMPETITION MONTHS)

MEMORY VERSE

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

BACKGROUND

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



NOTES ON THE TEXT

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

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

¨ The promptings of love.

¨ The inspiration of gratitude.

¨ The ardour of consecration.

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

The followings are the few biblical facts about offering:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

responded in three ways.

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

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

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

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



CONCLUSION

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

QUESTIONS

Lists five biblical facts about offering.

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

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

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

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

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Sat. 22/4/2017

Pay Your Vows In Full Unto God

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

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



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

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