by dailyd | Oct 20, 2018 | More
Topic: Always Accepted
Read: Luke 19:1–10
Bible in a Year: Isaiah 59–61; 2 Thessalonians 3
Scripture: The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10
Message: After several years of struggling to keep up in her studies, Angie was finally taken out of her elite primary school and transferred to a “normal” one. In Singapore’s intensely competitive education landscape, where being in a “good” school can improve one’s future prospects, many would see this as a failure.
Angie’s parents were disappointed, and Angie herself felt as if she had been demoted. But soon after joining her new school, the nine year old realized what it meant to be in a class of average students. “Mummy, I belong here,” she said. “I’m finally accepted!”
It reminded me of how excited Zacchaeus must have felt when Jesus invited Himself to the tax collector’s home (Luke 19:5). Christ was interested in dining with those who knew they were flawed and didn’t deserve God’s grace (v. 10). Having found us—and loved us—as we were, Jesus gives us the promise of perfection through His death and resurrection. We are made perfect through His grace alone.
I’ve often found my spiritual journey to be one of constant struggle, knowing that my life falls far short of God’s ideal. How comforting it is to know that we are always accepted, for the Holy Spirit is in the business of molding us to be like Jesus.
Prayer: Father, thank You for loving me as I am, and for making me perfect through Your Son’s sacrifice. Teach me to submit to Your daily renewal.
Thought for the Day: We’re not perfect, but we’re loved.
INSIGHT
In Luke 19, Jesus gives His mission statement: “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (v. 10). Those words convey even more importance when we consider their timing: Jesus is purposefully, methodically making His way to Jerusalem to be crucified. On the way, He draws people to Him, including this despised, wealthy tax collector. The crowd had already judged Zacchaeus—and Jesus. “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner,” they said of Him (v. 7). Jesus saw it differently. Zacchaeus’s declaration, “Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor,” revealed the change in his heart (v. 8); and Jesus responded, “This man, too, is a son of Abraham” (v. 9).
Are we prone to snap judgments about other people’s sins? Or do we see ourselves as recipients of God’s grace, freely extended to anyone who recognizes their need of it? (Tim Gustafson)
Our Daily Bread 20 October 2018 Devotional was written by Leslie Koh
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by dailyd | Oct 20, 2018 | RCCG Teacher M
TOPIC: Partners (Not Staff) In Christian Service
OPENING PRAYER: Father, help me to follow Christ to the very end. (Scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 21 OCTOBER 2018 HYMN)
MEMORY VERSE: “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” – John 15:15
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
LESSON INTRODUCTION:
By definition, a partner is a person who takes part in an undertaking with another or others, especially in a business or firm with shared risk and profits. A staff is an employee of an organisation. Unlike the contemporary workplace, believers are expected to be partners together with Christ. Our commitment should be motivated by reward/wages as staff but as partners.
TEXT REVIEW: 1 COR.3:6-9 – “SYNERGY FOR THE KINGDOM”
Unity in the ministry was demonstrated in such a way that the grace of God in the life of an individual was allowed to grow until such an individual has grown into perfection. Acts 18:24- 28. We may not understand in the duo Of Paul and Apollos and how the greater encouraged the lesser to build for the kingdom.
Acts 18 : 24-28 indicated that Apollos as a Jew and was born at Alexandra. He was eloquent and mighty in scriptures. Acts 18:24. He was fervent in the Spirit. He spoke mightily in the public, convincing the Jews that Jesus was Christ. Acts 18:28. But he had only the Baptist of John the Baptist, and had not the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
However, Aquila and Priscilla saw value in the apparent weakness of Apollos and decided to brace him up more perfectly,Acts 18:26. Similarly the brethren at Ephesus writes to those in Achaia to receive Apollos highlighting how God had mightily used him. Acts 18:28
This is unity, this is synergy in action. This same Spirit of unity worked in Apostle Paul (who spoke more perfectly the mystery with God’s wisdom and was filled with the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. 2:6-7) when he wrote, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave increase”. 1 Cor. 3:6.
Apollos could have opted to be General Overseer in his own right while Paul too in his own right and would have heard their followers (1 Cor. 3:4), but instead, Apostle Paul advocated unity (1 Cor. 3:8-9) and called on those who had thought otherwise to come together as co-labourers and build together for the sake of the kingdom. 1 Cor. 3:8
LESSON OUTLINE 1: JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST
Connotation, Responsibilities and Attributes of Joint Heirs of God.
(i) Having relationship with God the father as children. Rom. 8:15
(ii) Having the right to receive God’s inheritance. Rom. 8:17, 1 Peter 1:4
(iii) It is having a “sonship” status in God’s kingdom. John 1:12-13
(iv) It is having the same privileges with Christ. Rom. 8:14-17
(v) It is having the privilege to serve God. Gen. 2:7-15
(vi) It is having assurance of new life. 2 Cor. 5:17
(vii) It is a call into service. It is a call to showcase the light of Christ. 1 Peter 2:9
(viii) It is a call to do the work of the father. John 4:34, 5:17, 9:4
(ix) It is a call to walk in the footsteps of the Christ. John 5:19-20, 14:12
(x) It is a call to partner with Christ in God’s vineyard. John 15:15.
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What are the other benefits of being joint heirs with Christ.
LESSON OUTLINE 2: CO-LABOURERS ON EARTH
Reasons Why Believers Must Be Co- Labourers on Earth in God’s Vineyard.
(I) All believers are purchased with the same price and are baptized into the same Spirit and live by the same commandments. 1 Cor. 12:13
(ii) Believers have different ministerial gifts to work for the purpose of perfecting the saints and edifying the body of Christ. Eph. 4:11-13
(iii) The harvest is plenteous but the labourers are few. Luke 10:2
(iv) Because all co-labourers will receive sure rewards from God for their services. Col. 3:23-25; 1 Cor. 3:8-9
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Why should co-labourers in God’s vineyard avoid disunity and competition?
SUMMARY:
Believers are joint-heirs with Christ and co-labourers with one another.
CONCLUSION:
Christian service is our father’s business and being joint heirs with Christ, we must see ourselves as partners in the venture rather than whose utmost interest lies in their wages. We must focus on heaven and please God by making sacrifices in the course of the kingdom business.
EVALUATION:
Mention three (3) attributes of a joint heir with Christ and three (3) reasons to be co-labourers
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, help my Sunday School class to play our roles in God’s vineyard.
ASSIGNMENT:
Give five (5) reasons why why some Ministers of God compete instead of complementing one another. 2 Marks for each point.
NOTE:
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SUNDAY SCHOOL 21 OCTOBER 2018 HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee.
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.
6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
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by dailyd | Oct 20, 2018 | More
Topic — Willpower: The Fair-Weather Friend
Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double. — Zechariah 9:12
Willpower sure sounds like a great thing. We are led to believe that we have enough of it to fight off every temptation that comes our way. And sometimes it works. But let me tell you a little secret about willpower. Willpower is your best friend when things go well, but it’s the first friend to check out when you get weary.
I have found that if I really don’t want to do something, my mind gives me plenty of reasons why I don’t have to. My emotions even join in, saying, “I agree because I don’t feel like doing it anyway.”
Our souls (mind, will, emotions) would love to run our lives, but the Bible says we are to be led by God’s Spirit. We are never instructed to be willpower-led, we are told to be Spirit-led.
Willpower and discipline are important and vitally necessary to a successful life, but willpower alone won’t be enough. Determination gets you started and keeps you going for a while, but it is never enough to bring you across the finish line.
Look at Zechariah 4:6 (NKJV): …Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.
What happens if, instead of turning first to willpower in your time of need, you turn to God instead? God releases His power into your willpower and energizes it to bring you across the finish line. Willpower does not get the credit for our success, God does.
Jesus said in John 15:5, …apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing (AMPC). This is one of the most important and most difficult lessons we must learn if we want to enjoy the life Jesus died to give us.
Prayer Starter: O, Lord, I turn to You today for Your strength and grace. I can’t do it alone, but by Your Spirit, I can accomplish everything I need to do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.
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by dailyd | Oct 19, 2018 | Relationship
Single Ladies hear this: Apostle Paul said something that got me thinking:He said in 1 Cor. 7: 34 ” There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married cares for the things of the world, how she may please her husband”.
Is that really true in the church today? Are single ladies actually more dedicated to God than married women?
Check the mid-week services and special programs in the church to verify this claim, how many single ladies are part of the church workers compared to married women?
Are single ladies really after being Holy in the body and in the spirit?
Hear this young lady! If a married woman is more dedicated to the Lord than you are, then there is a big problem!
My dear, maximize your singleness, dedicate your body, time, affection, resources, singlenesstalent and energy to God now!
Remember now thy creator in the days of your youth says the Holy Scriptures.
A word is enough for the wise! Same for you single brothers!
God bless you!
Written by:
Paul Ojomu
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by dailyd | Oct 19, 2018 | Open Heavens
Topic — Jesus: The Way
Memorise: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”- John 14:6
Read: Matthew 7:13-14 (KJV)
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 7-8, Luke 8:22-39
MESSAGE:
In John 14:6, the Lord Jesus Christ made a declarative statement to Thomas, which even today some archbishops cannot fathom. He said:
“…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
What did Jesus mean when He called Himself the Way? After Adam and Eve fell in the Garden of Eden, there was a break in connection that existed between God and man. From that moment, mankind has continually made efforts to find God because of the emptiness that exists in us without God. Revealing this emptiness and the resulting search for God, in Acts 17:26-27, the Holy Spirit said:
“26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:”
The drive to fill this void is seen in the abundance of different religions in the world today, with each one recommending its own way to God. Having seen the end from the beginning, Jesus knew that this time would come, and so He said very clearly to all who will listen, “I am the Way.” He is the only Way to God, and there is no other way to get to God except through Him.
Because of the diverse doctrines around, you need to be careful and ensure that you have found the true God. You need to be sure that you are not just deluded into thinking you have obtained salvation and that you are on your way to heaven. Any other way to God that is not through the Lord Jesus is counterfeit. Are you in any religion that doesn’t recognize Jesus Christ as the way to God? Are you in any church that glorifies her General Overseers or Leader rather than the Lord Jesus Christ? Does your church propagate its own doctrines rather than the word of God as written in the Bible? It is time to come out of such an assembly and seek the one true God through Jesus Christ.
Another thing Jesus meant when He said He is the Way is that He is the perfect example to follow if you want to please God. Don’t make any man your standard because man will disappoint you. Our standard is Jesus Christ and Him alone. It is possible to attain Christ’s level of perfection here on earth, and this is why He gave us the Holy Spirit when He was leaving the earth. Are you going to heaven through The Way, and are you walking in His footsteps?
KEY POINT:
There is only one way to God; if you are not going through that Way, then you cannot reign with Christ in paradise.
FRIDAY HYMN 5: I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS
1. I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
2. The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.
3. Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though- none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
4. My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
5. Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.
Open Heaven 19 October 2018 Friday Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC. Open Heaven 19 October 2018 Friday Daily Devotional.
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