TOPIC: You Are Watched [Open Heaven for Teens 21 December 2023]
MEMORISE: Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of weaknesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us Hebrews 12:1
BIBLE TEXT: Hebrews 12:1-3
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
MESSAGE:
Every Christian is called to run a race that is personal, therefore, no one will help you run your race. Our memory verse for today makes it clear that we are surrounded by witnesses, which comprise of saints who achieved great feats on earth for God: they are watching all our moves. Some of them were mentioned in Hebrews 11. Therefore, the truth is that how you run your race matters because someday, you will be a reference point.
I planned to visit our Church in Philadelphia some years ago. The pastor-in-charge, who was very excited, broke the news to her family immediately she got home. Her younger son asked if I would come to their house, and she replied with a ‘yes’. Then he said, “I am in trouble; the moment Pastor Adeboye enters this house, he would know every bad thing I have done.” The boy had forgotten that God was in that house. God is everywhere, and He sees everything. So, my child, run your race with this mentality because God and a cloud of witnesses are watching you even when there is no one around.
KEY POINT:
In your ‘private moment’. you are watched by angels, a cloud of witnesses, demons, and the Trinity. Invariably, you dont have any private moment.
HYMN 15 – Onward, Christian Soldiers
CHORUS
Onward, Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
Looking unto Jesus,
Who is gone before.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: James 1-5
Daily Devotional for Teen’s 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.