Topic: God’s Plan Above Your Plan [Open Heavens for Teens 18 July 2019]

Memorise: “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” – Jeremiah 10:23

Read: Acts 12:1-18

1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.

14 And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

Bible In One Year: Psalm 25-27, Acts 20:17-38

MESSAGE:

As a Christian teenager, you have to understand that God has plans for you. Therefore, before you make a decision, seek to know what God’s plan is concerning that decision. Jesus understood this perfectly well, so when He really didn’t feel like going through all the pains of crucifixion, He asked that the cup should pass over Him, but He took into consideration God’s plan, and added that God’s will alone should be done.

“And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” – Matthew 26:39

Are you about to make a decision as to what decision to attend? You may have a plan, but tell Him you will not move until He gives you direction on which school to choose. Make this your lifestyle and you will never move in the wrong direction in life.

Prayer Point:
Thank you Jesus because Your thoughts and plans for me are good, I promise to depend on you before I make him any move.

Also Read: Teen Open Heaven Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye

Hymn 1:

1. My faith looks up to Thee,
   Thou Lamb of Calvary, 
   Savior divine!
   Now hear me while I pray, 
   Take all my guilt away, 
   Oh, let me from this day 
   Be wholly Thine!
2. May Thy rich grace impart 
   Strength to my fainting heart, 
   My zeal inspire!
   As Thou hast died for me,
   Oh, may my love to Thee
   Pure, warm and changeless be,
   A living fire!
3. While life’s dark maze I tread, 
   And griefs around me spread, 
   Be Thou my guide; 
   Bid darkness turn to day,
   Wipe sorrow’s tears away, 
   Nor let me ever stray 
   From Thee aside.
4. When ends life’s transient dream, 
   When death’s cold sullen stream 
   Shall o’er me roll; 
   Blest Savior, then, in love, 
   Fear and distrust remove; 
   Oh, bear me safe above, 
   A ransomed soul.

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.