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Open Heavens for Teens Monday 18 March 2019 Daily Devotional was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye

Topic Focus

Memorise: “Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.” – Proverbs 4:25

Read: Philippians 3:15-21

15 So let those [of us] who are spiritually mature and full-grown have this mind and hold these convictions; and if in any respect you have a different attitude of mind, God will make that clear to you also.

16 Only let us hold true to what we have already attained and walk and order our lives by that.

17 Brethren, together follow my example and observe those who live after the pattern we have set for you.

18 For there are many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, who walk (live) as enemies of the cross of Christ (the Anointed One).

19 They are doomed and their fate is eternal misery (perdition); their god is their stomach (their appetites, their sensuality) and they glory in their shame, siding with earthly things and being of their party.

20 But we are citizens of the state (commonwealth, homeland) which is in heaven, and from it also we earnestly and patiently await [the coming of] the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [as] Savior,

21 Who will transform and fashion anew the body of our humiliation to conform to and be like the body of His glory and majesty, by exerting that power which enables Him even to subject everything to Himself.

Bible In One Year: Deuteronomy 31-32, Luke 1:1-23

MESSAGE:

Focus is a person’s point of attention. If, for example you have been told to throw a stone at a bottle some feet away from you, you will have to focus on that bottle if you want to hit it. If you place focus on something else, you will not hit the bottle. The same is true of life. If you are focused on being the best student at something (e.g sports or academics) in your school, you will be the best. No matter what point you are in life, there will always be a new goal to pursue. Without focus, you cannot achieve your goals.

Avoid distractions. It is obvious that teenagers place a lot of focus on the wrong things, things like “how many friends do I have on social media?” “What is that clique saying about me?” how can I be the most popular in school?” None of these things are worth your focus. After a while, the trending thing on social media will no longer be remembered. Before long, you will be separated from the friends whose opinions you seem to value so much. At the end of it all, you will realise that you are left with yourself and your achievements; the things that really matter. FOCUS!

Action Point:Set a goal to be achieved every week and focus on achieving it.

Hymn 5: Onward, Christian soldiers

1. Onward, Christian soldiers,

Marching as to war, 

With the cross of Jesus 

Going on before!

Christ, the Royal Master, 

Leads against the foe;

Forward into battle, 

See His banners go!

Chorus

Onward, Christian soldiers! 

Marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus

Going on before!

2. At the Sign of triumph

Satan’s host doth flee; 

On, then, Christian soldiers,

On to victory! 

Hell’s foundations quiver 

At the shout of praise;

Brothers, lift your voices, 

Loud your anthems raise!

3. Like a mighty army 

Moves the Church of God;

Brothers, we are treading 

Where the saints have trod;

We are not divided;

All one body we 

One in hope and doctrine, 

One in charity.

4. Onward, then, ye people, 

Join our happy throng,

Blend with ours your voices

In the triumph song;

Glory, praise and honour, 

Unto Christ the King;

This, through countless ages

Men and angels sing.