Open Heaven For Teens 3 July 2025 – Ezra’s Petition

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TOPIC: Ezra’s Petition (Open Heaven for Teens, 3 July 2025)

MEMORISE: The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. – Ezra 8:22

BIBLE READING: Ezra 8:21-23

21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.

22 For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.

23 So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.

MESSAGE:

In today’s Bible reading, Ezra humbly petitioned God, trusting in His protection amidst the challenges he and his people faced. Ezra was a devoted scribe and priest who led Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem with the aim of restoring their community by God’s laws. On one occasion, during a dangerous journey, he chose prayer over seeking earthly protection, showing deep faith in God. He proclaimed a fast and sought God’s guidance for a safe journey.

Many people have relocated outside their home country in a bid to improve their living conditions; however, after many years, they still find themselves struggling in whichever country they moved to. When advised to return to their home, they become ashamed because of the imminent mockery from people who thought they were faring better.

My dear child, in this age of technology and application programs like Google Maps and YouTube, do you still seek God’s face before making such decisions as choosing a career, learning a skill, making friends, et cetera? It is important that you always ask God for direction and protection ahead of any journey because He is the only One who knows the end from the beginning.

KEY POINT:

Before you make any decision, please pray.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Kings 22:3-23:30, Acts 21:37-22:16

HYMN 33 – Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah!

1 Guide me, O Thou Great Jehovah!
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty,
Hold me with Thy powerful hand:
Bread of heaven! Bread of heaven!
Feed me now and evermore,
Feed me now and evermore.

2 Open Thou the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow:
Let the fiery, cloudy pillar,
Lead me all my journey through:
Strong deliverer! Strong deliverer!
Be Thou still my strength and shield,
Be Thou still my strength and shield.

3 If I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside:
Bear me through the swelling torrent,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side:
Songs of praises! Song of praises!
I will ever give to Thee,
I will ever give to Thee.

4 Saviour, come! we long to see Thee,
Long to dwell with Thee above;
And to know in full communion,
All the sweetness of Thy love,
Come, Lord Jesus! Come Lord Jesus!
Take Thy waiting people home,
Take Thy waiting people home.

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.