Teens and spiritual warfare

As parents or those who care for teens life can be an amazing adventure of spontaneity and new insights. I don’t know about you but I love being with teens.

They are a combination of electric sparks, simmering pots of water boiling on a stove, generous and loving, seeking wisdom at times or avoiding the wisdom while slamming doors!

Raising teens has given me an opportunity to ponder my own adolescent past, the good, the bad, and the whoopsies. I want to watch teens grow into what God has planned. I also know, He will use their solid choices and their missteps for amazing good. God knows their futures, we must trust Him!

Romans 8:28 NLT
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

The uncertainty of their futures with a developing teen brain brings great willingness to try new things, while us parents like a more controlled circumstance. This can be a great foundation in laying their lives out for His purpose. They need their parents or adult guardians even if they think otherwise.

However, the impulsive nature of a teen brain can have risky behavior and a “jump in” mentality before thinking clearly. For parents and guardians there is fear, and a conundrum, when to speak or when to let Go and let God.

The devil would love to steal kill and destroy ( John 10:10) a teen before he/ she can leave their safe haven home. Culture is set on this mindset, comparison traps, alcohol, drugs, and sex are a constant draw to the dark side.

So what is a parent, guardian, or loving mentor to do with teens? Always be a safe place to listen, be nonjudgmental, observe the teens friends, get to know those who are influencing your teen. Realize your voice still carries weight, however, you may not feel it at times.

By the way, the importance of touch this time in their life is huge. I’ve read research that says giving greater than five hugs a day reminds your teen, even if they say they don’t want to hug, how much you love them. Besides us parents need hugs too. Never give up on your teen even into adulthood. They need you!

Ephesians 6:4 NLT
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

The most important thing we can do is pray for our teens. Bringing their lives to the Lord, seeking His wisdom for every moment. You will find many scriptures in this post, His word is full of powerful declarations that you can personalize by saying your teens name within the scripture.

I loved this post from Paul David Tripp, in his book “Age of Opportunity”. This book was so helpful in changing my mindset of teens, parenting with God’s character as my guide and encouraging me daily.

Paul David Tripp also states, “You know your teen lives in a fallen world. You know that he is a sinner by nature ( no different than you). You know Satan is a liar, schemer, and tempter. as a parent of a teen, you should not be shocked at the presence or power of sin. You should expect war. You should come to your relationship with your teenager armed for war— not with your teen but with the true Enemy ( Ephesians 6).

What a profound statement. God will equip you for the battle, however, you don’t fight alone. God and His angel armies are your support.

Ephesians 6:13-18 MSG
Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

We must use the weapons of warfare in Ephesians 6, the power of prayer interceding for our teens to Jesus, teaching our teens how to use scripture aloud for their own benefit.

Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. [12] For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. [14] Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. [15] For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. [16] In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. [17] Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [18] Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

God loves our teens more than we do. If they make mistakes, even if it’s hard, we want our kids to come to us. We must use the character traits of Jesus, fruits of the Holy Spirit ( Galatians 5:22-23)

Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

We must not rage at them ( in anger not sin), ask God for the patience! I know it’s not easy. Deep breathe and if you blow your top, seek forgiveness and try again with grace and mercy.

Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT
And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, [27] for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

Proverbs 15:1 NLT
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

Life is a journey of joys and challenges, I am taking one step at a time, seeking Jesus for the way, so far from perfect but I know He makes me a victor and will guide me when I let Him. It is my prayer that my kids will be victorious with Him leading their lives. I pray the same for you and your family!

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Despite circumstances

Fear of God is about reverence and honor for His plans despite our trials. Fear of God is not about running from Him as cruel judging Father, instead it is trusting Him and leaning into Him for guidance.

Our God is the Rock who must become our firm foundation.

Matthew 7:24-29 NLT
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. [25] Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. [26] But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. [27] When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” [28] When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, [29] for he taught with real authority-quite unlike their teachers of religious law.

Another version of Matthew 7 is in the message Bible. Maybe this version will bring more clarity to you. His Word will never return void, it is meant to build us up in His wisdom for living.

Matthew 7:24-27 MSG
“These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock. [26-27] “But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.”

Psalm 25:12-14 NLT
Who are those who fear the LORD? He will show them the path they should choose. [13] They will live in prosperity, and their children will inherit the land. [14] The LORD is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.

Be sure you are staying firm in His ways, He wants the best for you. In the end, you want Him to open the door of your future holding onto His hand not a distracted world view set by the enemy.

Luke 13:22-27 NLT
Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he went, always pressing on toward Jerusalem. [23] Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” He replied, [24] “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. [25] When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ [26] Then you will say, ‘But we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ [27] And he will reply, ‘I tell you, I don’t know you or where you come from. Get away from me, all you who do evil.’

We have a choice to make for every moment. He wants our heart, mind and soul connected in relationship for our good. You will be blessed.

Luke 13:34-35 NKJV
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! [35] See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ “

Don’t be desolate and miss the best relationship with God, the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit! You get a trio of goodness and wisdom.

“Fear of God is the summit of wisdom” by Ephraim the Syrian. Seek the best for your life!

Proverbs 9:10-12 NKJV
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. [11] For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you. [12] If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you will bear it alone.”

Nature and Trust in God

Daily, we are assaulted with human reasoning and potential false wisdom. The solar eclipse and earthquakes shake the foundations of peace in our minds. Conversations at the grocery store or in our communities and families may bring more anxiety than peace. But who has the truth we need to hold onto for our moments of fear?

It is not found in any human. It is found in God and a relationship with His Son Jesus and the guidance of the Advocate, Holy Spirit! We must seek wisdom from His Word.

God‘s word is truth, but it never changes. His Word is power and He is the One who created everything that exists in this world. He is truly great and powerful. Everything on heaven and earth belongs to Him, regardless of what happens in the world: whether it’s a solar eclipse, whether it’s earthquakes, God is still over all things and that never changes. He is deserving of all praise.

Psalm 104 is filled with the amazing truths of our Creator God and how He made the heavens and earth. I had to include its scripture. Slowly, meditate on the verses and gain peace in knowing He orchestrated all things. Consider reading it aloud to hear its truths.

Psalm 104:2,5-35 NLT
You are dressed in a robe of light. You stretch out the starry curtain of the heavens; [5] You placed the world on its foundation so it would never be moved. [6] You clothed the earth with floods of water, water that covered even the mountains. [7] At your command, the water fled; at the sound of your thunder, it hurried away. [8] Mountains rose and valleys sank to the levels you decreed. [9] Then you set a firm boundary for the seas, so they would never again cover the earth. [10] You make springs pour water into the ravines, so streams gush down from the mountains. [11] They provide water for all the animals, and the wild donkeys quench their thirst. [12] The birds nest beside the streams and sing among the branches of the trees. [13] You send rain on the mountains from your heavenly home, and you fill the earth with the fruit of your labor. [14] You cause grass to grow for the livestock and plants for people to use. You allow them to produce food from the earth- [15] wine to make them glad, olive oil to soothe their skin, and bread to give them strength. [16] The trees of the LORD are well cared for- the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. [17] There the birds make their nests, and the storks make their homes in the cypresses. [18] High in the mountains live the wild goats, and the rocks form a refuge for the hyraxes. [19] You made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to set. [20] You send the darkness, and it becomes night, when all the forest animals prowl about. [21] Then the young lions roar for their prey, stalking the food provided by God. [22] At dawn they slink back into their dens to rest. [23] Then people go off to their work, where they labor until evening. [24] O LORD, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. [25] Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both large and small. [26] See the ships sailing along, and Leviathan, which you made to play in the sea. [27] They all depend on you to give them food as they need it. [28] When you supply it, they gather it. You open your hand to feed them, and they are richly satisfied. [29] But if you turn away from them, they panic. When you take away their breath, they die and turn again to dust. [30] When you give them your breath, life is created, and you renew the face of the earth. [31] May the glory of the LORD continue forever! The LORD takes pleasure in all he has made! [32] The earth trembles at his glance; the mountains smoke at his touch. [33] I will sing to the LORD as long as I live. I will praise my God to my last breath! [34] May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD. [35] Let all sinners vanish from the face of the earth; let the wicked disappear forever. Let all that I am praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!

All glory to Him who sits on the throne of heaven. We are like a footstool to Him and yet He loves us so much.

We must not be shaken at natural signs and wonders. He who made all things is in control.

Psalm 132:7 AMP
Let us go into His tabernacle; Let us worship at His footstool.

We must remember to choose faith in Him over fear. The enemy would love to unsettle our minds and bring unbelief. We must stand firm in God and His Word. It is a life guiding template for all people.

2 Timothy 1:7 AMP
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

We don’t know what tomorrow may bring to our lives. But we do know our Creator God has all things in the palm of his hand. Seek Him in relationship today! Open your heart, mind and spirit to His wisdom and be changed.

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Devouring Fire

Our lives are filled with opportunities to grow deeper in love with our Creator. Even in our stupid impulsive moments, God is unshakeable. God wants us to turn to Him for wisdom like a devouring fire that extinguishes the lies of the enemy and brings us to new life after the burning.

Is this revelation of God an amazing picture? I used to think of God as more punisher than grace and mercy giving Father. My religious upbringing limited the relationship of Jesus. I have found the more I read scripture independent of religious constructs that God shows His amazing grace and communicates with me in awesome ways.

After Jesus death on the cross and His resurrection, We are in a new covenant of God and His people. His death and resurrection showed His unconditional love for us sinners and brings a new life with Him interceding on our behalf to the Father.

Our actions don’t make us more holy and saved, it is His grace and mercy as a free gift when we submit to Him that brings new life. With new life comes new revelations with our Savior who awaits our call.

So tune your ear to hear His voice. Tune your eyes to seek His face and His wisdom. Turn your hearts to accept His unconditional love. Listen to Him alone.

When you have a shaking circumstance, it may be just the thing to prompt you to seek the unshakeable God. Humble pie can bring great things.

Be excited for His hand and plans to unfold as you repent for human reasoning and seek Godly wisdom.

Hebrews 12:24-29 NLT
You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel. [25] Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven! [26] When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.” [27] This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain. [28] Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. [29] For our God is a devouring fire.

Come before Him and receive mercy and grace, the best help when you need it.

Hebrews 4:16 NLT
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Our generous God, will not rebuke or shame you as you seek Him in humility. Your loyalty must be with Him despite the human need for admiration. He will guide your steps to the best village of His people.

James 1:5-8 NLT
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. [6] But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. [7] Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. [8] Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

Let Him burn off pride, selfish attitudes and any other obstacle that blocks His voice. New life in Him beats anything else.

He is an amazing God full of love, compassion and blazing passionate fire for His children.

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