WARFARE PRAYER AMONG YOUTHS

THE PLACE OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE IN THE YOUTH MINISTRY
2 Corinthians 10:2-6; 1 Timothy 1:18, 19.

“The story of your life is the story of a long and brutal assault on your heart by the one who knows what you could be and fears it” - John Eldredge “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12).
Every aspect of life has battles – the physical, spiritual, emotional, psychological etc. But in all these, the spiritual battle is the most important, most dangerous, decides destinies, determines progress, actualizes actions but can’t be seen and yet so real. People, knowingly and unknowingly, are involved in these battles – youths, adults, aged, toddlers etc. These unseen battles can be termed “spiritual warfare”. Spiritual warfare is a strong merciless fight between two spiritual kingdoms – Heaven and Hell. People have to show up or get involved in just one camp whether they like it, are prepared for it, are opposed to it or not. Because this cuts across all ages, the youth is not exempted in this fierce and furious battle. Invariably, the battle rages more severely in the youthful age. That is why the youth and youth leaders must know the position spiritual warfare occupies in their lives and ministry.
Let’s look at the place of spiritual warfare in youth ministry under three sub titles: 1. The Principles of Spiritual Warfare in the Youth Ministry 2. The Place of Spiritual Warfare in the Youth Ministry 3. The Price of Spiritual Warfare in the Youth Ministry
1. THE PRINCIPLES OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE IN THE YOUTH MINISTRY
Daniel 9:20-22.

The youth ministry in any assembly is an arm that moulds and builds young minds into what they should be especially to achieve targeted aims and objectives. Before the youth ministry can be said to attain success, there must be some set principles that guide both the leader and the led.
Firstly, there must be a clear cut salvation experience in the leaders – those handling one position or the other; and a strong passion to know more of God. This experience is supposed to be deepened everyday in Christ. A novice can’t occupy any position with success or else these spiritual unseen forces will cause a shipwreck of such an individual’s convictions. Such novices will require sincerity and training to acquire knowledge first, so that God will not forget the children they are trying to bring up. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children” (Hosea 4:6).
Secondly, there should be continuous holy living to sustain oneself and others around us. Youths are people that believe more in practical than in theory. They learn faster when they see it done than when they only hear of it. In other words, the principle of holiness that is strictly adhered to by anyone in the youth circle – whether their colleagues or leaders will be creating a strong positive foundation for a victorious spiritual battle.
Thirdly, the word “DISCIPLINE” cannot be relegated to the background. Especially among youths, if there is no discipline, the enemy will strive easier and faster like a ferocious fiery serpent. The following areas require discipline: (i) What you look at. (ii) Temptation to be in the company of the opposite sex – peer pressure (iii) Restlessness in youths that leads to insubordination and laziness to duties; in school, at home and even in the church. (iv) Quick desire for freedom that leads to stubbornness, disobedience and rebellion and (v) Fashion. Even the leaders in the youth ministry should be mindful of these in their very lives.
2. THE PLACE OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE IN THE YOUTH MINISTRY
Philippians 4:6
Prayer takes the first place in any ministry; the youth ministry cannot be otherwise. Prayer has various aspects, but the aspect of warfare is paramount in the youth ministry. It should occupy the very first place for success to be attained. Why is warfare essential in the youth ministry? Where does it fit – its position? Well, it must be noted that the youth ministry as earlier stated is part of the main church that helps to build young minds for a targeted future. If the youth ministry fails, then the present church has failed and there will be no future church. This, the hordes of hell are aware of and will do anything to stop the youths and their leaders. They can hurl any type of stone at us, throw different sizes of javelin, arrows, pestilences etc., whether by day or by night without batting an eyelid. They wouldn’t mind using even respected people to carry out their mischievous plans.
Knowing all these, as real as it sounds, you and I know that we can’t afford to sleep. Spiritual warfare should take the first place in our prayer life and in the intercessory session in the church at large. These young minds, especially those ones just coming from the children church have a lot to learn, a life to live, a future to behold and a promise to keep. Satan will be the very last person to keep mute and watch these young ones attain their divine destinies.
Because of these, the youth ministry must wake up to the challenge and fight for the course of the youths, their siblings, parents, the church and the society at large. I am very much convinced that Christ who shed his blood for all will be glad we kept spiritual warfare in its appropriate place to pluck these youths from hell to heaven and to cause them to achieve their God ordained goals. In this race, you can’t get anything by folding your hands and wishing. Crying, resentment, grumbling and complaining will be an insult to the Captain of our salvation. There is only one way, “spiritual warfare” – NO WAR NO WAY. To achieve this, there must be some sacrifice, this will lead us to the last point.
3. THE PRICE OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE IN THE YOUTH MINISTRY
Daniel 6:10; Ephesians 6:16-18.
The price of spiritual warfare in the youth ministry is very high. Only those who love the ministry and are called into it can actually attain success. There is a price to pay for any spiritual warfare session.
There is the need to pray, not just the normal kind of prayer but the warfare kind of prayer. This will require denying oneself of some legitimate things like sleep, food, rest, visitation and leisure to actually challenge the forces of hell that are not relenting in their effort to swallow up the youths of this generation.
If you discover that you don’t have the love, passion and compassion for the youth ministry, the first thing to do is to leave the youth ministry right away. This is so because when insults, assaults and all forms of prejudices start appearing, such a person will do more harm than good to the youths and the ministry in general. Such a person cannot fight a good fight of faith. You may be long forgotten before you are remembered.
Also, if you think there is no need to “do battle”, then you are going to pay another type of price. The results will actually be fatal and unimaginable – a case study is the Niger Delta Menace. So pay a price to receive a prize or receive a prize to pay a price. I advise you to choose paying the price now with strong perseverance for all youths and the youth ministry at large, challenging and binding anything that will want to stand against the knowledge of God. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18).

EATING HABITS

counseling unit
EATING HABITS THAT LEAD TO ALL ROUND PROMOTION
Job 23:12; 3 John 2

PREAMBLE
Developing a positive eating habit is essential to all round promotion because you are a product of what you eat. Socrates said, “Bad men live that they may eat and drink, whereas, good men eat and drink that they may live.”
Eating is to sustain you and keep you healthy while you are here on earth and in the course of your lifetime. To develop a positive eating habit therefore, there is need to have a good knowledge of nutrition, what to eat, what to avoid though they are edible, when and how to eat.

HUMAN NUTRITION
This is the study of how food affects the health and survival of the human body. Human beings require food to grow, reproduce and maintain good health. Without food our body could not stay warm, build or repair tissue or even maintain a heartbeat. Eating the right food can help us avoid certain diseases or recover faster when illness occurs. Nutrients are classified as follows:
(a) Water: If the importance of a nutrient is judged by how long we can do without it, water ranks uppermost. A person can survive only 8-10 days without water whereas it takes weeks and months to die from lack of food. Our body is 65% water and it takes 3 litres averagely to replenish daily fluid loss, which can be derived from liquids preferably those without caffeine and alcohol; (both of these increase the passing out of urine thereby causing dehydration). Many foods also contain water – fruits and vegetables 80% - 95%; Meats 50%; Grains such as rice 35%.
(b) Carbohydrates: This is the key source of energy classified as starches and sugars. Common starchy foods such as whole grain breads and cereals with naturally occurring simple sugars found in fruits and vegetables are called complex carbohydrates. These are better consumed, then simple sugars which are already refined which are added to processed foods. These when eaten require little digestion and are quickly absorbed in the body triggering an unhealthy chain of events. This can eventually result in irritability and nervousness from chemicals released into the blood stream. Many processed foods contain these simple sugars hence Nutritionists call them junks and should be avoided as much as possible.
Carbohydrates also contain fibres which aid in prompt removal of wastes and toxic materials from the body. It acts like a scoring pad to cleanse and flush the digestive tract. Found in oats, beans, citrus fruits, apple, whole grains etc.
(c) Proteins: These are powerful compounds that build and repair body tissues. Animal proteins such as eggs, meat, fish, poultry are considered as complete proteins because they contain all essential amino acids (simple form of protein). Plant proteins lack one or more amino acids, however when combined, can provide all e.g. rice and beans.
(d) Fats: These build the cell membrane and help blood to clot. It can be saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Animal fats got from eggs, meat and dairy products are high in cholesterol and are saturated while vegetable fats derived from avocadoes, olives and vegetable oils are unsaturated. High intakes of saturated fats are unhealthy, unsafe and increase the risk of heart diseases. It also contributes to obesity.
(e) Vitamins and Minerals: These are needed in very small amounts. They enhance chemical reactions necessary to maintain good health. A deficiency breaks the chemical chain and can have devastating effects. Vitamins also enhance the use of carbohydrates, protein and fats. Vitamins A, C and E function as antioxidants to check the activity of chemicals called free radicals which if unchecked make cells vulnerable to cancer causing substances. Environmental pollutants such as cigarette smokes are also free radicals. Vitamins are found in a wide variety of fruits and foods hence it is wise to eat from all these variety especially when they are in season.

TOO LITTLE OR TOO MUCH
When the body is not given enough of any one of the essential nutrients, over a period of time it becomes weak and less able to fight infection, the brain becomes sluggish and the heart is unable to pump properly, there is muscle wasting as the body withers and various complications set in. An excess diet may lead to obesity and all its attendant complications also.

Important points to remember
• Ensure a balanced and nutritious diet always
• Avoid junks as much as possible
• Eat regularly; prompt breakfast, tangible lunch and moderate supper.
• Avoid caffeine and all caffeine containing products.
• Starvation is dangerous as well as over eating/gluttony.
• Late night meals should be avoided.
• Do not choose a particular food/fruit and avoid the other, eat all variety as much as possible.
• Avoid sweets and sweetened products as much as possible.
• Irregular meals is hazardous
• Be moderate with fat intake
• Ensure daily intake of vegetable / fruits
• Alcohol drinking and smoking affect the body negatively.

Be a healthy-conscious eater, don’t live to eat but eat to stay alive and achieve greatness which is the very desire of God for your life. 3 John 2.

REWARDS OF GODLY AND RIGHTEOUS WALK IN A POLLUTED ENVIRONMENT

REWARDS OF GODLY AND RIGHTEOUS WALK

IN A POLLUTED ENVIRONMENT

HEBREWS 11:5-7; COLOSSIANS 3:24.

“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him” (Genesis 5:24). It can be clearly seen that Enoch was rewarded by walking with God. Genesis chapter 5 can be called the “and he died” chapter. But this didn’t touch Enoch who walked with God for three hundred long years, he simply disappeared.

The book of Hebrews gave us an astonishing revelation of what Enoch did – he pleased God. This started by faith. He believed God for who He is and what He says. This is righteousness. “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness” (Romans 4:3). Without faith you can’t please God. Without righteousness and holiness you can’t see God. Therefore to please God and get His protection, promotion, provision and preservation, one needs to walk in righteousness in any environment.

This journey into heaven is actually a walk with God, not with self, friends or the world. To commence this journey therefore you need to listen to a true preacher of God’s word, read the Bible, believe it with all your heart and finally call or cry onto God for salvation, because He alone can save you from destruction. “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14).

These should lead one into a step by step and side by side movement with God – not to stay behind, stray beside or stroll before Him. Let’s consider this topic under three sub titles 1. Repentance – A Compassionate work by God. 2. Righteousness – A Compulsory walk with God. 3. Remembrance – A compensatory Will of God

1. REPENTANCE – A COMPASSIONATE WORK BY GOD

Micah 7:18&19; Acts 5:30-31

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Proverbs 28:13; Matthew 9:13). To walk with God, He has made available repentance from sin through Jesus Christ our saviour. All you need to do is acknowledge those sins, confess and forsake them, and then ask for God’s mercy and forgiveness with a determination never to go back to such sins anymore (Romans 10:9, 10). God takes pleasure in walking with man. That is the original reason for man’s creation – to give Him pleasure (Revelation 4:11). Sin gives God displeasure. This made Him to drive the fallen angels and first humans from His presence. But compassion made Him to cause restoration to humans through repentance by Christ Jesus. Talk with God to walk with Him.

2. RIGHTEOUSNESS – A COMPULSORY WALK WITH GOD

Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 3:12

Righteousness can be defined as a quality of being morally right and good. Walking with God can mean being morally right and good by His standards according to His word. We are to deny every form of ungodliness and live godly in this present evil world. Noah was seen as righteous in his generation because he obeyed every word of God. “And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation” (Genesis 7:1). A whole generation perished because of the greed to satisfy the flesh.

To keep the experience of your salvation in this turbulent troubled world, you need to break off from unbelieving friends, cast off unrighteousness, flee youthful lust and then focus your attention on God’s Kingdom. “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17). You are to flee every youthful lust and constantly reject peer pressure, resist negative thoughts and reprove compromise in any form – spiritually or physically. “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

God desires to walk with man more than we can imagine. But because His eyes are so pure that they cannot behold iniquity, He just must separate sinners from Himself. If the first man was pushed out to suffer doom then it can’t be otherwise today, for God can never drift, He is just the same. So to be part of the new kingdom undergoing preparation for the redeemed, you need to seek righteousness at all cost. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 13:43).

3. REMEMBRANCE – A COMPENSATORY WILL OF GOD

Jeremiah 2:1-3; Malachi 3:16

If one can bring back the picture of something or thought of an individual to memory, then it is certain an action must follow – whether positive or negative. Sometimes it could lead to physical actions. This in its fullest is remembrance.

God can neither forget nor remember. But according to scriptures, when God forgets one’s children, then such are doomed for destruction. When God remembers anyone, then such a person is redeemed to walk with God and receives His blessings. Sometimes God can either “forget” or “remember” one’s iniquity as the case may be. In a nutshell, there is a reward or consequence for remembering or forgetting. The thief at the cross believed in Jesus and requested to be remembered and was granted immediate access into the coming kingdom. “And he said unto Jesus, Lord; remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:42-43).

A song writer wrote:

When you count up those who forward press,

Count me, count me;

Who shall gain the crown of righteousness,

Count me, count me.

There is a crown of righteousness for all pilgrims to heaven. When God counts you then he has remembered you.

When God remembers a stripling, such a youth must locate the throne. In 1 Samuel 17:55-56, Saul had forgotten who David was despite the benefits he had derived from him earlier. But because David walked with God, and God remembered him, it became difficult for people to forget him. Even Abner who had also forgotten him was forced to look for who David was. When God remembers a boy, girl, man or woman, that person is remembered indeed, no matter who forgets him or her. This certainly brings a reward here, on earth and finally in heaven at last.

Ruling and reigning with Christ

counseling unit
To rule and reign with Christ, you have to be bornagain.