“Author John Chasteen’s words struck me. Only minutes before my daughter had shared alarming statistics about Generation Z-her, age group, gathered from Barna, the CDC, and university websites.
Somewhere between changing hundreds of diapers, flipping pancakes, and driver’s lessons, my children have either moved into young adulthood or the late teen years and I’ve transitioned from youthful mama bouncing a baby on a hip to seasoned mother who has spent more time on her knees than standing.

[bbctt tweet="When I glance at young families eating in restaurants, I wonder at the challenges
they'll face.Lord, prepare them for battle.#prayer #spiritualwarfare"]

Now when I glance at young families eating in restaurants or strolling at the park, I wonder at the challenges they’ll face. Often, I whisper a prayer over them, Lord, prepare them for the battle.
Our wayward world skews the truth and confuses the most vulnerable-our precious children. Right becomes wrong; what was wrong is celebrated and if someone suggests otherwise that person is considered ignorant, hateful, or a bigot.

[bbctt tweet="Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the
authorities, against the powers of this dark world...#heavenlyrealms"]

But I am well educated, accept and love others even if I disagree with their lifestyles and choices, and recognize my battle isn’t with man’s standards or beliefs. Parents like myself aren’t at battle with any particular group of people. Scripture is clear, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12 NIV)

[bbctt tweet="We are waging a war against the lies of the Enemy.Lies that lead our children into bondage.
Lies that leave our children feeling lost, alone, and abandoned.#lostboys #lonelygirls"]

We are waging a war against the lies of the Enemy. Lies of identity and value. Lies that lead our children into bondage. Lies that leave our children feeling lost, alone, and abandoned.
Consider this information…

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for adolescents.
• 33% report being bullied online.
• More than 20% of teens struggle with mental health illness.
• 50% of teenaged girls and 30% of teenaged boys use unhealthy weight control measures such as binging, purging, or diuretics.
• 50% will experience the breakup of their parent’s marriage.
• 40% of Gen Z is being raised without their fathers.
• 70% believe it’s acceptable to be born one gender and feel like another.
• 29% believe abortion is wrong.
• 94% of boys view pornography by age 14 and nearly 25% are unable to discontinue the behavior.
• 80% of girls view pornography by age 14 and 8% are unable to discontinue the behavior.
• 1/3 believe lying is morally wrong.
• 4% of 69 million children and teens in Gen Z have a Biblical worldview.

Friend, it is time to prepare the next generation. We cannot shrug them off dismissively because the battle lines are drawn; the Enemy has declared war on our children, families, and homes.
We must engage.

[bbctt tweet="Our teens suffer emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.#ourteensneedus"]

Engage our children–these beautiful gifts from God who stagger baffled and bewildered toward the deceptive traps set before them. While the average American family spends no more than thirty-seven minutes together each day, our teens suffer emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Earlier, I quoted John Chasteen. If we were to read each statistic individually, they might seem unremarkable. Innocuous. But read as a whole? Problematic and dangerous. Your teens and mine are hurting.

[bbctt tweet="Send your prayers relentlessly toward heaveny.#prayingmothers #pray"]

Mama, I know your heart. You love your child more than life; don’t give up. Jesus is your heavenly intercessor and He is praying on behalf of your beloved son or daughter. Send your prayers relentlessly toward heaven.
Below, you’ll discover four simple ways to overcome the Enemy. It’s a place to start as we trust the Lord with our children and fight alongside Him on the homefront.

[bbctt tweet="Praying for my children is the single most important act I will ever do on their behalf.
#battleonmyknees"]

Four Simple & Effective Ways to Engage Your Teen & Overcome the Enemy

• Pray Continually-The longer I’ve parented, the more I’ve realized the importance of prayer. I’ve come to believe that praying for my children before their birth and throughout their lives is the most important single act I will ever do on their behalf. (I’m planning to include a list of downloadble of prayer prompts in this month’s message. If you’d like to add your name to the email list, I’ll be sure to send it to you! )
• Protect Family Time-Talk with your children about how much you miss spending time with them and determine a specific number of times each week your family will gather for dinner. No cell phones or other social media allowed.
• Protect What Your Children See and Share-Every evening, politely but firmly insist that your children place cell phones in a designated area. Phones are not allowed to be in a teen’s room overnight and parents have access to all passwords and social media profiles-if you allow them. In addition, eliminate the ability to share photos on your child’s phone to avoid the possibility of “sexting”.
• Protect Your Child’s Heart-Spend time with your teen each day. Go on a walk, play a board game, listen to music, or watch a favorite movie together. Share what you’re learning from scripture, offer to do a Bible study with your son or daughter. Create opportunities to grow your relationship and speak truth into your child’s life while he or she still lives at home.

I’d love to know other ways you protect your family time or your child’s heart. Please share with us below or let me know how I can pray for you.
 
Peace and grace,
Tammy
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