answers - amazon s3 · your sin to god and cry out to him for the power of his holy spirit to set...

CHILDREN

GOD’SGOD’SGOD’SANSWERSANSWERSANSWERS

for Your

Childrenfor Your

Children

DAVID CERULLO

GOD’S

ANSWERSFOR YOUR

CHILDREN

DAVID CERULLO

2

GOD’S ANSWERS FOR YOUR CHILDREN

David Cerullo

Copyright © 2005 & 2013 by David Cerullo ISBN 978-1-887600-78-1

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the New American Standard Bible, © copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scriptures marked KJV are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version.

Scriptures marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version, © copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, record-ing, or otherwise, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review, without prior permission in writing from the pub-lisher.

Published byInspiration MinistriesP.O. Box 7750Charlotte, NC 28241inspiration.org

Printed in the United States of America.

G O D ’ S A N S W E R S F O R Y O U R C H I L D R E N

3

C O N T E N T S

Introduction 4

1 Parenting by Example 8

2 Five Choices for Parents 13

3 Bombarding Heaven with 19

Your Prayers

4 Life-Changing Prayers 25

5 Scriptural Promises for 33

Your Children

Ministry Resources 36

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

Introduction

5

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Children are one of God’s greatest gifts and the source of a parent’s deepest joy. As we obey God’s Word and raise our children “in the nur-ture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4), our hearts are overwhelmed with gratitude and peace as we see our sons and daughters walking in a faithful Covenant Relationship with Him.

But what about when our children refuse to follow in the footsteps of the Lord Jesus? What about when they consistently make destruc-tive choices that cause themselves—and us—so much pain?

Instead of joy, gratitude, and peace, we expe-rience sorrow, grief, and stress. Even as we cry out to God on behalf of our children, it’s easy to be filled with despair as we wonder if they will ever choose to return to Him and to us.

THE FATHER’S JOY AND PEACE

Regardless of what you’re facing today with your children, remember these words from Scripture: “Be anxious for nothing, but in every-thing by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Barbara and I want you to know that as a Christian, you can be filled with the Father’s


6

joy and peace—regardless of the circumstances surrounding your son or daughter. We want you to know God loves you, and you never need to doubt His concern for you or your child. We urge you to lean on God’s truth and rest in His arms of love and compassion.

The answers in this booklet are not mine. They are based on God’s Word—the first place Believers must turn in times of crisis. Scripture is where you will find the necessary strength, cour-age, and comfort to triumph over the enemy’s attacks against your children.

The Bible is where you will find Divine help and guidance. When your faith needs strengthening—when you need courage—when you need wisdom to know what to do—draw on God’s Word for guidance and encouragement.

HIDDEN KEYS

When we’re experiencing troubling times with our children, it’s tempting to rely only on family, friends, counselors, or those in the world for guidance and reassurance. While all of these can be helpful, we must turn to God’s unchanging Word first and allow His peace to flood our hearts and minds.

Scripture reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own under-standing. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). His peace will guard and protect us from Satan’s attempts to paralyze and overwhelm us with

G O D ’ S A N S W E R S F O R Y O U R C H I L D R E N

7

fear, stress, and anxiety regarding our children’s circumstances and future.

Within God’s Word are keys to miracles for your child—keys for their deliverance, healing, and restoration. Ask the Holy Spirit to super-naturally deposit His Word into your mind, soul, and spirit as you spend time reading and meditating on Scripture.

Allow the verses I’ve included in this book to soak into your very being. Use them as prayers to pray over your child. Let them guide, encour-age, and strengthen you whenever you begin to feel desperate or discouraged about your pre-cious son or daughter. You will find, as did the psalmist David, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Barbara and I love you and pray this booklet will strengthen and comfort you through your times of trouble with your child. We pray that its message will help guide you and show you how to defeat every attempt of the devil to defeat your child’s destiny in Christ.

Remember this: God has not planned defeat for your son or daughter. His plan is for you—and your child—to live in His victory, peace, and joy.

God bless you.

David Cerullo


C H A P T E R O N E

Parenting by Example

9

P A R E N T I N G B Y E X A M P L E

All people on earth have this in common: We have all been children. And we know first-hand how the decisions made by our parents have shaped and directed our lives.

I had to come to grips with the fact that my father, Morris Cerullo, was rarely home because of his call to international evangelism. Rather than becoming bitter, I chose to accept God’s call on Dad’s life and on our family. Yet, deep in my heart I always thought, “When I grow up, it’s going to be different. I’m not going to be away from my family.”

Many years later, after Barbara and I were married and our children Ben and Becky were born, I found myself traveling more than I would have liked. Suddenly, I was faced with a choice: Was I willing to sacrifice time with my family in order to be in ministry? It wasn’t an easy decision.

However, when Barbara and I had decided to have a family, I had determined to be a stay-at-home dad as much as possible, so that I could give my children the time and attention they deserved.

Did following through on that decision mean I would have perfect teenagers who would never rebel and never cause us heartache or pain? Absolutely not. We were faced with the same challenges millions of parents experience. Nonetheless, this was a choice that I believed

P A R E N T I N G B Y E X A M P L E1

1 0

God had called me to make for our family, and I have never regretted obeying Him.

As a father, I have learned that when I obey the Lord, He rewards both me AND my family with His blessings.

WISE COUNSEL

Regardless of whether your children are young and still live at home or they are adults with lives of their own, by the example you set and the decisions you make, you are Sowing Seed into them that will produce a lifetime of rewards. We see this evidenced throughout the Word.

King David is one of many such examples. The words David spoke to his son were Seeds he had Sown into Solomon when he was young (1 Chronicles 22:12). Many years later, when God offered to give Solomon whatever he wanted, the young man responded by saying, “Give me wisdom.”

Had David not encouraged Solomon to seek discretion and understanding, who knows what he might have asked God to give him? But since Solomon remembered the words of his father and asked God for wisdom, God granted his request AND gave him riches and honor.

The Seeds you Sow into your children will bring a lifetime of rewards for them as well—either for good or bad. I can confidently tell you that the wise counsel of a Godly parent pays great dividends!

G O D ’ S A N S W E R S F O R Y O U R C H I L D R E N 1

1 1

ARE YOU SETTING A GODLY EXAMPLE?

You can’t just talk the talk with your children —you must walk the walk before them! Your child will follow your example, not your words.

Even more, any hidden iniquities—the sins you think no one knows about—will affect the lives of those you love for generations to come. You can have God’s forgiveness, yet these trans-gressions can adversely impact your children for years. The Word clearly states: “The Lord is slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness, forgiv-ing iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations” (Numbers 14:18).

Today, ask God to help you live a blameless life before Him and your family. By the power of Jesus Christ living in you, you can set a Godly example and Sow Seeds of wisdom and righ-teousness into their lives.

For your sake—but more importantly, for the sake of your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—you must be set free from any apparent or hidden bondage. Today, confess your sin to God and cry out to Him for the power of His Holy Spirit to set you free by the Blood of His Son Jesus Christ. Then, like Solomon, ask God for His wisdom on what you need to do to be per-manently set free, so that your children and your future generations will be empowered to walk in an obedient Covenant Relationship with Him!

P A R E N T I N G B Y E X A M P L E1

1 2

TESTING THE BOUNDARIES

You may ask, “How should I respond when I’ve done my best, yet my children still make harmful choices?”

Don’t panic! Regardless of how perfectly you have tried to raise your kids, they probably will test your boundaries and cause sleepless nights. But remember, they are your children—your flesh and blood. Don’t “disown” them because you disagree with the decisions they make or because they have hurt you. They are not the first to make mistakes. We all have made poor choices.

The best advice you can give your children (and yourself!) is to encourage them to repent sincerely before God for their sins and start over again. If your children are young, lovingly talk about their poor choices with them. Discipline them when they disobey. Pray with them about their decisions. Encourage them to make better choices next time.

If your children are grown, ask them if you can talk about their decision-making with them and pray with them. If they refuse, talk to God anyway! Never be harsh, condemning, critical, or self-righteous. This will only drive them fur-ther away from you.

Humbly remember the many times you have failed. If we never failed, God would not have to spend so much time teaching us about His grace and mercy. These free gifts from the Father are for imperfect people—parents and their children—who make wrong decisions and need to be restored.


C H A P T E R T W O

Five Choices for Parents

1 4

F I V E C H O I C E S F O R P A R E N T S

Parenting is no easy task, and as you may have noticed, your kids weren’t born with a set of instructions! But regardless of your inadequa-cies as a parent, God is faithful. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, and as you seek His guidance regarding your parenting choices, God will honor your obedience.

Here are five specific choices you can make to help build—or rebuild—a strong foundation for your child’s life:

1. CHOOSE TO INSTILL GOD’S WORD.

Some parents have the attitude, “My children will read the Bible when they’re ready.” That’s not how the Lord intends for Scripture to be taught. Instruction must begin early and be initi-ated by you! The Bible says, “You shall teach them [God’s instructions] diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:7).

By Sowing the Word into your son or daugh-ter, you are preparing for an Eternal Harvest. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “From childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). What a priceless gift from God!

F I V E C H O I C E S F O R P A R E N T S2

1 5

If your children are already grown, ask the Lord for ideas and opportunities to Sow Scripture into their lives. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading, so that you don’t end up turning them away from the Word rather than drawing them to it.

2. CHOOSE TO TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO OBEY THE LORD.

More than once, I’ve heard a mother warn her youngster, “You’d better obey me!” It’s much more effective to teach children the necessity of obeying the Lord and the principles He has writ-ten in His Word. Through Moses, God told His people to “return to the Lord your God and obey Him with all your heart and soul according to all that I command you today, you and your sons” (Deuteronomy 30:2). Teach your child that obe-dience to God brings great rewards!

Even grown children can be taught the rewards of obedience to the Word. As you have tangible evidence of God’s rewarding you with His blessings in your life as a result of your obedience, testify to your adult son or daughter about God’s faithfulness. Again, be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit regarding when to speak and when to be silent, so that you avoid needlessly turning your child away.

3. CHOOSE TO DISCIPLINE YOUR CHILDREN IN LOVE.

Many parents carry the admonition to “spare the rod and ruin the child” to an extreme. As a


1 6

result, their kids are beat up rather than brought up! Read what the Apostle Paul recommends: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

At the same time, don’t believe the many pseudo- psychologists who tell you, “If you are hard on your children, they will lose all respect for you.” As Scripture declares: “We had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?” (Hebrews 12:9). Godly training and loving correction are the twin pillars of character.

If your children are grown, it’s still possible to lovingly discipline them by allowing them to experience the consequences of their poor choices. Stop rescuing them from their mis-takes. Refuse to allow them to treat you or your belongings with disrespect. If they live at home, insist that they comply with household rules.

Although it may be painful for you and your child, don’t be afraid to allow them to experience the consequences of their choices by withdraw-ing the privilege of being with you, using your belongings, or even being in your home. God is responsible for your adult child, not you, and He may allow them to walk through painful experiences so that they can finally realize the foolishness of their ways.


1 7

4. CHOOSE TO PASS WISDOM ON TO YOUR CHILDREN.

The Bible tells you to “keep your soul dili-gently, lest forget the things which your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your hearts all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons” (Deuteronomy 4:9). As a child of God, you have been given a great heritage. Pass it on!

Don’t ignore Solomon’s wisdom: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

Hopefully, experience and the rewards of the good and bad choices you have made have provided you with a wealth of wisdom that you can share with your children, whether they are young or old. Ask God to give you the wisdom of what to share with your children and when to share it.

5. CHOOSE TO REPENT FOR YOUR MISTAKES.

Whether you are still raising your children or if they are already grown, like all parents, you have done things with your children that you regret. Or perhaps there are things you wish you had done, but neglected to do.

As the Holy Spirit convicts you of mistakes, repent before God and place them under the Blood of Jesus. Forgive yourself. Then, as He leads you, go to your child and ask forgiveness for ways you may have sinned against them,


1 8

such as losing your temper, neglecting them, or being critical.

Choose to humble yourself before your child by saying, “I’m sorry. Will you please forgive me?” You will be amazed at how your honest humility can heal hurts and restore broken rela-tionships. Often, this begins a softening process in your child’s heart that was previously hard and rebellious to you and the Lord.

“NO GREATER JOY”

I pray that the choices you make today and tomorrow regarding your children will be pleasing to God and in His perfect will. To be a Christian means to be Christ-like. As you walk in the Word, you not only are becoming the person He has planned for you to be, but you are shaping and influencing the lives of your children.

As King David chose to Sow wise Seeds into the life of his son Solomon, choose to Sow wise Seeds into your children. May you then be able to say, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4).


C H A P T E R T H R E E

Bombarding Heaven with Your Prayers

2 0

B O M B A R D I N G H E A V E N W I T H Y O U R P R A Y E R S

The enemy wants nothing more than to destroy the home. It is an institution designated by God as the foundation for our lives, a place of security where we nurture our children and enjoy a sense of peace. But across this nation and around the world, homes are being torn apart by the devil, who has come to steal, kill, and destroy.

I know firsthand how the enemy can infil-trate our lives and attempt to wrench our families apart. Barbara and I have spent many sleepless nights crying out to the Lord on behalf of our children. Thank God, He heard our prayers.

OUR LITTLE GIRL

Barbara recalls the troubling times we experi-enced when our daughter Becky was in her teens:

“When Becky was born, Dave and I were so happy! We had prayed for a little girl and, with our son Ben, we felt our family was complete. Becky was a very good baby. She followed a rou-tine right from the start, and it was easy for me to plan around her schedule.

“Becky was a precious child. When it was time for her to start school, she was so excited. Becky was always my social butterfly and loved to be with people. She also really enjoyed learning. I volunteered at school activities, so that I could be a part of all aspects of her life. We had such fun!”

B O M B A R D I N G H E A V E N W I T H Y O U R P R A Y E R S3

2 1

THE STRUGGLE

“Becky was an excellent student, involved in cheerleading, scouting, church, and dance.

“When the opportunity came for us to move from San Diego to Charlotte to lead Inspiration Ministries, I tried to make the experience as positive as I possibly could for our children—even traveling with Becky to Charlotte early so she could try out to be a cheerleader for the coming year. She was so excited when she made the squad!

“The move proved to be difficult for our children, yet the Lord always kept His hand of protection on them. Ben went through a tough time in his life, and Becky was no exception.

“There was a period of almost a year when she struggled in her walk with the Lord. It was causing great anxiety in our home. At one point, I was so distraught with her behavior that I couldn’t believe she was the same sweet, precious girl I had given birth to. I was searching for answers.”

BOMBARDING HEAVEN

“Then the Lord made it clear to me that we needed to enroll Becky in a summer church camp—but she didn’t want to go. But we had gone through some difficult months, and now we believed God had an appointment to keep with her.

“When we drove her to the church and put her on the bus, Becky wouldn’t even kiss


2 2

me goodbye. Immediately after we returned home, I began bombarding Heaven with a mother’s prayers. I fasted, sought God, and told the Lord, ‘I’m not letting go of You until You intervene in Becky’s life.’

“During that time there was a song I listened to over and over again for comfort. The verse went something like this: ‘Lay it down at Mount Moriah, giving up what you love best. Giving in complete surrender, that you might know God’s faithfulness.’

“I gave Becky totally to the Lord during that time. I wanted God to have His way in her life, and I spent hours praying and crying before the Throne of God. I quoted Scriptures the Lord had given me as promises for her life. I repeated them over and over again.”

THE PHONE RANG

“I will never forget what happened one day. It was in the middle of the morning while I was sitting in the den, crying out to God, that the phone rang.

“‘Hello,’ I answered.“‘Hi, Mom. It’s me, Becky. Listen Mom, I don’t

have much time because we only have one com-mon phone here at camp. I just had to tell you this: I’m in love with Jesus. I love you and Dad. I’ll tell you all about it just as soon as I get home. I love you, Mom. Bye!’

“‘Oh, Becky, I love you too, honey. I’ll see you in a couple of days.’


2 3

“Well, I hung up the phone and shouted for joy! I cried tears of thanksgiving—and the Lord and I had a party! I was so overjoyed that I could not thank Him enough.

“When Dave and I picked Becky up from camp, she literally ran and threw her arms around us and couldn’t kiss us enough—right in front of the other campers! She was so full of joy I could hardly believe it.

“When she left for camp, she was depressed, rebellious, and filled with anger. Now this girl standing in front of me was my Becky, only better. We took her to dinner, and all she could do was share what the Lord had done for her that week. Her Bible was by her side, and there were underlines all over the pages.”

SATAN’S DECEPTION

“The lie Becky had bought into was some-thing I didn’t think could ever happen in our home, which showed me how evil and deceptive the devil is. Our daughter told us she felt the things she had done were so bad that the Lord could never forgive her.

“We had raised our children in an environ-ment of grace and mercy, yet that was the very arena in which the devil tried to defeat her! This experience taught me how much I need to ask the Lord for discernment regarding the strategies of the enemy when I pray for anyone—including our family.


2 4

“Today, Becky is a wife and the mother of two wonderful little boys, Samuel and Matthew. Dave and I continue to be so proud of her. She is truly a woman of God.”

HOPE FOR YOUR HOUSEHOLD

The story Barbara has shared may not be nearly as troubling as the one your family is currently suffering. I know that whenever there is strife, there is also tremendous heartache. But believe me when I tell you that God loves your child even more than you do. He wants to deliv-er them from whatever bondage the enemy is using to enslave them.

There were days when Barbara and I won-dered when—or if—God would give us back our children, but with persistent prayer, He responded to the cries of our heart.

Will you totally surrender your son or your daughter to the Healer of broken hearts? He will mend your shattered dreams. Keep praying. Keep believing. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31).

God is already at work—for you and for your children. Don’t give up or give in before you receive a breakthrough.


C H A P T E R F O U R

Life-Changing Prayers

2 6

L I F E - C H A N G I N G P R A Y E R S

You may ask, “How can I change my child?”Let me suggest a better approach. Rather than

simply trying to change your child, why not give any difficult circumstance regarding your child to God for Him to take care of? Talk to Him about what is troubling you, and ask Him for His answers. Here are five specific prayer requests:

1. PRAY THAT YOU WILL RESPOND TO YOUR CHILD ACCORDING TO GOD’S PRINCIPLES.

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

A child’s understanding of God is shaped by how their parents treat them. Anger, harsh words, criticism, and judgment will drive your child away from you and from the Lord. Kindness, loving discipline, and unconditional acceptance will draw them to you and to Him.

2. PRAY THAT YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER WILL FIND CHRIST.

Paul writes to young Timothy, “from child-hood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15).

L I F E - C H A N G I N G P R A Y E R S4

2 7

Timothy’s destiny was greatly impacted by the prayers of his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). Even though you may be unable to see results with your natural eyes, trust that your prayers are having an impact on your child’s mind, body, soul, and spirit.

3. PRAY THAT YOUR CHILD WILL WALK IN TRUTH.

John told the early Believers, “I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father” (2 John 1:4).

We must love—and pray for our children to love—the truth of God’s Word.

4. PRAY THAT YOU WILL HONOR AND RESPECT YOUR CHILD.

God’s Word tells us, “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).

Strong families are built on love, trust, and consideration of one another. Your children can detect hypocrisy a mile away. Make certain your words and actions add up—especially in your household. Determine that with God’s help, you will live with integrity.

5. PRAY THAT GOD WILL BLESS YOUR CHILDREN.

“I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My


2 8

Spirit on your offspring and My blessing on your descendants” (Isaiah 44:3).

God wants to bless your children. Ask and you will receive!

EXPOSING SATAN’S CONSPIRACY AGAINST YOUR CHILDREN

Ephesians 6:12 warns us that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (KJV). Although certain issues facing your children or grandchildren may have your attention, it’s likely that those issues are not the real problem. The root problem of the issues your children are going through are spiritual in nature.

Remember this: every spirit manifests itself in a physical form. In other words, what we see hap-pening in the natural realm is the manifestation of something deeper going on in the invisible, spiritual world. In that invisible world, Satan is conspiring to destroy your children and grandchildren.

Sadly, a lot of Christians today doubt the existence of Satan, and they certainly doubt that he has a conspiracy against their family. Webster defines a conspiracy as “a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end.” I believe this is exactly how Satan and his forces are attacking you and your family today.

Like it or not...believe it or not...you are engaged in a spiritual war. It’s true that our children live in a natural world and must deal


2 9

with the natural issues that are influencing their lives. But it’s also true that they live in a spiritual world. In the spiritual world, there are principali-ties, powers, and rulers of darkness in high places that have unleashed strategies to do more than simply influence our children’s values, beliefs, and behavior.

These powers of darkness have one goal in mind: Destruction. Spiritual destruction and death. If the battle for the very souls of your children is to be won, it must be fought and won first and fore-most in the spirit realm with spiritual weapons.

OUR CHILDREN ARE VULNERABLE!In John 10:10 we read the clear agenda of

Satan. Jesus called Satan a thief. As a thief, he doesn’t come knocking on the front door and ask permission to come in. He is crafty and deceitful. He comes to kill, steal, and destroy. Jesus said in contrast that He has come that we might have life and that we might have it more abundantly.

The Bible also describes Satan as a roar-ing lion (1 Peter 5:8). Picture a roaring lion, prowling through your neighborhood. Who is he looking for? The Bible says he is looking for who he may devour. This means he is looking for any person who is vulnerable. Who in our society is more vulnerable than our children?

It’s no wonder that many of our children have been stolen, killed, or destroyed.

Don’t be deceived! The problems your children or grandchildren are facing today are


3 0

not simply the byproducts of the social ills and excesses in our society. The real cause of their problems is taking place in the invisible world. Behind every problem, evil spirits are at work. If you want to experience victory in your life and the life of your family, these spirits must be bound and defeated!

This is not the time to sit back and wait to see what will happen next. You must draw the battle lines. You must be willing to declare spiritual war! No matter what you do, you can count on the fact that Satan is at war with you and your family.

Breaking Satan’s conspiracy cannot be accomplished through psychology or getting laws passed or demanding behavioral changes from your children.

TAKE THE OFFENSIVE!The good news is that God has given you the

power and authority you need to take offensive action. To win the battle for your children, you need to become spiritually violent. Jesus said in Matthew 11:12, “The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force” (NKJV). In other words, you need to be spiritually aggres-sive, forceful, and violent in your prayer life.

Look beyond the symptoms. Look beyond the surface issues. Go to the root cause of the problem in the spirit realm. Take the offensive!

The Apostle Paul gave us a picture of the kind of battle you need to fight. He wrote, “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal,


3 1

but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” (2 Corinthians 10:4).

Matthew 18:18 tells us that whatever we bind on earth will be bound in Heaven, and whatever we lOose on earth will be loosed in Heaven. In this spiritual battle, you must fight aggressively through prayer and bind Satan’s power over your children!

Whatever your child may be going through today…drugs or alcohol addiction, pornog-raphy, sexual impurity, rebellion…bind those spirits on earth over your child in the name and upon the authority of Jesus. Ask God to bind those same spirits in the Heavens over the influence and power of your children. Then release the opposite spirits. Release a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Release a spirit of repentance. Release a spirit of conviction. Release a spirit of holiness, obedience, submis-sion to authority. Ask God to release these spir-its in the Heavens.

Second, be on the defensive also. Paul wrote that we are to “Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).

Remember: Prayer changes things. Pray for your children every day. Pray with them. Let them see you putting your faith into action.

Be persistent in prayer. Don’t be discour-aged by what you see on the surface. Don’t give up. Remember James 5:16: “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”

“Greater is He who is in you than he who


3 2

is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Jesus has given us power over all the power of the enemy. Use your delegated authority and the sword of the spirit to do battle over your children and your grandchildren.

MY PRAYER FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN

I am believing with you that God will place a hedge of protection around your children. If your heart is heavy because of a broken relation-ship or a conflict that can’t seem to be resolved, allow the Holy Spirit to be your Counselor and Guide. Then place the problem at the foot of Jesus’ Cross—believing by faith that God will bring to pass His plans, purposes, and destiny for your child in His timing and in His way.

I’d like to pray for you and your child:

Heavenly Father, this hurting parent and I come boldly before Your throne of grace to ask You to intervene in their child’s life. According to Your Word, God, we claim the plans and purposes You have for this one’s child—plans for a hope and a future—plans to be found by You when they seek You with all their heart. Father, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, move on their child’s body, soul, mind, and spirit. We claim this child for Your Kingdom and declare that the evil one cannot touch them. Please release Your love, power, and presence over them now, in Jesus’ powerful and precious name. Amen.


C H A P T E R F I V E

ScripturalPromises for Your Children

3 4

S C R I P T U R A L P R O M I S E S F O R Y O U R C H I L D R E N

In Isaiah 55, God says that His Word will not return to Him void, but “it shall accomplish what I please and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (v. 11). Because of this promise, using Scripture as prayers over your children is the most powerful way you can pray!

Whenever you are feeling desperate or dis-couraged about your child’s circumstances, I encourage you to pray these Scriptures, inserting your child’s name in where it fits. Allow them to still your mind and soak into your spirit.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:14-15).

“I am poor and needy; make haste to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay...He will bring justice to the poor of the people; He will save the children of the needy, and will break in pieces the oppressor” (Psalm 70:5; 72:4 NKJV).

“Let Your work appear to Your servants, and Your majesty to their children” (Psalm 90:16).

“The lovingkindness of the Lord is from ever-lasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children” (Psalm 103:17).


3 5

“May the Lord give you increase, you and your children” (Psalm 115:14).

“Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalm 127:3).

“I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring and My blessing on your descendants; and they will spring up among the grass like poplars by streams of water” (Isaiah 44:3-4).

“Lift up your eyes round about and see; they all gather together, they come to you. Your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried in the arms” (Isaiah 60:4).

“The promise is unto you, and to your chil-dren, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:39 KJV).

“Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31).

S C R I P T U R A L P R O M I S E S F O R Y O U R C H I L D R E N5

Ministry Resources

HEAL ME, O LORD!If this is the cry of your heart

today – either for yourself or a loved one – this package will

reveal proven Scriptural keys to unleash God’s

healing power!

FREE INDEEDThe life-changing devotionals

contained in Free Indeed will free you to walk with new confidence

in the Lord. Remember…God wants you to be Free Indeed! As

Christians, we can enjoy the free-dom of being surrounded and

safeguarded by God’s Presence, power, peace, and protection.

YOUR TURNAROUND DEVOTIONAL

This 31-day devotional tool will help you receive long-awaited breakthroughs in your family, health, finances, or intimacy

with the Lord.

HOW TO RECEIVE YOUR MIRACLE FROM GODDo you need God’s supernatural intervention in your life? Are you searching for a life-changing miracle in your body, soul, spirit, marriage, job, or finances? Jesus is reaching out His mighty hand and asking you, “What do you want me to do for you?” and David Cerullo’s book provides the insight you need to answer Him.

SEASONS OF BLESSINGYour Heavenly Father wants to step

into the circumstances of your life with His supernatural breakthroughs,

and some of His most amazing blessings are offered through the

“holy convocations” and “appointed times” He ordained. During these special times on God’s calendar, He offers to

meet with you and bless you in extraordinary ways.

GOD’SGOD’SGOD’SANSWERSANSWERSANSWERS

for Your

Childrenfor Your

Children

C hildren are one of God’s greatest gifts, and He intends for them to be a source of deep joy. But

when our children refuse to follow Jesus and they make destructive choices that cause themselves—and us—so much pain, we can experience tremendous anger, grief, and stress.God’s Answers for Your Children by David Cerullo is a powerful Scriptural resource that…

P Offers you God’s hope for your children

P Teaches you how to parent by example

P Reveals 5 choices all parents need to make

P Shows you how to bombard Heaven with your prayers

P Contains powerful Scripture promises to declare over your children

This booklet will strengthen, encourage, and help guide you through difficult times with your children and show you how to defeat every attempt of the enemy to devour their destiny in Christ. As a Believer, you CAN be filled with God’s joy and peace concerning your son or daughter!

David Cerullo is the Chairman and CEO of Inspiration Ministries and is dedicated to impacting people for Christ worldwide through media. Inspiration TV broadcasts Gospel programming 24/7 into 150 nations, reaching a potential audience of hundreds of millions of people. Visit the ministry website at inspiration.org to receive teaching from God’s Word or to request prayer.

Copyright © 2013 David Cerullo, Inspiration Ministries

inspiration.org

M I N I S T R I E S

answers - amazon s3 · your sin to god and cry out to him for the power of his holy spirit to set...

Documents