Youth
IN THE DAYS OF THY
VOLUME
ONE
A publication of Divine Connection seminar Uk Designed to enrich and empower youths worldwide.
IN THE DAYS OF THY YOUTH BY BISHOP MIKE BAMIDELE
PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER OF VICTORY LIFE MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL AND DIVINE CONNECTION CHAPELS
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ife is in phases. There is the childhood phase and the old age. All the phases of life are very important and significant. Each phase has its characteristics, responsibilities, privileges, biblical duties and difficulties. However, through the right application of God’s words for each phase, you can make a success of all the phases of life. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 1 John 2:13-14. Youth, represents energy, vigour, strength, activity, adventure, freshness and many more. It is also believed that it is the mental and spiritual development and interest that determines who is a youth. You may be old in body but a youth at heart. Proverbs 20:29(KJV) The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head. A person who keeps reading and takes interest in life is always young, but whosoever has lost interest in current issues of life is old, even if he is just twelve years old. Who then is in the days of his youth? The person who is actively walking with God and ready to accomplish much for God.
A youth should therefore remember His God and use his strength to serve God. Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them. The days of youth is a stage where you are no more a baby and you have the ability to do certain basic things for yourself. It is a stage where you begin to discover who you are and what your mission is here on earth. It is the time for adventure, exploration and creativity. It is a season where you are searching for answers to personal questions and general questions of life. I will therefore like to congratulate you if you are a youth because God is very interested in young people. He has always used young men to carry out His major assignment on the earth, and He wants you to be one of those men that He will use in this day and age to make a change, this is your time, it is your season. Joel 2:28-29 ‘ And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. Remember the glory of the youth is their strength.
BY DAMISOLA SHOROYE
(MEMBER DIVINE CONNECTION CHURCH UKUNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE)
SURVIVE THRIVE &
A guide to navigating university as a Christian.
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nderstandably, many will be anxious about what life. Endeavour to find opportunities to use these teachings in happens when they get to university especially everything you do. because of the misconceptions or truths about the university experience that friends, parents + MAKE A HABIT OF CHURCH and family will tell. But in my opinion, believe it or not, it So, on Sundays, I wake up at 9 o’clock only to discover my is impossible for anyone to say exactly what your personal mum is not forcing me to get out of bed. It’s a liberating university experience will be like – there are too many feeling. But that is where the challenge begins. What’s the variables to take into account such as your personality, what point of following Christ if it doesn’t come from personal you study and where you go. choice? That’s why God gave us free will. At several points But one thing I can tell you is that virtually all students who identify as Christian (regardless of what stage they are in their during my first year at university, I missed church, preferring to recover a stressful week or a night out. But church is faith) will experience some sort of development (positive or important and you can grow negative) in their faith and a conviction to be a part AT UNIVERSITY, FREEDOM IS PUT ON A SILVER Christian Life. PLATTER. THAT SENSE OF NOVELTY – MAKING FRIENDS, of that community. Make a habit of church and you’ll STUDYING AND HAVING A SOCIAL LIFE – WILL SOON Why do these developments find yourself wanting to go TURN INTO AN ARRAY OF CHOICES. AS A CHRISTIAN, happen? One Word. instead of being obliged. HOW DO YOU NAVIGATE A COURSE THROUGH THOSE FREEDOM. DECISIONS WHILST GROWING IN YOUR FAITH? It is the one thing that a + PRAY ANYWHERE majority of students crave, that makes university AND AT ANYTIME so attractive. At University, freedom is put on a silver Prayer is the one thing you should always do to maintain and platter. That sense of novelty – making friends, studying and develop your relationship with God. There’s no excuse for having a social life – will soon turn into an array of choices. not praying while at university. Why? Because prayer is not As a Christian, how do you navigate a course through those limited to location or time. It can only take 5 seconds if need decisions whilst growing in your faith? be. There is never a bad time to pray. Pray in the shower (your secret weapon), during study, in sports games, before you BELOW ARE A FEW WAYS TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE eat, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. AS A CHRISTIAN AT UNIVERSITY. Although this isn’t on my list, because it sounds obvious – HAVE FUN. University will be a very brief but probably the + READ THE BIBLE – AND ACTUALLY, TRY USING IT most enjoyable part of your life. Make sure you enjoy it. BUT always remember with decisions you make, All things are At university, you will have so much more free time than you lawful,” but not all things are helpful. {1 Corinthians 10:23} thought you ever would. Time to try new things and make And finally, don’t be scared, you have made your first choice new memories – this often causes vital things reading the in choosing your university and course, don’t spend your bible to be put to the bottom of your “things to do list”. It time agonizing about choices and mistakes you make. That’s sure happened to me several times. But you must remember, part of being a Christian - Learning from mistakes. And the Bible contains the words of God, words of love and hope always remember, God is always with you: that will take you through life’s difficulties better than any Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do academic book will. SO USE IT. But it doesn’t just stop there. not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with Acquiring knowledge is pointless if you don’t apply it to your you wherever you go {Joshua 1:9}
+ Accept God’s Assessment. WHO ARE YOU?
This is a question may people struggle to answer. Your personal identity—how you see yourself—is often shaped by your early experiences in life. Maybe your parents or friends said things to you as a child that made you doubt your worth. God created you uniquely, you are Gods masterpiece. Ephesians 2:10 NLT For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. God created you in such a way that will enable you to do the good things he has planned for you. This means that the only way to accomplish God’s purpose for your life and live a fulfilled life is to be YOURSELF. The university environment is a place where you meet different people from different family back grounds, rich, poor, average, different tribes and nationalities, different races and the tendency is to want to try to be like somebody else or wish you were somebody else. The truth is that you can only succeed when you are you, that is when you abide in who God has created you to be.
+ Your Identity is in Christ. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; 1 Peter 2:9. Because of the freedom the university setting provides many in error find identity in wrong places and in wrong people, they just want to’ belong’ and in the process have lost their true identity and many in the process have lost their opportunity of a good education and profession.it is therefore important that you find your true identity in God. Choose to belong to God and the family of God, choose to do his will and to obey Him to the letter.
Psalm 139:14 ‘I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Do you accept His assessment, or do you think, Well, He must be talking about someone else…if He really knew me, He wouldn’t think that! When you accept God’s assessment - You will have no need to judge or compare yourself to others. 2 Corinthians 10:12KJV ‘For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise’ Be wise accept who God says you are and abide in it. When you accept God’s assessment: - You will no longer chase after the desires of the flesh but instead seek to bring God glory in all areas of your life. 1 John 2:15-17KJV’ Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. - You will no longer fear the future. Romans 8:14-15NLT For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children] of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” God has a great plan for your future; He cannot mismanage your destiny. Accept who God says you are He has the blue print of your life. Isaiah 49:16 (KJV) Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. Written by Olubukola Iyanda
BY PASTOR SAMSON ABIOYE
UK COORDINATOR VICTORY LIFE MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL AND DIVINE CONNECTION CHAPEL
CHOICE & COURTSHIP
Choice is a key fundamental blessing God gave to mankind, and the choice of a life partner is the biggest decision you will make after accepting Jesus Christ as your saviour therefore it is important to get it right.
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arriage is a very sensitive issue and may I just clarify that from the bible perspective marriage is the union between a man and a woman and God is the originator of marriage. Marriage can make or mar a Christian. It affects every area of life from your personal relationship with God to career, business, ministry, child bearing, education, name it. Hence it is very crucial to receive God’s guidance. Psalm 11:3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? Godly choice is the foundation of a good marriage. The question of choosing a partner affects our whole spiritual outlook; many promising lives have been ruined by a wrong choice. We find examples of the impact of the choice of partners throughout the Bible; Solomon’s choice of heathen wives led him into idolatry. Samson lost his eyes because of his choice of Delilah. David committed murder because of passion for Bathsheba. It is very important to make the right choice so you can live a fulfilled life and get to heaven.
TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE THE CHOICE OF A MARRIAGE PARTNER - HAVE FAITH IN GOD God cannot mismanage your destiny. The journey of a good choice begins with faith. Without faith it impossible to please God, so you must believe God and the good plans he has for you. You must believe in God’s judgement about your life. Faith is confidence in God, confidence in his promises and
you must be willing to allow him to lead you even when you don’t fully know the end. Here are some scriptures. Proverbs 18:22 ESV: He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favour from the LORD. Proverbs 19:14 ESV. House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD. Marriage is God’s idea and he has a good plan for you in this respect. It will requires believing the sure word of God. Human emotions are not a reliable gauge upon which to establish a marriage relationship or the choice of marriage partner. - PRAY Abraham was aware of the impact the choice and hence marriage can have on the destiny of Isaac, so he sent one of his choicest servants, with a lot of prayers for Gods leading and guidance to go and make a choice of a life partner for Isaac. Genesis 24.1-END . Abraham prayed see VS 7 says ‘The Lord God of heaven, which took me from my father's house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence. Abraham’s servant also prayed see VS 12 ‘And he said O Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.
Rebekah was an answer to prayers. Jesus is our perfect example, he spent all night in prayer before He chose His disciples; it very important to make the choice of your life partner a key prayer point and to continually take it to the Lord as you wait and trust him to lead you. In Proverbs 30 Agur talks about three things that are too wonderful for him; one of these is "the way of a man with a maid"! The romance of choosing a partner and the way this happens to us as guided by God is something very special for the different individuals involved. It is important to exercise yourselves in prayer to allow God to order your life in this respect. Trust in the lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT). Make sure you pray, pray and pray: "Show me the path where I should walk, O lord; point out the right road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you." (Psalm 25:4-5, NLT) I personally believe that the man and the woman have different roles to play in the issue of choice. The man has the responsibility to take the initiative, the woman has the responsibility to respond, or not, as the Lord may lead. The man, therefore, has the duty to wait patiently upon the Lord before intervening in the life of a sister; and the woman to prayerfully wait upon the Lord to provide her with His choice.
boys and girls but for mature people. You can start to pray when you are young but marriage is for mature people; men and women who are able to form a separate family unit, independent both in finance and moral responsibility. Genesis 2 v 24 "Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife and they shall be one flesh.". YOU CAN ONLY MARRY A CHRISTIAN God’s will is that a Christian man should marry a Christian woman who has godly character. Finding the right kind of wife or husband begins your faith in Christ. However, being a Christian does not automatically impose on you the qualities necessary to make a successful marriage, you have to consciously develop godly characters. 2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV : Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? Proverbs 31:30 ESV: Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. God’s prescription is very clear; you cannot convert him or her that is the job of the holy spirit not yours and do not be deceived, go for a Christian.
A GOOD PARTNER IS FROM THE LORD, SO AS YOU COME TO GOD IN PRAYER, YOU MUST BELIEVE THAT HE WILL LEAD AND GUIDE YOUR STEPS RIGHT.
Proverbs31:10 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. Proverb 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
DEVELOP YOUR CHARACTER It is good to marry the best person God has in mind for you, the question is are you God’s best for another child of God? It’s very important to develop your character as you pray and wait for God’s will for your life, strive by the help of the Holy Spirit towards maturity in your walk with God. It is much better to marry for character than for emotions. Emotions fluctuate; character doesn’t. Emotions are in the soulish realm, and unless the carnal mind has been renewed, Satan can give us emotions or feelings of love for someone of his choice.
A good partner is from the Lord, so as you come to God in prayer, you must believe that he will lead and guide your steps right. Philippians 4:6-9 ESV ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
A QUICK RUNDOWN OF CHARACTERS TO AVOID
WHAT MAKES A MAN OR WOMAN IS ON THE INSIDE NOT ON THE SURFACE AND IT IS ONLY GOD WHO CAN REVEAL IT TO YOU, BY THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WHAN YOU PRAY. PROVERBS 20:6 ‘ most men will proclaim everyone his own goodness; but a faithful man who can find? KJV
3) We should avoid those who lie because God hates them (Prov.6:17). Lying destroys the foundation of trust in a relationship.
THIS PROCESS CANNOT BE RUSHED: The process of choosing a life partner is not a sprint; give it time, be very patient; that is why I will say it’s not for
The Scriptures give specific characteristics of the kind of people to avoid. These will certainly apply to marriage. There are three kinds of people that Proverbs asks us to stay away from, the FOOL, the SLUGGARD, and the one who does not CONTROL HIS TONGUE. 1) Prov.14:7 says, “Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips.” 2) Prov.19:15 indicates that a sluggard is sleeping all the time and thus going hungry. Prov.26:15 shows that he is too lazy to put out the effort to feed himself.
4) Another character to avoid is a one who lacks self-control. Prov.25:28 says, “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” A "city which has no walls" is a city which has no defence against harm. A person who lacks self-control has no defence against harm.
TWO GUIDING LIGHTS THE PEACE OF GOD – As you seek the face of God in guidance in choosing a life partner, watch out for the peace of God. The bible in Colossians say let the peace of God rule in your heart, let that peace referee your choice and you will not regret it. Colossian 3:15 (Amp): Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].
THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE – James 3:17 ‘ But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. If your choice passes the James 3:17 test, you will be fine because the word of God is sure. You just need to be sincere with yourself and to God. Lastly, subject your choice to advice from godly and experienced believers and parents. The bible says in the multitude of councillors there is safety. Prov 15:22 (NLT) Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. Prov 11:22 (KJV) ‘where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety’.
COURTSHIP This is the period between the time you and your partner identify each other as God’s will for each other to the time you take the relation forward to marriage. The bible does not lay out specifics regarding courtship but I believe it should be based on the biblical model of love, romance, sacrifice, dignity, and covenant between two people entering a process of preparation that may eventually lead to marriage. GROW TOGETHER First and foremost, courtship is a period that should be used to grow closer together spiritually, mentally and physically (with self-control). Please use this time to get to know each other by talking over different matters; praying together and reading God's word. Habits formed at this stage will provide a foundation for married life. There will also be the
opportunity to get to know each other physically. This is once again an area that needs prayerful consideration. It is normal for there to be a display of affection between two who have committed themselves to each other, yet there is the need for self-control and restraint. No sex before marriage, wait and the Lord will bless your relationship. “Abstain from all appearance of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5 v 22. Conduct your affairs in a safe place with a door open and where you will be accountable. "Marriage is honourable in all and the bed undefiled." Hebrews 13 v 3. Choosing to live together rather than marry or before marriage is prevalent in the world around us. This is clearly fornication; Be different and let your light shine, you might look as if you are odd but God’s blessing is far better that world’s blessing. BUILD AND PLAN TOGETHER This is a time to plan and build your future together, make it a productive time of setting the future foundation of your home right in terms of career, your future children, serving God together, where to settle and planning your wedding. "Can two walk together, except they be agreed." Amos 3 v 3. Get to know your families, build bridges and connect well with your families as long as it lies in your power. Treat your parents (biological & spiritual) with honour and respect: "Honour your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise." (Ephesians 6:2, NKJV).
Remember -
If you discover over time that the relationship is not all you thought it should be, you stumble upon irreconcilable differences or you find that the spark is not there; please don’t patch it up. It is better to sort it out now when break up is an honourable option rather than a violation of marriage vows. Seek the face of God, get counsel and act accordingly. Lastly Where ever you are on the journey of choice and courtship, trust God and lean on him, don’t make up your light, allow God to guide you and you will not regret it. Isaiah 50:10 Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant? Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on their God.
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ife is full of ups and downs, challenges, situations and circumstances that we do not expect nor understand, there are lots of questions in our hearts about the issues of life that looks like a riddle.
Do you feel like your problems wants to swallow you up, or do you sense a wall of resistance? Have you put in so much energy, but seem you are swimming against the current? Do you always ask yourself ‘why all these? I have good news for you, there is no problem that is designed to last forever, and every problem has an expiry date. There is an answer to every problems in the life of man, yours is not an exception. There was once a wealthy woman who had suffered from an incurable disease called the issue of blood for, TWELVE years; she spent all her money to be free from this disease to no avail she grew worse. She became helpless, and hopeless, BUT SUDDENLY she discovered the only and real solution to all the problems of the human race JESUS CHRIST the son of the living GOD. She also discovered that the day she discovered the only solution was the expiry date to her problem, and she said to herself that if I can reach out and touch HIM (JESUS) the answer and solution I will be made whole. Despite the crowd thronging around Jesus on this very day, she reached out for the helm of JESUS garment, and IMMEDIATELY she was healed of her long standing sickness. Mark 5:25-29 THERE IS AN ANSWER
THERE IS AN ANSWER
Do not be overwhelmed by the pressures of life. Jesus said ‘In this life there are pressures. ‘He said further ‘Be of good cheer’ These things I have spoken unto you that in me ye might have peace, in the world ye shall have tribulations: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world John 16:33. Jesus said in me ye will have peace. The question is, are you IN CHRIST? Are you born again? If JESUS comes into your life there will be an answer, HE will turn your night into day. Jesus the son of the living GOD loves you more than you know. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man will die for HIS friends------My dear friend, life is about discovery and you will recover, make a bold choice today not to die in that situation. You have a choice, get hooked on JESUS.
HOW TO BE BORN GAIN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Acknowledge that you are a sinner Romans 3:23 CONFESSION Confess your sin to JESUS CHRIST the son of the living GOD, do not hide your sins,HE is ready to forgive and forget your sins. 1JOHN 1:9 REPENTANCE Repent of all your sins and make up your mind not to go back to you old ways LUKE13:3 FORSAKE Forsake all known sins sincerely Isaiah 55:7 BELIEVE Believe the promise of GOD. The blood of JESUS CHRIST has power to cleanse and set you free. JOHN 6:37. RECEIVE Receive Jesus as your LORD and personal saviour JOHN 1:12 LET YOUR REPENTANCE BE GENUINE FROM YOUR HEART.NEVER RETURN TO YOUR OLD WAYS OF LIFE. THE LORD WILL GIVE YOU THE GRACE TO STAND.IF ANY MAN BE IN CHRIST HE IS A NEW CREATURE OLD THINGS HAVE PASSED AWAY BEHOLD ALL THINGS ARE BECOME NEW. 2COR 5:17.RLY SO THAT YOU CAN GROW IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD. FINALLY, LOCATE A BIBLE BELIEVING CHURCH AND ATTEND REGULA YOUR SPIRITUAL WELFARE IS MY CONCERN PASTOR WALE IYANDA: 07824 507 256 | 07983 334 023 | 07407 033 056
THEY WERE GIVEN TIPS FOR UNIVERSITY LIFE, AMONGST WHICH WERE. 1. Acknowledge God in all your ways 2. As much as possible do not miss lectures 3. Do not misuse your freedom.(many of them said they were looking forward to freedom from home and all the rules and regulations)
4. Make sure you submit all your assignment at deadline.
AN OUTREACH TO YOUTHS WHO HAVE GAINED ADMISSION INTO UNIVERSITY AND PREPARING TO START UNI LIFE.
5. 6. 7. 8.
Take good care of yourself (eat well and exercise) Take care of your environment be neat and tidy Make new friends and impact them positively Do not delay in locating a bible believing church in your cities
9. Read your bible and pray every day. 10. Run away from sin.
DIVINE CONNECTION Church UK Bible Study Every Wednesday @7pm St. Paul’s Church, Bentham Road Thamesmead, London SE28 8AS
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