With less and less parents learning to be responsible with their money, teens today are finding the struggle to be unavoidable. Let’s face it, everyone is having financial problems, right? They don’t have to if they are encouraged to be wise stewards of their money.

To help them with good stewardship, we must first understand money in our society. With commercials, ads, and peer pressure bombarding our youth to “buy! buy! buy!” it isn’t easy for them to say “I don’t need that so I’ll pass, thanks”. Teenagers want to fit in and be popular so that means buying the latest clothes, going to movies, and buying things they don’t really need or want.

So how can we help them? First, we need to encourage them to pray about purchases before spending their money whenever possible. But in reality, most teens shop spontaneously. They are impulse shoppers so they need a plan before they hit the mall on Friday night. Knowing this, gives you the tools you need to help them be responsible.

Encourage your teens to make a budget. You can help them put the important things on their budget.  Make sure they know that 10% of all the money they receive (whether from allowance or a job) should go first. Then any bills they may have (if they are older teens, they may car payments or insurance, etc.). Make sure they try to put 10% in savings. If they are willing to do this, then they will have an idea of how to be financially responsible. Don’t forget to encourage them to pray over their finances.

DIRECTIONS:
* This works best if your teams/groups are 2 to 4 youth each.

1. Give each team/group a building supplies and a bowl of water.

2. Give each group 30 minutes to build a bridge to span across a bowl of water (it must be able to stand on it’s own over the bowl).

3. Have each group demonstrate their bridge when their time is up.

4. Test each bridge for strength by adding pebbles one at a time until the bridge collapses.

5. The team with the strongest bridge wins!

Building Kit

Put a variety of the following building materials in a shoebox.  You don’t have to use all of them and you can use other items.

• Popsicle sticks
• Bluetack
• Paper clips
• String
• Glue
• Q-tips

* Make sure each group has the same amount of materials, just to keep things fair.

GAME TIDBITS:
* Low cost
* Few supplies
* Ice-breaker/Getting to Know Each Other
* Teamwork/Team Building
* All ages
* Any size group
* 30 + minutes

1. Make a bingo card with a long list of characteristics, facts, and qualities like:

_________ has black shoes on

_________ is wearing a green shirt

_________ is the youngest child

_________ has a license to drive

_________ can quote the King James version of John 3:16

_________ is wearing tube socks

and so on…

2. Make sure each player (or team) has a pens or pencils.

3. make enough copies of the cards so there’s enough to give each person (or team) one.

TO PLAY:
As Teams ~
1. Give the teams 5 to 10 minutes to go around their team and find someone else in the group that has that quality/characteristic/etc and write their name next to it.

2. Their goal is to complete the card first and call out “Bingo!” before the other teams. If they cannot fill in all the blanks, the team with the most filled in is the winner.

For Individuals ~
1. Give each player a list and give them 10 to 20 minutes to go around the group and find people that have the qualities/characteristics/etc and write their names next to it.

2. Their goal is the same as if you were working as a team.

* This game works really well as an ice breaker for all ages.
* Make sure the questions suit the age group.
* Make sure there are some easy ones and some hard ones!

GAME TIDBITS:
* Free or low cost
* No equipment needed
* Ice-breaker/Getting to Know Each Other
* Teamwork/Team Building
* All ages
* Any size group
* 5 to 20 minutes
* Works best with 10 to 40 players

* The balloons need to be two different colors, one for each team.

2. Tie two foot long strings to the ends of each balloon.

3. Give each person two balloons (of the same color) and have them tie one to each leg.

4. Separate the teams on either side of the room/area.

5. At the start of the game, the kids race towards the opposite team and try to step on their balloons trying to pop the balloons.

6. When both of their balloons have popped, that player is out of the game and must sit down.

7. The team with the last balloon remaining wins.

VARIATION:
* Add to the fun by dividing the group into three or four teams giving each team their own color balloons. Start the game by having the teams square off (each team in their own corner or on their own side making a square).

GAME TIDBITS:
* Free or low cost
* No equipment needed
* Ice-breaker
* Teamwork
* All ages
* Any size group
* 10 to 30 minutes
* Works best with 10 to 20 players per game

1. Choose someone to be “It”.

2. All other players should grab a chair and make a circle around the player who is “It”.

3. The person who is “It” goes around the circle picking anyone they want.

4. Once they pick someone, they approach that person and say “Honey if you love me, will you please, please smile.” They can sit on the person’s lap, kneel in front of them or make goofy faces and voice as they say this.

5. The player in the chair cannot smile or laugh and must say “Honey you know I love you but I just can’t smile.”

6. If the player sitting says their phrase without smiling or laughing, the other person remains “It” and must try again with someone else.

7. The player who laughs or smiles is now “It”.

* The player who is “It” cannot tickle the players who are seated. They may only caress the persons hand or sit on the person’s lap.

GAME TIDBITS:
* Free or low cost
* No equipment needed
* Ice-breaker
* Teamwork
* All ages
* Any size group
* 10 to 30 minutes
* Works best with 5 to 30 players

Now I’m suppose to list 10 things that make me happy and then nominate more BLOGS for this award…

My ten Happy Things Are:
~ First and foremost, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He has seen me through the deepest valleys and He’s never let me down.
~ My family and friends whom I love even when they make me crazy.
~ Crafts are a passion of mine. I use crafts in my ministry often.
~ Writing is one of my most stress relieving hobbies. I love journaling!
~ Chocolate is one of the first things any Youth Leader should keep with them. Put it in your survival kits!
~ I love the four seasons. Each one brings me comfort and joy in different ways. The beauty of each season is breathtaking.
~ Music soothes the soul. I cannot be grumpy when I have music playing. It is impossible not to smile.
~ Dancing always lifts my mood. I have so much fun dancing with my youth group. We can be silly in our dancing or meaningful in worship. It’s great exercise also!
~ I enjoy my computer most of the time. I like connecting with people I haven’t seen in years but staying in contact as if we see each other everyday.
~ Shopping when there are BIG sales makes me happy. Especially when I save more than I spent! This is a BIG plus when working with a youth group.

Now I get to nominate some of the wonderful BLOGS I follow that make me happy.

MY HAPPY BLOG PICKS:
~ Hettie Harper at Creative Food Recipes – I don’t how she comes up with so many unique recipes but my family and my youth group loves them! Her desserts are to die for!
~ Zoey Brenna at Fun Activities For Children – Don’t let the name of this BLOG fool you. She has games and crafts that all ages enjoy. This is one busy woman who is very inventive when it comes to children and I use her stuff with my youth group all the time!
~ Kaety Ashlie over at Your Home Remedies – I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this BLOG. I am fascinated every time I read her posts. The things you can do with everyday common things around your house. This BLOG ROCKS!
~ Christine Norris over at Landlord Tips – Even though I don’t have any rental properties, this BLOG is really helpful to me. Many times over the years we have let people live with us and Weldon has great tips
~ Lilfix at Hazel’s Crock Pot Kitchen – Hazel may be just a crock pot to some but she’s a life saver to anyone who works outside the home and still wants dinner when they get home. Her recipes are easy and delicious.
~ Elea Joy at Spiritual Devotions – I love how she makes you think about things most of us take for granted. She’s also great at helping share her appreciation for God’s beauty all around us.
~ Laci Henderson at Pinch Your Pennies – What a gem Laci is. This BLOG is SO useful in this economy. Laci is always full of ideas and tips for saving money. THANKS LACI!!!
~ Weldon Fox over at The Better Boss – Has a great BLOG that has sound advice and tips for anyone who is the boss of anything.
~ Jazlyn Sage at Easy and Fun Crafts – I love her easy and fun crafts. Jazlyn takes common things most of us would throw away and turns them into beautiful and useful gifts.

I hope everyone has a Blessed and Happy Day.

DIRECTIONS:
* The aim of the game is for people sitting down to prevent the person that is ‘it’ to take a seat.

1. Arrange chairs in a big circle.

2. Choose someone from the group to be ‘it’, and that person stands in the middle of the circle.

3. Have the rest of the group sit on the chairs, and make sure you have one spare chair (for the person who is it to try to sit in).

4. Those in the chairs shuffle their ‘buns’ left or right to occupy the empty chair before the person who is ‘it’ can sit down. They cannot stand up or push the player who is “it” out of the way.

5. Players are only allowed to move left or right (ie. not run across the circle).

6. Eventually once the person who is ‘it’ gets a seat, the person to their  left or right (whoever was slowest) becomes ‘it’.

* For bigger groups, you may need to have two or three empty seats

GAME TIDBITS:
* Free or low cost
* No equipment needed
* Ice-breaker
* Teamwork
* All ages
* Any size group
* 10 to 30 minutes
* Works best with 5 to 30 players

Romans 5:1-2 ~ Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Peace comes from knowing and obeying God’s law. If we choose to follow God’s laws, nothing can defeat us.

Psalm 119:165 ~ Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

Many of us are exhausted and weary. Our bodies are tired and worn out. If we let go of earthly troubles and give them to God, our bodies can get rest and our spirit can become revived.

Proverbs 14:30 ~ A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

Give your burdens to God and He will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28-30 ~ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

God can and will overcome all our troubles.

John 16:33 ~ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

We are called to make every effort live peacefully.

Romans 14:19 ~ Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

Joy comes from God’s peace. Accepting the gift of the Holy Spirit brings hope and  is easy…so why wait?

Romans 15:13 ~ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We need to be thankful for the peace God brings. As one body in Christ, peace is needed if we plan to do God’s work.

Colossians 3:15 ~ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

God is there, waiting. We don’t have to search for Him. His peace is part of the package. It doesn’t mean there will never be trouble but we can be at peace that God will be there to walk through it with us. He never turns away from us and all He asks for in return, is our total acceptance and devotion.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 ~ Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

We all want to be in control and make our own decisions. We all want to live by our own rules and be free from other people’s control. But the only true freedom comes from giving our all to God and letting Him have the controls.

When you stop to think about the Bible, it can make your head spin. The books in the Bible were written over a 1,500-year period by numerous writers who lived over three different continents. If that weren’t enough, it was written in three different languages.

The Bible is one of the only books that affects you on a daily basis. People use it when debating abortion rights, human cloning, prayers in schools, or most any other front-page news.

It’s difficult to understand the times we live in without some knowledge of the Bible. The Bible tells us traditions of three major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The more we understand the Bible the more we understand the differences and similarities between the major religions. It also helps us understand the possibility of achieving peace.

The Bible also helps us appreciate and understand many pieces of art. Biblical themes and imagery fill our world through paintings by Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Literary masterpieces by Shakespeare and Milton were also inspired from the Bible.

There are many translations of the Bible. Finding the one that speaks to you is important. Ask yourself, “What is most important?” when reading the Bible. Is it the literary genius? Maybe research? Are you wanting to read for entertainment value? Or maybe all of these reasons fits your needs. Different translations accomplish different things. Knowing what you want from your Bible reading will determine the translation that will suit you best.

* Think on this for now and figure out what you want from your reading. Then in the coming days and weeks, I will compare different translations to help you with your quest.

God calls us to love Him with everything we have in us and to love our neighbors more than we love ourselves. He calls us to put others before ourselves but after Him.

Luke 10:27 ~ “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.”

Our youth today, seems to think love one another is more boyfriend and girlfriend. They throw the word love around without any meaning. Unfortunately, today’s society and media portrays love as something fleeting, temporary, in the moment. Lasting love is a thing of the past so love freely and without reservation.

John 13:34-35 ~ “A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, all men will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

God calls us to act out of love for one another not out of anger. When things are out of control in your life and people are driving you crazy, respond with love.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ~ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.

Although God calls us to love one another, He is speaking of brotherly love. He wants us to love sincerely.

Romans 12:9-10 ~ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

God tells us that love is the greatest emotion there is in this world. We should accompany love with faith and hope but keep love at the top.

1 Corinthians 13:13 ~ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

God promises to bless our love if we are faithful, monogamous, and selfless in our love.

1 Thessalonians 3:12 ~ May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

Part of loving others is helping them when they have a need. If we can clothe someone in need, we should. If we can feed someone who is hungry then we are sharing God’s love. Words are easy but actions mean so much more.

1 John 3:17-18 ~ If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

MORE SCRIPTURE:

1 John 4:15-21 ~ If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.  God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Where the loser saw barriers, the winner saw hurdles.  ~Robert Brault~

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.
~C.C. Scott~

Too many people miss the silver lining because they’re expecting gold.  ~Maurice Setter~

The block of granite which was an obstacle in the pathway of the weak, became a stepping-stone in the pathway of the strong.  ~Thomas Carlyle~

If you have the will to win, you have achieved half your success; if you don’t, you have achieved half your failure.  ~David Ambrose~

Impossible is a word only to be found in the dictionary of fools.  ~Napoleon~

Excellence is not a skill.  It is an attitude.  ~Ralph Marston~

There are two things to aim at in life:  first, to get what you want; and after that, to enjoy it.  Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second.
~Logan Pearsall Smith~

Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.  ~Abraham Lincoln~

Happiness is a form of courage.  ~Holbrook Jackson~

The only way to avoid being miserable is not to have enough leisure to wonder whether you are happy or not.  ~George Bernard Shaw~

Real elation is when you feel you could touch a star without standing on tiptoe.  ~Doug Larson~

The search for happiness is one of the chief sources of unhappiness.
~Eric Hoffer~

Jumping for joy is good exercise.  ~Author Unknown~

You cannot always have happiness, but you can always give happiness.  ~Author Unknown~

The greatest happiness you can have is knowing that you do not necessarily require happiness.  ~William Saroyan~

Every thought is a seed.
If you plant crab apples,
don’t count on harvesting Golden Delicious.
~Bill Meyer~

Life is great.
Don’t let circumstances and
society fool you into believing it’s not.
~Adabella Radici~

Say you are well, or all is well with you,
And God shall hear your words and make them true.
~Ella Wheeler Wilcox~

The greatest discovery of my generation
is that a human being can alter his life
by altering his attitudes.
~William James~

Could we change our attitude,
we should not only see life differently,
but life itself would come to be different.
~Katherine Mansfield~

Look at everything as though
you were seeing it either for
the first or last time.
~Betty Smith~

Optimist: someone who isn’t sure
whether life is a tragedy or a comedy
but is tickled silly just to be in the play.
~Robert Brault~

Very often a change of self is needed
more than a change of scene.
~Arthur Christopher Benson~

For every day that there is sunshine,
there will be days of rain,
it’s how we dance within them both
that shows our love and pain.
~Joey Tolbert~

Things turn out best for the people
who make the best out of the way things turn out.
~Art Linkletter~

People seem not to see that their opinion of the world
is also a confession of character.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

I have found that if you love life,
life will love you back.
~Arthur Rubinstein~

Expect nothing.  Live frugally on surprise.
~Alice Walker~

You must start with a positive attitude or you will surely end without one.  ~Carrie Latet

In honor of “Happiness”, I would like to share some quotes about happiness for you to think about.

Happiness is an attitude.
We either make ourselves miserable,
or happy and strong.
The amount of work is the same.
~Francesca Reigler~

Misery is a communicable disease.
~Martha Graham~

A happy person is not a person
in a certain set of circumstances,
but rather a person with
a certain set of attitudes.
~Hugh Downs~

Some people are always grumbling
because roses have thorns;
I am thankful that thorns have roses.
~Alphonse Karr~

I never really look for anything.
What God throws my way comes.
I wake up in the morning and
whichever way God turns my feet, I go.
~Pearl Bailey~

Become a possibilitarian.
No matter how dark things seem to be
or actually are,
raise your sights and see possibilities -
always see them, for they’re always there.
~Norman Vincent Peale~

It isn’t our position but our disposition
which makes us happy.
~Author Unknown~

Turn your face to the sun
and the shadows fall behind you.
~Maori Proverb~

Some days there won’t be a song
in your heart.  Sing anyway.
~Emory Austin~

Unhappiness is best defined as
the difference between our talents
and our expectations.
~Edward de Bono~

The Constitution only guarantees
the American people the right
to pursue happiness.
You have to catch it yourself.
~Benjamin Franklin~

Happiness is never stopping
to think if you are.
~Palmer Sondreal~

The best way to cheer yourself up
is to try to cheer somebody else up.
~Mark Twain~

If only we’d stop trying to be happy
we could have a pretty good time.
~Edith Wharton~

Nobody really cares if you’re miserable,
so you might as well be happy.
~Cynthia Nelms~

Those who can laugh without cause
have either found the true meaning
of happiness or have gone stark raving mad.
~Norm Papernick~

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance;
the wise grows it under his feet.
~James Openheim~

Happiness often sneaks in through a door
you didn’t know you left open.
~John Barrymore~

People take different roads seeking
fulfillment and happiness.
Just because they’re not on your road
doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.
~H. Jackson Browne~

Three grand essentials to happiness
in this life are something to do,
something to love,
and something to hope for.
~Joseph Addison~

There can be no happiness
if the things we believe in are
different from the things we do.
~Freya Stark~

Enjoy the little things,
for one day you may look back
and realize they were the big things.
~Robert Brault~

In order to have great happiness
you have to have great pain and unhappiness
- otherwise how would you know when you’re happy?
~Leslie Caron~

On the whole, the happiest people
seem to be those who have no particular
cause for being happy except that they are so.
~William R. Inge~

To be happy,
we must not be too concerned with others.
~Albert Camus, The Fall, 1956~

Happiness is when what you think,
what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
~Mahatma Gandhi~

But what is happiness
except the simple harmony
between a man and the life he leads?
~Albert Camus~

Happiness is not being pained in body
or troubled in mind.
~Thomas Jefferson~

We act as though comfort and luxury
were the chief requirements in life,
when all we need to make us really happy
is something to be enthusiastic about.
~Charles Kingsley~

Some pursue happiness, others create it.
~Author Unknown~

Happiness is a conscious choice,
not an automatic response.
~Mildred Barthel~

Plenty of people miss their share of happiness,
not because they never found it,
but because they didn’t stop to enjoy it.
~William Feather~

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy,
they are the charming gardeners
who make our souls blossom.
~Marcel Proust~

For every minute you are angry,
you lose sixty seconds of happiness.
~Author Unknown~

The truth is the Bible is several books written by several people.The writers were a diverse bunch that included shepherds, kings, priests, fishermen, farmers, poets, prophets and scribes to name a few. Both upstanding moral authors and morally challenged authors contributed to the writing of the Bible (examples would be traitors, murderers, tax collectors, embezzlers and even adulterers.

They wrote about things they experienced personally as well as events that took place before they were born. The Bible includes history, legal texts, music, poetry, personal correspondence, philosophy and prophecies.

* The word “Bible” comes from the word “ton biblion” which means “the scroll” or “the book”. It derives from the ancient city of Byblos. This city was the main supplier of paper products and thus made the ancient city (now called Lebanon) synonymous with the word “book” or “scroll”.

God calls us to share the “Christmas Spirit” all year long.  So why does the “Christmas Spirit” fail so quickly after the presents are opened?

Did you ever wonder why we give presents to people to celebrate Jesus’ birthday? I mean, for my birthday, I get presents. For your birthday, you get presents. So why do we receive gifts on Jesus’ birthday?

Years ago, I started having a birthday party for Jesus with my youth group. We brought in a cake with “Happy Birthday Jesus” written on it and everyone brought a gift to give Jesus.

The gifts were the best part. Everyone brought a wrapped box in for the party. We took turns placing our boxes under the tree. As we placed them, we told what we had brought for Jesus. Some might bring their love, devotion, praise, time, etc. Others might bring their bad habits (cussing, smoking, bullying, etc.) or something they need to let go of (ex-boyfriend, bitterness, feeling inadequate, etc.).

When all of the gifts were under the tree, we would pray and ask God to bless our gifts. We would thank God for His gift and we would thank Jesus for willingly coming to earth and giving up His riches and comfort for us.

After our prayer, we would all share one thing we counted as a blessing in our life. Then we played Christmas music and ate cake. Everyone had fun and seemed to carry the “Christmas Spirit” with them longer into the New Year.

Romans 4:4-5 ~ Now when  man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.

Faith brings us peace. We rejoice in the glory of God who brings us hope.

Romans 5:1-2 ~ Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

To understand faith, we need to hear messages filled with the Word of Christ. We need to fellowship with other Christians.

Romans 10:17 ~ Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

We need to hold firmly onto our faith. Even when we we start to have doubts, we need to cling to our faith.

Romans 14:22-23 ~ So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

As we have faith, we need to be on guard, stand firm in our faith, be courageous and love each other.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ~ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.

If we believe without proof our faith is stronger. To believe in God when we can’t see God takes faith. The same is true of air, gravity and love. We can’t see any of them but we believe they are there.

2 Corinthians 5:7 ~ We live by faith, not by sight.

We need to shield ourselves in faith to battle evil. The victory goes to the faithful believers.

Ephesians 6:16 ~ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Believe that your heart’s desires are also God’s desire’s for you. When you are full of faith and believe without seeing, your desires become pure and we are able to see the path we are meant for.

Hebrews 11:1 ~ Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

We can only see God if we believe he exists. When we earnestly seek God, he will reward us.

Hebrews 11:6 ~ And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seeks him.

SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE:

Hebrew 11

1 Corinthians 13:11 ~ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

I’m sure you can find many adjectives to describe “youth” today. Have they changed over the years? Their hair-styles may change and their clothes may change but have they changed? What does the Bible say?

Ecclesiastes 11:9 ~ Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.

Maybe you have heard some say today’s youth are disrespectful, irresponsible, rebellious and self-centered. These adjectives fit many of today’s youth but not all. Many young people follow the desires of their heart right into selfish and irresponsible choices. Once the sinful nature is nurtured a little, it’s easy for disrespect and rebellion to sneak in and take over. What’s the Bible say?

2 Timothy 2:22-24 ~ Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

Leviticus 19:3 ~ Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the Lord your God.

Some say they are energetic, young, immature, naive and carefree. What does the Bible say?

Psalm 22:30-31 ~ Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn-for he has done it.

So does God want us to be mild mannered, meek and perfect all the time? I believe God knows we are flawed and he loves us anyway. I believe God knows that we are never going to be perfect. I believe God wants us to do our best and be our best everyday.

John 8:3-11 ~ The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Although this post is not about adultery, this Scripture sums up how God wants us to treat each other.

As adults, we need to look beyond the “flaws” of the youth around us and love them anyway. How can we do less and expect God to continue loving our “flawed” self? By our example, we can teach them to do the same.

Does the Denomination really matter that much? Is it worth all of the lost souls for us to be “right” in our Denomination. If we all believe Jesus died on the cross for our sins and that He is the only way to God, then why do we let the small differences stand between us?

Ephesians 4:11-13 ~ It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

The Bible doesn’t say “Baptist will lead the way or Methodist have all the answers. There is no rating system for denominations. The Bible doesn’t separate denominations into categories or standing with God.

1 Corinthians 1:11-13 ~ My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ”. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?

God wants us to all live in Harmony with each other. He wants us to spread His message of love by demonstrating love towards each other. How can we be effective witnesses for God if we are fighting with each other over silly things like carpet colors or how we should express our praise? As long as we keep Christ as our focus, it doesn’t matter what denomination we call ourselves.

Romans 12:16 ~ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Psalm 133:1 ~ How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

Let’s begin today. Who do you know that attends a church of a different denomination? Maybe they are Nazarene, Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran or Brethren? Can you be friends in Christ and stay focused on the thing you have in common; Jesus Christ? Can you put aside your differences and serve as One Body for Christ? It’s what we’ve all been called to do.

2 Timothy 2:20 ~ In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble.

We determine which we will be by what we do with the life God gave us. We can choose to be quiet about our faith, keeping a small part of the world with us. Or we can choose to cleanse ourselves from evil things and become a vessel God uses for special things.

2 Timothy 2:21 ~ If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master nd prepared to do any good work.

We don’t have to be clay pots; the choice is ours. Because so many of us lack commitment, we become content to stay clay pots. Because we can’t separate ourselves from worldly things (or we chose not to) we can’t follow the dreams God has for our lives. We get into a comfort zone that we are too lazy or scared to get out of.

We can all chose to be golden vessels just by turning away from evil ways and worldly desires. Just by turning our lives over to God (completely) we can change our clay pot existence into a golden vessel life.

It just takes a complete commitment to God. Get before God and study His word. Get your desires in line with God’s desires. Listen to the Holy Spirit’s call and let the Holy Spirit help you put the world behind you.

Life is full of choices. We don’t always like the choices but they are still our choices to make. Every choice has a consequence. We don’t always like the consequence but the choice was still ours to make.

So, are you going to settle for being a clay pot or are you aiming for a golden vessel?

MORE SCRIPTURE:

Genesis 19

Genesis 20

Mathew 11

1. Feeling nervous: worried or afraid, especially about something that is going to happen or might happen

2. Eager: wanting very much, or in a desperate or nervous way, to do or receive something.

Being worried about something uses energy God wants us to use elsewhere. He knows we naturally worry, it’s in our nature to fear the unknown but God wants us to trust Him so completely that we don’t stress and worry about the little things.

Philippians 4:6-7 ~ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Why doesn’t God want us to worry?

Proverbs 12:25 ~ An anxious heart weighs a man’s heart down, but a kind word cheers him up.

God doesn’t want us to get depressed and worry causes depression. He tells us to cast our worries on Him. He warns us to be alert and watchful that we don’t fall prey to worry.

1 Peter 5:7-8 ~ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Is there ever a good time to be anxious? I think it’s o.k. to be excited about somethings. It crosses a line when your anxiety becomes consuming. Being anxious (excited) about Jesus returning is great!  Being anxious (excited) about sharing God with everyone we know and even those we don’t know is great.

Isaiah 26:3-4 ~ You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.

So if you must be anxious, be anxious, excited, about Jesus and serving the Lord. When you feel the nervous anxiety coming on, replace it with the excited anxiety of serving God.

WHAT YOU NEED:
Bible For Each Teen (or one they can share)
A List Of Choices
Paper and Pencils (optional)

Most of you have heard of the “Would You Rather…” Discussion Starter. This is done just like that only you have choices from the Bible.

Ex. Would you rather be thrown in a Lions Den or tossed in a Fiery Furnace?

Before they answer, have them tell you something about their choice.

Ex. “There were a lot of starving lions wanting to eat you, so I’d rather take my chances with the fire.”

1. You can have them write their answer down on paper, numbering 1 to 10, and at the end collect the papers and read only their answers. Have the students guess who they think the paper belongs to based on the answers. My teens enjoyed this way unless they had a guy/girl there they liked. This way also keeps them from choosing out loud in front of everyone.

2. Another option is to have the number “1” and the number “2” written on pieces of construction paper. Put the “1” on one side of the room and the “2” on the other side of the room. Explain that the first option is “1” and the second option is “2”. When you call out the choice (Ex. Would you rather be thrown in a Lions Den or tossed in a Fiery Furnace?), they go to the number they would choose. Then randomly choose someone from each number to tell you something about their choice. This should be something actually about the choice and not why they chose it unless they go together (Ex. “There were a lot of starving lions wanting to eat you, so I’d rather take my chances with the fire.” – the fact is there were starving lions – it‘s a small fact but it‘s something).

3. Make it a relay. Divide into two or three even teams (if possible). Give the choice (Ex. Would you rather be thrown in a Lions Den or tossed in a Fiery Furnace?), then give your teens 5 minutes to write down as many facts as they can remember for the one they choose. They should work in a group so they can learn new facts about their choice. It’s o.k. if they only chose the lion’s den because they knew more about it.

* The important thing is to make it fun. You might be surprised at how much they know about stories in the Bible.

MORE EXAMPLES:

1. Would you rather be stuck on Noah’s Ark or swallowed by a whale?
2. Would you rather fight a giant or be killed by your brother?
3. Would you rather be Job or Samson?
4. Would you rather be Esther or Mary, mother of Jesus?
5. Would you rather be King David or King Solomon?

How do we as Christians define wisdom? Here are a few answers that may surprise you.

* Simply knowing the difference between right and wrong.

* Being able to quote facts about many different topics.

* Knowing that plaid and polka dots are never a good combination.

*Getting straight “A’s” (having a high GPA).

~ I believe that Christian wisdom is being able to see our weaknesses when we are faced with difficult situations and trusting that God will fill in the lacking we have with His unfailing strength.

* In other words, Knowing we are unable to do anything to the best of our ability without God.

~ However you word things, wisdom comes from knowing how God’s abilities are more than we can fathom and our only strength is in trusting and leaning on His strength and abilities.

~ Supporting Scripture ~

Psalm 51:6 ~ Surely you desire truth in the inner parts, you teach me wisdom in the inner place.

Psalm 71:17-18 ~ Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.

Psalm 90:12 ~ Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 111:10 ~ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

Proverbs 2:6 ~ For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

1 Corinthians 3:18-20 ~ Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a “fool” so that he may become wise. “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: He catches the wise in their craftiness and again the Lord knows the thoughts of the wise are futile.”

* James 3:13-18 *

What can we do to become WISE?

1 Kings 3:12 ~ “I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.”

Proverbs 8:10-12 ~ Choose my instructions instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare to her. “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.

James 1:5-6 ~ If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to him. But when he asls, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blows and tossed by the wind.

DISCUSSION:

1. How do you define “wisdom”?

2.Do you desire wisdom?

3. What are the five most important things God wants you to do this week?

4. Why does God tell us to listen to our elders?

5. Get your most prize possession (or picture it). How does this possession make you a better person? Has it changed you? How are you able to help others with this possession?

6. Why is God’s wisdom and instruction far more valuable than any worldly possession?

Exodus 4:11-12 ~ The Lord said to him, “who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

Isaiah 44:2 ~ This is what the Lord says-he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.

* Because God gave us our talents, He will help us carry through. When we use our talents to the glory of God, our talents are stronger. God’s message is stronger. We are able to do more for Him and the building of His Kingdom.

ASK YOURSELF:

1. Why is it so hard to talk to others about God?

2. How can you use your talents to help you be a witness for God?

Isaiah 6:8 ~ Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Exodus 28:3 ~ Tell all the skilled men to whom I have given wisdom in such  matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest.

Exodus 31:2-5 ~ “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and Knowledge in all kinds of crafts – to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.”

* When God calls us to do something, He will give us the talents we need to do great things in His Name. We don’t have to trust in our own ability or strength.

ASK YOURSELF:

1. What are you really good at?

2. How can you use those talents to serve others?

Deuteronomy 8:18 ~ But remember the Lord, your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

1 Chronicles 22:15-16 ~ “You have many workmen: stonecutters, masons and carpenters as well as men skilled in every kind of work in gold and silver, bronze and iron-craftsmen beyond number. Now begin the work and the Lord be with you.”

* Wealth is something most people believe will make them happy. As Christians, we know that real wealth, comes from God’s blessings and not money or possessions.

ASK YOURSELF:

1. Where are you storing your treasures?

2. How can you use your talents to store more treasures in heaven (by bringing more people to knowing God)?

MORE SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE:

Romans 1:6 ~ And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

Romans 11:29 ~ for God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.

Romans 12:6-8 ~ We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; If it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

1 Corinthians 12:1 ~ Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 ~ There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

1 Corinthians 12:7-11 ~ Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good…All these these are the work of one and the same Spirit and He gives them to each one, just as He determines.

1 Peter 4:10 ~ Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.

Why is it that so many people take advantage of their families and abuse their families? Is it because we are certain family will always be there for us? Does that make it right? How do we change this pattern?

The first thing we need to do is re-educate our youth about God’s plan for family.

In today’s society, it seems “normal” to back talk your parents and disrespect them. After all, we didn’t ask to be born so our parents should take what we dish out, right? T.V., movies and even books glorify the “abuse” of our parents. With the media making our parents look like idiots, our youth begin believing they are superior. Add that to the “I deserve it” mentality and how do we re-educate? The media is hard to compete with.

Our only ammunition is truth. Our faith in the Bible is a powerful weapon against any and all world views. Our strength is God’s Word. So what does the Bible say about family?

Ephesians 5:1-2 ~ Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Proverbs 11:29 ~ He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only the wind and the fool will be servant to the wise.

Colossians 3:12-17 ~ Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentelness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one anther with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

*How do we get teens to put these things into action? First we must get them to believe this is the right way to live and to take these scriptures to heart. Because teens have a mind of their own and they are constantly being fed the world view, it may not be easy to tell them, but we can show them. If we demonstrate the “Family Rules” to the teens that come into our group, we can be a strong witness for God and that could make all the difference.

FAMILY RULES:

Ephesians 6:1-4 ~ “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother” – which is the first commandment with a promise – “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Colossians 3:18-21 ~ Wives, submit to your husbands as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children or they will become discouraged.

Colossians 3:23- 24 ~ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Colossians 4:2-3 ~ Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

1 Timothy 5:8 ~ If anyone does not provide for his relatives and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

1 Peter 3:8-9 ~ Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

* Let’s take back our family values and our Godly view of the world. Let’s teach the youth that we come into contact with respect, love, compassion and gratitude. Let’s encourage the youth in our groups to share that respect, love, compassion and gratitude with their families and friends.

MORE SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE:

Proverbs 24:3-4

Matthew 10:36-39

Matthew 12:25

1 Corinthians 1:10

Ephesians 4:31-32

1 Timothy 5:1-4

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup Ragu Pasta or Pizza Sauce
1 cup Ragu Cheese Creations Classic Alfredo Sauce
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (about 4 oz.)
¼ to ½ cup Finely Chopped Pepperoni

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a medium sauce pan, combine both Ragu Sauces, Shredded Mozzarella and Pepperoni.

2. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

3. Pour dip into serving container and serve warm.

4. Serve with breadsticks, , Italian Bread, Crackers, Chips, Pretzels or Raw Vegetables.

* PREP TIME: 5 minutes
* COOK TIME: 10 minutes
* MAKES 3 ½ cups of dip