Teen Trends
The social media era has helped to create many powerful influencers over the years - some good and some bad. As social media has increased in popularity, so has some people's addiction to it. One trend is what is being dubbed "the attention economy." It's this idea that viewers can help influencers make certain decisions, large or small, in their life for a price. That people can have influence over the influencer. This shows just how desperately some people want to feel connected. Be aware of this need that others have to connect on a deep level because they won't find it in their influencers on social media. They can only find it in Jesus. It is also a chance for leaders to provide opportunities for students to be invested. They are looking and hungry for ways to be influencing the world and people they feel connected to.
Song of the Week
All Sons and Daughters was a duo that wrote and covered many calming and peaceful songs. While the duo, David Leonard and Leslie Anne Jordan, stopped making music in 2018, their songs continue to minister to hearts today. Some of their songs include "I Surrender," "You Hold It All Together," and "My Inheritance." This duo's music is perfect if you're in the mood for a calmer song to relax, work, or pray to.
Game of the Week
This week, another classic but fun game features in this section - dodgeball. You've probably played dodgeball at some point whether it was in P.E., recess, or at a camp. It's a great game that gets everyone involved. As a reminder, you'll need an open area (or at least an area without breakable items) and one or more balls. They can be the traditional dodgeballs or you can use other kinds like beachballs for an added twist - just make sure that they're soft. No one likes getting hit with a basketball. Split everyone into 2 teams and assign each time half of the court. Neither team can cross that middle line between the sides. Players must throw the ball at the opponents, and the opponent must either dodge the ball (hence the title) or catch it. There are many variations and unique rules, so don't be afraid to spice it up a bit. Here's a video that explains one of the creative spins to traditional dodgeball
Sermon Illustration
It's amazing that God is so patient with us and can be there for us in our darkest loneliest times. He is so merciful, isn't He? He sacrificed so much for us on the off chance that we might choose Him in return. He knows what we've been through and what we're currently walking through. He knows what it feels like to be hurt by someone close when he was betrayed by Judas. He knows what it's like to feel abandoned by everyone, including God after taking on the sin of the world while on the cross. He knows what it's like to have people laugh at him. Hebrews 4:15-16 helps to further our understanding of God's grace. We don't have to patch up our holes before we go to Him. He wants us just as we are - nothing more, nothing less. He'll help us deal with all of our baggage because He's already done it, and He can teach us how to do it.
Heb. 4:15-16 (NIV): For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find to help us in our time of need.
Encouraging Thought
Without trying to sound depressing, if you're not facing difficult stuff now, you undoubtedly will in the future. Knowing this, you can be ready when those times come. Plan out what you're going to do when the enemy begins to attack. Are you running so hard that you might face a time of weakness and attack soon? Think about running to God like a little kid being chased by a dog that he's terrified of and waiting to be scooped up in His arms. Run to him for a few minutes today and prepare with Him by praying through the future week. Being aware of how the enemy moves and how to "counter" it by running to God will render his attacks powerless. It's much easier said than done, but preparing in advance can help it not feel quite as overwhelming or confusing.
*If you would like to continue to receive these weekly posts, click HERE.
The vision of the Student Leader Weekly is to empower high schoolers (alongside adult leadership) with practical ministry ideas.