Teen Trends
Demi Lovato released a new album recently. As many people know, she has struggled with drugs for most of her adult life and ended up overdosing a couple of years back. The album titled Dancing with the Devil... the Art of Starting Over takes listeners through her journey of struggling with the addiction, the work of going through rehab and therapy, and ultimately, the place that she's in now. Some of the most popular songs that teens are listening to are Dancing with the Devil and Anyone. While the album does feature explicit language, it's still something that might be worth a quick listen if your teens listen to more than just the Christian radio station or playlists.
Song of the Week
A group called Circuit Riders Music released a song last week called I'll Go Anywhere featuring Lucas McCloud. The song is quite convicting and will make you think about whether you're willing to "go anywhere" or "do anything" if God asks. The group also has other music, of course, most of which with another artist named Lindy Cofer. Their most popular songs together include Obedience and Isaiah 6 (Here am I Send Me).
Game of the Week
This week's game is pretty simple and doesn't require that many supplies. 3 ball soccer is basically soccer with 3 different soccer balls in play at once. All you need is 3 soccer balls (or dodgeballs, volleyball, etc.) and a couple of goals. You can just make the goal out of two shoes, cones, or anything you have laying around. It doesn't need to be an actual goal. Once it's set up, split everyone up into 2 teams. Regarding rules, just like in normal soccer, no one can use their hands except the goalies. You can play with boundaries if you'd like, but it's not necessary if you're in a gym or another enclosed area.
Sermon Illustration
Whether this is a new or old illustration for you, there's something to be admired and remembered about Jim Elliot's example who literally was killed for what he preached and believed attempting to evangelize the Huaorani people of Ecuador in 1956. His death left the mission in his wife Elizabeth's hands to complete as he passed from this world. Here are a few quotes from this incredible couple to inspire us as we tell God "we'll go anywhere" or "do anything" much like the example of the Elliot family.
"He who choregraphs the stars the stars in their course, is also in charge of the tiniest details in our lives." Elizabeth Elliot
"Where you are, be all there." Jim Elliot
"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Jim Elliot
Encouraging Thought
Going back to the Circuit Riders' song, I want to encourage you to stop and think about what you're willing to sacrifice. God calls everyone to give up different things at different points, and whether it's large or small, there's something scary but also freeing about surrendering it all totally to Him again and again! Be free in your surrender to Him today!
*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.