In a culture that sometimes sends the message that faith is for those who do all the right things, behave a certain way, or have it all figured out, the idea that Jesus came to save all people—no matter who they are, what they’ve done, or what they’ve believed up to this point—can feel contradictory or confusing. This is a great week to lean into the truth of God’s love for us all and the full life Jesus wants all of us to experience. Jesus is everywhere and is always showing himself in different ways. It is important that the students know this!
Begin to daydream with God. What are some things you think you want, but may be a mask for a bigger need or want that Jesus offers?
When someone new arrives, everything changes. That was never more true than Christmas day, about 2000 years ago. When The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood (John 1:14 MSG), everything changed for everyone. This Christmas, we’re going to take a few weeks to talk about what exactly this means for today’s teenager. By the end of this Christmas series, students will have discovered why everything changes when Jesus shows up.
When everything is everywhere, joy is always a choice.
God uses other people to help us when we’re stressed.
When you’re carrying a lot, remember that God cares a lot.
You know better than anyone that stress is a BIG deal for today’s teenagers. Sometimes life just feels like everything is everywhere. In our new 3-week series about stress students will be reminded that God cares for them, God uses other people to help them, and that joy is always a choice. By the end of these 3-weeks, our high schooler will have a healthy, helpful, and encouraging view of what to do when life just feels like a lot.
This week, start looking for the good things in your life and thank God for them. Maybe it’s your family, a lose friend who feels like family, a home you feel safe in, a small group you trust. Whatever it is, write it down! Make a list of three things you are grateful for, and as you write them down, thank God for giving them to you.
Week 2 Thicker Than Water: Today, take a minute to think about the strengths of your family and what you might be grateful for. Maybe it is a tradition you have or a way your family sticks by you even when you are going through a challenging circumstance. Today, talk to someone in your family to tell them why you are grateful to have them as a part of the family God has given you.
Week 1 Thicker Than Water: Today, look for God doing something in your family you may have missed, and thank God for working in imperfect people.
Our families: we didn't choose them and we have no control over them. From the way we love people to the way we treat our friends; family is tied to our own stories in some unexpected ways. Thicker than Water focuses on our relationships with one another.
