I work with middle schoolers. I'm a youth pastor. It's my life's work and ministry. At the end of each day, I'm blessed to come home to a family that I feel is the biggest blessing of my life. They are everything and more to me. And because they are everything and because I feel so much responsibility for them, I also feel overwhelmed.
Because...
I try to set aside the cares of ministry on the short mile drive home from work. I try to pick up the cares of my husband and daughters as I exit our jeep and walk into the house.
When I arrive at home I hear the quick pitter patter of my yearling daughter's feet driving toward me. It's as if gravity increases on her head and arms as she reaches toward me, squealing "mommy" with delight as she bobbles just enough to face plant right before the goal, my arms. As I reach for her, my three year old, who is also making the chariots of fire dash to mommy, accidentally steps on little sisters' finger causing more panic and shrill screaming. All the while, I haven't been to the bathroom in hours and can't hold it a second longer. If you were a fly on the wall(and there probably is a fly on my wall)you'd see me emotionally peeing on a toilet with two kids (also crying) on my lap. I'm not the first person in the world to have children but anyone who has ever had them is nodding their head sympathetically.
My husband, the champion of my world, stays at home with the girls close to 40 hours a week. I do not know how he finds the time or space to use the restroom either. It's as if our kids know when we have a dire need and they will do whatever it takes to sidetrack us from it. Things like mommy and daddy eating, bathing, and/ or sleeping are against kid union regulations for sure.
It seems like I start every homecoming out this way. Tears of joy and pain. There always seems to be something on the horizon. If it's not a virus, allergic reaction, or pollen allergies then it most definitely will be an inability to eat vegetables, obey simple instructions, or to stay focused on one task for more than a few minutes.
Seriously, sometimes I feel like I'm never going to catch up, clean up, or shape up.
I try to hear the advice of people like Erma Bombeck who tell us not to worry about the stains on the carpet or dishes in the sink. Being with our family in this present moment is more important. Laughing. Conspiring together. Loving. Holding. I want all of this but there's still the mess that waits for me in the morning.
Dealing with all of this, while holding on to God's promises and whispering for His strength and courage, leaves me reminiscing about what life used to be like when I was the kid.
Middle school wasn't so bad for me. It wasn't so good either. But there are some things that I absolutely loved about that time in my life that keeps me wishing that I could return to them.
I remember being driven places. I love to be driven places. You can sleep, listen to music, read, draw. Please, drive as far away as you like. I'll hang out in the back. Good night.
I remember saving all of my paper route money to "adopt a whale" on the back of a cereal box. Money wasn't too stressful in middle school. You either have some or your don't. It was kind of nice not having a job or any cash flow.
Every event was a new event. I don't remember one time feeling bored with life. Every class in school was different each day because you never knew what was going to happen, who was going to like who, or what sort of substitute teacher you would have. I don't need the drama but I do wish I could look at life again with those curious eyes, always wondering what's going to happen next and bewildered when in gives me something I wasn't expecting.
I never counted calories in middle school. I didn't care. I didn't have a health conscious whatsoever. I used to eat two #2's at McDonald's on the way home from volleyball games (A number 2 at the time was 2 cheeseburgers and fries. I literally would eat 4 cheeseburgers in one sitting in the 7th grade!) Oh how I wish some of the habits I have formed over the years could be erased. It's good to be healthy and I'm glad I'm not eating this way anymore (my husband is also appreciative), but I do wish eating were as carefree as it once was.
Relationships were more important than getting things done. Growing up and getting a job help mess this one up.
Boldness existed, even if it was quiet boldness as expressed in clothing that no adult would be caught dead wearing. I want that kind of courage again. I don't want hammer pants. Don't get me wrong. I want confidence in who I am, whose I am, and who I am not.
Sometimes I really miss this time of life, getting picked up by the parents, being handed lunch money, being bailed out, wearing my personality in the form of fashion, taking dares, going after relationships with everything I've got--even if it leaves me tripping on the floor and getting stepped on by someone else--it was always worth it.
And then I see that I'm giving this very existence to my kids, my sweet girls, and my sweet (and not-so sweet middle schoolers). I had my time to be in the mini van. Now it's their turn.
Knowing that it's my turn to give back helps give me the courage and sense of humor to keep going every day.
There are some things I'll never "get" as a mom, wife, sister, friend, leader, pastor, writer...but one thing that I do get is that all we have is now and we can't spend our lives wishing we were somewhere else in the past or somewhere else in the future. Spending and investing time in God's presence in the present moment with the people who are present with us is the most important thing we can do in life. And I'm grateful for every moment in life that turns me around and reminds me of that.
Today, I felt like ninja mommy, attacking the mess that is life all day long. And I'm thankful because I know I don't have to be a ninja every day and sometimes (sometimes) my kids really do sleep and give me time to do life giving things like write, pray, and brush my teeth.
I thank God for the people who loved me and carried me through middle school so I could look back on it fondly and remember that it's my turn now.
Tuesday
Deal With Conflict (minus spazzing, hissy fits, knuckle punches, or defriending)
Some of the best advice I've ever received from my boss Dave Ramsey was on the topic of dealing with conflict or addressing issues within an organization.
Being the person I am, I've always worried about the other person's feelings (to a fault) and oftentimes failed to get anything accomplished when addressing things with people.
Emotions are good. They're good signals to what's going on and helpful to us. However, they can hurt us when we're trying to storm through something to a great resolution.
So here's the advice I wrote down on a sticky note in my office. It sits under my phone. It's always there when I feel myself wanting to pitch a fit about something in the wrong way.
When dealing with conflict or needing to address an issue with a co-worker, ministry leader, or superior...
1) Think of the issue as operational. Something isn't working, now it's time to find out where the problem is.
2) Write down the facts before you discuss the issue. Keep them before you. This is key for "emo" people like myself. I need to stay focused to avoid feeling hurt. It sounds funny to say but there's a lot of truth in the facts and they can help us to understand others, communicate more fairly, and remain calm.
3) Try to stay away from how you feel (at least for a little while). Look at the facts and revisit your feelings once you've got them down.
4) When communicating with someone about the problem or issue, use language that keeps you focused.
"The problem is...."
"The facts are...."
When a person gets defensive:
"I'm not attacking you...I'm looking at this issue"
"Help me understand..."
"Remind me why this occurred..."
Storm:
"What can you and I do to resolve this..."
5) Return to your emotions again. They are important. Ask yourself why you felt the way you felt. How were you hurt that made you feel what you felt? What expectation did you have that didn't get met? What need did you have that wasn't supplied? Sometimes these answers can help you forecast conflict before it even begins!
I learned a very important lesson in our pre-marital counseling (when I was only 19 years old). If you have one perspective on an issue and your spouse has an opposite perspective and you would like for the issue to be resolved. Then it's important to stop blocking each others efforts with opposing forces, But instead move to a neutral side to discuss it. On that neutral side you find it much easier to get things done. It makes total sense that things work when we are pressing the issue in the same direction. Progress is made.
I feel like this knowledge has helped me so much in the last decade. Not only to build a strong marriage, but also to build strong working relationships. While, I've had a few working relationships that didn't exactly "work". I did learn through them how I might handle myself better next time.
We're human. We're going to have conflict. But it's really cool when you feel confident enough in your leadership that you can confront, process, reslove, and maintain relationships at the same time.
Being the person I am, I've always worried about the other person's feelings (to a fault) and oftentimes failed to get anything accomplished when addressing things with people.
Emotions are good. They're good signals to what's going on and helpful to us. However, they can hurt us when we're trying to storm through something to a great resolution.
So here's the advice I wrote down on a sticky note in my office. It sits under my phone. It's always there when I feel myself wanting to pitch a fit about something in the wrong way.
When dealing with conflict or needing to address an issue with a co-worker, ministry leader, or superior...
1) Think of the issue as operational. Something isn't working, now it's time to find out where the problem is.
2) Write down the facts before you discuss the issue. Keep them before you. This is key for "emo" people like myself. I need to stay focused to avoid feeling hurt. It sounds funny to say but there's a lot of truth in the facts and they can help us to understand others, communicate more fairly, and remain calm.
3) Try to stay away from how you feel (at least for a little while). Look at the facts and revisit your feelings once you've got them down.
4) When communicating with someone about the problem or issue, use language that keeps you focused.
"The problem is...."
"The facts are...."
When a person gets defensive:
"I'm not attacking you...I'm looking at this issue"
"Help me understand..."
"Remind me why this occurred..."
Storm:
"What can you and I do to resolve this..."
5) Return to your emotions again. They are important. Ask yourself why you felt the way you felt. How were you hurt that made you feel what you felt? What expectation did you have that didn't get met? What need did you have that wasn't supplied? Sometimes these answers can help you forecast conflict before it even begins!
I learned a very important lesson in our pre-marital counseling (when I was only 19 years old). If you have one perspective on an issue and your spouse has an opposite perspective and you would like for the issue to be resolved. Then it's important to stop blocking each others efforts with opposing forces, But instead move to a neutral side to discuss it. On that neutral side you find it much easier to get things done. It makes total sense that things work when we are pressing the issue in the same direction. Progress is made.
I feel like this knowledge has helped me so much in the last decade. Not only to build a strong marriage, but also to build strong working relationships. While, I've had a few working relationships that didn't exactly "work". I did learn through them how I might handle myself better next time.
We're human. We're going to have conflict. But it's really cool when you feel confident enough in your leadership that you can confront, process, reslove, and maintain relationships at the same time.
Monday
No Cussing @$#&! Middle School Students Lead the Way
Learn how one group of middle school students is opening up a can on cursing in their school.
It Ain't Over - Fighting for Family
This song is dedicated to my sister Courtney. When I first started out in youth ministry I was ministering to teenagers when my own teenage sister needed the most support. There are days when I wish I could have been there for her more. Even today, as she comes out of some really tough stuff I see how God has helped her, rescued her, and loved her by sending the right people at the right time into her life. I have a burden for all of our students but an even greater burden for my family--I pray that she knows that "it ain't over". I'm praying and interceding for you every day. I'm fasting for you. I am constantly lifting you up even though we are far a part.
You keep pressing. Keep progressing. Keep looking up. I know you're moving in the way of miracles. Whatever it takes baby sis. I love you.
You keep pressing. Keep progressing. Keep looking up. I know you're moving in the way of miracles. Whatever it takes baby sis. I love you.
Thursday
Youth Pastor Hair
This is an odd post but I'm not against posting things that I think will help people. And this information will definitely help some of my peeps out there. This is for my leading ladies and for the dudes out there with serious hair to comb.
Since youth ministry tends to pay the big bucks (haha), it's easy to gravitate toward personal care products like shampoo and conditioner that are overpriced. Alright, alright, that's not the reason. It's because I'm addicted to things that smell good and have nice packaging. The big bummer happens when a product that I spent twenty bucks on doesn't deliver smooth, shiny hair.
Hair is important to me. I've got to have something to set off my youth ministry t-shirt and jeans wardrobe!
After searching high and low for the perfect conditioner, years and years of testing and wasting money, years and years of defaulting to Pantene because it's on sale and it sort of does the job...I've found THE HAIR CAR PRODUCT I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR.
It sort of happened on accident. My conditioner wasn't in the shower. It sometimes lands in our bathroom because my husband likes to shave his face with it. Go figure.The only thing in the shower was my 3 year olds' detangeling conditioner.(Suave Kids Moisturizing Conditioner, Apple Scent) I've always loved how good her hair smells after she takes a bath so I thought "why not"!?
I was shocked first time I used it--incredible! Now, I can't wait to try the other scents. It left my hair ridiculously smooth, shiny, and smelling great.
I don't think I'll ever return to adult conditioner again. I order most of our home products on Soap.com and my daughter's conditioner is a whopping $3.84.
And it won't make you cry.
I am so excited. Can you tell? Anyway, I hope you go out and buy a bottle. Enjoy the savings and don't feel guilty one bit about saving money. Now you'll have extra to share...
Living more simply. Hope you are too.
B
Wednesday
Your knowing is more powerful than our secrets...
My husband sends a weekly email to the college-age Christian community at our church. The prayer found in today's email is too raw, too revelatory, too beautiful, too liberating, too necessary not to pass on.
We have secrets. We're lying if we say that we don't. The beautiful part of admitting this is exactly what Walter leads us into praying, that God's knowing is more powerful than our secrets. That we can take a deep sigh in his presence because we no longer feel the need to cover up or deny anything. Our secrets are emptied of strength and we find ourselves free.
We are free to live. Free to lead each day minus any guilt or shame. We the redeemed, realize that God knows--forgives--and transforms. And we find ourselves liberated, lighter, embraced, exuberant, zealous...
Will you pray?
"Almighty God . . . from whom no secrets are hid
We are rich conundrums of secrets,
we weave a pattern of lies in order to be
well thought of,
we engage in subterfuge about our truth.
We carry old secrets too painful to utter,
too shameful to acknowledge
too burdensome to bear,
of failures we cannot undo,
of alienations we regret but cannot fix,
of grandiose exhibits we cannot curb
And you know them.
You know them all.
And so we keep a deep sigh in your presence,
no longer needing to pretend and
cover up and
deny.
We mostly do not have big sins to confess,
only modest shames that do not
fit our hoped-for selves.
And then we find that your knowing is more
powerful than our secrets.
You know and do not turn away,
and our secrets that seemed too powerful
are emptied of strength,
secrets that seemed too burdensome
are now less severe.
We marvel that when you find us out,
you stay with us,
taking us seriously,
taking our secrets soberly,
but not ultimately,
overpowering our little failure
with your massive love
and abiding patience.
We long to be fully, honestly
exposed to your gaze of gentleness.
In the moment of your knowing
we are eased and lightened,
and we feel the surge of joy move in our bodies,
because we are not ours in cringing
but yours in communion.
We are yours and find the truth before you
makes us free for
wonder, love, and praise -- and new life.
[Taken from Prayers for a Privileged People by Walter Brueggemann]
We have secrets. We're lying if we say that we don't. The beautiful part of admitting this is exactly what Walter leads us into praying, that God's knowing is more powerful than our secrets. That we can take a deep sigh in his presence because we no longer feel the need to cover up or deny anything. Our secrets are emptied of strength and we find ourselves free.
We are free to live. Free to lead each day minus any guilt or shame. We the redeemed, realize that God knows--forgives--and transforms. And we find ourselves liberated, lighter, embraced, exuberant, zealous...
Will you pray?
"Almighty God . . . from whom no secrets are hid
We are rich conundrums of secrets,
we weave a pattern of lies in order to be
well thought of,
we engage in subterfuge about our truth.
We carry old secrets too painful to utter,
too shameful to acknowledge
too burdensome to bear,
of failures we cannot undo,
of alienations we regret but cannot fix,
of grandiose exhibits we cannot curb
And you know them.
You know them all.
And so we keep a deep sigh in your presence,
no longer needing to pretend and
cover up and
deny.
We mostly do not have big sins to confess,
only modest shames that do not
fit our hoped-for selves.
And then we find that your knowing is more
powerful than our secrets.
You know and do not turn away,
and our secrets that seemed too powerful
are emptied of strength,
secrets that seemed too burdensome
are now less severe.
We marvel that when you find us out,
you stay with us,
taking us seriously,
taking our secrets soberly,
but not ultimately,
overpowering our little failure
with your massive love
and abiding patience.
We long to be fully, honestly
exposed to your gaze of gentleness.
In the moment of your knowing
we are eased and lightened,
and we feel the surge of joy move in our bodies,
because we are not ours in cringing
but yours in communion.
We are yours and find the truth before you
makes us free for
wonder, love, and praise -- and new life.
[Taken from Prayers for a Privileged People by Walter Brueggemann]
Monday
A new M.O. for youth events...
Two of our our HP3 friends, Jon and Jessica Nelson have moved to China with their little girl to be the embodiment of Christ to the people they meet there. A recent blog post brought me to tears as I heard about how foreign acts of love and generosity are to the people that they meet. Not only is their journey moving, but it's also a little hilarious. Everything from Mickey Mouse randomly showing up in a park and their daughter getting paparazzi'ed for being a blondie, to this little sign that they saw in a store (totally fitting for youth ministry!) I'm praying that all of us would be open to taking steps of faith to give all that we are and all that we have to share the love of Jesus with our world. And that we'd have plenty of Red Bull and puppies to give teenagers after lock-ins.
Tuesday
Uncovering A World Of Hurt :: Anger Management For Students (And Us Too)
And dont' sin by letting anger control you. Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry... Ephesians 4:26
We have a counseling center in our office suite. I never take having space to think and work on youth ministry for granted. But I definitely feel like this more recent addition to our environment is over the top blessing for us as we lead and serve teenagers.
The coolest part about having licensed counseling professionals in the hallway is that I have an easy referral. I can always tell a student who needs extra care and support that they have resource right here in our church to help them.
The unexpected side effect to the center's existence are the openings on "the couch" where I find myself from time to time. I always walk out of the room having gained wisdom on how to counsel and respond in different situations. Not to mention the parenting/ personal counsel I get just because Rowena loves people and she can't help but help us.
Today as we discussed a particular situation involving one of our students and one of our counselors clients (with permission) I become aware of a need that I want to learn more about.
Helping students with anger.
I struggle with anger sometimes. If you're being honest, you realize that we all do.
What Rowena, our counselor helped me to think about again today was that there is what she calls a "world of hurt" under the anger we see in our students (or ourselves) and it's important to begin to understand that world if we are to work on it.
Anger leads to bitterness and resentment. It causes us to say and do things that we wouldn't want to say and do. It often leaves us feeling guilty and ashamed but we don't feel like there's a lot we can do to control it. There are students in our ministry who really struggle with anger...anger concomitant with adolescent development can be the perfect storm for disaster.
There is a student that has expressed some anger toward me on Wednesday nights. I try my best not to provoke it but I usually find a way to do just that--when I try to encourage him in the right direction or get him to stop a disruptive or disrespectful behavior.
Rowena gave me some things to remember and to pass on to those who are struggling.
-In everyone's anger there is a world of hurt.
-Beneath that hurt there was probably an expectation that wasn't met--whether it was a fair expectation or not--the hurt or feeling offended comes from this disappointment.
-And under expectations not being met is a core need. Most of the time this need is a need for love, acceptance, belonging, feelings of safety and security.
Helping our students look back to where their anger started is helpful to me. Asking the teenager what's really going on when they puff up and lash out during youth group could give us a clue.
I like the help she offered to me when dealing with my own anger and frustrations. I hope to teach this to my teens who are really struggling with their emotions and actions surrounding them. It's an acronym (ABCD).
Dealing with our anger:
A- AWARE Be aware of your triggers and recognize how they control you.
B- BACK OFF Take a step back from that trigger if you can. Get some space.
C- COOL DOWN Calm down. Don't make any decisions or say anything until you've had some space to settle.
D- DECIDE Once you're head is clear and you are aware of what's happening, decide what you need to do.
I yelled at my daughter the other night when she had an accident while trying to get to the potty. I was exhausted. The panic of my 3 year old woke up our 1 year old. I was hoping to have a few minutes of quiet before bed but instead I would have to clean up the floor, get new pjs, put the baby to bed (again). And I yelled at her. It wasn't her fault. She hadn't been feeling well. She didn't sleep much the night before. She was on medication for her ear ache. There was a lot going on. I would love to become more aware of the triggers that set me off so that I can calm down and make decisions better, that I could stop myself from yelling before I'm in the situation and have another action in mind.
Isn't it all too easy to spout off in a text message, fire off a loaded comment or blog, or vent to someone else when we are angry? But it often leads to more pain and more anger. I pray that we can learn these simple steps and make better decisions. I pray that we learn talk to each other better--that we could lift each other up as we heal.
I hope to encourage our leaders to help teenagers as they learn how to cope with their emotions. Giving them praise for the baby steps along the way...
God is transforming us--by the renewing of our minds, little by little as we allow his movement in our lives. I'm thankful to see this need and to begin to make steps toward understanding more.
If you need someone to help deal you deal an with anger-related situation or need tips on how to regain control. Talk to someone. If you're in Lakeland, Rowena's information is listed here.
Rowena Barnett Lovvorn, M.A.
Director of Counseling Services, Highland Park
rowenal@hpnaz.org
We have a counseling center in our office suite. I never take having space to think and work on youth ministry for granted. But I definitely feel like this more recent addition to our environment is over the top blessing for us as we lead and serve teenagers.
The coolest part about having licensed counseling professionals in the hallway is that I have an easy referral. I can always tell a student who needs extra care and support that they have resource right here in our church to help them.
The unexpected side effect to the center's existence are the openings on "the couch" where I find myself from time to time. I always walk out of the room having gained wisdom on how to counsel and respond in different situations. Not to mention the parenting/ personal counsel I get just because Rowena loves people and she can't help but help us.
Today as we discussed a particular situation involving one of our students and one of our counselors clients (with permission) I become aware of a need that I want to learn more about.
Helping students with anger.
I struggle with anger sometimes. If you're being honest, you realize that we all do.
What Rowena, our counselor helped me to think about again today was that there is what she calls a "world of hurt" under the anger we see in our students (or ourselves) and it's important to begin to understand that world if we are to work on it.
Anger leads to bitterness and resentment. It causes us to say and do things that we wouldn't want to say and do. It often leaves us feeling guilty and ashamed but we don't feel like there's a lot we can do to control it. There are students in our ministry who really struggle with anger...anger concomitant with adolescent development can be the perfect storm for disaster.
There is a student that has expressed some anger toward me on Wednesday nights. I try my best not to provoke it but I usually find a way to do just that--when I try to encourage him in the right direction or get him to stop a disruptive or disrespectful behavior.
Rowena gave me some things to remember and to pass on to those who are struggling.
-In everyone's anger there is a world of hurt.
-Beneath that hurt there was probably an expectation that wasn't met--whether it was a fair expectation or not--the hurt or feeling offended comes from this disappointment.
-And under expectations not being met is a core need. Most of the time this need is a need for love, acceptance, belonging, feelings of safety and security.
Helping our students look back to where their anger started is helpful to me. Asking the teenager what's really going on when they puff up and lash out during youth group could give us a clue.
I like the help she offered to me when dealing with my own anger and frustrations. I hope to teach this to my teens who are really struggling with their emotions and actions surrounding them. It's an acronym (ABCD).
Dealing with our anger:
A- AWARE Be aware of your triggers and recognize how they control you.
B- BACK OFF Take a step back from that trigger if you can. Get some space.
C- COOL DOWN Calm down. Don't make any decisions or say anything until you've had some space to settle.
D- DECIDE Once you're head is clear and you are aware of what's happening, decide what you need to do.
I yelled at my daughter the other night when she had an accident while trying to get to the potty. I was exhausted. The panic of my 3 year old woke up our 1 year old. I was hoping to have a few minutes of quiet before bed but instead I would have to clean up the floor, get new pjs, put the baby to bed (again). And I yelled at her. It wasn't her fault. She hadn't been feeling well. She didn't sleep much the night before. She was on medication for her ear ache. There was a lot going on. I would love to become more aware of the triggers that set me off so that I can calm down and make decisions better, that I could stop myself from yelling before I'm in the situation and have another action in mind.
Isn't it all too easy to spout off in a text message, fire off a loaded comment or blog, or vent to someone else when we are angry? But it often leads to more pain and more anger. I pray that we can learn these simple steps and make better decisions. I pray that we learn talk to each other better--that we could lift each other up as we heal.
I hope to encourage our leaders to help teenagers as they learn how to cope with their emotions. Giving them praise for the baby steps along the way...
God is transforming us--by the renewing of our minds, little by little as we allow his movement in our lives. I'm thankful to see this need and to begin to make steps toward understanding more.
If you need someone to help deal you deal an with anger-related situation or need tips on how to regain control. Talk to someone. If you're in Lakeland, Rowena's information is listed here.
Rowena Barnett Lovvorn, M.A.
Director of Counseling Services, Highland Park
rowenal@hpnaz.org
Wednesday
HPNY LIVE || The Story Week 4 || Free Delivery
It's been so much fun taking this journey with our students through the Bible over the past few weeks. The story of the Exodus is in our face today...heartbreaking, breathtaking, and inspir-ating (ok, had to follow the form there!). Below is my sermon outline for tonight.
Sometimes I doubt God can help me in my real life.
*When I'm not praying, reading the Bible, at church.
*When I'm faced with something unexpected, especially something I'm unprepared for.
*Bar Example, Mya's Allergic Reaction, Texas House
I imagine you've found yourself in situations where you needed an "out" like me. You needed rescued quick but it didn't seem like God or anyone else could do it.
*Wouldn't it be nice to have an app for God (Escape Free)
*During a fight, pressure, a hard choice, abuse, difficulties with school, etc.
The story of Moses and the people of Israel is helpful to us as we struggle with believing that God can and will rescue us and save us. [Watch Zondervan Video]
*You see the many ways God provided for Moses--delivered him from the situations.
(Pharaoh's daughter, Aaron speaking for him, pillar of cloud and fire, manna)
*God withhold any act of power to rescue his people. And he can overcome ANY power.
Turn in your Bibles to Exodus 14:13-14. Memorize this. Bookmark this. Believe this.
"Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians [problems] you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Remember that other familiar verse? "Be still and know....know what.....THAT I AM GOD."
Belief leads to knowledge. Knowledge leads to trust. And we can start with believing today.
Next time you're not sure if you can stand firm in your belief in God because of what you are going through.
*Remember this promise. The LORD will save you. Just like God gave me an "out" and rescued me from some situations. He will rescue you. Just like God delivered Moses. He will rescue you. He knows us and our needs.
Imagine what would happen if we all believed that God's power could deliver us and we truly started to TRUST?
Watch this video--as you're watching think about what miracle you need right now.
Moses listened to God and had his people, those who believed, put blood above their doorposts to show that they were followers of God. It was a symbol of promise. That they would be rescued from death. Put something red over your doorpost at home as a reminder that God can and will deliver us.
(Our leaders will have red lipstick at the back of the service to mark students heads as they leave--the purpose is to open discussion with parents and friends about what it means.)
Prayer: Thank you for revealing more of you Story to us tonight. We pray that you will help us see the areas where you want to set us free. We believe that you can do anything and you have power to save us. Amen.
Chapter 4 - Deliverance - Teen Curriculum from Zondervan on Vimeo.
Sometimes I doubt God can help me in my real life.
*When I'm not praying, reading the Bible, at church.
*When I'm faced with something unexpected, especially something I'm unprepared for.
*Bar Example, Mya's Allergic Reaction, Texas House
I imagine you've found yourself in situations where you needed an "out" like me. You needed rescued quick but it didn't seem like God or anyone else could do it.
*Wouldn't it be nice to have an app for God (Escape Free)
*During a fight, pressure, a hard choice, abuse, difficulties with school, etc.
The story of Moses and the people of Israel is helpful to us as we struggle with believing that God can and will rescue us and save us. [Watch Zondervan Video]
*You see the many ways God provided for Moses--delivered him from the situations.
(Pharaoh's daughter, Aaron speaking for him, pillar of cloud and fire, manna)
*God withhold any act of power to rescue his people. And he can overcome ANY power.
Turn in your Bibles to Exodus 14:13-14. Memorize this. Bookmark this. Believe this.
"Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians [problems] you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Remember that other familiar verse? "Be still and know....know what.....THAT I AM GOD."
Belief leads to knowledge. Knowledge leads to trust. And we can start with believing today.
Next time you're not sure if you can stand firm in your belief in God because of what you are going through.
*Remember this promise. The LORD will save you. Just like God gave me an "out" and rescued me from some situations. He will rescue you. Just like God delivered Moses. He will rescue you. He knows us and our needs.
Imagine what would happen if we all believed that God's power could deliver us and we truly started to TRUST?
Watch this video--as you're watching think about what miracle you need right now.
Moses listened to God and had his people, those who believed, put blood above their doorposts to show that they were followers of God. It was a symbol of promise. That they would be rescued from death. Put something red over your doorpost at home as a reminder that God can and will deliver us.
(Our leaders will have red lipstick at the back of the service to mark students heads as they leave--the purpose is to open discussion with parents and friends about what it means.)
Prayer: Thank you for revealing more of you Story to us tonight. We pray that you will help us see the areas where you want to set us free. We believe that you can do anything and you have power to save us. Amen.
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