Here are 10 ways to live a life of joy. Both for yourself and your teens!

7. Form friendships. “Wounds from a friend can be trusted,” Proverbs 27:6a. Ministry can be a lonely existence. You have a church full of acquaintances, but that does not guarantee a friend. How many friends do you have right now? Have you been too busy for friendship to keep you accountable, and to get your mind off the flock for a while? If so, get busy developing the needed friendship of others, then write your present friend(s) a note thanking them for their friendship.

8. Obey God. “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love...I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete,” John 14:10-11.  Obedience brings blessings and disobedience delivers consequences. Which from God’s hand would you rather have? God said long ago that His commands were designed for our good, not our detriment (Deuteronomy 10:12-13). Knowing and doing the will of God, as Jesus says, makes your joy complete.

9. Avoid extremes. “...the man who fears God will avoid extremes,” Ecclesiastes 7:18. A “sky is falling” mentality will rob you of all joy. If everything is a crisis in your book then thank God for the ulcer you are about to develop. Ministry is not the place for a completely carefree attitude, but it is the place to be care free (I Peter 5:7).

10. Smile and laugh - a lot. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4. Some writers say that Paul had to say it twice or Christians wouldn’t have believed it would be okay.

Have a light heart and take joy with you everywhere you go by enjoying each moment God has given you. There are enough Christians out there who look sour, so there’s no need for you to join that bunch.

Your Partners in Youth Ministry,

Paul & Al

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New Bible Lesson :: 2 Timothy Lesson 7... http://tinyurl.com/2z8btu Includes, PowerPoint, lesson outline, discussion guide and class handout (as usual). :-)

Do Not Try To Be A Super Person  - If you want to stay in youth ministry for the long haul and maintain a portion of your sanity, you will really want to involve volunteers from your church family.

Trunk or Treat - This is a great event for your youth ministry to help the children of your community.
 

Handling Conflict - To help students understand that conflict will hinder spiritual growth.

9/11 and the Sovereignty of God- September 11, 2001 was, for me, memorable. It marked the first morning of a very special trip with my wife to the quaint town of Chatham on Cape Cod.

Daily Bible Readings  - Get every teen in the Word this week!

Youth Ministry Tip of the Week

Sunday School Friend Day  - Do not overlook the small things.

Should I Walk Away?  - There is some rampant gossip going on around my school right now.

Is Anyone Watching?  - Use this for yourself or your teens.

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