If you were to describe your life as a light, which might you choose and why?

• A lighthouse
• A floodlight
• 100 watt light bulb
• A flashlight
• A flashlight with dead batteries’
• A penlight
• A bonfire
• A campfire
• A candle

Use Sarcasm
“Anybody ought to know better than that!” -”You’re acting just like you’re two years old! Where’s your baby bottle?” It’s devastating to a teenager to be “put down” (talked sarcastically to) in front of his peers. Wait until alone with a teenager to discipline him or her if it is at all possible! Take them aside if needed.

A programmer is someone who solves a problem you didn’t know you had in a way you don’t understand.

An auditor is someone who arrives after the battle and bayonets all the wounded.

A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining and wants it back the minute it begins to rain. (Mark Twain)

To realise the value of ONE YEAR
Ask a student who has failed his exam.

To realise the value of ONE MONTH
Ask a mother who has given birth to a pre-mature baby.

To realise the value of ONE WEEK
Ask an editor of a weekly.

In “Shepherd Leadership”, authors McCormick and Davenport remind Christian leaders to allow for second chances and gently restore the fallen. They write:

Once walking through the twisted little streets of Kowloon in Hong Kong, I came upon a tattoo studio. In the window were displayed samples of the tattoos available. On the chest or arms you could have tattooed an anchor or flag or mermaid or whatever. But what struck me with force were three words that could be tattooed on one’s flesh, “Born to lose.”

He is unparalleled and unprecedented.
He is the centerpiece of civilization.
He is the superlative of all excellence.
He is the sum of human greatness.
He is the source of divine grace.
His name is the only one able to save,
and his blood is the only power able to cleanse.
His ear is open to the sinner’s call.
His hand is quick to lift the fallen soul.
He’s the eternal lover of us all – every one,
And you can trust Him.

Money will buy:

A bed BUT NOT sleep,
Books BUT NOT brains,
Food BUT NOT appetite,
Finery BUT NOT beauty,
A house BUT NOT a home,
Medicine BUT NOT health,
Luxuries BUT NOT culture,
Amusement BUT NOT happiness,
A Crucifix BUT NOT a Savior,
A Church pew BUT NOT Heaven.

For a unique perspective on a Biblical story, provide this list of emotions to the youth and have them choose what the various Bible personalities might be feeling at different points in the story.

Once there was a congregation in which every member was just like you. Each one cooperated and supported every church program just the way you have been doing. Everyone worked as hard and attended the same services and church functions as you do. The elders, the deacons, and the preacher were all as interested in the church as you are at this time. They put the same emphasis on their recreation, business, and other material affairs that you do. Each member gave to the church as you are giving. Within a year or so, this congregation….