Free Games — youth bible games for church
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON APPRECIATION
Here's a free youth ministry game that includes a quick lesson on "Appreciation" based on Philippians 1:4-5 (NLT).
The main point of this lesson is: Appreciate all of the blessings in your life and everything God has done for you.
Have fun :)
- Nick Diliberto, Ministry to Youth - Games
P.S. This is one of the 20 Fall Games we just released. Use these games, which all include a Biblical lesson, to add little more awesomeness to your Fall and Thanksgiving programming.
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON APPRECIATION
Bible: Philippians 1:4-5 (NLT)
SUPPLIES
- 4 brooms (two per team)
- 1 rubber ball per team (racquetball-sized is good)
GAME PREP
For this game you will divide students into two even teams.
Next, have teams form single file lines, with an arms-length distance between each person in front of them.
The last two people in each team’s line will step off, one to each side.
Each will be given a broom and one person on each team will be given a ball, to be placed on the ground.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: This will be a game of skill and concentration.
The teammates with a broom will have a ball in front of one of them.
When I say GO, the teammate with the ball will use the broom to sweep the ball across the floor to the teammate on the other side in a zig-zag pattern between the legs of their teammates in line.
They will continue that pattern, moving the ball across the floor and down the line of people until they reach the end.
Once they get to the end they must return the same way until they reach the beginning of the line, where they will pass off the brooms and replace the next two in line.
The next two will continue the same sweeping pattern until all the people in the line have had a chance and have completed the line.
The first team to complete the game wins.
TEACH
Say: That game was a great combination of teamwork and a little skill, wasn’t it?
It also gave each of you a chance to appreciate some of the effort that others gave on behalf of the team.
At home, many of us do chores around the house to help out.
Some of you may even sweep the floor, right?
When we go to school or church or somewhere else, we would notice if the floor was dirty or there was trash all over the place, wouldn’t we?
But we often don’t appreciate the work and chores that have been done until someone is not doing it.
Parents often do chores too, although sometimes we don’t always see them or even know about them.
They just get done.
Even though we may not always say it to them—and we should—we do appreciate their hard work.
Appreciation and gratitude go right alongside each other.
Remember the first time you bought something at the store with your own money that you had earned?
Maybe it didn’t cost a lot, but to you it was important because you earned it.
But sometimes, children go to their parents wanting something. The child says “…and it’s only $_____”
Parents can have a hard time with is when their child comes to them and wants them to buy some particular thing, especially when it doesn’t appear that the child appreciates them.
Ask: What are some ways that you show appreciation to others?
Allow for a few responses from students.
Preaching the Gospel may not seem like a very difficult job, but for the Apostle Paul, it was both rewarding and challenging.
Because of those challenges, he appreciated the support and prayers of the churches he had helped to start.
Read Philippians 1:4-5.
Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.
When we show appreciation to others, it demonstrates that we not only value their time and friendship, but we also show them that we would do the same for them.
Paul appreciated the Philippian church because the people partnered with him from the beginning.
Appreciation is recognizing and enjoying the good qualities of someone or something, and Paul certainly was appreciative.
I asked you a couple of minutes ago about some ways that you show appreciation to others, but I want you to take a moment and think about who you appreciate most and why.
Many of you will think of your parents or other family members.
We appreciate them because we know they care for us and want the best for us.
One of the best ways to show others we appreciate them is to pray for them as Paul prayed for the churches he ministered to.
He prayed for their needs and for the future.
Another great way to show someone that you appreciate them is to tell them.
Not just a generic “I appreciate you,” but to let them know what it is specifically that you appreciate about them.
Last, but not least, God.
Tell God how much you appreciate all of the blessings in your life and everything He has done for you.
Always remember to show appreciation.
End lesson.
P.S. This is one of the 20 Fall Games we just released. Use these games, which all include a Biblical lesson, to add little more awesomeness to your Fall and Thanksgiving programming.
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON LOVING OTHERS
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON LOVING OTHERS
Bible: Romans 13:8
Bottom Line: When we love others, God’s love is shown through us.
SUPPLIES
- Paper (one per person)
- Pen (one per person)
- 4 containers (one per team)
GAME PREP
Divide students into four teams of equal size.
Choose a leader from each team to stand at the front of his or her team.
Before beginning the game, have each student (not a team leader) write down one of his or her favorite things (food, activity, place, or movie).
Collect all the papers and place them into the corresponding team’s container.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: Let’s talk about some things that you love.
Each person on your team has been given a piece of paper and asked to write down one favorite thing.
It can be a food, or movie, place, or activity.
Next, collect the from each student and put into their team’s container (bowl, hat, bucket, etc.)
For each round, without looking, I will draw one piece of paper from each of the team’s containers.
I will read each of the four objects, one from each team.
Then, I will ask each team leader, which of those four objects he/she LOVES more than the other three items.
If the team leader chooses an answer that came from his or her own team, then that team receives three points.
If one of the other three team leaders chooses the correct answer from another team, his or her team will receive one point.
If the team leader chooses an answer from the incorrect team, that team receives no points.
The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
The key to winning is for students to write down things that their team leader would like, so that their team leader will choose their answers.
For instance, if the team leader loves Star Wars, the team member might write down “Darth Vader.”
TEACH
Say: Let’s admit it right now. It’s a lot easier to love “things” than it is to love people.
Loving other people can be hard.
It’s pretty easy to love our family, our friends, and people at church.
But what about loving people that we don’t know?
First of all, why would we even want to do that?
And second, why does it even matter?
Believe it or not, people had a hard time loving other people even back in the Apostle Paul’s day.
Let’s read what the Apostle Paul wrote about to the church in Rome:
Read Romans 13:8.
Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.
Ask: How many of you have ever borrowed something from one of the people in here?
Did you return it or pay it back?
Allow a few responses from students after each question.
Paul says here that we are obligated, as Christians, to love one another.
He didn’t say we should love one another or that it would be a good idea to love one another.
He said we are obligated to love one another.
And he didn’t say to just tolerate one another.
Loving others is a different story.
In Luke chapter 10, Jesus tells a religious lawyer that he should not only love God with all his heart, soul, strength, and mind, but also that he should love his neighbor.
The man, being a lawyer, wanted clarification.
He asked Jesus directly, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied by relating the story of The Good Samaritan.
Samaritans were considered outcasts in Jewish society, and to associate with them, much less “love” them, would have been unheard of.
According to Jesus, loving other people is one of the most important things that sets Jesus’ followers apart from those that don’t know Him.
Think about that student you know who is always picked on and made fun of because they act differently or maybe don’t like the things that you do.
Just like the church in Rome that Paul was writing to, it is our obligation to love others in the same way that Jesus Christ loved us.
Paul also famously said, “…while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
What greater love is there than that?
When we love others, the love that God showed us in sending Jesus to Earth is shown through our lives.
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON PRAYER
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON PRAYER
Bible: James 5:16
Bottom Line: Prayer is two-way communication with God, not a monologue.
SUPPLIES
- 2 Different brands of bottled water
- 2 Cones
- Masking tape
GAME PREP
Use masking tape to create a 3 ft. X 3 ft. (or larger) Tic-Tac-Toe board on the floor.
Place two cones about 6 ft. away from the Tic-Tac-Toe board and assign each team to a cone.
Divide your group into two equal teams.
You will need one brand of water bottle for each team.
Give each student a water bottle from their team’s brand.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: For our game today, you have been given a water bottle.
You may drink as much of your water as you need for it to flip the way you want during our game.
When I say GO, one person from each team will walk up to their team’s cone and flip their water bottle into one of the nine spaces on the Tic-Tac-Toe board.
You only get one flip per turn, so flip wisely.
If your bottle lands upright, either right side up or upside down, your team's bottle wins the space, and that student leaves the bottle in its place and steps to the side.
If your team’s bottle does not land upright, you will retrieve your bottle from the board and go to the back of the line quickly so the next team member may go.
The first team to get three in a row up and down, across, or diagonally, wins.
You can also use your turn to take over a space that the other team has filled.
If you can knock the other’s team’s bottle over, while at the same time, leaving your bottle upright in the space, your team will win that space.
TEACH
Say: Raise your hand if at any point you were praying that your bottle would land straight up.
Prayer is really interesting because people in many religions and cultures pray.
That’s not what makes it interesting, but as a Christian, we know that God hears our prayers.
Other religions don’t have that assurance.
They hope that someone hears them, but they have no guarantees about it.
Ask: What makes the prayers of a Christian different?
Allow a few responses from students.
For those religions that don’t follow Christ, prayer is often a tool that calms their inner self and brings them into quiet meditation.
For a Christian, prayer is something that changes our hearts and minds to align with the thoughts and desires of God.
So, what do we need to know about prayer?
First, we need to understand that prayer is simply communicating with God.
We don’t have to say some set of phrases in Old English for God to hear us because He is always listening.
Another part of prayer and one that we often overlook is listening when God speaks to us.
There are times when our parents, and even our friends, are talking to us and we hear them, but we are not listening because maybe we were too busy talking first.
Or sometimes we weren’t paying attention.
Ask: How would you feel if God didn’t pay attention to us when we were talking with Him?
Allow a few responses from students.
We pray for lots of different things: good grades, a victory for your school team, and family and friends.
Here’s what happens when we pray to God.
Read James 5:16.
The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
What do you think would happen, if you went to a restaurant, walked in the door, sat down at a table and didn’t talk to anyone?
Would food magically appear?
You see, unless you talk to someone from the restaurant who can take your order, the food won’t come.
The restaurant has the ability and capability and willingness to bring what you need, but without communicating that, it won’t happen.
God desires that we pray to him, not so that we can get stuff from Him, but so that our relationship with Him would grow into a more mature fellowship.
And if prayer indeed does produce wonderful results, as it says in James, why wouldn’t we want to pray at all times?
Today, I want you to remember that prayer is two-way communication between you and the Creator of the Universe.
It’s not a monologue of wants, requests, and demands that we give to God.
Open your heart and ears to hear what God has to say to you.
What happens in times of prayer has the potential to change the entire course of your life as you seek open communication with God.
DOWNLOAD THE PDF OF THIS GAME
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON TEMPTATION
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON TEMPTATION
Bible: Hebrews 3:12 (The Passion Translation)
Bottom Line: We can encourage each other in the faith as we fight against temptation.
SUPPLIES
- Pool noodle
- Vegetable oil
- Pack of baby wipes
- Bandana
- Painter’s tape
- 3 orange cones
GAME PREP
This game uses vegetable oil, which can leave stains on the carpet.
You can either place a tarp on the floor before the game beings, play the game outdoors, or risk it and clean up after the game is over.
Use two orange cones to mark a starting point for each team.
Use the painter’s tape to create a long line on the floor about 10-feet in front of the cones.
Place the remaining orange cone in the middle of the tape line.
Tie the bandana around the middle of the pool noodle – leave it dangling from the pool noodle.
Cover the entire pool noodle with vegetable oil – this will make it slippery to hold.
Divide students into two teams of equal size and have them form lines behind their team’s cone.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: This game is a fun twist on the traditional game, “tug-of-war.”
You have played it before, but I promise you have never played it this way.
Our “rope” will be this pool noodle – it’s a little bit easier on your hands than a rope, but we don’t want to make it too easy for our game.
So, we have covered the pool noodle in vegetable oil to make it a little difficult to handle.
Our group has been divided into two teams.
When I say GO, the first person in each team’s line will run down to the cone and grab one end of the pool noodle.
If you reach the pool noodle before the other team, you can grab it, pull it to your team's side, and that round is over.
The winner of that round will run back to their team and get in line again.
The person from the other team who didn’t reach the pool noodle in time is out of the game and they will go sit down.
If both players run down and grab the pool noodle at the same time, then tug-of-war will begin.
The first person to pull the bandana on the pool noodle over the cone and to their team’s side – wins that round.
The winning team member will go back to their team, and the losing team member will go sit down.
The game is over when there are no players left on one team.
The team with remaining players wins the game.
For each round, I will say GO, so both teams have the same gameplay advantage.
After the game, allow students a minute to clean their oily hands with baby wipes.
TEACH
Say: Tug-of-war is a game that’s been around for hundreds of years.
From 1900-1920, tug-of-war was part of the Olympic Games.
Believe it or not, it was at the center of controversy at the 1908 Olympics.
Great Britain found a way to give their team an advantage – their team wore enormous, heavy shoes.
In fact, their shoes weighed so much that they could hardly lift their feet from the ground.
In this particular match, they were competing against the United States who protested the unfair advantage.
When the Olympic Committee allowed Great Britain’s team to compete anyway, the United States team withdrew from the competition.
They recognized that it would have been too difficult to win, so they didn’t even try.
The game of tug-of-war is an excellent example of what temptation looks like in our lives.
This struggle exists for every person that has ever walked on planet earth.
Temptation is the desire to do something, especially something that is wrong.
As a follower of Jesus, you have the desire to do what God wants you to do, but the desire to do wrong never entirely goes away.
So, that’s what produces the tug-of-war in our hearts.
Read Hebrews 3:12.
So search your hearts every day, my brothers and sisters, and make sure that none of you has evil or unbelief hiding within you.
For it will lead you astray, and make you unresponsive to the living God.
This verse encourages us to be aware of the tug-of-war that happens in our soul.
And not only to be aware that it's there but to ask God to reveal these struggles to you.
If not dealt with, your sinful nature will lead you away from God.
Ask: So, how are you aware of what is happening in your heart?
How do you know if you are close to God or close to giving in to temptation?
Allow a few responses from students.
One of the keys to being aware of what’s going on in your heart is to know what to do when you are tempted, and even what to do when you give into temptation.
That’s when one of the greatest gifts God has given to help us in our faith comes into play – each other.
Not only do we need others, but we need others to encourage us every day.
Why? Because temptation is tough and it’s even tougher if you try to face it alone – without God’s help and without each other.
The Christian life is not a quick walk in the park.
It is a long-distance marathon, and we need each other to go the distance.
So, we are called to encourage one another daily so that when we are tempted to sin, we aren’t struggling alone.
Think back to the story of Great Britain… in their game of tug-of-war, they came up with a plan that gave them an advantage – heavy shoes.
In the tug-of-war in your soul, your “heavy shoes” are God and the encouragement of others.
With this advantage, when you are tempted, you will be able to overcome and win.
Temptation will never go away, but it is awesome to know that when we are tempted, God will never leave you and neither should those who love and encourage you in the faith.
DOWNLOAD THE PDF OF THIS GAME
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON CHOICES
Bible: Proverbs 2:11
Bottom Line: God can give you discretion, wisdom, and understanding to make the right choices.
SUPPLIES
- List of “Would You Rather?” Questions
- Index cards (one per student)
- Sharpie
- 2 Pieces of poster board
GAME PREP
Use the Sharpie to write the word “SAFE” in large letters on each index card.
Give each student an index card to use during the game.
On one poster board, write the letter “A.”
On the other poster board, write the letter “B.”
Choose a space where all of the students can stand throughout the game.
Make sure there is also enough space for students to sit down when they are out of the game.
Place the “A” poster board on the left side and the “B” on the right side of the room.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: Today, we’re going to play our own version of the game “Would You Rather?”
Each of you have received an index card with the word “SAFE” written on it.
I want you to hold onto that card, and I will tell you what to do with it in a minute.
I have a list of Would You Rather? Questions.
Every time I read a question, I will give you an "A" answer and a "B" answer.
When I finish, you will choose your answer and stand near the poster board of the answer you have chosen.
Next, I will let you know the predetermined correct answer.
Now, you might not agree that the answer is correct, but that’s what has been decided before you arrived here today.
If you answered incorrectly, you are out, and you will sit down unless you decide to use your "SAFE" card.
If you want to stay in the game, you will bring your SAFE card to me and remain in the game.
You should consider how many people are left in the game before you use your card and decide if it’s worth using it.
The last person standing is the winner.
You can play multiple rounds based on how many questions you have left at the end of each round.
The correct answer will be underlined for each question.
WOULD YOU RATHER? QUESTIONS
- Would you rather (A) have super sensitive hearing or (B) super sensitive taste?
- Would you rather (A) be too hot or (B) too cold?
- Would you rather (A) be a deep-sea diver or (B) an astronaut?
- Would you rather (A) be able to fly or (B) be invisible?
- Would you rather (A) live in a giant desert or (B) in a giant dessert?
- Would you rather (A) have no eyebrows or (B) only have one eyebrow?
- Would you rather (A) have a dog that could hum or (B) a cat who could whistle?
- Would you rather (A) spend the rest of your life being itchy or (B) being tickled?
- Would you rather (A) be able to change the past or (B) see into the future?
- Would you rather (A) live without music or (B) without tv?
- Would you rather (A) eat tacos or (B) pizza?
- Would you rather (A) get up early or (B) stay up late?
- Would you rather (A) be able to jump incredibly high or (B) run incredibly fast?
- Would you rather (A) have many good friends or (B) one very best friend?
- Would you rather (A) have adventure or (B) relaxation?
- Would you rather (A) have fame or (B) wisdom?
- Would you rather (A) be without your phone for a week or (B) without internet?
- Would you rather (A) be Batman or (B) Superman?
- Would you rather (A) be the youngest or (B) the oldest sibling?
- Would you rather (A) be too busy or (B) be bored?
- Would you rather (A) read a good book or (B) watch a good movie?
- Would you rather (A) be a kid your whole life or (B) be an adult your whole life?
- Would you rather (A) be 4’5’ or (B) 7’8”?
- Would you rather (A) be a villain or (B) a hero in a movie?
- Would you rather (A) play the piano or (B) the trombone?
- Would you rather (A) be born with a giraffe neck or (B) a unicorn horn?
- Would you rather (A) live in the country or (B) live in the city?
- Would you rather (A) be a huge mouse or (B) a tiny elephant?
- Would you rather (A) live on Mars or (B) live on the moon?
- Would you rather (A) spend a day at the beach or (B) a day in the mountains?
TEACH
Say: There were so many choices in the game we just played.
You might not have agreed with what I considered the correct answer, but the point of our game was to demonstrate how the choices you make affect your life.
You make over 35,000 choices every day… that’s insane!
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that you make about 226 decisions each day on food alone.
Choices always result in consequences… whether good or bad.
Some of the choices we make daily affect whether or not we are safe.
Think about this…
You wear a seat belt when you ride in a car.
You put on a helmet when you ride a bike to protect your head.
At school, you practice fire drills to ensure you and your classmates know what to do… just in case.
Fast-food workers wear gloves and continuously wash their hands to keep from spreading food diseases… well, at least we hope they do those things.
When you stop and think about it, safety measures are all around us.
Over time, we have learned that wearing a bike helmet reduces your chance of a head injury by 50%.
People not wearing a seat belt are 30 times more likely to be ejected from a vehicle during a crash.
And washing your hands alone doesn’t keep food safe.
Wearing gloves when handling food drastically reduces the chance of spreading germs – it makes a difference.
But here’s the thing, you don’t have to do the things I just mentioned.
Some of them, you’re supposed to do them, but the choices you make are always up to you.
You see, having knowledge and understanding isn’t enough; you have to use the knowledge you have to make the right choices.
Read Proverbs 2:11-12.
Wise choices will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe.
In some translations of that verse, instead of “wise choices,” they use the word “discretion.”
Discretion is having good judgment that causes you to think about the choices you are making… and then, choose the right thing to do.
Discretion knows what to do, when to do it, and how to do it when situations come your way.
Here’s an example of how “wise choices” or “discretion” will watch over you.
Your math teacher hands you a test she has just graded.
You realize that you scored 5 points higher than what is written on your test.
So, you get up, walk to the front of the classroom and tell the teacher that they don’t know what they’re doing.
That would be an example of the wrong choice.
Using discretion would encourage you to try a different way.
Your teacher hands you the test, you realize the mistake, and decide to talk to her privately after class.
Your teacher apologizes, and you express that you are happy that your score was a little better.
The first choice would get you in trouble… in fact, it could go badly for you.
The second choice demonstrates that you know how to think about a situation instead of just reacting.
And because you have chosen the right response, you are saved from detention, suspension, getting in trouble with your parents, and embarrassing yourself.
Discretion has protected you from a negative outcome and harmful consequences.
We need discretion to help us make the right choices every day.
Think about how many times you have the opportunity to make the right or wrong choices.
Someone says something on social media that makes you mad – how do you respond?
You can either lie to your parents about something or tell the truth and get in trouble – which choice honors God?
Your siblings bother you constantly – do you let it bother you or just ignore them?
You can buy something insignificant and use all of your money or save it and get what you really want later – is it worth it to sacrifice now for what you can have later?
It isn’t easy to make the right choices.
Otherwise, the Scripture we read wouldn’t be in the Bible.
God wants us to choose the things He would choose.
So, if we ask for His wisdom and understanding and then trust what He tells us to do, we will make the right choices and be protected from the consequences of making bad choices.
Begin each day by praying that God will give you discretion, wisdom, and understanding to make the right choices.
YOUTH GROUP GAME FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL
YOUTH GROUP GAME FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL
Bible: Psalm 121:8 (NLT)
Bottom Line: God is with you wherever you go.
SUPPLIES
· Backpacks (one per team)
· Juice boxes (one per student)
· Orange cones
· Garbage can
GAME PREP
This game requires a large amount of space and can be played in or outdoors.
Divide students into two teams of equal size.
If you have more than twenty students, create teams of ten or less, and make as many as you can.
Give each team an empty backpack.
After determining the number of students on each team, place one juice box for each person on the team inside each backpack.
Use cones to designate a start and finish line.
From the start to the finish line should be twice the length of a team if they were laying on the floor, side-by-side, in plank position.
Place a garbage can at the finish line.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: It’s time to go back to school… not right now, but we’re going to play a game to get us ready.
A backpack is vital to your daily school life.
Without it, you become that person stumbling down the hallway dropping their books everywhere.
So, in this game, your team's backpack is essential.
When I say, GO, everyone on your team will lay down in plank position, side by side, except for the person at the end of your team’s line.
The first person in line on each team should be laying on the start line.
There should be no space in between each person on your team – you have to squeeze next to each other.
The person at the end of your team’s line will grab your team’s backpack, run to the front of their team’s line, open the backpack, and pull out a juice box.
They will drink the juice box as fast as they can, put their backpack on again, and dump the empty juice box in the garbage can at the finish line.
Then, they will run back to their team, lay down in plank position, take off the backpack and pass it from one person to the next down the line (while everyone remains in plank position).
When the last person in line receives the backpack, they will run to the front of the line and the relay race.
The first team to cross the finish line with their team’s backpack – wins!
If a team finishes all of their juice boxes and still hasn’t reached the finish line, have them continue the relay race with just the backpack.
TEACH
Say: During a typical school day, your backpack goes with you wherever you go.
If you lay it down and can’t find it for even just a few minutes, it’s instant panic – there goes your phone, books, homework, lunch… everything.
When you find it again – instant relief!
Maybe you have never thought about how important your backpack is, but it is the carrier of everything you need to be successful in school.
Your relationship with God and His presence in your life is a million times more vital to your daily life than your backpack, but sometimes we forget that God is with us… all the time, everywhere we go.
Read Psalm 121:8.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
This chapter in the Book of Psalms is known as "the traveler's psalm."
In your Bible, there might be a title above this chapter that says “a song of ascents” which means “a song for a journey to a higher place.”
Most travel in Bible times was on foot, and people would often walk up to 20 miles a day while on a journey.
The roads were dangerous - you could have been robbed, beaten, or even killed while traveling alone or with your family.
How comforting it would be during those times to know that God is watching over you now and forever.
Life is a journey.
From the time you enter Kindergarten until you graduate, you will spend at least 2,340 days in school.
So, right now, a large part of your "journey" is happening at school, but you are not on the journey alone because God is with you.
God isn't up in Heaven, withdrawn from your life. He is right there with you.
So, knowing God is with you should take away your fears and give you faith to be strong and courageous in how you represent God to those around you.
You might lose your backpack throughout the day, but you never have to wonder where God is because He is with you.
As you walk through your school’s doors every day, remember that you’re never alone.
When you pick up your backpack, let that remind you that you carry God with you everywhere you go.
And as you journey throughout your school day, you can be bold and have faith because God is watching out for you.
God is with you wherever you go.
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON RESPECT
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON RESPECT
Bible: 1 John 4:20
Bottom Line: When we respect each other, we honor the One who created us.
SUPPLIES
· Pack of gum
· A few pieces of paper
· Clipboard with paper and pen
GAME PREP
This game requires few supplies and no prep.
Divide students into two teams of equal size and have each team form a huddle.
Give a leader a clipboard with paper and pen to keep score throughout the game.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: Raise your hand if you are the best!
Best at what? We are about to find out!
In my hand, I have a list of categories.
When I read one, you will choose one person from your team that you believe would be the best or someone who could win that category.
For example - The tallest person.
You would choose the tallest person on your team to come forward and be measured against the tallest person from the other team.
At the end of the game, the team that has earned the most points wins!
So, let’s get started.
LIST OF CATEGORIES
· The smallest shoe size
· The fastest runner
· The highest jumper
· The largest chewing gum bubble
· The tallest pinky finger
· The farthest length to throw a paper airplane
· The longest stare in a staring contest
· The shortest hair
· Wearing the most colors
· The most pictures on their cell phone
· The fastest talker (have them say their name three times)
Tally the points and declare one team as the winner.
TEACH
Say: When you know someone is really good at something, do you automatically show them respect based on what they can do?
For example, do people respect Lebron James because he’s a great basketball player or because of his admirable character?
Allow a few responses.
Do you respect the person in our game who had the longest pinky finger? Why or why not?
Allow a few more responses.
If I asked you to name people in our community who deserve respect, you most likely would mention those in authority, like: police officers, firefighters, politicians, teachers, a boss, and pastors.
We also know that it’s expected that you should respect parents and elders (people who are older than you.)
Some might say, “I show respect to people who show me respect.”
Raise your hand if you have ever said that before.
But when we take a look at what God says about treating others with respect, we learn that God wants everyone to treat each other with respect… no matter who they are.
None of us are perfect.
If respect is based on whether or not we deserve it, that might change from day to day or even from hour to hour based on the decisions we make.
Some of our actions might be respectable, and some of them are not.
So, what if we respect each other simply based on the fact that we were all created by the same Creator, who made us in His own image?
When we respect each other, we honor God.
Read: 1 John 4:20.
If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?
Ask: How are “love” and “respect” similar in meaning?
Allow a few responses from students.
So, now the question is… can you love someone without respecting them?
Or can you respect someone that you don’t love?
Dave Willis said, “Show respect even to people who don’t deserve it; not as a reflection of their character, but as a reflection of yours.”
The way we treat others is an outward reflection of what is in our heart.
When God’s love fills your life, you can’t help but love others and put their needs above your own, even if they don’t deserve it.
If you are filled with pride and selfishness, you might believe that people have to prove themselves for you to respect them.
That would mean you are the judge of whether or not someone has demonstrated the qualities of a person who should be respected.
I want to wrap this up by asking you to look around the room.
Do you see someone who has hurt you?
Are you sitting beside your best friend?
Is it possible for you to treat both of those people like God treats each of us?
Yes. You can love others the way God loves us.
He sees us as His creation, and He cares about us.
Ask God to help you see others the same way He sees them.
He can give you unconditional love and respect for others that flows out of your life, and honors Him.
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SUMMER GAME ON THE BIGNESS OF GOD
Last summer my family visited Yosemite. We were absolutely blown away by the magnitude and scope of the beauty around us. Pictures couldn't even come close to capturing the sense of awe and wonder we all felt everywhere we went.
Yosemite helped me see the bigness of God. I could sense that God was way bigger than any problems I faced. I could feel his great love and compassion.
That's the big idea we want to help you get across to students with this game..
In every moment, God's existence, power, wisdom, and goodness, are being declared by creation.
It's also a very fun summer game that your students will really enjoy.
- Nick Diliberto, Youth Group Games
SUMMER YOUTH GROUP GAME - THE BIGNESS OF GOD
DOWNLOAD THE PDF OF THIS GAME
Bible: Psalm 19:1-2, 6
Bottom Line: In every moment, God's existence, power, wisdom, and goodness, are being declared by creation.
SUPPLIES
- 2 Round plastic tablecloths
- 2 Large buckets
- 2 Large, black garbage bags (at least 50-gallon bags
- Scissors
- Clipboard, paper, and pen
- 50-75 water balloons
- Optional: Purchase a portable water ballon filling station like this one on Amazon.
GAME PREP
This is an outdoor water game, played best in a field or parking lot.
Before students arrive, cut two holes in the bottoms of the large garbage bags.
Make the holes large enough for a student to put their legs through so they can pull up and “wear” their team’s garbage bag – making sure to hold it up, so it doesn't fall down.
Fill 50-75 water balloons, divide in half, and place in two large buckets.
In this game, two students will get very wet – everyone else will get splashed.
Divide students into two teams of equal size.
Have each team stand at one end of your gameplay space.
Next, each team will choose a student that will "wear" a garbage bag for their team.
Have those two students stand at the opposite end of where the teams are standing.
They will need to be at least 15-20 feet from their teams.
Give each team a round, plastic tablecloth and a bucket of balloons.
Also, give a leader the clipboard with paper and pen to keep score of each team’s points throughout the game.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: The game we are about to play will require teamwork and communication with your teammates.
It won’t be easy, but I’m sure you will all do a great job!
I have given each team a bucket of water balloons and a plastic tablecloth.
Spread out your tablecloth and have your team gather around so that everyone is holding the edge, all the way around.
Each team will chose a person to represent their team by wearing a garbage bag.
When I say GO, your team will toss a water balloon onto your team’s tablecloth.
You will work together and use the tablecloth to catapult the water balloon into the air and into the garbage bag your teammate is wearing.
That person can move around freely to catch the water balloon.
You will get 1 point for landing a balloon in your team’s garbage bag and 2 additional points if the balloon stays intact and doesn’t break after your teammate catches it in their garbage bag.
The game is over when the teams are out of water balloons.
The team, with the most points, wins the game!
TEACH
Say: You discovered very quickly that the only way to play that game well was to communicate and work together.
I had previously mentioned that you would need to work together, but you had to figure that out on your own.
In life, communication is important. And it's particularly hard when you want to say something to someone...but for whatever reason they just don't get it.
I want to take a quick survey…
Raise your hand if you have ever experienced “pareidolia.”
You might have no idea what that word means, but most, if not all of us, have participated in this activity before.
An example of pareidolia is looking at the clouds in the sky and seeing shapes and objects that aren't there.
Who knew there was a name for that?
Most of us have had experienced this when we’re lying on the beach, or staring out the window in a car, looking at the clouds, and suddenly you can see the shape of an elephant, or Mickey Mouse, or a dinosaur.
You might have even tried to convince someone else that it’s really there in the clouds so that they can see it too.
And it can be frustrating when they can’t see it!
The thing is – you can’t make someone else see something that hasn’t been revealed to them.
They have to see it for themselves.
Read Psalm 19:1-2 & 6
The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak, night after night they make him known.
(6) The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.
In this scripture passage, King David is looking at the sky, and he is observing the beauty of God's creation.
What we see in nature is meant to continually show us that God exists and tell us how amazing of a Creator He truly is.
The more we know about the world around us, the more glory (or fame) we should give to God.
In every moment, God's existence, power, wisdom, and goodness, are being declared by creation.
Verse 2 says, “Day after day… night after night they make him known.”
It’s like a continuous story of God’s greatness that is being told by all of his creation.
Verse 6 talks about the movement of the sun and how the Heavens follow its course from sunrise to sunset every day.
During the summer months, we break out the SPF 100+ and try our best to get bronzed, but not burnt.
It's hot, sweaty, and often, miserable.
The sun’s ultraviolet rays provide Vitamin D, which keeps our bones healthy, but exposure to the sun can also be dangerous.
Staring at the sun can cause blindness.
If you are out in the sun and lose too much salt and water in your body, you can suffer from heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.
And probably most of us have had a sunburn at some point in our lives.
So, why am I telling you about the dangers of the sun?
Because just knowing about worst case sun scenarios isn’t enough – you have to understand, acknowledge, and react to their existence.
Raise your hand if you know that you can get a sunburn if you’re out in the sun all day.
That’s all of us.
Now, raise your hand if you have ever had a sunburn.
Again, that’s all of us.
(If it isn’t everyone, just comment on how many people raised their hands.)
When we look at the sun and other aspects of nature, we see the handiwork of God.
It's not just a bunch of random stuff that has appeared all over the earth, but a designed plan for creation.
But seeing it isn’t enough.
The entire world can see the sky, sun, and moon, but that doesn’t mean they acknowledge its creator.
From the beginning of time, God has been reaching out to man through nature, His Word, prophets, and Jesus, but there are still those who choose not to worship Him.
There is a danger of not recognizing God in our lives, and that starts with the lost opportunity to have a relationship with Him.
Ask: How does having a relationship with God affect your life?
Allow a few responses from students.
Knowing God changes everything about your life – the way you think, interact with others, how you manage your time, and how you will spend eternity.
When you follow Jesus, God directs and guides you to make good decisions.
And as you study His Word and pray, you start to think and act like God.
Sin separates us, but God's grace and mercy allow us to come close to Him.
So, when you don’t have a relationship with God, your life is very different.
Instead of being guided by God, you are led by your own wisdom and knowledge, and in case you didn’t know, you don’t know as much as God.
A life without a relationship with God is empty because the part of you that was created only to be filled by Him is never fulfilled.
God has desired to reconcile our relationship with Him since it was broken, to the extent that even creation is calling us back to God.
This summer, when you're enjoying the warmth of a hot, summer’s day, think about how God placed the sun in the sky to remind you how amazing He is and how much He loves you.
End lesson.
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YOUTH GROUP GAME ON FATHER'S DAY
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON FATHER’S DAY
Bible: Proverbs 3:12 (NLT)
Bottom Line: Fathers will guide, and sometimes correct you, in an effort to lead you in the right way.
SUPPLIES
• Balloons
• List of “Dad Jokes”
• Slips of paper and a pen
GAME PREP
Write or print the “Dad Jokes” on slips of paper.
Each joke has two parts (as indicated on the list of jokes).
Inflate balloons and place one slip of paper inside each balloon.
Spread balloons all over your youth space.
Divide students into two teams of equal size.
For each of the following jokes write each half on a separate slip of paper.
The second half of the joke is marked as bold and italicized.
“DAD JOKES”
MOM: "How do I look?" "DAD: "With your eyes."
Don't trust atoms. They make up everything!
KID: "Dad, make me a sandwich!" "DAD: "Poof, you’re a sandwich!”
Why couldn't the bike stand up by itself? It was two tired.
What time did the man go to the dentist? Tooth hurt-y.
When you ask a dad if he's alright: "No, I’m half left.”
Can February March? No, but April May!
Why did the crab never share? Because he's shellfish.
You know what the loudest pet you can get is? A trumpet.
Did you hear about the circus fire? It was in tents!
WAITRESS: "Soup or salad?" DAD: "I don't want a SUPER salad. I want a regular salad."
How does a penguin build its house? Igloos it together.
Why did the coffee file a police report? It got mugged.
Want to hear a joke about a piece of paper? Never mind... it's tearable.
What do you call a lonely cheese? Provolone.
What do you call a fish with two knees? A “two-knee” fish.
What do you call a fake noodle? An Impasta.
How many apples grow on a tree? All of them.
What do you call cheese that isn't yours? Nacho Cheese.
Dad, can you put my shoes on? No, I don't think they'll fit me.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: We're going to play a quick game called "Dad Jokes."
Raise your hand if you know someone who tells “dad jokes.”
Dads are infamous for corny jokes and puns that they expect others to laugh at…whether they are funny or not.
So, in this game, you will have the job of matching up all of the knee slappers that are contained inside of these balloons.
In each balloon, is one half of a “dad joke.”
When I say GO, each person will pop one or more balloons until all of the balloons are gone.
Read the slip of paper that was inside of the balloon – it will be half of the dad joke.
You will gather together with your team and see if you can match your half with the slips of paper that your teammates have.
After you have matched as many as possible, there will be halves that don’t match up.
That means that the other half is held by someone on the other team – who will have also realized which halves also don’t match.
Everyone who is holding a leftover piece will then step forward so everyone can seen who remains.
At this point, I will choose a team to start this next portion of the game.
One person from the designated team will walk to someone on the other side, which is holding a leftover piece.
If they choose the person who is holding the other half of their joke, they can take their piece of paper.
If they choose the wrong person, they will give their piece of paper to someone on the opposing team, and their turn is over.
Then, the other team will take their turn.
This will continue until all of the dad jokes are accounted for.
The team with the highest number of matched dad jokes – wins!
TEACH
Say: In the United States, we have been celebrating Father’s Day since around 1910.
A woman named Sonora Smart Dodd, suggested a holiday to honor men like her dad.
William Jackson Smart was a Civil War Veteran and a single dad who raised six children.
His daughter considered him to be a man worthy of honor.
In fact, the holiday is recognized on the first Sunday in June because Sonora suggested that it should be celebrated on her dad's birthday, June 5th.
“Father’s Day” was created as a complimentary holiday to Mother’s Day, which had become a recognized holiday a few years prior.
Moms are pretty great – think of all they do for you and contribute to in your life.
So, it’s no wonder that they were given a special day first.
But dads play a very vital role in our lives too.
Throughout history, men have provided, protected, cared for, and raised families.
Not every dad has done a great job and if you are fortunate enough to have one that has, be sure to show him love and respect for all he’s done.
One of the roles of a father, or parent, is to discipline his children.
The word “discipline” comes from the word disciple, meaning that parents are teaching their children how to act by leading with their own actions.
That’s not always true in every family, but let’s see what the Bible has to say.
Read Proverbs 3:12.
For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
In this verse, King Solomon, the author of Proverbs, likens our Heavenly Father to our earthly father in how they “correct” their children.
Let's face it; it's not fun to be corrected.
No one likes to have their faults or what they are doing wrong exposed to others, but often that’s how we experience the most growth in our lives.
Ask: Can someone share a time that one of your parents gave you “correction”?
How did you react? Did it help you?
Allow a few responses from students.
Share a personal experience with students about a time when one of your parents corrected or disciplined you in a certain area, and what you learned from it.
Believe it or not, but when you receive correction, it’s because your parent is trying to keep you from making some of the same mistakes they may have made.
If your dad is tough on you about finishing things that you start, it might be because that was an area he struggled with at your age.
If your parents warn you about certain relationships, it could be that they have experienced hurt from others that they don’t want you to experience.
The beginning of the verse, we read said that "the Lord corrects those he loves."
God knows the beginning, middle, and end of your life, and He loves you.
He desires to guide, and sometimes correct you, in an effort to lead you in the right way.
The second part of the verse says, “just as a father corrects a child in whom He delights.”
That means that the basis of correction from your dad also comes from his love for you.
When you understand that the people in your life generally correct you because they love you, you might be more willing to accept and grow from it.
If you don’t have a great relationship with your dad, you need to know that you will always have unconditional love from God.
And you can pray that God will send people into your life that can show you the same kind of love that God has for you.
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON SERVING OTHERS
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON SERVING OTHERS
Bible: 1 Peter 4:10
Bottom Line: Serve others because of what you have been given, and not what you can get.
SUPPLIES
- Table
- 2 Serving trays (similar to what a waiter would use)
- 5 of each of the following items:
- Plastic forks
- Plastic spoons
- Plastic knives
- Styrofoam cups
- Styrofoam bowls
- Styrofoam plates
- Napkins
- 2 sets of salt and pepper shakers
- Clipboard with paper and pen
GAME PREP
Set up a long table at the front of your game play space.
Add the items listed above to the table at the front – spread them out.
Divide students into two teams of equal size and have them form two straight lines at the opposite end of where the table has been placed.
Give each team a serving tray.
Hand the clipboard to a leader who will keep score throughout the game.
Have the person with the “Order Up! List” stand in the middle between the teams and the table.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: Today, we’re talking about serving others.
One of the things that immediately comes to mind when I think of serving is – servers.
Waiters and waitresses make a living by serving others and sometimes their job can be difficult depending on how great their customers are acting.
I’m always impressed by those that can remember an entire table’s worth of orders without writing anything down – that’s definitely a skill.
So, that is the inspiration for our game.
When the game begins, one person from each team will grab their team’s serving tray, run to me (if you are the person holding the “Order Up! List.”), and I will give you an “order” that you have to fulfill.
Then, I will quickly read a list of items that you will fetch from the items on the table and then say “Order Up!”
You can’t write the order down and I won’t read it again – you will just have to do your best to remember what I said.
You want to be the first person to return to me with the correct items in order to win a point for your team.
Now, if you see the other team make it back before you finish getting the items, still try!
If the other team is incorrect, you will still have the opportunity to win a point.
But once a team is correct, that round is over.
You will return the items to the table and go back to your team with your tray.
Then, the next round will begin.
When everyone has taken a turn, we will tally the points and see which team is the winner.
You can repeat the list of items as much as needed until everyone has had a turn in the game.
ORDER UP! LIST
• 2 forks, 1 napkin, a salt shaker, and a spoon – ORDER UP!
• 1 plate, a bowl, a knife, and 2 cups – ORDER UP!
• 2 spoons, a pepper shaker, 2 forks, 1 plate, and a napkin - ORDER UP!
• 2 knives, a plate, a salt shaker, a pepper shaker, and a cup - ORDER UP!
• A cup, a plate, a bowl, a spoon, a napkin, and a fork - ORDER UP!
• 2 napkins, a plate, a knife, and a cup - ORDER UP!
• 2 plates, 2 cups, 2 spoons, a salt shaker, and a knife - ORDER UP!
• A pepper shaker, a spoon, a bowl, and a cup - ORDER UP!
• 2 bowls, 2 napkins, 2 forks, 2 napkins - ORDER UP!
• A fork, a spoon, a knife, a napkin, a bowl, a cup, a plate, and a salt and
pepper shaker - ORDER UP!
TEACH
Say: Wow! That was awesome.
You are able to remember things really well.
Let me ask you this…
Ask: Do you remember the last time someone went out of their way to do something for you?
I’m talking about something that was over and above what they had to do – and they did it just to be nice.
Allow a few responses from students.
Follow-up question: What do you think was the motive behind what they did?
Allow a few more responses from students.
In our world, it’s often uncommon for people to be kind or do something for someone else.
But in the Bible, we see a standard of serving others that goes beyond just being “nice” and instead, reflects the heart of God.
Read 1 Peter 4:10.
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
Here are three quick reasons why you should serve others:
- 1. Jesus served others and so should we.
Read John 13:15.
I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.
This Bible verse follows the story of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet – an act of ultimate service.
Jesus wasn’t necessarily telling us to wash each other’s feet.
He was giving us the perfect example of what it means to have a servant’s heart… to care for the needs of others above your own, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Jesus, the Savior of the world, repeatedly humbled himself to show us that to be the greatest of all you must become the servant of all.
- 2. Serving others keeps you humble.
If you have ever worked in a soup kitchen, given clothes to the homeless, or helped anyone in need, it makes you aware of how much you have.
When you see those who own little and are happy and content, it can cause you to take a hard look at what you might take for granted in your life.
Do you appreciate your home, clothes, food, education, family?
Maybe you have a little more gratitude when you look at your own situation in life in comparison to those who are struggling.
Not only that, but serving others means humbling yourself.
You take the focus off of yourself and put it on someone else, even for just a little while.
- 3. Everyone has something to give.
One thing that often keeps people from serving others is they think they don’t have anything to offer.
But everyone has something to give to others because God has given to you.
You can give your time to listen and care for others.
You can use the talents you’ve been given to bless someone else… sing at an assisted living residence, crochet a blanket for a pregnancy center, or volunteer to tutor at an after-school program for younger students.
Or even just have an awareness of the needs around you.
You can pick up garbage, rake your neighbor’s yard, offer to babysit, help around the house without being asked…
Believe it or not, serving is a privilege and opportunity that we should be joyful and ready to experience.
Today, I want you to remember to serve others because of what you have been given, and not what you can get.
It will change your perspective and help you understand the example that Jesus gave for us to follow.
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON WISDOM
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON WISDOM
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Bible: Proverbs 15:14 NLT
Bottom Line: Seek the things of God and you will become wise.
SUPPLIES
• Long table
• Two chairs
• Timer
• Paper and a pen (to keep score)
GAME PREP
Set up a long table at the front of your space.
Place a chair at each end of the table.
Divide students into two teams of equal size.
Have a person on hand that will keep score and use the timer throughout the game – it might be easier to have one person keep score and another keep time.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: Today, we are going to test your knowledge on a variety of things.
We have divided you into two teams.
Next, I would like you to form a single file line with your team and choose one person to be the first to play our game.
Assign an end of the table to each team and have the nominated person from each team sit in that chair at the table.
Our game is simple… I will read a category and then say “GO.”
The answers for each category will have two words.
For example, the category might be “Names of people in this room.”
The first person would say “Mark Smith.”
Then, the next person would use the first letter of the second word to begin their answer.
So, the second person would say, “Sam Jones.”
Then, the first person would say, “John Parker.”
And so on.
Make sure that the students understand the pattern for the game.
We will put 45 seconds on the clock and you will take turns giving as many answers as you can.
For each correct answer your team gives, you will earn a point for your team.
If you get stumped and can’t think of another answer, you can say PASS, the timer will be paused, and another person from your team can take your place.
However, if you PASS, then your team will lose one point.
The team with the most points at the end of the game – wins!
CATEGORIES FOR THE GAME
- FAMOUS PEOPLE (first and last name)
- CITY AND STATE
- MOVIE TITLES (These answers can be more than 2 words. Students will use the last word of the movie title to start the next answer.)
- TYPES OF FOOD (For example: Hot Chili, Candy Bar, Bacon Burger....)
- ANIMAL DESCRIPTIONS (Fat Cat, Mean Dog, Fuzzy Bear....)
- FAVORITE THINGS (Answers can be anything as long as it's 2 words. (For example: Long Naps, No Homework, Best Friend....)
After the game, tally the points announce the winner, and have students return to their seats.
TEACH
Ask: Do you think that game really tested your “knowledge”? Why or why not?
Allow a few responses from students.
The definition of “knowledge” is facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education.
Everything that you learn, whether on intentionally or just by observing and soaking up everything around you, becomes part of what you know and can affect who you are.
“You are what you eat.”
Most of us have heard that and understand that what we put into our bodies impacts our health.
Healthy food enables your body to perform to its best capability.
If you eat whatever you want, then you will also feel the effects of those choices.
But what about this… “You are what you think.”
Ask: Do you agree with that statement? What do you think it means?
Allow a few responses from students.
Read Proverbs 15:14.
A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.
We can actually have an appetite for knowledge, but not just learning whatever we can get our hands on.
The kind of knowledge that this verse is referring to comes from seeking God and the effect is that you become “wise.”
You see, a person can have a ton of knowledge, and still not be wise.
This verse in Proverbs has something to say about the choices we make as far as what we “feed on.”
Ask: How do we “feed on” things?
What types of things do we “consume” that affects how wise we become?
Allow a few responses from students.
I think we can all agree that wisdom is something that we strive for – we want to be wise.
People who are wise make good decisions, have the ability to positively influence others, and refrain from reaping the consequences of bad choices.
But true wisdom only comes from God.
Proverbs 16:25 says, “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.”
If we do what seems right in our eyes, by using our own wisdom, then we might find ourselves doing the wrong things.
We gain real wisdom by following God’s ways, reading His Word, listening to His voice, spending time with others who are wise, and asking for God’s direction.
It means that we humble ourselves and realize that even if we know a lot, we really don’t know anything if we only rely only our own knowledge – we need God’s help.
Today, I want to encourage you to seek God in everything you do.
Instead of trusting what you know, which is limited, turn to God who has unlimited wisdom and desires to give you everything you need to live a fulfilled life in Him.
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON JOY
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON JOY
Bible: John 15:11
Bottom Line: God’s joy dwells in you as you dwell in Him.
SUPPLIES
- Index cards
- Timer (optional)
GAME PREP
Before students arrive, write down a variety of items on index cards.
Be sure to choose things that can be easily described.
Some words you might consider using are: candy, kitten, tornado, cheeseburger, elephant, etc.
Divide students into two teams of equal size.
Choose one person from each team to be the “contestant.”
Both people will stand facing each other at the front of the room.
Have a leader stand at the front and hold a timer/stopwatch.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
In this game, students will race against the clock to come up with as many descriptive words as they can to describe an animal, food, object, etc.
When the game begins, the leader will put 10 seconds on the clock and then call out the word on a card.
Each contestant will take turns saying one word that describes the word on the card until one contestant can no longer describe the word or time’s up.
For example, if you call out "trash" one contestant would say, "smelly" and the other would say "gross," etc.
The winner of each round will be the contestant that can call out the most words to describe the word on the card before time’s up.
Descriptive words must not be duplicated for the same card.
The winning contestant will add one point to his or her team.
Then, two more contestants will be chosen, and the next round will begin.
The team with the most points at the end of the game will win!
TEACH
Say: As we played that game, some of you sounded like you would explode as you were coming up with answers - you wanted your team to win!
Ask: Have you ever been so happy that you felt like you would burst?
What occasion or event caused you to feel that way?
Allow a few responses from students.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could continuously feel that kind of happiness?
Ask: Have you ever experienced a disappointment that left you feeling like all happiness was sucked out of your life?
What caused that feeling?
Allow a few responses from students.
Did you notice that everyone’s answers were different?
Why? Because our experiences and lives are all different from each other.
One thing all of us have in common is a desire to be happy.
In 2017, Time Magazine conducted a survey that found only 33% of the American population says they are happy.
So, that means that if I look around this room about 3 out of every 10 people would say they feel happy.
Ask: If you don’t feel happy, then how you do feel?
What do you think people would say who don’t feel happy?
Allow a few responses from students.
Unfortunately, happiness is a fleeting feeling – it doesn’t last forever because it’s a feeling.
The Bible makes a significant distinction between joy and happiness.
When the word “happy” or “happiness” is mentioned, it’s referring to a feeling, like we just mentioned.
Romans 12:15 (NLT) says… “Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.”
2 Corinthians 7:16 (NLT) says “I am very happy now because I have complete confidence in you.”
But joy is not a feeling or emotion; it goes much deeper than that.
Read John 15:11. (NLT)
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Do you think of God/Jesus as being joyful?
Because in this scripture we read that God desires that His joy will dwell in you and become part of who you are.
It’s actually an extension of God’s joy that lives in you.
Joy can overcome anything and everything in this world if it's allowed.
If it's chosen.
With joy, there is hope.
With joy, hardship offers growth and opportunity.
Joy is a state of being, a state of peace and content.
Let’s also think about this… God always does everything to the fullest.
He doesn’t partially save and redeem you – He completely redeems your life.
He doesn't give you partial peace; He gives you total peace in your heart, soul, and mind.
So, of course, God wants your joy to be “full.”
Raise your hand if you’ve ever thought this before – “I could be happy if _______.”
Maybe the “blank” in your life is….
If I had a best friend or someone to talk to…
If my parents didn’t fight…
If my family had more money…
If I made better grades in school…
The difference between happiness and joy is that you can have empty blanks in your life and still feel peace, hope, and joy.
How? Because God doesn't leave you with empty blanks – He fills them and makes you complete.
Even if everything in your life isn’t perfect, God’s joy can dwell in you as you dwell in Him.