1 Corinthians 3-4 - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."" (NIV)

God can be great company when we're facing tough times. Sometimes it's easy to turn to him and pray when we're having troubles, but one thing we need to remember is that we are also being taught lessons from God to use later on those around us. We have been given much compassion either from God directly or from those God has used around us. In those times, we are taught how to turn and provide that compassion to others.

Compassion is not the same as sympathy. No one likes pity, and too often being sympathetic feels like pity. Compassion is better when it comes in the form of empathy, which is far easier when we remember how God was by our side when we went through tough times. Take the lessons God has taught you and find it inside yourself to be supportive and a good listener when your friends and family are having troubles.

I have to admit that I actually watch the Superbowl to see the game. I know, I know...totally outrageous! Yet this year the teams playing don't seem to be the focus. This year one commercial has managed to fuel both the abortion and freedom of speech debates.

During the Superbowl this year, Tim Tebow (Heisman Trophy winner and former Florida Gator) is part of a commercial produced by Focus on the Family that discusses why his mother chose not to have an abortion when she found out she was pregnant with her son, Tim, who will most likely be one of the quarterbacks drafted early in this year's NFL draft.

There are so many issues begin thrown back and forth about the commercial, and only a small part of it is the actual debate over abortion. Typically CBS, who is broadcasting the Superbowl, has chosen not to air issue ads and definitely has a policy against broadcasting ads for advocacy organizations participating in politics and those that cause significant community discomfort. In the past they turned down ads from a number of advocacy organizations, and did so for some organizations this year, but chose to air this particular ad. The critics, however, have noted that Focus on the Family does contribute politically, and abortion is definitely one of those topics that divides communities. They question why CBS "bent the rules," though CBS felt that their old policies were antiquated and allegedly the commercial doesn't use the term 'abortion' at all.

I understand the argument made by the critics and the justifications by CBS. I also believe strongly in freedom of speech. I think the abortion debate in America is a hot topic, and a serious one at that. I think that opinions should be discussed, but I wonder if utilizing our freedom of speech on this matter is appropriate during the Superbowl? I think the timing of the commercial dilutes its significance in the debate and could potentially get lost in the funny and outrageous commercials that people who watch the game will be looking for as well as in the festivities surrounding the game itself. Yet mine is only one small opinion. What do you think? Share your opinions in the comments sections below.

One of the biggest challenges facing youth ministers and leaders is how to create a ministry that teens want to be involved in. Every teen seems to have a different interest, and those interests seem to change quickly over time. It becomes difficult at times to keep the youth group fresh, exciting, and balanced so that it engages the long-time Christian and those new to the faith.

There are a number of ways that a youth group can be sure to keep things fresh. The first is to create a mix of fun games and outings that sound fun to a wide range of teens. From doing regular icebreakers so that the new and old members can get to know one another to making sure that your niche groups like artists, girls, and boys can be fed spiritually all work together to keep students involved.

Yet an important part of any successful youth ministry is making sure to keep youth leaders fed spiritually. Too often leaders become busy in the work of ministry and forget that they, too, have to develop their relationship with God. Having youth retreats, offering special readings and books, and allowing youth workers time to pray can go a long way in making sure God is still at the center of the ministry.

Song of Solomon 8:4 - "Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires."" (NIV)

Timing is everything, and God tells us that we must be patient when it comes to love. We live in a sexualized world that often tells us sex is love, but God tells us that love can be so much more. Yet, many of us desire romantic love so much that we are willing to compromise ourselves to "make it happen."

There are a ton of temptations in dating and romantic relationships, yet love will find each of us in time. One of the hardest lessons to learn is that finding the right kind of love, the kind that makes us feel good about ourselves and God, requires patience and discernment. Take some time to pray this week that God provide you the patience to wait for the love you truly deserve.