Our Daily Bread Teens EditionSample

 Read Luke 15:1–7

1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering round to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners, and eats with them.”
3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent.”

T-Ball Faith

There is a fantastic game called T-ball. Everyone I know loves it! In T-ball, a ball is placed on a rubber tee about waist high. The players swing until they hit the ball and then run. The first time I played it, the very first batter hit the ball to the edge of the field. Suddenly, every player from every position ran to get the ball instead of staying where they were supposed to. When one of them reached it, there was nobody left by the tee for them to throw it to! All the players were standing together—laughing and cheering!

This enthusiasm reminds me of people who have recently come to know Jesus as their Saviour. They have an amazing joy that is great to be around. We celebrate with them, and so do the angels in heaven! (Luke 15:7). New Christians are in love with God and excited about knowing Him and learning from the Bible.

Those who have been Christians a little longer may get down about the struggles of the Christian life, forgetting the joy of “new faith”. So take time to remember what was most exciting when you first trusted Jesus. And celebrate with those who’ve just become Christians. God can use them to encourage you to keep on following Jesus. —RK

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation. —Psalm 51:12

Talk to God

Father, I get so distracted by the different problems and issues in my life. Please help me to remember Your love and focus on the joy of knowing You!

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