April 16th, 2018

Hi! I just want you to know that you are valuable! Last weekend our youth group met and discussed the time that Jesus healed the man who was afflicted with leprosy. We learned that although this man was a social and religious outcast that Jesus was moved with compassion and healed the man. The man left and, although he had been instructed to keep the healing quiet, began to tell everyone what Jesus had done for him. There is a lot that we can learn from this account. First of all, the "leprosy" that keeps us from God is no longer the disease of leprosy. The big thing that keeps us from experiencing all God has to offer is sin. We need to be like the leper by crying out to Jesus for healing from sin. You might be afraid that Jesus is going to be disgusted by the things we have done. You are in for a pleasant surprise. Jesus looks at us and our sin and his reaction is the same as it was to the leper. He has compassion on us and heals us. That is great news! The second thing is that Jesus loves even people who think they are socially awkward outcasts. The other day I was in a department store and I found a pair of shoes in the clearance section. They were nice shoes, a good brand, and looked really nice. The only problem was that the shoes were both for the left foot. Sometimes we feel like we are...well...just not right (see what I did there!). Maybe you don't feel like you are good looking. Maybe you feel awkward or that you don't fit in anywhere. Maybe you feel like nobody could ever love you. Jesus looks at people who are "outcasts" and is moved with compassion. He loves you and accepts you! He wants you to never be "left" out of all that He has to offer!

Heavenly Father, thank you for accepting us. You are always loving, caring, and compassionate. Help us to give this gift of unconditional love to those you put in our lives. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

  Fire Student Ministries Youth Group meets Sunday evenings at 6:30 at the First Southern Baptist Church in Dodge City. Come check us out. First Southern Baptist Church is located at 3106 North 14th Avenue.