Who’s Delinquent?
Teenagers get a bum rap. Always have. For some reason, if you’re between 12 and 20, you’re suspect. Cops stare and senior citizens glare. Why? Well...

Written by Chuck Swindoll, these encouraging devotional thoughts are published seven days per week.
Teenagers get a bum rap. Always have. For some reason, if you’re between 12 and 20, you’re suspect. Cops stare and senior citizens glare. Why? Well...
Yes, someday when the kids are grown, things are going to be a lot different. One by one they’ll leave our nest, and the place will begin to resemble order and maybe even a touch of elegance.
Losing your hair takes time, and it’s pretty painful to have your eyes drop out and your joints get loose. But in the long run, that’s the only way to be. REAL.
To “find yourself” requires that you take time to look. It’s essential if you want to be a whole person, real to the core.
Chase the phrase “one another” through the last half of your New Testament and you’ll see what I mean. We really do need each other. More profoundly, more desperately than we even begin to realize.
Read Romans 6:5–7
Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.Romans 6:5–7
Many Christians still live as though they are enslaved.
Read 2 Corinthians 8:1–5
Read John 20:26–28
Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.John 20:26–28
Read Matthew 11:28–30
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”Matthew 11:28–30
Here are two simple statements that I’m hoping will help you in your struggle to put your painful memories and shameful thoughts behind you.
Read 1 Peter 1:17
And remember that the heavenly Fatherto whom you pray has no favorites.He will judge or reward you according to what you do.So you must live in reverent fear of himduring your time here as “temporary residents.”1 Peter 1:17