Weekly Devotions
This is the kind of life you've been invited to, the kind of life Christ lived... He is your example, and you must follow IN HIS STEPS. 1 Peter 2:21
“Live Out Loud”
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
Week of : January 4th, 2021
BIBLE VERSE: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” -2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
Devotion: Have you ever caught yourself feeling sad or anxious and not known why? Like you went from feeling fine to feeling blah in just a matter of moments and couldn’t quite pinpoint the cause? Usually, when this happens, we can trace our change of feelings back to a thought that we just had. Sometimes, it can happen so quickly, so automatically, that we don’t even realize it! But, our whole mood can change with just one thought. That’s why it is SO important for us to guard our thoughts. We can’t completely control them - we will still have negative thoughts pop into our minds. But, we can control what we do about them! Just because we have a thought, doesn’t mean we have to focus on it or even believe it! We can “capture” those thoughts as soon as they pop into our brain and if they’re positive, truthful thoughts, accept them. But, if they’re negative lies from the enemy or the world, we can rebuke them (say no!) and speak God’s Word against them instead. For instance, if you find yourself having fearful thoughts, you don’t have to grab onto them and let your feelings spiral downward with them. You can say, “No! I was not given a spirit of fear! But, a spirit of power, love, and self-control! I have a sound mind in Christ!” Remember, your thoughts don’t control you, you control them!
Do Something: If you find yourself struggling with negative thoughts this week, remember you can guard your mind with God’s Word! You don’t have to accept those thoughts! When the negative thoughts come, stop them. Deny them. And replace them with a truth from the Bible! Whenever those thoughts try to attack, capture them, and fight back with the Word of God!
Week of : January 11th 2021
BIBLE VERSE: “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” -Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)
Devotion: As Christ-followers, it is not only important to guard our minds, but also our hearts. Because like Proverbs 23:7says, whatever we think in our hearts will determine how we live. For example, if you have a lot of anger in your heart, you will probably act that out in your words and behaviors. Or if you have a lack of trust in God in your heart, that will probably show up in your other relationships too. That’s why God wants to give us a “clean heart.” He wants to clean out all the darkness, all the wounds, and the lies, so we can walk in righteousness and love. The thing is, we might not even be aware of some of the things that are hiding in our hearts. This is why it’s so important to pray as David did in Psalm 51 when he says “Create in me a clean heart, oh God.” David knows that there may be some things that are impacting his life that he’s not even aware of, so he wants the Lord to clean up those things too! It’s a brave prayer for sure since we never know what He’s going to dig up! But, on the other side of it is more freedom. So, it’s definitely worth the digging!
Do Something: Have you ever asked God to “create in you a clean heart?” Does that prayer scare you? Why? Tell God all about it. Give Him your fears and hesitations and let Him show you anything that He wants to “clean.” Remember, Jesus loves you and wants you to live in freedom. So, anything He does is always for our best. There might be something you’ve hidden away in your heart - an old offense or false belief - that you don’t even know is keeping you captive and affecting your life. But, Jesus knows and He’s ready to set you free!
Week of : January 18th, 2021
BIBLE VERSE: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” -Psalm 193:13-14 (NIV)
Devotion: Some social media posts represent the way some people act these days - presenting one version of themselves to the world, while being something completely different when they are alone at home. Usually, this happens because they are trying to find their worth in the world and in what others think about them. But, as followers of Christ, we don’t need to have a world-version of ourselves and a home-version of ourselves. We can be comfortable presenting ourselves just as we are because that’s how God loves us! We were fearfully and wonderfully made by the Lord, who actually knit us together in our mother’s wombs! And He does not make mistakes. His works are wonderful. So, don’t hide yourself away or try to blend in with everyone else. Present yourself to the world in a wonderful way in which you were created!
Do Something: Do you have different “versions” of yourself that you present depending on where you are or who you are with? Maybe it’s time to do away with those “other versions” and start being comfortable with who you really are. Write down some things you love about yourself and some ways you bless the world just by being you. Then, the next time you find yourself wanting to hide or put on a fake version, look at the list and remember how wonderful you were made - just as you are!
Week of : January 25th, 2021
BIBLE VERSE: “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” -Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)
Devotion: In Ephesians 4, the apostle Paul is talking about what it means to have new life in Christ. In addition to talking about things like not stealing and not lying, he also tells us not to use foul or abusive language. At first, you might wonder what’s the big deal about a few words? But, God wants everything we say to be good and helpful. That doesn’t mean everything will be great all the time. Sometimes, you will have to have a difficult conversation with someone. But, even then, it can be done in a loving and helpful way. Here, Paul is reminding us not to use abusive language, bad words that do nothing but harm others, and even ourselves. Instead, he wants us to use words that are encouraging for those who hear them. For example, which do you think a non-believer would be more receptive to hearing? A list of all the things they’re doing wrong? Or the depth of love that God has for them? There is power in our words and we get to choose how we present ourselves to others - both believers and non-believers. So, let’s be mindful of what we’re saying and the image of Christ that we are presenting through our lives, our actions, and our words.
Do Something: There’s a quote that says, “Your life may be the only Bible some people will ever read.” It’s a powerful reminder of the impact our lives can have on others and a good motivator to be mindful of how we are living. If a non-believer doesn’t know God and doesn’t read their Bible, their only understanding of Him may come from you, a believer. So, we want to be sure that we are presenting ourselves in a way that represents who He is - loving, gentle, kind, forgiving, and patient. As followers of Jesus, we want to shine in the darkness, not blend in with it. So, this week, try to be more conscious of what you’re saying and how you’re acting. Let the people God has placed in your life experience Him through you!
Chaplain Info In His Steps has Chaplains on-call and available for In His Steps families. Our chaplains have extensive experience and training in a wide variety of pastoral care situations. Some of the assistance IHS Chaplains can offer grownups include Biblical pastoral counseling, marriage and family issues, conflict resolution, grief and trauma support. Please also contact us for assistance with premarital counseling, weddings and funerals.
You may contact our chaplains by contacting Ms. Donna at or
704-650-4089 with questions or to arrange an appointment.
As with all In His Steps activities, there is no charge or honorarium expected for our pastoral/chaplaincy assistance. In His Steps is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and donations are always welcome, appreciated and are tax deductible.