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

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                                     “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 February 7thth, 2022

 

BIBLE VERSE:  “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” -Galatians 5:22 (NLT)

 

Devotion:   Last week, we talked about how kindness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.  But, do you really know what that means?  It means that kindness, along with other things like joy, peace, patience, goodness, and faithfulness, are things that grow in us because of the Holy Spirit inside of us.  He is the one that develops these traits in us; we don’t do it ourselves.  This means, even if you’ve never been a patient person or you’ve struggled with being kind and good toward your enemies, Jesus will help you do it through His Spirit.  He knows we are all weak in our own flesh.  But, when we surrender ourselves to Jesus and let Him rule in our lives, He is able to demonstrate His character through us.  In fact, that is exactly what will attract non-believers to Him - seeing how He is able to change you and transform you from the inside out.  They will see something different about you, something that makes you different and makes you stand out with love and kindness that is different from what the world gives.  And they’ll want to know what that is, so they can have some of it too!

 

Now… Do Something:  Don’t worry about trying to “be” patient or kind on your own.  Instead, focus on developing your relationship with Jesus and allow His Holy Spirit to do His work inside of you.  Before you know it, you won’t even recognize yourself as His qualities begin to develop in your life.  He will give you the power and the ability to be kind.  He will enable you to be peaceful, even in the storms.  And He will grow His fruits in your life as you continue to water them with His Spirit and His Word.

 

Week of  February 14th, 2022

 

BIBLE VERSE: “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 (NLT)

 

Devotion:   If you ever worried that you’re too young to make a difference for Christ, this verse from 1 Timothy should put all your worries to rest.  Here, Timothy reminds you (and other young followers of Christ), don’t let anyone think any less of you because you are young.  After all, Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like children (Matt. 19:14).  So, not only can you still make a difference for Him, but you can actually be an example to all  - even those who are older than you!  God can work through any and everyone, so don’t be afraid to be bold in what you say, how you live, how you love, and how you walk out your faith.  You are not a future leader, you are a leader now. You may be what encourages someone else to go deeper in their own faith journey.  Even if they’ve been walking it longer than you!

 

Now… Do Something:  If you’ve been shrinking back from talking to people about Jesus because of your age, it’s time to rise up and be bold!  Children and young people actually have an advantage over older people sometimes because they are still more innocent and haven’t been through as much in life yet.  So, don’t be afraid to share some of that innocence and simplicity with those in your sphere of influence that may be older than you.  Every one of us has our unique walk with the Lord and He will use our testimony to reach others, no matter what our age!

 

Week of  February 21st, 2022

 

BIBLE VERSE: “The LORD replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you.” -Jeremiah 1:7 (NLT)

 

Devotion:  Last week, we talked about how you’re never too young to speak to others about Christ.  And this week, we’re looking at the Lord’s reminder that we are never too young to listen to Him!  God isn’t concerned about our age.  He’s concerned about our hearts.  And if you believe in Him, He wants to use you!  Whether you’re 5 or 50!  Remember, God worked mighty miracles through many young people in the Bible including Jeremiah and David.  David was the youngest of all his brothers and the least likely to be anointed by God, yet he is the one that God chose.  The Lord likes to move through unlikely people!  So, don’t ever discount yourself because you’re too young.  Because God believes in you and He’s ready to use you!

 

Now… Do Something:  You may think you’re too young to know what God wants to do through your life.  But, that doesn’t have to be the case!  God can work through anyone at any age.  So, go to Him this week in prayer and ask Him what He wants you to do.  He might not give you the whole picture right away, but He will give you the next step He wants you to take.  Let your next step be your best step. Jesus can always use you to share His message and His love when you surrender your heart to Him and say, “Here I am, God!  Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)

 

Week of  February 28th, 2022

 

BIBLE VERSE: “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear.  What can mere people do to me?” -Hebrews 13:6 (NLT)

 

Devotion:  Sometimes, it can be scary to be bold for the Lord because we worry about what people might do to us.  But, that’s when we need to remember that we’re not doing it alone.  The Lord Himself is our helper!  The reason He says to have no fear is because He goes with us!  David knew this when He approached Goliath, even though he was a fraction of his size.  Daniel knew this when he went home and prayed right in front of his window, even though the rulers at the time had banned praying.  The three Hebrew boys - Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego - knew the Lord was with them when they refused to bow to the statue of the king, even though they knew they’d get thrown in the furnace.  Not only did they each see victory over their enemies, but their faith also had a great impact on those who were watching, who were then able to see that God was real because of their boldness! We are still talking about it to this very day.

 

Now… Do Something:  If you’re feeling scared or a little hesitant to step out in boldness for God, repeat this verse to yourself as many times as you need to.  Write it down on a piece of paper and stick it to your mirror.  Remind yourself, the Lord is with me, so what can people do to me!  It can be easier said than done, sometimes, but, the important thing is to keep trying.  Keep moving forward, keep putting yourself out there and God will help you get over your fear of man.  Because the truth is, He is your helper and He won’t ever leave 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 info@ihsdance.com or

704-650-4089 with questions or to arrange an appointment.

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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.