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 : September 13, 2021
BIBLE VERSE: “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” -Matthew 7:21 (NLT)
Devotion: Think of one of your favorite celebrities, characters or influencers. It could be an actor, a musician or even just someone from YouTube or TikTok. You probably feel like you know them, right? You’ve read all their books or posts, seen all their movies, possibly even know details about their family, their pets and their personal lives. You might feel like you know each other because of everything you’ve read about them, but when you actually meet them, they don’t know you because they were never actually in a relationship with you. So, if they were to have a party at their house, they wouldn’t ask you to come in because they don’t know you.
Well, Jesus wants us to think about our relationship with Him in the same way. Lots of people can get stuck in religion or just knowing about Christ, when He wants you to actually know Him. And He wants to know you too! Jesus doesn’t just want you to read about Him or hear about Him, He wants you to have a relationship with Him! A real, live, loving relationship. He wants to be actively involved in every part of your life and He wants you to know how He really feels about you - He loves you more than you can imagine!
Do Something: This verse isn’t meant to scare you. What Jesus wants us to understand from His words is that heaven and an eternal relationship with Him isn’t about the things that we do. It’s about knowing and believing in Him. Because once we get into a real, loving relationship with Him, He takes care of the rest! He’ll heal the wounds that need healing, break the old habits and point us in the direction the Lord has for us. But, it is up to us to seek after a relationship with Jesus. And you can start that right now! Just talk to Him and tell Him you want to know Him more. He’s waiting for you!
Week of : September 20th, 2021
BIBLE VERSE: “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” -Revelation 3:20 (NLT)
Devotion: Have you ever known someone that was really pushy? Someone who liked to boss you around, tell you what to do and push their way on you? Chances are, you probably didn’t enjoy being around this person very much. But, that’s the amazing thing about Jesus - He doesn’t push Himself on us or into our lives! Instead, He stands at the door and knocks. That means He is there - speaking to your heart through people and circumstances in your life. And He does want to come in, but He won’t bang down the door. He’ll just keep patiently knocking and waiting for your answer. Because He wants your relationship to be a choice, not something that was forced on you. Once you believe in Him, look at what you can expect! Jesus will come and become your best friend, your Father, your place of peace.
Do Something: Have you felt Jesus knocking at the door of your heart? If so, have you believed in Him yet? If not, what has been stopping you? Take some time this week to sit down and talk with Him in prayer just like you would talk to a friend. Let Him know any fears or hesitations you may have and then when you’re ready, tell Him!
Week of : September 27th, 2021
BIBLE VERSE: “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” -Deuteronomy 31:6
Devotion: Over and over, the Bible tells us to “be strong,” “be courageous” and to not fear or be afraid. But sometimes, when you read these kinds of verses, you probably think, “Yea, easier said than done!” There are so many different things you can be fearful about in the world that it can be hard to walk in courage. But, the good news is, when God tells us to be strong and courageous, He never expected us to do it in our own strength! Our strength and our courage actually come from Him! From His Holy Spirit living inside of us. So, we don’t have to try to muster up these feelings ourselves. Instead, we can be honest with the Lord and tell Him that we’re afraid or nervous, but that we are choosing to trust Him to give us the strength and bravery that we need to keep moving forward. Because we can find peace in knowing that not only does God go before us, but the Lord promises that He will never fail or leave us!
Do Something: If you’ve been feeling less-than courageous about something in your life lately, take some time to take it to God in prayer this week. But, make sure you’re honest with Him! You don’t have to sugar-coat anything for Him. He wants you to tell him your true feelings (He already knows them anyway). So, pour your heart out to Him! Let Him know anything that you might be fearful about and ask Him to give you the strength and the courage that you don’t have on your own. And then, trust and believe that He will give it to you! Our God is a good, good Father that provides and cares for His children.
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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