Day 3//Week 2
Now that you understand what happened it's time to chart a path forward.
Dream with me for just a moment. Let's say you found the man (or woman) of your dreams, you fall deeply in love with one another, you get engaged, you plan a wedding, invite the guests, cut the cake, dance the night away. Then when the night ends you look at your new spouse, you shake hands, and say, "See you in heaven!"
What kind of relationship would that be?
I can answer that for you, a horrible one!
In the same way that you move in with your new spouse, spend time with them, and get to know them, the same must be true in your new relationship with Jesus.
Not only that, but since you're such a new Christian, it's important that you find someone who is older and wiser than you to help walk through some of these new things you're going to be facing.
Maybe it's the person you're going through this resource with right now?
Maybe it's a small group leader from your church?
Or an older, wiser person who has been following Jesus for a lot longer than you.
Take a minute to answer that question below:
In addition to having a mentor in your life, you're also going to have to start finding a way to feed yourself.
You can't wait until Sundays to get nourished spiritually.
You need to spend time with Jesus throughout the week.
Here are a few "Next Steps" you can take.
As you read the verses, jot down any thoughts that come to mind.
PRAY
Start talking to God. Even though you can't see him, he's there and he's listening.
1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you (NLT)
TRY THIS: One day this week, go on a walk around your neighborhood, with no ear buds or cell phone and just pray to God.
- Praise him for how beautiful the creation is around you.
- Thank him for the blessings in your life
- Tell him about your day
- Ask him for requests you have
- Pray for people in your life who are struggling
READ YOUR BIBLE
If you don't have one, check out this FREE app you can put on your phone!
Or ask your youth pastor for a Bible next time you're at church.
Read through it, mark it up, ask questions in the margin.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. (NLT)
TRY THIS: One day this week, open up James 1 and read the first 18 verses (verses are the little floating numbers that are there when you read)
As you read, ask or do things like:
- Who wrote this?
- Why did he write it?
- Write down observations you have about the passage
- Jot down insights you glean from the passage
WORSHIP
Be sure to spend time worshiping God! You can praise him at any time.
One incredible aspect of going to church is the fact that you can get together with other followers of Jesus to worship Him as one body.
Hebrews 12:28 Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe (NLT)
TRY THIS: One day this week, hit up this playlist on Spotify, put in your earbuds, close your eyes, and sing the songs.
As you hear the words, just thank God for what he has done in your life, for saving you, for giving you a new hope and a new spirit.
SERVE OTHERS
Jesus came to serve. So living a Jesus-Centered life requires you to serve. Find places in your church to get involved!
- Work with kids
- Greet people
- Run slides
- Take pictures
- Make coffee
- Serve people!
Matthew 20:28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and give his life as a ransom for many (NLT)
TRY THIS: One day this week ask your youth pastor
"What can I do to serve you and the student ministry?"
If he or she doesn't have a good answer, go find the children's ministry worker.
Jump on your church's website and send an email about getting plugged in and serving. Churches always need more volunteers!
MEMORIZE SCRIPTURE
Memorization helps you retain information longer. When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness he responded with Scripture. Jesus wasn't warned the night before and allowed to cram for a test, when the temptation came, he was ready to go!
Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (NLT)
TRY THIS: One day this week download this app and spend some time memorizing some of the verse sections that they have for you.
Response Questions
Which of the 5 spiritual habits have you tried before?
Which of the 5 seemed kinda weird to you? Why?
Which area are you weakest in that you need to strengthen? Can your mentor ask you next time you meet how it went?