A Good Work In You

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 84 - Philippians 1:3-6 - A Good Work In You - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 84 – Philippians 1:3-6 – A Good Work In You – Growing As Disciples

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6 (NIV)

Under Construction 

I know that I am under construction. You are continuing to do your good work in me. Yes, I am. For that, I am thankful beyond measure. I am so glad that you are molding and shaping my life. Why is that? I want what you want. I want to become the person you have called me to be. I know that I am a work in progress. You are not finished with me yet. There is something that you are not saying. Sometimes, I get discouraged that I have not made more progress. Are you frustrated with the pace of my work in you? No, I am not frustrated with you or your work in me. I am frustrated with me. Let me ask you a few questions. I’m listening. You have my full attention. Will your frustration and discouragement do anything positive to advance my work in you? I doubt it. Actually, I’m pretty sure that my frustration and discouragement will actually slow down and hinder your work in me. Why is that? I have never seen anything good come out of my frustration and discouragement. What will pull you out of your frustration and discouragement? I need to remind myself that you are continuing your good work in me. Your good work in me will not stop until the day I come to meet with you in heaven. That’s true. So, what will you do? I will believe your promise. I will take your word deep into my heart and mind and life. I will hold on to you as you hold on to me. I will draw near to you as you draw near to me. I will place all my faith and hope and trust in you. I will focus my attention on you. I will keep my eyes on you. That is very good.

What will you also be doing as you focus your attention on me? What will you also be doing as you keep your eyes on me? I will be taking my eyes off of myself. I will stop continually trying to measure my progress as your follower. When I take a misstep, make a mistake or sin, I will simply confess my shortcomings and weaknesses and sin to you. In those moments, I will simply drawer nearer to you, so I can keep on moving forward with you. Yes, you will and that will be very good. Always be confident and sure that you are under construction and my good work will always continue in you. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, I welcome your work in me. Keep on molding and shaping my life. Use me for your purposes so I can accomplish your plans. Guide my prayers for others. Help me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name as I partner with others. Amen

Key Question… Where is the cutting edge of growth in the work that the Lord is now doing in you?

Living It Out… Welcome and let nothing hinder the good work that the Lord will continue to do in you as you follow Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will continue to do His good work in you.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group what prayers you can pray for each other as you follow Christ.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the Lord to continue His good work in you.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Day 84 – Becoming Like Christ – Philippians 1-3-6 – A Good Work In You – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Set Your Minds

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 85 - Colossians 3:1-4 - Set Your Minds - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 85 – Colossians 3:1-4 – Set Your Minds – Growing As Disciples

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4 (NIV)  

Mind Set

I will set my heart and mind on heavenly things rather than on earthly things. What do you mean by that? I will not pursue all that this world has to offer. I will not misspend my life on what will not last. I will not waste my time, talents and resources trying to acquire things. My life will not be about seeking to live in comfort and experience pleasure. You have made it so I can truly say that I am completely dead to the world and fully alive to you. That’s true. Do I always live out this reality? Does the world never succeed in capturing my attention? I know that I am not living out a perfect life. I do take missteps, make mistakes and sin. But you are guiding and guarding the course of my life. I am living my life with and for you. You forgive my sin. You cleanse my unrighteousness. You keep me moving forward with you. Yes, that is exactly what I am doing with and for you. For that, I am very thankful. That’s good.

What do you hope to gain? What do you hope to accomplish with your life? I hope to come to know you intimately. I hope to be able to know and do your will. I want to be used by you. I want to be an instrument in your hands. I want to go where you guide me. I want to do what you ask of me. I want to fully love, follow and obey you. I want to shine brightly as your witness in the world. I want others to be drawn to you through the testimony of my life. I hope to bear abundant fruit for your kingdom. I hope to bring glory to your name. How will all these desires be fulfilled? You have given me these desires. You will fulfill these desires. I know you. You are both the giver and granter of desires. Yes, I am.  You give me prayers to pray that you will hear and answer. Yes, I will.

Is there anything else that you want? I want all that you want for me. I want nothing more. I want nothing less. One day when you appear in your glory, I want to be with you. I want to be able to hear you say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.” Only you can and only you will make this possible. Have I asked for enough? Yes, you have asked for everything that I want to and will give to you. I will hear and answer your prayers. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, help me to live a life that is completely dead to the world and fully alive to you. I will set my heart and mind on heavenly things, of lasting and eternal value, rather than earthly things, so I can bear much fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Amen

Key Question… Why would pursuing earthly things be one of the surest ways to misspend your life?

Living It Out… Make pursuing heavenly things that are of lasting and eternal value the goal of your life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your life will be well spent as you pursue heavenly versus earthly things.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are engaged in pursing heavenly versus earthly things.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you set your heart and mind on heavenly things rather than on earthly things.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Day 85 – Becoming Like Christ – Colossians 3-1-4 – Set Your Minds – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Set My Heart Free

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 87 - Psalm 119:25-32- Set My Heart Free - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 87 – Psalm 119:25-32- Set My Heart Free – Growing As Disciples

I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free. Psalm 119:25-32 (NIV)

Your Word

What do you want my word to do in you? I want you to use your word to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans in my life. I want what you want. Yes, I know that you want what I want. I am also sure that you want me to accomplish my purposes and plans for your life. But I did ask you what you want my word to do in your life. Try to answer that question. I want your word to change my heart and transform my mind. I want your word to help me to know and do your will. I want your word to guard my life. I want your word to revive, refresh and restore me. I want your word to lift me up and encourage me. I want your word to guide the entire course of my life. I want your word to fill me with joy. I want your word to overflow my life with thanks and praise to you. I want your word to help me to come to know you. I want your word to help me to think your thoughts, speak your word and do your deeds. I want your word to help me to live and walk in an intimate relationship with you. I want your word to help me to hear your voice speaking to me. I want your word to help me to know that I am living my life with and for you. I want your word to help me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Most of all, I want your word to give me the most passionate desire to love, follow and serve you. Then as you are using your word to do all these things in, for and through me, I want you to make me to be like you. I want people to be drawn to you because they see your life being lived out, in and though me. These are the things I want your word to do in me. This is my prayer. This is what I am asking of you. I will hear and answer your prayer. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, your word is sweet to me. You preserve and protect my life with your word. Your word has lifted me out of discouragement, weariness and sorrow. Your word has been guiding the course of my life. Thank you for using your word to set my heart free. Amen

Key Question… How has following God’s word guided the entire course of your life?

Living It Out… Make yourself available to hear and know and live out the truth of God’s word.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will powerfully use His word to supply you with what you need from Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God’s word has richly supplied you with what you need.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow God’s word to set your heart free to love, follow and serve Him.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Becoming Like Christ – Day 87 – Psalm 119-25-32 – Set My Heart Free – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Live By The Spirit

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 88 - Galatians 5:16-18 - Live By The Spirit - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 88 – Galatians 5:16-18 – Live By The Spirit – Growing As Disciples

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. Galatians 5:16-18 (NIV)

Led By The Spirit

This world is a battle ground. How so? Every day my heart and mind and life are under the constant attack of the thoughts, opinions and values of the world. The world seeks to conform me into its image or fit me into its mold. The world would like me to think and speak and act according to its patterns and practices. What’s wrong with that? The world, the flesh and the devil all stand in opposition to you. I really only have two choices in life. What are those choices? I can either live my life according to the world, the flesh and the devil or I can live my live according to the Spirit. In other words, I can either follow you or be filled with all the fleshly, worldly and evil desires that are in the world. There is no middle ground. Why is that? The battle is intense. No one can win victory over the world without being led by the Spirit. If I were to try, with my own strength, to live in victory over the flesh, the world and the devil, I would fail miserably. That sounds like the voice of experience. Yes, it certainly is the voice of experience. I have had far too many failed experiences trying to live in victory under my own power. That does not work. No, it does not.

What is it that you desire? I desire to be led by the Spirit. That’s good. What has my Holy Spirit led you to do so that you can live a life that is in alignment with my good, perfect and pleasing will? Your Holy Spirit has led me to turn away from my old life. I have put off all the thoughts and opinions and values and practices of my old life. I have repented of my sin. I have asked for your forgiveness. I have received your cleansing. You have filled me with your Holy Spirit. I am now loving, following and serving you as my Savior and Lord. That is very good. What else? The Holy Spirit has led me to meet with you in your word. I have been letting your word dwell in me richly. I have been meditating on your word day and night. With what purpose? You have been using your word to change my heart and transform my mind. You have been helping me to think your thoughts, speak your words and do your deeds. The Holy Spirit has been using your word like a sword to fight in me, with me, for me and through me against evil that is in the world. That is very good. What else? The Holy Spirit has led me to put on the new life I have in you. How so?  I am listening to your voice. I am going where you guide me. I am doing what you ask of me. I have been allowing you to both give and grant new desires in my heart. What is the strongest desire that you have in your heart? It is the utmost desire of my heart to know and love and follow you. You indeed, are being led by the Spirit. Yes, I am and for that I am very thankful. That is very good. 

Holy Spirit, I know that only you can empower me to live in victory over worldly, fleshly and sinful decisions. Take God’s word and use it to fight in me, with me, for me and through me. Lead my life so I can live according to God’s good, pleasing and perfect will. Amen

Key Question… How has the Holy Spirit used God’s word to help you to resist worldly, fleshly and sinful desires?

Living It Out… Seek to live a Holy Spirit led life so you can live out God’s good, pleasing and perfect will.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Holy Spirit will lead you in victory over worldly, fleshly and sinful desires.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are seeking to live a Holy Spirit empowered life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you live by the Spirit so you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Day 88 – Becoming Like Christ – Galatians 5-16-18 – Live By The Spirit – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

The Servant Of All

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 185 - Mark 9:33-37 - The Servant Of All - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 185 – Mark 9:33-37 – The Servant Of All – Growing As Disciples

They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9:33-37 (NIV)

True Greatness

You have this desire for greatness within you. You don’t want your life to be unwisely used or misspent. You don’t want your life to amount to nothing or accomplish little. You want to be able to look back over your life with no regrets. Have I read you right? Do I understand you well? Nothing is hidden from you. You know me better than I know myself. You know my words before I speak them. You know my thoughts before I think them. So, you will not try to deny that you have a desire to be great within you? No, I will not. You are a little uncomfortable with the thought of being great. You are a little worried that desiring to be great might be an improper desire. Did you notice that I did not condemn my disciples for wanting to be great? Yes, I noticed that. Did you notice that I helped define what true greatness is and looks like? Yes, I noticed that as well. That’s good.

Let me clear something up for you. Desiring greatness is not an improper desire. Where do you think that desire in you came from? It did not come from me of that I am certain. No, it did not. I placed that desire within you. Let me hear what kind of greatness you are hoping for? I want to know you intimately. I want to hear your voice. I want to live and walk in an ongoing dialogue of prayer with you. I want to love and follow and serve you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. That would be great. I want to be used by you. I want to go and do what you ask of me. I want you to be able to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans in and through my life. I want to bear fruit for your kingdom and being glory to your name. I want to shine brightly for you in this world. I want people to be drawn to you because of what they see of you in and through my life. That would be great. One day I want to be able to look back over my life with you and hear you say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I know that only you can make me faithful. I know that only you can make me fruitful. So, I want to come to full rely on you. That would be great. These are the desires of greatness that I have on my mind. These are the desires of greatness that I have in my heart. These are the prayers of my heart and mind. I want to be great for you. I will hear and answers these prayers of yours. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, I do have desires. I do have ambitions. It is my desire and ambition to know and love and follow and serve you. I am willing to be last of all. I am willing to give myself fully in service to you and to others. Help me to do great things with and for you. Amen

Key Question… How is your life now being guided by the Lord’s definition of greatness?

Living It Out… Allow your desires and ambitions to guide you to love and serve others with all the ability the Lord gives you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord has given you desires and ambitions to know and to love and to follow and serve Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has been using you to serve others.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you become a servant of all.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Day 185 – Becoming Like Christ – Mark 9-33-37 – The Servant Of All – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Instead I Have Called You Friends

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 193 - John 15:12-17 - Instead I Have Called You Friends - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 193 – John 15:12-17 – Instead I Have Called You Friends – Growing As Disciples

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit–fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other. John 15:12-17 (NIV)

Bear Fruit

That is exactly what I want to do. What do you want to do? I want to go and bear fruit for your kingdom. I want to bring glory to your name. Why is that? What is your motivation for wanting to serve me? You made yourself known to me. You sought me ought. You rescued me from a life without you. You laid down your life for me. You forgave my sins. You cleansed my unrighteousness. You made it so I could live in an intimate relationship with you. You chose me from out of the world. You adopted me into your family. You made me to be your child. You now call me your friend.  I now love you because you first loved me. Could there be any greater motivation for me to love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength? Could anything give me a greater desire to go and do what you ask of me? I don’t think so. My heart is filled with joy and gladness. You have given my life hope and meaning and purpose. It is my utmost and highest desire to be used by you. I am at your service. I want to know and do your will. I am ready to love others just like you loved me. I am ready to serve like you served and give like you gave. Point me in the right direction. Give me your assignment. Put me to work. That is a very good request. That is an excellent prayer. Yes, I will use you. Yes, I will give you an assignment. Yes, I will make you able to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. My hand will guide you. My favor will rest on you. I will help you to know and do my will. I will guard and guide the course of your life. I will use to accomplish my purposes and fulfill my plans. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, thank you for choosing me. It is my desire to lay down my life for others. I want my life to be a powerful demonstration of your love in the darkness of this world. Help me to know and do your will. Help me to bear abundant fruit that will last for all eternity. Amen

Key Question… What assignment has the Lord given you to do so you can bear fruit for Him?

Living It Out… Allow the Lord to make you able to bear abundant and lasting fruit for Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will make you able to bear abundant and lasting fruit for Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has made you able to bear fruit for Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you go and do what the Lord asks of you.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Day 193 – Becoming Like Christ – John 15-12-17 – Instead I Have Called You Friends – 4 Page Discipleship Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Be Still And Know

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 115 - Psalm 46:10 - Be Still And Know- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 115 – Psalm 46:10 – Be Still And Know- Growing As Disciples

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

Be Still

What do you know? I know that if I am still and quiet before you, I will come to know you. What do you think about that thought? That thought is astounding. That thought is revolutionary. That thought is life changing. How so? The idea that I can come to know you is mind blowing. The idea that you want to make yourself known to me is awe inspiring. When I consider that thought my whole world is turned upside down. When I grab ahold of that thought, how I structure my day and use my time comes under complete reevaluation. Why is that? There is no better use of my time and energy, than to spend it coming to know you. Is that what you want to do? Is that what you will do? Yes, is that what I want to do. Yes, that is what I will do. That is very good. 

Where and when will you meet with me? I know why you are asking me that question. Why am I asking you this question?  If I don’t have firm plan to meet with you, it will never happen. Is that your voice of experiencing speaking to you? Yes, it is. So, I will meet with you in the morning and in the evening in my office. There I will shut the door to be still and quiet before you. But that is not all. What else? It is also my desire and plan to live my life in a constant dialogue of prayer with you throughout my day. Our morning and evening times together will simply be the start and end of a whole day spent with you. That will be very good.

How will you come to know me? I will be still and quiet myself before you. I will meet with you in your word. I will meet with you in prayer. I will meet with you in worship. How often will you be still and quiet so you can meet with me? There is not a day that I do not need to meet with you. There is not a day that I do not need to be changed by you. There is not a day that I do not need to be guided by you. So, I will be still and quiet before you every day. That will be very good.

What will happen to you as you come to know me? I will be changed from the inside out. I will become more and more like you as I come to know you. I will begin to think your thoughts, speak your words and walk in your ways. I will begin to receive your guidance. I will begin to follow your instructions. I will be able to know and do your will. I will be able to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. I will live a life that is pleasing to you. Yes, you will. 

Heavenly Father, I will set aside a time and place to be still before you. I will meet with you in your word. I will meet with you in prayer. I will meet with you in worship. The desire of my heart is to come to know you. Here I am, in your presence, right now. Amen

Key Question… What will happen to you when you make it your regularly habit to be still before God?

Living It Out… Make it you daily practice to set aside a special time and place to be still before God.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will come to know God as you are still before Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are making it your daily practice to be still before God.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you be still before God so you will come to know Him.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Becoming Like Christ – Day 115 – Psalm 46-10 – Be Still And Know – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Confess Our Sins

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 89 - 1 John 1:8-10- Confess Our Sins - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 89 – 1 John 1:8-10- Confess Our Sins – Growing As Disciples

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. 1 John 1:8-10 (NIV)

Examined

I must admit that I have never liked to be examined. I have never looked forward to being under examination. Why is that? Being examined might reveal a problem. So, would you rather not know if you have a problem? Has ignoring a problem ever made it go away or get better, be resolved or fixed? You have asked me two very good questions. If I ignore the thought that I might have a problem, then it will never be resolved or fixed or made better. I will simply live under vague unresolved stress because deep down I will know that I have an unresolved issue in my life. It is far better to know if I have a problem, than to ignore the possibility that I might have a problem. Are there any other reasons you might want to avoid an examination? I’m sure that pride plays a factor. How so? My pride might say that I have no need to be examined. It might try to suggest to me that if there is a problem it lies with someone else and certainly not with me. How likely is that? That a problem in my life most certainly lies with someone else? Yes. Not likely. If I suspect that there is a problem in my life, it certainly lies with me in part, at a minimum. That is good for you to admit. What is another reason you might want to resist, or delay being examined? Being examined might be painful. It might hurt to see the nature of my problem. Will living with a problem be better than resolving a problem? No, certainly not. That is also good for you to knowledge.

We have been talking about an examination of a problem. What is your problem? My problem is that I have sinned. My problem is that I will sin. My problem is that I am a sinner that is in need of your forgiveness and cleansing. Will it help you to ignore your sin? Not at all. Will it hurt you to come under my examination? No, you are kind and loving and forgiving. It is your desire to forgive, cleanse and heal my life. Will you allow me to examine your life? Will you ask me if there are any specific sins that you need to confess to me? Yes, I will. Will you freely confess your sins to me? Yes, I will. How often will you come to me and ask me to examine your life? Every day. How often will you confess your sins to me? Everyday. That is very good. Then you will live under my forgiveness and cleansing. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, I will make no attempt to fool myself or you. I will make no claims that I have not sinned. I have sinned and will sin. There is no doubt. Yes, I do need and ask for your forgiveness of my sin. Thank you for forgiving my sin and cleansing my unrighteousness. Amen

Key Question… When are you taking time to examine your life so you can recognize, acknowledge and confess your sin?

Living It Out… Make it your regular practice to confess your specific sins to God.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will forgive and cleanse you of your sin as you confess it to Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are regularly confessing your sin to God.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you confess your sin to God so you can receive His forgiveness and cleansing.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Becoming Like Christ – Day 89 – 1 John 1-8-10 – Confess Our Sins – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

A Quiet Place

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 90 - Mark 6:30-32 - A Quiet Place - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 90 – Mark 6:30-32 – A Quiet Place – Growing As Disciples

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. Mark 6:30-32 (NIV)

Withdraw

If ever I needed to withdraw to a quiet and solitary place to be with you, it is right now. Why is that? I am absolutely churning inside. I am frustrated. I am discouraged. I am disappointed. There is no doubt that my heart and mind are under attack. I feel like circumstances have conspired against me to rob me of peace and joy. There is no doubt that I am out of whack. Did I mention that I was angry? I shouldn’t be as overcome with emotion as I am. I want to shout, “This should not be happening to me!” Do I have so little margin? Do I have so little in reserve that I let what is relatively minor and inconsequential overcome my life? You are asking very good questions. Maybe you are in a little object lesson. Maybe you are going through exactly what you need. How so? What lesson do I need to learn? Answer your own questions. It is apparent that I don’t have a lot in reserve. It is obvious that I do need to withdraw from the craziness and busyness of life. In my own strength, with my own abilities I will not be able to live the life that you have called me to live. Without your help, I will not be the person you have designed me to be. It is crystal clear to me that I need to develop a regular pattern of withdrawing to a quiet and solitary place to be with you. I need to come to rest in your presence. I need to receive your instruction. I need to follow your guidance. Most importantly, I need to allow you to revive and refresh and renew my soul. You are learning a very valuable lesson. This object lesson that you are in has served you well. I’ll take that.

How often do you think you will need to withdraw from the busyness and craziness of life to meet with me? Today, that is an easy question for me to answer. I can’t go one whole day without drawing near to you. I need to remain in a close and intimate relationship with you throughout my day. That will start with meeting with you at a special time and in a sacred place so that I can hear from you. I need you to speak into my life. I will need to come to rely on you. I need to listen to you. I will need to receive all that you have for me so I can go and do whatever you ask of me as I live the life you are calling me to live. That will be very good.

Lord, I have become weary and worn out by all the busyness of my life in the world. I will withdraw to a quiet and solitary place so that I can be alone with you. Thank you that you will revive, refresh, and renew my life as I come daily to rest in your presence. Amen

Key Question…  How are you developing a pattern of withdrawing from busyness to rest in the Lord’s presence?

Living It Out…  Make plenty of regular opportunities to withdraw from the busyness of life to come to rest in the Lord’s presence.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will revive, refresh and renew you as you come to rest in His presence.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has revived, refreshed and renewed your life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you withdraw to a quiet place so you can be revived, refreshed and renewed by the Lord.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Day 90 – Becoming Like Christ – Mark 6-30-32 – A Quiet Place – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Perfect In Weakness

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 91 - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - Perfect In Weakness - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 91 – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – Perfect In Weakness – Growing As Disciples

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)

Power

Well, this is certainly good news. What is good news? It is good news that your power is made perfect in my weakness. I take that to mean that your power and glory are best seen when you are doing in and through me what I could never have done on my own. Everyone, including me, will know that you have done in and through me what only you could have done. That’s right. In that way you will receive all the praise and honor and glory. That’s true.

Let’s talk more about this. I’m listening. Knowing what you know, what can you expect from me? I can expect you to give me assignments that I cannot accomplish with my own efforts alone. Why is that? You want me to come to rely on you. You want me to live in an intimate relationship with you. You want me to ask you for your help. You want to work in and through my weakness. Yes, I do. 

What attitude must you have when I ask you to go and do something for me? I must have an attitude of faith to believe that you will make me able to do whatever you ask of me. What will happen to you as you go and do what I ask of you? I will come to know you more intimately as I rely on you. I will grow in my faith in you as I allow you to accomplish in and through me what I could have never done by myself. Yes, you will.

What will be the result of your allowing me to work in and through you? I will be an instrument in your hands. Your work will be accomplished. Your purposes and plans will be fulfilled. People will be drawn to you. Lives will be changed. Others will turn away from their life without you. Others will turn to follow you as their Savior and Lord. I will be able to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. I will store up treasure in heaven with you. One day I will hear you say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Yes, you will.

Will you do what I ask you? Will you take on the assignments I give you? Will you allow me to work in and through you? Yes, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I have plenty of room for you to operate in my life. I have many weaknesses in which your power can be on display through my life. Thank you for being strong when I am weak. Thank you for making me able to bear much fruit for your kingdom and glory Amen

Key Question… How has taking on a difficult assignment helped you to know that the Lord was working through you?

Living It Out… Rely on God to work in and though in spite of your weakness so you can bear fruit for His kingdom and glory.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord’s power will best be on display in and through your weakness.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has worked in and through you in spite of your weakness.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow God to work in and through you in spite of your weakness.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Becoming Like Christ – Day 91 – 2 Corinthians 12-9-10 – Perfect In Weakness – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com