Holy

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Be - 1 Peter 1:13-16 - Holy - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Be – 1 Peter 1:13-16 – Holy – Growing As Disciples

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16 (NIV)

Are You Ready?

Are you ready? Am I ready for what? Are you ready to be the person that I have called you to be? Are you ready to go where I guide you? Are you ready to do what I ask of you? Are you ready to leave your old life behind you? Are you ready to walk into the new life that I have for you? Will you walk through the doors that I open before you? You have me curious. I am intrigued. You have me yearning for more. I certainly don’t want to stay where I am. I want to go where you guide me. I want to do whatever you ask of me. I want what you want. That’s very good. 

That’s half the battle. What is the other half of the battle? You tell me. What has held you back from walking through open doors that I have placed before you? When have you not gone where I guided you? When have you not done what I have asked of you? This is a very uncomfortable subject for me to talk about. I’m sure of that. Even having this discussion involves opening a door. This subject of this discussion, has been a closed door. A discussion on this topic, has been off limits. You have made it very clear to me that you don’t want to discuss this topic. Am I right or am I wrong about this? Who, am I to argue with you? There is nothing that can be hidden from you. That’s right. So, I will open the door to this discussion. I have not always gone where you have guided me or done what you have asked me because I have been afraid. What have you been afraid of? I have been afraid of the unknown. I have been afraid that I might fail. I have been afraid that I might face rejection and ridicule. I have felt inadequate and unprepared. I have felt unable to go and do what you might ask of me. There you said it. There were no big surprises to me. You have felt what everyone who loves, follows and serves me will feel. You are not unique. You are not alone. I will be with you every step of the way. As you feel fear, you will drawer closer to me as I draw closer to you. As you feel fear you will come to rely even more on me as I help you to do what I have given you to do for me. Will I be enough for you? You are infinitely more than enough for me. Are you ready? Yes Lord, I am ready.

You will leave your old life behind. You will no longer follow the patterns, practices and values of the world. You will no longer conform to the evil in which you once walked. You will set all your hope on me. You will follow me to where I lead you. You will do whatever I ask of you. You will live an obedient and faithful life before me. I will work in you, for you and through you. I will make you into the person I want you to become. You will learn from me. You will know my thoughts. You will walk in my ways. You will become like me. I will make you holy, just as I am holy. I welcome all your work in and through my life. That is very good.

Lord, I will set my heart, mind and life on you. I will no longer allow myself to conform to the evil desires in which I once lived. I have heard your call. I have come to you. I want what you want. Keep on making me to be like you as I love, follow and serve you. Amen

Key Question… What has the Lord used to help you to prepare your mind for action as you follow and serve Him?

Living It Out… Prepare your mind for action so that you can live the life that Jesus Christ is calling you to live.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord has called you to become more like Him every day as you love, follow and serve Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord is helping you to become like Him as you follow Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow Jesus Christ to make you to be like Him as you set your heart and mind and life on Him.

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

Be – 1 Peter 1-13-16 – Holy – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

On God’s Power

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That- 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 - On God's Power - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That- 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 – On God’s Power – Growing As Disciples

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NIV) 

Demonstrate Your Power

Are you weak or are you strong? Will you rely on me or will you rely on yourself? Don’t be so quick to answer these questions with your words. Is there any other way to answer these questions other than with my words? I want you to answer these questions with your life. I’m not sure what you mean. Really, are you sure? I might have some idea of what you mean. Take a guess at what I mean. You don’t want me to say I will rely on you with my words and not back them up with my life. Yes, that’s right. Have you ever said that you were going to rely on me and then kept right on relying on yourself? I am sorry to say that I have relied on myself far too often when I have said that I was going to rely on you.

What has happened when you have relied on yourself rather than on me? When I have relied on my own strength I have failed miserably. I have not been able to accomplish what you have given me to do. I have made gigantic missteps. I have gone backwards in retreat. I have wandered aimlessly from one thing to another to look for meaning and purpose in life. I have been frustrated.  I have been fearful. I have wondered where you were. I have questioned why haven’t you helped me. I have been discouraged and depressed. I have burned out. I have given up. I have quit.

Have you grown weary of trusting in your own strength? That is an understatement. Nothing is more tiring than trying to serve you without relying on your help. I want your power and strength. I desperately need your power and strength. I cannot and will not take one more step forward without your help. That’s very good. What will you do? I will ask for your help. I will wait for your help. How long will you wait? How long will you keep asking? I will keep waiting and keep asking for your help until you tell me its time to move forward with you. You will let me lead you? Yes, that’s it exactly. I will go where you guide me. I will do what you ask of me. I will trust you to work in and through me to demonstrate your power and accomplish your purposes. I want you to do in and through me what only you can do. I want my life to be a witness for you. I want my faith to rest on you. I want others to place their faith in you because of what you have done in and through my weakness. In that way you will be lifted up and glorified as men and women are drawn to you. Use me for your kingdom and your glory. Yes, I will. You can count on it.

Lord, I am weak. You are strong. Without your power and strength I will be unable to do what you have given me to do for you. I am so thankful that you will work through my weaknesses so your power will demonstrated as your purposes are accomplished. Amen

Key Question… When has God worked in and through your weakness to even more clearly demonstrate His power?

Living It Out… Rely on God’s power rather than on your own strength so that God can accomplish His purposes through you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God’s power will work through your weakness to accomplish His purposes.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God worked through your weakness to accomplish His purposes.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you rely on God to work through you so His power can be demonstrated as He accomplishes His purposes.

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

So That – 1 Corinthians 2-4-5 – On God’s Power – 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

Fear Not – Stand Firm

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Rhythms - Exodus 14:13-14 - Fear Not - Stand Firm - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Rhythms – Exodus 14:13-14 – Fear Not – Stand Firm – Growing As Disciples

And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:13-14 (ESV)  

Fight For You

Where do I go from here? What do you mean by that? I can’t go forward. I can’t go backward. I can’t turn to the right or to the left. I am surrounded. I have no hope. This is going to be a disaster. I will certainly be defeated. I was worried about this happening to me. Now look at my situation. What do you expect me to do? Where do you think I should go? You led me here. I sure hope you have some answers for me. I’m in way over my head. I’m going down fast. I will drown without your help. That’s good. That’s right. That’s true. You have a very accurate understanding of your situation. There is nothing you can do. Great, that’s just great. Even you think I’m in a hopeless situation. I didn’t say that. You are jumping to conclusions. Just because I said there is nothing you can do does not mean you are in a hopeless situation. I don’t understand what you are saying to me. If I can’t do anything, where is my hope? Now, that is a very good question. Your hope is not in yourself, that is for sure. All your gifts, talents and abilities and strength will not get you out of this impossible situation. Then I have no hope at all. Again, I didn’t say that. If you have no hope in yourself, where might you have hope? I can have hope in you. Yes, you can.

You asked me, “Where should you go and what should you do? Yes, I did. You should go nowhere and you should do nothing. What, I don’t get that? What do you mean, “I should go nowhere and do nothing?” That sounds like giving up and quitting. Yes, you are going to give up, quit and do nothing with your own gifts, talents, abilities and strength. You are going to sit there and watch me fight for you. This is one of those times when I want you to sit there and see my hand work out a victory for you. I want you to know without a doubt that I am with you to help you. You are not on your own. Many times, I will fight with and through you. But today, I am going to fight for you. Can you sit there and rely on me? Can you sit there and trust me? Can you sit there, be quiet and watch me win a victory for you? Yes Lord, I can. That will be very good.

Lord, I have faced difficult and impossible situations in life. I have wanted to turn back. I have wanted to retreat. I have wanted to give up. Yet, you have been with me to help me. Thank you, for fighting for me and bringing me through every difficulty in life. Amen

Key Question… How have you come to stand firm and rely on the Lord in difficult and impossible situations?

Living It Out… Make it the rhythm of your life to fear not and stand firm because the Lord will help you through every difficulty.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will fight with and for you in the difficult and impossible situations in life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have relied on the Lord in difficult and impossible situations.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you fear not and stand firm as you allow the Lord to fight for you.

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

Rhythms – Exodus 14-13-14 – Fear Not – Stand Firm – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Devote Yourself

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Prayer - Colossians 4:2-4 - Devote Yourself - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Prayer – Colossians 4:2-4 – Devote Yourself – Growing As Disciples

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.  Colossians 4:2-4 (NIV) 

Opportunity

I want to have an open door of opportunity to tell others about you. You already have that opportunity. The door is wide open. Nothing is preventing you from sharing with others all that I have done for you. I’m not sure what to say about that. You have something on your mind? Yes, I do. What do you want to say? Do you have a question to ask me? I’m not seeing wide-open opportunities to share my faith in you with others. Why am I not seeing wide-open opportunities to share the good news of the gospel? That’s a good question that I know you can answer. Maybe, I have been too cautious. I haven’t wanted to chase people away from you. Maybe I have been too timid. I haven’t wanted to be rejected. Maybe I haven’t been prepared. I haven’t wanted to say the wrong thing. You could probably come up with a dozen reasons why you haven’t been boldly sharing your faith in me. Yes, I’m sure that is true.

What will help you to share your faith in me? What will make you able to boldly proclaim the good news of the Gospel? Only you can make me able to share your word. That’s right. So, what will you do if you want my help? If I want your help I will ask for your help. That’s sounds like a good idea. What kind of help do you need? I will ask you to make me watchful and prayerful. What will happen to you when you are watchful and prayerful? When I am watchful and prayerful I will see opportunities to share my faith in you. I haven’t been seeing opportunities to proclaim the good news because I haven’t been looking. I haven’t been watchful and prayerful. That’s right. There is more. Like what? As I’m watchful and prayerful I know that you will make me able to boldly proclaim your good news. Why is that? I will know that you have led me to opportunities to share my faith. Yes, I will. I will know that you have given me the words to speak when I share my faith. That’s true. I will know that you will have prepared the person in front of me to hear all that you have given me to share about you. Yes, you will. Remember to always be watchful, prayerful and thankful as you share your faith in me. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, it is the desire of my heart to be devoted to you in prayer. Help me to be watchful for all that you want me to see. Help me to be ready to do all that you give me to do. Open up doors of opportunity for me to share the good news of the gospel with others. Amen

Key Question… What do you think it would mean in your life to be devoted to the Lord in prayer?

Living It Out… Ask the Lord to help you to be devoted and watchful in prayer so you will have opportunities to share Him with others.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will give you opportunities to share Him as you are devoted and watchful in prayer.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord is helping you to be devoted and watchful in prayer.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you be devoted and watchful in prayer for opportunities to share Christ with others.

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

Prayer – Colossians 4-2-4 – Devote Yourselves – 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

Chosen What Is Better

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Prayer - Luke 10:41-42 - Chosen What Is Better - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Prayer – Luke 10:41-42 – Chosen What Is Better – Growing As Disciples

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)

Here With You

Here I am. This is different. I’m the one who is usually worried and upset about so many things. I have been a very gifted worrier. If anyone could see the downside of any situation it has been me. At least I think that’s true. A part of me wonders how that could possibly be true. Why is that? Wouldn’t it make sense that I would have made fewer mistakes in life because of the amount of time I have spent worrying about my decisions? You have been a worrier. But, your worries have not made you more cautious. No, I think just the opposite has been true. My worrying has sped up the pace of my life. I have been so worried that I might miss out on something. Like what? I don’t know. I have been worried about missing out on anything and everything. So, your life has been a frantic effort to get things done. You have had places to go and things to do. Yes, that’s right. You have speedily gone to where you thought you should go to do what you thought you should get done? That’s right. But, you haven’t been sure about either. That’s true. So you’re worried about where you have gone and what you have done? You got it.

Why are you here right now? Now, I’m sure about where I want to be and what I want to do. What’s that? I don’t want to race through life anymore. I want to stop worrying and being upset about so many things. I don’t want to be uncertain about where I am going and what I am doing. I need to come to a full stop. I want to be here in your presence. I want to hear all that you have to say to me. I want you to heal my broken life. I want to give complete control of my life over to you. I know that you will guide me. I’m sure that you know exactly where I should go and what I should do. You have a purpose and plan for my life. You have good things already planned out for me to do for you. Yes, I do. You wont let me miss out on anything? No, I won’t. But right now, I don’t want to go anywhere or do anything. I want to rest in your presence. I need to be here with you. I have been missing out on spending time in your presence. I won’t ever let that happen again. I have heard your call. So, I’m here now to listen to you. That’s very good.

Lord, like Martha I have been worried and upset by many things. The worries, cares and demand of this life have demanded my time. I have answered their call. Now, I hear your call. I will come to spend time in prayer at your feet listening attentively to you. Amen

Key Question… How has your love and devotion to Jesus Christ grown as you have followed Him?

Living It Out… Make a choice to spend time at the feet of Jesus not out of duty but out of love and devotion to Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that being at the feet of Jesus Christ and listening attentively to Him is choosing what is best in life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are choosing to spend time in prayer at the feet of Jesus.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you choose what is best in life by spending time at the feet of Jesus Christ.

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

Prayer – Luke 10-41-42 – Chosen What Is Better – 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

Helps Us In Our Weakness

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Holy Spirit - Romans 8:26-27 - Helps Us In Our Weakness - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Holy Spirit – Romans 8:26-27 – Helps Us In Our Weakness – Growing As Disciples

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. Romans 8:26-27 (NIV)

My Help

There is no doubt about it. There is no doubt about what? I am weak and in desperate need of help. It is very good for you to realize that you are weak and in desperate need of help. Why is that? You tell me. What have you done when you have come to realize all your weaknesses? When I become aware of my weaknesses, I have cried out to you. I have come to ask you for your help. I have stopped relying on myself and my own feeble efforts. That’s very good. What have you done when you have been certain that you had all the strength you needed? When I have been certain that I had all the strength I needed, I have relied on myself. You must have frequently thought you had all strength that you needed? Why do you say that? The answer to your question should be obvious even to you.  I know why you said, “even” to me. Why is that? I have been slow to realize how weak I am. I have been slow to ask you for all the help that I need. It pleases me to see that you are becoming more aware of your weaknesses and your need for help from me.

What has happened to you when you have come and asked me to help you? When I have asked for help, you have given me help. When I have asked for strength, you have given me strength. You have generously answered my prayers by giving to me what I have desperately needed. Have you ever wondered why you must come to ask me for my help and strength? Have you ever thought that I could have already given you all the strength you would ever need in life? You know my thoughts. Yes, I do. My questions are meant to remind you of what you have thought about needing to come to ask me for help and strength. I get it. There are at least three reasons, that I can think of, why you made it so I would need to come to ask you for help and strength. First, you want me to live in a close and intimate relationship with you. If I never needed anything I would be self-reliant, self-sufficient, and self-centered. My weaknesses remind me that you are source of my strength. My weaknesses keep me coming back to you for help. My weaknesses cause me to come to rely on you. My weaknesses help keep me living in a close and intimate relationship with you. Yes, that’s right. Next, I think that you want me to work in a partnership with you. What do you mean by that? You want to do in and through me what I could never do by myself. You want me to know that you are helping me to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. Knowing and doing your will has given me hope and meaning in life. It brings me great joy to know that I am doing what you have planned for me to do for you. That is very good. Finally, I’m sure that you want others to know that you have worked in and through my life. As they see you doing in and through me, what only you could do, they will be drawn to you. You will receive all the praise and honor and glory for doing in and through my life, what I couldn’t possibly have done. That’s right. Will you keep on coming to ask for my help? Will you keep on relying on me for all that you need? Yes, I will.

 Holy Spirit, I am weak. I desperately need your help. I don’t know how to pray. I am coming to you now to ask for your help. Thank you for interceding for me even when I don’t know how to pray. Thank you for helping me in every one of my weaknesses. Amen

Key Question… When have your weaknesses caused you to ask the Holy Spirit for His help?

Living It Out… Rely on the Holy Spirit to pray for and help you in all your weaknesses.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Holy Spirit will pray for you and help you in all your weaknesses.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group when the Holy Spirit prayed for and helped you in your weaknesses.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you rely on the Holy Spirit to pray for and help you in all your weaknesses.

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

Holy Spirit – Romans 8-26-27 – Helps Us In Our 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

How You Listen

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Therefore - Luke 8:18 - How You Listen - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Therefore – Luke 8:18 – How You Listen – Growing As Disciples

Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.” Luke 8:18 (NIV)

Consider Carefully

Don’t let what I’m saying go right by you. Don’t let my words go in one of your ears and right out the other. Grab ahold of all that I am saying to you. Take possession of what I am saying to you. Make what I am saying to you your very own. Focus your heart and mind and life on my words. Let my word grow in you. Let my word flourish in your life so that you will be able to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. I don’t want these words to go right by me. I want to hear all that you are saying to me. I want to put into practice all that you are teaching me. That’s good.

How can I make sure that I am hearing you? How can I carefully consider all your words. How can I grab ahold of all that you are saying to me? Those are good questions. What will certainly hinder your ability to hear from me? If I don’t stop to take time to listen to you, I will certainly not hear from you. If I let the noise and busyness of life crowd into my heart and mind and life I will never take hold of all that you want to teach me. That’s right. I need to make hearing your words an absolute priority in my life. If I seek you with all my heart I will hear from you. Yes, you will.

What will you do if you are serious about hearing from me? I will set aside a special time to meet with you. I will set aside a sacred place to meet with you. Why do you need to have a special time and a sacred place to meet with me? I need a special time and a sacred place to meet with you to develop the habit of hearing and listening to you. My ability to listen and hear to you is weak and undeveloped. I cannot hear you over the noise and busyness of life. I cannot carefully consider all that you are saying to me without dedicating the focus of my heart and mind and life to you. I don’t want to half hear you. I want to give you my full attention. That is very good. Come to me. Listen carefully to all that I want to say to you. Receive all that I want to give to you. Yes, Lord, I will.

Lord, I have set aside a special time and a sacred place to meet with you. I will leave the busyness and noise of life behind so I can listen carefully to all that you want to say to me. Speak to me. I am listening. I will put into practice all you want to teach me. Amen

Key Question… When have you attempted to build your life on something other than God’s word?

Living It Out… Build a solid foundation for your life by hearing and putting God’s word into practice.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your life will have a solid foundation when you hear and put God’s word into practice.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are allowing God’s word to be the foundation of your life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you hear God’s word and put it into practice.

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

Therefore – Luke 8-18 – How You Listen – 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

An Instrument

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Be - 2 Timothy 2:20-21 - An Instrument - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Be – 2 Timothy 2:20-21 – An Instrument – Growing As Disciples

In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 2 Timothy 2:20-21 (NIV)

In Tune

Do you want to be a tool in my hand? Do you want to be a useful instrument that I can use? Do you want to be in tune and prepared and ready to do all the good works that I have prepared for you to do for me? Yes, I want to be used by you. I want to be a tool and instrument that you can use. Nothing would delight me more than to know that I am fulfilling your purposes and accomplishing your plans. I want to go and do all that you ask of me. How can I be in tune and prepared and ready to do the good works that you have prepared for me to do for you? How can I be an instrument in your hand? Those are very good questions.

I will make you ready to serve me. Follow me and I will prepare you. Follow me and I will teach you. Follow me and I will train you. Will you follow me to where I lead you to do all that I ask of you? Yes Lord, I will follow you. As you follow me what will you also being doing? I’m not sure what you mean. As you follow me, what will you be leaving behind? I will put off my old life and leave it behind as I move forward with you. I will receive your forgiveness and cleansing of all my sin.  I will no longer allow myself to become entangled in all the values, patterns and practices of the world. I will allow you to change my heart and transform my mind. I will think your thoughts. I will begin to know and do your will. Yes, you will. What else? I will put on the new life that you have given to me live. I will walk in your ways as I follow you. I will go and do your will. That’s right. 

So, answer your own question. How can I be an instrument in your hand? That’s it. I can be an instrument in your hand as I put off my old life, am renewed in my mind, and put on my new life. Then I will always be in tune and prepared and ready for your use. Yes, you will. With your help, this is what I will keep on doing as I love, follow and serve you. That will be very good.

Lord, help me to be in tune with you. Remove anything from my life that causes me to be out of tune with you. Make me ready for use as your instrument in the world. Use my life to do good works that bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Amen

Key Question… How are you keeping your life in tune with the Lord so He can use you as His instrument in the world?

Living It Out… Keep your life in tune with the Lord so He can use you as His instrument in the world.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will use you as His instrument in the world.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has been using you as His instrument in the world.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the Lord to use you has His instrument in the world?

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

Be – 2 Timothy 2-20-21 – An Instrument – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Wrong Motives

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Prayer - James 4:1-3 - Wrong Motives - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Prayer – James 4:1-3 – Wrong Motives – Growing As Disciples

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. James 4:1-3 (NIV)

Motive

I know that I have had plenty of wrong desires. I have wanted something that I did not get. I have often coveted what I could not have. I know that my wrong desires have created conflict within me. I have been discontent. I have been discouraged and disappointed. I have been upset and angry. I have not given thanks to you for all the good things you have given to me. I have been ungrateful. Forgive me. You are forgiven, you know that. Yes, I do. I am thankful for your forgiveness of all my sin. I am grateful for your cleansing of all my unrighteousness. That’s good.

How have your wrong desires motivated your prayers? I have prayed for the wrong things. Like what? I have asked for everything I wanted. I have prayed for everything that would bring comfort and pleasure to my life. I have asked that every burden would be lifted and every inconvenience would be removed. I have asked for smooth and happy sailing every day of my life. My prayers have revolved around me. I am tired and weary praying for me and my wants and needs and desires. It is not wrong to pray for your wants and needs and desires. It is my delight to meet your needs and wants and desires. Yes, I know. You have richly blessed my life. But, I want to pray prayers that will make a difference in the world. How so? I want to pray prayers that come from you. I want to know your will. I want to walk in your ways. I want to do what is pleasing to you. I want to ask for what you want. What do you want me to pray for? That is a very good question. Yes, I want that question to dwell richly in my heart and mind and life. Keep on coming to me. Keep on asking me that question. I will guide your motives and give you prayers to pray. Your prayers will make a difference in the world. Do you know why that is? I’m not positive. I will give you prayers to pray that I will hear and answer. I will give you prayers to pray that will bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. That is what I want. That is my desire. That is the motive of my heart and mind and life. Yes, I know. That is very good.

Lord, I want to pray according to your will. I want to have right desires within me. I don’t want to covet what I can’t have. Help me to pray according to your will. Help me to ask for what you want to give to me. Help me to pray prayers you will hear and answer. Amen

Key Question… When has wanting and coveting something you can’t have misguided your prayers?

Living It Out… Ask the Lord to give you the right motives and prayers to pray to Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will give you the right motives and prayers to pray to Him

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord is giving you the right motives and prayers to pray to Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the Lord to give you the right motives and prayers to pray to Him.

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

Prayer – James 4-1-3 – Wrong Motives – 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

Anxious For Nothing

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Be - Philippians 4:6-7 - Anxious For Nothing - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Be – Philippians 4:6-7 – Anxious For Nothing – Growing As Disciples

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

Trust Me 

You are filled with anxiety. You are carry burdens that are too heavy for you to carry. You are worrying needlessly. Do you know why you are filled with anxiety? Do you know why you carry such heavy burdens? I live with a lot of worrisome situations. I have a lot to worry about. Does that sound like the correct answer to you? No, it doesn’t sound like the correct answer. But, I don’t have any other answer, that might sound better. Would you like to talk about why you are filled with anxiety? Would you like to discuss why you are carrying burdens that are too heavy for you to carry? Yes, I think I would like that. You seem a little hesitant. I am a little hesitant. Why is that? I may not like hearing why I worry and am filled with so much anxiety. You are right about that. I’m still willing to listen. That’s good. 

Are you ready to listen right now? Yes, I am ready to listen right now. Here we go. You think you can. I think I can what? You think you can handle your own worrisome situations. You think you are in control of your life. You think that you should be able to solve every problem and handle every circumstance. You think you are in charge of your own life. When you realize that you are not in control or in charge of your own life you worry. When situations and circumstances are beyond your control you worry about them. Does my assessment sound correct to you? Yes, it does. Let me ask you a couple questions. Go ahead. When you asked me to be your Savior and Lord didn’t you give up control of your life to me? Yes, I did. Didn’t you tell me that you were going to let me be in charge of your life? Yes, I did. If you really let me be in control and in charge of your life would your life be filled with so much worry and anxiety? No, I suppose not. You suppose not? I am certain that my life would not be filled with so much worry and anxiety if I fully entrusted my life to you. That’s right.

I have one more question for you. Go ahead, I’m listening. What has prevented you from fully entrusting your life to me? I’m not sure. Is this the part that I may not want to hear? Good guess. Yes, it is. You have my full attention. Why don’t you tell me the answer? You have figured out the answer, of that I’m positive. My own pride has caused me to be filled with worry and anxiety. That’s right. Will you humbly turn all your worries and anxieties to me? Will you allow me to carry your burdens? Will you allow me to release you from worry and anxiety? Will you allow me to fill you with my peace? Yes Lord, I will turn every one of my worries and anxieties into a prayer to you. That will be very good.

Lord, I have lived a life filled with anxiety. I have carried burdens that were too heavy for me to carry. I have worried unnecessarily. Guard my heart and mind. Help me to turn every one of my anxieties into a prayer to you so that I can receive your peace. Amen

Key Question… When have you received God’s peace because you turned a worry into a prayer to Him?

Living It Out… Turn every one of your worries into a prayer to God so that you can receive His peace.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will receive God’s peace as you turn your worries into prayers to Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group a worry that you have turned into a prayer to God.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you turn your anxieties into prayers to God so that you can receive His peace.

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

Be – Philippians 4-6-7 – Anxious For Nothing – 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.