Monthly Archives: October 2017

Imitators

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Be - 1 Corinthians 11:1 - Imitators - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Be – 1 Corinthians 11:1 – Imitators – Growing As Disciples

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV)

Imitation

I have never thought of imitation as being a positive word. There are very few people that I thought were worthy of imitation. I certainly have never been worthy of imitation. I wouldn’t even want someone to imitate me. Why is that? I know that I am a flawed individual. I am a sinner. I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed. Examples of my sins are not long ago, from some distant past. I am currently a sinner. Isn’t your attitude and confession of your sins worthy of imitating? You are not trying to hide your sin. You are not falsely claiming that you are not a sinner. You are not proudly pretending to be something you are not. No, I am not doing that. Yes, being willing to admit and confess my sins to you is a worthy example to follow. Yes, it is.

You can probably guess where we are going to go with this conversation. Yes, I think I know where we are headed. Where is that? You are going to point out other behaviors and attitudes within me that are worthy of imitation. Yes, I am. You have turned away from your old life. You are allowing me to use my word to change your heart and transform your mind. You are putting on the new life that I have given you to live. Is this something others can imitate? Yes, it is. Let’s keep going. You have set apart a time and a place to meet with me in my word. You are allowing my word to dwell in you richly. You are meditating on my word day and night. You are hiding my word deeply in your heart and mind and life. Is this something others can imitate? Yes, it is. You are drawing near to me as I draw near to you. You are resisting the devil and he is fleeing from you. You are allowing my Holy Spirit to take my word and use it to fight in you, with you and for you. Are these things that are worthy of imitation? Yes, they are. It is your passionate desire to know me. You want to walk in my ways. You want to go wherever I guide you. You want to do whatever I ask of you. Are these desires worthy of imitation? Yes, they are. You want to become like me. You want to serve like I served. You want to give like I gave. You want to love like I loved. What do you have to say about this goal? It is worthy of imitation. Yes, it is. Finally, the most important thing you want to accomplish with your life is to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. Are any life goals worthier of imitation than these? No, there are no life goals worthier of imitation than these. That’s right. Keep on living the life that I have given you to live and you will give others plenty to imitate. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I know that my life, on my own, is not worthy of imitation. Only as I draw near to you and imitate your life can I offer any kind of example that is worthy for others to follow. Use my life, help me to imitate you and be a worthy example others can follow. Amen

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

Be – 1 Corinthians 11-1 – Imitators – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Your Giving May Be In Secret

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - Matthew 6:3-4 - Your Giving May Be In Secret - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – Matthew 6:3-4 – Your Giving May Be In Secret – Growing As Disciples

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:3-4 (NIV)

I See

I see everything that you do. Nothing falls outside my notice. You don’t need to jump up and down or make a big show to secure my attention. I am watching over your life. You are my child. My hand is on you. I am guiding you to where I want you to go to do what I am asking you to do. I have a purpose and a plan for your life. Your future is in my hands. I have good works designed for you to do. How does all this sound to you? It sounds great. It will be my pleasure to do your will. I have great peace in knowing that you have designed ways for me to serve you. I want to serve you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I will follow you to where you lead me. I will do all that you ask of me. That is very good.

I want you to remember that you are serving me. How could I forget? I’m not sure what point you are making. All that you do for others in this life you will be doing for me. Do you know why it is important for you to hold on to that thought? No, I’m not really sure. Let me ask you a few questions. Go ahead. Has anyone ever asked too much of you? Has anyone ever asked you to give more than you wanted to give? Has anyone placed requests for your time, talent and resources that were beyond what you were willing to give? Have you ever had the overwhelming desire to be comfortable rather than inconvenienced? You know the answer to your questions. Yes, I have placed a limit on what I was willing to give. I don’t expect that you will say yes to every request that comes your way. I do expect that you will carefully consider if the request for help comes from me. Will you confer with me about every request for help that comes your way? Yes Lord, I will. Good, then you will know what I am asking you to do for me.  There is another very important point I want to make. What’s that? You are not working for applause and recognition from the world. Remember you are serving me. I will ask you to do many things quietly in ways that will go unnoticed. Don’t seek rewards and acknowledgement from the world. I will applaud all your efforts. I will see all that you have done for me. Your reward for all that you have done for me in this life will be given to you when you join me in heaven. Can you wait? I can hardly wait, but I will. It will be my pleasure to do whatever you ask of me. I will always remember that I am serving you. That will be very good. 

Heavenly Father, I don’t need to give to the needy so others can see my good deeds. I don’t need recognition from mankind. I want to serve you. That’s enough for me. Thank you, that one day you will reward me for doing what I have done in secret for you. Amen

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

So That – Matthew 6-3-4 – Your Giving May Be In Secret – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Do Good To All People

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Therefore - Galatians 6:10 - Do Good To All People - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide- Therefore – Galatians 6:10 – Do Good To All People – Growing As Disciples

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

Your Example

I want to do what you have done. I want to live like you lived. I want to give like you gave. I want to love like you loved. I want to follow your example.

How did I live? You lived your life for others. Your focus was not on yourself. You did not live to satisfy your every want and desire and pleasure. You lived your life with a sense of mission and purpose. You lived your life to fulfill the will of Him who sent you. You knew and did all that your Father asked of you. You lived your life fully for Him. You lived your life completely for others. Your life was a living sacrifice. Yes, It was. You lived your life as an act of worship. Yes, I did.

How did I give? You gave your life fully. You gave yourself freely. You gave yourself completely. You gave yourself unconditionally. Not one person has ever deserved your mercy. Not one person could ever earn your forgiveness. Not one person could ever be worthy of your love. That did not matter to you. No, it did not. You gave yourself to those who were your enemies. You gave yourself to those who mistreated you. You gave yourself to those who rejected you. You gave yourself to those who despised you. You gave your life to those who hurt you. You never stopped giving. You never stopped loving. No, I did not. You gave yourself continually so that you would be able to reap a rich harvest for your Father. Yes, I did.

What did I do? You did what was necessary. You did what was needed. You kept on doing all the good that was ever asked of you. It was your joy to do your Father’s will. It was your joy to lay your life down as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. You broke down the wall that divided me from you. You forgave all my sins. You cleansed all my unrighteousness. You made my slate clean. You gave me a second chance. You gave me a fresh start. You became my Savior and Lord. You loved me when I was unlovable. Yes, I did.

What will you do? I will do whatever you ask of me. I will go wherever you guide me. I will do all the good that you give me to do for others. I will pour myself out in your service. I will live my life with and for you. It will be my joy to serve you. It is my hope to bear a rich harvest for you. I want to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. That is my dream. That is my desire. That is my prayer. That is very good. That is what I will do in and through you.

Lord, you have continually done good things for me. You loved me even when I was difficult to love. I have not deserved your love. Help me to love like you loved and give like you gave. Help me to do good things for others so I can reap a rich harvest for you. Amen

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

Therefore – Galatians 6-10 – Do Good To All People – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Fruitful

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Be - John 15:4 - Fruitful - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide- Be – John 15:4 – Fruitful – Growing As Disciples

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. John 15:4 (NLT)  

With And For Me

Do you want to be able to bear fruit for my kingdom? Do you want to bring glory to my name? Yes, I want to bear fruit for your kingdom. Yes, I want to bring glory to your name. Who would say no to such questions? Who wouldn’t have those desires foremost in their heart and mind? You would be surprised. Many do not want to know me. Many have no desire to live in a relationship with me. Many will never come to rely on me. They will never know my will. They will never accomplish my purposes or fulfill my plans. They will live their live by themselves and for themselves. They will have no larger perspective or greater purpose than what they can dream up on their own. They will live lives that will accomplish nothing that will last. By last, do you mean, last for all eternity? Yes, that is exactly what I mean. Do you want to bear fruit that will last for all eternity? Yes, I do. You don’t even have to ask me, I desperately want to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. In every way and on every day, I want to live my life with and for you. That will be very good. I’m sure of that.

How can I be certain to bear fruit for eternity and bring glory to your name? That is a very good question. Do what you want to do. Do what I want to do? Yes, you have already told me that you want to live your life with and for me. That is what you want to do, isn’t it? Yes, it is. How will you live your life with and for me? I will come to you. I will draw near to you. I will listen to all that you want to say to me. I will listen to your instructions. I will follow you to wherever you lead me. I will do whatever you ask of me. Then you will certainly bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. I will do in and through you, what you could never do by yourself, with your own strength. You will know that I am with you to help you. You will know that my hand is on your life. You will know that I am working in and through your life. You will shine brightly in the world for me. I am so excited about living my life with and for you. Loving, following and serving you is a like the best of dreams coming true for me. Thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do in and through my life for your kingdom and glory. I am your servant. Use my life for according to your purposes and plans. Yes, that is exactly what I will do. 

Lord, I will abide in you. I will remain in your presence. I will rely on you. You are my source. You are my sustenance. Fill and refresh my life. Make me fruitful in your service. Help me to fulfill your purposes and accomplish your plans. I want to bear fruit for you. Amen

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

Be – John 15-4 – Fruitful – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Hears These Words

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide- Therefore - Matthew 7:24 - Hears These Words - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Therefore – Matthew 7:24 – Hears These Words – Growing As Disciples

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24 (NIV) 

Secure Foundation 

Would you like your life to be able to withstand the storms of life? Would you like a rock solid sure foundation that cannot be shaken? Yes, I want to be able to withstand the storms of life. Yes, I want a rock solid foundation that cannot be shaken. By now you have had plenty of experience at trying to build your life on what will not be able to withstand the storms of life. What do you mean by that? Have you felt strong and secure? Have you thought you had a life that could withstand the storms of life? Hasn’t what you thought was secure and strong and sure been swept away in one storm or another? Haven’t you come to know what is very shaky and quite unsecure? Now I know what you mean. Yes, I have tried to build my life on what would not hold up in a storm. I am an expert at doing that, I am sorry to say.

How can I have a life that will withstand the storms of life? How can I have a foundation that is strong and secure? You must do two things without fail. First, you must listen attentively to my word. Notice that I used the word, “attentively”. I did not say you must listen to my word casually or occasionally. You must hunger and thirst for my word. You must feast on my word. Notice that I did not say you must nibble on my word. I did not say you must sample my word here and there and now and then. No, you must let my word dwell in you richly. You must meditate on my word day and night. My word will feed you. My word will sustain you. My word will strengthen you. Do you understand what I am saying to you? Yes, I do. My heart and mind and life must be continually taking in your word. That’s right. You got that right.

What else must I do if I want my life to be built on a secure foundation? It is not enough to simply listen to my word. My word will not benefit your life by merely listening to it. My word will do nothing for you unless you put it into practice. After listening to my word, you must do what it says. My word will teach you. My word will train you. My word will guard and guide your life. My word will help you to know my will. My word will make you able to walk in my walks. Will you listen to my word and put it into practice? Yes, Lord, I will listen attentively to your word. Yes, Lord, I will put your word into practice as I follow and obey you. Then you will have a life that is built on a secure foundation.

Lord, I have tried to build my life on the shaky foundation of what I could either accomplish or acquire. The storms of life will quickly sweep these away. Instead I will now build my life on the secure foundation of daily hearing and putting your word into practice. Amen

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

Therefore – Matthew 7-24 – Hears These Words – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

What The Spirit Desires

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Mind - Romans 8:5 - What The Spirit Desires - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Mind – Romans 8:5 – What The Spirit Desires – Growing As Disciples

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. Romans 8:5 (NIV)

Mind Set

What do you set your mind on? What are you allowing yourself to think? What thoughts do you entertain in your mind? I’m not sure what you have in mind by asking me these questions. You have the ability to choose what you allow yourself to think. You can take authority over every one of your thoughts. You do not need to entertain every thought that comes into mind. It is no sin to have an improper or unhealthy thought come into your mind. It is a sin to entertain improper and unhealthy thoughts. You need to make a decision and choose what you will allow your mind to think.

How can I rid my mind of improper and unhealthy thoughts? My mind is filled with improper and unhealthy thoughts. My mind feels like a battleground. I don’t want to think improper and unhealthy thoughts.  I want the thoughts of my mind to be pleasing to you. I want to think your thoughts. You have taken a very important first step. You have told me that you want to think thoughts that are pleasing to me. You have said that you want to think my thoughts. You have made a decision about what you will set your mind on. That’s right.

If you want to think my thoughts you must know where you can find and hear and listen to my thoughts. Where do you suppose you will find my thoughts? I will find your thoughts in your word. That’s right. If you want to begin to think my thoughts what will you do? I will do several things. Like what? I will read your word. I will meditate on your word. I will memorize your word. I will let your word dwell in me richly. I will listen attentively to all that you have to say to me. I will allow your word to teach me. I will allow your word to train me. I will allow your word to guard and guide my life. That will be very good.

You were right. Your mind is a battleground. You cannot win the battle over your mind without my word doing its work in you. What work will your word do in my mind? My word will cleanse your mind. My word will strengthen your mind. My word will fill your mind. My word will push improper and unhealthy thoughts out of your mind. Then you will think my thoughts. Then you walk in my ways as you put my word into practice. Yes, I will. That is what I want.

Holy Spirit, help me to think thoughts you want me to think. With your power and help I will distance myself from whatever tempts me to think thoughts and feel desires of the sinful nature. I want you want. I want to live the life you have called me to live for you. Amen

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

The Mind – Romans 8-5 – What The Spirit Desires – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Careful To Live Properly

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Be - 1 Peter 2:12 - Careful To Live Properly - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Be – 1 Peter 2:12 – Careful To Live Properly – Growing As Disciples

Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. 1 Peter 2:12 (NLT) 

Spotlight

You are being watched. Your life is under close scrutiny. Your behavior is being constantly evaluated. I know that you see all things. Nothing goes unnoticed by you. Nothing can be hidden from your view. You are correct. However, I am not now talking about me. I am not now telling you that I am constantly watching you. I am not now saying that your life is under my close scrutiny and constant evaluation. What are you saying to me? People who do not yet know me, are watching your life. Your life is under close scrutiny by others in the world. Everything that you think, say and do is being constantly evaluated by those who have not yet come to believe in me. That makes me more than a little uncomfortable. Why is that? I know that I am not perfect. I have sinned against you and others in my thoughts, words, and deeds. I have made mistakes. I have taken missteps. I have done what I should not have done. I have not done what I should have done. I have no idea how I will measure up to the close scrutiny and constant evaluation of those who have not yet come to know you. I want to be a bold witness for you in the world. I want others to be drawn to you through the testimony of my life. I don’t want anything that I might think, say, or do to be a barrier to those who might want to come to know you. That’s very good.

You know now that the spotlight is on you. Yes, I do. What will you do differently to make sure that your life serves as a bold and bright witness for me in the world? I will be very careful to live an honorable life before you and unbelievers in the world. I do know one thing for sure. What’s that? I cannot live an honorable life that is a bright witness for you in the world, without your help. Without your help, my light would offer nothing to anyone living in the world. I need you to change my heart and transform my mind. I need you to help me to think your thoughts and do your will. I need you to shine brightly in and through my life. You are the only light that I can offer to the world. Yes, I am. Are you asking me to make you able to be a witness for me in the world? Are you asking me to shine my light in and through your life? Yes Lord, I am. Those are my prayers. I will hear and answer your prayers. Many will come to know me through the bright witness and bold testimony of your life.

Lord, I am not perfect. Far from it. I am a sinner in my thoughts, words, and deeds. Forgive me of all my sin. Cleanse me of all my unrighteousness. Help me to live a good and honorable life that serves as a bold and bright witness to unbelievers in this world. Amen

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

Be – 1 Peter 2-12 – Careful To Live Properly – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Go On To Maturity

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Let Us - Hebrews 6:1-3 - Go On To Maturity - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Let Us – Hebrews 6:1-3 – Go On To Maturity – Growing As Disciples

Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.  Hebrews 6:1-3 (NIV)

Move On

You don’t want to be stagnant and stuck in your faith, do you? No, I do not. You don’t want to take backward steps? No. I don’t. You want to move on and forward with me? Yes, I do. You are determined to grow in your relationship with me? Yes, I am. You want to know and love me with all your heart and soul and mind? Yes, I do. You want to go where I lead you to do all that I ask of you? Yes, that’s right. Where do you think all these desires that you have in your heart come from? I’m sure that they come from you. Yes, that’s right. Do you have any fear or doubts that I won’t be able to accomplish and grant these desires of your heart? I have no doubts in you. I know that nothing can prevent you from accomplishing your will. Now, that’s a strong statement of faith on your part. Let’s talk more about that. You do have some doubts? Yes, I do. Tell me about your doubts. I don’t doubt you. I doubt me. Do you believe that I am able to accomplish my will and purposes in your life? Yes, I believe you are able to accomplish your will and purposes in my life. Do you believe that it is my desire and plan for you to grow and mature in your faith? Yes, I believe that it is your desire and plan for me to grow and mature in my faith. Do you think that your growing and maturing in your faith depends on you or on me? I think that my growing and maturing in my faith depends on you. I can’t make myself grow in my faith. I can’t make myself mature. I can’t move on and forward with you unless you are leading me. There is a word here I want you to think about very deeply. What is that word? I want you to depend on me. I don’t want you to rely on yourself. You are right that you can’t make yourself mature and complete. Only I can do that kind of work in you. When you depend on me, you will grow and mature. When you rely on yourself, you will be filled with doubts. When you rely on yourself, you will remain stuck and stagnant in your faith. When you rely on yourself, you will take backward steps. I see that you are very determined in your desire to grow and mature in your relationship with me. That desire is very good. There is also a danger close at hand. What danger is that? There is a danger in allowing your determination to cause you to rely on yourself. I want you to be determined to depend on me to do my work in and through your life. Will you be determined to depend on me? Yes Lord, I will depend on you with all my heart and soul and strength. Then you will move forward in your relationship with me. You will grow and mature in your faith as you depend on me.

Lord, I don’t want to be stagnant in my faith. I am determined and dependent on you to help me to grow and mature as I follow you. Build on what you have already taught me. Use all of life to teach and train me so I will grow mature in you. Amen

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

Let Us – Hebrews 6-1 – Go On To Maturity – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

His Harvest Field

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Discipleship Study - Prayer - Matthew 9:37-38- His Harvest Field- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Study – Prayer – Matthew 9:37-38- His Harvest Field- Growing As Disciples

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV) 

Workers

You have heard my call. You have answered my request. You have gone to where I have sent you. You are doing what I have asked of you. Yes, I have heard your call and answered your request. I have gone where you have sent me and I am doing what you have asked of me. Have I asked too much of you? Do you resent the fact that I have asked you to go and do something for me? You have not asked too much of me. In no way do I resent that you have asked me to go and do something for you. Just the opposite is true. I am so very thankful that you have called me into your service. It is my joy to be a laborer in your harvest field. That is what I thought. That is what, I am glad to hear you say. 

You have been weary. You have been worn out. Those are not questions. Those are statements. Yes, I have been weary and worn out. There is a lot of work to do in your harvest field. The need is great. The workers are few. That is true. Do you think I want you to work all the harder because the need is great and the workers are few? Do you think that I want you to work yourself weary and run yourself ragged in my harvest field? I don’t think so. Why is that? I am not a very good witness for you when I am weary and worn out. That is right. What else? You want me to rely on you for all the work I do in your harvest field. Keep going. Praying is a large part of the work that you have given me to do for you. All my work for you, no matter what it is, is meant to be accompanied with prayer. My prayers, asking for your help, is how I will be relying on you. That’s good. You don’t want me to work harder, you want me to rely on you more, as I pray to you. That’s true. So, what will you pray for when there are not enough workers in the harvest field? I will ask you to send out more workers in your harvest. Will you do that instead of working harder? Will you do that instead of relying on yourself? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. That will be a prayer that I will hear and answer.

Lord, help me to see clearly the harvest field that you have called me to labor in for you. Give me a heart of love and compassion for the lost. Help me to rely on you in prayer for more laborers to work in the harvest field with me. Use us Lord for your glory. Amen

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

Prayer – Matthew 9-37-38 – His Harvest Field – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Envied The Arrogant

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Mixed Emotions - Psalm 73:2-3 - Envied The Arrogant - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Mixed Emotions – Psalm 73:2-3 – Envied The Arrogant – Growing As Disciples

But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Psalm 73:2-3 (NIV)

Slippery Path

I had the wrong perspective. I was looking at life from the wrong point of view. How so? I envied prosperity. I wanted great wealth. I looked around and compared myself with others. I wanted what I did not have. I was discontent. I was unsatisfied. I chased after riches. I pursued worldly wealth. No matter how much I had, it was never enough. I always wanted more. My heart and mind and life were consumed with desire for the things of this world. I suspected that others were living a far better life, filled with greater comfort and pleasure. I was wrong. I was stupid. I was ignorant. I was sadly misinformed. My hopes and dreams and values were all wrong. I was on a path that was headed nowhere. Why is that? I was on a slippery path walking away from you.

I have come to my senses. I have seen the error of my ways. Tell me more about that. I now know that the riches of this life are fleeting. I now know that worldly riches will not satisfy. I now know that acquiring all the wealth of this world would not leave me at peace and fill me with contentment. I would always want more. Yes, you would. I suspect that the desire for more is not all bad. I have come to believe that you have placed a desire in my heart and mind and life for something else, something different, something far better and more. What is that desire that is in you? It is my desire to know and love you. It is my desire to be rich in my relationship with you. What would a rich relationship with me look like? I want to hear your voice. I want to receive your counsel. I want to be guided by you. How will that happen? I will draw near to you. I will worship you with all that is within me. I want to live in a close and intimate relationship with you. To know you… To walk in your ways… To follow you… To go and do your will… To bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name… That is what a rich relationship with you would look like. That is what I want. That is what I will pursue. I want to live my life with and for you. My heart is filled with desire to know you and live this kind of life. I will fulfill that desire within you.

Lord, I will not envy those who have gained great worldly wealth. I do not want to live a prideful, arrogant and wicked life. I do not want to be rich in worldly wealth. I want to be rich in my relationship with you. I want to be able to tell others of your goodness. Amen 

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

Mixed Emotions – Psalm 73-2-3 – Envied The Arrogant – 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