Obey Your Word

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - Psalm 119:101 - Obey Your Word - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – Psalm 119:101 – Obey Your Word – Growing As Disciples

I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word.                        Psalm 119:101 (NIV)

Your Word

I love to meditate on your word day and night. You speak to me through your word. You meet with me in your word. As I draw near to you in your word, you draw near to me. Yes, I do. You are changing my heart and transforming my mind with your word. You are using your word to mold and shape me into the person that you want me to become. Yes, I am

Without your word, I would be lost and without direction. I wouldn’t know if I should start or stop or turn to the left or to the right. Your word has been my guide. You have used your word to change the course of my life. I would not have gone where you had me go if you had not directed me by your word. I would not have done what you have given me to do without you instructing me with your word. Your word has helped me to know your will and your ways. Yes, it has.

Without your word, I would be defenseless in life against the devil and all his attacks of evil. Your word has been my guard. Your word has turned me away from evil so that I could begin to follow and serve you. Your word has made me able to resist temptation and made me able to stand up against evil. Your word is the sword of your Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has used your word to fight in me, with me and for me.  Yes, that’s right.

Without your word, I would be left to my own thoughts ideas and understanding. I would have nothing to rely on other than myself. I would be living like a fool lost in the world without your word. Your word has allowed me to think your thoughts and do your will. Your word has filled my life with your wisdom. Your word has enabled me to understand what others cannot understand. Yes, it has.

Without your word, I would be able to accomplish nothing. All my hopes and dreams and aspirations would amount to nothing without your word guiding them. All that I would have accomplished without your word would crumble in dust and ashes at the end of this life. Your word has made me able to bear fruit for your kingdom and your glory. The fruit that your word will enable me to bear will last for all eternity. Yes, it will.

Without your word, I would be empty and without hope. Your word is filled with all your promises to me. Your word has shown me that you are in control. You have a plan. You have a purpose for my life. You love me. Yes, I do love you. You can and do take the good and even the bad events of life and work them into something beautiful in my life that will bring honor and glory to your name. Yes, I do and yes, I will. Your word has shown me that I can trust you and that is exactly what I will keep on doing. That will be very good.

Lord, I love your word. It is my delight to meditate on your word day and night. Your word has changed the course of my life. Your word has brought wisdom into my heart and mind. Your word has kept me from thinking, saying and doing what is evil in your sight. Amen

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

So That – Psalm 119-101 – Obey Your Word – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Building Others Up

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Blessing - Ephesians 4:29 - Build Others Up - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Blessing – Ephesians 4:29 – Build Others Up – Growing As Disciples

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Your Words

I want my words to be life giving. I want to speak life giving words that will bless and encourage and build others up according to their needs. That would be quite a change. What do you mean by that? I have spoken so many unwholesome words. Lots of corrupt and polluting language has come out of my mouth. Isn’t that old news? What do you mean by that? Haven’t you placed a guard over your mouth? Haven’t you asked me to change your heart and transform your mind so that you can think my thoughts and speak my words? Isn’t it your earnest desire to think and speak and do only what is pleasing in my sight? Yes, that has been my prayer. That is the desire of my heart. Aren’t you meditating on my word day and night? Aren’t you allowing me to use my word to change the thoughts of your mind, the words of your mouth and the deeds of your life? Yes, I am meditating on your word day and night. Yes, I am allowing you to change the thoughts of my mind, words of my mouth and deeds of my life. That is very good.

So, what’s the problem? I don’t think or speak or do what is pleasing to you all the time. You mean to say that you still sin? You mean to tell me that you still need my forgiveness? You mean to reveal to me that you are not perfect? I’m guessing that all this comes as no big revelation to you. That’s a good guess. I should also tell you that I don’t always speak life giving words that build others up. Isn’t this a day filled with surprises? Now, I know that you are not taking me seriously. Oh, I am taking you very seriously. I seriously want you to think and speak and do what is pleasing to me. I seriously want you to speak life giving words that will bless and encourage and build others up. I also know that you love me with all your heart and mind and soul and strength. I know that it is the prayer and desire of your heart to do what is pleasing to me. I know that you seriously want to bless and encourage and build others up with your words. It is the prayer and desire of your heart to do what is pleasing to me. We both know that you will not think and speak and act perfectly in this life. You will sin. You will need my forgiveness. You will confess your sin to me. You are forgiven. You will be forgiven. You will get up and keep on moving forward with me. You will go where I guide you. You will do what I ask of you. You will speak words that I give to you. You will bless and encourage and build others up with your words. Yes, I will. That will be very good and pleasing to me.

Lord, I have said many unwholesome words and used lots of polluting language. Forgive me. I want all of my thoughts and words to come from you. Help me to speak life giving words that will bless and encourage and build people up according to their needs. Amen

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

Blessing – Ephesians 4-29 – Building Others Up – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Who Finds Wisdom

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Blessing - Proverbs 3:13-18 - Who Finds Wisdom - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Blessing – Proverbs 3:13-18 – Who Finds Wisdom – Growing As Disciples

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed. Proverbs 3:13-18 (NIV)

 Wisdom

Where does wisdom come from? How do you know what is truly wise and what is ultimately foolish? How do you judge the quality of what you hear and see in the world? What priority do you place on seeking and grabbing a hold of wisdom? Who is the final arbiter of what is truly wise or ultimately foolish? I don’t want to live a foolish life, that is for sure. I don’t want to look back over a life filled with regrets over foolish mistakes that I have made. That has me worried, I can tell you that. Why is that? I have made a lot of foolish mistakes over the course of my life. I have wasted a lot of time and energy going where I should not have gone to do what I should not have done. I don’t want to live a foolish and wasted life. I can see that.

I have come to some conclusions about wisdom. What conclusions have you come to about wisdom? I am unwise. Wisdom does not naturally come from me. I am not a primary source of wisdom. Left on my own, I will continue to make dumb decisions and foolish mistakes. I am also not a good judge of what is truly wise and ultimately foolish. Why is that? I don’t have a long-range perspective. I can’t see the future. No, you cannot. With my short-term perspective and limited understanding, something might seem wise to me, but will ultimately be foolish in the long run. That’s true. So, my final conclusion about wisdom is that I desperately need help. That’s a very good starting point.

Will you ask me for wisdom? Will you seek wisdom as if it were more valuable than silver or gold, which by the way, it is? Have you come to the belief that nothing like silver or gold or rubies or treasures compare with wisdom? Do you know that living a life filled with wisdom will lead you in pleasant ways and on peaceful paths? Do you believe that if you take a hold of my wisdom your life will be blessed? Do you know that long life and riches and honor are reserved for the truly wise? I have no doubt about the value of wisdom. I have no hesitancy in crying out to you for wisdom. I have no reluctance in taking a hold of all the wisdom that you will give to me. I will seek you and all the wisdom you will give to me. That will be very good. 

Lord, once I thought I knew it all. I was wise in my own eyes. I was a fool. Now, I know wisdom comes from you. I will seek your wisdom. I will rely on your wisdom. Use your word to teach me to live a life filled with blessings that come from your wisdom. Amen

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

Blessing – Proverbs 3-13-18 – Who Finds Wisdom – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Give Generously

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Blessing - Deuteronomy 15:10-11 - Give Generously - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Blessing – Deuteronomy 15:10-11 – Give Generously – Growing As Disciples

Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land. Deuteronomy 15:10-11 (NIV)

Open Hands, Generous Heart

Do you have open hands? Do you have a generous heart? Are you willing to help others that are in need? Will you open your hands to the poor? Is that what you are asking me to do? Is that how you want me to live? What do you think? I will ask you a few more questions. I’m listening. What do you have that you have not received from me? Have I been open handed with you? Have I had a generous heart toward all that you have needed and wanted? Have I been stingy? Have I held back? Have you gone without? Have I richly blessed your life? You have been completely open handed and generous with me. You have given me what I have needed and wanted. You have not held back. You have not been stingy with me. You have richly blessed my life. That is true.

How do you think I feel about all that I have given to you? I’m not sure what you mean. Do you think that I have regretted my generosity toward you or do you think that giving generously to you has brought me joy? I’m sure that you do not regret giving to me. I am very grateful and thankful for all that you have given to me. I think you have had lots of joy in giving to me. You are a giver, that is your nature. That is true as well.

Do you want to become like me? Yes, I want to become like you. Do you know where this conversation is headed? Yes, I do know where this conversation is headed. Do you want to give like I have given to you? Do you want it to be your nature to be a giver? Do you want to experience the joy of being an open handed and generous hearted giver? Yes, I want it to be my nature to be an open handed, generous hearted giver.  Yes, I want to experience the same joy that you have experienced when you have open handedly and generous heartedly given to me. Will you go where I guide you? Will you do what I ask of you? Will you give as I direct you? Will you bless the lives of others by giving them some of what I have given to you. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. Then your life will continue to be blessed as you open handedly and generous heartedly give to others.

Lord, I want to have the same kind of heart you have. I want to have open hands and a generous heart that willingly and joyfully gives to the poor and to all those who are in need. Help me to be like you and to give like you gave. Amen

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

Blessing – Deuteronomy 15-10-11 – Give Generously – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Do What Is Right

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Blessing - Psalm 106:3 - Do What Is Right - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Blessing – Psalm 106:3 – Do What Is Right – Growing As Disciples

Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right. Psalm 106:3 (NIV)

Stop Injustice

That is a word that you recognize. That is a word that is close to your heart. That is a word that gets your heart pumping and blood boiling when you see it being violated. I’m not sure what you are talking about. What word gets my heart pumping and blood boiling when it is violated? What word is close to my heart? Justice is the word that is close to your heart. Injustice is the word that gets your heart pumping and blood boiling. You can’t stand to see injustice in the world. You can’t simply walk right on by injustice when you see it. No, I cannot. Seeing injustice calls me to attention. Injustice doesn’t just arouse my emotions. Injustice doesn’t just engage my thoughts. Seeing injustice calls me to action. I can’t sit idly by in the presence of injustice. I can’t leave things just as they are and let injustice continue to go unchallenged. That is very good.

How do you think I feel about injustice in the world? I am positive that you hate injustice in the world. Why is that? What makes you so certain that I hate injustice in the world? Let me ask you a few questions. Go ahead, ask me whatever you would like. You are making me to be like you, are you not? Yes, I am making you to be like me. As I continue to follow you, I will become more like you, will I not? Yes, you will become more like me moment by moment, day by day and year by year as you continue to follow me. Well, the longer I follow you, the less tolerant I am of injustice in the world. The closer I follow you, the more I want to do what is right by taking action steps to stop injustice in the world. That is very good. I’m not done asking questions. Keep on asking. You are good and right and just, are you not? Yes, I am good and right and just. You created this world to reflect your nature, isn’t that right? Yes, this world was meant to be a reflection of my nature. You created this world to be good and right and just, did you not? Yes, I created this world to be good and right and just. This is a sin broken world that is not functioning according to either your desire or nature, isn’t that true? Yes, that is true. So, you can clearly see why I know, without a doubt, that you hate injustice in the world. Yes, I can see that. I am very glad that you can see that. Will you do what is right and take action steps to stop injustice in the world? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, open my eyes to see injustice in the world. Help me to know what role and responsibility you want me to take on in maintaining justice, where I am, in this world. Use me as a light, by doing right, to bring glory to your name. Amen

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

Blessing – Psalm 106-3 – Do What Is Right – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Like A Tree

 

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Psalm 1:1-3 - Like A Tree - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Psalm 1:1-3 – Like A Tree – Growing As Disciples

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)

A Blessed Life

Do you want to live a life that I can bless? Do you want to bear fruit for my kingdom? Do you want to bring glory to my name? Do you want to live your life with and for me? Do you want to go where I send you? Do you want to do what I ask of you? Yes, I want to live a life that you can bless. I want to live a life that can be used by you. Yes, I want to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. How can I live my life with and for you? How can I live a life that is pleasing to you? How can I live a life that you can bless? Those are good questions.

If you want to live a life that I can bless, you will do two things. What two things? You must stay away from evil of every kind. You will not sit with evil. You will not walk with evil. You will not stand with evil. You will separate yourself from every form of evil. You will not think what evil thinks. You will not say what evil says. You will not do what evil does. Separating myself from evil of every kind seems like an impossible task. Why is that? Evil is all around me. This is a broken world that is filled with evil of every kind. Yes, it is. My life is constantly being bombarded with the thoughts and opinions and values of an evil world. Yes, it is. Are you asking me to withdraw from the world completely? No, I am not. You are in the world. But, you are not of the world. The task of withdrawing from evil of every kind seems even more difficult. How will I ever be able to resist evil? How will I ever be able to stand against evil? How will I ever be able to have victory over the evil that is in the world? Those are good questions. To be able to resist and stand against evil you must meditate on my word day and night. My word will strengthen you. My word will guard you. My word will protect you. My word will guide you to where I want you to go. My word will help you to do what I will ask you to do. So, you want me to withdraw from evil while I am meditating on your word day and night? Yes, it is my word that will give you victory over evil. It is my word that will make you able to live a life that I can and will bless. My word will help you to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. I will separate myself from evil and I will meditate on your word day and night. That will be very good.

Lord, here I am. I have withdrawn from evil of every kind. I will not sit, walk or stand with evil. I will not think what evil thinks. I will not say what evil says. I will not do what evil does. Instead, make me fruitful for you as I meditate on your word day and night. Amen

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

Identity – Psalm 1-1-3 – Like A Tree – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

You Are The Branches

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - John 15:5-8 - You Are The Branches - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – John 15:5-8 – You Are The Branches – Growing As Disciples

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:5-8 (NIV)

Connected

Apart from me you can do nothing. That seems hard to believe, doesn’t it? You would think that you would be able to accomplish something all on your own. Think about one of your greatest accomplishments that you accomplished with your own efforts. Do you have something in mind? Yes, I do. How highly will your accomplishment be regarded in 50 years? Will it be remembered? Will it amount to something of great value? Will it have stood the test of time? Before, you answer that last question let’s evaluate your accomplishment a million years from now? Now, you can answer my questions. In a million years from now, or in the light of all eternity, my own accomplishments will amount to nothing. They will have been forgotten. They will have turned to dust. They will not have lasted. They will not be remembered. My own accomplishments will not even be a very small foot note in history. That’s true. Now, do you believe me when I say, “apart from me you can do nothing”? Yes, I do. You are saying that I can do nothing on my own that will bear fruit for all eternity. That’s right.

I would like to bear fruit that will last for all eternity. I would like you to use my life in ways that will bear fruit for your kingdom and glory. I would like to live my life so that I remain vitally connected to you. I want what you want. How will you remain vitally connected to me? How will you allow me to use your life to bear fruit for all eternity? I will live in an intimate relationship with you. I will draw near to you. I will come into your presence. I will listen to everything you want to say to me. I will submit myself to you. I will receive your guidance. I will follow your directions. I will go where you guide me. I will do what you ask of me. I will allow you to use my life as a tool in your hands. Then you will bear fruit for my kingdom and glory.

Lord, you are the vine and I am a branch. Help me to remain vitally connected to you. Feed, nourish and sustain my life. Help me to receive all I will need from you so I will be able to bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Amen

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

Identity – John 15-5-8 – You Are The Branches – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Pleasing In Your Sight

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Psalm 19:14 - Pleasing In Your Sight - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Psalm 19:14 – Pleasing In Your Sight – Growing As Disciples

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NIV)

Thoughts And Words

You want both my thoughts and words to be pleasing to you? That seems like a very difficult task. If you only wanted my words to be pleasing to you, then I might have had a fighting chance. You think you can control the words of your mouth? You think you might be able to never say a word that doesn’t please me? Well, no, I guess I don’t. That’s honest. That’s true. I’m not sure that I could go an entire day without saying something that is displeasing to you. If I never said a word then I wouldn’t say anything that displeases you. Would you never saying anything be pleasing to me? Do you think that I will never call you to speak what you have in your heart and on your mind? I think you want me to speak freely with you. You want me to tell you what is on my heart and in my mind. That’s right. Your talking with me will be pleasing to me. I’d like to talk to you. Then we both want the same thing. 

Then, I’ll start talking. Go right ahead, I’m listening. Only you can make me able to think thoughts and speak words that are pleasing to you. That’s true. Without your help, I will never have a mind and a mouth that consistently thinks and speaks thoughts and words that are pleasing to you. That is also true. That is a very important realization on your part. How so? It is important for you to come to rely on me. It is vitally important that you know that you need my help with even something so basic as your thoughts and words. I know that I need your help, that is for sure. I have no doubt about that. That is very good.

How do you think I will make you able to think thoughts and speak words that are pleasing to me? I think you will need to change my heart and transform my mind for that to be possible. Nothing less radical will work, even a little bit. That’s true. What will I use to change your heart and transform your mind? You will use your word to change my heart and transform my mind. How so? As I meet with you in your word you will cleanse and heal and change and transform my heart and mind. Your word will give me your thoughts to think. Your word will give me your words to speak. Your word will give me your deeds to do. You will guard and guide my life with your word. You will strengthen me by your word. Your word will make me able to resist evil and stand against temptation. As your word dwells in me richly I will begin to think your thoughts, speak your words and do your deeds. That’s right. Will you meet with me in my word? Will you allow my words to dwell in you richly? Yes, I will. That will be very good. That will be pleasing to me.

Lord, I want all my thoughts and words to be pleasing to you. Use your word to change my heart and transform my mind. Make me able to think and speak in ways that please and honor and glorify you. I trust you fully because you are my rock and redeemer. Amen

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

Identity – Psalm 19-14 – Pleasing In Your Sight – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Love One Another

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - 1 John 4:7-12 - Love One Another - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – 1 John 4:7-12 – Love One Another – Growing As Disciples

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:7-12 (NIV)

Loved You

How have I loved you? You have loved me without hesitation. You have loved me without limit. You have loved me completely. You have loved me without conditions. How so? Well, you came into this world for me. You emptied yourself of all your rights and power and authority. You humbled yourself and took on the form of a servant. You lived in this world for me. You died on the cross for me. You made it so I could be forgiven of all my sins. You cleansed me of all my unrighteousness. You made it so I could live and walk in an intimate relationship with you. You did all of these things not because of me. I had no merit. I was living and walking as your enemy. I was living my life apart from you. I was living as if you did not exist. I thought that I would never want or need in anyone or anything from you. But, you would not let me go. No, I would not. You pursued me. You watched out for me. You came to me when I cried out to you. Yes, I did. You did not greet me with blame and shame. You did not condemn me. You welcomed me with your arms open wide. You celebrated my coming to you. You allowed me to taste of your kindness and mercy. You revived and refreshed and restored my soul. You lavishly poured your love over me. I now love you because you first loved me. That’s right, yes, you do.

What kind of example have I set before you? You have shown me how to love. You have made me able to love. You are now asking me to love others just as you have loved me. What would that mean? You want me to love others with your love. You want your love to flow in and through me. You want others to be drawn to you through your love flowing through me. You want me to be a vessel in which your love can be poured out. You want me to love even those who seem to be unlovable. Yes, I do. Will you allow my love to flow through your life? Yes, I will. That will be very good.

Father, I was an unlovable person, living my own way and doing my own thing. I was on my own path walking away from you. Yet, your love sought me out and drew me back to you. Help me to love others just as you loved me. Amen

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

Identity – 1 John 4-7-12 – Love One Another – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Hungry – Satisfied

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Rhythms - Luke 6:21 - Hungry - Satisfied - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Rhythms – Luke 6:21 – Hungry – Satisfied – Growing As Disciples

“Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Luke 6:21 (ESV)

Hunger

I had this hunger within me. I felt empty. My life was meaningless. I felt hopelessness. No matter what I did, or what I tried I could not fill the void that was within me. I searched for answers. I went on a journey to find myself, whatever that meant, I’m not sure. I do know now, that finding myself was not the answer. There was nothing within me to find that would give me hope and meaning and purpose. I was living a self-sufficient, self-centered and self-indulgent life, all of which made it even more difficult for me to see what was missing in my life. I did not realize that the empty hole in my life was God shaped. I did not know that as I was searching for answers, you were pursuing me. I was thinking that I might find myself. You were knowing that one day I would reach rock bottom and cry out to you. Yes, I was watching and waiting for you to turn your life around and over to me. I knew that it would be just a matter of time before you would cry out to me to ask for my help. I know that the day would come when you would leave your self-sufficient, self-centered and self-indulgent life behind. You wanted something more. You wanted something else. You wanted something different. You wanted me.  Yes, I did. Yes, I do. That is very good.

You have done some very special things for me. You have given me this great gift. Tell me about it. You have given me this insatiable hunger for you. I hunger and thirst for you and the life that you have called me to live. I am filled with passion to want to know you. I am filled with desire to do your will. The things of this life mean nothing to me. You mean everything to me. It is the joy of my life to do what is pleasing to you. I want to go wherever you guide me. I want to do whatever you ask of me. You have filled my life with hope and meaning and purpose as I love, follow and serve you. I don’t know what tomorrow will hold. I don’t know all the plans you have for me. I don’t know the next step that you will guide me to take. I only know that I am following you. My life is in your hands. I am filled with a continual hunger for you, that you are continually satisfying. For that, I am thankful now and forever. That is very good.

Lord, there was an emptiness in my life. There was a big hole and empty void. It took me quite a while to figure out that you were the only one who could fill my empty life. Thank you for giving me a continual hunger for you, that you are continually satisfying. Amen

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

Rhythms – Luke 6-21 – Hungry – Satisfied – 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