Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Gratitude – 1 Thessalonians 2:13 – Your Faith Is Growing – Growing As Disciples
And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NIV)
Received
That is a very important word. What’s that? Received, is a very important word. How so? I will ask you a few questions to help you understand the importance of the word, received. Go ahead, I’m listening. It is very good that you are listening. Here are my questions. How are you receiving my word into your life? How has receiving my word into your life allowed me to use my word to work in your life? How have I used my word to change your heart, transform your mind and guide your life? How are your thoughts, words and deeds different because my word has been working in you? How has the entire course of your life changed because my word has been working in you? What will happen to your life if you do not continue to receive my word into it? You have asked a lot of questions. You can start answering them now.
I will start by answering your first and last questions. That’s great. I am meeting with your word. I have set apart a time and a place to meet every day with you in your word. I am meditating on your word day and night. I am letting your word dwell in me richly. How so? I am reading your word. I am studying your word. I am meditating on and memorizing your word. I am praying your word. I am proclaiming your word to others. I am taking a firm hold of your word so that it takes a firm hold of me. What do you mean by that? Well, in every way possible I am receiving your word into my life and then I am putting it into practice as I love, follow and serve you. That is very good. What would happen if you didn’t receive my word into your life and then put into practice? That was your last question. Yes, it was. Your working in my life will be hindered and short circuited if I don’t receive your word into my life and then put it into practice. That’s true.
What kind of work has my word been doing in you? Your word has been changing my heart, transforming my mind and guiding my life. How so? Your word has broken me free from bondages that once entangled my life. Your word has made me able to stand against evil and resist temptation. Your word has given me new thoughts to think, words to speak and deeds to do. Your word has set me on fire to want to know and do your will. Your word has given me a passion to want to do what is pleasing to you. Your word has changed the entire course of my life. Yes, it has. Keep on receiving my word into your life. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your word. Daily I am receiving your word into my life. Use your word to do your work in my life. Use your word to change my heart, transform my mind and guide my life. Thank you for molding and shaping me with your word. Amen
For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:
Gratitude – 2 Thessalonians 1-3 – Your Faith Is Growing – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide
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