Monthly Archives: October 2018

Put Aside Deeds Of Darkness

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Let Us - Romans 13:12-14 - Put Aside Deeds Of Darkness - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Let Us – Romans 13:12-14 – Put Aside Deeds Of Darkness – Growing As Disciples

The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Romans 13:12-14 (NIV) 

Put Off, Put On

You live in a world filled with darkness. You are surrounded by people who love darkness and are attracted to evil.  This is not true of you, at least not now. You have put off darkness and evil as if they were stinky smelly old clothes. You are no longer attracted to your old life and its values, patterns and practices, is that true? Yes, I have put off darkness and evil. They no longer attract me like they once did. At one time I was like a sleepwalker walking through the sin and evil of this world. I knew nothing else. I was attracted to evil and darkness. My thoughts, words, and deeds were continually evil. You didn’t say evil and darkness have no attraction to you, did you? No, I did not. It is good that you realize that you will always be subject to temptation and evil as long as you are in this life. Why is that? Your awareness will keep you on guard against evil and darkness. Do you know where evil and darkness will attempt to attack most often? Yes, I do. Tell me. Evil and darkness will first attempt to attack me in my thoughts. Yes, that’s right. Evil and darkness will try to corrupt my thoughts, words, and deeds. But the entry that evil and darkness will seek into my life will most often be through my mind. So, what won’t you do? I won’t allow myself to entertain thoughts about how I might gratify the desires of my sinful nature. I like how you used the word entertain, why did you choose that word? An evil thought may enter my mind. I won’t let evil stay in my mind by showing it hospitality by entertaining it. Evil will be shown the door the second I become aware of its presence. Will you have the same attitude toward evil words and evil deeds? Yes, I have and will continue to separate myself from anything that I know is not pleasing to you. So, you will put off every evil thought, word and deed? Yes, That’s right. That will be very good. 

You must realize that you are not alone in putting off evil thoughts, words and deeds from your life. You can never win your battle by your own strength. You must rely on my word and my Spirit to fight in you, with, and for you against evil. You must rely on me. You don’t have to convince me. I have fought and lost many battles against evil by using my strength alone. I know that will never work. What will you put on? I will put on the armor that you have given to me. I will put on the new life of righteousness that you have given to me wear. I will allow your word to dwell in me richly. I will allow your word to strengthen and sustain me against every attack of evil and darkness. I will live the life that you have called me to live. I will live and walk in the light with you. My eyes will be fixed on you. I will be drawn to you and drawn away from evil and darkness. I will put on good thoughts, words, and deeds that you have given me to think, say, and do. Then you will be living fully in the light with me. Yes, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I will put off deeds of darkness. I will put on the armor of light you provide so I will be able to stand against evil in the world. I will clothe myself with your righteousness so I will be able to live and walk in the light with you. Amen

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

Let Us – Romans 13-12 -14 Put Aside Deeds Of Darkness – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guides

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

Thinking These Things

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Miracles - Mark 2:8 - Thinking These Things - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Miracles – Mark 2:8 – Thinking These Things – Growing As Disciples

Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? Mark 2:8 (NIV)

Your Thoughts 

How are you guarding the thoughts that you allow your mind to think? I’m not sure what you mean. I think thoughts that come into my mind. Is your question suggesting that I can control the thoughts of my mind? Are you implying that I am not powerless to think about every thought that enters my mind? Do I have the ability to guard the thoughts that I think? What do you think? At one time, I was powerless to control the thoughts of my mind. I simply kept on thinking whatever thought came into my mind. That’s not good. No, it is not. Why is that? My thoughts will become words. My words will become deeds.  My thoughts and words and deeds will become the sum total of the life I will live. So, at one time, you had very little control over the life you would live. You were subject to whatever thoughts came into your mind. That’s true.

What has happened to you? You have been given me new thoughts to think, words to speak and deeds to do. How so? As I have been meeting with you in your word you have been changing my heart and transforming my mind. Your word has been protecting my mind. Your word has been changing me from the inside out. Day by day, you have been strengthening my heart and mind so that I can think thoughts that are pleasing to you. You have been strengthening my heart and mind so I an reject thoughts that are displeasing to you. So, you are growing in your ability  to guard the thoughts of your mind. Yes, that’s true.

Is my work in you complete? How so? Do you only think thoughts, speak words and do deeds that are pleasing to me? Are you fully living the life that I have called you to live? No, your work is not finished in me. I still think thoughts, speak words and do deeds that are not pleasing to you. I am not yet fully living the life that you have called me to live. Are you discouraged? Do you want to quit? Are you tempted to give up? No, I am not discouraged. I do not want to quit. I am not tempted to give up. Just the opposite is true. How so? I am encouraged because you are changing me moment by moment and day by day. I am the work of your hands. You are molding and shaping my life. Every day I am thinking more of your thoughts, saying more of your words and doing more of your deeds. I am more fully living the life you have called me to live. I welcome you to continue your work in me. That’s good. I will keep on changing your thoughts, words and deeds as you love, follow and serve me. 

Lord, I have thought what I would rather not think. My thoughts have led me to say what I wish I had not said. My thoughts have led me to do what I wish I had not done. Change the thoughts of my mind so that I can live the life you have called me to life. Amen

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

Miracles – Mark 2-8 – Thinking These Things – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Door Of Faith

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Faith - Acts 14:27 - Door Of Faith - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Faith – Acts 14:27 – Door Of Faith – Growing As Disciples

On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. Acts 14:27 (NIV)

Opportunity

I want you to be looking for opportunities to be used by me. I want you to keep your eyes and ears open to me. Listen carefully to all that I have to say to you. Watch attentively all that I have to show you. Don’t race right on through life. What does that mean? Don’t allow yourself to become distracted. Don’t be preoccupied. Don’t let yourself become so frantically busy that you can’t hear or see my activity in your life. Slow down. Stop and sit down. Be quiet. Listen attentively. Watch carefully. Don’t let yourself miss out on opportunities that I have placed right before you. Don’t let opportunities that are staring you right in the face go unnoticed. I will open doors for you, that I want you to walk through. I will give you things I want you to do for me. Do you understand what I am saying to you? I understand.

Apart from me you will waste your time. Apart from me you will misuse your life. You will go the wrong direction. You will try to accomplish the wrong things. You will not know my purposes. You will not accomplish my plans. Apart from me you can do nothing. Apart from me you will bear no fruit that will last for all eternity. Apart from me you will look back on your life filled with regret of what could have been. Apart from me your gifts and abilities and talents will go unused. That would be a shame. Yes, it would be a shame. But, that won’t happen to you. Why is that? You tell me? I will follow you to where you lead me. I will do whatever you ask of me. I will live to know and do your will. I will be filled with joy as I do what is pleasing to you. My life will be a living sacrifice give to you. I will be fully devoted to loving, following and serving you. Yes, you will. I have good works prepared for you to do for me. I have a purpose and plan for your life. You will accomplish what I have given you to do. You will be found faithful. One day you will hear me say, well done, good and faithful servant. You will not misuse your life. You will live with no regrets. I know that will be true. Why is that? I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. Yes, you do and that is very good.

Lord, sometimes it has been hard to recognize a door of opportunity opening up for me to minister to others. Help me to take notice of how you are guiding me. Help me to have faith and step through doors of opportunity with you. Amen

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

Faith – Acts 14-27 – Door Of Faith – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

No Revelation

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Blessing - Proverbs 29:18 - No Revelation - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Blessing – Proverbs 29:18 – No Revelation – Growing As Disciples

Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law. Proverbs 29:18 (NIV) 

Revelation 

That is exactly what I need. What’s that? I need revelation from you. I need to hear from you. You know what to do if you want to hear from me. Yes, I do. Tell me what you know. I know that I will find you when I seek you with all my heart. I know that you will draw near to me as I draw near to you. I know that you will speak to me as I meet with you in your word. I know that I will hear from you as I stop and take time to quiet myself before you so I can listen to you.  I know that you will generously give me your wisdom when I ask you for it. I also know that I am unlikely to hear from you as I race through life. I am certain that the noise and busyness of life will make it very difficult for me to hear from you. So, what will you do? Will you seek me with all your heart? Will you stop to hear from me? Will you turn your heart and mind toward me? Will you allow my word to speak into your life? Will you accept the wisdom that I want to generously give you? Yes Lord, I will.

What has my word done for you as you have received it into your heart and mind and life? Your word has guarded me. Your word has guided me. Your word has given me wisdom. Your word has kept me on track. Your word has kept me from going where I should not go. Your word has prevented me from doing what I should not do. Your word has brought my heart and mind and life into alignment with your will. Your word has helped me to do what is pleasing in your sight. Yes, my word has and will continue to do all these things for you. 

But, you are a little desperate right now. You are in a bind. You are under attack. You are on the verge of becoming discouraged and depressed and downcast. Is this all true? Yes Lord, this is all true. Then this is a good opportunity for you to come to rely on me. Seek me with all your heart. Meet with me in my word. Receive the wisdom I want to give to you. Stop and listen carefully to me. Hear and receive and put into practice all that I will show you. Do what is pleasing in my sight. Keep on living the life that I have called you to live. Have faith. Will you place all your hope and faith and trust in me? Will you allow my word to guard and guide you? Yes Lord, I will. That is very good.  

Lord, thank you for your word. Speak to me as I meet with you in your word. Show me what you want me to see. Help me to hear all you want to say to me. Guard and guide my life according to your word as I follow and obey you. Amen

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

Blessing – Proverbs 29-18 – No Revelation – 4 Page Discipleship Study Guide

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

Open His Eyes

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Prayer - 2 Kings 6:15-17 - Open His Eyes - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Prayer – 2 Kings 6:15-17 – Open His Eyes – Growing As Disciples

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17 (NIV)

Look And See 

Open your eyes. Take a good look. What am I supposed to see that I am not seeing? That is a very good question. I’m sure that I am missing something. I’m positive that I don’t see what you see. I would like to see what you see. I would like to know what you know. I would like to do what you have given me to do. I would like to have eyes of faith that see beyond what my own human eyes alone can see. How can I see with eyes of faith? That is an even better question.

I have questions to ask you. I’m listening. “Listening”, now that is the very first step in seeing with eyes of faith. If you want to see with eyes of faith you will need to listen attentively to me. If you want to see what I have for you to see, then you must pay attention to me. You will not see with eyes of faith while you are on the run, busy, distracted or on the go. You will need to slow down and come to complete stop to see with eyes of faith. You must ask me to show you what I have for you to see. Will you stop to listen to what I want to say to you? You will stop to look at all that I want to show you?  Yes, Lord, I will.

I understand what you are saying to me. “Understanding,” now that is the next step in seeing with eyes of faith. You must consider carefully all that I am saying to you. You must reflect on what I have shown you. You must ask for my wisdom. You must seek my counsel. You must rely on my insight. The unfolding of what I want you to see will not happen in an instant. You must be patient You must be consistent. You must be persistent. Keep on coming to me. Keep on asking from me. Keep on relying on me. Believe that I will give you wisdom. Believe that I will give you insight. I will help you to know what you do not know. I will help you too see what you cannot see. Will you carefully consider all that I am showing to you? Yes, Lord, I will. Then you will see with eyes of faith. You will be able to know and do my will. You will know that I am with you to help you through every battle you will face in life. 

Lord, with my eyes I can’t see the whole picture. I can’t see what you want me to see. Sometimes, I have thought I was alone and on my own in a battle in life. Open my eyes to see your work in, around, for and through me. I know you are right here with me. Amen

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

Prayer – Day 2 – 2 Kings 6-15-17 – Open His Eyes – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

For Those Who Mistreat You

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Prayer - Luke 6:27-31 - For Those Who Mistreat You - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Prayer – Luke 6:27-31 – For Those Who Mistreat You – Growing As Disciples

“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:27-31 (NIV)

My Enemies

I hear you. I’m listen carefully to you. My eyes and ears and heart and mind and life are focused on you. You have my full attention. I am following your example. How so? How are you following my example? What example of mine do you now have in your heart and mind? What example of mine do you want to put into practice in your life? I know that you love me. That is very obvious. You came into this world for me. You gave your life as a payment for my sin. You died on the cross so that I could be forgiven and cleansed of all my unrighteousness. How did I respond to your love? I was disinterested. How did I receive the gift that you made available to me? I ignored it. I rejected it. I was sure that I didn’t need or want it. I walked on a path that led away from you. I lived a life of sin and darkness. I did what I wanted when I wanted it. I lived solely for my comfort and pleasure. I did whatever I felt like doing. I firmly rejected the new life that you wanted to give to me. Beyond that, I lived as your enemy. Need I say more about myself? No, you need say no more about yourself. But, you would not let me go. Your love pursued me. Your love surrounded me. You showed me your kindness, mercy and love. No doubt, you prayed for me as I lived as your enemy. I did not deserve your kindness and mercy and love. I did nothing to merit your forgiveness and cleansing. Yet, you kept on loving me. You kept on doing good things for me. Your love drew me back to you. Your love made me able to accept the new life that you wanted to give to me. Your love made me able to receive your forgiveness and cleansing. Your love adopted me into your family. You are my God and father. I am your child. Yes, you are.

This is the example that you have set before me. You loved me as I lived as one of your enemies. Yes, I did. You want me to become like you. Yes, I do. You want me to love my enemies. You want me to do good things and pray for those who have hurt and mistreated me. Yes, I do. You want me to shine brightly as a bold witness for you in the world. Yes, I do. You want others to see your love and life being lived out in and through me. Yes, I do. Will you love others just as I have loved you? Will you pray for your enemies? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. Then you will be my bright and bold witness in the world. 

Lord, you showed your love to me when I was one of your enemies. You have given me an example to follow. I will love my enemies. I will do good things for those who have hurt and mistreated me. Help me to shine brightly as a bold witness for you in the world. Amen

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

Prayer – Luke 6-27-31 – For Those Who Mistreat You – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Your Servant Is Listening

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Prayer - 1 Samuel 3:7-10 - Your Servant Is Listening - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Prayer – 1 Samuel 3:7-10 – Your Servant Is Listening – Growing As Disciples

Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. The LORD called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:7-10 (NIV)

Ready To Listen?

Are you ready to listen? What do you mean by asking me that? Do you want to hear from me? Yes, of course I want to hear from you. Who would not want to hear from you? Do you think that I will shout to you over the noise of the world so that I will be able to grab your attention? Do you think that I will remove you from the busyness of the world by making your life come to a complete stop, so you will be able to hear from me? You might, your doing either one or both of those things is a real possibility. Do you think shouting at you, forcing you to come to a complete stop, so you can hear from me, are the primary ways I want to communicate with you? No, they are not the normal ways of your acting in my life. Only in an extreme case might you shout at me or force me to come to a complete stop, so that I can hear from you. That’s true. Why is that? You want me to live in a close and intimate relationship with you. You want me to draw near to you as you draw near to me. That’s right.

So, are you ready to listen? Yes, I am ready to listen. I will bring myself to a complete stop so that I can hear from you. I will draw near to you. I will sit at your feet. I will rest in your presence. I will quiet myself before you. I will make myself attentive to you. I will listen carefully to every word that you want to say to me.

What do you know about listening to me? I know that you will speak to me in a still quiet voice. I know that you will not barge into my life. I know that learning to listen to you will require my full attention. I know that learning to hear your voice will take time and patience and practice. I know that how well I listen to you will determine how well I serve you. Will you give yourself fully to listening to me? Yes Lord, I will give myself fully to listening to you. That will be very good.

Lord, it is the utmost desire of my heart to live in an intimate relationship with you. I want to hear your voice speaking to me. I want to listen to every word you have to say. I will sit down. I will quiet myself before you. I will listen carefully and serve you well. Amen

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

Prayer – Day 1 – 1 Samuel 3-7-10 – Your Servant Is Listening – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Disciplines Us

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - God The Father - Hebrews 12:9-11 - Disciplines Us - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – God The Father – Hebrews 12:9-11 – Disciplines Us – Growing As Disciples

Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:9-11 (NIV)

In Training

As you know I have never been a fan of being disciplined. Now, I would like to say something quite different. What’s that? I know that you are fair and just. I know that you are kind and loving. I know that you care for me. I know that If I need to be disciplined for my own good you will provide it. There is no doubt in my mind about this. So, I welcome your discipline in my life. You are saying something that is quite different. Yes, I am.

What do you hope my discipline will accomplish in your life? I hope to be molded and shaped by your discipline. I hope to be purified and transformed by your discipline. I want your discipline to help me to think your thoughts, speak your words and do your deeds. I want my heart and mind and life to be guided by your discipline. That is very good.

What do you think my discipline will look and feel like? I’m not positive. I have one strong suspicion. What’s that? Well, let me first say what I think I know for sure. What’s that? Your discipline will not be punitive. Your discipline will not be like a punishment. Your discipline will not feel like a spanking. Are you sure? Not completely. Maybe, your discipline could sometimes feel like a kick in the but or a spanking. It could. But, for the most part, I suspect that your discipline will look and feel more like being in training. Yes, it will. 

Do you welcome my training in your life? Yes, I welcome your training in my life. I am encouraged and strengthened by your training. I am given purpose and meaning and hope by your training. Your training will make me to be more like you. To be like you is the desire of my heart. To be like you is the goal of my life. To be disciplined and trained by you gives me peace. To be trained by you will help me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Yes, it will.

Heavenly Father, I have not enjoyed the discipline I have received from you. I now know that you have disciplined me for my own good because you love me. Help me to follow you so closely that I won’t need a lot of discipline. Amen

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

God The Father – Hebrews 12-9-11 – Disciplines Us – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

On Your Guard

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Faith - 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 - On Your Guard - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Faith – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 – On Your Guard – Growing As Disciples

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)

On Guard 

Don’t I know it. Don’t you know what? Don’t I know it that I need to be on guard against all the temptations of this world. That sounds like the voice of experience. It is. I have learned time and time again that if I’m not constantly on guard I will fall into temptation. Nothing is more foolish than to think that I can stand firm in my faith without your help. There is no greater mistake than to think that I can rely on my myself for the courage and strength I will need to overcome the difficulties I will face in this world. Nothing is more impossible than to do everything in love without your love flowing in and through me. You have learned some priceless life lessons. Yes, but not without a lot of missteps, mistakes and setbacks. Sometimes, that is the only way to learn valuable lessons. I just wish I was a quicker learner. You will never stop growing and learning and changing as you love, follow and serve me. I have no doubt about that. That’s good.

So, what do you want to do differently? I want to come to rely on you for your help. I know that I have said that before, many times. I have mouthed those words to you and to myself. Now, I mean it. Now, I am serious. Now is different. How so? I have had enough. In the past, I have pridefully relied on myself. This is a new day. This is a new beginning. I will not come running to you in a moment of crisis. I won’t wait to draw near to you when I am in trouble or have a great need. No, starting now, I will set apart a regular time and place to meet with you daily. I want to live and walk in an intimate relationship with you. Then I will be on guard. Then I will be standing firm. Then I will be bold and courageous. Then I will be able to love others just as you have loved me. In your presence, you will prepare me. In your presence, you will change me. In your presence, you will make me strong and give me courage. In your presence, you will make me to be like you. You will help me to do everything in love. Yes, I will. Draw near to me and I will draw near to you. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, on my own I’m weak. On my own I will fall into temptation. On my own I have no strength. Only you can help me to stand firm in my faith. Only you can make courageous. Only you can make me able to love others as you have loved me. I will rely on you. Amen

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

Faith – 1 Corinthians 16-13-14 – On Your Guard – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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