Monthly Archives: March 2019

Crucified To Me

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 31 - Galatians 6:14 - Crucified To Me - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 31 – Galatians 6:14 – Crucified To Me – Growing As Disciples

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14 (NIV)

Dead

That usually isn’t a very attractive and desirable word. What word is that? Dead, is not an attractive and desirable world. But, it is in this case, isn’t it? Yes, it is. Why is that? How could it possibly be attractive and desirable to be dead? If I weren’t dead, then I wouldn’t be alive. Now, that has got to sound very confusing to some. Say more about what you mean. When you died on the cross, I died with you. My old life and all its sinful patterns and practices and values died with you on the cross. On the cross, you paid for my sins. On the cross, you cleansed my unrighteousness. Your death on the cross secured a new life for me. Not only did my old life die, but, my new life in you came alive. That is why I can say that if I my old life did not die; I could not have received a new life in you. That’s true. That is why is very attractive and desirable that my old life is dead, and now I have a completely new life in you. That is very good. 

What has changed about you since you received a completely new life in me? Everything about me has changed. First and foremost is that I now live in a close and intimate relationship with you. You are the Savior and Lord of my life. It is my highest desire to live a life that is pleasing to you. I want to know you. I want to live my life with and for you. Beyond that, all my thoughts, and words and deeds are different. My new life in you has made me completely new. My old life would not be recognizable as once having once been a part of me. My new life in you, is now a bold and bright and shining witness for you in the world. Others would and have given thanks and praise to you for the work you have done, are doing and will do in my life. Now, I can take no credit for your working in and through my life. I will also say that I need to come to rely on you for any true and real and lasting fruit to be born through my life. I also know that I am not perfect. I still do make mistakes, take missteps and sin against you, for which I am and will be forgiven. That’s true. I also want to say that two facts remain certain. Which are? My old life is dead and gone. I have a completely new to live in you, which you are helping me to live every day, as I love, follow and serve you. Yes, I am. For that I am thankful beyond measure. That is very good. 

Lord, I have been crucified with you. My old life is now dead and go. It died on the cross with you. The world and its desires are dead to me. You have given me a completely new life to live in you. Help me to be fully alive to you and the new life you have for me. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 31 – Galatians 6-14 – Crucified To Me – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

A Servant Of Christ

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 30 - Galatians 1:10 - A Servant Of Christ - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 30 – Galatians 1:10 – A Servant Of Christ – Growing As Disciples

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

Approval

I certainly don’t want to live for that. You don’t want to live for what? I don’t want to live for the approval of men. Why is that? Living for the approval of men is a waste of time and energy. How so? It’s like trying to please everyone. That’s an impossible task. Let me tell you, I’m speaking from experience. Living to please others leaves a person weary and worn out. Not only it is impossible, it is also thankless. I could run myself ragged and somewhere, someone would be unhappy and disapprove of my efforts. So, you won’t try to please anyone, is that correct? No, that is not correct.

Who will you live to please? First, let me say that there is another even more important reason not to try to live to please men. A choice needs to be made. Why is that? It is impossible to try and please both you and men. What you desire and what men desire are in direct conflict with each other. Mankind is self-serving. Mankind seeks its own benefit. Mankind wants comfort and pleasure. Mankind has hopes and dreams and desires that are entirely earthly and completely unspiritual. Mankind lives in opposition to you. That’s true.

So, it is your desire to live to please me? Yes, it is my desire to live in ways that please you. I want to live as your servant in the world. I want to go and do whatever you ask of me. I want to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. I want to shine as your light in the world. In every way and on every day, I want to be faithful to you. I want to live a life that is approved by you. I want your hand to guide me. I want your favor to rest on me. Those are very good desires. There is something more that you want to say, isn’t there? Yes, there is. I’m listening. I know you are always listening. I know that you know what I am going to say even before I say it. That’s true. Well, here goes, I can’t make myself faithful. I can’t make myself fruitful. On my own, with my own strength, I can’t live a life that is pleasing to you. Only your light can shine in and through me. Only you can help me to live a life that is approved by you. For me to be fruitful your hand will need to guide me, and your favor will need to rest on me. Is that your prayer? Is that your request? Is that your urgent desire? Yes, it is. I will hear and answer your prayer. You will live to please me. You will live a life that has my approval. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, for far too often I cared entirely too much about others thought about me. I lived for the approval of men. I tried to live up to everyone’s expectations. What a foolish mistake. No more of that! Now, I will live as your servant, seeking to solely please you. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 30 – Galatians 1-10 – A Servant Of Christ – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

If God Is For Us

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 27 - Romans 8:31-32 - If God Is For Us - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 27 – Romans 8:31-32 – If God Is For Us – Growing As Disciples

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:31-32 (NIV) 

No Greater Or Better Gift

Do you have any doubts? Do I have any doubts about what? Do you have any doubts about me being for you? Do you know that I am on your side? Do you believe that I love and care for you? Do you know that I am watching over you? Do you realize that I never stop thinking about you? I am with you to help you. I am guarding and guiding you. I am molding and shaping you. Your life is in my hands. I am your Heavenly Father. You have been adopted into my family. You are my child. I delight to hear from you. I have no doubts about anything that you have said. That’s good.

Why don’t you have any doubts about my love for you? Why do you know that I am for you? How can you be sure that I am on your side? You made the supreme sacrifice for me. You sent your Son into the world to die for me. He paid for my sins. His blood cleansed me of my unrighteousness. He made it so I could live in an intimate relationship with you. He secured a place in heaven for me. Could there have been a greater or better gift that you could have given me? Could you have done something more dramatic for me? Could you have demonstrated your love for me with any greater clarity? The answer to all three of those questions is the same. No, there is no greater or better gift you could have given me. No, you could not have done something more dramatic for me. No, you could not more clearly demonstrate your love for me. So, here I am in humble and awe filled thankfulness that I cannot adequately express. I can only say, that I now love you because you first loved me. I will draw near to you, because you have drawn near to me. I will walk with you because I know that you are walking with me. I am and will continue to joyfully give my life fully to you. I know that you will give me all that I need as I love, follow and serve you. I know that you will hear and answer my prayers because you love me. There is no greater or better gift than your love. I have no doubt about that. That is very good.  

Heavenly Father, what can I say? How can I respond? I am in thankful awe knowing you are on my side. You love and care for me. You gave your Son for me. Now, I have a new and intimate life with you. Thank you for your goodness to me. You hear my prayers. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 27 – Romans 8-31-32 – If God Is For Us – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Obey My Teaching

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 26 - John 14:23-24 - Obey My Teaching - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 26 – John 14:23-24 – Obey My Teaching – Growing As Disciples

Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. John 14:23-24 (NIV)

Love Me 

Do you love me? Yes, I love you. I love you with all that is within me. I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. How do you know that you love me? How is your love for me demonstrated? How is your love for me on display for all to see? I know that I love you because it is the passionate desire of my heart to love, follow and obey you. It is not some burdensome task for me to love, follow and obey you. It is my joy to go and do whatever you ask of me. I look for ways to do what is pleasing in your sight. It is to my great sadness when I have come to realize that I have not gone and done whatever you have asked of me. Even then, I continue on in my desire to love, follow and obey you, with all that is within me. It is the goal of my life that I become like you. I want to know you. I want to live my life with and for you. I want your love to live in me. I want your love to flow through me. Hopefully and prayerfully, with a heart filled with faith, others will see your love in and flowing through me to them. That is how I pray that my love for you will be demonstrated and on display. It is my prayer that your love flowing through me will be a clear and bold and bright witness for you in the world. That will be very good.

What do you know now about your love for me and my love for you? I know that you will help me to love you more fully and completely. You will keep on drawing me closer to you. You will keep on making me to be more like you. I know that you have and will continue to come and make your home within me. I am not alone in this world. You are living and working in and through me. Your hand is on me. Your favor rests on me. You are using me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Yes, I am. You can be sure of that. Keep on loving and following and serving me. Yes, I will. That will be very good. 

Lord, I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I know that the true demonstration of my love will be my following and obeying you. Help me to follow and obey you. Come and make your home in me. Live in and through my life for your glory. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 26 – John 14-23-24 – Obey My Teaching – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Be Transformed

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 25 - Romans 12:1-2 - Be Transformed - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 25 – Romans 12:1-2 – Be Transformed – Growing As Disciples

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)  

Conformed Or Transformed?

I see that I have a very clear choice to make. What choice do you have to make? You’re asking me? Yes, I’m asking you. I would like to hear you describe the choice before you. I would even like to hear why you think you must make a choice, in the first place. You are correct, make no mistake about it. A choice is before you. You must make a choice. Doing nothing would be a choice, in a sense, isn’t that correct? Yes, that is correct. But, let’s talk more about the choice you want to make. You have no interest in doing nothing, is that correct? Yes, that is correct. I want to be transformed. I have no desire to remain as I am. I also no longer want to be conformed to the world. I don’t want my life to be conformed to the patterns and practices of the world. I don’t want to think what the world thinks. I don’t want to speak like the world speaks. I don’t want to do what the world does. If I do nothing at all, if I fail to make a different choice, I will continue to be conformed to the world. That outcome would be certain. That eventually would be sure. Why is that? Every day the world is bombarding me with its thoughts, values and practices. Without aggressive action and a different course, I will be no different than every other person that is living in this world. That is true.

What would your life look like if you were to be transformed? How is it possible for you to be transformed? I will tell you one thing. What’s that? I can’t transform myself. Why is that? Only you can change my heart. Only you can transform my mind. Only you can change the thoughts of my mind, words of my mouth and the actions of my life. You said you needed to take aggressive action and a different course. Yes, I did. What action will you take? What course will you choose? I will choose to follow you. I will give my life to you. I will submit myself fully to you. I will allow you to change my heart, transform my mind and guide my life. I will seek to know and do your will. I will desire to live a life that is fully pleasing to you. That is very good.

How will I transform you? What tool will I use to change your heart, transform your mind and guide your life? I know you will use all of life to transform me. Yes, I will. I also know that you will primarily use your word to help me to know and do your will. As I meet with you in your word, you will change my heart and transform my mind. Your word will give me new thoughts to think. Your word will give me new words to speak. Your word will give me new actions to take. Your word will help me to understand your good and pleasing and perfect will. You will use your word to help me to live a transformed life that is pleasing to you. Yes, I will. 

Lord, for a very long time I sat passively and allowed my mind to be conformed to the patterns, practices and values of the world. Not anymore! Now, I want to know and do your will. Use your word to transform my mind so I can live a life that is pleasing to you. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 25 – Romans 12-1-2 – Be Transformed – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Renewed Day By Day

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 24 - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Renewed Day By Day - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 24 – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 – Renewed Day By Day – Growing As Disciples

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV) 

Renewed Inwardly

I don’t know why I thought I would be young forever. How have all the years gone by so quickly? Who is that old person staring back at me in the mirror? Is that really me? I can hardly believe it. I can think of days long ago that seem like yesterday. People and places and things are all quite different, nothing looks the same. Everything has changed. Nothing remains as it once was.  Now, I know without a doubt, that this life is like a blink of an eye or a snap of the fingers. Soon, my life here will be over. I could be sad. I could be discouraged. I could be depressed. I could feel the pain and suffering of loss. But, I don’t. I think and feel none of those things. Why is that? My heart and mind and life are not focused on this life. What I can see from this life does not command my attention. In many ways this life is like a mirage up ahead on a hot roadway. This life is not the ultimate reality. You have so much more for me. Eternal life awaits me. So, my heart and mind and life are focused on the unseen. My heart and mind and life are focused on you and heaven that is prepared for me. So, I am not discouraged or depressed. I feel no pain and suffering with loss. I have everything to gain when I begin my new life with you. Yes, you do.

But there is more. What else is there? As my outward body wastes away, I am being renewed inwardly day by day. You are molding me. You are shaping me. You have given me a new heart and mind. You have fixed my heart and mind and life on you. So, I am lifted up. I am encouraged. I am spurred on to live the rest of my life with and for you. For me, eternal life has already begun. You are now preparing me for my final destination. Soon, I will come to live forever in heaven with you. Yes, you will. I eagerly look forward to that day. That is very good.

Lord, it is obvious, my outward body is wasting away. That could be discouraging if this life was my focus. My heart and mind and life are focused on you. I’m looking at what is invisible and eternal. Keep on renewing me inwardly as I love, follow and serve you. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 24 – 2 Corinthians 4-16-18 – Renewed Day By Day – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Treasures In Heaven

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 23 - Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures In Heaven- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 23 – Matthew 6:19-21 – Treasures In Heaven- Growing As Disciples

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

Treasure In Heaven

I have definitely done that. You have definitely done what? I have tried to store up treasure on earth. I have attempted to pursue all that the world had to offer. I have sought comfort and pleasure. I have been caught in the grip of greed. I have allowed my mind to be manipulated by materialism. I have been allured by the continual desire for more. I have wanted the next latest and greatest thing that I have been told I needed to have and would be empty without. What a foolish waste of my time, talent and resources. The world and all that is in it offers a bunch of empty promises. I came into this world with nothing, I will leave this world with nothing. That is mostly, but not entirely true. What is true and what is not entirely true? You will take no material possessions and earthly treasures out of this world with you. That is true. I get that. That thought is now firmly fixed in my heart and mind. That is good, but that is not enough. What more do I need to know and do? You need to know what is not entirely true and then you need to act on it. What was not entirely true? You can store up treasure in heaven now, in this life. I need to know more about that. Yes, you do.

How can I store up treasure in heaven? Do you think it could be possible that I want to use you as a bold and bright witness in the world for me? Yes, I do. Might others be drawn to me because they have seen my love being demonstrated in and through your life? Yes, they might. Do you think it could be possible that there will be people in heaven because you have allowed me to work in and through your life? Yes, I do. I have given you gifts and talents, abilities and resources with which you can serve me. As you serve me, you will be storing up treasure in heaven. As you go where I guide you and do what I ask of you, you will be storing up in treasure in heaven. As you allow me to work in and through you, you will be storing up treasure in heaven. Do you hear what I am saying to you? Do you believe what I am saying to you? Yes Lord, I hear and believe what you are saying to me. Will you do the work I give you to do? Will you begin to store up treasure in heaven with me? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I have wasted my time, talents and resources trying to store up treasure on earth. What a foolish mistake. No more! Give me a ministry to others that will make me able to store up treasure in heaven with you. Help me to bear much fruit for your kingdom. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 23 – Matthew 6-19-21 – Treasures In Heaven – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Minds Set

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 22 - Romans 8:5-8 - Mind Set - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 22 – Romans 8:5-8 – Mind Set – 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. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. Romans 8:5-8 (NIV) 

Mind Set

I want to live a life that is pleasing to you. That is what I desire. That is my hope. That is my dream. That is my prayer. That is very good. How will you live a life that is pleasing to me? There is no mystery in knowing the answer to that question. Knowing how to live a life that is pleasing to you is not something that is hidden and difficult to understand. It is quite obvious that I, and every other person, have a choice to make. Two different choices are before me. That’s right. One choice, setting my mind on the sinful nature will ultimately lead to death. That choice will lead me away from you. That choice will offer me the world and all that is in it and nothing more. Following that choice will lead me to live a bruised and battered and broken life. That life is filled with darkness and discouragement and depression. That life is without hope and meaning and purpose. It sounds like you have some experience with living that life. Yes, I do. I was on that road. I was living that life. I was pursuing my own comfort and pleasure. I was living for all that the world and had to offer. It was an alluring and deceptive life. It gave false hope and meaning and purpose. It gave me no joy. It brought me nothing but darkness and discouragement and depression. I saw first-hand what life without you looked like. I felt the bruising and battering and brokenness of life in this world. I saw clearly the death this life was bringing to me. I wanted no more. I wanted none of it. I wanted something else. I wanted more. I know now, that I wanted you. I cried out to you. I asked you to come into my life. I asked you to forgive my sins. I asked you to be my Savior and Lord. You heard and answered my prayer. You rescued me from a life without you. Yes, I did.

What about now? You mentioned you had two choices. Yes, I did. Tell me more about the choice you made. I have chosen to set my mind on the things of the Spirit. What does that mean? My heart and mind and life are focused on you. I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. My life is in your hands. I am listening to your voice. I am being guided by your Spirit. I am relying on your help. I am going where you guide me. I am doing what you ask me. My life is not focused on what this world has to offer. In every way, on every day, I want to live a life that is pleasing to you. That is very good.

Heavenly Father, I want to live a life that is pleasing to you. I want to think your thoughts, speak your words and do your deeds. I will set my mind on the things of your Spirit. Help me to fully live the life you have called me to live. Fill me with your life and peace. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 22 – Romans 8-5-8 – Minds Set – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Everything That Hinders

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 21 - Hebrews 12:1-3 - Everything That Hinders- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 21 – Hebrews 12:1-3 – Everything That Hinders- Growing As Disciples

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)  

A Race

I know that I am in a race. I know that a course has been marked out for me. There is even a cheering section surrounding me, filled with faithful men and women who have gone before me. They are spurring me on. They are encouraging me to run well. They are cheering for me. Their lives have served as a testimony. They have given me an example to follow. I want to run well. I want to persevere. I want to finish the race. I definitely don’t want to grow weary and lose heart. I will not quit. I will not give up. I will keep on moving forward with you. That is very good.

What will you do so that you will be able to run well and finish your race? First, I will throw off everything that will hinder me from running well. Like what? I won’t carry around anything extra that will weigh me down. Like what? I won’t pursue the comforts and pleasures of the world. I won’t seek after what the world has to offer. What else? Well, I won’t let sin entangle me. How will you do that? Not, with my own strength and ability alone, that is for sure. I will keep my heart and mind and life focused on you. I won’t look back. I won’t look around. I won’t waste time and effort on what will amount to nothing. I will run away from sin as I run to you. My eyes will be firmly fixed on you. I will love and follow and serve you. I will run to where you lead me. I will run to do what you ask of me. In every way and on every day, I will rely on your power and strength. You will teach me. You will train me. You are the author and perfecter of my faith. Yes, I am. You will help me to give my all. You will make me able to run well and finish strong. Yes, I will.

Lord, I will throw away everything that will hinder my running the race of faith marked out before me. I will run with perseverance as I keep my eyes firmly fixed on you. I know you will help me to run well. You will keep me from growing weary or losing heart. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 21 – Hebrews 12-1-3 – Everything That Hinders – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Close The Door

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 20 - Matthew 6:6 - Close The Door - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 20 – Matthew 6:6 – Close The Door – Growing As Disciples

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:6 (NIV)

Time To Pray

That is exactly what I will need. What’s that? I need to close the door to the world so I can open my heart in prayer to you. That will be very good. I would like to ask you a question. Go ahead, I’m listening. Why is it necessary for you to close the door to the world so you can open your heart in prayer to me? The world is a busy and noisy place. I need to separate myself from the world so I can hear from you. I need to leave the frantic pace of life so I can slow down to listen to you. I know myself. You know me. Yes, I do. Setting aside a special time and place to meet with you in prayer is essential. Why is that? If I don’t make a firm commitment to meet with you in prayer, it won’t likely happen. I am easily distracted. Minutes and hours and days race on by me. Days become weeks and weeks become months and months become years more quickly than I could imagine. I don’t want opportunities to meet with you in prayer to race on by me. There is no place I would rather be than in your presence. There is nothing I would rather do than meet with you in prayer. I have no higher desire than to live in an intimate relationship with you. So, I will close the door to the world and open my heart to you in prayer. That is very good.

Will you always need to close the door to the world so you can open your heart in prayer to me? Will that be the only time and only place in which you will pray to me? Certainly not, it is my hope and dream and desire to live my life in a constant dialogue of prayer with you. Will there be a time when I no longer need to close the door to the world so I can open my heart in prayer to you? Will I move beyond this need? Absolutely not, I will always need to withdraw from the noise and busyness of life to meet with you in prayer. This is my starting point. In our time together you will teach and train me. In our time together I will hear from you and you will hear from me. This is where living my life in a dialogue of prayer will begin and continue and never end. So, I will always close the door to meet with you in prayer. I will carry our times together in prayer out into every moment of life. That’s good. That’s true. That’s right. Yes, you will. I will hear and answer this hope and dream and desire of yours.

Heavenly Father, I will shut the door to the world so I can open up my heart in prayer to you. Help me to leave the noise and busyness of life so that I can hear clearly from you. I want to live in an intimate relationship with you as you hear and answer my prayers. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 20 – Matthew 6-6 – Close The Door – 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