Monthly Archives: May 2019

Put Off Your Old Self

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 74 - Ephesians 4:20-24 - Put Off Your Old Self - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 74 – Ephesians 4:20-24 – Put Off Your Old Self – Growing As Disciples

You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;  to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:20-24 (NIV)

Three Steps

I have come to think that the new life I have in you requires me to take three steps. You have reduced your new life in me down to three steps? I didn’t devise this plan. I didn’t make up these steps. They seem to be right here in your word.  So, you believe that you are on solid ground? Yes, I do. Let me hear your thoughts. First, let me qualify a few points about these three steps. Go right ahead. I will never be finished taking these steps. I will need to keep on taking these steps every day as I follow you. At any time and in any order, I will need to frequently revisit these steps. Are you done with your qualifiers? Yes, for now, I think.

What is the first step you must take if you want to live the new life you have in me? I must put off my old life. I must turn away from my old life that was filled with deceitful and sinful practices. I must separate myself from evil of every kind. As part of putting off my old life, which could be called repentance, I will need to ask you to forgive and cleanse me of all my sin. I must allow you to be my Savior and Lord. I must receive your forgiveness and free gift of salvation. I must determine that I want to live my life with and for you. That is step one. That is very good.

What is the second step you must take if you want to live the new life you have in me? I must allow you to transform and renew my mind. Without a new mind, I would never be successful at leaving my old life behind. What will I use to transform and renew your mind? You will use your word to transform and renew my mind. You want me to let your word dwell in me richly. You want me to take your word deeply into my heart and mind and life. You want me to meditate on your word day and night. Your word will help me to think your thoughts. Your word will help me to speak your words. Your word will help me to do your deeds. To sum it all up, your word will help me to know and do your will as I allow you to transform and renew my mind. That is step two. That is very good.

What is the third step you must take if you want to live the new life you have in me? I must put on the new life I have in you. What will that look like? Well, that will be unfolding every day as I live my life with and for you. I know one thing for sure. What’s that? My new life in you will include living in an intimate relationship with you. I will draw near to you. You will draw near to me. I will follow you to where you lead me. I will do whatever you ask of me. I will keep on taking all three of these steps as I love, follow and serve you. That will be very good. 

Lord, I will put off my old life. I will leave my old patterns and practices far behind me. Use your word to transform and renew my mind. Help me think your thoughts, speak your words and do your deeds.  I will keep on putting on the new life I have in you. Amen

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

Day 74 – Becoming Like Christ – Ephesians 4-20-24 – Put Off Your Old Self – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Trust In The Lord

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 73 - Proverbs 3:5-8 - Trust In The Lord - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 73 – Proverbs 3:5-8 – Trust In The Lord – Growing As Disciples

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Proverbs 3:5-8 (NIV)

Straight Path 

I understand that you would like to walk a straight path. You don’t want to wander from one meaningless activity to another. You don’t want to misspend your life. You don’t want to waste your time, talent, energy and resources. You are tired of taking two steps forward and threes steps backward. You want your life to count for something of eternal value. You want to do what is good and right and pleasing to me. When we meet face to face you want to know that you have gone and done my will. On that day, you would like to hear me say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Have I captured your thoughts? Is this what is in your heart and on your mind? You know me better than I know myself. Yes, all these thoughts are in my heart and on my mind. That is very good.

How would you say you have been doing so far? I have had mixed success. I have taken plenty of missteps. I have wasted a tremendous amount of time, talent, energy and resources. As you have said, I have often taken two steps forward and three steps backward. I have not walked a very straight path. Yes, at times, I have wandered from one meaningless activity to another. What do you think is the source of your problem? Pride is no doubt the source of my problem. I have proudly trusted in myself and foolishly relied on my own understanding. That’s not good. Yes, I know.

What would you like to do differently? I would like to place all my trust in you. I would like to rely fully on your understanding. I would like to set aside my pride and admit that I desperately need your help. To do anything else or less would be a form of evil. That is what I want to quickly run from. Are you prepared to follow me? Will you go where I guide you? Will you do what I ask of you? Yes, I will follow you. Yes, I will go where you guide me to do what you ask of me. Then you will have all that you want from me. You will be able to live the life that I am calling you to live. You will walk on the path of life with me. You will live a faithful and fruitful life before me. That is the prayer of my heart and desire of my life. Follow me. Yes Lord, I will. That is very good.

Lord, I will trust you with all my heart. I will not rely on my own understanding. I will acknowledge you in all that I think, say and do. I will not think I am wise. I will quickly shun evil. Help me to follow you on the straight path of life that you have laid out for me. Amen

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

Day 73 – Becoming Like Christ – Proverbs 3-5-8 – Trust In The Lord – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Be Strong In The Lord

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 72 - Ephesians 6:10-13 - Be Strong In The Lord - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 72 – Ephesians 6:10-13 – Be Strong In The Lord – Growing As Disciples

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV)

Open My Eyes

I would like you to open my eyes. How do you want me to open your eyes? What do you want me to help you to see? Let me tell you. I have been very slow to recognize spiritual battles. Often times, I have thought that I was just facing routine difficulties and significant trials. Do you see things differently now? Yes, I do. I can look back, with the benefit of hindsight, and often understand when I have gone through far more than a battle with flesh and blood. It is good that you are evaluating and reflecting on the experiences you have gone through in the past. Why is that? You tell me. Recognizing what I have gone through in the past will help me to better understand what I am going though now or will go through in the future. That’s right. Let me ask you a question. Go ahead, I’m listening. Have you ever come into a difficult and trying situation and thought, “I’ve been here and done that before?” Yes, I have had that experience before. Some difficult and trying spiritual battles have repeated themselves. Have you responded differently because you have had a prior experience with a difficult and significant spiritual battle? There is no doubt about that. How so? I have been able to say to myself, “Last time I went through this similar spiritual battle I relied on myself and it didn’t go well.” With that in mind, I have much more quickly and eagerly come to ask you for your help. Instead of trying to fight with my own wisdom and power and strength, I have cried out to you. Instead of taking my own ineffective action, I have turned to you in prayer. You have given me your wisdom and understanding. You have given me your power and strength. You have led me on a course of action. You have guarded and guided my path.  Instead of suffering a humiliating defeat; you have led me in victory. So, what will you do differently with any difficulty and trial you face? I will turn to you. I will ask for your help. I will rely on you instead of relying on myself. Are your eyes now open? Do you now have a different understanding? Have I answered your prayer? Yes, you have answered my prayer. That is very good.

Lord, I have been slow to recognize when I have been in far more than a flesh and blood battle. Help me to recognize the devil’s schemes. Help me to put on your armor and be strong with your mighty power so I can stand against evil attacks of every kind. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 72 – Ephesians 6-10-13 – Be Strong In The Lord – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Love Your Law

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 71 - Psalm 119:97-104 - Love Your Law - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 71 – Psalm 119:97-104 – Love Your Law – Growing As Disciples

Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Psalm 119:97-104 (NIV)

Your Words

Your words are sweet to me. It is my delight to hear from you. Why is that? Your words are powerfully effective in my life. How so? Your words have helped me to come to know you. As I come to know you, I have come to love you. As I have come to love you; I have come to obey you. As I have come to obey you; I have come to serve you. As I have come to know, love, obey and serve you; I have started to become like you. In what way? You have allowed me to think your thoughts, speak your words and do your deeds. In other words, your word has begun to form the thoughts of my mind, words of my mouth and the deeds of my life as I have taken it deeply into my heart and mind. That is true. My word has been doing all of these things in you. It is wise of you to be able to recognize what my word has been, is doing and will continue to do in you. I am only wise because of what your word has taught me. I am only wise because you have made me able to hear your voice. You have helped me to both hear and obey you. You have made me able to follow and serve you. Your word has made it my joy to live my life with and for you. Your word has guarded and guided me on the path of life as I have loved, followed and served you. That is very good.

There is something that you have not said to me. I want to go deeper with you. I want to know and love and obey and serve you more completely. I want to live my life more fully with and for you. That is a very good desire within you. How will your desire be fulfilled? You’re asking me? Yes, I am asking you. Can you point me in the right direction? Yes, the direction is pointing to me. Let me ask you a question? I’d like that. What would happen to you if you listened more attentively to me? What would happen to you if you took my word more deeply into your heart and mind and life? What would happen to you if you meditated on my word throughout your day. Every desire of mine to go deeper with you would be fulfilled. Yes, that is true. That is what I will do. That will be very good.

Lord, I will listen attentively to all that you have to say to me. I will joyfully take your word deeply into my heart and mind and life. I will meditate on your word throughout my day. Teach and train, guard and guide me as I love, follow and obey your word. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 71 – Psalm 119-97-104 – Love Your Law – 4 Page Discipleship Study Guide

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

Let Nothing Move You

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 70 - 1 Corinthians 15:58 - Let Nothing Move You - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 70 – 1 Corinthians 15:58 – Let Nothing Move You – Growing As Disciples

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

Immovable

That is what I would like to be. What would you like to be? I would like to be immovable. What do you mean by that? I would like to keep on giving myself fully to your work. I would like to keep on moving forward with you. I would like to keep on following you to where you lead me. I would like to keep on doing whatever you ask of me. That’s very good. What’s the problem? Well, the problem is me. I know that you are rock solid. I know that I can trust you. I know that I can rely on you completely. You never change; you will always be my fortress of strength. I however am not rock solid. Everything about me does change. One day I am strong; another day I am weak. One day I am confident; another day I am timid. One day I am filled with faith; another day I have my doubts. I could go on and on. But you get the idea. Yes, I do get the idea. You are worried that you will not be immovable. I am more than worried. I am certain that with my own strength I will never be immovable. That’s good. That’s good? Why is that good? Has someone asked you to be immovable with your own strength? I thought so. Well, I have not asked you to be immovable with your own strength. You haven’t? No, I haven’t. Maybe it is you that have asked yourself to be immovable with your own strength. I guess so. You guess so? No, I know so. 

If you have not asked me to be immovable with my own strength what have you asked of me? Now, that is a very good question. I have asked you to come to rely on me. I have asked you to place all your faith in me. I have asked you to draw near to me. I have asked you to hold on to me. I have asked you to trust me completely. Does this sound familiar to you? Yes, it does. Do you believe that I can make you immovable? Do you believe that I can make you fruitful? Do you believe that I can help you to give yourself fully to me? Do you believe that I will help you to keep on moving forward with me? Yes Lord, I believe that you can do all these things in and through and for me. You will help me to keep on giving myself to your work so that I will be able to continue to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Yes, I will. I will place all my faith in you. That is very good.  

Lord, help me to be steadfast and immovable as I love, follow and serve you. Help me to give myself fully to your work. I know that my labor for you will never be in vain. Make me able to bear abundant fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 70 – 1 Corinthian 15-58 – Let Nothing Move You – 4 Page Discipleship Study Guide

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

Like A Treasure

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 69 - Matthew 13:44-46 - Like A Treasure - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 69 – Matthew 13:44-46 – Like A Treasure – Growing As Disciples

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Matthew 13:44-46 (NIV)

No Greater Treasure

There is no greater treasure than coming to know and love you. There is nothing that has my closer attention than wanting to live my life with and for you. There is no higher pursuit or greater desire within me than to live a life that is pleasing to you. I want to go where you guide. I want to do whatever you ask of me. My heart and mind and life are focused entirely on following and serving you. That is very good.

How have you come to focus your heart and mind and life on me? How did such a passionate desire to know and love me develop in you? Why am I the highest and by far the most important pursuit of your life? Why do you so strongly desire to do what is good and right and pleasing to me? That is a good question. None of this focus, this passionate desire or all out pursuit has come from me. I can take no credit for what you have developed, are developing and will continue to develop in my life. You have fanned the flames of my desire for you. I know that I love you because you first loved me. I know that I want to give myself fully to you because you gave yourself fully to me. You have allowed me to taste of your kindness and mercy and love. You have made it a joy for me to follow you wherever you lead me. You have made me to be thankful to do whatever you ask of me. That is very good.

I know that I am supposed to deny myself. I know that I am supposed to pour myself out in your service. I know that I am supposed to live with wholehearted devotion to you. At one time, I thought these acts would be painfully difficult and require herculean effort. I was sure that none of these efforts and this strength would ever be in me. But, your love for me and my love for you have made this the desire of my heart, the focus of my mind and the goal of my life. I want to do nothing else. I want to do nothing less. I want to be fully devoted to you. You are my treasure. There is nothing more valuable than living my life with and for you. I will have no regrets, make no retreats and hold nothing in reserve as I love, follow and serve you. That will be very good.

Lord, nothing is more valuable than living my life wholeheartedly with and for you. I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I give myself to you. I will joyfully follow you to wherever you lead me. I will thankfully do whatever you ask of me. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 69 – Matthew 13-44-46 – Like A Treasure – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Meditates Day And Night

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 68 - Psalm 1:1-3 - Meditates Day And Night - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 68 – Psalm 1:1-3 – Meditates Day And Night – 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)

Walk

There are several things that are absolutely certain. What’s that? I want to walk with you. I want to know and do your will. I want to live my life in ways that are pleasing to you. I want to shine like a bold and bright witness in the world. I want others to be drawn to you through the testimony of my life. To sum it all up, I want to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. These are very good desires. Yes, I know. These desires come from you. Yes, they do.

How will these desires be fulfilled in and through your life? You have already given me your very clear answer to this question. That’s true. Let me hear your answer. First, I must separate myself from evil of every kind. I must remove anything from my life that would hinder my walk with you. Like what? There are people that should not be in my inner circle. There are people that should not be allowed to speak into my life. There are people that should not be my close confidants. There are people that would not be good examples for me to follow. I should never allow myself to become a companion of someone that is putting forth evil of any kind. That’s true. What else? There are places, circumstances and situations that would certainly attempt to feed my thoughts, words and actions with evil. I should separate myself from anything that might lead me into temptation or cause me to sin. I must never allow myself to flirt with evil of any kind. When evil approaches, I must run from it, even before it attempts to overtake me. That’s also true.

You have talked quite a bit about what you must not do; what must you do if you want to live and walk in ways that please me? I must meditate on your word day and night. I must take your word deeply into my heart and mind. I must let your word dwell in me richly. I must devour your word because it will feed the life you have called me to live. Your word will change my heart and transform my mind. Your word will change the thoughts of my mind, words of my mouth and deeds of my life. Your word will make me able to stand against temptation and resist evil. Your word will help me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Yes, it will. Will you separate yourself from evil and meditate on my word day and night. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. Then my blessing will be on your life. 

Lord, I will separate myself from evil of every kind. I will leave behind everything that might hinder my walk with you. I will meditate on your word day and night so I can know your will and walk in your ways. Help me to bear fruit for your kingdom and glory. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 68 – Psalm 1-1-3 – Meditates Day And Night – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Peace I Give You

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 67 - John 14:25-27 - Peace I Give You - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 67 – John 14:25-27 – Peace I Give You – Growing As Disciples

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:25-27 (NIV)

Teach Me 

Well, I certainly need that. What do you certainly need? I certainly need to be taught by you. Why is that? Day in and day out, the world is attempting to teach me. The world is constantly bombarding me with all its thoughts, opinions, values and practices. Without your help I will become conformed to the world. I will think, speak and act like a worldly person. On my own, I cannot think your thoughts, speak your word or do your deeds. Only your teaching and training will enable me to live the life that you have called me to live. That’s true.

Do you have any role in my teaching and training you? Do you think that I will pour the wisdom of my teaching into your mind while you sit around and wait? That sounds silly. That sounds improbable. That sounds unlikely. No, I will never receive your teaching and training by sitting around as a passive recipient. You do have a role for me to play as your student. How so? Your main teaching tool is God’s word. You will use God’s word to teach and train me. You will bring to my remembrance what I have studied or memorized or meditated on in God’s word. You will apply God’s word to the circumstances I will face in life. You will use God’s word to change my heart and transform my mind. So, it is critically important that I meet with God in His word. I need to allow God’s word to dwell in me richly. I need to hide God’s word in my heart. I need to meditate on God’s word day and night. I need to keep God’s word ever before me. When I do these things, God’s word will become a tool in your hands to teach and train and guard and guide me. Yes, it will. 

How else will I use God’s word in your heart and mind? You will use God’s word to sustain and strengthen me. You will use God’s word to help me to live and walk in peace. I will know the truth. I will understand my future. I will know and live in the truth I have in you now, in the future and forever. Yes, you will. That will be very good.

Lord, I must confess that I have been a worrier. I have allowed my heart to be troubled. I have often succumbed to fear. Forgive me. Help me to receive all the peace you have for me. Help me to live boldly and confidently because of the future I have in you. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 67 – John 14-25-27 – Peace I Give You – Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Ask God For Wisdom

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 66 - James 1:5-8 - Ask God For Wisdom - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 66 – James 1:5-8 – Ask God For Wisdom- Growing As Disciples

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1:5-8 (NIV)

No Doubt

Well, there is no doubt about me. What do you mean by saying there is no doubt about you? I desperately need wisdom. There is no if’s, and’s or but’s about my lack of wisdom. I especially need wisdom when I am in a difficult trial. I certainly need wisdom when I am in the middle of a storm. Was this surprising news to you? Did this come as a shocking revelation? Did you need to become thoroughly convinced on this point? I would say no, but my actions would say otherwise. How so? You have seen me desperately needing wisdom. You have seen me in the middle of a storm. You have watched me in a difficult trial. What is your point? Did I cry out to you? Did I ask for your help? Did I come to rely on you? No, I did not. I relied on myself. I kept silent. I did not ask for directions. I did not receive your guidance. Instead, I trusted in my own wisdom. How did that work out for you? Not, well.  It was a painful, educational experience. How so? I had a front row seat to observe my lack of wisdom. I came to clearly see that I needed your help. So, I desperately cried out to you. I asked for your help. That was a valuable lesson. Yes, it was. I’m sad to say that every so often, I must revisit this lesson. I must see again the foolishness of relying on myself and not coming to fully place all my trust in you. But, I am learning, slowly but surely. You have been kind and forgiving and gracious teacher. For that I give you all my thanks and praise. That is very good.

What else have you learned? There is no doubt about you. What do you mean by saying that about me? You are good and kind. You are gracious. You are generous. You are forgiving. When I have cried out to you for wisdom you have generous heard and answered my prayer. You have not rejected me. You have not condemned me. You have not told me that I should have been better and smarter and wiser. All of that would have been true. But, you have been with me to help me. You have guarded and guided me through every difficulty. You have held on to me as I have held on to you. Not once, have you left me on my own. Not once, have you told me that I could or should fend for myself. You have drawn me close to you. You have helped me to persevere. You have helped me to place all my faith and trust in you. For that I give you all my thanks and praise. That is very good. 

Heavenly Father, there is no question about it, I lack wisdom. I especially need all your wisdom as I go through trials in life. No longer will I rely on myself. With a heart filled with faith, I will ask for all your wisdom. I know without a doubt that you will help me. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 66 – James 1-5-8 – Ask God For Wisdom – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

A Gentle Answer

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 65 - Proverbs 15:1-4 - A Gentle Answer - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 65 – Proverbs 15:1-4 – A Gentle Answer – Growing As Disciples

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:1-4 (NIV)

My Words

I have spoken words that I deeply regret. No, I have not spoken soft and gentle words that have turned away wrath. Instead, I have fought fire with fire. How so? I have returned harsh words spoken against me with probably even harsher words of my own. How has that worked out for you? Not, well. My own harsh words have stirred up even more anger. What would you have rather done? I would have rather spoken soft and kind and gentle words. I would have rather spoken life-giving words that bring healing. In the heat of battle, in the middle of an argument, those words do not seem to be within me. That’s not good. No, it’s not.

What do you think you need? First, I need your forgiveness. You are forgiven. Then I need lots of your help. I think you need to change my heart and mind so that your words will come out of my mouth. I need you to store up in me, a reservoir of soft and gentle and kind, life-giving words, that spill out of me not just in the heat of battle in the middle of an argument, but at all times. Is that a prayer request of yours? That is definitely a prayer request of mine. That’s good.

How do you think I will change your heart and mind? How do you think I will store up in you a reservoir of soft and gentle and kind, life giving words that will spill out of you? First, I have a lot of thoughts that need to be kicked out of my heart and mind. My thoughts need to be replaced by your thoughts. My words need to be replaced with your words. How will you come to know my thoughts? How will you come to speak my words? I can only know and speak your thoughts by coming to know you. That’s true. How will you come to know me? I will draw near to you. I will meet with you in your word. I will listen to everything you have to say to me. I will take your word deep into my heart and mind and life. I will allow your word to dwell in me richly. Your word will change my heart and transform my mind. Yes, it will. As I keep drawing near to you, you will help me to begin to think your thoughts and speak your words. My old thoughts will be replaced with your thoughts. My old words will be replaced with your words. Yes, they will. Keep on drawing near to me. Keep on meeting with me in my word. Then you will have what you have asked of me. That is what I will do. That will be very good.

Lord, I have not been careful with my words. I have too quickly spoken what was on my mind. I have spoken foolish words that stirred up anger. I have spoken harsh words that crushed the spirit. Forgive me. Help me to speak life-giving words that bring healing. Amen

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

Day 65 – Becoming Like Christ – Proverbs 15-1-4 – A Gentle Answer – 4 Page Discipleship 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