Monthly Archives: July 2019

Because You Say So

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 153 - Luke 5:5 - Because You Say So - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 153 – Luke 5:5 – Because You Say So – Growing As Disciples

Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Luke 5:5 (NIV)  

Obey Me

Will you obey? Don’t answer me yet. Will you go and do what I ask of you even when you do not understand? Must you agree with me completely before you will follow and obey me? Will you pick and choose when you will or will not do what I ask of you? Such an approach would not be obeying you at all. If I were to pick and choose when I would or would not obey you that would make me the guide of my own life. I cannot say that you are both my Savior and Lord if I rely on my own instruction and follow my own guidance. Such behavior would also be foolish and unproductive. Why is that? I am not all wise. I am not all knowing. I am not all powerful. Apart from you, I can accomplish nothing that will be of lasting and eternal value. Guiding my own life will lead to nothing but weariness on the way to accomplishing nothing. That’s true.

There is something else that I know. What’s that? You seldom make all the details relating to my next steps in life known to me. Why do you suppose that is? I can think of a few reasons why that is true. I’m listening. You want me to live in an intimate relationship with you. You want me to come to rely on you. You want me to walk in faith with you. You want me to know that you are working in and through my life. You want to accomplish your purposes and plans in and through me so that glory is brought to your name so that others come to have faith in you. For all of these reasons, you often reveal my next steps in life one step at a time. Is that alright with you? Do I have a choice? Very funny. No, you do not have a choice. Yes, it is alright with me whenever and however you want to reveal to me my next steps in life. I want you to be able to accomplish all your purposes and plans in and through my life. That’s good.

There is something else I know. What’s that? I know that you will sometimes test me. How so? You will ask me to go and do what I don’t fully understand to let both you and I know if I will obey you. You already know. But I do not. So, I’m asking you to help me to always say yes to you. Help me to always obey you. That I will do. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, I know you will sometimes ask me to do what I don’t fully understand. It is not my job to pick and choose when I will follow and obey you. I go and do whatever you ask of me. Give me your power so I will be able to accomplish your purposes and plans. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 153 – Luke 5-5 – Because You Say So – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Worthy Of The Calling

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 152 - Ephesians 4:1-3 - Worthy Of The Calling - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 152 – Ephesians 4:1-3 – Worthy Of The Calling – Growing As Disciples

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV)

A Worthy Life

Well, I can’t tell you how many times I have failed in this regard. What’s that? In so many ways, I have failed to live to live a life worthy of the calling I have received from you. Do you think this comes as a shocking surprise to me? No, I don’t. I wanted to let you know that I know how desperately I need your help to live out the calling I have received from you. That’s good. What’s good about that? You know that you need my help. You know that you can’t possibly live out the calling you have received under your own power and strength. If you were to think that your own very best efforts would lead to you living a life worthy of my calling that would be a tragic mistake. Why is that? I have called you to live in an intimate relationship with me. I have called you to live a life that is reliant on me. I am the one who will mold and shape you. I am the one who will change your heart, transform your mind and guide your life. That’s great. I welcome all your good work in me. I trust that you will make me into the person you want me to become. I will submit my heart and mind and life to you. Do your work in and through me. Yes, I will.

Do you know when and where and how I will change your heart, transform your mind and guide your life? I’m not sure. Tell me. In my presence, you will come to know me. In my presence you will come to love me. In my presence, you will desire to follow and serve me. In my presence, you will desire to think my thoughts, speak my words and take my actions. In my presence, I will do my work in you. In my presence, I will make you to be like me in all that you think, say and do. As you keep on coming to me it will be the utmost desire of your heart to live a life that is pleasing to me. As you keep on coming to me you will definitely be able to live a life that is worthy of my calling. Thank you, Lord. I will keep on coming to you. That will be very good.

Lord, I have far fallen short of living a life worthy of my calling. Forgive me. Help me to be humble and gentle and patient and loving. I want to live in peaceful unity with others. I will make every effort to live a life worthy of the calling I have received from you. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 152 – Ephesians 4-1-3 – Worthy Of The Calling – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Shine Like Stars

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 151 - Philippians 2:14-16 - Shine Like Stars - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 151 – Philippians 2:14-16 – Shine Like Stars – Growing As Disciples

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life–in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. Philippians 2:14-16 (NIV) 

A Star In The Universe

That is what I want my life to be like. What do you want your life to be like? I want my life to be like a star that shines brightly in the universe for you. Let me be clear, my desire to shine brightly in the universe is for you. I am not concerned with making a name for myself. I am not trying to elevate my life above others. I would be satisfied to quietly serve you in some small corner of the world, if that were what you asked of me. Some of the small corners of the world do not receive much light. I know that you want everyone to hear about the salvation that they can have in you. You want others to see your life being lived out in and through your followers, Yes, I do. I want that very same thing. We are in complete agreement. That is very good.

What could hinder your being able to shine brightly as a witness in the world for me? Sin of any kind will dramatically dull my ability to shine brightly as a witness in the world for you. Do you have any sin in particular in mind? Yes, I do. I must confess that I have been a whiner and complainer and arguer. About what? You know. Yes, I do know. But you said you had something that you want to confess. Yes, I did. I’m listening. I have whined and complained and argued about my lot in life. At times, I have wished that my life would have been lived out differently. How so? I don’t really know. I have wanted something vaguely different or better or more. Sometimes, I have not liked your assignments. Rarely, have I run away from or turned down your assignments. But frequently, I have whined and complained or argued about them. That’s not good. No, I know that it is not. I know that whining and complaining and arguing is not pleasing to you. It is not. So, I have decided to stop whining and complaining and arguing. That’s good. How has your life changed since you have decided to stop whining, complaining and arguing? That is a very good question. Why is that? There have been dramatic changes. Tell me about them. I have born more fruit for you. I have had more joy in serving you. I have shined more brightly as a witness for you in the world. Then you are shining more like a star in the universe for me. Yes, I am. For that, I am very thankful.  That is very good.

Lord, I have been a whiner, complainer and arguer. I know how unpleasant I have been to be around. No more! Help me to be a bold and bright witness in the world. Help me to shine like a star in the universe. I will not whine or complain or argue about my life. Amen

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

Day 151 – Becoming Like Christ – Philippians 2-14-16 – Shine Like Stars – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Never Be Shaken

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 150 - Psalm 15:1-5 - Never Be Shaken - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 150 – Psalm 15:1-5 – Never Be Shaken – Growing As Disciples

LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken. Psalm 15:1-5 (NIV)

Not Shaken

Here is the bottom line for me. I want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you. I want to live a life that you can and will bless. I want to live a life that will never be shaken. I want to live in an intimate relationship with you. I want to dwell in your sanctuary. I want to live on your holy hill. Although, I’m not sure where that is or what that means. But it sounds very good to me. Why is that? I want to be wherever you are. I don’t want to wander away from your presence. I don’t want to live a life that would separate me from you. That is very good. 

How will you live a life that is good and right and pleasing to me? Why do you want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to me? Let me take that second question first. I have never understood the idea of fearing you as a motivation to live my life for you. I do have an awesome respect and holy awe of you. I’m sure that I have a healthy fear of you as well. But I want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you because I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I would agree wholeheartedly with your word when it says that your kindness is meant to lead me to repentance. That is what has happened to me. I love you because you first loved me. I have turned my life over to you because I passionately want to know and love and follow and serve you. That is very good. Now, let me answer your first question. Go right ahead. I cannot fully live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you without your help. No, you cannot. You are the one who is changing me. You are the one who is molding and shaping me. You are making me into the person you want me to become. Yes, I am. I welcome your work in me. Yes, I will. I have worked in you. I am working in you. I will work in you. My work in your life will never stop. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, I want to live a life that is pleasing to you. I want to live in an intimate relationship with you. I want to dwell in your sanctuary and live on your holy hill. Help me to live a life of integrity that you will fully bless. Help me to live a life that cannot be shaken. Amen

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

Day 150 – Becoming Like Christ – Psalm 15-1-5 – Never Be Shaken – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Meditation Of My Heart

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 149 - Psalm 19:14- Meditation Of My Heart - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 149 – Psalm 19:14- Meditation Of My Heart – Growing As Disciples

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

Pleasing You

There is only one way that will happen. What’s that? There is only one way that my thoughts, words and actions will ever be fully pleasing to you. How is that? For my thoughts or words or actions to be fully pleasing to you, they will have to come from you. Why is that? My heart and mind and life are not naturally in alignment with your thoughts or words or actions. Thoughts or words or actions that are pleasing to you don’t naturally coming spilling out of my life. For that to happen, my life needs a complete overhaul. I need a full restoration. How is that possible? You tell me. No, you tell me. Do you think I know the answer to that question? I know that you know the answer to that question. I need a new heart and mind and life. That is the starting point. Yes, that is the starting point. You are well past the starting point. You asked me into your life long ago. You received my forgiveness and cleansing of your sin long ago. I filled you with my Spirit long ago. I became your Savior and Lord long ago. Yes, you did. I gave you a new heart and mind and life, long ago. Yes, you did.

Well, I don’t always think and speak and act in ways that are fully pleasing to you, of that I am positive. Let me ask you a few questions. I’m listening. When you gave your life to me, I began a good work in you. I began the work of transforming your heart and mind and life, did I not? Yes, you did. When do you think I will finish with my work in you? I think you will be working in and through me until the day I come to meet with you face to face. Yes, I will. What tool will I use to keep on transforming your heart and mind and life? Or, I could say, you mentioned the starting point, what is continuing point? I’m not sure. What do I want you to do? You want me to come to meet with you in your word. You will use your word to keep on transforming my heart and mind and life. You will use your word to help me to think thoughts, speak words and take actions that are fully pleasing to you. Yes, I will. Will you continue to meet with me in my word? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. I will continue to do my good work in you. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, you are my rock and redeemer. I will make your word the meditation of my heart. I will allow your word to transform the thoughts of my mind, words of my mouth and actions of my life. Help me to fully please you with all my thoughts, words and actions. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 149 – Psalm 19-14 – Meditation Of My Heart – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

What The Father Wanted

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 148 - Matthew 21:28-32 - What The Father Wanted- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 148 – Matthew 21:28-32 – What The Father Wanted- Growing As Disciples

“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. Matthew 21:28-32 (NIV)

Reluctant

I have been reluctant. You have been reluctant about what? I have been reluctant to go and do all that you ask of me. Is that what you think? You know that is what I think. Let’s talk about that. I’d like that. Let’s be clear about the first and greatest and most important things that I have asked of you or will ask of anyone else. What’s that? I have asked you and I will ask everyone to come to believe and place all their faith in my Son. I have asked you and I will ask everyone to turn away from their sin to receive the forgiveness and cleansing that they have in my Son’s sacrifice for them on the cross. I have asked you and I will everyone to love and follow and serve my Son as their Savior and Lord. Have you heard me ask these questions of you? Have you had to decide how you will respond to each of these questions? Yes, I have heard all these questions. Yes, I have had to decide how I would respond to each one of these questions. Did you respond reluctantly or slowly to any of these questions? I wouldn’t say that I responded reluctantly or slowly. Neither would I. What would you say? I would say that I have enthusiastically turned away from my sin to receive the forgiveness and cleansing I have in your Son’s sacrifice for me on the cross. I would say that I am passionately following your Son as my Savior and Lord. I would say that I am placing all my faith in Him. I am thankful beyond words for all that you have done, are doing and will do for me. Beyond that I would say that I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I have heard all these answers from you both loudly and clearly. That’s good. Yes, it is.

Where then is your reluctance? How have you been like a reluctant son? Well, I have not taken on every one of your assignments with great enthusiasm. Sometimes, I have slowly and reluctantly gone and done what you have asked of me. Sometimes, I have wanted you to send someone else. Sometimes, I have wanted you to relieve me of an assignment. What do you want now? I want you to help me to be faithful. I want you to give me boldness and courageous and strength to be able to go and do all that you ask of me. I want you to strengthen my faith so I can say yes to whatever you ask of me. Those are prayers that I will hear and answer. Thank you, so much.

Heavenly Father, I have been that reluctant son. I have been slow to go and do all that you ask of me. But thank you for turning my life around. Thank you for helping me to say yes to you. I will joyfully, thankfully and faithfully go and do all that you ask of me. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 148 – Matthew 21-28-32 – What The Father Wanted – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Children Of God

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 147 - John 1:10-13- Children Of God - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 147 – John 1:10-13- Children Of God – Growing As Disciples

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God–children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.  John 1:10-13 (NIV)

Heavenly Father

There is something that I sometimes lose track of. There is something I don’t always live with, in the very forefront of my mind. There is something that I need to remind myself of, on a moment by moment basis. What is all this that you are talking about? What do you sometimes lose track of? What do you need to keep in the forefront of your mind? What do you need to remind yourself of, on a moment by moment basis? I’m sure you know. There is nothing about me that comes as a mystery or surprise to you. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know my words before I speak them. You know my actions before I take them. Yes, I do. Nevertheless, I want you to say out loud what is in your heart and on your mind. Sometimes, I lose track of the fact that I am your child. Sometimes, I lose sight of the fact that you are my Heavenly Father. Why do you think that? If I firmly held these facts in my heart and mind would I ever be filled with worry and anxiety? How much anxiety and worry could I carry if I always knew that you were with me to help me. How burdened could I be if I always consciously knew that you had me in the palm of your hand, as my loving Heavenly Father? On the other hand, how much joy and happiness would overflow my life If I always knew that you, the God who made the entire universe loved and cared for me. I am not small and insignificant. I am not a nobody. I am not less than nothing. I am precious in your sight. You take joy and pleasure in me. Yes, I do take joy and pleasure in you. Yes, you are my child. Yes, I do love and care for you. Yes, you are precious in my sight. I have you in the palm of my hand. I will lead and guide you through life. My favor rests on you. My hand is on you. I will use you to accomplish my purposes and fulfill my plans. Do you have a prayer on your heart? Yes, I do. Help me to always live with the conscious awareness that you are my Heavenly Father and that I am your child. That is a prayer that I will hear and answer. 

Lord, thank you for drawing me to yourself. Thank you for helping me to receive you into my life. Thank you for causing me to come to believe in you. You have made me to be a child of God. Thank you that I can now know and love and follow and serve you. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 147 – John 1-10-13 – Children Of God – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Have Mercy On Me

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 146 - Luke 8:9-14 - Have Mercy On Me - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 146 – Luke 8:9-14 – Have Mercy On Me – Growing As Disciples

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men–robbers, evildoers, adulterers–or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14 (NIV)

Humility

There is something that I have no confidence in whatsoever. What’s that? I have absolutely no confidence in my own righteousness. There are a few things of which I am completely certain. What’s that? I have sinned. I will sin. I am a sinner.  My righteousness is no better than filthy rags. My righteousness is about as desirable as old dirty, stinky clothes. It is quite obvious to me that I am no better than anyone else living on this planet. I have nothing to brag about. I have no reason to look down on anyone else. I am glad that you know these things.

What do you have confidence in? I have confidence in your forgiveness. I am certain that you will forgive my sin and cleanse my unrighteousness. I am sure that you have made me righteous in your sight. You have made it so I can draw near to you. You have made it possible for me to live in an intimate relationship with you. Yes, I have done all these things for you.

How will you live your life differently because you know that I have made you righteous? I will live in humility before you. I will freely confess my sins to you. I will live in humility with the rest of mankind. I will think and speak and act in ways that will humbly lead others to you. I will do for others what you have done for me. Like what? I will love like you loved. I will give like you gave. I will serve like you served. I will go and do whatever you ask of me so that others can come to know and love you. I will reach out to others so that they may also receive your forgiveness and cleansing. That will be very good.

Lord, I know that I am a sinner. I am no better than anyone else. I have nothing to brag about. It is you who has forgiven me. It is you who has cleansed me. It is you who has made me able to love and follow and serve you. Thank you for drawing me to you. Amen

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

Day 146 – Becoming Like Christ – Luke 18-9-14 – Have Mercy On Me – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Building A House

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 145 - Luke 6:46-49- Building A House - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 145 – Luke 6:46-49- Building A House – Growing As Disciples

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:46-49 (NIV)  

Foundation

Your word will be the foundation of my life. How will my word be the foundation of your life? Let me start by saying what will not be the foundation of my life. The thoughts and opinions of the world will not be the foundation of my life. The current values and beliefs that are prevalent in society will not be the foundation of my life. What is commonly practiced and acted on in this current age will not be the foundation of my life. Not even my thoughts, opinions and values will be the foundation of my life. Say more about that last one. I will not set myself up as the final authority of what will or will not be the foundation of my life. Why is that? I am not God. It is not uncommon for me to be incorrect in my thinking. It has not been rare for me to discover that I have believed something that was untrue or unhelpful or unwise. It is good for you to acknowledge this. I know.

Your word alone will be the foundation of my life. That’s good. I will allow your word to form my thoughts and guard my words and guide my actions. That’s good. If I discover that one of my thoughts or opinions or values is not in harmony with your word, I will know that it is I that needs to change and not your word. Your word will give me wisdom to know what to think, how to speak and how to act. Your word will guard and guide my life. Your word will help me to resist temptation and stand against evil. Your word will mold and shape me. Your word will build me into the person you want me to become. Your word will sustain and strengthen me in and through all the storms of life that are certain to come. Yes, my word will do all these things for you.

How will you make my word the foundation of your life? I will take your word deep into my heart and mind and life. How so? I will read your word. I will study your word. I will meditate on and memorize your word. I will pray your word. I will teach your word. I will consume your word until your word consumes me. What does that mean? I will take a hold of your word until it takes a hold of me. I will allow your word to change my heart and transform my mind. I will never stop meeting with you in your word. When will you meet with me in my word? Every day, I will meet with you in your word. There is not a day that goes by that I do not need to hear from you. Keep on being hungry for my word. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I will hear and put your word into practice. I will allow your word to be the foundation of my life. I will not build my life on the thoughts, and opinions and values of the world. Guard and guide my life with your word. Help me to withstand storms in life. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 145 – Luke 6-46-49- Building A House – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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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

Love Your Enemies

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 144 - Luke 6:27-31 - Love Your Enemies - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 144 – Luke 6:27-31 – Love Your Enemies – 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)

Your Example 

I am speaking to you. Are you listening to me? Yes, I am listening to you. How will we both know for sure that you are really listening to me? That easy to determine. How so? If I am really listening to you, I will do what you are asking of me. I will put into practice what you are showing me. I will follow your example. I will do what you did. I will live as you lived. That is a very good answer to my question. What am I saying to you right now? What am I asking of you right now? What example are your seeing in me right now? You are asking me to live unlike those in the world live. You are asking me to go against every human and earthly and natural instinct that I have within me. How so? When someone is my enemy, I want to be on guard against them. I don’t want to give them any opportunity to harm me. I want all my defenses to be up when I encounter an enemy. I especially don’t want to extend any kindness and mercy and love to an enemy. Far from it, I want to get even with every one of my enemies. My human and earthly and natural desires call for an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth with anyone who has hated, cursed, or mistreated me. That is not how I lived. That is not the life that I am calling you to live. Yes, I know. So, it will be very easy to determine if I am really listening to you. My old human and earthly and natural life looks nothing like the life you are calling me to live. No, it does not. You are calling to live a godly, spiritual and supernatural life that will stand out as a bold and bright witness for you in the world. You want me to love my enemies. You want me to do good to those who hate me. You want me to bless those who curse me. You want me to pray for those mistreat me. You want me to treat others just how I would like to be treated. Yes, I do. I am excited about living this kind of life. I will happily listen to you. I will joyfully follow your example. Why is that? What is the cause of your excitement, happiness and joy? I know that you will help me to live this kind of life. You will make me able to live like you lived. You will cause me to be a bold and bright witness for you in the world. Yes, I will. Nothing is better than that. Listen to me and follow my example. Yes Lord, I will. That is very good.

Lord, I am listening. I will follow your example. I will do what you have done. I will love my enemies. I will do good to those who hate me. I will bless those who curse me. I will pray for those who mistreat me. I will do to others what I would like done to me. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 144 – Luke 6-27-31 – Love Your Enemies – 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