Monthly Archives: April 2020

Faith Comes

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 35 - Romans 10:17- Faith Comes - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 35 – Romans 10:17- Faith Comes – Growing As Disciples

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 (NKJV)

Hearing

I will be very careful about that. You will be very careful about what? I will be careful about what I am hearing. I will be very careful about what I allow myself to hear. I will be very intentional about what I chose to hear. Why is that? What I allow myself to hear will impact my thoughts, opinions and values. What my ears hear, and my mind thinks is not neutral information. What I hear will mold and shape me. What I hear will likely guide the entire course of my life. How so? If I allow my mind to be bombarded by the thoughts, opinions and values of the world, I will most certainly become worldly in my thinking. Then my words and actions will follow suit. I will speak and act worldly. So, you are going to evaluate and limit how much the world speaks into your life? That’s it exactly. I will not allow the world and all that is in it to form the thoughts of my mind, words of my mouth or actions of my life. Are there a particularly worldly thoughts you want to be on guard against? Yes, there are. Tell me about them. The world would have me think that I am all I need. I am my own boss. I am my own authority. I can live my life my own way. I certainly shouldn’t want or need the help of anyone else, including you. The world would have me place all my faith in my own efforts.  I have all I need. I am all I need. I can do whatever I want, whenever I want. What do you think of these thoughts? These thoughts are far away from your thoughts. Living a life based on these thoughts is a life without faith that leads away from you. I have no desire to live this kind a faithless self-centered life. That’s good.

What will you allow yourself to hear? I will allow myself to hear you word. I will make it my daily pattern and practice to hear your word. Why is that? There is not a day that I don’t need to hear from you. There is not a day that I don’t need to be lifted and encouraged by your word. There is not a day that I don’t need your word to increase and strengthen my faith in you. I know that faith comes by hearing your word. So, I will make hearing your word the absolute priority in my life. I want you to guard and guide me by your word. I want you to mold and shape me by your word. As I come to listen to you, I want to know your thoughts and walk in your ways. I want to live the life you are calling me to live. Then you will keep on hearing my word. Yes, I will. That will be very good. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, I will be very careful about what I allow myself to hear. I know that what I hear can either increase or decrease my faith in you. I will make it my daily pattern and practice to hear your word. I will listen attentively to you, rather than the world. Grow my faith. Amen

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

Promises – Day 35 – Romans 10-17 – Faith Comes – 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

The Lord Gives Wisdom

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 34 - Proverbs 2:1-6 - The Lord Gives Wisdom - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 34 – Proverbs 2:1-6 – The Lord Gives Wisdom – Growing As Disciples

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,  turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,  and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,  and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,  then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.  For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:1-6 (NIV)  

Hidden Treasure

I definitely want that and all that comes with it. What is it that you want? I want wisdom and understanding and insight and knowledge. What is it that you most want to know? I want to know you. I want to know your will. I want to know your ways. I want the wisdom and insight and knowledge that can only come from you. You have very good desires within you. Do you believe that I will give you all that you are asking of me? Yes, I believe that you will give me not only what I am asking of you, but I also believe that you will give me what I could not have ever dreamed of or even imagined. That is very good.

What must you do if you want to receive all that I want to give to you? I must accept your word. By accept, I mean I must take your word deep into my heart and mind. I must allow your word to dwell in me richly. I must store up your words within me so that they are always with me. By accept, I also mean that I must be willing to set aside not only my own thoughts and ideas and opinions, but also those of the world. Your word must be and must have final authority in my life. If my thoughts and ideas and opinions are in conflict with yours, I will know who needs to change their thinking. Who would that be? That would be me. Good answer.

How urgently and passionately and fervently must you seek my word if you want to receive all that I want to give to you? I know one thing for certain. What’s that? Your word is more valuable to me than silver or gold or any hidden treasure. All of these will pass way. Your word will endure forever. Yes, it will. So, I will seek your word with all that is within me. I will cry out for your insight and understanding. I will call to you, so I can receive your instruction and follow your guidance. I will wait patiently with you in your word, so you can teach and train and guard and guide the entire course of my life. That will be very good. Yes, it will.

Lord, I will accept and store your word in my heart. I will turn my ears to your wisdom. Your word is more valuable to me than silver, gold or any hidden treasure. Use your word to give me wisdom. Use your word to help me to know and love, follow and serve you. Amen

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

Promises – Day 34 – Proverbs 2-1-6 – The Lord Gives Wisdom – 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

God Is With You

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 33 - Zephaniah 3:17 - God Is With You - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 33 – Zephaniah 3:17 – God Is With You – Growing As Disciples

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

Quiet Me

If I need anything, I surely need that. You surely need what? I need you to quiet me with your love. Tell me more about your need. It seems like the world is spinning out of control. Not only that, and more importantly, I feel like the world around me, my world, the world I live in, is spinning out of control. Why do you feel that way? There is instability and pain and suffering and confusion all around me. It feels like the earth and the people in it, me included, are going through a great shaking. How are you doing personally? I’m hanging on, by that I don’t mean I am barely hanging on or that I am hanging on by a shoestring or just getting by. What do you mean? You are helping me to hold on to you. I feel secure and strong in you. Yet, I have not been left untouched by pain. Life is not free and easy. I am feeling some of the weight of the world. I am carrying some heavy burdens for specific people who are in very painful circumstances. What are you doing with your burdens? How are you praying for people who are in great need? With tears, I am crying out to you. It feels like I am living in constant intercession for those who are in need all around me. Then this is a new place for you, isn’t it? Yes, for me to be praying nearly constantly is something new. Even when I am not praying with my own conscious thoughts and words, it feels like your Spirit is praying with groans within me. That is exactly what my Spirit is doing within you.

What do you need to do right now? I need to come to you. I need to draw near to you. I need to come into your presence. I need to take shelter with you in this storm. I need you to protect me. I need you to strengthen me. I need you to keep on quieting me with your love. What do you know? You are my Savior. You have saved me. You will save others as I bring them to you. Yes, I will. You will comfort me. You will keep on quieting me with your love. You delight in me. You are rejoicing over me with singing. You will help me through these turbulent times. You will come to my aid. You will hear and answer my prayers. I am not alone. You are with me to help me. Yes, I am with you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will hear and answer your prayers. Keep on living in this place of intercession that I have brought you. I am doing a work in and through you. Rejoice and give thanks and praise to me, as I lead you through these turbulent times. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. 

Lord, thank you for saving me and making me able to know and love you. It is amazing to learn that you delight in me. Help me to be quieted by your love. The idea that you rejoice over me with singing is astounding. Help me to give all thanks and praise to you. Amen

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

Promises – Day 33 – Zephaniah 3-17 – God Is With You – 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

Perfect Peace

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Day 32 - Promises - Isaiah 26:3-4 - Perfect Peace - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 32 – Isaiah 26:3-4 – Perfect Peace – Growing As Disciples

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:3-4 (NIV)

Trust Me

What is your experience with worry and anxiety? Lord, you know that I have been filled with worry and anxiety throughout my entire life. Yes, I do. Tell me about your worry and anxiety. I have worried and been anxious in a multitude of different situations and circumstances. Some of my worries and anxieties have been based in reality. Theoretically I have had good cause to be anxious and to worry. I have been in worrisome circumstances. Yes, I know. At other times my worries and anxieties were not based in reality. I really had no cause to worry or to be anxious. I worried and was anxious because I imagined the worst that could happen. Would you say that you set your mind on worrisome thoughts of the worst that could happen? Yes, I would. How has doing that helped you? It hasn’t helped me at all. Thinking about the worst-case scenarios is my sure way to be filled with worry and anxiety. Yes, it is.

So, it isn’t the situation that causes you to be anxious and to worry as much as it is what you do with a potentially worrisome situation. I need you to say more. Say again, what do you when you face a worrisome situation? I look at it from every angle. I consider every possibility. I imagine what could happen if things go wrong. I prepare myself as best I can to face every conceivable worst-case scenario. This then fills you up with worry and anxiety. Yes, it does.

Can you see that you are setting your mind on the wrong things? Like what? You tell me. I’m setting my mind on my circumstances and my ability to handle them. That hasn’t worked well at all has it? No, it hasn’t.  Do you trust me? Yes Lord, I trust you. When you are filled with worry and anxiety are you trusting me? No, I suppose not. What would you do if you wanted to place your complete trust in me? I want to place my complete trust in you. Then, how will you do it? In trusting you I would keep my heart and mind and eyes focused on you. Instead of looking at potentially worrisome circumstances I will keep my eyes focused on you. I will trust and rely on you for your help. Do you know why you can be confident in trusting me? You are a rock of eternal strength that can be trusted. Yes, I am. You are my rock of eternal strength that I can trust. Yes, I am. 

How will you allow yourself to be reminded that I am your rock of eternal strength that you can trust? What will you do so that you do not fall into the temptation to worry and be filled with anxiety? I will keep my heart and mind and eyes focused on you. I will meet with you in your word. I will allow you to speak into my life so that I can receive strength and encouragement from you. I will allow you to replace my worrisome thoughts with all that you have to say to me. That will be very good. Then I will be placing my complete trust in you so that I will be able to receive your perfect peace. Yes, you will.

Lord, you are my eternal rock of strength. You are worthy of my complete trust. I will keep my eyes focused on you as I go though worrisome situations in life. I will allow my heart and mind to hear your word as I keep all my thoughts on you. Amen

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

Promises – Day 32 – Isaiah 26-3-4 – Perfect Peace – 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

Find Me

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 31 - Jeremiah 29:13- Find Me - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 31 – Jeremiah 29:13- Find Me – Growing As Disciples

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

Seek You

That is what I will do. What will you do? I will seek you with all my heart. Why will you seek me with all your heart? That is a very good question. Do you have an answer? Yes, I will seek you with all my heart because I want to know you. I don’t want to know about you. I actually want to know you. I don’t want to know you a little bit. I want to know you intimately. I want to know your thoughts. I want to know your ways. I want to know your purposes and plans. I want to know anything and everything I can about you. I will seek you with all my heart so I can find you. That will be very good.

What will happen to you as you seek me with all your heart? I will be changed. How so? Day by day, as I seek you, as I come into your presence, as I draw near to you, I will be changed. I can’t remain the same as I come to know you. Your words will be come my words. Your thoughts will become my thoughts. Your actions will become my actions.  You will make me to be more and more like you as I spend time with you. Yes, I will. As I come to know you, I will come to love you, as I come to love you, I will come to follow you. As I come to follow you, I will come to serve you. That will be very good.

How will you seek me with all your heart? Your thoughts alone, without actions, will not be enough. Your desires must be into practice. How will you make seeking me the priority of your life? I will set a time and secure a place to meet with you. In our time together, I will draw near to you in prayer. I will draw near to you in worship. I will draw near to you in your word. I will draw near to you in fellowship in your body, the church. I will draw near to you in service as I follow you to wherever you lead me and to do whatever you ask of me. No matter where I am going, no matter what I am doing, my heart and mind and life will be attentive to you. Speak to me, I am listening. Show yourself to me, I am watching. Help me to know and love and follow and serve you as I seek you with all my heart. Yes, I will, without a doubt, you can be sure it that. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, it will be my daily practice to seek you with all my heart. I will set aside a daily time and place to meet with you. I want to find you. I want to know you. I want to love and follow you. Show yourself to me. Guard and guide and bless my life as I seek you. Amen

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

Promises – Day 31 – Jeremiah 29-13 – Find Me – 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

Search Me

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 30 - Psalm 139:23-24 - Search Me - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 30 – Psalm 139:23-24 – Search Me – Growing As Disciples

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)

Search Me

I have not shut myself off to you. My life is not closed to you. What do you mean by that? You have my invitation to test me. Go ahead and examine me. See what is in me. See if there is any offensive way in me. Are you confident about what I will find in you? Do I think you will find no sin in me? That is a good question. No, I’m sure that I am a sinner. I have not arrived. I am not a completed work. I am not a finished product. There is plenty of work yet to be done in me. That is why I can confidently ask you to search and test me. I know that you will remove any offensive way that is in me. I know that you will continue to mold and shape my life. You will make me into the person you want me to become. Yes, you are the work of my hands. I am molding and shaping your life.

I do know that your work in me will not always be or feel comfortable. To be molded and shaped sounds so free and easy, maybe even like going to the spa. I know that picture is far from accurate. Sometimes, your work in me has felt more like major surgery. Removing an offensive way that is in me has been and could again be very painful. My invitation to you still stands. If your work in me involves some pain, I still wholeheartedly and enthusiastically welcome you to proceed. Why is that? I know you have my best in mind. What is my best for you? Your best for me is for me to be the person you have called me to be. Your best for me is for me to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. Your best for me is for me to follow you to where you lead me to do what you ask of me. Your best for me is for me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Yes, all of these things are my best for you. None of these things will be possible without you doing your work in me. That is correct. So, I will say it again, search me, test me, and remove any offensive way that is in me. That is very good. 

Lord, you have my invitation to search me completely. Test me. See what is in me. Change any offensive way that is in me. Help me to live a life that is good, right and pleasing to you. Lead me on your path. Guide me on your way everlasting. I will follow you. Amen

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

Promises – Day 30 – Psalm 139-23-24 – Search Me – 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

Living And Active

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 29 - Hebrews 4:12 - Living And Active - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 29 – Hebrews 4:12 – Living And Active – Growing As Disciples

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

Living And Active

I’m glad that your word is living and active. I’m also happy that your word is powerful and effective. Why is that? Your word is just as relevant today as when it was first written. I can’t tell you the number of times something from your word jumped off the page and has spoken powerfully into my life. How has my word spoken into your life? Your word has changed everything about me. You have used your word to change my heart, transform my mind and guide my life. Your word has made me able to think your thoughts and walk in your ways. Your word has helped form the thoughts of my mind, words of my mouth and the deeds of my life. Your word has led me where you wanted me to go. Your word has given me what you wanted me to do. Yes, my word has done all these things for you.

How has my word been guarding, guiding and protecting your life? Your word has been like a sword fighting in me, with me, for me and through me. Give me an example. Let’s say that I have had a thought in mind that involves a certain course of action. Over time, I might have rationalized my particular thought and determined my course of action. Your word has often cut right through my rationalizations and shown me that my course of action was not good or right or pleasing to you. Your word has stopped me in my tracks. Your word has changed my course. Your word has prevented me from doing what was not your will. That’s good. How about giving me another example. Let’s say that I have been under attack by the devil and all his evil. A thought process and taking an evil action is before me. My thoughts and actions are hanging in the balance. I could go either way. I could succumb to temptation and evil or I could resist temptation and fight against evil. Your word has come to my defense. Your word has come to my aid. Your word has been in my heart and on my mind. Your word has fought for me against the devil and all his evil that was all around me. Your word has made me able to say no to the devil and yes to you. Your word has made me able to live the life you have called me to live. That is very good. Yes, it is and for that I am very thankful. 

Lord, I will listen attentively to your word. I will allow your word to mold and shape me. I will allow your word to guard and guide the course of my life. I will allow your word to change my heart and transform my mind. Speak to me Lord, I am listening to you. Amen

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

Promises – Day 29 – Hebrews 4-12 – Living And Active – 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

Delight Yourself In The Lord

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 28 - Psalm 37:4 - Delight Yourself In The Lord - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 28 – Psalm 37:4 – Delight Yourself In The Lord – Growing As Disciples

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (NIV) 

Desires

When I think of some of the desires, I have had in my heart, I am thankful that you did not grant them to me. Why is that? They certainly did not come from you. They were not good and right and pleasing to you. Having what I wanted and desired at one time, is certainly not what I would want or desire now. So, your desires have changed since you started following me? Without, a doubt. In fact, my desires now look nothing like the desires I had before I came to know and love you. How so? My old desires were of the flesh. They were earthly. I wanted comfort and pleasure. I want power and prestige. I wanted wealth and riches. Looking back, those desires were pretty pathetic. Why do you now think that? What good is a desire that has no lasting value? What good is a desire that will fade away when this life ends? What good is a desire that will bear no fruit in light of all eternity? You have asked some very good questions. What do you think? I want desires that come from you. I want desires that are good and right and pleasing to you. I want you to give me desires that will bear fruit for all eternity. I want you to grant me desires that line up with your purposes and plans. So, you are not asking for or wanting some small desires? No, I am not. But I do believe that I am asking for what you want. What do I want? You want me to live a life that bears fruit for your kingdom and brings glory to your name. That is what I want for you. Yes, well, I believe that you will give and grant this desire that is in my heart and on my mind. Yes, I will, you can be certain of that. Thank you, Lord.

Let’s take a step back. I have a few questions for you. I’m listening. How have these new and godly desires come into your heart? As I have drawn near to you and as I have delighted in you, you have given or placed these new desires in my heart. Give me another example of a new desire within you. It is my utmost and most passionate desire to know and love and follow and serve you. This desire certainly did not come from me. No, it did not. You have fanned the flame of this desire in me. Yes, I have. In fact, I would say that I am on fire with this desire in me. My heart burns for you. That is very good. What are you certain of? I am certain that you will keep on giving and granting me the desires of my heart as I continue to delight in you. Yes, I will. Thank you, Lord. I will keep on drawing near to you. I will keep on delighting in you. That will be very good. 

Lord, it is my great joy to delight in you. You are so very good to me. I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. It is the desire of my heart to know you intimately and to love and follow and serve you. Grant this desire that you have given to me. Amen

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

Promises – Day 28 – Psalm 37-4 – Delight Yourself In The Lord – 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

See Good Days

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 27 - 1 Peter 3:8-12 - See Good Days - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 27 – 1 Peter 3:8-12 – See Good Days – Growing As Disciples

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.  Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.  For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.  He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.  For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:8-12 (NIV)

Good Days

I want to see a lot of those. You want to see a lot of what? I want to see a lot of good days. I want to live a life that you can and will bless. How will this be possible? What must you do for this to be true of your life? I knew you were going to ask me that. So, you were prepared? Well, kind of, sort of, maybe. You don’t sound so sure of yourself. I’m not actually. Why is that? If I want to see many good days, I will need to do the opposite of what comes naturally to me. What’s that? I am a debater. I like to do battle. I like to fight fire with fire. That kind of behavior only stokes flames of anger and resentment. That kind of behavior stirs up evil words and insulting behavior. Engaging in this kind of behavior is an unwinnable battle that will never lead to peace and harmony or bring me any good days. That is a very good lesson that you have learned. I can safely say, I have not been a quick learner. For that, I need your forgiveness. You are forgiven.

What would you like to do differently? How do you want to change your behavior? I want to live in harmony with others. I want to be sympathetic and loving and compassionate and humble. I want to repay every insult and evil, said or done against me, with a blessing. That will be counter cultural. That will not go unnoticed. That will stand out in the world. Exactly, I want to be a bold and bright witness for you in the world. I want my behavior to shine as a bright light that draws others to you. That will be very good. So, I will turn from evil, to do good. I keep evil and deceitful words from coming out of my mouth. I will humbly make every effort to seek peace and pursue it. What will happen to you when you live your life in this way? I will see many good days. I will live a life that you can and will bless. Your eyes will be on me, you will hear and answer my prayers. Yes, I will. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, I have often been tempted to repay evil with evil and insult with insult. Many times, I have succumbed to those evil desires. Forgive me. Help me to bless those who have harmed me. Help me to seek and pursue peace. Help me to be a bright witness for you. Amen

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

Promises – Day 27 – 1 Peter 3-8-12 – See Good Days – 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

Foundation On The Rock

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 26 - Matthew 7:24-29 - Foundation On The Rock - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 26 – Matthew 7:24-29 – Foundation On The Rock – Growing As Disciples

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.  But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”  When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Matthew 7:24-29 (NIV)

Foundation 

That is exactly what I want. What exactly do you want? I want my life to have a firm foundation. I want to be able to withstand the storms of life that are sure to come. I don’t want to build my life on sand. I don’t want my life to fall apart when I face a storm. Those are very good desires. What must you do if you want your life to have a firm foundation? What must you do if you want your life to withstand the storms of life? I must do two things if I want a rock-solid foundation for my life that will withstand the storms, I am sure to face. I’m listening. Was that a clue? That is what I must do, I must listen to you. I must listen to your word. How will you listen to my word? I will listen attentively to your word. I will listen to your word as if my life depends on it. Why is that? My life does depend on listening to your word. Your word can and will guide the thoughts of my mind, words of my mouth, and the deeds of my life. You will guard and guide me by your word. The entire course of my life will be directed by your word. So, I don’t want to be casually listening to your word. I don’t want your word to go in one of my ears and out the other. What a tragedy that would be, for me. So, I will take your word deep into my heart and mind and life. I will allow your word to dwell in me richly. I will start my day with your word. I will end my day with your word. That will be very good.

After having clearly heard my word, what will you do with it? That is a very good question. Why is that? Hearing your word is good. Hearing your word is important. Hearing your word is my priority. But that is not nearly enough. Just as I will be listening attentively to your word, so must I also carefully put your word into practice. Only hearing your word will not give me a firm foundation or make me able to withstand the storms of life. My hearing must be coupled with my action. How so? I must do what your word says. I must receive your instruction and follow your guidance. Then, I will have a firm foundation. Then I will be able withstand the storms of life. Yes, you will. 

Lord, I will listen attentively to your word. I will make hearing your word the priority of my life. I will take your word deep into my heart and mind and life. I will meditate on and memorize your word. Guide my life with your word, as I put it into practice. Amen

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

Promises – Day 26 – Matthew 7-24-29 – Foundation On The Rock – 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