Monthly Archives: March 2021

This Is God’s Will For You Who Belong To Christ

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 304 - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18- This Is God's Will For You Who Belong To Christ - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 304 – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18- This Is God’s Will For You Who Belong To Christ – Growing As Disciples

Always be joyful.  Never stop praying.  Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)

Joyful, Prayerful, Thankful 

Are you joyful? Are you thankful? Not nearly enough, of that I am sure. Why is that? What is the problem? I’m not sure. I’m not positive. But you do have an idea? Yes, I do have an idea. Tell me what is in your heart and on your mind? I don’t often prayerfully consider how you have so richly and abundantly blessed my life. I think that I often take your blessing for granted. I know that is sad to say and even harder to admit. I am sure that it true. I am also sure that it is a sin. So, I will confess it to you. That’s good. You are forgiven. How would you like to live your life differently? I want to live a life of ongoing and intimate prayer with you. I want to engage in a constant dialogue of prayer as I walk through life with you. I want to talk to you about anything and everything. I especially want to remember and reflect on and give thanks for your kindness and mercy and love towards me. I will take nothing for granted. I will remember all that you have done, are doing, and will do for me. That’s good. What do you think I want? I think you want what is now in my heart and on my mind. Why do you think that? You have put these desires in me.  The desire that I have, to live in an intimate relationship with you is a gift from you. The passion I have, to live my life in a constant dialogue of prayer with you is a gift beyond compare. Who has these desires? Who has these passions? Certainly not me, not unless you have planted them within me. You are correct. I have planted this desire and passion within you. What will I do with a desire and passion that I have planted in you? You will make it grow and flourish. You will bring it into full bloom. You will fully develop the fruit of a life that is joyful, and prayerful, and thankful, no matter what happens, in all the circumstances of life. Can you be all these things because I am doing this work in you. Yes, I can. Yes, I will. Do your work within me! Yes, I will. You can be sure of that. You will be joyful, prayerful, and thankful as you walk through life with me. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, I will remember how you have richly blessed my life. I have a multitude of reasons to give thanks and praise to you. Help me to live a life of intimate and ongoing prayer, filled with joy and thanksgiving, as I remember your kindness, mercy, and love to me. Amen 

Key Question…  What thankful and joyful prayers would you like to offer to the Lord right now?

Living It Out…  Live an intimate and ongoing life of prayer with the Lord that will fill your life with joy and thanksgiving.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that you have a multitude of reasons to pray joyful and thankful prayers to the Lord.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how your life is filled with joyful and thankful prayers to the Lord.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you be joyful, thankful, and prayerful in all the circumstances of your life.

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

Promises – Day 304 – 1 Thessalonians 5-16-18 – This Is God’s Will For You Who Belong To Christ – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

As God’s Chosen People

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - As God's Chosen People - Colossians 3:12-14 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – As God’s Chosen People – Colossians 3:12-14 – Growing As Disciples

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)

Clothe Yourself

I’m not sure what’s more frustrating, the people I have to put up with or my bad attitude I have in responding to them. I’m sure that others have felt that I’ve been quite a handful to deal with at times. Maybe they have thrown their arms up in disgust about my behavior. That’s for sure. Really, I thought I was a little better and maybe more perfect than others. You’re kidding me, aren’t you? Yes Lord, I know that I’m flawed. I am a sinner in need of your forgiveness. Thank you for freely forgiving me. I didn’t have to earn your forgiveness. Not that I could have anyhow. I didn’t have to show you that I was worthy of your forgiveness. When I confessed my sin you just gave your forgiveness to me. Why is it that I have trouble being as loving and gracious toward others?

It’s like my first instinct is to put on the wrong clothes that don’t go together. My clothing combinations have been like mixing plaids with stripes or checks with polka dots. I don’t recall you ever wearing polka dots. No, I haven’t, but you get the idea. Yes, I do, but I’d like you to say more about what you mean. Do you want some examples? Yes, I do.

Here are some of my clothing combinations that haven’t gone together at all. I’ve wanted to be merciful in all my actions. That’s very good. Well, as I have put on mercy, I have also worn judgment with it. I’ve found fault in others and been critical of their behavior. Those definitely don’t go together. I know it’s an ugly combination that clashes with each other.

I’ve also wanted to have a kind heart that guides how I feel and respond to others. But, along with kindness I have attempted to also wear anger, bitterness, and revenge. Those are impossible combinations. You can’t have kindness in your heart and wear those. I know, the ugliness of anger, bitterness, and revenge overpowers the beauty of kindness. Yes, they do.

I’ve wanted to have a humble mind that is patient and tolerant with others. That would look very good on you. Yes, I know. What have you tried to combine it with? I am embarrassed to say that I’ve attempted to wear humbleness with pride. Those are opposites that clash. Yes, I could see that when I tried wearing them both.

It looks to me like you need help with clothing yourself. Yes Lord, I do. Would you like my help? Yes Lord, I would. There is one piece of clothing that will help you to know how to dress properly. What is that? It is love. I want you to put on my love. With the same love with which I loved you, I want you to love others. That’s what I want Lord. I know that you do. Would you like my help? Yes Lord, I would. Then ask me to help you to put on love. That will put all your other clothes in perfect unity. Will you ask me for this help? Yes Lord, I am asking for your help right now.      

Lord, I know that with my own strength and ability I am not able to love and forgive just as you have loved and forgiven me. Help me to be clothed with your love so that I can love and forgive even those who have hurt me. Amen

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

Identity – Colossians 3-12-14 – As God’s Chosen People – 4 Discipleship Devotional Page Study Guide

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

Better And Lasting Possessions

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Spiritual Warfare - Hebrews 10-32-34 - Better And Lasting Possessions - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Spiritual Warfare – Hebrews 10-32-34 – Better And Lasting Possessions – Growing As Disciples

Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. Hebrews 10:32-34 (NIV)

Hold On To Me

What are you willing to endure as one of my followers? What sacrifices are you willing to make as you follow me? Lord, I’m willing to endure anything and everything I must as I follow you. I’m willing to sacrifice and give up whatever you ask me to give up. My life, all that I am, have and hope to be is in your hands. I am at your complete disposal. Use me however you desire.

Why are you so willing to endure and make sacrifices as one of my followers? Do you think the road ahead will be easy? Do you think I won’t ask you to give up something that is enjoyable or do something that is costly to you? No, I don’t think the road ahead will be easy. The road behind has not been that easy either. No, it has not. I know that if you ask me to give up something, it will be because you will have a good reason. But, I trust you and your goodness, mercy and love to me.

There have been plenty of times that you have asked me to give up something to do something for you that was far better and more important than what I was doing or wanted to do. Following and obeying you has always brought great blessings into my life. Yes, it has. 

Do you have any sense of what I might ask you to do for me? Yes, I have a pretty good idea. Tell me about it. I have nothing specific in mind. I just have this general impression that you want me to give my life more fully to others. Yes, that’s right. I know that I have been quite self centered and often too focused on myself. I know you want me to have my eyes on you with the question in my heart of “how can I be your servant and show your love to others that are in need?” It pleases me that you have heard this from me. Keep your eyes open and I will show you who I would like you to serve and minister to on my behalf.

What will keep you going as you serve me? What hope and joyous expectation do you have in your heart to sustain you through trials that will be ahead of you? I know that no matter what happens I will live forever with you in the splendor of heaven. Yes, you will. Hold on to me. Allow my Holy Spirit to strengthen and sustain you as you follow and serve me. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, thank you that I will have a far better life and possessions in heaven with you. I will keep my eyes on you as I live for you in this life. Help me to stand together with fellow believers to encourage them as we face suffering and trials.  Amen

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

Spiritual Warfare – Hebrews 10-32-34 – Better And Lasting Possessions – 4 Page Study Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Disciplines Those He Loves

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Hebrews 12:5-6 - Disciplines Those He Loves - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Hebrews 12:5-6 – Disciplines Those He Loves – Growing As Disciples

And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”   Hebrews 12:5-6 (NIV)

Disciplined

You’ve never liked to be disciplined very much have you? No, not really, who does? But, I have noticed that you are especially sensitive to discipline. How is that? When I have disciplined you, you have held wrong thoughts about it. Like what? For one, you have gotten discouraged and wanted to give up. You have felt life is too hard and that nobody else is experiencing what you are going through. Then there has reached a point where you have felt like you have had enough and have become defensive. That’s when it has become very difficult to teach you anything. Well, I’m sorry for all the wrong attitudes that I’ve held. I do want to be taught by you no matter how hard it might get. Are you saying that you will welcome my discipline into your life as you would a friend? I might not be quite ready to say something like that. I thought so. But, you do know that I want to be fully trained by you? Yes, I can see that. Do I really have to be glad about your discipline when it comes? Your attitude about my discipline is very important. You must not resist it. You must not take it lightly. You will need to trust me most of all. You do know that I love you? Yes, I do. You do know that I always have your best in mind? Yes, I do. When my discipline comes you will need to remember that I love you and I am training you as my child. Yes Lord, I will remember your love for me.

You have asked a lot from me. Yes, I have. You have asked me to bless your life. You have told me that you don’t want to miss out on anything that I have prepared for you, is that right? Yes, that’s right. Can you understand that many of my blessings will only come to you through my discipline? Not fully, but I will try to understand. I will definitely need your wisdom and help. Yes, you will and you will have it. There is something I want you to know right now. What’s that? You will not always understand my discipline.

My discipline may seem unpleasant at the time. Yes, I am well aware of these times. There is one thing that I want you to know for certain. What’s that? I will discipline you only because I love you. My discipline will help you to live your life fully for me. You have told me that you want your life to bear abundant fruit for my glory, haven’t you? Yes, I have. Much of the fruit that you will bear for me will come through how I have disciplined and trained you. Then, sign me up. What do you mean by that? Is there something that you want to say to me? Yes Lord, I will welcome your discipline into my life as a friend. Discipline, teach and train me however you see fit. Very good, I’m glad to hear you say that.

Lord, help me to welcome your discipline into my life. I know that you discipline me because you love me and desire something better for me. Help me to learn from your discipline so that I will live in ways that honor you. Amen

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

Identity – Hebrews 12-5-6 – Disciplines Those He Loves – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Go On Your Way

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Wisdom - Proverbs 4:14-15 - Go On Your Way - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Wisdom – Proverbs 4:14-15 – Go On Your Way – Growing As Disciples

Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. Proverbs 4:14-15 (NIV)

Path For You 

Be very careful where you set your feet. I have a path I want you to walk. Don’t look around and compare your path with the path of others.

You know that the path that I have for you is not the path of the wicked. Do not do what other evil people do. Do not justify your actions by what others have done to you. Do not give yourself permission to do something just because others are doing it. Don’t respond to others based on how they have treated you. Do you understand all that I am saying to you? Yes, you want to guide and direct my life. You want me to follow you. You want me to live the life you have called me to live. That life will look nothing like what evil people are doing. That path will be far away from the path of the wicked. Yes, it will.

There is more though that you understand, isn’t there? Yes, there is. Tell me what else you understand. I need to be on guard against more than just the path of the wicked. What do you have in your heart and mind? It is wicked to not follow you. I could do a lot of good deeds and nice things and still not be following you. How is that possible? I could be looking at what other good people are doing and assume that I should be doing exactly what they are doing in the same way that they are doing it. What’s the problem with that? That approach puts me in charge of all that I do based on what seems good to me as I observe what others are doing. Why is that a problem? You want me to follow you. You have a path and plan for my life. You want me to walk in and live out that plan. Yes, I do. For me to do something other than your plan is a sin that will cause me to miss out on all that you want to do in and through my life. Yes it is and yes it will.

So tell me what you must be on guard against? I must not live and walk on the path of evil. The evil path can look obviously evil or deceptively good. The only righteous path to walk is the one that you are leading me on. How will you know if you are on the right path with me? I will rely on you to guide my life. I will ask for your directions. I will have faith that you will guide me to what you ask of me. Yes, I will keep you on the path I have for you as you follow me. Of that I am absolutely certain. That’s very good that you have placed your faith and trust in me.

Lord, thank you for your word that keeps me from stepping near or walking on the path of the wicked. Guard my life according to your word so that I will walk straight on the path you have laid out for me as I follow and serve you. Amen

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

Proverbs 4-14-15 – Wisdom – Go On Your Way – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

I Have Called You Friends

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - John 15:13-15 - I Have Called You Friends - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – John 15:13-15 – I Have Called You Friends – Growing As Disciples

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:13-15 (NIV)

You Are My Friend

What have I done for you? How completely have I shown you that I love you? Could I have done anything more significant for you than to lay down my life for you? Does that not say it all to you? Yes Lord, it does. Your death on my behalf says it all. You laid down your life for my sins. I was living far away from you as your enemy. Yet, you were willing to make me your friend by dying for me on the cross. That is amazing love displayed in the fullest possible measure. No other gift could be more valuable. No other sacrifice could have been more costly. You gave all that you had for me. I am so grateful and thankful for you love and the new life you have given to me.

How can I express my gratitude to you? What will my thankfulness cause me to do? What desire rises in my heart to express my love to you? Those are very good questions. What answers come to your heart and mind? I want to live my life fully for you. Not because I should or must, although both of those would be true. But your love for me has caused me to love you. I can’t stop or limit this love. It is like a spring of fresh living water coming up and overflowing my soul. This love comes from you of that I am sure.

Out of this love in me comes a question. The question is, “What can I do for you today?” The desire of my heart is to know what you want and to do what you ask. I want to follow you and go wherever you lead me. Not the least bit reluctantly but with a joy filled heart because I love you.

The idea that you and I are friends is wonderful. I was happy to be called your servant because it is my joy to serve you. But to be your friend is beyond imagination. I want to shout, “the Lord and I are friends!” That thought needs to sink deeply into my heart and mind. Yes, it does. Will you help me to comprehend all that being your friend means? Yes, I most certainly will. I know that being your friend means that I will listen to you and do what you ask. Will you? Yes Lord, with a glad heart I will. Very good, as you continue to do so, our friendship will deepen. You will grow in your understanding of my will and ways. Is that what you want? Yes Lord, it is! Follow me where I lead you. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, thank you for demonstrating your love to me by laying down your life for me. I will demonstrate my love for you by doing what you ask of me. It is my joy to follow you. Strengthen and show me how to live my life for you. Amen

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

Identity – John 15-13-15 – I Have Called You Friends – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Be Even More Fruitful

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - John 15:1-2 - Be Even More Fruitful - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – John 15:1-2 – Be Even More Fruitful – Growing As Disciples

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. John 15:1-2 (NIV) 

Pruning

Pruning, now that’s a word that doesn’t sound too inviting. I’m not sure that I like the sound of that at all. Couldn’t you do some rearranging? How about some minor modifications or maybe even some tweaks or adjustments? You still do have a sense of humor. Well, pruning sounds painful. I’m not a big fan of enduring pain. I thought you liked pain. Now, you’re the one with the sense of humor. For the record I don’t like pain. I don’t even like mild discomfort. Please don’t tell me your pruning is going to cause me mild discomfort. I would never do that. Great, I’m glad to hear that. No, pruning might cause you some serious real attention getting pain. Ouch, I did not want to hear that. It’s the truth. Maybe, I can’t handle the truth. Why do I have to go through the pain of pruning? That is a very good question.

You have told me that you want to bear an abundance of fruit for my kingdom. You have said that you want to bring glory to my name. Am I right about this? Yes, I want to bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom. Yes, I want to bring glory to your name. You have also said that you want to be a bright and shining light for me in this world. Yes, I want to shine brightly for you in this dark world. I have said all these things. You have asked me to help you to bear an abundance of fruit for me. You have asked me to help you to bring glory to my name. You have asked me to help you to shine brightly as my witness in the world. Have I not heard these prayers from you? Yes, you have heard these prayers from me. You have repeatedly prayed these prayers with quite a bit of passion, isn’t that correct? Yes, that is correct. Do you expect that I will hear and answer all of these prayers of yours? Yes, I believe that you will hear and answer these prayers of mine. These prayers are the desire of my heart. I believe it is you that has both given and will grant these desires of my heart. Yes, you are absolutely right. I have given and will grant the answers to these heart felt prayers of yours.

I can see where this is headed. Tell me, what do you see? Do I have too? There is that sense of humor of yours again. Yes, tell me. Pruning is your answer to my prayers. You want me to bear an abundance of fruit, bring glory to your name, and shine like a bright light for you in world. Yes, I do. Your pruning is your way to help me to bear an abundance of fruit, bring glory to your name and shine brightly in the world for you. Yes, it is. Will you allow me to prune your life? Yes, I will.

Heavenly Father, I give you permission to prune my life so that I can bear even more fruit for you. Don’t hesitate to do whatever is necessary to make me more fruitful for you. I love you and want to bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom and your glory. Amen

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

So That – John 15-1-2 – Be Even More Fruitful – 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Scattered Throughout

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Guidance - Acts 8:1 - Scattered Throughout- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Guidance – Acts 8:1 – Scattered Throughout- Growing As Disciples

And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Acts 8:1 (NIV)

Nudged

Let’s talk about nudges. What about them? You have felt them. They have prompted you. You have responded to them. You have also failed to respond to them. I’m sure that is true. I want you to be more aware of my promptings. I don’t want you to miss out on what I am prompting you to go and do for me. You want to bear fruit for my kingdom. You want to bring glory to my name. You want me to use you according to my purposes and plans. Is all of this true? Yes all of this is true. I want you to use me. I am completely at your disposal. Use me however and whenever and wherever you see fit. There is no place I won’t go. There is nothing I won’t do for you. I like what you are saying to me. Those are easy words to speak and very difficult words to live out. The truth of your words will be tested. How so? You tell me.

Your promptings will come in a hundred different shapes and sizes. Your nudges will come at any time and in every place. Not all your promptings will be easy. Not all your nudging will be convenient. You will prompt me when I am busy. You will nudge me when I would rather not be nudged. I will have things on my mind. I will have places I want to go. I will have things I want to do. Each of your promptings and nudges will be a test of my obedience to you. That’s right. You will be asking me if I will go and do what you are now asking me to do for you. The theory of my obedient words will be tested by the reality of obedient actions. That is also right.

I have something to tell you right now. What’s that? I will not always pass your test. That will come as no surprise to me. I have something that I also want to tell you. What’s that? I want to love, follow and serve you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I know that to be true. I want to go and do whatever you prompt and nudge me to do for you. I will need every bit of help that you will give me to love, follow and serve you. Yes, you will. I will be listening for your promptings. I will be waiting for your nudging. Help me to go and do everything you ask of me. Yes, I will.

Lord, I will be watching for nudges from you. I will be waiting for you to guide me to what you want me to go and do for you. Use me according to your purposes and plan. Help me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Amen

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

Guidance – Acts 8 – 1 – Scattered Throughout – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Guard Your Heart Above All Else

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 303 - Proverbs 4:23-27 - Guard Your Heart Above All Else - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 303 – Proverbs 4:23-27 – Guard Your Heart Above All Else – Growing As Disciples

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.  Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.  Look straight ahead,  and fix your eyes on what lies before you.  Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.  Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. Proverbs 4:23-27 (NLT)

Safe Path

Do you want to walk on a safe path? Do you want to walk on the path of life? Do you want to keep from being sidetracked? Do you want to keep your feet from following evil? Yes, I want to walk on the path of life with you. Yes, I want to walk on a safe path that is the path of life? How can I walk this way and live this life? That is a very good question. Do you want to answer that question, or should I? I would prefer that you answer this question for me. That I will do. If you want to walk on the path of life you must, above all else, guard your heart. The condition of your heart will guide the entire course of your life. Make no mistake about it, the world, the flesh, and the devil will try to corrupt and pollute your heart and mind and life. You must distance yourself from evil of every kind. You must avoid perverse talk. You must stay away from corrupt speech. How will I ever be able to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil? Is that a battle I can fight? Is that a war I can win? What do you think? Under my own power, with my own strength. I will never be victorious. That thought is correct. Do you think that I am asking you to fight with your own power and strength? No, I do not. Why is that? You would never give me a battle I can’t fight or a war I can’t win. No, I would not. What must you do? I must rely on you. That is correct. If you want to walk on a safe path, that is the path of life, you must keep your heart and mind and eyes focused on me. I will lead you. I will guide you. I will guard and protect you. Keep looking straight ahead. Follow me to where I lead you. Do what I ask of you. Live the life I have given to you. Will you do that? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I will, above all else, guard the condition of my heart. I will not wander off the safe path. I will avoid perverse and corrupt talk. I will look straight ahead and keep my heart, mind and eyes firmly fixed on you. I will keep on loving, following and serving you. Amen

Key Question…  How are you keeping your eyes firmly fixed on the Lord as you walk through life with Him?

Living It Out…  Above all else, guard your heart so you can stay on the safe path with the Lord.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will help you to guard your heart so you can stay on the safe path with Him.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how you are guarding your heart to stay on the safe path with the Lord.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you, above all else, guard your heart so you can stay on the safe path with the Lord.

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

Promises – Day 303 – Proverbs 4-23-27 – Guard Your Heart Above All Else – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Do Not Ignore It

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Wisdom - Proverbs 8:32-35 - Do Not Ignore It - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Wisdom – Proverbs 8:32-35 – Do Not Ignore It – Growing As Disciples

“Now then, my sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD. Proverbs 8:32-35 (NIV)

Waiting For Instructions 

Make sure that you are listening to me. Don’t hurriedly rush off in a direction without thinking and without bothering to listen to me. You have an impulsive nature that has gotten you into trouble and difficulty many times before. Yes, I know. Take your time, slow down, wait and listen to me. Don’t be in a hurry. Do you know why this is so important? Yes, I think that I do. Hurry will hinder my ability to hear you. When I don’t wait and listen for your instructions I’m most likely to go running off in my own direction instead of choosing to walk in your ways. Yes, and a key word that you used there was walk. When has my way included an impulsive sprint on your part? Probably never, I guess. There is only one thing that I want you to be quick about. What’s that? I want you to be quick to listen to me. I want you to be quick to wait for my instructions.

You have been asking for wisdom from me, have you not? Yes, I have. You will only be able to receive wisdom from me by watching, waiting, and listening for it. There are two words that go together like a hand in a glove. What are they? They are waiting and wisdom. If you want wisdom from me you must wait for it. How hard will that be for you? It sounds like it should be pretty easy. Has it been easy for you? No, I have never liked waiting. Yes, I have seen that in you. You like constant motion. You would rather be on the go than having to wait. What will wanting wisdom require from you? It will require me to learn to wait. Yes, it will. Have you noticed that I have been giving you an in depth course in waiting? Yes, I have. How have you liked it? Not much at all. Have you enjoyed the fruit of waiting? What do you mean by that? Has your life been blessed as you have waited with me? Yes it has. How has it been blessed? As I have waited with you I have been able to know your will and walk in your ways. I have been able to make good decisions and choose what you wanted me to choose. Yes, that’s right. I have felt your favor and blessing in my life. Is there anything you haven’t enjoyed about that? No, there isn’t. Once I have stopped running and slowed down it has been a joy and delight to wait in your presence. So, maybe it’s just the idea of waiting that you haven’t liked. I suppose so. Isn’t waiting a lot better than wasting a lot of time running off in the wrong direction? Yes, it certainly is. I dislike that far more than waiting in the first place. I will wait and watch and listen for your instructions. I will take great delight in being in your presence. I’m glad to hear that.      

Lord, I can’t tell you how many times I have impulsively run off in my own direction. I thought I had all the wisdom I needed to make a wise decision. Wrong again. Forgive me. Help me now to wait and listen to your instructions. Amen

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

Wisdom – Proverbs 8-32-35 – Do Not Ignore It – 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