Monthly Archives: March 2021

We Are More Than Conquerors

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - God The Father - We Are More Than Conquerors - Romans 8:37-39 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – God The Father – We Are More Than Conquerors – Romans 8:37-39 – Growing As Disciples

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.   Romans 8:37-39

Rest In My Love

I want you to rest in my love. I have you in my loving arms. I will never let you go. Yes, you will face many battles and difficulties in life. You already know that. Has any one of them separated you from my love? Where have I been when you have gone through painful trials and suffering? You have been right with me. You have comforted and encouraged me. You have lifted me up when I was down. It has been in these struggles that I have most felt your loving presence. When my heart has been broken you have been very near to me. Yes, I have most certainly been close to you then. But, you need to know that I am always by your side to lead and guide you through life. You are not on your own, not for one minute, not for one second. Father, that is so wonderful for me to hear. That is exactly what I want you to do. Hear and take a firm hold on knowing that I love you and am with you at all times.

Why is it that you are calling me to remember your love for me at this time? Why do you think? I have a pretty good idea. I’ll bet that you do, tell me about it. I have a troubled and worried heart, don’t I? Yes, you do. I’m troubled about things I can’t control and worried about things that will never happen. Yes, you are.

What would happen to you if you rested in my love and trusted that I will help you through every difficulty? I would have more peace and joy that’s for sure. Yes, you would. You might even have a smile on your face. Have I been frowning a lot? What do you think? I suppose I have. You’ve looked like you were carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Guess what? That’s funny, how am I supposed to answer your, “guess what?” Try anyhow. Alright, I’m not carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. I can’t and shouldn’t even begin to try. You are a very good guesser. That’s exactly what I had in mind.

I want you to let go of every worry, give me all your troubles. Rest in my love. You are securely in my embrace. Nothing will ever separate you from my love. You are not on your own. I have your life and the future in my hands. I will lead you to where I want you to go. I will show you what I want you to do. You don’t have to try and figure everything out by yourself. You wouldn’t be able to anyhow. Will you trust me? Will you rest in my love? Do you believe that I have my hand on you?

Is there something that you want to ask me? Yes Father, there is. I need you to help to be able to rest in your love. It seems like it should be easy but its not easy for me. Help me Father, to rest in your love. You can be absolutely sure that I will answer that prayer for you. I know, and for that I am so thankful.

Heavenly Father, thank you that nothing can separate me from your love. Your love watches out for me through any trouble. No hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger or sword can distance me from your love.  Amen 

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

God The Father – Romans 8-37-39 – We Are More Than Conquerors – 4 Page Discipleship Study Guide

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

My Example

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Character - My Example - Philippians 3:17 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Character – My Example – Philippians 3:17 – Growing As Disciples

Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.  Philippians 3:17 NIV

Being Watched

You are being watched. I am, by who? All those that are around you are watching you. Every person that you come into contact with has their eyes and ears tuned into you. They see all that you do. They hear all that you say. I’m not sure that I wanted to know that. Why not? Doesn’t that place a pretty heavy weight of responsibility on me? Yes, it does and probably even more so than you realize. What do you mean by that?

Your life is a message. It is, what kind of message is my life sending? Your life is suggesting to others an example of how they can live their life. There are those who are imitating you. Your life is serving as a pattern for others to follow. Now, I really feel a weight of responsibility. Why is that? I know that I am not living a perfect life. I make mistakes. I have setbacks. I sin. I am a sinner. How could I ever be a good example for others to follow?

Those admissions you just made are good examples to follow. You know that you are a sinner. You are not hiding that fact. You know that you need my forgiveness. You’re not thinking that you have or can live a sinless life. You know that you have made mistakes and have setbacks. Yet you are moving forward with me. Isn’t that also a very good example to follow? Yes, it is.

We are having this conversation together right now. Isn’t that something that sets a worthy example for others to follow? Yes, it sure is. Why do you and I have these daily conversations? We have them because you love me and I love you. I want to spend time in your presence. I want to know you and your will for my life. I want to talk to you about all the details of my life. Why is that? I don’t have all the answers. I need your guidance. I need you to teach and instruct me on how to live my life as your follower. Isn’t this also a very good example for others to follow? You are admitting to me that you need and want my help. Yes, I am. Would you be happy or sad for someone else to make the same requests of me? I would be very happy if I had any role in encouraging others to come to you for all that they need.

Do you still feel a heavy weight of responsibility knowing that others are following your example as you follow me? No, I feel more excited and encouraged. Why is that? I now know that all my life has to say is, “ follow me as I follow you.” The weight of responsibility isn’t on me at all. It is you that will mold and shape my life so that I am an example and pattern that others can follow. Yes, I will. How do you feel about that? I feel incredibly grateful that you will use my life to point others to you. Yes, I will. You can be sure of that.

Lord, only you can make my life an example that has any worth for others to follow. The only example that I can set is to rely on you completely to do all that you want to do in and through me. Use me as your witness in the world. Amen

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

Character – Philippians 3-17 – My Example – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

God Cares

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - If - Luke 12:27-28 - God Cares - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – If – Luke 12:27-28 – God Cares – Growing As Disciples

“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? Luke 12:27-28 (NLT)

Replacing Worries

How has your life benefited from all your worrying? Has worrying helped you to solve what has been the subject of your concerns? Has worrying made you more able to deal with the future? My life has not benefited from all my worrying. Worrying has filled my life with stress. Worrying about the future has even paralyzed me in the present. Worrying has drained my energy and sapped my strength. Worrying has made me less able to deal with the future. Worrying has made me indecisive in my thoughts and tentative in my actions.

What has worrying shown you? I’m not sure what you mean. What would you rather do than worry? I would rather not worry. I would like to stop worrying. Can you just say you are not going to worry anymore? Would that work? It hasn’t worked at all so far. Do you really think that telling yourself to stop worrying will work in the future? I don’t think so. No, it will not. You don’t need to stop your worrying. Now you have me confused. You need to replace your worrying. Let me ask you a question. Go ahead, I’m listening. When you are worrying who is in charge of your life? I suppose that I am in charge of my life when I’m worrying. Who is in charge of meeting and taking care of all your needs? I suppose that I am in charge of meeting and taking care of all my needs when I’m worrying. That is why I am worrying about them. That’s right.

Do you want me to take care of your life and meet your needs? Yes, I do. Do you think that I am capable of meeting your needs and taking care of your life? Yes, I do. Do you believe that you are valuable to me? Yes, I do. Do you believe that I love you? Yes, I do. Do you believe that I will take care of your life and meet your needs? Yes, I do. If I am taking care of you and meeting your needs do you have anything to worry about? No, I do not.

So, you are not going to stop worrying. You are going to replace your worrying with something else. What is that something else that is going to replace all your worries? I am going to replace all my worries with my faith in you. I am going to place all my faith and trust in you. Then I will have no need to worry. You got that right.

Lord, I have been a worrier. I have worn myself out worrying about what could happen. I have considered negative outcomes from every angle. No more. Instead, I am placing all my faith and trust in you because I know that you value, love and care for me. Amen

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

If – Luke 12-27-28 – God Cares – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Enter His Gates With Thanksgiving

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Gratitude - Enter His Gates With Thanksgiving - Psalm 100:4 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Gratitude – Enter His Gates With Thanksgiving – Psalm 100:4 – Growing As Disciples

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.   Psalm 100:4  NIV

Into Your Presence

I think that I have been barging into your presence filled up with all my own worries, concerns and requests. I’m not sure that I have even allowed myself to catch my breath before blurting out a request for something I’ve wanted or needed. Does that seem like the right way to come to me in prayer? No, it really doesn’t. What problems do you see with that approach? There are several problems with that approach. Let me hear what you have on your mind and in your heart.

Prayer is a two-way conversation. When I don’t take time to slow down to draw near to you it is really hard for me to hear what you want to say to me. Why is that? It takes time for the busyness and noise level of my life to quiet down so that I am able to receive anything from you. Quickly barging into your presence is such a hindrance to me that often I’m not even aware that you have drawn close to me.

Why do you think it is a good idea to start your prayers off with thanksgiving and praise? First of all, you are worthy of all my thanks and praise. Acknowledging what you have done and are doing for me before asking for anything else just seems like good manners to me. I want to let you know how thankful I am for all that you have done for me. Most of all I know that you take great delight in hearing me express my gratitude to you. Yes, I do. How do you know that? I can feel your pleasure even as I am giving thanks and praise to you. As I’m giving thanks and praise to you, it feels like you are setting my heart and putting my mind in the right place. Yes, I am.

As I have given thanks and praise to you my perspective has been altered and my prayers have changed. How so? My heart and mind are more settled and less urgent. I am more focused on you and more knowing that you are in control. I feel more joy as I release my worries, concerns and requests to you. I trust you more and myself less. Giving thanks and praise to you has helped me to more clearly see your activity and work in and through my life.

Thanksgiving and praise has helped me take my eyes off of myself and look to you. Once your eyes are off of yourself and focused on me what are you really ready to do? Then I am really ready to listen to all that you want to say to me. That’s what you really want isn’t it? You want to know me and hear what I have to say to you, don’t you? Yes Lord, it is the desire of my heart to know you and to hear your voice speaking to me.

Lord, my attention has been focused on my life and all my circumstances. I have raced into prayer to tell you all about them to ask for your help. Now, I want to bow down to worship you. You are worthy of all my thanks and praise. Amen

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

Gratitude – Psalm 100-4 – Enter His Gates With Thanksgiving – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

May Be One

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - John 17:20-23 - May Be One - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – John 17:20-23 – May Be One – Growing As Disciples

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:20-23 (NIV)

Let The World Know

Your life is a message. Do you know that? Maybe, I’m not sure. Could you explain what you mean? How you live your life sends a message to others. Your actions and the way that you conduct yourself will speak louder than your words. If the way that you live your life is not consistent with your words then what you say will not be believed or even heard. It will be as if your lips are moving but the hearer will not be able to comprehend what you are saying. In fact, they will have no desire to hear what you are saying. In their minds they will dismiss you and label you as just another hypocrite. The world has seen an abundance of those. That is not what you want to be. No, you are right, I don’t want to be a hypocrite.

What message do you want my life to convey? What do you think? I think you want the world to know about your love. That’s why you sent your son into the world. The message of His life was that through Him each one of us could receive forgiveness of our sins and be restored into a relationship with you, as your children. How do you factor into that message being spoken, heard and received in the world through your life? 

Living in a restored relationship with you is changing me. How is that? Because I am your child I am in the process of becoming more like you. What do you think becoming more like me will look like? I think becoming more like you will look like love. If I love you, I will love others just like you have loved me. You gave yourself for me. I will give myself to others. You laid down your life for me. I will lay down my life for others. You came to serve, not to be served. I will become a loving servant to others. Instead of always thinking about my needs, and myself I will consider how I can love and serve others. What kind of message will your loving and serving others be in this world?

Living the life that you want me to live will stand out. It will get noticed. It will be shockingly different. Your kind of love and service to others is very rare in this world. People are filled with wonder when they see real love and sacrificial giving on display. They are attracted to it and want to know its source. But, I can’t live and love and serve others without your help. I really need your help. It is only you that can make me able to love and serve others. That’s the point isn’t it? What do you mean? You want others to see me in you. Yes, that’s exactly what I want. You will only be able to love and serve others, as I would, as you rely on me. As you rely on me my love will flow through you and enable you to be my witness in the world. Will you rely on me, and allow me, to send my message to the world through your life? Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I want my words and life to be a testimony for you in this world. Let your love shine brightly through me as a light that gives glory, and attracts others, to you. Help me to love even those that others find difficult to love. Amen

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

Identity – John 17-20-23 – May Be One – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Be Reconciled To Your Brother

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Remember - Matthew 5:23-24 - Be Reconciled To Your Brother - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Remember – Matthew 5:23-24 – Be Reconciled To Your Brother – Growing As Disciples

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.  Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV) 

Against You

Are you serious? What do you mean by asking me if I am serious? Am I serious about what? I know that I must be reconciled with the people in my life. I know that I can’t hold anger, bitterness, resentment or anything like that against them. That’s right. You want me to forgive others just as I have been forgiven. That is also correct. Holding on to anger, bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness will only serve to harm me. I can’t let anything like this come between you and I. No you cannot. I want to be able to freely worship you with nothing coming between us. That is very good. You still haven’t answered my question. Am I serious about what? I’m coming to that. Your word seems to say that I have to go and be reconciled with anyone who has anything against me. What if I don’t have anything against them? What if they have something against me and it’s one hundred percent their fault. Does that seem likely to you? Maybe not. What are the chances that someone has something against you and you don’t know about it? There is almost no chance of that. I would have to be pretty dense not to know that someone was holding something against me. What are the chances that you are one hundred percent free of any fault when someone is holding something against you? There is probably even less chance of that. You have probably done something to offend them even if it was not intended or it may have even been an accident. Maybe you have a bad habit that you are completely unaware of. That’s right, that’s very possible. But, isn’t it even more likely that you also are holding something against someone that is holding something against you? Yes, I suppose so. So, there is probably a mutual need for you to give and receive forgiveness when someone is holding something against you. I’m sure that’s true. So, in answer to your question. Yes, I am very serious. If someone is holding something against you, I want you to go and be reconciled to them. Think of it as a ministry that I have given to you. In the unlikely event that you have no fault in the matter you would still be helping to release another person from the bondage of anger, bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness. Will you go and be reconciled to anyone that holds anything against you? Yes, Lord, I will.

Lord, I don’t want anything to hinder my fellowship with you. I want to worship you with my entire being. I know it is crazy to think I can have broken relationships with other people and have an unhindered relationship with you. Help me to reconcile with others. Amen

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

Remember – Matthew 5-23-24 – Be Reconciled To Your Brother – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Solomon Asked For Wisdom

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Old Testament Events - 1 Kings 3:10-12 - Solomon Asked For Wisdom - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Old Testament Events – 1 Kings 3:10-12 – Solomon Asked For Wisdom – Growing As Disciples

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 1 Kings 3:10-12 (NIV)

What Do You Want? 

What do you want? You’re asking me that question? Didn’t it sound like I asked you that question? Yes, it did. You seem surprised. I am surprised. Why is that? Don’t you know that I want you to ask me for what you want and need? I guess I do know that. Are you sure? Why are you asking me if I’m sure? You don’t ask for much from me. It seems like you have to be desperate before you will turn to ask me for what you want and need. If you really believed that I would hear and answer your prayers wouldn’t you ask me for more of what you want and need? I guess so. Is that really a guess? No, I can see that I have been making a big mistake. What’s that? I have not been asking you for all that I want and need.

When would you like to start asking me for what you want and need? How about right now? Right now is a very good time to begin asking me for what you want and need. Go ahead, I’m listening. What should I ask for? What is an appropriate request? I’m not sure. Ask me for what you want and need. Don’t hesitate. Just ask me. You’re thinking too hard about this. Tell me what you want and need.

Here goes. This is what I want and need. I want to know you. I want to live in a close and intimate relationship with you. I want to hear your voice speaking to me. I want to be able to know your will and walk in your ways. I want to live my life fully and passionately for you. I want to love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I want you to use me to bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom. I want to fully discover, develop and use all the gifts that you have given to me. I don’t want anything left undone of what you have given me to do for you. I want to bring glory to your name. I want everyone to know that it is you who has been working in and through my life. I want to shine brightly as your witness in the world. One day I want to be able to hear you say, “Well, done good and faithful servant.” Only you can make me faithful. Only you can make me fruitful. Apart from you I can do nothing. I need and want all your help. I will certainly hear and answer these prayers of yours.

Lord, without your wisdom I cannot know and do your will. Without your wisdom I will not be able to do all you have asked me to do for you. Give me your wisdom so I can know and love and follow and serve you now and forever. Amen

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

Old Testament Events – 1 Kings 3-10-12 – Solomon Asked For Wisdom – 4 Page Discipleship Study Guide

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

Preserve My Life According To Your Word

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - Psalm 119:37 - Preserve My Life According To Your Word - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – Psalm 119:37 – Preserve My Life According To Your Word – Growing As Disciples

Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Psalm 119:37 (NIV)

Worthless Things 

What are worthless things? Anything that distracts me from doing what you have given me to do could be categorized as being worthless. What do you have in mind? I know that I waste a lot of time doing things that add no value to my life. Like what? I wish I could reclaim some of the wasted hours I have spent watching television, playing with my cell phone, or mindlessly searching the Internet. You can’t reclaim those hours. But, you can learn from your past mistakes and better use your time in the future. Yes, I can.

What else do you consider to be worthless things? Any influence that I allow into my life that has the power to conform me to the values, patterns and practices of the world is worthless. I need to place a guard over my heart and mind so that I don’t adopt the worthless values, patterns and practices of the world. Yes, you do.

Is there anything else that you consider to be worthless? Yes, worthless activities and endeavors come in all different shapes and sizes. Pursuing the riches of this world will ultimately have no value. Seeking power, prestige and the acclaim of others will offer nothing beyond this life. Seeking to pursue plans and achieve goals that aren’t from you are worse than worthless. Why is that? They will prevent me from doing what you really want me to do for you. Yes, they will.

Do you think you will be able to eliminate all that is worthless from your life? No, probably not. What will you do with the time that you save when you’re not wasting time on worthless things? That’s a very good question. How will you know for sure if you are doing something that is worthless or of great value? That’s an even better question. Do you have any answers? What would you think and say if I said that I don’t have answers to your questions. I would want you to tell me more. Why is that? I know that you have more on your mind. Yes, I do.

Only you can redeem my time. Only you can show me the difference between what is worthless and what is of great value. I need you to speak to me. I need to hear your word. I need your counsel and guidance. I need you to guide and direct the course of my life. I can’t just stop doing worthless things. I need your help. Yes, you do. I want your help. What do you want me to do for you? I want to know without a doubt that what I am doing is your will and of great value. Doing anything less than your will is totally worthless. Yes, it is. It is possible that I may think that I am doing something that is of great value and be sadly mistaken. Yes, that’s possible. I don’t want to be sadly mistaken. I would rather be filled with joy in knowing that I am doing what you have given me to do for you. That’s what I want for you.

So, the most valuable thing that I could possibly do is to listen to you. That’s right. I can’t possibly go wrong by listening to your word and waiting for your instructions. No, you cannot. Knowing you and doing your will is never a waste of time or a worthless endeavor. No, it is not. So, I am going to rely on you to show me your will and your ways. That is very good.

Lord, thank you for turning the focus of my life away from the things of this world. Preserve, protect and guide my life by your word. Use your word to show me the difference between what is worthless and what is of eternal value. Amen

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

Life – Psalm 119-37 – Preserve My Life According To Your Word- 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

Test And Approve What God’s Will Is

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Wisdom - Romans 12:2- Test And Approve What God's Will Is - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Wisdom – Romans 12:2- Test And Approve What God’s Will Is – Growing As Disciples

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV)  

Inside Out

There is a choice you are going to have to make. What choice is that? You are going to have to choose who you are and what you are going to do in life. Can’t I just sort of let that unfold and see who I become and what I do? That may not seem like a choice to you. But it is a choice and a bad one at that. Why would that be a bad choice?

There is a force that is in the world that will continually try to conform you into its pattern. If you allow it to shape who you are and guide what you will do, you will not be happy with the result. Why is that? This world is under the control of the god of this world. Do you know who that is? Yes, the god of this world is the devil. That’s right. Are you comfortable allowing him to shape who you are and guide what you do? No, not at all. That’s what will happen if you do not choose to allow me to mold and shape your life. I want you to make me into who you want me to be. I want to know you and do your will.

Do you know how I will mold and shape your life? I’m not exactly sure. The devil conforms you into the world’s pattern by bombarding you with its values. He is attempting to conform you from the outside in. I will transform your life from the inside out. How does that work? When you gave your life to me I put my Spirit inside of you. You were born again to live a new life for me. Yes, I’m certain that you did that for me. Did your battles against the world and its attempts to conform you end right then and there? No, they did not. Your battle against the world and its evil will be something that you will face every day of your life. My Spirit living in you will give you victory over the world and all its evil. This does not mean that you won’t have to choose every day who you are and how you are going to live. Your choice will reaffirm your desire to know me and do my will.   I have made that choice but there is more, isn’t there?

Yes, my Spirit will be transforming your heart and mind as you flee the evil of this world and pursue me. When you resist evil and draw near to me the devil will flee from you. I will use my word to transform your mind and change your heart. I will give you a new way to think and a new way to act. You will be able to know and do my will. I will be transforming you from the inside out. Is that what you want? Yes Lord, it is. Is this a choice that you will make? Yes Lord, it is.

Lord, I will separate myself from influences that are attempting to conform me to the values, patterns and practices of this world. Use your word to transform and renew my mind so that I can know your will and your ways. Amen

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

Wisdom – Romans 12-2 – Test And Approve What God’s Will Is – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Blameless And Pure

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - Philippians 2:14-16 - Blameless And Pure- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – Philippians 2:14-16 – Blameless And Pure- 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)

Just Do It

Just Do It. Now that’s a thought. What do you mean by that? You know exactly what I mean. Just do what I ask of you. Do you want to obey me? Will you do what I ask of you? Yes, I want to obey you. Yes, I will do what you ask of me. Why then do you grumble and complain and argue about what you have already agreed that you will do for me? Wouldn’t it be better if you just did what I asked of you without any hesitation? Wouldn’t it be best if you did what I asked of you without grumbling, complaining and arguing? Yes it would be best if I just did what you asked of me without any questions or indecision or internal debate on my part. Let me ask you a question. Go right ahead. Do you have more or less joy in serving me when you do something without question or when you reluctantly do what I ask of you? I don’t think that I have any joy at all when I reluctantly do something for you.

Let’s consider an example. I’m game. You know that I want you to come together with other believers to worship me. Yes, I know that you want me to go to church. That’s not exactly what I said but you have the idea. Why do you ask yourself each week if you are going to church? I’m not sure if I will be going to church or not. Isn’t that the same as saying I’m not sure if I will obey you or not. Yes, I suppose so. Most of the time you do gather with other believers to worship me. Yes, I do. But, many times you go reluctantly with an attitude of grumbling, complaining and arguing. That’s true. Wouldn’t you have more joy in gathering to worship me if you just decided once and for all that you were going to go to church every Sunday? Yes, I suppose that I would. Do you know why that is? No, I’m not sure. Grumbling, complaining and arguing are joy stealers. You will never feel complete joy in reluctantly doing what I ask of you. I get that.

How do you think I feel about grumbling, complaining and arguing? I’m pretty sure that you don’t like any of it. No, I don’t. Why do you think I don’t like grumbling, complaining and arguing? You didn’t create me to be a grumbler, complainer or arguer. No, I did not. Grumbling, complaining and arguing are the ways of the world. You want me to be different. You want me to stand out. You want me to be filled with joy. Yes, I do. When you are filled with my joy you will shine brightly like a star in the universe. When you grumble, complain and argue you will be living in the darkness of the world. I want to shine brightly for you. Then follow me and just do what I ask of you. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I am making a decision now about how I will respond in the future to difficult or unpleasant tasks. I am going to serve you willingly without grumbling, complaining or arguing. I give you permission to ask me to do whatever you want me to do for you. Amen

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

So That – Philippians 2-14-16 – Blameless And Pure – 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