Monthly Archives: April 2021

Nature Of A Servant

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Gratitude - Nature Of A Servant - Philippians 2:5-8 Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Gratitude – Nature Of A Servant – Philippians 2:5-8 Growing As Disciples

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death– even death on a cross! Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)

Your Attitude

Oops. What do you mean by oops? I haven’t gotten this right. Tell me about it. I like to be the center of attention. I like to be the most important person in the room. So often, I think so much about myself and my thoughts that I can’t even hear what another person is saying. It’s like their lips are moving but no words are coming out. It’s hard to admit it, but on some level I must feel that I am more interesting than other people. It disgusts me to hear myself even say those words. How could I be so blind to my own pride? Who do I think that I am to secretly harbor such attitudes? My attitude really discourages me. What are you going to do about it? Realizing your self-centeredness is a really good place to be, don’t you think? Yes, but I do want to move on from here and make some changes in my life. Like what?

First of all I want to confess this sin of self-centeredness to you. I know that it is just the opposite of the attitude that you want me to have. How do you know that? You gave me a pretty good and clear example to follow. What example do you see in me? You had the right to every honor. You had the right to be treated with the highest respect. Yes, and you did not claim any rights. Instead you took on the form of a servant. You could have demanded to be served, but no, you chose to obediently serve others even to the point of suffering death on the cross. What do you suppose motivated my service? I think you were motivated by love for your Father and love for us. Yes, that is exactly right. Do you believe that I can change you and grow this same kind of love within you? Yes, I do.

You mentioned that you wanted to make some changes in your life. Yes, I did. That’s a good desire to have. I know that you want to be like me. I know that you want to serve me and others. Yes I do, that’s right. Do you really think that you are the one who can make these changes in your life? What do you mean? Do you really think you can develop a servant’s heart by your own efforts? I have been trying. How has your trying been working out? Not too well. I’ve mostly become just more aware of my failures. That’s left you discouraged and wanting to give up, hasn’t it? Yes, it has.

Would you like to take a different approach? Like what? Why don’t you try asking me to change you and give you a servant’s heart? You would do that for me? What do you think? I think I just asked a dumb question. I know that you will hear and answer my prayer asking for a servant’s heart. Very good, go ahead and ask me right now.

Lord, I want to have the same attitude that you had. You gave yourself fully. You laid down your life. Help me to humbly serve you and others however you desire and direct me. I am your servant. Use me however you see fit.  Amen

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

Identity – Philippians 2-5-8 – Nature Of A Servant – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Comes From Heaven

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Wisdom - James 3:17-18 - Comes From Heaven - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Wisdom – James 3:17-18 – Comes From Heaven – Growing As Disciples

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18 (NIV) 

A Greater Victory

What do you think real wisdom that comes from me looks like? I’m not sure. I think you have a pretty good idea. Tell me what you once thought real wisdom looked like? What I once thought is now a little embarrassing to say out loud. Go ahead anyhow. I once thought that wisdom would empower me to win every argument and confound my opponents in every debate. The wisdom I wanted would leave my opponents speechless with nothing to say except that I was completely correct. That’s pretty funny, isn’t it? I suppose so. I would have used the word pathetic instead of funny. What does that wisdom sound like to you now? It sounds a lot more like pride than wisdom. Yes, it does.

What have you learned about your desire to win every argument and debate? The desire to win is not wise. I could win every argument and debate and have no one that would want to be my friend. That kind of wisdom is very unattractive and unappealing. Who wants to be around someone that is always right? 

Your wisdom is just the opposite. How so? Your wisdom is filled with humility. It doesn’t overpower or force itself on anyone. It is gentle and attractive and appealing. It stands out as dramatically different than the wisdom of the world. Yes, it does. Your wisdom goes out of its way to be helpful to others. It does not serve itself. No, it does not. Instead of always wanting to win, your wisdom is willing to suffer wrong. Why is that? You are more interested in winning the hearts of men and women than you are in winning the popular arguments of the day. Yes, I am. Have you ever won arguments and lost people? Yes, I have. Now I know that I would rather love and serve people than conquer them with my wise debating skills.

I now know that your wisdom sows peace in this world. Why is that? The goal of your wisdom isn’t to win as the world considers winning. No, it is not. Your wisdom seeks a greater victory. Yes, it does. Tell me what is that victory? You desire a harvest of righteousness. Yes, I do. Your wisdom is meant to draw men and women to you so that they will follow you as their Savior and Lord. Yes, that is the goal of my wisdom. Is this the kind of wisdom you desire? Yes Lord, it is. Will you allow me to use you to plant and reap a harvest of righteousness in this world? Yes Lord, I will.

Heavenly Father, I have tried to live by the wisdom that comes from this world long enough. It doesn’t help and makes matters worse. I ask for your wisdom that comes from heaven, to guide all my thoughts, words, and actions. Amen

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

Wisdom – James 3-17-18 – Comes From Heaven – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

I Am Carrying On A Great Project

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Discipleship Study - Identity - I Am Carrying On A Great Project- Nehemiah 6:3 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Study – Identity – I Am Carrying On A Great Project – Nehemiah 6:3 – Growing As Disciples

so I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?”   Nehemiah 6:3 (NIV)

Focus

You already know what I am going to say to you, don’t you? I doubt it. Your thoughts are so much higher than mine. How could I possibly know what you are going to say to me? What I want to say to you is not new to you. I have been trying to get your attention on this topic for quite some time. I have used so many others and different ways to try to speak to you about this. Just now it’s coming into focus for you. What’s that? You need to tell me. I’m not sure exactly what you mean, but you have my full attention.

I have given you work to do for me. Yes, I know. It could be called “a great work” could it not? Yes, it surely could. I’m actually amazed at the enormity of the work that you have given me to do. It is a large assignment. But, you will have all the help you need from me to accomplish it. So, is there something about this “great work” that I have been missing? Yes, there is. What is it?

Have you ever heard someone say, “You need to find your voice”? Yes, I have. That message was from me. Finding your voice is a way of saying, “become who I want you to be and then do what I ask you to do”. Aah, I see. Do you? What I want you to understand is that there are many good things that will attempt to distract you from the “great work” that I want you to do for me. That’s been happening to me a lot. Yes, I know. I want you to stay “on task” and continue to do the “great work” I have given you to do. Don’t set it down for something else that seems good to you. I get it. Not yet, you don’t.

Let me ask you a question.   Go ahead. What does a newborn lion sound like when it roars? I suppose it sounds like a little kitty. Yes, that’s exactly right. As you continue to grow up in me and do what I ask, you will find your voice. Now, you sound like a little kitty. But one day you will roar for me and my glory. I will? Yes you will, if you follow me and let me work through you on the work that I have given you to do for me. I get it. Not yet, you don’t.

Let me give you another example. I’m listening.   You have my full attention. You’ve heard about the concept of focused light?   I think so. That has also been a message from me to you as well. It has? Yes, it has. You know that a focused light has power like a laser? Yes, I do. You also know that an unfocused light has very little power? I can see where this is headed. Where is that? You want me to focus on you and the work you have given me to do. You don’t want my life to be distracted or diminished by anything, even if it seems good to me. Now, you get it! I do? Yes, you do.

But let me ask you a test question. Go ahead. What are you going to do when someone asks you to do something that will cause your work for me to stop? I am going to say “the Lord has given me a ‘great work’ to do for Him and I cannot leave it and let the work stop.” See, you really do get it. Did anything of what I have just said to you surprise you? No, not really. It’s just now that all the pieces have really come into focus. Yes, they have. Follow me and continue to do the work I have given you to do. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, thank you for giving me gifts, talents, and abilities to serve you. Help me to know the work you want me to do for you. Prepare and strengthen me for your service. Help me to not be distracted and so I can keep doing the work. Amen

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

Identity – Nehemiah 6-3 – I Am Carrying On A Great Project- 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

God Called To Him From Within The Bush

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Knowing God - Exodus 3:3-6 - God Called To Him From Within The Bush - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Knowing God – Exodus 3:3-6 – God Called To Him From Within The Bush – Growing As Disciples

So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight–why the bush does not burn up.” When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God. Exodus 3:3-6

Go Over And See

Check it out. Stop and take notice. Go over and see. What are you talking about? I’m talking about my activity in your life. I’m trying to get your attention. You are always on the go. You are so very busy. The noise and busyness of life is your enemy. How could that be? I want to speak into your life. I have things that I want to say to you. I have much that I want to show you. The noise and busyness of life will make you deaf and blind to me. Can you see how noise and busyness really are your enemies? Yes, now I understand. It is not enough to simply understand your enemies. You must be willing to do battle with them. You must learn to defeat them.

How can I defeat the noise and busyness of life? That is a very good question. Let me ask you a couple different questions first. Go ahead I’m listening. What will you miss out on if you let the noise of life make you deaf to me? What will happen to you if you can’t hear me speaking to you? If I can’t hear you then you won’t be able to speak into my life. If I’m not listening to you, I won’t receive any of your guidance and direction. I will have no idea of where you want me to go. I will have no idea of what you want me to do. I will be like a ship without a rudder or a sail without the wind. There will be no direction or power in my life. I won’t be able to know your will. I won’t be able to accomplish purposes and plans for my life. No, you will not. What will happen to you if you allow the busyness of life to make you blind to what I want to show you? If I am blind to what you want to show me I will never learn from what you are doing in the world all around me. All your wisdom and instruction will be like a book unread. I will have left it unnoticed and untouched. I will have raced right on by what is of eternal value to pursue what will ultimately amount to nothing. I won’t have allowed you to use my life. I won’t have been able to bear fruit for your kingdom or bring glory to your name. No, you will not. Do you want to defeat the noise and busyness of life? Do you want to hear from me? Do you want to see and learn from what I am doing? Yes Lord, I want to defeat the noise and busyness of life. Then draw near to me and I will draw near to you. Set a time and a place to meet with me. In our times together you will hear from me. In our times together you will see what I want to show you. Then you will defeat the noise and busyness of life.

Lord, I know there have been times when I have been so busy that I failed to notice what you wanted to show me. I haven’t stopped to turn aside to allow you to speak into my life. I’m here now. I’m ready to listen. Speak to me. Guide the course of my life. Amen

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

Knowing God – Exodus 3-3-6 – God Called To Him From Within The Bush – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Boast About This

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Gratitude - Boast About This - Jeremiah 9:23-24 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Gratitude – Boast About This – Jeremiah 9:23-24 – Growing As Disciples

 

This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD. Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NIV)

Boast About You

What do you have that you haven’t received from me? Nothing, I know that every good and perfect gift that I have received comes from you. Yes, that’s true. Since all your gifts, talents and abilities, all you have, who you are, and hope to be comes from me, how much room does that leave for you to boast about anything? I have no room or reason to boast. You can’t boast about your great wisdom? No. You can’t boast about your astounding strength? No. You can’t boast about your abundant riches? No. Why is that? I don’t have great wisdom, astounding strength or abundant riches. No, you do not. I’m actually thankful that I have none of these. Why is that? If I had great wisdom, astounding strength or abundant riches I would become self-reliant. I would rely on myself instead of you. Are you sure of that? Yes, I’m absolutely sure. That’s good and you are right.

Is there anything that you can boast about? I really don’t even like that word. Yes, I know. But, is there anything that you are so happy and thankful for that you feel compelled to tell others about? There must be something that you take great joy in that you can’t keep quiet about. Yes, there is. Tell me. I am so thankful and happy that you show yourself to me. You speak to me so that I can hear you. You guide me so that I can follow you. You give me your wisdom so that I can know what to think and how to act. You give me your strength so that I can do all that you ask of me. You have made me rich in my relationship with you now and forever. I can boast about all these things that you have done and will do for me. I’m safe in boasting about you and your love, righteousness and justice. There is nothing special about me. What you have done for me you will do for all those who seek you with all their heart. That is worth giving thanks over and boasting about. Yes, it is. So, I will boast about you so that others will want to come to know you.

Lord, you have placed in my heart a hunger and thirst for you. I have a burning desire to know you above anything else in life. Help me to wait and watch and listen to hear and see all you are doing and saying. I want to know you.   Amen

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

Gratitude – Jeremiah 9-23-24 – Boast About This – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Healing Of Naaman

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Old Testament Events - 2 Kings 5:13-14 - Healing Of Naaman - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Old Testament Events – 2 Kings 5:13-14 – Healing Of Naaman – Growing As Disciples

Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy. 2 Kings 5:13-14 (NIV)

Listening To Instructions

I’m not sure why I make so many mistakes. I have no idea why I take so many wrong turns and head the wrong direction. It seems like I am forever changing my course. I waste a lot of time stopping, turning around and retracing my steps. It would be so much better if I didn’t make so many missteps in the first place. You got that right. Would you like me to ask you a few questions? Go ahead, I’m listening. Now that’s a very good first step. What’s that? Listening is a very good first step. Learning to listen carefully will serve you well. How well do you listen to others? How well do you listen to me? Think about your answer very carefully. Why is that? I know you think that you are a pretty good listener. Am I not a good listener? Do you really need to ask me that question? Alright, I’m not a great listener. Really? How about, I’m a poor listener? That’s much closer to the truth.

Are you willing to admit that you don’t listen very well to me? Yes, I am. Are you willing to admit that you don’t listen very well to others? Yes, I am. Why do you think you are a poor listener? I hate to admit this, but I think my pride makes me a poor listener. What do you mean by that? I think I know. You know what? I think I know what I need. I think I know what I should do. I think I know where I should go. I know it all. I am a “know it all.” I have an answer for every question. I have a solution for every problem. You’re not serious? What else would explain my not listening to wise counsel from others? What else would explain my not receiving wisdom and direction from you? You have a very good point there.

Do you like being a “know it all?” No, not at all. My life has been bruised, battered and broken by my “knowing it all”. Now, I would much rather be a “know nothing”. What do you mean by that? If I “know nothing” I will listen carefully. If I “know nothing” I will listen to wise counsel from others. If I “know nothing” I will receive your wisdom and direction. If I “know nothing” I will listen carefully to your instructions. Yes, you will.

Lord, I have an idea of the way that things should go. I have an opinion of the way things ought to be. Help me to lay aside my ideas and opinions and thoughts so that I will be able to follow and obey you wherever you lead me. Amen

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

Old Testament Events – 2-Kings-5-13-14 – Healing Of Naaman – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Pray To Your Father

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Prayer - Pray To Your Father - Matthew 6:6 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Prayer – Pray To Your Father – Matthew 6:6 – Growing As Disciples

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  Matthew 6:6 (NIV)

In Secret

Here I am Father. I have shut the door to my room. There are no distractions. I have closed myself off to all the noise and demands of the world. This time we have together has been carved out of my schedule and set aside for the sole purpose of meeting with you. At first it was a challenge to make this time to be with you a regular practice in my life, but now it’s not at all. Why is that? For a very long time I let all the loudest voices scream for my attention. What do you mean by that? Well, there were voices of duty and my “to do” lists which demanded my attention and were never completed. I foolishly thought I didn’t have time to meet with you. Somehow, I thought that at some point I would get around to meeting with you during the day. But you usually never did. That’s right. What changed for you? I’m not sure exactly. I guess I just got weary and felt very unfruitful in my life. I was getting a lot done. But, I began to wonder how important were all the things that I was getting done. I began to ask myself, “What will all these ‘accomplishments’ add up to in light of eternity? What answer came back to you? The answer was “not much” or maybe even, “next to nothing”. So, out of a sense of futility a desire grew within me to meet privately with you. Where do you think that desire came from? I know now that you gave me this desire to withdraw from the world to a time of being with you in your presence. Yes, it was me. Tell me now how this time with me all began with you. I already know, but I want others to hear your story. 

One day it occurred to me to set aside just a few minutes to meet with you to pray and read your word every day. How did that work out? It worked great. How so? I think you guided me to select a specific time and place that could become sacred for us. When and where was that? It was in my room and just before I went to bed at night. At night, that seems a little odd, doesn’t it? Not really, I knew that nothing would ever compete with this time and place so I dedicated it and myself to meeting with you then and there. What happened then? As you know, we began to meet together every night. Out of this time, my hunger and thirst for you grew like never before. I began to taste your goodness, mercy, and love. I began to understand better your will and what you wanted to do in and through my life. What was that? You wanted to change me into the person that you had planned that I would become. Have I been doing that for you? Yes, you most certainly have. You have also been showing me how you want to use me for your kingdom and glory. I now have a sense of purpose and hope that comes from you. I now know that I am bearing fruit through my life, with your help, that will last for eternity. Do you believe that the promise of secretly meeting with me has come true for you? Have I been rewarding you as you have met with me? Yes, Father, you most certainly have been rewarding me as I have met with you. Now I would not trade our time together for anything else in all of life. It is my joy to be in your presence. Just to know you and love you is reward enough.

Father, I know that you have been waiting for me to come to you in prayer. I have been busy and distracted by many things. Sorry, that I have kept you waiting. I am here now to wait and to listen to all that you have to say to me. Amen

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

Matthew 6-6 – Pray To Your Father – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Increase And Overflow

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Love - 1 Thessalonians 3-12 - Increase And Overflow - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Love – 1 Thessalonians 3-12 – Increase And Overflow – Growing As Disciples

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.  1 Thessalonians 3:12 (NIV)

My Love In You

Alright, I have a question. What’s that? Is it your love or my love that is supposed to increase and overflow my life? What do you think? I’m not sure. I will tell you this, there is not much love in me. What do you mean by that? Love is not my strong suit. Love doesn’t naturally flow out of your life, is that what you are trying to say? Yes, that’s it exactly.

What comes naturally to you? Naturally I’m pretty self-centered. The world revolves around me. I think of what I want and like most of the time. I pursue my own comfort, enjoyment and pleasure. I’m not against others joining me in my comfortable and happy life just as long as they don’t create problems or inconveniences that might make me unhappy or uncomfortable. You don’t want anyone or anything messing up your life, is that right? Yes, you’ve got that right.

Well then, you’re right, you don’t have a deep reservoir of love that might increase and overflow your life. Yes, that’s right. Your love for others looks more like a desert than an overflowing spring. You have the right picture, that’s for sure.

So, your question doesn’t seem like it should be too difficult for you to answer. I guess not. I’m sure that it is your love that you want to increase and overflow in my life. There is no way that my love will ever increase enough to overflow my life and spill out into the lives of other people. No, it will not.

So, what are you going to do now that you know that you are incapable of loving others with your own love? I’m going to ask you to increase and overflow my life with your love. When are you going to do that? Right now. Fill my life to overflowing with your love. Make your love increase and overflow my life so I can love others with your love.

I have heard and I will answer your prayer. You will have many opportunities in the days ahead of you to let my love increase and overflow your life. What will those opportunities look like? Your opportunities to love other people will look like difficult people and trying circumstances. What? Yes, in those moments of opportunity you will have decisions to make. What decisions? You will decide if you will allow my love for others to be your love for others. But, decide now in advance, will you allow my love for others to be your love for others? Yes Lord, I will. Then you will no longer be doing what comes naturally. You will be doing what comes supernaturally, by my Spirit, with my love that is in you.

Lord, it is the desire of my heart to love others with your love. Fill me with your love. Let your love overflow my life and spill out into the lives of others. Use me for your glory. Help me to love others supernaturally, by your Spirit and your love dwelling in me. Amen

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

Love – 1 Thessalonians 3-12 – Increase And Overflow – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

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

Forgive Your Sins

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - Mark 11:25 - Forgive Your Sins - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – Mark 11:25 – Forgive Your Sins – Growing As Disciples

But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” Mark 11:25 (NLT)

Make A List

Make a list. Make a list of what? What’s our topic? You want me to make a list of people to forgive? You got that right. There is no need to hurry either. I want you to think deeply. I want you to go way back. How far? Go back to your earliest years and keep going right up until today. Put everyone on your list that has harmed or hurt you. Make your list as exhaustive as your memory will allow. You will need to come back to your list several times before it is really complete. Don’t leave anyone who has hurt or harmed you off your list. Do you understand the task? Yes, I do.

Once you have completed your list forgive everyone that has hurt or harmed you. Let go of the pain that they caused you. Release yourself from the anger and resentment that you have held on to all these days and months and years. Offer a prayer of blessing for everyone on your list. You are going to be forgiving each person. You are going to be moving on from the baggage that you have carried as a result of the ways that you have been hurt. You are going to be set free from the weight of your unforgiveness. You are not minimizing your past hurts. You have been hurt. You have been wounded. There is no doubt about that. I am here to heal all your hurts and wounds. Today, you will be moving forward. You will no longer allow your past hurts and wounds to keep on harming you. Today you will be set free as you forgive others just as I have forgiven you. How does this sound to you? It sounds fantastic. I have held on to anger and resentment and unforgiveness for far too long. You got that right.

Going forward I want you to have a heart that is ready, willing and able to forgive others. No longer will you hold on to anger, resentment and unforgiveness. No longer will you keep a list of who has wronged you. No longer will you seek revenge. No longer will try to get even. No longer will you let the bitterness of unforgiveness hinder your prayers. Here is what I want you to do. When you start to pray I want you to take a quick inventory. Ask yourself if there is anyone that you need to forgive. Offer your forgiveness to those who have hurt and harmed you and then move on and draw near to me in prayer. Will you do this? Yes Lord, I will forgive others just as you have forgiven me. That will be very good.

Lord, I don’t want to be unforgiving. I don’t want my prayers to be hindered. I want to be ready to forgive others as you have forgiven me of all my sins. Help me to be a witness for you by the way that I show your unconditional love and forgiveness to others. Amen

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

So That – Mark 11-25 – Forgive Your Sins – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Written Down As Warnings

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - God's Word- 1 Corinthians 10:11-12 - Written Down As Warnings - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – God’s Word- 1 Corinthians 10:11-12 – Written Down As Warnings – Growing As Disciples

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 1 Corinthians 10:11-12 (NIV)

Warnings

What is your heart set on? What captivates your mind and has your full attention? Those sound like two vitally important questions. Your entire life will be guided by how you answer those two questions. How so? You tell me. I’m guessing that I can set my heart and mind on the right or the wrong thing. That is a very good guess. That wasn’t a guess was it? No, it wasn’t. Why were you able to answer my question without guessing? You have shown me many examples of those who have chosen the wrong thing and how that ended up for them. Tell me what you mean by choosing the wrong thing. There are many obvious wrong choices one can make in life. All the wrong choices in life start out as wrong choices in the heart and mind. What do you mean by that? I could choose to live a self-centered, self-sufficient and self-indulgent life. All of those would place me firmly at the helm of my own life. I would live entirely for my own comfort and pleasure. I would pursue what I wanted, whenever I wanted it. All that I desired would become the idols that I would chase after over the course of my life. When I did not receive exactly what I wanted I would become a grumbler and complainer. Nothing from this kind of life would please you. No, it would not. Living this kind of life does not end well. No, it does not.

I am thankful that you have allowed me to know what living a life without you looks and feels like. You have given me many object lessons from the lives of others. You have allowed me to feel the pain of living my own self-centered, self-sufficient, and self-indulgent life. I have been bruised and battered and broken by a sin filled life without you. I am thankful that you rescued me from a life without you. You allowed me to see the truth. You showed me where I could come and cry out for help. When I reached rock bottom you were there to meet me. You lifted me up out of darkness and gave me a new life to live in you. You forgave and cleansed me of my sin and set me on the path of life to follow you as my Savior and Lord. Yes, I did. Now, my heart is set on you. Now, knowing you captivates my mind. You have my full attention. I am listening carefully to every word that you speak to me. I am so grateful for all that you have written down for me. Your word is guarding and guiding my life. Your word is making me able to stand firm as I live my life with you. Yes, it is and that is very good.

Lord, thank you that your word has been written down for me. Your word is my delight. My heart and mind are set on your word. Your word has warned me of danger. Your word has guarded my life. Your word has made me able to stand firm. Amen

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

God’s Word – 1 Corinthians 10-11-12 – Written Down As Warnings – 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