Monthly Archives: April 2021

Let Us Go Up

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Let Us - Micah 4:2 - Let Us Go Up - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Let Us – Micah 4:2 – Let Us Go Up – Growing As Disciples

Many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Micah 4:2 (NIV)

Teach Me

Do you really want to know me? Do you really want to know my will? Do you really want to walk in my ways? I know that I should not be too quick to answer each of your questions. I know that I should carefully consider each one of them. Why is that? Saying yes to each of your questions will require something of me. There is a cost to saying yes to what you are asking of me. I can’t say yes to you and then go on my own way, living my own life, just as I have done and gone before. What is the cost of saying yes to the questions that I am asking of you? What is the cost of saying yes to me?

You want all of me. I can’t give you a part of me. I can’t just give you time on my calendar or a spot in my day. Knowing you. Knowing your will. Walking in your ways. None of these are part time commitments. Saying yes to you will require giving to you all that I am, all that I have and all that I hope to be to you. Yes, it will.

You will have a multitude of new questions to ask me on each and every day of my life. They will all come back to these fundamental questions. Do I want to know you? Do I want to know your will? Do I want to walk in your ways? Each new question will give me the opportunity to reaffirm my saying yes to you. Yes, it will.

There is something that I want to be clear about in my heart and mind. There is something I want to clear up once and for all. There is something that I want to say on the record. What’s that? When I gave myself to you and received you into my life as my Savior and Lord I said yes to you. My yes wasn’t qualified. I said that I wanted to know you. I said that I wanted to love you. I said that I wanted to follow and serve you. That is when I started to say that I really do want to know you, your will and yours ways. That is when I said that I would follow you to where you led me to do what you would ask of me. Yes, you did.

What are you asking of me right now? What do you want from me today? Come to me so I can teach you. Come to me so you can know me. Come to me so I can show you my will. Come to me so you can walk in my ways. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, it is the desire of my heart to know you. I hunger and thirst and yearn to go to spend time and be in your presence. Help me to sit at your feet to be taught by you. I want to know your will so I can walk in your ways.  Amen

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

Let Us – Micah 4-2 – Let Us Go Up – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Understand What The Lord’s Will Is

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Spiritual Warfare - Understand What The Lord's Will Is - Ephesians 5:15-21- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Spiritual Warfare – Understand What The Lord’s Will Is – Ephesians 5:15-21- Growing As Disciples

Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:15-21 (NIV)

Be Filled

Watch your step. Be very careful how you walk. Why is that? The times that you live in are filled with evil. You must be wise about how you live. I want you to make the most of your time. How will I do that? You can know my will by meeting with me in my word as you have been doing. I will show you my will and my ways as you study and pray through my word. The truth that is in my word will set you free so that you can serve me and bear fruit for my glory. I will show you the next steps that I want you to take in life. I will guide you to where I want you to go. I will give you all that you will need to follow and serve me. That’s exactly what I want and desire above all else.

Make sure that you think and act wisely. What do you have in mind when you say that to me? Don’t waste and misuse your time. What do you consider to be time wasters? I’d like you to answer that question for me. I know that I have wasted a lot of time when I have relied on my own wisdom, strength or guidance. I have gone off in the wrong direction to try to do what I was not called or gifted to do. Yes, you have. How did that feel to you? I felt very frustrated, discouraged and weary. I also felt weak and alone in all my efforts. But, you made a very important discovery didn’t you? Yes, I did. Tell me about it. I learned that it is very unwise for me to try to take charge and be in control of my own life. Yes, it is. Who then should be in control of your life? You are the one that I want to be in control of my life. I want to be filled with your Holy Spirit. I can’t live the life you want me to live unless I am filled with your Spirit.

What do you mean by that? If I’m not filled with your Holy Spirit I don’t feel like singing at all. Why is that? I’m too tired and worn out because of all my self-effort. Who wants to sing because they can hardly breath? If I’m not filled with your Holy Spirit I don’t feel very thankful either. Why is that? Instead of being thankful for all the great things that you have done through me, I’m more likely to be proud of my small and pathetic accomplishments. Oh and this very same self-centered pride makes it very difficult for me to be submissive to others in any way. So, what are you asking of me? I’m asking you to fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I can wisely live the life that you have called me to live for you. Do you believe that I will hear and answer your prayer? I know that you have been answering and will continue to answer my prayer. Yes, you are right about that. 

Lord, help me to live and walk carefully in this world so that I am making the most of every opportunity that you give to me. Fill me Holy Spirit so I will be able to encourage others and give thanks to God for all that I have been given. Amen

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

Spiritual Warfare – Ephesians 5-15-21 – Understand What The Lord’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

There Is A God In Israel

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - 1 Samuel 17:45-47 - There Is A God In Israel - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – 1 Samuel 17:45-47 – There Is A God In Israel – Growing As Disciples

But David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This very day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army this very day to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not save by sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s and he will give you into our hand.” 1 Samuel 17:45-47 (NRSV)

Run Into The Battle

Do you see that giant? How could I miss it? It’s in my way and blocking my path. What will you do? Are you afraid? Would it be a sin to be afraid? That giant is more than I can handle. I will never be able to engage in the battle and win this fight. Did someone say that this is your battle? Did someone say that this would be your fight? Well, here I am. It looks like it might be my battle and my fight. Yes, you’re right here, that’s for sure. Are you all alone? No, I am not all alone. You are with me. Yes, I am with you. It is not a sin to be afraid. It would be a sin to not rely on me. This giant is more than you can handle. You cannot win this fight. That should not discourage you. Why not? What have you done when you have needed my help? I have cried out to you. I have asked for your help. You could do that now. Wouldn’t that be good? Yes, it would.

Would you like me to fight with you? Would you like my courage and my strength? Yes, I want you to fight with me. I need you to fight for me. I desperately need your courage and strength. What would you do if I told you to run? I would ask which direction. I’m glad to see that you have not lost your sense of humor. Which direction do you think that I have in mind? You want me to run into the battle to engage in the fight. Why would I ever ask you to do that? It’s not enough for me to say that I believe you will fight with and for me. You want me to run into the battle and engage in the fight to show that I know you are with me. You will give me the victory because it is not my fight. Yes, that’s right.

Why don’t I give you battles that are just your size? Why aren’t your obstacles a little more reasonable and manageable in size? There are some things that you want known. Like what? You want me to learn to rely on you. You want me to know that you will fight with and for me. You want me to know that the battles and the victories are yours. You want my life to be a witness for you. You want my life to bring glory to your name. That is why the battles and the obstacles are your size and not mine. Yes, you are right. Now, which way will you run? I will run into the battle and engage in the fight because you are with me. Yes, you will. Yes, I am with you in every battle and in every fight.

Lord, I will rely on you. Give me courage and strength in the battles that I will face. Help me to see your working and to trust in your plan. Help me to overcome giant obstacles so that my life will be a witness for you and bring glory to your name. Amen

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

So That – 1 Samuel 17-45-47 – There Is A God In Israel – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Word Of Life

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - Philippians 2:14-16 - Word Of Life - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – Philippians 2:14-16 – Word Of Life – 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)

 Shine Like Stars

What will happen if you become known as someone who is always complaining, whining or arguing about something? People will ignore me. They won’t listen to a word that I have to say. Is that all? No, they will want to distance themselves from me. No one likes to hang around someone that is always complaining, whining or arguing about something. So, you won’t be very popular? No, I wouldn’t be. Is that really the worst that could happen? No, it’s not. Complainers, whiners, and arguers often find themselves under the attack of criticism from others. I have found that you get back what you give out. You reap what you sow? Yes, that’s it exactly. That would be really uncomfortable. Yes, it would be. But, its still not the worst thing that could happen is it? What could be worse than that?

Let me ask you a few questions. Go ahead, I’m listening. Who are you? Who have a called you to be? What have I asked you to do? You have called me to be a pure child of God. Yes, that’s right. Is there anything pure about being a complainer who whines and argues all the time? No, there is not. So, one of the worst things about being a whiner, arguer, or complainer would be what? If I were a whiner, arguer or complainer then I would not be living out my calling as a pure child of God. That’s right. How big a deal is that? That would be unthinkable. I want to live out my calling as a pure child of yours. Yes, I know, so you will do what? I will do whatever you have given me to do in life without whining, complaining or arguing. That’s great. 

What will happen when you do the work I have given to you without complaining, whining or arguing? I’m not sure what you mean. We have talked about the worst that could happen. Yes. Well, what is the best thing that could happen if you live as a pure child of God? I would be attractive to others. They would be drawn to me. They would wonder why I was living so different from most of the people they know. The world is full of whiners, complainers and arguers. Yes, it is. I would shine like a bright star in this dark world. Yes, that’s it exactly.

As you shine like a bright star in the universe what will you be able to hold out to those who are drawn to you? I will be able to hold out you. You are the word of life. You are my Savior and Lord. Yes, I am. People wouldn’t really be drawn to me. It is you living in and through my life that would draw others to you. But, I would be using you. Your life would speak out for me. Your words would explain the life that others could have in me. Yes, and then they would want to give themselves to you. They would want the same life that I have in you. Yes, they would.

When people give themselves to me because of the testimony of your words and your life will that be valuable and important? I know of nothing that would be more valuable and more important in life than to see others coming to you because of how you were able to use my life. Then your life would have been well used and well spent? Yes, definitely. You would not have labored or run the race of your life in vain? Certainly not, my life would have been well used by you. That’s right.

Lord, thank you for calling me to live as your pure child of God. Keep complaining, whining and arguing far from me. Help me to shine like a bright star in the universe. Use my life as a vibrant witness for you as I hold out the word of life to others. Amen

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

Life – Philippians 2-14-16 – Shine Like Stars – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Anyone

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - If - 1 Peter 4:10-11 - Anyone - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – If – 1 Peter 4:10-11 – Anyone – Growing As Disciples

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV)

 My Gifts

I want you to know about a few sure things. That sounds interesting. I like sure things. Anything I have considered to be a sure thing has never ended up being a sure thing. So, when you say that you have something that is a sure thing I am more than curious. You have my full attention. What is a sure thing? What do you want to tell me?

It is a sure thing that I have given you spiritual gifts. Why is it important that I know that? That is a very good question. Have you ever looked for something with the certainty that you would find it? Like what? Let’s say you were looking for a set of keys and you were certain that they were in your house. You knew that they couldn’t be anywhere else because you just unlocked your house. I have misplaced my keys many times. Yes, I know. How persistent has your search been when you have been certain that you would find what you were searching for? My search has been persistent and all encompassing because I knew that it would just be a matter of time before I would find what I was looking for. That’s right. How persistent has your search been when you had no idea if would find what you were looking for? My search has been brief and short lived when I have had no confidence that I would find what I was looking for. Can you see where our conversation is headed? You have given me spiritual gifts and I will certainly discover the gifts that you have give to me if I persistently search for them. You got that right. That’s one sure thing. What is another sure thing?

It is a sure thing that you will never find out what spiritual gifts I have given to you by sitting around doing nothing. You will need to step out and engage in ministry to others. I want to use you. As you follow me you will try out many different ways to minister my love and grace to others. Not everything you try will be a perfect fit for you. Don’t worry about that. As you serve me, there will be some trial and error on the way to your discovering your spiritual gifts. You will discover what aren’t and what are your spiritual gifts. Engaging in ministry to others will be the way that you will show me my spiritual gifts. You got that right. That’s another sure thing. What is another sure thing?

I will powerfully use your spiritual gifts to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. That is a sure thing. That’s why it is so important that I discover and use my spiritual gifts. That’s why it is so important that I rely on you to work in and through me as I use the spiritual gifts that you have given to me. You got that right. As you use your spiritual gifts you will bring praise and glory to my name. People will be drawn to me because you have used your spiritual gifts. That is all that I have ever wanted. Thank you for these sure things. I will joyfully use all the spiritual gifts that you have given to me.

Lord, help me to discover all the spiritual gifts you have given to me. I don’t want one to go unused. Use all you have given me to bear fruit for your kingdom. Powerfully work through me so your grace is ministered to others and glory is brought to your name. Amen

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

If – 1 Peter 4-10-11 – Anyone – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

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

A Companion Of Fools Suffers Harm

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Discipleship Study - Wisdom - Proverbs 13:20 - A Companion Of Fools Suffers Harm - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Study – Wisdom – Proverbs 13:20 – A Companion Of Fools Suffers Harm – Growing As Disciples

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)

Choosing Friends

Be very careful about how you choose your friends. Why is that? You tell me. I will become like my friends. If my friends are wise I will grow wise under their influence and encouragement. If my friends are foolish I will become foolish as I follow their bad example. That’s right. That’s quite clear and very simple to understand isn’t it? Yes, it is.

How will you go about choosing your friends? What will you be looking for in a friend? I will ask myself if I would be happy if I became like my friends. That’s a very good question. I will consider my friend’s wisdom. What kind of wisdom will you be looking for? I won’t be looking for wisdom from this world. I will be looking for wisdom that comes from you. So my closest friends will need to know you. I will be expecting you to speak to me through my closest friends. I want my closest friends to be completely honest with me. I want them to point out what I can’t see. I have lots of blind spots. I have flaws that have gone unnoticed and uncorrected. Close and good friends will tell me exactly what I need to hear and see. I will give my closet friends permission to speak into my life. I will listen attentively to the close friends that you will bring into my life. So, you are expecting that I will bring close friends into your life? That’s for sure; I’m counting on you for that. That’s good.

What else will you be looking for in a friend? I don’t want all my friends to be exactly like me. I’m glad that you brought that up. Why is that? You said something that will not end up being true. What’s that? You said that all your close friends would need to know me. Do you really think I will only bring you friends that know me? No, now that you mention it, that doesn’t seem right to me. I’m guessing that you will bring people into my life that don’t know you. Some of these people will become my friends. Some of these people will come to know you through the friendship I share with them. That’s exactly right. So, don’t exclude people who don’t know me as your friends. There is a big difference between someone who does not yet know me and someone who is a fool. A fool does not want to know and live by the truth. A fool has rejected and is walking away from the truth. A fool has no interest in coming to know me. I will bring friends, who don’t yet know me, into your life. They will be hungry to know me. They will want to live the life that you are living with and for me. They will want what you have. I have you. You are my Savior and Lord. Yes, I am. You can plan that I will bring friends of all kinds into your life. They will speak into your life and you will speak into their lives. I’m looking forward to it. That’s very good.

Lord, I have had a tendency to choose foolish friends. I have suffered harm when I have allowed myself to a companion of a fool. Help me now to choose wise friends that will help and encourage me to grow in wisdom as I follow you. Amen

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

Wisdom – Proverbs 13-20 – A Companion Of Fools Suffers Harm – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Weak – Strong

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Rhythms - 2 Corinthians 12:10 - Weak - Strong - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Rhythms – 2 Corinthians 12:10 – Weak – Strong – Growing As Disciples

Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become. 2 Corinthians 12:10 (MSG)

Weak

Why am I so weak? Are you not happy with the way that I have made you? No, I am happy with how you have made me. I just wish I were stronger and more gifted. I don’t want to seem ungrateful. I am thankful for how you have made me. It doesn’t sound like you are grateful and thankful. Forgive me then for not being fully thankful and completely grateful. You know that I have hated being weak. I have actually despised my weakness and myself. I have asked and begged and pleaded for you to completely remove all my weaknesses. Have I answered those prayers of yours? No, you have not answered those prayers of mine. I still have plenty of weaknesses that I am not all that happy about. You sound frustrated. I am frustrated. Now the truth is coming out, let’s talk about your weaknesses and my strength. I’d like that.

If you had no weaknesses what would you be like? I would be very difficult to be around. Why is that? I would be conceited and filled with pride. I would think that I was better than everyone else that had so many weaknesses. If you had no weaknesses would you rely on me for help? No, if I had no weakness I wouldn’t need to rely on your help. What would our relationship be like if you had no weaknesses? Our relationship would be distant if I never needed your help. I think it was your plan for me to need your help. Why is that? You want to have a close and intimate relationship with me. Yes, I do want to have a close and intimate relationship with you. Would you trade a close and intimate relationship with me for a life that had no weakness? No, I would not.

What has happened when you have asked for my help? You have helped me. How have I helped you? Your power and strength has worked in and through my weakness. You have done in and through me what I could have never done by myself. That’s right. Do you like knowing that I am working in and through your life? Yes, I do. If you had no weaknesses would you ever know that I had worked in and through your life? No, I would not. Would you trade me never working in and through your life for no weaknesses? No, I would not. Do you want to keep your weaknesses and continue to live in a close and intimate relationship with me where I will hear and answer your prayers for help? Yes, I do. That will be very good.

Lord, I have hated being weak and wanted to be strong. But, my weakness has caused me to rely on your strength. You have powerfully worked in and through my weakness. I am thankful that you have been glorified, as you have been all my strength. Amen

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

Rhythms – 2 Corinthians-12-10 – Weak – Strong – 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

Anyone Who Lives On Milk

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - Hebrews 5:11-14 - Anyone Who Lives On Milk - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – Hebrews 5:11-14 – Anyone Who Lives On Milk – Growing As Disciples

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:11-14 (NIV) 

Quick To Learn

Do you want to grow up? Do you want to mature in your relationship with me? Do you want to live the life that I have given you to live for me? That’s an easy yes to all three of your questions. I want to grow and mature in my relationship with you. I want to live the life you have given me to live for you. You have a question? Yes, I do. How do I grow mature in my relationship with you? How can I make sure that I really am living the life you have given me to live for you? Are you looking for some great mysterious answer? Are you thinking that I will reveal some hidden secret to you? I don’t know. You will receive neither of those from me. What I will tell you will be simple to hear and easy to understand. That’s great. What I will tell you will also sound like a very easy thing to do. You’re hesitating a little aren’t you? Yes, I am. Why is that? I hear the words, “will also sound like a very easy thing to do”. What you will tell me will sound easy but it may not be easy, is that right? Yes, that’s right. I’m listening. If you want to grow and mature in your relationship with me and live the life I have given you to live you will need to meet with me in my word. You’re right that is quite simple to hear and easy to understand. How often do you want me to meet with you in your word? How quickly do you want to grow and mature in your relationship with me? I’m not sure what you mean. Do you want to be slow or quick to learn? I would like to be quick to learn. Then how often do you want to meet with me in my word? I want to meet with you everyday in your word. Good answer. So, what’s so hard about this? I now know that I want to meet with you everyday in your word. Yes, you do. When and where will we meet? I thought we would have a random time and place where we would meet everyday. I like to be flexible. Scheduling a time and place for us to meet sounds a little too formal to me. So, you’ll fit me in whenever your schedule allows. I wouldn’t say it that way. But, I will definitely meet with you sometime during each and every day. You think so? Yes, I do. Would you like me to save you a lot of time and frustration? Yes, I would. You won’t be meeting with me everyday in my word. I just said that I would. Yes, I heard that. But, you won’t be meeting with me in my word. Do you doubt my sincerity? Do you think that I am lying to you? No, I don’t doubt your sincerity or honesty. Why do you doubt what I am saying? I know that you are fooling yourself. Why is that? Unless you set a time and a place for us to meet it won’t happen. Your days will get full and become busy and soon enough you’ll realize that we aren’t meeting together in my word. You’re positive of this? Aren’t you? I guess you’re right. No, I know that you are right. So, what are you going to do? I’m going to pick a time and place to meet with you in your word. When will it be? I considered several choices. What were they? I thought of before I leave the house in the morning, on my lunch break, after work and before I go to bed at night. What is your choice? Can I pick two? You want to meet twice? Yes, I do. Sure you can. I chose before I leave the house in the morning. Then, we can meet in my home office. I also chose before I go to bed at night. Then we can meet in my bedroom. Those sound great to me. Now, I know that I really will be meeting with you in your word. Yes, you will.

Lord, I’m hungry for your word. I’m receptive to your word. I’m committed to meeting with you in your word. No longer do I want to live like an infant feeding on milk. Teach me with the solid food of your word as I meet with you in it. Amen

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

Life – Hebrews 5-11-14 – Anyone Who Lives On Milk – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Pleasing To The Lord

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Wisdom - Proverbs 16:7 - Pleasing To The Lord - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Wisdom – Proverbs 16:7 – Pleasing To The Lord – Growing As Disciples

When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.    Proverbs 16:7 (NIV) 

At Peace

Do you wonder if your ways are pleasing to me? Yes, I do. Why is that? You are God and you are perfectly holy. I am not perfect. I am far from perfect. I am a sinner in need of forgiveness. At least you are headed in the right direction with your thoughts. What do you mean by that? You were headed toward the topic of forgiveness, weren’t you? Yes, I suppose I was. You are right that you are not perfect. You could never make yourself perfect. Any attempt to try to make yourself perfect is not really pleasing to me. Why is that? If you could make yourself perfect, would you need or want me? If you were able to make yourself perfect, then I made a huge mistake. I really doubt that. What kind of mistake could you possibly be talking about? I sent my Son to die as payment for your sins so that you could be made perfect in my sight. I see. Do you really? Maybe not, based on your question. If you are continuing to work at making yourself perfect, aren’t you telling me that my Son’s death was not enough and that you must add to His work? I never thought of that before. Yes, if that was what I was doing, then that is what I would be telling you. We both have used that word “if”, haven’t we? Yes, we have. Tell me why you used the word, “if”.

I’m not trying to make myself perfect, not anymore. You once did, didn’t you? Yes, I really didn’t understand all that you did for me on the cross. I didn’t know that you forgave all my sins there and made me acceptable and pleasing in your sight. But now you do, don’t you? Yes, I do.

What has my love for you done for you? Your love for me has changed me. How so? I have grown to be in love with you. I no longer do anything for or with you because I think I should or must. You don’t? No, I don’t. Everything I do with or for you is motivated by my love for you. I love you with all my heart, soul and mind. I love you with all that I am and hope to be. It gives me great joy to love and follow you. I am filled with praise and thanksgiving knowing that you love me more fully and perfectly than I could ever love you. I feel so full of your love that I think I could explode. That won’t happen, do you know why? Yes, I think that your love overflows my life and spills out to others. Yes, it does and it will continue to do so. One more question. Go ahead. Do you still wonder if your ways are pleasing to me? No I don’t because I see your love flowing out of me to others. Yes, it is. My love will cause even your enemies to live at peace with you. They will want what you have. What I have? Yes, you. My love flowing through you will draw others to me.

Lord, help me to think, speak and act in ways that please you. Use me as your witness in this world. Help me to show your love, grace, and mercy even to my enemies. Help me to live in peace with all those who have wrongly used or hurt me.   Amen

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

Wisdom – Proverbs 16-7 – Pleasing To The Lord – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

A Life Worthy

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - Colossians 1-10 - A Life Worthy - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – Colossians 1-10 – A Life Worthy – Growing As Disciples

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, Colossians 1:10 (NIV)

Pleasing Him

What kind of life would you find pleasing and how can I live it? That’s a very good question. You tell me the answer. I was hoping that you would tell me. Yes, I know. I think it pleases you to know that I want to live a life that pleases you. It does. I’m not asking you that question out of some idle curiosity. I know. I really do want to live a life that pleases you. I can see that.

I’m sure that a lot of self-effort on my part is not what you want from me. I don’t think that would please you. Why do you say that? I don’t think you want me to be at the center of our relationship. I don’t. So, I think it pleases you that I ask you a lot of questions. It does. But, tell me more about why you think that. You want me to rely on you. I do. Asking you a lot of questions lets you know that I know that I don’t have all the answers. That’s very good. A pride filled self-reliant and self-sufficient life is not pleasing to you. No, it’s not.

What happens to you when you come to me to ask me a lot of questions? We talk together. I listen to you. I spend time in your presence. I come to know you. I learn your will and your ways. I begin to understand your purposes and plans. What else? As I spend time in your presence I am being changed. What is changing about you? You are changing my heart and transforming my mind. You are making me to be more like you. Yes, I am. I’m sure that it pleases you that I am becoming more like you. It does. There is one very big thing that I forgot to mention. It’s the most important part of spending time in your presence. What’s that? As I spend time in your presence I am growing to love you more and more every day. I’m sure that it pleases you to know that I love you with all my heart and mind and soul. Yes, it does. Today, I know that it only seems like I love you with all my heart and mind and soul. Why do you say that? I know that I will love you more tomorrow than I do today. Are you sure? If I keep coming to you every day I am positive that I will know and love you more and more every day. Yes, you will.

What will you do as you come to know and love me? I will desire to do what pleases you. I will look and listen for ways to serve you. I will go where you send me to do what you ask of me. Yes, you will. I will be like a tool in your hands that you can use. That’s right. I will bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom and glory. Yes, you will. Is that what you want? Yes Lord, it is. That pleases me.

Lord, it is my desire to know, love and serve you more everyday. I want my life to honor you in every way. Help me to live my life in ways that please you. Use my life 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:

Colossians 1-10 – A Life Worthy – 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