Monthly Archives: April 2021

Serve The Egyptians

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Let Us - Exodus 14:10-12 - Serve the Egyptians - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Let Us – Exodus 14:10-12 – Serve the Egyptians – Growing As Disciples

As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” Exodus 14:10-12 (NIV)

A Way

Here you are. There is no looking back. There is no going back. There is only going forward. There does not seem to be a way forward or backward. I can agree with you about not looking or going back. But, I can’t see my may out of this situation. I can’t see my way forward. That’s good. What do you mean, that’s good? How could it be good that there is no way out of my situation? That’s not what I said. What did you say? I didn’t say that there was no way out of your situation. It’s good that you can’t see your way forward. It’s good that you can’t see your way out of your situation. I’m confused. Just because you can’t see a way forward out of your situation does not mean that there isn’t one. Realizing that you can’t see a way forward out of your situation is what’s good. What’s good about that? You tell me. I’ve got nothing to say. Then I will ask you some questions. Go ahead. What have you done when your situation has looked hopeless? What have you done when you could see no way out of your situation? What have you done when you could see no way to move forward? I have cried out to you. I have asked you for your help. Who have you stopped relying on when you have been in a hopeless situation? I have stopped relying on myself when I have been in a hopeless situation. Is that about where you are right now? Yes, I am in a hopeless situation right now. Does it seem like you have two possible choices right now? Yes, it does. What are your two choices? I could curl up in a ball and quit. Yes, you could. Is that what you want to do? No, that is not what I want to do. What is your other choice? I can cry out to you and ask you for your help. Yes, you can. What would that mean? It would mean that I would stop relying on myself and begin to rely on you. Is that what you want to do? Yes, I want to have faith in you. Yes, I want to trust you. Yes, I want to rely on you. Yes, I want to listen to your instructions and follow you. I believe that you will show me a way when there is no way. Why do you believe that? You have always showed me a way when there was no way when I have cried out to you. You are my way. You have been leading me through life. Yes, I have. Is this a lesson that you can’t seem to remember? Is this a lesson that is very easy for you to forget? Somehow, I occasionally do forget that you are my way when there seems to be no way. Sometimes, I have forgotten to ask you for your help. Forgive me. I do forgive you.  Help me to keep my eyes on you. Help me to follow you as I go through difficulties in life. Help me to rely on you. You are my way when there seems to be no way. Yes, I am.

Lord, I will not allow myself to become paralyzed with fear and indecision by focusing my attention on difficult circumstances I will face in life. Instead, I will place all my faith and trust in you. I know that you will lead me through every difficulty as I rely on you. Amen

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

Let Us – Exodus 14-10-12 – Serve The Egyptians – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Knock – Open

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Rhythms - Revelation 3:19-20 - Knock - Open - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Rhythms – Revelation 3:19-20 – Knock – Open – Growing As Disciples

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:19-20 (NIV)

Noise

Are you listening to me? Can you hear my voice? Are you distracted by all that is in the world? Are you preoccupied with all the sights and sounds and noise of the world? Are you so very busy pursuing all that the world offers you? Does the world have your ear? Does the world have your mind? Does the world have your heart? I am knocking on the door of your heart. Will you listen? Can you hear me? Will you let me in?

Leave your independence. Let go of your self-reliance. Get rid of your stubbornness. Humble yourself. Receive my correction and discipline. Accept my rebuke. I love you. I have your very best in mind. Repent of your sins. Leave the darkness behind and walk in the light with me. I have a completely new life for you. Will you turn your life away from the world? Will you open your heart to me? Yes, Lord, I hear your voice. I know that you are knocking on the door of my heart. I have been busy. I have been distracted. I have been chasing after all that the world had to offer me. I have been pursuing what will amount to nothing. Forgive my sin. Cleanse my unrighteousness. I want you. I want the life that you have for me to live.

I’m here right now. I have set aside this time and this place to meet with you. I have quieted myself before you. You have my full attention. My heart and mind and life are focused on you. Let nothing distract me. The door of my heart is completely open to you. Speak to me Lord. I am listening. You have my full attention. I want to live in an intimate relationship with you. I want to know you. I want to do your will. I want to walk in your ways. I want to live my life according to your purpose and plan. Keep on coming to me. Keep on listening to me. Keep on opening the door of your heart to me. I will speak to you. We will live in close and intimate fellowship with each other. That is the desire of my heart. That is all that I want, far above all else. That is very good.

Lord, I want nothing more passionately than to live in intimate fellowship with you. I welcome your loving rebukes and discipline in my life. I will earnestly repent of my sins. I will listen attentively to your knocking and open the door of my life completely to you. Amen

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

Rhythms – Revelation 3-19-20 – Knock – Open – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

The Rich Fool

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Parable Of The Rich Fool - Luke 12:16-21 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Parable Of The Rich Fool – Luke 12:16-21 – Growing As Disciples

And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”‘ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:16-21 (NIV)

A Fool

Don’t be a fool. What do you mean by that? Don’t waste your life on what doesn’t matter and what doesn’t count. Like what? That’s a good question. Thanks. But, it is a good question for you to answer for yourself. Why is that? It wouldn’t do any good for me to tell you what isn’t important; you have to become convinced of it yourself. Are you wanting me to tell you what I think is unimportant? You got it, yes I do.

Alright, let me first say that I don’t have the answer to this question completely figured out. That’s a good place to start. What’s that? Admitting that you lack wisdom and may need some help, that’s a very good place to start. Yes, I think it is. In the past and even now, I’ve had my priorities mixed up. How so? I really like the things of this world. Do you mean material possessions? Yes, that’s exactly what I mean. Do you think “like” is a strong enough word? Probably not. Let’s say that I have loved the things of this world. That sounds like a more accurate description. Yes, it does. Anyhow, my love for the things of this world captured my attention and have driven the pursuits of my life. What have you been pursuing? I have been pursuing more. More of what? More of anything and everything that I have wanted at the time. Have you found that your pursuit and possession of the things of this world has left you quite satisfied? No, not at all. Once I’ve acquired what I have pursued so vigorously, I wondered why I had wanted it so much. Then the next best thing would come along and I would start all over again pursuing it. This all sounds quite tiring to me. Yes, it is. What have all these pursuits of your taught you?

I have learned that happiness, meaning, and direction in life cannot be found in things. I have learned that my materialistic and worldly desires will lead me in the wrong direction. What direction is that? It’s a direction that leads me deeper into self-centeredness and away from you. Yes, it does. I have learned that there is no value in storing up worldly possessions. Why is that? Worldly possessions will not satisfy me and even if they did, I can’t take them with me into the next life. You’re right on both counts.

What has been satisfying to you? It has been satisfying to turn my life over to you and pursue what you want me to pursue. Tell me more about that. You have become the pursuit of my life. I want to love and pursue you with all my heart, mind, soul and body. You have satisfied and filled my empty soul. You have given me meaning and purpose in life. The things of this world are loosing their grip on me. You now have your grip on me. I want to know you, love you, and follow you wherever you lead me to do whatever you ask of me. How do you feel about all of this? Once I thought I was rich and I was really poor. Now I feel like I have discovered true riches in living my life with and for you. Yes, you have. I can take these riches into the next life with me. Yes, you can.

Lord, much of my life I have wanted the riches and pleasures of life. I have been enticed and captivated by them. Forgive me. Help me to love, follow, and serve you as I store up treasures in heaven in my relationship with you.  Amen

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

 Parables – Luke 12-13-21 – The Rich Fool – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Show Him My Salvation

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - Psalm 91:15-16 - Show Him My Salvation - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – Psalm 91:15-16 – Show Him My Salvation – Growing As Disciples

He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”   Psalm 91:15-16 (NIV)

Your Salvation

What have I shown to you? You have shown me your salvation. What does that mean to you? That’s a very large and broad question that I understand more today than yesterday but less than I will tomorrow. Why is that? You are showing me that my salvation in you is new every day. Let’s talk about some of what I have shown to you. Where should I start? You can start wherever you like.

You have shown me that there is no place that I would rather be than in your presence. Why is that? In your presence I can draw near to you as you draw near to me. In your presence I can come to know you. In your presence I can hear your voice as you also hear mine. We can talk about anything. I can lay my fears, worries and troubles at your feet. In your presence I can rest and be at peace.  Yes, you can. What else have I shown you?

You have shown me that I am never alone. You are with me to help me. You are my refuge, fortress, strength and deliverer. You have been a shield of protection around me. Will you never experience, pain, suffering and loss in this life? Oh, I have experienced all of those. I know that this is a broken and sin filled world. I also know that you have always been with me when I have been broken hearted. You have wept when I have wept. You have carried me when I could walk no further. You have healed me when I have been hurt.  Yes, I have. What else have I shown you?

You have shown me the path of life. I could have wandered away from you in a thousand different ways. You have guarded, guided and protected my life. You have kept me walking in your ways. You have given me a heart and desire to want to know your will and walk in your ways. You have filled me with a hunger and thirst for you that will never be completely satisfied. I will always want to know and love you more. Yes, you will. What else have I shown to you?

You have shown me that you hear and answer my prayers. You are not distant. You are not far away. You are not remote and removed from me. You are not too busy or distracted to hear from me when I call out to you. You are worthy of all my faith and trust. I can rely on you to lead, guard, guide and protect me throughout life. You will answer me when I call. You will be with me when I am in trouble. You will deliver me when I need your help. You will satisfy me with more than I can imagine as I live with you in this life of salvation that you have given to me. Yes, I will.

Father, thank you for the peace and rest I have as I dwell in your presence. You have been my refuge, fortress and strength. You have been with me to help me throughout life. I will live without fear as I trust in and rely on you. Amen

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

Life – Psalm 91-15-16 – Show Him My Salvation – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Changed into A Different Person

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Changed Into A Different Person - 1 Samuel 10:6-7 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Changed Into A Different Person – 1 Samuel 10:6-7 – Growing As Disciples

The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do,  for God is with you. 1 Samuel 10:6-7

A Different Person

Father, it is my desire to be changed by you. As I look back over my life, I see that you have been changing me day by day to become more like your son, Jesus Christ. From the day I turned away from my sin and began to follow Christ as my Savior and Lord, your work of molding and shaping my life has not ceased. For rescuing me out of darkness and helping me to walk in the light as your child, I am eternally thankful.

You however have placed a desire in my heart for more. I know that you want to change me more than I can possibly imagine. You want me to be completely transformed into another person! What will this new person look like?

You have already stated the answer to your question.  I want to transform your life so that you think, act, and live just as my Son thought, acted and lived. As you have followed Him that is exactly the work I have been doing in your life. I know that. There is a problem, isn’t there? Yes, there is. Tell me what you think the problem is.

The problem is that I want your work in my life to be unhindered by me. I want what you want when you want it. I know that I have been slow to obey your will. I know that I have been hard of hearing of your voice of guidance. I want you to be able to fully use me. I know that you have specific plans you want to accomplish through my life. I don’t want to miss out on any one of those. Sometimes I worry that I will miss out on what you want to do in  and through my life. That’s the problem as I see it.

Is there anything else? Yes, sometimes I feel like I’m trying to live my life under my own power, which is totally inadequate. In my own strength I certainly can’t be and do all that you desire. What do you want? I want the Holy Spirit to have free reign to work in my life so that I am transformed into the person you want me to be.

This sounds a lot like a prayer. It is. Are you asking me to answer these requests for you? Yes, I am. That’s good. Where do you think these desires of yours came from? From you. Yes, that’s right. If you trust and rely on me, what do you think I will do for you? Grant the desires of my heart. Exactly, just as I have stated in my word.

Father, I want what you want. Accomplish your purposes and plans in and through my life. Holy Spirit transform me into the person that you want me to become. Help me to think, act and live like Jesus Christ. In His name I pray.  Amen

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

Identity – 1 Samuel 10-6-7 – Changed Into A Different Person – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Whoever Serves Me Must Follow Me

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Whoever Serves Me Must Follow Me - John 12:25-26 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Whoever Serves Me Must Follow Me – John 12:25-26 – Growing As Disciples

The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.   John 12:25-26

I’m Calling You Now

What does it mean to lose my life in this world? Am I living for the pleasures of this life? Does all of life revolve around me and what I want? Am I guided by comfort? When have I set aside my will, plans, and desires to serve you, Lord? Those are good questions. Do you have any answers? Right now, I want to sit here and live with these questions. I think it would be a mistake to quickly answer and dismiss them all in my favor. I agree. Then, I feel like I’m on the right track. You are. I also sense a danger here as well. What’s that? I could sacrifice my life in complete service to others and yet not know you. What do you mean? Isn’t it possible to give up my life in service to the wrong purpose, plan, or person? Yes, it is. Tell me more of what you’re thinking. Your call is to give up my life to follow you. It isn’t a call to give up my life to become a serving maniac. As I give up my life to you, the only way I can serve correctly is to live in a close relationship with you. It’s not as if you’ll give me a huge “to do” list and check back with me at the end of my life, I know that. How do you know that? You said, “follow me” and where you are, that’s where I’ll be. Yes, that’s true. How will that be possible and how will that happen? That will only happen as I follow you. I need to wait, watch, and listen for your guidance. Otherwise I will likely go off course and not do what you want me to do and waste a lot of time doing what’s unnecessary. That’s exactly right.

I’m calling you right now. Come follow me. Don’t love the world. Love me. I will guide your life. You will have real joy as you join me in the work I will give you to do. Is this what you want to do? Is this who you want to be? Do you want to be my follower? Do you want to serve me? Yes Lord, I do. Good, then come. I am calling you right now.

Lord, today is the day that I will stop living for myself. The things of this world no longer have me in their grip. My eyes are on you. My ears are attentive to you. I’ve heard your call. I will follow where you lead and do what you ask.  Amen

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

Identity – John 12-15-26 – Whoever Serves Me Must Follow Me – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Fill You With Knowledge Of His Will

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Wisdom - Colossians 1:9-10 - Fill You With Knowledge Of His Will - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Wisdom – Colossians 1:9-10 – Fill You With Knowledge Of His Will – Growing As Disciples

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 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 1:9-10 (NIV)

Knowing Him

Is it your earnest desire to know me? Yes Lord, it is. At one time you just knew of me. Yes, and you used that little bit of knowledge to draw me to you. Yes, I did. Now, it isn’t enough for you to know of me, is it? No, it is not. Where do you think your desire to know me comes from? This burning desire in me to know you comes from you. It is your Holy Spirit living inside of me that is fanning the flame of my desire for you. Yes, that’s right.

How do you think you will grow to know me more intimately? First of all I know that we are in complete agreement on my desire to know you. What do you mean by that? You want me to know you. You will not hide yourself from me? No, I will not. As I walk with you through life you will continue to help me to know you. Yes, I will. When we talk together about all that I am experiencing in life I will grow to know you more intimately. Yes, you will. When I meet with you in your word, you will show yourself to me. I will come to more clearly understand your will and your ways. Yes, you will. You will help me to live in ways that are worthy of Christ. You will show me what pleases you. Yes, I will. It won’t be enough to know what pleases you. No, it will not. You will give me the power of your Holy Spirit to both know and do your will. Yes, I will. I could never know you or do your will with my own knowledge or strength. I will rely on your Holy Spirit to teach and guide me through life. It pleases me that you know that you cannot know, follow and serve me by your own human efforts.

Is there any other way that you can think of how you will grow to know me more intimately? Yes, there is one. Tell me about it. As I serve you, I will know you more intimately. You will use me to bear fruit for your kingdom and glory. Yes, I will. You will give me tasks that are too large for me to handle on my own. Yes I will, you can count on it. Those God sized assignments will cause me to rely on you for all your help. Yes, they will. That’s a very good thing. Yes, it is. As I rely on you to accomplish your purposes through my life, I will come to know you more intimately. Yes, you will.

Does knowing me, walking in my ways and being used by me sound easy to you? No, it does not. But, I am very thankful that you have given me the desire to know you despite the challenges that lie just ahead. I am ready to follow you wherever you lead me. That’s very good.

Lord, help me to know you. Fill me with the knowledge of your will. Give me spiritual wisdom and understanding. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to you. Bear fruit through my life. I’m praying this prayer for myself and for those you bring into my life. Amen

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

Wisdom – Colossians 1-9-10 – Fill You With Knowledge Of His Will – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Considers Himself Religious

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - If - James 1:26 - Considers Himself Religious - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – If – James 1:26 – Considers Himself Religious – Growing As Disciples

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. James 1:26 (NIV)

My Words

Listen to the words that are coming out of your mouth. I want you to listen carefully to all that you are saying. Why is that? If you really listen to your own words I’m sure that you will be very surprised. Do you understand what I’m asking of you? I’m not exactly sure what you have in mind. I want you to critically evaluate all the words that are coming out of your mouth. While you’re at it, you can also evaluate the words that you don’t say out loud. I want you to evaluate even the words that you are able to suppress. I also want you to evaluate your self-talk. Do you have any idea why I am asking you to do all of this? No, not really.

Every word that is in your heart and on your mind will one day come out. The words that you think and the words that you say are very powerful. Your words have power to build up and tear down. Your words have the ability to heal. Your words have the ability to kill. Have you ever deeply regretted the words that you have said to others? Yes, many times I have been very sorry about the words that have come out of my mouth. Have you ever deeply regretted the words that you have said to yourself? Yes, many times I have been very discouraged by the words that I have had in my heart and on my mind and said to myself.

Do you want to keep a tight rein on your tongue? Yes Lord, I want to think and say words that build others up. I want to think and say words that bring encouragement and healing to all those that hear them. I want to think and say words that are pleasing to you. Do you want your life to bear fruit through the words that I give you to speak? Yes Lord, I want my words to bear fruit for your kingdom. I want my words to bring glory to your name. I want my words to be consistent with who I am. Who are you? I am your child. I am your follower. Yes, you are. You are my Savor and Lord. You are my God and my King. Yes, I am. Listen to me and I will give you the words that I want you to think. Listen to me and I will give you the words that I want you to speak. Let my words be in your heart and on your mind. Let my words be the words that will come out of your heart and mind and mouth. Let my words bless your life. Let my words bless the lives of others. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I have spoken unhelpful and hurtful words I deeply regret. Forgive Me. Help me keep a tight rein on my tongue. Give me words to speak that will build up, encourage and bless others. Bear fruit for your kingdom through the words you give me to speak. Amen

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

 If – James 1-26 – Considers Himself Religious – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

The Eye Is The Lamp Of The Body

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Eyes - Matthew 6:22-23 - The Eye Is The Lamp Of The Body - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Eyes – Matthew 6:22-23 – The Eye Is The Lamp Of The Body – Growing As Disciples

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! Matthew 6:22-23 (NIV)

Focus

What is the focus of your life? I’m not sure that I understand your question. What will you pursue? What do you value? What are my choices? That is an insightful question. Why is that? You know that you have a choice to make. You may think that you have many choices. You would be wrong about that. Why is that? In regard to my question there are only two choices. In answer to my question you will choose one choice over another. I have no idea what you are talking about. I will make what I’m talking about clear to you.

In this life you will either choose the things of this world or the things of heaven. You will pursue the treasures of this life or the treasures of heaven. You will store up earthly or heavenly treasures. You will focus your attention on all that you can see now or on what remains unseen and is in the future. You will live your life for yourself or you will live your life for me. You will keep your eyes on me or you will allow your eyes to be allured by all that the world has to offer. Have I made myself clear to you? Yes, you have made yourself perfectly clear to me.

I have allowed my eyes to be allured by the things of this world. I have chased after comfort and pleasure. I have pursued all the earthly treasures that money could buy. I have let my focus be on what I can see in the here and now. Seldom have I thought of heaven. Storing up treasure in heaven has rarely entered my mind. I have lived for myself rather than for you. Forgive me. Everything has changed. That life is now gone. You have set me free to live my life with and for you. I am now pursuing you and the life that you have called me to live. Earthly treasures mean nothing to me. Now, I want to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Now, I want you to use my life however you see fit. Now my eyes are on you. Now my life is focused on knowing you and walking in your ways. I am at your service. My life is in your hands. I am at your disposal. I want to do all the good works that you have planned for me to do for you. Now, I want to store up treasures in heaven with you. That is very good. That is what you will do.

Lord, my eyes and life have been focused on treasures of this life. Forgive me. No longer will I attempt to store up earthly treasures. Instead my eyes and life will be focused on loving, following and serving you. Help me to store up treasures in heaven with you. Amen

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

Eyes – Matthew 6:22-23 – The Eye Is The Lamp Of The Body – Growing As Disciples – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

If He Calls You, Say Speak Lord

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - If - 1 Samuel 3:7-10 - If He Calls You, Say Speak Lord - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – If – 1 Samuel 3:7-10 – If He Calls You, Say Speak Lord – Growing As Disciples

Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. The LORD called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:7-10 (NIV)

I’m Listening

Are you listening attentively to me? Are you making yourself available to me? Do you really want to hear from me? Yes Lord, I desperately want to hear from you. I want to listen to all that you have to say to me. I want you to speak into my life. I want your word to guard and guide my life. I want to know you. I want to know the plans you have for my life. I want to know where you would like to send me. I want to know how you would like to use me. Without hearing from you I would only be guessing at what you might like me to do for you. I don’t want to be guessing about your will. I don’t want to be guessing about your plans for my life. I don’t want to know about you. I actually want to know you intimately. How would that ever be possible if I never heard from you? Yes Lord, I really do want to hear from you. That’s very good.

Do what Samuel did. What did Samuel do? You tell me. Samuel waited quietly for you to speak to Him. Yes, he did. How can you make yourself quiet before me? I could set aside a daily time and a special place to meet with you. That sounds like a good plan. Do you know why it is so important to have a daily time and special place to meet with me? The world is a noisy and distracting place. If I don’t set aside a quiet place I will never hear your voice over the noise that is in the world. That’s right. What else? If I don’t set aside a special time I will always be too busy to find time to meet with you. That is also right.  I don’t need to find time to meet with you. I need to make time to meet with you. Will you set aside a time and a place to meet with me? Yes Lord, I will set aside a time and a place to meet with you. That will be very good.

Lord, here I am. I have set aside this time and this place to meet with you. I have left behind the noise and distractions of daily life. I am making myself quiet before you. I am your servant and I am listening. What do you want to say to me? Amen

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

If – 1 Samuel 3-7-10 – If He Calls You, Say Speak Lord – 4 Page – Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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