Monthly Archives: May 2021

The One Who Had Mercy On Him

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Luke 10:30-37 - The One Who Had Mercy On Him - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Luke 10:30-37 – The One Who Had Mercy On Him – Growing As Disciples

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:36-37 (NIV)

Walking By

I think that you are missing something. What’s that? You have been wanting me to use you in ministry to others, isn’t that true? Yes, that’s correct. How are you expecting that I might want to use you? I don’t know but I’m open to whatever you have in mind. I’m very glad to hear that. What do you think I might have in mind? Right now, I have no idea. But, I’m really anxious to get going on any assignment that you give to me. I’m watching and waiting. Just say the word. Point me in a direction. I’m all yours. Really? Yes, really. Are you sure? I’m getting a little less sure right about now. You’re wondering where I’m heading with my line of questioning? Yes, I am. You’re eager to take on a very large assignment from me, aren’t you? Yes, I am beyond eager. I’m really chomping at the bit. As they say in sports, “put me in coach”. So you want to be in the game and fully engaged. Absolutely, no doubt about it. What if I don’t have a large assignment for you right now? That would be disappointing.

What if I had a small assignment for you? Would you be as excited and enthused to serve me? I’m not sure what you mean by a small assignment? What would you think if I gave you a bunch of behind the scenes assignments that don’t seem at all like center stage kind of work? I’d do them if that were what you were asking me to do for you. You don’t sound as excited and enthused right now. Well, I was hoping that you were preparing me to be used in some larger way. Do you think that I might prepare you for a larger responsibility by giving you some smaller assignment first? Yes, I’m sure that is the way that you work. Am I missing something? I do not understand what you are trying to say to me. You’ve been watching and waiting for a large assignment from me, have you not? Yes, I have. Do you think it might be possible that your eyes have not been open to smaller assignments that I’ve wanted to give to you? I suppose it is. Do you think it might be possible that you’ve walked by people in need because you were looking for a larger assignment from me? Yes, now I understand what you are pointing out. It’s like I’ve been looking at a forest but not seeing the trees. Yes, that’s exactly right. What do a large amount of individual trees add up to? They add up to a forest. Yes, and what do a bunch of smaller assignments from me add up to? They had up to a large assignment from you. Yes, they do.

You have been walking by assignments from me. People are beaten, bruised, and battered all around you. It’s time to open your eyes so that you can do the ministry that you’ve always wanted to do for me. Will you do that? Yes Lord, I will go and do all that you give me to do for you.

Lord, without your help I will be unable to love my neighbor. Give me the strength that I will need to love neighbors that are especially hard for me to love. I will no longer be too busy or too inconvenienced to love my neighbor. Amen

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

Parables – Luke 10-25-37 – The One Who Had Mercy On Him  – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Two Men Owed Money To A Certain Moneylender

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Two Men Owed Money To A Certain Moneylender - Luke 7:41-43 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Two Men Owed Money To A Certain Moneylender – Luke 7:41-43 – Growing As Disciples

“Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. Luke 7:41-43 (NIV)

How Much Debt?

How much have you been forgiven of by me? Did you have a big debt or just a very small one for which you needed my forgiveness? Lord, you know all my thoughts, words and actions. Yes, I do. Why then do you ask me these questions? You know the extent of my sinfulness far better than even I do. Yes, I do. It is important for you to think about the extent of your sin. Why is that? If you thought you had no sin, you would not need or want me at all. I don’t think that at all. I know that I am a sinner. I need no convincing on that point. That’s good. If you thought that you have just a little bit of sin, you may think that by your good efforts you might be able to pay me back. I know that I cannot pay for my own sin no matter how hard I would try. Haven’t you tried before? What do you mean? Haven’t there been times when you felt particularly sinful and thought maybe you should engage in some extra service for me because of your sin? Yes, I suppose so. How did that work out? Not very well. Why not? Trying to pay you back is just one more sin. Why do you think so? If I try to pay you back then I’m not having faith and believing that you have completely forgiven and cleansed me of my sin. No, you are not.

We could move this discussion along a little bit. Why do you want to? Well, I need no convincing about the extent of my sin. I have sinned against you and others in so many ways. It’s not like I’ve stopped either. All my sin is not just in the past. I’m a sinner now. I know that I will sin in the future. Yes, you will. So, I have a huge debt that I can’t repay. Not now, nor at anytime in the future. You’re right about that.

So, I’m nothing like the religious person who needs no or little forgiveness. I never want to have that attitude. If for some strange reason I think that for a moment then I will want to confess that attitude for the sin that it is. Haven’t you thought in this way before? Maybe, sometimes it is hard to even know my own sins. All I can say is that I know I’ve sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I didn’t have a small amount of sin for which you have forgiven me. You are right about that. I have forgiven you of all your sins of the past, present and future. You are completely forgiven and cleansed of your sin. You have no debt. It has been cancelled.

You say I have no debt? Yes, I do. Well, I feel something strongly toward you. What’s that? I feel a debt of gratitude, thankfulness, and love for you for all that you have done for me. This debt is not at all like an obligation; it is what wells up in my heart toward you. It is what makes me like the grateful woman who is washing your feet with her tears and drying them with her hair. I am at your feet right now. I love you. I give my life to you. I want to live my life with and for you. I have no need to ask, “who is this who even forgives sins?” You are the Son of God who died for my sin so that I could be forgiven, cleansed, and made able to live a new life in you. Yes, I am and yes, I did. Follow me. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I had a very big debt and load of sin I was carrying. My heart and mind and thoughts and actions were completely evil. I was far away from you, living a broken, sin filled life. Thank you, for bringing me near to you so that I could be forgiven of all my sin. Amen

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

Parables – Luke 7-41-43 – Two Men Owed Money To A Certain Moneylender – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

He Went To Look For Fruit On It

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - He Went To Look For Fruit On It - Luke 13:6-9 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – He Went To Look For Fruit On It – Luke 13:6-9 – Growing As Disciples

Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'” Luke 13:6-9 (NIV)

Bearing Fruit

It is the desire of my heart to bear fruit for you. Where do you think that desire to bear fruit came from? It certainly did not originate with me. No, it did not. You chose and appointed me to bear fruit for you. Yes, I did. What kind of fruit do you want to bear for me? I want to bear fruit for you that will last. For much of life, I have used my time, talents, and resources on work that will not last. I was doing my own thing and not really relying on you to guide or empower my efforts. I have learned that apart from you, I can really accomplish nothing that will last. No, you cannot. But, can you clarify what you mean when you say you want fruit that will last. I’d be happy to. When I am in heaven with you, I want to be able to look back and say that I’m glad that I obeyed you and did this or that. I want to be able to look around heaven and see people that are there because of how you used me to reach out to them. So, you want your fruit to last for eternity? Yes, I do. You no longer want to waste your efforts on what will be of no lasting eternal value? No, I don’t. Those are very good desires and priorities.

Let’s talk about fruit a little more. Do you know that there are two different kinds of fruit? No, I don’t think that I do. Well it’s important that you do. What are these two types of fruit? Why is it so important that I understand that there are two kinds of fruit? The first fruit is the fruit of “being”. What does that mean? It is the fruit of becoming the person that I want you to be. I am tending to your life. I am giving you everything you need to grow and become who you are meant to be. When you say the “fruit of being”, is that like the fruit of the Holy Spirit? Yes, exactly. So you want me to bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Yes, I do. Being the person I want you to be will make you able to bear the second kind of fruit. What’s that? That is the fruit that you most often think of. It is the fruit of “doing”. Is there a problem with focusing on this kind of fruit? Yes, there is. Can you tell me what that problem might be? I think I can. Go ahead then.  If I’m so focused on “doing” something, I might end up doing the wrong thing with my own strength and not bearing any real, lasting fruit at all. Yes, that’s it. You want me to bear the fruit of being who you want me to become and doing what you want me to do at the same time. Yes, I do. Aren’t they really inseparable anyhow? Isn’t it impossible to bear the fruit of doing if I don’t have the fruit of being? I’m glad that you see this. Yes, these two fruits must go together if you want to bear fruit for me. Yes, Lord that’s exactly what I want. I can see that. Abide in me and you will bear an abundance of fruit that will last for all eternity. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, it is my desire and joy to be used by you. Nourish, prepare and strengthen me so that I can bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom and glory. Remove anything from my life that will hinder my growth and ability to be used by you to bear fruit for you. Amen

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

Parables – Luke 13-6-9 – He Went To Look For Fruit On It – 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

Whoever Can Be Trusted With Very Little Can Also Be Trusted With Much

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Parables - Whoever Can Be Trusted With Very Little Can Also Be Trusted With Much - Luke 16:8-12 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Parables – Whoever Can Be Trusted With Very Little Can Also Be Trusted With Much – Luke 16:8-12 – Growing As Disciples

“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? Luke 16:8-12 (NIV)

Test and Trust

Have you noticed the race of life that those of the world are running? I’m not sure what you mean. Sure you do, you see it every day almost the minute you step out your front door. What’s that? There is an all out pursuit of money and all the comforts and pleasures it can buy. Oh that, yes I am well aware of that. You once were consumed by that pursuit. Yes I was. Even now, once in a while, you fall back into that, don’t you? Yes, I do and even more than once and a while. Yes, I’m glad that you are willing to admit that.

How often have you seen someone who has the same aggressive and passionate pursuit of their life with me as those that are pursuing the world? Could I rephrase that question? Yes, go right ahead. Alright, how often have I seen someone completely one hundred percent devoted to following you, is that what you are asking me? Yes, I am. I’m not sure if I have ever seen anything like that before. But, I will tell you one thing. What’s that? I want to love, follow, and pursue you with my whole heart and mind. I want to use all that you have given me to serve you. I don’t want anything to go to waste, be misused or left unused.

That’s a very good desire that you have. See to it that you live that desire out. With your help and power, I will. I can’t do it on my own that’s for sure. Yes, that’s true. I want you to know something. What’s that? It’s very important that you are faithful to properly use all that I have given to you. Why is that? Why do you think? I think that if I am faithful with a little you will entrust me with more. Yes, I will. Do you know that your whole life is both a test and a trust? What does that mean? The test and trust is “how well did you use all that I entrusted you with”? I have blessed and gifted you so that you can serve me. I have placed resources in your hands to be used for my kingdom and glory. How well is your life and resources being used for my plan and purposes? That’s a good question. Yes, it is. One day, after your life is over, you will be asked that question. Will you help me to live my life in ways that will prepare me to answer that question well? Yes, I will. Will you help me to be faithful to you even in the smallest details? Yes, I will. I am so thankful that you will help me to answer that question. Why is that? I know that I will never be able to answer that question well without your help. No, you could not. But, I will help you to know how to answer it as you love me and pursue the life I have for you.

Lord, I know that I have not been completely faithful to use all that you have given me to serve you. Forgive me. Help me now to know how I can use all that you have given me to serve you and bear abundant fruit for your glory.  Amen

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

Parables – Luke 16-8-12 – Whoever Can Be Trusted With Very Little Can Also Be Trusted With Much – 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

A Farmer Went Out To Sow His Seed

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Parables - Matthew 13:3-9 - A Farmer Went Out To Sow His Seed - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Parables – Matthew 13:3-9 – A Farmer Went Out To Sow His Seed – Growing As Disciples

Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop–a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear.” Matthew 13:3-9 (NIV)

Good Soil

I want my life to be like good soil in which your word can grow. I want your word to make me able to bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom. In every way and on every day of my life I want to bring glory to your name. I want to live the life that you have called me to live. I want to be able to do all the good works that you have prepared for me to do for you. I don’t want anything to get in the way of your working in and through my life. I want to be completely at your disposal. That’s very good.

How can I make sure that my heart is like good soil in which your word can grow? That is a very good question. I’m sure that you know the answer to that question. I would like to hear your answer. First, I need to hear your word. If I am not hearing your word, then there is no chance that it will be growing in my life. That’s true. How will you hear my word? I will set apart a time and place to meet with you in your word every day. I will listen attentively to your word. I will carefully consider your word. I will meditate on your word. I will memorize your word. I will let your word dwell in me richly. Most importantly, I will follow and obey your word. I will put your word into practice as I follow and serve you. Putting your word into practice will demonstrate that I have heard your word. That’s true.

What do you think my word will do for you? Your word will change my heart. Your word will transform my mind. Your word will make me able to follow and obey you. Your word will make me able to resist temptation and stand up against evil. Your word will guard and guide my life. Your word will keep me on the path that you have laid out for me. Your word will help me to bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Yes, it will. Your word will keep my heart and mind and life focused on you. Your word will make my life like good soil in which it can continue to grow. Your word will accomplish your purposes and plans in my life. Yes, it certainly will. You got that right.

Lord, I want my life to be good soil in which your word can grow and bear an abundance of fruit. I will set apart a time and a place to meet with you in your word. I will stop to carefully consider all you are saying to me. I will hear and put your word into practice. Amen

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

Parables – Matthew 13-3-9 – A Farmer Went Out To Sow His Seed – 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

The Lord Is My Shepherd

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - The Lord Is My Shepherd - Psalm 23:1-3 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – The Lord Is My Shepherd – Psalm 23:1-3 – Growing As Disciples

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3

Sheep

Do you like it here? Yes, I do. What do you like about it? It’s so quiet and still. There is only the sound of a quiet stream. I can relax here. I don’t have anything or anyone demanding my time and attention. I feel like I can breathe. Yes, take some slow, deep breaths. Rest, here in my presence.

Take this all in. The air is so crisp and fresh. With each breath, I feel like I’m being revived and restored. I have been so busy. The pace of my life has been frantic. I had no idea how worn out I was until you brought me to this place. Right now I can feel the tension leaving my body as I lay back in this green pasture, resting. Yes, very good, let go of all the worries and burdens you have been carrying. Lay them down here at my feet. That’s ok, I can do that? Yes, absolutely. That’s why I brought you here. You have been troubled by many things. It’s time for you to give them to me. Really? Yes, really. Ok, I will. I feel so much lighter now. It’s like you have lifted a burden off my shoulders. I didn’t realize I was carrying so much. Now you do, though? Yes, it feels so good.

Thank you for letting me set them down for a while. Oh, you don’t get to pick them up again. Why not? If I don’t carry all these burdens, who will? I will. That’s why you have laid them at my feet. You were never meant to carry this load. How do you feel about that? I feel so relieved and thankful I could cry. You are so good to me. You take such loving care of me. I am your Good Shepherd, you know. You were one bruised and battered sheep when I brought you back to this place.

Sorry, that I got so off the path and wandered away from you. It brings me great joy that you have returned to me too. What else have you noticed about this place? When I first arrived I was so thirsty I could hardly stand it. How about now? All your words have been feeding my hunger and satisfying my thirst. I feel like I have been drinking deeply from the cool mountain stream over there. That’s a good analogy. My word will refresh your life when you slow down to drink deeply from it. How do you feel right now? I feel like a new person. Do you mean new sheep? Not really, but I understand what you mean. What’s that? I know now how I have wandered away like a lost sheep and like my Good Shepherd you have brought me back to this place of quietness and rest with you. What else have you learned? I’ve learned that I can come and rest in your presence at any time and in any place. How often would you like to do that? I’d be a foolish sheep to not want to be with you every day. Very good, I’m glad to hear you say that.

Lord, forgive me for wandering away from you like a foolish sheep. Thank you for bringing me back to you to a place of quiet rest in your presence where I can drink deeply and be refreshed, revived and restored in my soul by you.  Amen

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

Identity – Psalm 23-1-3 – The Lord Is My Shepherd – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Put On The Full Armor Of God

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Discipleship Study - Rhythms - Ephesians 6:10-13 - Put On The Full Armor Of God - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Study – Rhythms – Ephesians 6:10-13 – Put On The Full Armor Of God – Growing As Disciples

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV)

Your Stand

Do you want to be able to stand against the devil and all his evil? Do you want to be able to resist his tactics and schemes? Yes, I want to be able to stand against the devil and all his evil. Yes, I want to be able to resist his tactics and schemes? What must I do to resist him and stand against his evil? That is a very good question with several different answers. First, you must admit that you don’t have the strength and power to stand against the devil and all his evil. To rely on your own power and strength against him would be based on foolish pride and lead to your certain defeat. I have no doubt about that. I will not be relying on my own power and strength to stand against the devil. That’s a good start.

Next you must know that you will face struggles in life that are from the devil and all his evil. You will have battles that are not against flesh and blood but are against the devil and his evil that is in the world. You must be watchful. You must be vigilant. You must be on guard. The devil’s schemes and tactics are very deceptive and alluring. You must not allow yourself to fall into his traps. You must separate yourself from the devil and all his evil. Do not linger around temptation. Do not hang out with evil. Run away from evil of every kind.

Now let’s talk about the armor with which I will clothe you. You must put on all the armor that I have made for you. Every piece is of vital importance. Each piece of my armor will guard and protect you. My armor will protect your heart and your mind. My armor will guard the course of your life. My armor will direct your paths. My armor will guide your prayers. My armor will protect you from every one of the devil’s attacks. My armor will shield you from every evil. My armor will strengthen your faith. My armor will give you hope. My armor will make you able to engage in the battles that you will surely face in life. Each and every day you must wear the armor that I have made for you. Not one day will you be well suited without my armor. Will you wear my armor? Will you rely on my strength? Will you allow me to fight with you in the battles of life? Yes Lord, I will. Then you will be able to take your stand with me.

Lord, I cannot stand against the devil and all his evil under my own power and strength. Only you can make me able to stand against the devil’s tactics and schemes. Help me to put on your full armor so that I will be able to withstand his attacks. Amen

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

Rhythms – Ephesians 6-10-13 – Put On The Full Armor Of God – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Sheep From The Goats

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Sheep From The Goats - Matthew 25:31-46 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Sheep From The Goats – Matthew 25:31-46 – Growing As Disciples

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Matthew 25:31-33  (NIV)

Who Are You?

Do you know who you are?  Do you know who I created you to be?  Do you know what I have called you to do?  I’m not sure that I do know all that well.  Sometimes I think that I do.  But then, I become confused, forget, and loose my bearings.  Then I wander off to think, say, and do what I regret having thought, said, and done.  So, I need a little in service training!  A little?  Well no, actually a lot.  I need all the help that you will give to me.  Is that what you want, my help?  Yes Lord, it is.  I can’t answer your questions without your help.  I don’t want to miss out on living the life you’ve called me to live. You’re right you do need my help.  I’m so glad that you are asking for it.  Let’s start with a question.

How would you describe me as I came to the earth to live as a man? How is this question going to help me? You’ll soon see, but focus now on my question.  Alright, I will.  First, your act of coming to live on the earth was a gigantic sacrifice. You gave up all your rights. You are God, yet you humbled yourself to live as a man.  You took on the form of a servant.  You didn’t hold on to your life.  Instead you joyfully and freely gave it away.  You weren’t concerned about your own comfort.  You devoted yourself to helping all those who were in pain and suffering. Honor, prestige, and power meant nothing.  Loving, serving, and giving meant everything to you. You knew that this life is temporary and will quickly pass away.  You lived to follow and please your Father in heaven.  You went where He guided you.  You did what He asked.  You did not have your own agenda but waited in prayer for His instructions and blessing. You saw what your Father wanted and did that.  You were totally devoted to loving and serving your Heavenly Father.  Yes, I am.  You have described me well.

I think you already know how answering my question is helping you, don’t you? Yes Lord, I do. Tell me how.  I love you. My love for you has given me a desire to be like you.  I want to follow you. I want to do what you did. I want to be like you are. You gave yourself away in service to others.  I want to give myself away in service to others as well.  As I do that, I know that I am really giving myself to you.  When I care for any lost, wounded, or hurting soul, I am really loving and serving you.  Yes, you are.  Now, do you know who you are?  Yes, I am yours. Yes, I am your child.  Do you know what I called you to do?  Yes, you called me to love you and serve others.  Yes, yes, and yes. Love me and do that. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I know there that have been times when I have walked right on by someone in need without giving them a second thought. Forgive me. Help be to be attentive and obedient to your prompting me to serve others in need. Amen

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

Parables – Matthew 25-31-33 – Sheep From The Goats – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

The Lost Sheep

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Lost Sheep - Luke 15:4-7 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Lost Sheep – Luke 15:4-7 – Growing As Disciples

“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15:4-7 (NIV)

Go After

You know sheep are not the smartest of animals, don’t you?  Yes, that’s what I understand.  Do you know why I have compared you to a sheep?  Yes, I think so.  Tell me how you compare favorably with a sheep.  That’s a funny way to put it.  I don’t like to think that I’m like a sheep.  Why is that?  A sheep is pretty dumb and defenseless.  They have a tendency to wander off into trouble and get bruised and battered as a result.  Yes, they certainly do.  But you’ve done all that haven’t you.  Yes, I’ve wandered away from you into danger.  I’ve allowed myself to be hurt by the consequences of my bad and sinful choices.  I’ve known what it is like to be off alone by myself crying out just like a sheep.  Did my crying out to you sound at all like the bah of a sheep?  Yes, quite similar actually.   Wasn’t that like a little object lesson for you?  Yes, in those moments I felt very sheepish.  You felt more than that, didn’t you?  Yes, I felt lost and without hope.  That was a good place to be.  Why is that?  It showed you that you needed me, didn’t it?  Yes, in that place all my independence, stubbornness, and pride was set aside because I was in desperate need.  Yes, you were.  It’s a good thing the story did not end there, isn’t it?  Yes, it is.

Tell me what you think happened.  When I was wandering off into the world, you were pursuing me.  When I thought I was all alone, you were right there.  You were watching and waiting for just the right moment when I’d had enough of the world and was ready to turn away from it to give my life to you.  Yes, I was.  What happened next?  I asked forgiveness for all my sin and bad choices.  I said I was sorry.  I told you that I wanted to follow you and leave my old life behind.  Yes, you did.  What did it do for you?  You forgave, cleansed and healed me.  You put me on your shoulders and carried me.  You brought me into a time and place where you refreshed, revived, and restored my soul.  You allowed me to drink deeply of your kindness, mercy and love.  I was able to feast on your word.  You changed my heart and mind and desires as your Holy Spirit worked your word into my life.  Yes, you’re right about all of this.  I’d like to ask you a question.  Go ahead.

What about now?  What is now the desire of your heart?  I want to know you.  I want to be like you.  I want to join you in what you are doing.  What do you think that is?  You are a good shepherd who came to seek and save the lost.  Yes, I am.  Would you like to join me in that work?  Yes, Lord I would.  Then you will.  You will go after the lost and feed my sheep.  Yes, Lord I will.

Lord, I was off by myself, stubbornly wandering in a life of sin. My life was a mess. I was bruised and battered. You left heaven to find and save me. Thank you for rescuing me and carrying me back to you so I could live a new life.  Amen

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

Parables – Luke 15-4-7 – The Lost Sheep – Four Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide   

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

It Is Like Yeast

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Parable Of Yeast - Luke 13:20-21 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Parable Of Yeast – Luke 13:20-21 – Growing As Disciples

Again he asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.” Luke 13:20-21 (NIV)

A Choice

You have a choice, you know. What choice is there? You have a choice to make about who you are going to be. You have a chance to choose what your whole life will look like. What are these choices that are before me? How will they determine what my life will look like? There are really just two choices. Tell me about them. The first choice is the easiest one. I like easy choices. You won’t like this one. Why not? The easy choice is to live according to all the thoughts and values of this world. The predominant value of this world is to live for yourself so that all your wants and desires can be gratified. This selfish desire is like bad yeast that has infected society and every individual in it. People continually want what they don’t need and can’t have. When this evil desire is full blown it leads to conflict of all kinds between individuals and in society. Is that why we have fights and wars? Yes, it is. Just as the result of this kind of living leads to death for individuals it will also bring death to society, as well, through wars. How does living this way lead to death for individuals? I’m glad that you asked that. Living according to the bad yeast of this world will cause desires to rise in you that will lead you in every direction but towards me. The paths that lead away from me may seem pleasurable at the time but in the end they will lead to death. You’re right; I don’t want to make this choice. I’m glad to hear you say that. I think I’ve already experienced plenty of the results of making that choice. Yes, you have. Let me tell you about the other choice.

The other choice requires you to turn away from the bad yeast of the evil desires of this world to follow me. It means no longer letting the world conform you to its’ image. Instead you will allow me to work in your life. You, in fact, will no longer be in charge of your own life. You will no longer live for yourself. You will allow me to be your Savior and Lord. I will rescue you from the sin and death of this world. I will give you a new life to live. It will be a good life filled with joy and peace. You will know my love. You will feel my kindness, grace and mercy. I will work inside your life. My love will be like yeast in you. It will transform you into the person you were always meant to be. Really? You have been searching haven’t you? Yes, I have. But, you didn’t know exactly what for, did you? No, I didn’t. You thought maybe you would somehow find yourself? Yes, I did. But, that never seemed to be the answer, did it? No, it did not. What do you think the answer to your search is? You are the answer to my search. I want you. I want to love and follow you. I want you to make me into the person that you want me to be. I now know that I want what you want. I choose you, because I know that you have chosen me. You want to work in me like yeast in dough. I’m saying, yes, to that! Make me rise to a new life in you. Help me to also be like yeast in this world. Change me and use me however you see fit to change the world for your kingdom and your glory. You can be sure that I will.

Lord, thank you that your word and the Gospel of your Kingdom has been working silently, continually, and dramatically in me to transform me into the person you want me to be.  As your work in me continues, use me to change the world for your glory. Amen

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

Parables – Luke 13-20-21 – Yeast – 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