Monthly Archives: May 2021

When He Came To His Senses

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - When He Came To His Senses - Luke 15:11-32 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – When He Came To His Senses – Luke 15:11-32 – Growing As Disciples

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:17-20 (NIV)

Let’s Celebrate

You were once a wanderer. Yes, I know. You thought you knew it all. Your heart and mind were set on doing evil. Yes, they were. You were walking in darkness along a path that led away from me. Yes, I was. Your experience was not unlike this first lost son. That’s for sure. What similarities do you see? He was so head strong and independent. He was so self-centered and unconcerned about how his actions might hurt others. All he cared about was what he wanted. Yes, that’s right. He got all that he thought he wanted, but his life left him broken, bruised, and battered. Yes, it did. He was experiencing the consequences of all his sin. What was that? He was completely destitute. When his money ran out, his friends all ran away. His starvation led him to working and living in a pigsty. That must have been humiliating for him. Yes, it was. His poverty and hunger gave him no choice. He became enslaved to others just to survive. Yes, he was. But, you have one point wrong. What’s that? He had a choice and he took it.

Let’s talk about the choice he made. Alright, he reached rock bottom and he came to his senses. What was that? Somehow he knew that he could turn away from his sin and go back to his father. He was ready and willing to confess his sin to his father. Yes, he was. He thought he might be able to pay his father back by working as his hired servant.He even had a little speech prepared. But, what happened when he tried to give it? The Father would hear none of it.

What did the Father do? The Father was watching and waiting for his son’s return. He saw him at a great distance. His heart was filled with compassion for his son. He ran out to meet him. He threw his arms around his son and kissed him. Then he covered him with a new robe and put a ring on his finger. All the father’s joy drowned out the son’s proposal to be a hired servant to his father. There would be none of that. Instead he was freely forgiven and there would be a party to celebrate. Why was that? The son who was dead was now alive. The son who was lost was now found. Yes, these are my favorite celebrations. I have no greater joy than to see my sons and daughters return to me.

You know all that I did for this lost son I did for you when you returned to me. I was watching and waiting for you. I ran out to welcome you home. I threw my arms around you. I put my robe of righteousness on you. You have my ring on your finger and my shoes on your feet. You are not working for me as my servant. No, I am working in and through you as your Father. Let’s celebrate that! That’s a great idea.

Father, thank you for watching and waiting for me when I was far away from you. Your love brought me to my senses and caused me to turn my life around and give it to you. It is now my desire to love, follow and serve you.  Amen

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

Parables – Luke 15-11-31 – When He Came To His Senses – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Who Then Is The Faithful And Wise Manager

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Who Then Is The Faithful And Wise Manager - Luke 12:42-48 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Who Then Is The Faithful And Wise Manager – Luke 12:42-48 – Growing As Disciples

Peter asked, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?” The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. Luke 12:41-43 (NIV)

Well Done

What have you been given? I don’t even know where to start to try and answer that question. Start anywhere you’d like. I’ve been given life. Not once, but twice. I was born into this world, but made alive in Christ. You have filled me with your Holy Spirit. He has counseled me and guided me through all the ups and downs and twists and turns in life. When I’ve needed help or encouragement, He has been there to lift me up and keep me going and lead me along the path of life. I’ve been given your word. The Holy Spirit has used your word to transform my mind and change my heart. You’ve given me gifts, talents, and abilities with which I can serve you and others. You have given me a family, friends, and a church where I can gather with fellow believers to worship you. You’ve provided for all my needs. You have given much to me. You’ve given me hope of heaven and the certainty of eternal life. The list of all that you have given to me is very long. I could go on and on. I’m very thankful and I feel very blessed by all that you have given to me. Yes, the list of what I have given to you is never ending. Do you know why? Yes, Father, I do. Tell me why. You love me. Yes, I do. Your love is the best of all that you have given to me.

What desire has my love for you caused you to have in your heart? I want to love you with all my heart and soul and mind. I want to live my life in ways that please you. I want to use all that you have given to me for your kingdom and glory. I’m very glad to hear you say that.

At the end of your life or when my son returns in His second coming, is there something that you would like to hear me say to you? Yes, there sure is. Tell me what you want to be able to hear. I want to be able to hear you say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” What will be required of you in order for you to hear that said about you? I will need to be faithful with all that you have given to me. Because you have given so much to me, much will be required of me. Yes, it will. Do you have some concern or worry about this? Yes, I do. Tell me about it. I know that I am a sinner. I will always fall short. Yes, you will. How is it that I could ever be found to be faithful? On your own you will never be found to be fully faithful. But, you are not on your own, are you? No, I’m not. Who is it that will make you fully faithful? It is your son, Jesus Christ, who forgives all my sins. He makes me faithful. Yes, He does. How will you know what I am asking you to do for me? Your Holy Spirit will show me what you want me to do for you. Yes, He will. Your Holy Spirit will also give me the power to do what you have asked me to do for you. Yes He will. Rely on Him and say yes to what He asks of you. Then you will be found to be faithful. Then you will one day very soon hear me say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I’m saying, “yes” right now, use me in your service.

Lord, I am expectantly awaiting your sudden return. I am engaged in doing what you have given me to do for you. Help me to be faithful and always ready for your return. Give me the strength to never grow weary in serving you. Amen

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

Parables – Luke 12-41-43 – Who Then Is The Faithful And Wise Manager – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Brings Out Of His Storeroom New Treasures

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Brings Out Of His Storeroom New Treasures - Matthew 13:51-52 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Brings Out Of His Storeroom New Treasures – Matthew 13:51-52 – Growing As Disciples

“Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked. “Yes,” they replied. He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” Matthew 13:51-52  (NIV)                                                       

Bring Out Treasures

Do you know what I am doing in you? Yes, I think that I do.  Tell me what you think. I believe that you are transforming my mind and changing my heart by your word. How is that happening? You have drawn me to meet with you in your word on a daily basis. Yes, I have. Why do you think that my word has been transforming your mind and changing your heart?  I can see surprising, even startling results actually. Like what? I don’t think, feel or act the way that I once did. As I have let your word dwell in me richly, the Holly Spirit has been applying it to my life. My mind, heart and life are now being molded and shaped by your word. Yes, it certainly is. How do you feel about that? I am so thankful for what you are doing in my life and how you are changing me. What are you most thankful for? I am most thankful that you have given me a love and hunger for you. My desire and love for you is like a consuming fire. You have set me on fire for you. The more I taste of your goodness, mercy and love the more I want. You leave me satisfied and, at the same time, always hungering for more. You are the love of my life. That is very good, isn’t it? Yes, it is.

What do you think I want to do through your life? I believe that you are instructing me about how to live in your kingdom as your fully devoted follower. Yes, I am. What have you noticed most about this? At one time I felt like I had very little to say about loving, following and serving you. How about now?  Now, I feel like I could explode I have so much to say. You have been overflowing my life with your word. Yes, I have. Do you think that you will be able to remain silent about all that I have done in, for and with you? No, not all. I am watching and waiting for any and every opportunity to share the treasures that are in your word. I’ve noticed that you have been unusually patient. That’s only because of the work that you have been doing in me. I have sensed that you have been preparing me to speak up on your behalf. Yes, I have been preparing you. I will continue to prepare you. This will never stop. So, keep coming to meet with me in my word and your well will never run dry.  The treasures from my word will continue to overflow your life. Yes Lord, I will.

How much longer do you think that you will need to wait before I use you to speak and testify more fully on my behalf? I’m not exactly sure, but probably not much longer. You’re right about that. Very soon I will ask you to share with others the treasures that I have stored up in your heart. Are you ready for that? If you say that I am ready, then I am ready, but not before and until you say the word. I like your answer. You are ready now. Speak and testify on my behalf. Share with others the treasures that are in my word. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, help me be able to draw rich treasures out of the storehouse of your word. Teach me, train me, and guide me by your word. Help me to apply your word to my life so that I am able to live by it and share it’s riches with others.  Amen

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

Parables – Matthew 13-51-52 – Brings Out Of His Storeroom New Treasures – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Workers In The Vineyard

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Parable Of The Workers In The Vineyard - Matthew 20:1-16 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Parable Of The Workers In The Vineyard – Matthew 20:1-16 – Growing As Disciples

“But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:13-16 (NIV)

Why Serve Me?

Why do you want to serve me?  That’s a good question.  Why do you think so?  It causes me to examine my motives.  I ask myself a lot of follow up questions to your question.  Like what?  Do I serve you because of how I might be rewarded someday in the future?  Do I serve you because of some sort of praise and recognition I might receive from others?  Do I serve you because I’m trying to earn your approval, acceptance, and love?  Do I serve you because I don’t have a choice?  What sort of answers are you coming up with?  I’m coming up with a no answer to all of my follow up questions.   Why is that?  They are all very poor motives for serving you.  How so?  Serving you for possible rewards seems pretty grubby to me.  I’m not your hired hand.  I don’t have on and off duty hours.  I haven’t given you my life from nine to five.  You haven’t?  No, I’ve given it to you 24/7.  That’s good!  You will never put compensation in my hand only to have me look around at others and say, “that’s it”.  I’m glad to hear that.

Serving you to seek some kind of praise and recognition from others seems like a very feeble reason to serve you.  Why is that?  Praise from others would never be enough.  Living for it would only reveal an emptiness in my heart that only you can fill.  Besides, people usually offer more ridicule than praise for serving you.  If this were my motive I would never be satisfied.  No, you wouldn’t.

Serving you out of a desire to earn your approval, acceptance and love would be an impossible effort.  Why is that?  All the good I could do would never erase the bad that I have done.  I can’t make myself perfect or righteous in your eyes.  No you cannot.  But, you’ve already made me perfect and righteous in your eyes.   How did I do that?  You sent your son into this world to save me.  He paid for my sins.  I’ve been forgiven and cleansed of all my unrighteousness.  He has done for me what I never could have done for myself.  Yes, He did and yes, I have.  So, now you already approve, accept and love me.  Yes, I do.

Do I serve you because I don’t have a choice?  Of all the questions that I’ve asked myself, this one seemed to have the easiest answer of, “certainly not”.  But that isn’t your answer, is it?  No, it’s not.  When I consider all that you have done for me, and how you have loved and accepted me, my heart responds back to you with love.  I love you because you first loved me.  I give myself to you because you gave yourself to me.  This is not some sort of calculated transaction.  No, my heart compels me to serve you because I love you.  My heart gives me no choice.  You have showered me with your love and acceptance and my heart is now on fire with love for you.  For this I am so grateful and thankful.  You have already paid me in full.  I need or want nothing more.  That’s why I want to serve you. That is very good.

Lord, thank you calling me away from a life of living for myself. You forgave, cleansed, and saved me. You gave my life new meaning, purpose and direction. Thank you for giving me a new assignment and work to do serving you. Amen

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

Parables – Matthew 20-13-16 – Workers In The Vineyard – 4 Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Page Study Guide

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

Kernel Of Wheat

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Parable Of The Kernel Of Wheat - John 12:23-26 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Parable Of The Kernel Of Wheat – John 12:23-26 – Growing As Disciples

Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 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 12:23-26

If It Dies

Are you listening carefully to me? Are you allowing my words to sink deeply into your heart and mind? I think so, how can I know for sure if I’m really listening to you? That is easy to know. How so? If you do what I ask then we will both know that you are really listening to me.

What are you asking me to do right now? I’m asking you to come to follow and serve me. I’m asking you to go to where I lead you to do what I’m asking you to do for me. What will that require? What will following and serving you cost me? That’s a good question. I don’t want you to be at all confused about what I’m asking of you. That’s good. I like clarity. All right then, here is what I want from you. I want everything. Everything? Yes, everything. I want you to lay your life down so that you are completely devoted to following and serving me. I don’t want you to hold anything back at all. I want you to let go and die to your own thoughts and plans. That’s quite an all-encompassing request. Yes, it is. I’m glad that you understand that there is no part of your life that is outside of my request. You want me to give myself completely to you? Yes, I do.

What will happen to me when I give myself completely to you? You will join me in the work that I am doing. Where I am, there you will also be, right along side of me. Instead of the barren life that you were living, you will begin to bear abundant fruit for me. Your life will reap a rich harvest because I will be working in and through you. I’d like that. Yes, I know that you will.

It feels a little scary to give up everything and to die. Yes, it does. I know exactly how it feels. You do? Yes, that’s exactly what I did for you. I died so that you could be born again to a new life in me. Yes, you did. Do you want this new life that I am offering you? Yes, I do very much. So then you must turn away from your old life. You must die to it and give yourself completely to me. Do you trust me? Yes Lord, I do. Do you believe all that I am saying to you right now? Yes Lord, I do. Then will you die to your old life so that you can live a new life in me? Yes Lord, I will. When will you? Right now Lord, I lay myself at your feet. My life is at your disposal. Use me however you see fit. I am ready to follow and serve you without hesitation at a moment’s notice. Very good, follow me now to where I’m guiding you to serve me. Yes Lord, I am.

Lord, you have my full attention. This life and the things of the world have lost their grip on me. My eyes and ears are open to you. I am ready to respond to your call at a moments notice. Show me how you want to use me today.  Amen

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

Parables – John 12-23-26 – Kernel Of Wheat – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Laid The Foundation On Rock

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Rhythms - Luke 6-46-49 - Laid The Foundation On Rock - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Rhythms – Luke 6-46-49 – Laid The Foundation On Rock – Growing As Disciples

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:46-49 (NIV)

Storms

Storms will come in life. You can be certain of that. That should come as no surprise to you. It doesn’t. There is one very important question about the storms of life that I want to ask you. What question is that? Will your life be able to withstand the storms of life that are certain to come your way? How could I possibly know the answer to that question? I have no idea of what type of storms will come my way. How could I possibly know if I will be able to withstand the unknown storms of life? That may sound like a good answer to you, but it is not. Why is that? Everyone has a foundation on which they will build their life. You and every one else in the world must choose what will be the foundation of their life. What are some of the foundations on which people will build their lives? I think I can answer that question. Go ahead, I’m listening. Some people will build the foundation of their life on money. The foundation of their life will rest on all that they have been able to acquire. Others will build the foundation of their life on power. The foundation of their life will rest on who answers to them. Still others will build the foundation of their life on position. The foundation of their life will rest on the status that they have attained in life. Do any of these seem like a strong and sure foundation for your life? Do you want to build the foundation of your life on money, power or position? Is any one or all three of these worthy of being the foundation on which you will build your life? These are not strong and sure foundations. Any one or all three of these could be swept away in an instant by the storms of life. Yes, they could. Yes, they will. None of these are worthy of being the foundation of my life. No, they are not.

Do you know the foundation on which you want to build your life? Yes, I do. Tell me about the foundation on which you want to build your life. I want the foundation of my life to be built on hearing and putting your word into practice. I will come to meet with you in your word. I will listen attentively to all that you have to say to me. I will do all that you ask of me. You will be the foundation of my life. Yes, I will. You will help me to stand strong and secure in any storm of life. Yes, I will. You are my strong and secure foundation. Yes, I am. 

Lord, I will dig down deep and allow your word to become the strong and sure foundation of my life. I will listen attentively to all that you have to say to me in your word. I will gladly do all that you ask of me as I put your word into practice every day in my life. Amen

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

Rhythms – Luke-6-46-49 – Laid The Foundation On Rock – 4 Page-Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Because To This You Were Called

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Because To This You Were Called- 1 Peter 3:8-9 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Because To This You Were Called- 1 Peter 3:8-9 – Growing As Disciples

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.                          1 Peter 3:8-9

Blessing

Let’s talk. About what? About how you respond to people when they mistreat you or say really evil things against you. Let me ask you, “How have you been when responding when someone has wronged you? Not well, I suppose. Tell me more. In the worst case, I’ve tried to figure out if there is a way to get even. Usually I never attempt to get even. But, I think about it a lot. Somehow, I have gotten some kind of perverse joy as I have run revenge strategies through my mind. Even as I have thought them, I’ve known that I wouldn’t take revenge. Why bother with thinking those thoughts then? I don’t know. Some of my revengeful thoughts have had some humor in them. They’ve helped me blow off steam. Do you think I would laugh at your humor in these situations? Not really. You’re right. How else have you responded when others have hurt you? Most of the time I’ve ignored and distanced myself from them. Even in those cases my attitude toward them has been unloving and sarcastic. How would you say that these two strategies are working out for you? Not well, the problem doesn’t usually go away and my bad attitude remains. Would you like me to help you? Yes, what would you suggest?

First let me be clear, what I am about to say is not a suggestion. What is it? It is your calling. I’ve called you to be a blessing. How did I respond when I was mistreated? Did I retaliate? Did I seek revenge? No, you did not. You loved even those who were your enemies. Yes, I did. You are my follower, aren’t you? Yes, most definitely. I know that you are. As my follower I want you to become like me and do what I did. Do you want that too? Yes, I do. Then I want you to love even those who mistreat you. Don’t seek revenge even in your thoughts. Repay evil, wrong, insult, unkindness, and mistreatment with blessing. That is who you are.   That is your calling. Pray for those who wrong you. Think of ways to show love and kindness at every turn.

There is something that I would like to laugh with you about. What’s that? How your love for your enemies is a witness for me. Why would you laugh at that? We will both laugh together when your enemies become my friends through me working as a blessing through your life. Won’t that be something for us to celebrate and laugh about together? Yes, it will. Are you ready to live out your calling to be my blessing to others? Yes, Lord I am. Remember as you are a blessing to others, my blessing will be on your life now and forever.

Lord, I am your follower. I want to be like you. I want to do what you did. Help me to live out my calling to be a blessing. I will repay every mistreatment, hurt and evil with blessing as a witness for you in this world.  Amen

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

Identity – 1 Peter 3-8-9 – Because To This You Were Called – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Come Follow Me

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Rhythms - Matthew 4:18-20 - Leave - Follow - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Rhythms – Matthew 4:18-20 – Leave – Follow – Growing As Disciples

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20 (NIV)

Drop Everything 

Will you drop everything in an instant for me? That is an easy question that is hard to answer. I know I can’t successfully answer this question without your help. I could say that I would drop everything. I could want to drop everything. But, would I really drop everything? I don’t know for sure. I’m willing. I want to drop everything for you at anytime and in any place. I always want to make myself fully available to you. That’s a start. I can work with that. I will help you to learn to drop everything for me.

Will you stop to listen for my call? Will you set aside all that you are doing to hear everything I have to say to you? Listening is not my strong point. Stopping is even harder. I’m too busy. I’m always on the go. I will need you to do something dramatic to get my attention. I will need you to say something loudly for me to hear. I want to stop for you. I want to hear you. I will listen to you. I will respond to you. Do all that you need to do to get my attention. Raise your voice. Give me a shout. I don’t want to miss one word of all that you have to say to me. That’s not going to work. That’s not my style. That’s not what I do. What do you suggest? What do you want? Don’t be too busy. Don’t always be on the go. You will need to come to me. You will need to rest in my presence. You will need to quiet yourself before me. You will need to listen attentively to me. Being busy is no virtue. There is no prize for always being on the go. If you want to hear from me you will stop. If you want my instructions you will need to wait. Will you come to me? Will you listen for my call? Will you set aside what you are doing to hear from me? Yes Lord, I will. Then you will hear from me. 

Will you leave your old life behind to come and follow me? My old life is no prize. My old life is bruised and battered and broken, weary and worn out. My old life is full of sin and death. There is nothing from my old life that I want. There is nothing from my old life that I need. I want you. I love you. You are my Savior. You are my Lord. Yes, I am. I want to live the life that you have for me. I want to go where you lead me. I want to do all that you ask of me. I will leave my old life to follow you. That is very good. I will lead you. Follow me.

Lord, you got my attention. You made it so my ears could hear your call. I dropped everything. You helped me to leave my old life behind. You have made me able to follow you.  Lead me to where you want me to go to do all that you have given me to do. Amen

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

Rhythms – Matthew 4-18-20 – Come Follow Me – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

If A Kingdom Is Divided

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Parable Of The Divided Kingdom - Mark 3-20-30 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Parable Of The Divided Kingdom – Mark 3-20-30 – Growing As Disciples

So Jesus called them and spoke to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. Mark 3:23-26

Love / Hate

Evil is out there. It is on the prowl. Its goal, his goal is to steal, kill and destroy. The Devil and those aligned with him attacked and attempted to kill me. They couldn’t understand or explain me so they said I was out of my mind. They said my power came from the prince of demons. You know they did kill me. Yes, I do. They thought they had won. They thought they took my life. Yes, they did. But, they didn’t take my life. I laid my life down for you and even them. You died for them? Yes, I did. I bled and died as payment for the sins of all mankind. You were entwined and captured by sin just as much as they were. Yes, I was. You had a choice to make. You could turn from your sin and confess them to me or continue on your course away from me. Yes, I made that choice to receive your forgiveness and cleansing. Yes, you did. You are now my follower. Yes, I am.

There are some lessons I want you to learn from how I was attacked. What are those? First, you must know that you will be attacked. The world did not understand me. It won’t understand you. Satan used his tactics of stealing, killing and destroying against me. His same evil will come against you. It will? Yes, it already has in the past and will continue to in the future. How will I be able to stand up against this attack? The Holy Spirit will strengthen you and make you able to stand. As my word abides in you, the Holy Spirit will fight in you, with you and for you. He will lead you through these trials. They will not overcome you. That’s great.

There is something else I want you to think about. What’s that? How did I respond when I was attacked? You continued to love even those who were attacking you. Yes, I did. How long did I continue to love those who sought to kill and destroy me? You loved them right up until you died on the cross that they put you on. Yes, I did. Do you think I stopped loving them once I died? No, I don’t. You know that I continue to love even those completely enslaved in their sins. Yes, I do. It is my desire that they turn away from their sin to love, follow and serve me. Yes, I’m sure that’s true.

Well, here is the hard part. I thought being attacked was the hard part. No, it’s not. The hard part is continuing to love even those who attack and hurt you. Will you do that for me? Will you be my witness in the world? Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I know you are the Son of God and Savior of the world. Your life, death, and resurrection from the dead demonstrated the truth of your word. Help me to follow you fully, with undivided loyalty, as my Savior and Lord. Amen

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

Parables – Mark 3-20-30 – The Divided Kingdom – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Refute Every Tongue

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Spiritual Warfare - Isaiah 54:17 - Refute Every Tongue - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Spiritual Warfare – Isaiah 54:17 – Refute Every Tongue – Growing As Disciples

no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 54:17 (NIV)

Come And Listen

Have you seen those noise cancelling headphones? Yes, I have. What do you think of them? They are really amazing. I can’t imagine how someone was able to design and develop them. You really gifted and inspired the creator of those headphones. Yes, I did. I love how they can turn a noisy room filled with loud voices into dead silence. Why are you asking me about noise cancelling headphones? I don’t even own a pair. Yes, but you like the peace and quiet that they bring. Yes, I certainly do.

Have you ever wished you could cancel out all the voices that have spoken against you throughout your life? I’m not sure what you mean. Haven’t you heard plenty of voices that said you wouldn’t amount to much? Yes, I suppose that I have. Haven’t you heard it said that you were a loser and not worthy of being loved and accepted? Yes, I know that I have. Haven’t you heard voices of criticism, rejection, judgment, and condemnation?   You know that I have. Not all the voices came from other people. Some of those voices have come straight from the evil one that is in the world. You mean the devil? Yes, I do. His goal is to get you to believe all those evil and accusatory words of attack. Once you start believing those words, do you know what will happen? No, I don’t think so. You will start to recite them to yourself. You will attack yourself with those words as you think and say them to yourself. Has that ever happened to you? Yes, more often than I’d like to admit. Listening to all those words and saying them to yourself will discourage and defeat you every time.

Would you like all those words and thoughts to be cancelled out and removed from your mind? Yes, I would. Do you think it is possible that I have my own form of noise cancelling headphones? With you anything is possible? Yes, it is. How can you cancel and remove all those words that attempt to speak evil against me?

Come and listen to these words from me. I love you. You are special to me. You are my child. I am an artist. You are my masterpiece. I created you. I have gifted and blessed you.   I have a purpose and plan for your life. I have prepared in advance good things that you will do for me. My hand is on you. I am leading you through life. You are never alone. I will be with you to strengthen you through every difficulty you will face in life. You are so valuable to me that I sent my Son to die for you so that your sins could be forgiven. One day soon you will begin living in heaven with me forever. How does all that sound to you? These words are wonderful for me to hear. Do they cancel out evil words that have attacked you in the past? Yes, they do. They make them small and insignificant and not even a squeak, really. These words are available for you to hear every day. Where and when? They are in my word. Come to me and listen to my word. I have a lot to say to you. I’m ready to listen and really hear all that you have to say to me.

Lord, I have allowed accusatory words spoken against me to have power over me. I have believed them and recited them back to myself. No more! Instead, I will meet with you in your word to hear all that you have to say to me. Amen

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

Spiritual Warfare – Isaiah 54-17 – Refute Every Tongue – 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