Search Me, O God

Posted on January 19, 2022 by growingasadisciple

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Mind – Psalm 139:23-24 – Search Me, Oh God – Growing As Disciples

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)

Change Me

You know me. There is nothing that I have thought, said or done that is a secret to you. You know me from the inside out. Nothing about me has escaped your notice. You know me better than I know myself. You know what I will say or do even before I have spoken a word or done a thing. That’s right. I have a question for you. Go ahead, I’m listening. If you know me so well what sense does it make for me to ask you to search me? You have already searched me. You already know me. Yes, I do. Your invitation is what is important to me. Your invitation tells me even more about you. Like what?

Your invitation for me to search your heart and mind and life tells me that you want to live in ways that are pleasing to me. You could have tried to hide yourself from me. That would make no sense. Such an effort would be ridiculously impossible. Nothing can be hidden from you. That’s right. From the Garden of Eden and the fall of mankind onward many have tried to hide themselves and their sin from me. Many have fearfully tried to run away from their sin, guilt and shame. That is not pleasing to me. That is not my desire. That is not my plan. My son came into the world so that sin could be forgiven. He wiped away guilt and shame for all those who received His forgiveness and cleansing. You have received my Son as your Lord and Savior. Yes, that’s true. You are living the new life that you have been called to live. Yes, I am. It is your desire to live in ways that please me. Yes, it is. As part of your desire to live in ways that please me, you are asking me to search your heart and mind and life. Yes, I am.

Why are you unafraid for me to search your heart and mind and life? Are you living a perfect life? Will I find nothing in your life that is not pleasing me to me? No, I’m sure that you will find things that I have thought, said or done that are not pleasing to you. I’m inviting you to not only search me. I am inviting you to change me. I want you to mold and shape me into the person you have called me to be. I want to live the life that you have called me to live. I’m trusting that you will change me. I believe that you will work in and through me. My life is in your hands. Yes, it is. I will search you. I will change you.

Lord, search my heart and mind and life. Show me if there are any thoughts or ways in me that are offensive to you. I want to live my life in every way that is pleasing to you. Lead me in your way everlasting. Help me to calmly live my life according to your will. Amen

Key Question… What benefit would there be for God to find and point out an offensive way in your heart and mind?

Living It Out… Ask the Lord to search your heart and mind to show you if there is any offensive way that He would like to remove.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will search your heart and mind and life so that He can lead you in His everlasting way.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has removed an offensive way from your heart and mind.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you stop and turn to the Lord to give thanks to Him for all the ways He has blessed your life.

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

The Mind – Psalm 139 -23-24 – Search Me, O God – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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Take Every Thought Captive

Posted on January 18, 2022 by growingasadisciple

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Mind – 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 – Take Every Thought Captive – Growing As Disciples

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NIV)

Thoughts Have Power

Your thoughts have power. Your entire life will be guided by the thoughts you allow yourself to think. There is nothing you have done, are doing or will do that you haven’t thought about first. You will become who you are based on the thoughts of your mind. It is vitally important that you think very carefully about what you allow yourself to think. You must take control of what you allow yourself to think. That sounds very difficult, maybe even impossible. How can I ever take control of my thoughts? I can’t simply tell myself that I am no longer going to think certain thoughts anymore. I’ve tried that. In my effort to stop thinking certain thoughts I have only thought about them more. My efforts have left me worse off. You can control what you think. This may seem impossible to you. With me all things are possible. Would you like my help? Yes, I want your help.

Your mind is like a battleground. Every day your mind is being bombarded with principles, patterns, and practices that come from the world. The world is seeking to conform you into its image. If you do nothing at all your heart and mind and life will be entirely conformed to the world. You will be ensnared in its evil. You will think worldly thoughts. You will live a worldly life. The world and all that is in it is under the power and control of the devil and all his evil. The world is filled with his evil strongholds, false arguments and proud pretensions. You will want no part of any of these. No, I do not. I want to think your thoughts. I want to walk in your ways. That is very good.

You have powerful weapons at your disposal. You have a powerful tool that will help you to think my thoughts and walk in my ways. My word is that powerful tool. If you let my word dwell in you richly your heart will be changed. If you meditate on my word day and night your mind will be transformed. My word will push worldly thoughts out of your heart and mind and life. As you feast on my word you will be changed. My Holy Spirit will take my word and fight in you, with you and for you as you take a stand against evil in the world. My word will tear down evil strongholds, false arguments and proud pretensions that have had power over your life. If you remain in my word you will be able to live the life that I have called you to live. You will bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. Is this what you want? Yes Lord, I want to live the life that you have called me to live. I will let your word dwell in me richly. I will meditate on your word day and night. I will feast on your word. I will let your word remain in me. Then you will be able to take every one of your thoughts and make them captive to me. My thoughts will become your thoughts. My will, will become your will. My ways will become your ways. That is exactly what I want.

Lord, thank you for giving me powerful weapons that set me free to live my life for you. Demolish any arguments, pretensions, and strongholds that attempt to set themselves up over my life. Help me take every one of my thoughts captive to you. Amen

Key Question… What battles have you fought with strongholds of ungodly thinking in your own mind?

Living It Out… Allow yourself to be armed with divine weapons provided by God so you can demolish strongholds of evil.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God’s power will allow you to demolish arguments, pretensions and strongholds of evil over your life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has broken up strongholds of evil over your life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow God’s word to help you take every thought and make it obedient to Christ.

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

The Mind – 2 Corinthians 10-4-5 – Take Every Thought Captive – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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Quick To Listen

Posted on January 17, 2022 by growingasadisciple

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Wisdom – Quick To Listen – James 1:19-21 – Growing As Disciples

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. James 1:19-21 (NIV)

Like A Luxurious Garden

What are you quick to listen to? What and who has your attention? I’m not exactly sure what you mean. What thoughts occupy your mind? Who is speaking into your life? I would like to think that your thoughts occupy my thinking and that you are speaking into my life. Now you are beginning to understand my questions.

I want you to be quick to listen. You might ask “To what, do you want me to listen?” You already know the answer. Yes, I do. You want me to be quick to listen to you and your word. Yes, I do. How will I best be able to do that? Now, that is a very good question. You are like a garden. I want my word to be planted in you so that it will flourish and grow. You will never be able to live the righteous life I desire for you unless you are listening to my word. As you listen I will plant my word in you. You are right to ask how will you be able to be quick to listen to my word.

I will gladly answer that question for you. To listen you must listen. That sounds obvious doesn’t it? Yes, it does. You cant be speaking and listening attentively at the same time. I get it. Do you really? The more you speak the less you will be able to hear and listen to me. The one who speaks thinks he knows. The listener listens because he does not know. I want you to have the attitude of a humble listener. I want you to be hungry and eager to hear from me. I’m here to listen. Yes, you are and that is very good.

There are two things that will also hinder your ability to hear from me. They will try to prevent you from living the righteous life I have given you to live for me. What are they? The first one is anger. How well can you hear from me if you are angry about something? When I’m angry I can’t hear from you at all. Yes, that’s right. Will you set aside all your anger so that you can listen to me? Yes Lord, I will.

What is the second thing that will prevent me from hearing from you and living the righteous life you want me to live? This one is the direct opposite of the life I want you to live. I want you to get rid of anything that is morally filthy and evil. Take a close look. Do an inventory with me. Ask me to show you if there is anything in your life that displeases me. I will show you what must go. Together we will uproot what I don’t want planted in your life. Then in the new space available I will plant my word into your life so that my word will continue to grow and flourish in you. That’s what I want Lord. Yes, I know. I will make your life like a luxurious garden and you will flourish for me.

Lord, help me to remove anger, moral filth, and evil from my life so that I will be able to attentively listen to you. Plant your word in me and cause it to flourish and grow so that I will be like a luxurious garden bearing fruit for you. Amen

Key Question… When are you allowing the Lord to speak to you so that He can plant His word in your life?

Living It Out… Rid your life of anger, moral filth and evil so that you can listen to the Lord and allow Him to plant His word in you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will plant His word in you and cause your life to grow and flourish for Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord is planting His word in your life and causing you to grow.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you put away anger, moral filth and evil so you can humbly listen to God and let Him plant His word in you.

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

Wisdom – James 1-19-21 – Quick To Listen – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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Give And It Will Be Given To You

Posted on January 16, 2022 by growingasadisciple

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Give And It Will Be Given To You – Luke 6:36-38 – Growing As Disciples

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:36-38

Giver

What am I like? You are unlike any other. How do I treat you? You don’t give me what I deserve. Instead, you give me what I don’t deserve. What do you mean by that? You give to me based on who you are and not based on what I have done. What have you done? I have sinned, wandered away and ignored you. I’ve done worse than that. At one time I was your enemy. I took your name in vain and even mocked you and your followers. I had no interest in you at all. So how did I treat you then? Well, there were a lot of negative consequences that I experienced as a result of my sin. When I was in deep pain, I cried out to you and asked for your help. Did I judge you? Did I condemn you? Did I turn you away? No, you did not. That is what I deserved. What did you receive instead? You gave me forgiveness. You welcomed me to you with your arms opened wide. You showered me with your kindness, mercy, and love. How did that feel to you? It felt great. I couldn’t believe it. I felt so loved and accepted. What did my kindness, mercy, and love, motivate you to want? I wanted to follow you. I wanted to be like you. I wanted to treat others just like you have treated me. Is that what you still want today? Yes it is.

Tell me how you want to treat others? When I am wronged, I will give forgiveness. When others don’t act like I would expect I will give acceptance rather than judgment. Instead of condemnation, I will give kindness, mercy and love. Why would you be willing to do this? Because that is exactly what you gave to me. I want to be like you and do what you have done and are still doing today.

What do you think will happen as you treat others with kindness, mercy, and love? I think that I will be a tool in your hands. I will be like a vessel through which your love can pour. My life will become like a signpost pointing people to you. Has that been happening in your life these days? Yes, I believe that even people who have regarded themselves as my enemies can see your life shining through me. Do you want more of this to happen? Yes, I do.

Father, change my heart and mind. I want to think and act as you do. Instead of judgment and condemnation I want to freely give kindness, mercy and love to others. Use my life as a signpost that points people to you. Amen

Key Question… How has the Lord demonstrated generous giving to you so that you wanted to follow His example?

Living It Out… Give to others the same kindness, mercy and love that He has given to you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to give to others the kindness, mercy and love that the He has given to you.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has used you to show His kindness, mercy and love to others.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you freely give love and kindness to others so you can be a witness and signpost that points them to God.

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

Identity – Luke 6-36-38 – Give And It Will Be Given To You – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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Even A Fool Is Thought Wise

Posted on January 15, 2022 by growingasadisciple

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Tongue – Proverbs 17:28 – Even A Fool Is Thought Wise- Growing As Disciples

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. Proverbs 17:28 (NIV)

Hold Your Tongue

You have opened your mouth when it would have been far better if you had held your tongue. You have listened poorly and spoken abruptly. You have appeared to be foolish by the words that you have allowed to come out of your mouth. There is no doubt about that. Everything you have said is true. This has not been an infrequent occurrence. It has not been a rare event for you to listen poorly and speak abruptly. You have frequently been embarrassed by the words that have come out of your mouth. That is also true. I deeply regret that I have not taken more time to listen attentively and speak carefully. Yes, I can see that you would to make some changes in the way that you listen and speak. Would you like my help? Yes, I would like all the help you will give to me.

Let me start by asking you a few questions. You have my full attention. Why do you think you listen poorly and speak abruptly? I don’t know. I’m not sure. Oh, I think you do know. It’s hard to admit. Tell me what is on your mind. I think I’m proud. My pride tells me that I have just the right thing to say. I know the answer to the question. I have the solution to the problem. I’m sure that the listeners around me will all benefit from the wisdom I have to offer them. They shouldn’t have to wait one second too long to hear my enlightened opinion and receive my pearls of great wisdom. How do those thoughts and words sound to you right now? Those thoughts and words sound really pathetic and make me want to gag. I regret thinking them. I regret acting on them. That’s good.

What do you need from me? I want and need your wisdom. What would my wisdom tell you? Your wisdom would tell me to listen attentively and speak carefully. Your wisdom would tell me that I would benefit greatly by humbly listening rather than pridefully speaking. I don’t know the answer to every question. I don’t have the solution to every problem. Others often have far more to offer me than I have to give to them. That’s true. You have brought many wise people to speak into my life. I would do well to listen to every word that they have to say to me. Yes, you would. I will never regret listening more attentively before I speak more carefully. No, you will not.

Lord, I can’t tell you how many times I have foolishly opened my mind to express what I thought was my enlightened opinion. How foolish have I been? What mistakes I have made! Give me your wisdom. Help me to listen attentively and speak very carefully. Amen

Key Question… How will wisdom and humility lead you to listen carefully before speaking abruptly and foolishly?

Living It Out… Ask the Lord to give you wisdom to listen attentively and speak carefully.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will give you wisdom to listen attentively and speak carefully.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has helped you to listen attentively and speak carefully.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you rely on the Lord to give you the wisdom you will need to listen attentively and speak carefully.

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

The Tongue – Proverbs 17-28 – Even A Fool Is Thought Wise – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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Always Keep On Praying

Posted on January 14, 2022 by growingasadisciple

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Sacramental Life – The Spirit Empowered Life – Day 145 – Ephesians 6-18-20 – Always Keep On Praying – Growing As Disciples

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:18-20 (NIV)

Alert And Praying

That is my prayer. What is your prayer? I want to be alert and praying to you, on all the occasions of my life. I don’t want to be dull and unaware and unfocused in my prayers. I want to listen attentively to you. I want to rely on you. I want to ask for your help. I want you to give me prayers to pray. I want you to guide the prayers I pray for others. I want to receive from you all that I need to do the work of ministry I have been given to do. You know that at many times and in many ways I have been timid. Yes, I have noticed. Well, how about no more of that from me? I know that you can make me fearless. I know that you can powerfully work in and through me. I know that you can give me bold thoughts to think, words to speak and actions to take. You can make me fearless in all that I think and say and do. Yes, I can. Is that a prayer you would like to pray? Yes, I would like to pray that prayer not only for myself but also for all others who know, love, follow, and serve the Lord. What is the motive of your prayer? That is a very good question to which I would like to give a very clear answer. I want to serve the Lord well. I want to bear an abundance of fruit for His kingdom. I want to bring glory to His name. I want a rich harvest of people to come to know and love and follow and serve Him. So, in other words, I am asking for your power not for myself. I am asking for your power so that I can be powerfully used to minister to others. I am praying the same prayer for others so that they will likewise be powerfully used in ministry. You are praying a good prayer. You have a good motive and great desire in your heart. I will tell you a secret. What’s that? This prayer comes from me. You can confidently keep on praying to me for power to do the work of ministry. That I will do, along with a host of other daily prayers. That will be very good.

Holy Spirit, fill me with prayers to pray on every occasion of my life. Help me to be watchful and prayerful. Help me to keep on praying for my fellow followers of Christ. Empower me to do the ministry I have been given. Help me to fearlessly declare the Gospel. Amen

Key Question… How are you making it your regular practice to pray in the Spirit on all the occasions of your life?

Living It Out… Make it your regular practice to pray in the Spirit on all the occasions of your life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that praying in the Spirit will give you the power to do what the Lord has called you to do for Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are continually praying for fellow followers of Christ.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you be alert and praying in the Spirit on all the occasions of your life.

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

The Spirit Empowered Life – Day 145 – Ephesians 6-18-20 – Always Keep On Praying – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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Fruit That Will Last

Posted on January 12, 2022 by growingasadisciple

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Fruit That Will Last – John 15:16 – Growing As Disciples

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit–fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. John 15:16 (NIV)

Appointed You To Go

I understand that you would like to bear fruit for me. Is that true? Yes, it is. You do know that apart from me you can do nothing? Yes, I do. But I didn’t always understand what you meant by that. What part of nothing is hard to understand? There are things that really look like something now but will ultimately be worth nothing in light of eternity. That’s what I wasn’t understanding. Now you do? Yes, I have accomplished quite a lot of nothing. Now I want to bear real fruit that will last for all eternity. Let’s talk about this some more. What do you think it means to abide in me?

Abiding in you describes a close and intimate relationship with you. How close? Close enough to talk back and forth with you about anything and everything. That doesn’t sound too difficult. I think you are kidding me. Why is that? Everything in life seems to pull me in every direction away from you. I’ve spent my whole life running around in circles trying to respond to whatever seemed to shout for my attention. You do know that I will never shout for your attention. Yes, I know. What drew you to me in the first place? I’d had enough. I was weary and worn out. Life was not working out as I had hoped. In desperation I cried out to you. I asked you to come into my life and you did. I’ll bet you thought that you chose me, didn’t you? Yes, I did. How about now? Now I know that it was you who chose me. You were watching and waiting for me to respond to your call. I had to be ready to hear and listen to your voice. The desperation I was feeling made me ready. That’s funny how that works, isn’t it? Not really, but I know what you mean.

Do you think it’s possible to be one of my followers and not abide in me and not bear everlasting fruit? Yes, I do. Ever since I’ve had this new relationship with you as my Savior and Lord, I’ve let life run me around in circles. I haven’t drawn near to you. We haven’t had much back and forth conversation together. You mean prayer, don’t you? Yes, that’s what I mean. What do you think you’ve missed because of your life of prayerlessness?

Ouch, I don’t like how that sounds. Neither do I. My prayerlessness has made it so I couldn’t hear your instructions. What instructions? Like “Go”. What do you mean by that? If I’m not listening, how will I ever hear you say “go” there and bear fruit. I’ll just sit around or race off in a hundred wrong directions. Yes, you will. I know because I have. But things are much different for you now, aren’t they?

Yes, you have drawn me to you. I hunger to be with you. It is my delight to meet with you in prayer. There is no place I’d rather be. I have tasted of your goodness. In your presence, I have fullness of joy. I am so thankful that you have given me this burning desire for you. You are now ready to bear abundant fruit for me. Listen carefully for my instructions. I will soon say, “Go” to you. You will then bear fruit for me and be able to ask the Father for whatever you need to do so.

Father, I have no greater desire than to serve you and to bear fruit for you and your kingdom. Help me to abide in Christ so that I will flourish and be able to bear abundant and lasting fruit for Him. I ask this in His name. Amen

Key Question… What kind of eternal and lasting fruit has the Lord been able to bear through your life?

Living It Out… Draw near to the Lord and abide in Him so that you will be able to bear lasting and eternal fruit for Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord has chosen and appointed you to bear lasting and eternal fruit for Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group where the Lord has had you go to bear lasting fruit for Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you live and walk in an intimate relationship with Christ so that you are able to go and bear fruit for Him.

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

Identity – John 15-16 – Fruit That Will Last – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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Out Of The Boat

Posted on January 11, 2022 by growingasadisciple

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Faith – Matthew 14:29-31 – Out Of The Boat – Growing As Disciples

“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:29-31 (NIV)

Eyes On Me

I’m calling you to come. It’s time to get out of the boat. Step out in faith on the water with me. Leave the comfort and safety of the boat. Let go of what you have always done. I want to do a new thing in and through your life.

Keep your eyes on me. Yes, the wind will blow and the waves will beat against you. Pay no attention to them. Hold on to me as I hold on to you. I will never let you go. You are firmly in my grip.

Take one step at a time with me. You don’t need to know everything about your destination. If you did you might turn back. If you did you might think that you don’t need my help. That seems unlikely to me. Just follow me to where I’m leading you.

Listen to me. Be attentive to my voice. Turn your ears to hear what I am saying to you. Don’t let the noise from the world and the busyness of life drown me out.

Watch everything that I am showing to you. Take time to notice what I want you to see. Keep your eyes open. Don’t race right on by what is important.

Call on me for help. You will not be able to do what I’m asking of you with your own power and strength. You must learn to rely on me and not on yourself.

I have so many questions. I want to know more. I’m excited and can hardly wait for what you are calling me to be and do for you.

Be patient. Don’t race ahead of me and don’t lag behind me. Remain right by my side. I will give you everything you need. I will show you everything you need to see. I will speak to you everything you need to hear.

Ask for everything you need from me. Have faith that I will answer you. Do not doubt or be afraid. I am with you to help you.

Lord, help me to “get out of the boat” to follow and serve you. I will go where you guide me to do all you ask of me. Help me to hold on to you as you hold on to me when the “wind and waves” beat against me in the storms of life. Amen

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

Faith – Matthew 14-29-31 – Out Of The Boat – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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Overwhelming Victory

Posted on January 9, 2022 by growingasadisciple

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Sacramental Life – Day 349 – Romans 8-37-39 – Overwhelming Victory – Growing As Disciples

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 (NLT)

Overwhelming Victory

That certainly would be an overwhelming victory for me. What would be an overwhelming victory for you? If I were to not be afraid about today or worry about tomorrow that would be an overwhelming victory for me. Why is that? All my life I have been filled with fear and worry. Do you know why you have been filled with fear and worry? Please don’t think or say that you have had a lot to be fearful and worried about, that would be an incorrect answer. I do know why I have been fearful and worried. You do? Yes, I do. Let me hear your thoughts. Pride has filled me with fear and worry. To some that may seem like an odd answer. Most would see no connection between pride and fear and worry. What connection do you see? Pride tells me that I am in control. Pride tells me to rely on myself to solve all my problems. Pride tells me that by my own efforts I can work my way out of fear and worry. How has relying on yourself worked out for you? How often have you been able to work yourself out of fear and worry? I have never been able to work myself out of fear and worry. My self-reliant efforts have only served to cause me greater fear and more worry. That is true.

What is the real solution to your fear and worry? Faith is the solution to my fear and worry. How so? You have told me that you love me. You have said that because of your love for me, I will be more than a conqueror and live-in overwhelming victory. Your love will for me will overcome fear and doubt and worry. Your love for me will conqueror the powers of hell and even death itself. There is nothing in life or even in death that your love for me has not and will not defeat. Nothing can or ever will separate me from your love. What you are saying couldn’t be truer.

What do you need from me? I need for you to increase my faith in you. I need you to help me to know your love more fully. I need for you to help me to live in your love more completely. What will you do? I will place all my faith and hope and trust in you. I will stop pridefully relying on myself by trying to work my way out of fear and worry. That will be very good. I will hear and answer your prayer. I will help you to know my love more fully and to live in my love more completely. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, I know you love me without reservation. I know you love me beyond all measure. Help me to know your love more fully. Help me to live in your love more completely. Help me to live without worry or fear because I know your love will always be with me. Amen

Key Question… How has God’s love for you been revealed and demonstrated beyond any possible doubt?

Living It Out… Allow the love of God, revealed in Christ Jesus, to give you overwhelming victory over worries and fears.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you have overwhelming victory in Christ that will make you unafraid no matter what comes your way.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the love of God is giving you victory over worries and fears.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you know and live in the love of God that gives you overwhelming victory over worry and fear.

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

The Sacramental Life – Day 349 – Romans 8-37-39 – Overwhelming Victory – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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Wise Man’s Heart Guides His Mouth

Posted on January 8, 2022 by growingasadisciple

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Mouth – Proverbs 16:23-24 – Wise Man’s Heart Guides His Mouth – Growing As Disciples

A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:23-24 (NIV)

Speak My Words

Do you want to be able to speak pleasant words? Do you want to speak words that are sweet to the soul and healing to the bones? Do you want your words to give words of instruction that come from me? Don’t be quick to answer these questions of mine. First, take an inventory of the words that have already been coming out of your mouth. How would you describe the words that have been coming out of your mouth? My words have not always been pleasant I can tell you that for sure. My words have not always been sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Far from it, at times I have spoken words that have stirred up strife and created conflict. Some of my words have been sarcastic and cutting like a knife. I know that I have spoken words that have torn others down rather than built them up. I have gotten caught up in the heat of battle and spoken words that I deeply regret. I have had to turn from my wicked words. I have had to repent and ask for forgiveness for the words that came out of my mouth. I will ask you for forgiveness right now for the unhelpful and unhealthy words that have come out of my mouth. You have my forgiveness. Now can I answer your questions? Yes, go ahead and answer my questions. I will simply say that I want to speak words that come from you. I want to speak words that are pleasant and sweet and healing to all that hear them. That will be very good.

How can I leave my old thoughts and words behind so I can speak your words? You have asked a very good question. Why is that? Your question contains a part of your answer. How so? You will need to leave your old thoughts behind if you ever want to be able to speak my words. You may think that you have a problem with your words. Your real problem is with your heart and mind. The words of your mouth will always reveal the condition of your heart and mind. If you want to be able to speak my words, then you must allow me to change your heart and transform your mind. I want you to change my heart. I want you to transform my mind. How will you do that? Let my words dwell in you richly. Consider carefully all that I am saying to you. Put my words into practice. My words will change your heart and transform your mind and allow you to speak words that are pleasant and sweet and healing to all that hear them. Will you allow my word to dwell in you richly so that it will change your heart and transform your mind? Yes Lord, I will. Then you will be able to speak my words.

Lord, only you can change my heart so that the words of my mouth and the actions of my life are pleasing to you. Change me so that I will be able to speak wise, sweet and pleasant words of instruction and healing to others. Amen

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

Mouth – Proverbs 16-23-24 – Wise Man’s Heart Guides His Mouth – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guides To Help You Grow As A Follower Of Christ

Monthly Archives: January 2022

Search Me, O God

Change Me

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Take Every Thought Captive

Thoughts Have Power

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Quick To Listen

Like A Luxurious Garden

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Give And It Will Be Given To You

Giver

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Even A Fool Is Thought Wise

Hold Your Tongue

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Always Keep On Praying

Alert And Praying

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Fruit That Will Last

Appointed You To Go

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Out Of The Boat

Eyes On Me

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Overwhelming Victory

Overwhelming Victory

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Wise Man’s Heart Guides His Mouth

Speak My Words

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Change Me

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Thoughts Have Power

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Like A Luxurious Garden

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Giver

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Hold Your Tongue

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Alert And Praying

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Appointed You To Go

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Eyes On Me

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Overwhelming Victory

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Speak My Words

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