Monthly Archives: April 2022

Put Them Into Practice

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 344 - Matthew 7:24-29 - Put Them Into Practice - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 344 – Matthew 7:24-29 – Put Them Into Practice – Growing As Disciples

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.  But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”  When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,  because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Matthew 7:24-29 (NIV)  

My Words 

What must you do with my words, if you want to become wise? What must you do with my words, if you want your life to have a firm foundation that is able to withstand the storms of life? What must you do with my words, if you want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to me? First, let me say that there is no “if” about any of your questions. How so? I want to become wise. I want my life to have a firm foundation that can withstand the storms of life. I want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you. That is very good. Yes, I think it is good to be clear about what my desires. We are on the same page. I want what you want. We both want the same thing. That is very good.

Now, to answer your questions. I must do two things with your word if I want to become wise, have a firm foundation for my life and live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you. First, I must hear your words. How often must you hear words? Is there a day that I don’t need to hear from you? Certainly not. I need to hear from you every day. How will you listen to my word? I will listen attentively to your word. Casually and inattentively and half-heartedly listening to your word will bring me no benefit. I will take your word deep into my heart and mind and soul. I will allow your word to dwell in me richly. I will meditate on your word day and night. That is very good. I have more to say. I’m listening. I will read and study your word. I will memorize and meditate on your word. I will pray and proclaim your word. I will take hold of your word as it takes ahold of me. What do you mean by that? I will allow your word to change my heart and transform my mind and guide my life. Yes, all of these are excellent strategies for hearing my word. What else must you do with my word for it to be powerfully effective in your life? If it isn’t clear by now, I will state it clearly here. Hearing your word only is not enough. For your word to do its complete and full and powerfully active work in my life, I must put it into practice. That is good. That is right. That is true. Hear and put my word into practice and you will be wise, have a firm foundation for your life and be able to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to me. That is what I want. That is what I will do. That will be very good. Thank you, Lord, for your word. 

Lord, I will not be foolish. I will make it my daily pattern and habit to both hear and put your word into practice. I will allow your word to make me wise. I will allow your word to become the foundation of all that I think, say and do. Build my life with your word. Amen

Key Question… How are you making sure that you are actively putting God’s word into practice?

Living It Out… Make it your daily pattern to hear and put God’s word into practice so you can withstand the storms of life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that hearing and putting God’s word into practice will make you able to withstand storms in life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group something from God’s you have heard and put into practice.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you hear and put God’s word into practice.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 344 – Matthew 7-24-29 – Put Them Into Practice – 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

On Every Word That Comes From The Mouth Of God

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - Matthew 4:4 - On Every Word That Comes From The Mouth Of God - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – Matthew 4:4 – On Every Word That Comes From The Mouth Of God – Growing As Disciples

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Matthew 4:4 (NIV)

Feast On

Are you nibbling or feasting on my word? What does nibbling on your word look like? You tell me. I suppose nibbling on your word would include hearing your word at church and reading it once in a while for myself. Nibbling on your word would probably seldom involve listening attentively to it, thinking deeply about it, remembering it, or actually putting it into practice. Nibbling on your word would be more like receiving a free sample at the grocery store but never actually buying the product. You have a very good idea of what nibbling on my word looks like. What would feasting on my word look like? Feasting on your word would certainly involve listening attentively to it, thinking deeply about it, remembering it and actually putting it into practice. Yes, it would. I would like to say more. Go ahead. Feasting on your word would also mean it was a regularly part of my daily diet. If I really wanted to feast on your word I would set aside a daily time and a place to meet with you in your word. Yes, you would. So, in answer to your question, I have been feasting on your word. Yes, you have been.

What has feasting on my word done for you? Feasting on your word has changed and is changing my heart. How so? As I have feasted on your word the desires of my heart have changed. What I want has changed. In the past I wanted all that I wanted. I was never content. I always wanted more. A lot of what I wanted was not what you wanted for me. Like what? I wanted all that the world had to offer. A lot of what I wanted was sinful. I was easily tempted by evil and controlled by my passions. I was an easy target for the Devil and all his temptations. My heart was entangled and in bondage to sin. Not now? No, not now! Now, my heart wants what you want. I want to know and do your will. Yes, I can see that. Tell me more. Your word has also transformed and is transforming my mind. How so? In the past my mind was weak. I thought about whatever came into my mind. What did you think? The world and all its values bombarded my mind and controlled most of what I thought. I thought and lived according to the world’s values just like most everyone else. My worldly thoughts and values also made me an easy target for the Devil and his temptations. My mind was darkened and under his power. Not now? No, not now! Now, I meditate on your word day and night. Now, it is my delight to think your thoughts, speak your words and do your will. Yes, I can see that.

I would like to say more. Go ahead. Your word has sustained me. You word strengthens me. You word is a shield around me. Your word fights in me, with me, and for me. Yes, it does. I can stand on your word against every attack of the Devil and his evil. Yes, you can. It is my joy to meet with you in your word. There is no place I would rather be than with you in your word. Yes, I can see that too. I will allow your word to continue to change my heart and transform my mind. That’s very good.

Lord, use your word to change my heart and its desires. Use your word to transform my mind and its thoughts. Use your word to make me able to stand against the devil and his evil temptations. Feed, sustain and strengthen me with your word. Amen

Key Question… How has God’s word been transforming your mind and the way that you think?

Living It Out…  Make it your daily practice to feast on God’s word so you will have all you need to resist the Devil and his temptations.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God’s word will change your heart and transform your mind making you able to stand against the Devil.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God’s word is changing your heart and transforming your mind.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you attentively listen to God so that you can live on every word that comes from Him.

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

Life – Matthew 4-4 – On Every Word That Comes From The Mouth Of God – 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

For If You Forgive Others

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 137 - Matthew 6:14-15 - For If You Forgive Others- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 137 – Matthew 6:14-15 – For If You Forgive Others – Growing As Disciples

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV)

Forgive

Will you freely forgive others? What does that mean? Will you forgive others who have hurt and harmed you? Will you forgive others who have sinned against you? Will you forgive others who have done evil against you on purpose and by design? That is a lot to forgive. I’m not finished yet. Will you forgive others even though they do not merit or deserve your forgiveness? That is even more to forgive. I’m still not finished. Will you forgive those who even now are living as your enemies? Will you forgive those who right now might be plotting against you? Is that what you are asking of me? Wait, there is more. Will you forgive others without qualification? Will you forgive others without reservation? Is that how you want me to forgive? Before you answer any of my questions consider this; I forgave you without qualifications. I forgave you without reservations. You did not earn or merit my forgiveness. You were living as my enemy when I forgave you. I have freely forgiven you of all your past and present and future sins. Keep in mind, your forgiveness of your sins and cleansing of your unrighteousness was secured at great cost. My son died on the cross as payment of your sins. His blood cleansed you of all your unrighteousness. He gave His all so you could be forgiven. What about you, how much will you allow it to cost you to forgive others? Will you follow my example? Will you do for others what I have done for you? Here is what I will do. I will let go of all bitterness and resentment.  I will not hold on to grudges. I will not seek revenge. I will not consider doing to others what they have done to me. Payback will not be in my heart and on my mind. Yes, I will follow your example. I will pray for those who have hurt and harmed me. I will love my enemies. I will live a life of doing good, even to those who have sinned against me. I will forgive without qualifications or reservations. Yes, I will freely forgive others just as you have freely forgiven me. That will be very good.

As you forgive others, I will continue to forgive you. As you forgive others, you will live in the hope and freedom and joy that I have secured for you. You will be a light for me in the darkness of this world. You will bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. You will shine like a star in the universe.  People will be drawn to you because they see my light and life shining in and through you. That is my dream and my desire. That is very good.

Heavenly Father, I will forgive others just as you have forgiven me. Who would I be to withhold my forgiveness from others when you have so graciously forgiven me? I will never allow unforgiveness on my part to prevent you from being able to freely forgive me. Amen

Key Question… What freedom, healing and joy is yours because freely forgiving others is the ongoing practice of your life?

Living It Out…  Make sure that you freely forgive others so that your Heavenly Father will also freely forgive you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that as you freely forgive others, your Heavenly Father will also freely forgive you.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how forgiving others is a constant and ongoing practice in your life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you forgive others so your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.

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

Promises – Day 137 – Matthew 6-14-15 – For If You Forgive Others – 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

Wisdom Is Supreme Therefore Get Wisdom

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Therefore - Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom Is Supreme Therefore Get Wisdom- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Therefore – Proverbs 4:7 – Wisdom Is Supreme Therefore Get Wisdom – Growing As Disciples

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 (NIV)

Valuable

Nothing is more important than my wisdom. My wisdom will guard your life. My wisdom will guide your path. My wisdom will lengthen your days. My wisdom will bless your life. My wisdom will make you fruitful for me. My wisdom in you will bring glory to my name. Do you want my wisdom? Yes, I want your wisdom. Do you hunger and thirst for my wisdom? Do you yearn for my understanding?  How badly do you want my wisdom? Will you pursue my wisdom with all that is in you? Will you seek after my wisdom with all your heart and mind and soul and strength? Would you pay all that you have for my wisdom? How valuable is my wisdom to you? Is my wisdom more valuable than silver or gold? Is my wisdom more costly diamonds? Nothing is more valuable than your wisdom. Does anything compare with my wisdom? Is anything more important than all that I have to say to you? Nothing compares with your wisdom. Nothing is more important than all that you have to say to me. I will listen to your every word. Do you really believe all that you are saying to me? Yes, I have no doubt about the value of your wisdom.

Since you so value my wisdom what will you do to acquire it? I will ask you for your wisdom. I will never stop praying for your wisdom. I will never stop seeking your guidance. I will always listen to your instruction. I will watch for your direction. I will wait for you to lead and guide my life. I will set aside my thoughts. I will put aside my ways. Your thoughts are so much higher than mine. Your ways are so much better than mine.  I will rely on your wisdom. I will seek your understanding. I will rest in your presence. I will quiet myself before you. I will set apart a place to be with you. I will make time to listen to you. My heart and mind and life will always be open to you. I will receive all the wisdom you have to give me. My prayer for wisdom will never be a one and done prayer. I will continually pursue you and all that you have to say to me. I will follow you and your wisdom. I will obey your wisdom. I will hold on to your instruction. I will put your wisdom into practice as I live my life with and for you.  That will be very good.

Lord, I will listen attentively to your wisdom. I will pursue your wisdom. I will treasure your wisdom. I will hold on to your wisdom. I will put your wisdom into practice as I follow and obey you. Guard and guide my life with all your wisdom. Amen

Key Question…  How will obeying or disobeying wisdom have an impact on the quality and length of your life?

Living It Out…  Be careful to obey all the wisdom that God wants to give to you as you follow Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that nothing is more valuable than living your life according to God’s wisdom.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how following God’s wisdom has protected your life.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you let God’s wisdom guard and guide your life as you follow and obey Him.

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

Therefore – Proverbs 4-7 – Wisdom Is Supreme Therefore Get Wisdom – 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

Not Rest On Men’s Wisdom

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 5 - 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 - Not Rest On Men's Wisdom - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 5 – 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 – Not Rest On Men’s Wisdom – Growing As Disciples

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NIV)

Your Word

What do you rely on? What do you place your faith in? What is worthy of all your trust? Do you rely on seemingly wise and persuasive words of men? Are you taken in by the wisdom of the world? Is your life founded on the thoughts, opinions and values of the world? Does your faith rest on the wisdom of men? You have asked a lot of questions. Do you have any answers? I have only one answer. Let me hear it. My faith rests on you. I would like to hear more from you on this subject. 

It is true, that at one time I placed my faith on wisdom that comes from the world. My life conformed to the thoughts and opinions and values of the world. I thought like the world thought. I spoke like the world spoke. I acted like the world acted. I was no different than anyone else that is living in the world. What did you find out? There is no hope and joy and peace in living a life that is founded on the patterns and practices of the world. There is no purpose and meaning in thinking and speaking and acting in worldly ways. My worldly life became a bruised and battered and broken life. I was empty. I wanted more. I wanted something else. I wanted you. I wanted to know you. I wanted to love you. I wanted to follow and serve you. I wanted to live my life in ways that would please you. Did I know all of this at the time? Certainly not. But you brought me to yourself. You came into my life. You forgave my sins and gave me a new life to live. Yes, I did.

How is your life now different? My faith rests on you. My faith rests on your word. My faith rests on your power. What do you know? I know that you are using your word to make me like you. Your Holy Spirit powerfully uses your word like a sword. He uses the sword of your word to fight in me, with me, for me and through me. Yes, that is true. What do you do with my word? I take your word into my heart and mind and life. I am letting your word mold and shape me. I am letting your word teach and train me. I am letting your word guard and guide me. Now I know without a doubt that my faith rests on you and the power of your word. That is good. What are you asking? I am asking for your Holy Spirit to continue to use your word to do your work in and through me. I will hear and answer that prayer. 

Lord, I will no longer place my faith in the seemingly wise and persuasive words of men. To do so would be foolish. I will rely on you. I will trust your word. I will place all my faith in the power of God. Work in, for, and through me according to your good pleasure. Amen

Key Question…  When has the power of God accomplished something that you could have never done on your own?

Living It Out…  Place all your faith in the power of God rather than on the seemingly wise and persuasive words of men.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the power of God will work in and through and for you according to His good pleasure.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how your faith is resting on the power of God.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you place all your faith in God rather than on seemingly wise and persuasive words of men.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 5 – 1 Corinthians 2-4-5 – Not Rest On Men’s Wisdom – 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

Think About Such Things

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Mind - Think About Such Things - Philippians 4:8-9 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Mind – Think About Such Things – Philippians 4:8-9 – Growing As Disciples

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

Fix Your Thoughts

What do you think about? I think about a lot of things. Are there thoughts that you wish you would not think? Yes, there are quite a few thoughts that I wish I would not think. Like what? You know. Yes, I do but I would like you to tell me. Sometimes I have thoughts of fear and doubt. Sometimes I have thoughts of worry and rejection. Do you like thinking these thoughts? No, not at all. Do you know that you have the ability to choose what you will think about? It doesn’t seem like it. These thoughts just seem to pop into my head. I didn’t invite them into my mind. It is like they barge in without invitation. I know that it seems like you have no control over the thoughts of your mind but you really do. How is that?

Each day you make a multitude of decisions of what you want to think about. If your mind is weak you really have no control over what you’ll think about. But, you can train your mind.   Your mind can be strengthened. Just as your body can grow stronger by lifting weights so also your mind can be strengthened by what you think deeply about. But you will have to begin to make choices about what you subject your mind to. How do I do that? Think for a minute about all that you allow yourself to see and hear. Is all of it helpful? No, not at all. How many unhelpful, unhealthy and sinful things are you allowing yourself to hear and see? Quite a bit I guess. Those go directly into your mind and become your thoughts. Your thoughts become who you are and determine how you will live and act. Can you see how important it is to place a guard on what you think about? Yes, I can now.

I want you to do two things. What is that? First, cut it out. Cut out what? Cut out of your life all the sources of unhelpful, unhealthy and sinful material that is feeding your mind. If you have any confusion about what these might be, just ask me. Usually if you have to ask, you will have your answer even before you ask. But I don’t mind you asking me one bit. What else? This is the most important part. Without this second part, you will not be successful. So pay careful attention. Get ready to grab a hold of this thought. I’m ready. I want you to fill your mind with my word. I want you to take it in and meditate on it on a daily basis. Meditating on my word will be like weight lifting for your mind. My word will strengthen and transform your mind. This will be a process that will start now and continue throughout your entire life. So don’t expect immediate results. But don’t give up. Sooner than you can imagine, my word and my thoughts will change not only your thoughts but also the way that you live and act. In no time at all, people will begin to notice that you are a different person. You may be the last one to realize how much I have transformed your mind and changed your heart. But, a day will come when you will realize that many of the battles you once had in your mind are gone. Why is that? My word will have so filled and strengthened your mind that your thoughts are fixed on me and the life I want you to live. How does that sound? It sounds great. Are you ready to begin? Yes Lord, I am.

Lord, change my heart and transform my mind by your word. Help me to think and act according to your will. Train me to put into practice all I have heard, learned and received from you so that I will be able to live in your peace. Amen

Key Question… What feeds ungodly thoughts and how can you eliminate them from your life?

Living It Out…Allow God’s word to fill your heart and mind so that you will be able to put into practice all that He shows you.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that you will have God’s peace as you think and act according to His will.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how thinking and acting according to God’s will has brought you peace.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you think excellent, pure and praiseworthy thoughts so you can do God’s will and live in His peace.

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

The Mind – Philippians 4-8-9 – Think About Such Things – 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                                                               http://www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Many Advisers

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 325 - Proverbs 11:14 - Many Advisers - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 325 – Proverbs 11:14 – Many Advisers – Growing As Disciples

For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure. Proverbs 11:14 (NIV)

Advisers

That is what I need. What is it that you need? I need wise advisers to give me good counsel. Why is that? I can’t tell you how many times I have rushed a decision without seeking good counsel from wise and trusted advisers. What has been the result of rushing your decisions without seeking wise counsel? Quite often, I have fallen flat on my face. I have suffered harm. I have wasted time and energy and resources. I have had to retrace my steps. I have had to start over. I have had to begin again. That is not a fun process. No, it is not. It is a very painful way to learn valuable life lessons. Why do you suppose that you have failed to seek out wise advisers to give you good counsel? Here may be an even harder question for you. Why do you think you have failed to listen to the wise advisers that I have brought into your life? The answer seems obvious to me. I have been filled with pride. I have been stubborn. I have been independent. I have been self-reliant and self-sufficient. I have thought that I knew it all and that I had all the answers. I have foolishly been wise in my own eyes. On top of that, I have been impatient. That is not good. No, it is not.

What is the danger of being proud and stubborn, independent, self-reliant and self-sufficient, impatient and wise in your own eyes? I will not be able to receive your instruction. I will not be able to accept your guidance. I will not be able to know and do what you ask of me. My life will be unfruitful and unproductive. I will go through life bouncing from one thing to another. I will walk a crooked path. I will not accomplish or fulfill your plans for my life. You understand the danger before you quite well. I have learned by every one of the mistakes I have made. Yes, you have learned well.

How are you now living your life differently? I am admitting that I need advice. I don’t know it all. I need wise counsel. So, I am listening attentively to you. I am also listening closely to the wise counselors that you have brought into my life. I am receiving your instruction. I am following your guidance. Why is that? I want to go and do your will. I want to bear fruit for your kingdom. I want to bring glory to your name. I want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you. I want to live a life that has no regrets. One day I want to hear you say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Keep on listening to me. Keep on receiving wise counsel. Keep on following good advice. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. 

Lord, I have made many mistakes because I rushed a decision. I did not seek wise counsel. I did not listen to good advice. I did not rely on you or any wise counselors you brought into my life. Forgive my pride. I will act on all the good counsel you give to me. Amen

Key Question…  Why will you rarely regret taking a little extra time to receive advice before making a decision?

Living It Out… Allow the Lord to give you wise counsel through trusted advisers He brings into your life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will give you wise counsel through trusted advisers He brings into your life.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how you listen to and act on wise counsel from trusted advisers.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you listen to wise counsel from trusted advisers that the Lord brings into your life.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 325 – Proverbs 11-14 – Many Advisors – 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

Who Is Wise?

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 273 - James 3:3 - Who Is Wise? - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 273 – James 3:3 – Who Is Wise? – Growing As Disciples

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13 (NIV)

Who Is Wise?

I wouldn’t quickly raise my hand on that question. You wouldn’t quickly raise your hand on what question? I wouldn’t quickly raise my hand to say that I am wise. Why is that? I have made more than my share of dumb mistakes, foolish missteps and unwise decisions. I can’t tell you how many times I have thought and said and done what was truly unwise. At times, I have thought I was quite gifted at putting my foot in my mouth. Then it seems to me that you have the beginnings of wisdom within you. How is that? How can that be? What have you admitted? What are you abundantly aware of? What do you know without a doubt? I have admitted that I am unwise. I am abundantly aware of my own lack of wisdom. I know without a doubt that I need wisdom. Where did such an awareness of your lack of wisdom come from? I would guess that you have helped me to see my own lack of wisdom. You guess? No, I know that you have helped me to see that I need wisdom. Why do you suppose I have allowed you to see your own lack of wisdom? You want to change me. You want to make me wise. You want me to be able to think and speak and act in ways that are wise. You want my life to demonstrate your wisdom in the world. Yes, I do. Your understanding is correct. So, recap from me what you know. I know I am unwise. I know you have helped me to see that I am unwise. I know you want to make me wise. I know you want to work in and through me in ways that will demonstrate your wisdom in the world. I know I can ask for you to help me to be wise in all that I think, say and do. Yes, you can. You will be my source of wisdom. Yes, I will. What word would you use to describe your willingness to admit your need for wisdom? I would use the word humility. So then, can you now agree with me that you have the beginnings of wisdom in you? Yes, I can. That’s good. Thank you for helping me to humbly see that I desperately need wisdom. You are welcome. 

Now, the beginning of wisdom starts with an attitude of humility. You will receive wisdom as you humbly come to rely on me. But how will your life demonstrate my wisdom in the world? How will people be able to see my wisdom in operation in the world? Not only by the wise thoughts you give me. Wise thoughts are a starting point. I need your wise thoughts in me to be sure. But wisdom is demonstrated by wise words and wise actions. You want to give me wise thoughts to think, wise words to speak and wise actions to take. Yes, I do. Will you think and speak and act according to the wisdom I give you? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. Then my wisdom will be demonstrated in the world. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, give me your wisdom and understanding. Help me to live a life of humility that demonstrates your wisdom to the world. Help me to be wise in all that I think, say and do. Help me to live a life of love and service to others. Help me to pattern my life after yours. Amen

Key Question…  What has helped or hindered your ability to ask for and receive wisdom from God?

Living It Out…  Allow the Lord to make you wise in all that you think, say and do, so you can demonstrate His wisdom in the world.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will help you think and speak and act wisely so you can demonstrate His wisdom in the world.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has helped you to demonstrate His wisdom in the world.

Prayer To Bless Others… May all that you think, say, and do demonstrate wisdom.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 273 – James 3-13 – Who Is Wise? – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Is Anything Too Hard?

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 289 - Genesis 18:13-14 - Is Anything Too Hard?- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 289 – Genesis 18:13-14 – Is Anything Too Hard?- Growing As Disciples

Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son.”  Genesis 18:13-14 (NIV)  

A Good Question

That is a good question. What is a good question? Is anything too hard for you? Why is that a good question? It may not be a good question to ask. It is certainly a good question to consider. It is a good question for me to have answered in my heart and mind. I like where you are headed, say more. I need to have answered and resolved in my heart and mind that you can and will do the impossible in, for, and through me. I need to have faith to believe that you can and will do in, for and through me what only you can do. I need to know that you delight and desire to do in, for and through me what only you can do. Why do you suppose it is my desire and delight to do in, for and through you what only I can do? You want to show yourself to me. You want to reveal yourself to the world. You want people to turn their hearts and minds and lives toward you. You want people to leave their old lives of sin so that they can love, follow and serve you. Yes, I do. 

What has happened to you as I have done in, for and through you what only I could do? I have been encouraged. I have been lifted up. I have been strengthened. I have been revived and renewed and refreshed. My heart and mind and life have been filled with hope and joy and peace. Thanks, and praise to you have been on my lips. My faith in you has grown as I have relied on you to do what was impossible. I have been made able to bear fruit for your kingdom. I have been made able to bring glory to your name. I have been able to shine brightly for you, like a star in the universe. Yes, I have done all of these things in, for and through you.

What will you now do differently because you know that nothing is too hard for me? I will come to rely on you more fully. I will ask you to do in, for and through me what only you can do. My heart and mind and eyes will be open with expectancy to watch for and join you in the seemingly impossible work that you want to do in the world around me. That will be very good. 

Lord, I know nothing is too hard for you. To think or believe otherwise would be foolish. Help me to have faith to believe that nothing is too hard for you to do in, for, or through. I will come to ask you for your help. I will rely fully on you. My faith will be in you. Amen

Key Question…  How are you relying on the Lord to do in, for or through you what only He can do?

Living It Out…  Ask the Lord to do in, for, or through you what only He can do.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that nothing is too hard for the Lord to do in, for, or through you.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has shown you that nothing is too hard for Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you have faith to believe that nothing is too hard for the Lord to do in, for, or through you.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 289 – Genesis 18-13-14 – Is Anything Too Hard? – 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

Whenever You Face Trials

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 12 - James 1:2-4 - Whenever You Face Trials - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 12 – James 1:2-4 – Whenever You Face Trials – Growing As Disciples

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Pure Joy

I don’t know about that. You don’t know about what? I’m not sure how to have pure joy when I’m going through trials. Why is that? I’m not sure I can or even want to have pure joy when I go through trials. You should know, I am no fan of trials. I don’t like trials. I like to avoid trials. I have no interest in going through trials. I do my best to leave a trial as soon as possible. Do you think I want you to be joyful for your trials? It sounds like it to me. Then you better listen a little more carefully. How so? There is a huge difference between being joyful in and through a trial and being joyful for a trial. Can you explain that to me? Yes, I can.

Let me ask you a few questions. I’m listening. Have you drawn closer to me as you have gone through trials? Have you felt my nearness as you have gone through trials? Has your life with me grown more intimate as you have held on to me through trials? Has your faith in me grown stronger as you have gone through trials? Have I strengthened you and made you able to persevere as you have gone through trials? Have you learned to call out to me and ask me for help as you have gone through trials? Have I heard and answered your prayers as you have gone through trials? Have I generously given you wisdom as you have gone through trials?  Yes, you have done all these things in and for me as I have gone through trials. Are you thankful for all that I have done in and for you as you have gone through trials? Yes, I am thankful. Yes, I am grateful. Would you even say that you are joyful for what I have done in and for you as you have gone through trials? Without, a doubt, I have joy in my heart because of all that you have done in and for me as I have gone through trials. Remember that. Have this joy in you as you go through trials. Now, I understand. That’s good. 

One more question. What’s that? If you could, would you trade all that I have done in and for you through trials for never having any trials in the first place? Not, for a second. Then you can have joy and give thanks in the midst of trials because you know that I will be continuing my good work in you. Yes, I can. Yes, I will. That is very good. 

Lord, I am no fan of trials. I have had a negative attitude toward them. Yet, I know that you can and do use trials for good in my life. Help me to persevere and grow stronger in my faith as I go through trials. Help me to rely on you for all I need in every trial. Amen

Key Question…  How has your faith grown stronger as you have gone through trials?

Living It Out…  Rely on the Lord to help you to persevere and grow stronger in your faith as you go through trails.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will be able to use trials to help you to grow stronger in your faith.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how your faith has grown stronger as you have gone through trials.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you rely on the Lord to strengthen your faith as you go through trials.

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

Day 12 – Becoming Like Christ – James 1-2-4 – Whenever You Face Trials – 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