Monthly Archives: April 2022

My Thoughts Are Nothing Like Your Thoughts

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Knowing God - Isaiah 55:6-9 - My Thoughts Are Nothing Like Your Thoughts- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Knowing God – Isaiah 55:6-9 – My Thoughts Are Nothing Like Your Thoughts – Growing As Disciples

Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.   Isaiah 55:6-9 (NLT)

Your Thoughts, Your Ways

Your thoughts are nothing like my thoughts. Your ways are nothing like my ways. My thoughts and my ways are way beyond your thoughts and ways. You can’t begin to imagine my thoughts and my ways. Of that I am very sure. Would you like to know my thoughts? Would you like to know my ways? Just because my thoughts and my ways are beyond what you could possibly imagine does not mean that I will not allow you to know my thoughts and my ways. I want you to know my thoughts and my ways. Nothing would delight me more than for you to come to know my thoughts and my ways. Yes, of course I want to know your thoughts and your ways. How can I come to know your thoughts and your ways? That is a very good question.

You must want to know my thoughts and ways. I will not reveal my thoughts and ways to you if you are only curious about them. I will not reveal my thoughts and my ways if you will pick and choose which ones you will follow and obey. I will not pick and choose.  I will follow and obey all your thoughts and all your ways. You must want to know my thoughts and ways enough so that you are willing to turn away from all your old thoughts and all your old ways. I am willing to turn away from all my old thoughts and all my old ways. 

You must seek me with all your heart if you want to know my thoughts and my ways. You must be willing to live your life according to my thoughts and ways. I will live my life according to your thoughts and your ways. You must leave your old life of sin behind. You must ask for my forgiveness. You must receive my mercy. You must leave your old life of sin to follow my thoughts and my ways. I am crying out to you. I am seeking you with all my heart. I am turning from all my old thoughts and all my old ways. I am turning to follow you. I am leaving my old life of sin behind. I will not entertain the evil of my old thoughts and my old ways. I am asking for your forgiveness. I am asking for your mercy.  I want to live my life according to your thoughts and your ways. Then I will allow you to know my thoughts so that you can walk in my ways. Follow me. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I know my thoughts and ways have not been yours. I will seek you and call upon your name as I turn away from my thoughts and ways. Thank you for your mercy and forgiveness. Teach me your thoughts and your ways. Accomplish your purposes in me. Amen

Key Question… How has God been using His word to change your thoughts and ways to accomplish His purposes in you?

Living It Out… Turn to the Lord and seek Him with all your heart so that you will come to know His thoughts and His ways.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will reveal His thoughts and ways to you as you turn to seek Him with all your heart.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God is changing your thoughts and ways as you follow Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you turn to seek the Lord with all your heart so you can come to know His thoughts and walk in His ways.

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

Knowing God – Isaiah 55-6-9 – My Thoughts Are Nothing Like Your Thoughts – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Accept Instruction

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 9 - Proverbs 19:20 - Accept Instruction - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 9 – Proverbs 19:20 – Accept Instruction – Growing As Disciples

Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Proverbs 19:20 (NIV) 

Listen To Advice

I think I have learned my lesson. I hope I have learned my lesson. I pray that I have learned my lesson. What lesson are you talking about? I think and hope and pray that I have learned to listen to advice and accept instruction. Has this been a hard lesson for you to learn? You know the answer to that question. Nothing is hidden from you. That’s right. Yes, it has been a hard lesson for me to learn. Why is that? It is very hard for a “know it all” to listen to advice and accept instruction. Have you been something of a “know it all’? A little bit. Now, aren’t you funny? I have been far more than a little bit of a “know it all.” I have also thought that I am “almost never wrong.” That is a problem, isn’t it? Yes, it is a huge problem.

Tell me why it is a huge problem to be a “know it all” and an “almost never wrong” kind of person. First of all, I want to become like you. You want me to become like you. It is both your and my goal that I become like you. Proudly thinking that I “know it all or that I am “almost never wrong” is nothing like you. You were not filled with pride. You were filled with humility. If I am to become like you, I will need to trade in my pride for your humility. Yes, you will. That is absolutely true.

Why is it a foolish and dangerous mistake to give others the impression that you think you “know it all” and are “almost never wrong?” What are the consequences of these prideful attitudes? If others think I won’t listen to advice or accept instruction, then they won’t take the time or make the effort to tell me what I need to hear. They will let me go on my own way into the pain and trouble and suffering that could have been avoided. I will not be the beneficiary of the wisdom others would be willing to share with me. You won’t be able to speak into my life through the wisdom of the people around me. I will have no sounding boards. I will accept no feedback. My life could be heading for a train wreck without anyone to warn me, simply because my pride would not allow me to listen to advice or accept instruction. That’s true. 

I will tell you a little secret. What’s that? If you are unwilling to listen to others, you will also be unwilling to listen to me. The pride that will cause you to fail to listen to advice and accept instruction from others, will also prevent you from hearing and following and obeying me. Of that, I am positive. Will you humbly listen to advice and accept instruction from me and others? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I cannot tell you how often I have thought I knew it all. What a mistake. I have frequently given others the impression that I was unwilling to listen to advice and accept instruction. Another big mistake. Help me now to eagerly accept advice and instruction. Amen

Key Question… When have you been positive that the Lord spoke into your life through advice and instruction from others?

Living It Out… Eagerly accept and carefully listen to advice and instruction that the Lord wants to give to you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will often give you advice and instruction through people He brings into your life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has given you advice and instruction to follow.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you humbly listen to advice and accept instruction.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 9 – Proverbs 19-20 – Accept Instruction – 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

Serve Others

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 338 - 1 Peter 4:10-11 - Serve Others - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 338 – 1 Peter 4:10-11 – Serve Others – Growing As Disciples

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV)

Your Gifts 

Are you using all the gifts you have been given to serve others? Are you bearing fruit for my Kingdom and bringing glory to my name, as you faithfully use the spiritual gifts, I have given to you? Those are very good questions. I will tell you one thing for certain. What’s that? I don’t want to someday find out that I never used a gift that you had given to me. That would be really sad. That would be a tragedy. What will you do to make sure that does not happen? I will ask for your help. What help do you want from me? I want you to help me to discover and use all the spiritual gifts you have given to me. Is that it? No, I’m just getting warmed up. I want you to help me to refine and develop the gifts you have given to me. What do you mean by that? I know that the gifts you have given to me will not be fully developed unless I use them. I also know that as I use the gifts you have given to me, you will refine, grow and develop them in me, for your use. You will make me effective and fruitful in using the gifts you have given to me. You will not let the gifts you have given me go unused, underdeveloped and underutilized, as I go and do whatever you ask of me. I think that is the key. What is the key? Will I listen to your voice? Will I follow you? Will I go where you lead me and do what you ask of me? How would it be possible to not use the gifts you have given me if I am continually following and obeying you? It would not be possible. So, if I follow and obey you, I’m sure that I will have no worries about not utilizing the gifts you have given to me. What you ask of me will require me to use all the gifts you have given to me. That is correct. Keep your heart and mind and life focused on me. I will lead and guide you. I will accomplish my purposes and fulfill my plans in and through you. I will give you what I want you to do. As you serve me you will have no worries about failing to use all your spiritual gifts as you rely on me. Thank you, Heavenly Father. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me spiritual gifts with which I can serve others. Help me to discover and faithfully use all my spiritual gifts. Help me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name as I use all the gifts you have given to me. Amen

Key Question… What trial and error process have you go through on the way to discovering your spiritual gifts?

Living It Out… Use all your spiritual gifts to serve others so you can bear fruit for God’s kingdom and bring glory to His name.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will bear fruit for the kingdom of God and bring glory to His name as you use your spiritual gifts.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has helped you to use, refine and develop your spiritual gifts.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you use the gifts you have been given to serve others.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 338 – 1 Peter 4-10-11 – Serve 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

Taste And See

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 33 - Psalm 34:4-8 - Taste And See - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 33 – Psalm 34:4-8 – Taste And See – Growing As Disciples

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:4-8 (NIV)

Taste and See 

Do you want to taste and see? Do I want to taste and see what? Do you want to taste and see me? Yes, of course I want to taste and see you. Do you know that you will not taste and see me if your heart and mind and life is not focused on me? Why is that? You tell me. If I don’t take time to slow down to meet with you, I will never taste and see your goodness. I will not be able to live the life you have called me to live. I will not hear your voice. The noise of the world will be too loud. I will not follow your guidance. I will not receive your instructions. I will not notice your activity all around me. The frantic pace of life will obscure my vision. I will wander through life from one meaningless endeavor to another. My life will have no hope and meaning or purpose. I will miss your plan for my life. I will not accomplish your purposes or fulfill your plans. No, you would not. But, this will not be true of you, of that I am certain. I am glad to hear that.

How are you taking steps to taste and see my goodness? Every day, I meet with you in your word. Every day, I engage in an ongoing conversation with you. Every day, my heart and mind and life are focused on you. I am constantly thinking about how I can love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. It is my joy to do what is pleasing to you. You are guarding and guiding my life. You are leading me to where you want me to go. You are giving me what you want me to do. I am making my needs known to you. You are hearing and answering my prayers. You are saving me from out of my troubles. Your protection is making camp around me. I am taking refuge in you. You are making my life radiate with joy as I look to you. In sum, I am living in an intimate relationship with you. That is why and how you are tasting and seeing my goodness. Yes, I know. That is very good. Yes, it is. 

Lord, I will earnestly seek you. I will keep my heart, mind and life focused on you. I will call out to you and make my needs known to you. I will live my life in humble awe before you. Help me to taste and see your goodness. Fill my life with your joyful radiance. Amen

Key Question…  How has earnestly seeking the Lord delivered you from fears you have faced in life?

Living It Out…  Keep your heart and mind and life focused on the Lord so you will be to taste and see His goodness.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will help you to taste and see His goodness.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has helped you to see His goodness.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you continually come to the Lord to taste and see His goodness.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 33 – Psalm 34-4-8 – Taste And See – 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

Live In Harmony

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 354 - 1 Peter 3:8-9 - Live In Harmony - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 354 – 1 Peter 3:8-9 – Live In Harmony – 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 (NIV)  

What Would Love Do?

That is a very good question. What is a very good question? What would love do? Yes, that is a very good question. Do you have an answer for that question? Yes, I do. As your follower, I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I love you because you first loved me. Your love has changed my heart and transformed my mind. How so? All my thoughts and words and actions are now different because I love you. Now, I want to do what is good and right and pleasing to you. Before, I lived to do what was good and right and pleasing to me. I lived for my own interests. I was pridefully focused on myself. Now, I want to humbly follow and obey you because I love you. I’m not looking for what might be the minimum requirement of loving you either. That would be no expression of love at all. Now, I am constantly on the lookout for ways to express my love to you. So, the answer to the question of, “What would love do?” is anything and everything. There is nowhere I would not go, or nothing I would not do because I love you. That is a very good answer. 

What have I asked you to do for me? How do I want you to treat others? What am I asking you to do for others? You are asking me to love others deeply from my heart. You want me to be sympathetic and compassionate and loving to all. Say more about who is included in that word, “all”. You want me to love those who don’t love me. You want me to love everyone. Give me an example. If someone committed some evil against me or hurled some insult at me, you want me to bless them anyhow. In fact, you have called me to be a blessing to everyone around me. Yes, that is my calling on your life. What will you receive and inherit as you live as my blessing in the world? I will receive your blessing. Yes, you will. Will you love me? Will you love others? Will you follow and obey my two great commandments? Yes Lord, I will, with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. That will be very good. 

Lord, I will live in harmony with others. I will not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. Instead, I will be sympathetic, loving and compassionate to all. I will repay evil and insult with blessing. With your help, I will be a blessing so that I can inherit a blessing. Amen

Key Question…  Why will personal pride almost always get in the way of being able to live in harmony with others?

Living It Out…  Make every effort to live in harmony with others.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will help you to live in harmony with others.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has helped you to live in harmony with others.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you live in harmony with others.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 354 – 1 Peter 3-8-9 – Live In Harmony – 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

Stay Awake At All Times

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Prayer Filled Life - Day 112 - Luke 21-34-36 - Stay Awake At All Times - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Prayer Filled Life – Day 112 – Luke 21-34-36 – Stay Awake At All Times – Growing As Disciples

“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.  For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth.  But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36 (ESV)

Be Watchful

That is what you must be. What must I be? You must be watchful and prayerful. You must live with the constant anticipation of my imminent return. You must not allow yourself to be caught off guard or taken by surprise. One way or another the time is very short. It should not matter to you whether my return to you or your return to me is imminent. One or the other is imminent. That is an absolute certainty. You must live your life with urgency. You must make the best use of your time. You must make the best use of your gifts, and talents, and abilities in serving me. The time is now for you to bear fruit for my kingdom. The time is now for you to store up treasure in heaven with me. The time is now for you to shine brightly in the darkness of this world. The time is now for you to bring gory to my name. Do you understand? Yes, I understand. I get it. I only have one life to live. My time on this earth is like a snap of the fingers or a blink of an eye. I am like a mist that is here in the morning and gone by afternoon. The permeance of the things of this life is like a mirage on a sun scorched highway just ahead. The things of this life will all quickly fade away. Living for the things of this life is no treasure but is rather a trap. I will not pursue what this life offers. I will not chase after the things that I can see. No, I will live my life with and for you. I will live to do your will. I will go where you send me. I will do what you ask me. I will use all that you have given me to serve you. I will bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. I will store up treasure in heaven with you. I will live a life without regret. I will not be caught off guard. I will not be taken by surprise. I will be living my life with and for you when either you return to me, or I return to you. Help me to always be prayerful and watchful. That I will do. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, we live in perilous and troubling times. Could the time of your return be coming soon? Help me to always be prayerful and watchful so I am not caught off guard or taken by surprise. Help me to best use the time as I anticipate your imminent return. Amen 

Key Question…  Why should you always live your life with expectant anticipation of the Lord’s return?

Living It Out…  Always be prayerful and watchful as you anticipate the Lord’s return.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will help you to be prayerful and watchful at all times, as you anticipate His return.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how you are being prayerful and watchful as a follower of Christ.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you be prayerful and watchful at all times as you anticipate the Lord’s return.

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

The Prayer Filled Life – Day 112 – Luke 21-34-36 – Stay Awake At All Times – 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

Hearts Burning Within Us

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 11 - Luke 2:32 - Hearts Burning Within Us - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 11 – Luke 2:32 – Hearts Burning Within Us – Growing As Disciples

They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32 (NIV)

On Fire

That is my hope. That is my dream. That is my desire. That is my prayer. What’s that? It is my hope and dream and desire and prayer to be set on fire by you. I want you to completely turn my world upside down. I want you to rock my world. I want to be completely changed. I want to burn passionately for you. I want to shine brightly for you. I don’t want to be a little warm. I don’t want to be a faint glimmer. I want to burn white hot for you. I want to shine like a star in the universe for you. I want to love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I want to completely lose myself in loving, following and serving you. I want you to change my heart, transform my mind and guide my life. It is my guess and eager expectation that I will look nothing like my old self when you get done with me. You will make me moldable. You will make me usable.  You will make me new. I will be made able to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. What those might be, I have no idea. But, I am here and now telling you that I am completely available to you. There is one thing that I do know without a doubt. What’s that? You will make me to be like you. You will give me a completely new life to live. That’s true. And yet, there is something else that I know. What’s that? I will be the work of your hands. You will make me into your masterpiece. Yes, I will. You can count on me to do all these things in your life. That’s great. That’s fantastic. That’s overwhelming.

What tool will I use to change your heart, transform your mind and guide your life? What will I use to set you on fire to love, follow and serve me? You will use your word. You will open up the Scriptures to me. You will use your word to speak into my life. You will use your word to mold and shape me. You will use your word to teach and train me. You will use your word to guard and guide me. Yes, I will. Will you continue to meet with me in my word? Will you allow my word to dwell in you richly? Yes, I will.  That will be very good. Then you will be changed. Then you will be made new. Then you will be set on fire to love, follow and serve me. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, I want nothing more than to be set on fire by you. I want to burn passionately for you. I want to love and follow and serve you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. Fill my heart with desire so that I will live my life completely with and for you. Amen

Key Question…  How has the Lord opened up the Scriptures for you so that you could be set on fire by Him?

Living It Out…  Ask the Lord to set you on fire so you will passionately love, follow and serve Him throughout your life.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will set you on fire so you will passionately love, follow and serve Him.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has set you on fire to love, follow and serve Him.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you allow the Lord to set you on fire so you can live passionately with and for Him.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 11 – Luke 24-32 – Hearts Burning Within Us – 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

Then He Opened Their Minds

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 320 - Luke 24:45-49 - Then He Opened Their Minds - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 320 – Luke 24:45-49 – Then He Opened Their Minds – Growing As Disciples

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.  He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  You are witnesses of these things.  I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:45-49 (NIV)

Opened Mind 

There is a big difference between having an “open mind” and having an “opened mind.” Really, how so? In the world someone who says, they have an “open mind” often means that they are willing to try anything no matter how vile and sinful it may be. They will likely, almost certainly, suffer great harm with that approach to life. They will live with deep regrets. They will experience a life that will, no doubt, be bruised and battered and broken. Their open-minded pursuit of pleasure with only lead them down a path of pain and suffering. So, in this regard, I want to have a closed mind. I only want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you. That is very good.

You mentioned that there was a difference between having an “open mind” and an “opened mind”? What did you mean by that? I want you to open my mind. I want you to open my mind so I can understand your word. I want to be able to know and do your will. I want to receive your instruction. I want to follow your guidance. So, that is my prayer. That is my desire. That is my request. Do you believe that I will open your mind so you can understand my word? Without a doubt, I know that you will make me able to understand your word. Yes, I will, you are correct. What will my word do for you? Your word will change the desires of my heart. Your word will transform the thoughts of my mind. Your word will guard and guide the course of my life. Yes, my word will do all these things for you.

What must you do with my word? I must follow and obey your word. It would be foolish and sinful to only hear your word. I must go where your word guides me and do what your word asks of me. I must keep in step with you and your word. I must not run ahead or lag behind your word. That is true. What do you know about my word? Where will my word guide you? What will my word give you to do? Your word will guide me into the world to be your witness. Your Holy Spirit will use your word to empower me to be a bold witness for you in the world. Will you do that for me? Will you be my witness in the world? Yes Lord, I will. It will be my joy to help others to come to know and love and follow and serve you. That will be very good.

Lord, only you can open my mind so I can understand your word. I will wait quietly and listen attentively to all that you have to say to me. Help me to follow and obey your word. I will go and do whatever you ask me. Help me to be your bold witness in the world. Amen

Key Question… How attentively are you hearing and following instructions from the Lord?

Living It Out… Allow the Lord to open your mind so that you can understand His word.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will open your mind so you can understand His word.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has opened your mind so you can understand His word.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you listen to the Lord and carefully consider what He wants you to say before you speak.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 320 – Luke 24-45-49 – Then He Opened Their Minds – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

Close To The Brokenhearted

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 311 - Psalm 34:8 - Close To The Brokenhearted - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 311 – Psalm 34:8 – Close To The Brokenhearted – Growing As Disciples

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 (NIV) 

Crushed

Well, I have been that.  You have been what? I have been crushed. I have been brokenhearted. I have been filled with pain and suffering. I have experienced seemingly unending tears. It’s no fun, I will tell you that. I wouldn’t wish pain and suffering and crushing brokenness on anyone. But I know a couple things for certain. What’s that? Sin has broken this world. This life is not as you intended it. Nothing in this world has been left untouched by sin. No one will go through this life free of pain and suffering and crushing brokenness. You suffered. Why would I not suffer? You experienced pain. You went through what I would call, crushing brokenness. Why wouldn’t I as well? Doesn’t that sound quite discouraging and depressing and defeating to you? It might, except I also know something else as well. What’s that? You are with me. You will never leave me. You will never forsake me. No, I will not. For that, I am thankful. For that I am thankful. Your closeness to me gives me hope. So no, I am not discouraged or depressed or defeated. That is very good.

I have something to say that might sound a little weird. What’s that? I wouldn’t want to live a life that had no pain or suffering in it. I wouldn’t exchange the crushing brokenness I have experienced for a pain free life on easy street. You’re right, that does sound a little weird. Let me ask myself some questions. Go ahead, this sounds interesting. Would I know you as well if I had never gone through suffering? I don’t think so. Would I have come to rely on you as much as I do if I had never experienced setbacks? I’m sure not. Have I not drawn near to you and you to me in the deepest and darkest and most painful moments of my life? Without, a doubt. Have I not experienced deeper measures of your love as I have cried out to you in anguish? That is for certain. Would I know you as well as I do if everything about my life was easy and went perfectly? Not hardly, maybe not even at all. Do I sound weird now? No, not at all.  How about this? You have even made me able to comfort others with the comfort you have given to me. That’s great. On top of that, you have held on to me. You have always lifted me up. You have carried me. You have led me though life. You have kept me moving forward with you. So no, I would not trade the life I have lived with you, for any other kind of life, especially one that seemed to promise me no pain or suffering or setbacks or defeat. That’s very good. Keep on leading me Lord. Yes, I will.

Lord, I know this sin tainted world is filled with brokenness and suffering. I have experienced my share of pain. I am thankful you have been near to me when have I been brokenhearted. You have comforted and lifted me up and kept me moving forward with you. Amen

Key Question… What prayers have you prayed to the Lord when you were crushed and brokenhearted?

Living It Out… Draw near to the Lord and receive His comfort when you are crushed and brokenhearted.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord is close to you when you are crushed and brokenhearted.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has been close to you when you were brokenhearted.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you cry out to the Lord because He is close to you.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 311 – Psalm 34-18 – Close To The Brokenhearted – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional

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

If Anyone Is Thirsty

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 335 - John 7:37-39 - If Anyone Is Thirsty - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 335 – John 7:37-39 – If Anyone Is Thirsty – Growing As Disciples

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.  Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.”  By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 7:37-39 (NIV)

Thirsty

I have been thirsty. By that, I don’t mean that I have wanted a little something to drink. What do you mean? I mean to say, I have been thirsty like a person crawling across the sun scorched desert floor in search of water. I have been dry and weary and worn out, looking for something to revive and refresh and renew my life. What have you discovered? I have discovered that I cannot revive and refresh and renew my life. I have discovered that nothing in this world can satisfy my thirst and revive and refresh and renew my life. Why is that? Only you can satisfy my thirst. Only you can revive and refresh and renew my life. In fact, it is my thirst for you that drew me to you. So, I am thankful beyond measure that you placed this thirst within me. That is very good.

You are correct in saying that you cannot satisfy your own thirst. It would be foolish for you to think that you can revive and refresh and renew your own life. But do you have no role in your thirst being satisfied? Oh yes, I have a role in my thirst being satisfied. Tell me about your role in your thirst being satisfied. You can make me lie down in green pastures. You can lead me by still waters. You can set up all the conditions that make me able to be revived and refreshed and renewed by you. But I still must drink of your refreshment. I must allow you to fill me with your living water. How will you drink? How will you be filled? How will my living water overflow your life? I will ask for you to satisfy my thirst. I will ask you to revive and refresh and renew my life. I will ask your living water to overflow my life. When will you ask? Where will you ask? How will you ask? I will ask you, as I am in your presence. I will ask you, as I come before you with a glad and thankful heart. I will ask you, as I live and walk through life in an intimate relationship with you. That will be very good. I will satisfy your thirst and revive and refresh and renew your life as you come and drink from me. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, I know that nothing from the world will ever be able to satisfy my thirst. There is a thirst within me that only you can satisfy. Thank you for satisfying my thirst and refreshing my life as I draw near to you. May your living water overflow my life to others. Amen

Key Question… How did your thirst first draw you to the Lord so you could be refreshed by Him?

Living It Out… Allow the Lord to satisfy your thirst and refresh your life as you draw near to Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will refresh your life as you draw near to Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are allowing the Lord to refresh your life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow Jesus Christ to satisfy your thirst.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 335 – John 7-37-39 – If Anyone Is Thirsty – 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