Monthly Archives: October 2022

Making The Most Of Every Opportunity

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 192 - Ephesians 5:15-20 - Making The Most Of Every Opportunity - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 192 – Ephesians 5:15-20 – Making The Most Of Every Opportunity – Growing As Disciples

Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:15-20 (NIV)

Every Opportunity

I will be careful. I will watch out. I will monitor all my thoughts and words and actions. I know that the days are evil. I live in a sin broken world. I don’t want anything about my thoughts or words or actions to hinder my ability to serve you. But I am asking you to help me to live a wise life. I am asking you to help me to be able to know and do your will. I want to be able to make the most of every opportunity you give to me to serve you. Do you believe that I will hear and answer these desires and prayers of yours? Yes, I do, without a doubt. That is very good. Yes, I will hear and answer these desires and prayers of yours. I will help you to live a wise life that is good and right and pleasing to me. I will help you to be wise in all that you think, say and do. Thank you, Lord.

What tool do you think I will use to help you to know and do my will? What tool will I use to help you to be wise in all that you think and so and do? You will use your word. You will use your word to guard and guide all my thoughts and words and actions. Yes, that is exactly what I will use to change your heart, transform your mind and guide your life. Now, does knowing that, place any responsibility on you? Yes, it does. I must come to meet with you in your word. I must take your word deep into my heart and mind and life. I must allow your word to feed and sustain and strengthen me. If you fail to meet with me in my word what will be the result? If I fail to meet with you in your word, I will not be able to know and do your will. I will not be able to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you because I will not have allowed your word to work in and through me. But that won’t happen to you. No, it won’t. Why is that? I meet with you every day in your word. Yes, you do and that is very good.

How will you be empowered to know and do my will? How will you be made able to make the most of every opportunity I give you to serve me? How will I empower you to do good by ministering to others? Your Holy Spirit will fill me. Your Holy Spirit will empower me. Your Holy Spirit will use your word, like a sword, to work in me, with me, for me and through me so that I can make the most of every opportunity to serve you by ministering to others. That is true. That is right. That is good. Now go with the power of my word and my Spirit working in and through you. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I will be careful how I live. Help me to be wise. I want to understand and accomplish your will. Fill me with your Spirit. Empower me to make the best use of opportunity to serve you. Thank you, for every opportunity you will give me to minister to others. Amen

Key Question… What opportunities has the Lord given you to serve Him by ministering to others?

Living It Out… Make the most of every opportunity that the Lord gives you to serve Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will give you abundant opportunities to serve Him.

Get Ready To Share…Share with another person or your small group how you made the most of an opportunity to serve the Lord.

Prayer To Bless Others…May you make the most of every opportunity the Lord gives you to serve Him.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 192 – Ephesians 5-15-20 – Every Opportunity – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide pdf

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

Given Me An Instructed Tongue

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 194 - Isaiah 50:4 - Given Me An Instructed Tongue - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 194 – Isaiah 50:4 – Given Me An Instructed Tongue – Growing As Disciples

The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. Isaiah 50:4 (NIV)

Weary

Well, I’m weary. If I’m weary, how will my words ever be able to sustain others who are weary? That is a very good question with a very simple answer. What’s that? Your words will never be able to sustain others who are weary. That is no surprise to me. Don’t think that you or anyone else will be able to live off of your words. Living on the power of your own thoughts, words and actions will guarantee one thing. What’s that? You will be weary. That then, is why I am weary right now. I have been relying in myself. That is a very important discovery. 

Is there something you would like to do differently? Is there a different way that you would like to live? Yes, I would like to live by your power. I want to be sustained by your words. I wanted to be lifted up, encouraged and strengthened by you. That is a very good desire. But desire is not enough. What action will you take? What will you do differently? I will listen to you. I will allow myself to hear from you. I will awaken to your voice. I will listen to all that you have to say to me. How will you allow yourself to be awaken so that you can hear my voice speaking to you? There is no mystery to that. In the morning, I will get up to meet with you. I will meet with you in your word. I will allow your word to sustain and strengthen me. I will allow your word to teach and train me. I will allow your word to develop my thoughts, form my words and guide my actions. That will be very good.

What will happen to you as you continue to meet with me in my word? I will be readied to be used by you. How so? Your teaching and training will prepare me to minister to others. As you sustain and strengthen me, I will be able to sustain and strengthen others with your words. As you teach and train me, I will be able to teach and train others with your words. You will give me an instructed tongue. I will not be speaking my words. I will not be living by the power of my own words. No, your words will be working in and through me. Your words working in and through me will make me able to lift up, encourage and strengthen others. Yes, they will. Keep on meeting with me in the morning. Keep on listening to me. Keep on being taught by me. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, there is no doubt about it. I am weary. Here I am in your presence. You have opened my ears. I am ready, willing and able to hear from you. Teach me. Use your word to sustain me so I will be able to speak words that will sustain others who are weary. Amen

Key Question… When has the Lord given you words to speak that sustained the weary?

Living It Out… Allow God to teach you morning by morning so you will be able to speak words to sustain the weary.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will give you words to speak that will sustain those who are weary.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have been able to sustain the weary with your words.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the Lord to give you words to speak that will sustain the weary.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 194 – Isaiah 50-4 – Given Me An Instructed Tongue – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

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

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

Imitators Of God

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 195 - Ephesians 5:1-2 - Imitators Of God - Growing As Disciples Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 195 - Ephesians 5:1-2 - Be Imitators Of God - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 195 – Ephesians 5:1-2 – Imitators Of God – Growing As Disciples

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)  

An Example

That is what I want my life to be. What’s that? I want my life to be a living and fragrant sacrifice to you. What does that mean? I want to go and do what you ask of me. I want to be at your service. I want to know and do your will. I want to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. Will that be very difficult for you? Will going and doing my will be demanding of you? Will serving me require giving your all and very best effort? Yes and no. How can your answer be both yes and no? Serving you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength will never be easy. Giving myself to you as a living sacrifice and fragrant offering will always require my very best. This is the yes part of my answer. But giving my all and best effort to serve you is the desire of my heart. There is nothing I want more than to be a fragrant offering to you. So, how difficult and demanding can it be to do what is the desire of heart? I have great joy in loving and following and serving you. That is the no part of my answer. No, it will not be difficult to serve you because I love you. Yes, it is difficult to serve you because it will require my all and very best effort. Your answers are very good. 

What has helped you in giving your all and very best effort to me? I have had an example to follow. I want to think and speak and act like Christ. I want to follow His example. I want to love like He loved. I want to give like He gave. I want to serve like He served. I want to go and do what He did. That is very good. How is it that you are coming to know and live out Christ’s example? Your word has shown me what He thought, what He said, and what He did. Your Holy Spirit has taken your word and applied it to my life. So, as I have listened to your word and followed the guidance of your Holy Spirit I have been coming to know and live out the example that Christ has set before me. That is very good. Keep on meeting with me in my word. Keep on listening to my Holy Spirit speaking to you. Then you will keep on offering yourself to me as a fragrant offering and living sacrifice to me. That is what I want. That is what I will do. That is very good. 

Lord, thank you for giving me an example to follow. I want to become like you in all I think, say and do. Help me to live like you lived. Help me to live as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Help me to go and do what you did. Help me to love like you loved. Amen

Key Question… What have you gone and done for God as a fragrant offering to Him?

Living It Out…  Imitate the life of Christ as you offer yourself as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to imitate Him as you offer yourself as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are imitating Christ and offering yourself to God.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you live as an imitator of God in all you think, say and do.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 195 – Ephesians 5-1-2 – Imitators 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

Present Everyone Mature In Christ

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 196 - Colossians 1:28-29 - Present Everyone Mature In Christ - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 196 – Colossians 1:28-29 – Present Everyone Mature In Christ – Growing As Disciples

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. Colossians 1:28-29 (ESV)

Move In, Move Out, Move On

That is exactly what I want to do. What’s that? I want to proclaim you. I want to make you known. I want others to come to know you as their Savior and Lord. I want others to grow mature in you. Those are very good desires. They are not just desires. I expect to move in, move out and move on. What do you mean by that? By “move in”, I mean draw near to you. I know that you will empower me. I know that you will give me passion. You will fill me with boldness. You will teach and train me. I know that, you will transform my thoughts, and words and actions so that I will be able to proclaim you near and far to those I know and those I do not yet know. Yes, I will do that in you and for you so I can work through you.

Tell me more about your expectation of “moving out”. The time of inactivity is over. The time of passively waiting is gone. The time of timidly thinking, speaking and acting is no more.  I expect that you will open my eyes and ears to hear and see the opportunities you have placed before me to proclaim you to others. I will move out with you. No longer will I lag behind or run ahead of you. I will follow you to where you lead me. I will go and do what you ask of me. I will allow you to powerfully and passionately use me to accomplish your purposes and plans. The time to “move out” is now. Yes, it is. Follow and serve me. Yes, Lord, I will.

What do you have to say about “moving on”? I know that you want me to grow mature in you. You want me to “move on” with you. You have new places you want me to go. You have new things you want me to do. Today, is a new day. Yes, it is. You want me to be fully engaged in helping others to grow mature in you. Yes, that is what I want to do through you. I also know that you will help me to grow mature in you as I help others to also grow mature in you. So, that is what I will do in this new day that is before me. I will “move in”, “move out” and “move on” with you. That will be very good. 

Lord, empower me with energy and passion and boldness to use all my thoughts, words and actions to proclaim you to those who do not know you. Give me your thoughts and words. Guide my actions. Powerfully use me to help others to become mature in you. Amen

Key Question… When have the thoughts, words and actions of others helped you to grow mature in Christ?

Living It Out… Make sure that you are energetically and passionately proclaiming Christ with all your thoughts, words and actions.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will empower you to proclaim Him to others in your circle of influence.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has empowered you to proclaim Him to others.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you powerfully and passionately proclaim Christ to others.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 196 – Colossians 1-28-29 – Present Everyone Mature In Christ – 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

Confess Your Sins To Each Other

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 197 - James 5:16-18 - Confess Your Sins To Each Other - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 197 – James 5:16-18 – Confess Your Sins To Each Other – Growing As Disciples

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. James 5:16-18 (NIV)

Powerful And Effective

That is what I want. What do you want? I want my prayers to be powerful and effective. I want to pray prayers that you will hear and answer. I don’t want anything to hinder my prayers. What will hinder your prayers? Sin will hinder my prayers from being heard and answered. Why do you suppose that Is? Well, first of all, if I am living in sin, it is certain that I will be far less likely to pray. Is this the voice of some of your past experience? Yes, it is. Nothing is more likely to keep from drawing near to you in prayer than living a sinful life that is not good and right and pleasing to you. That’s true. What else? If I am not living a life that is vitally connected to you, it is very unlikely that I will be able to pray prayers that are according to your will. Why is that? Living a life that is not vitally connected to you will definitely dull my ability to hear your voice speaking to me. It is almost impossible for me to know and do your will when I am not living in an intimate relationship with you. In this condition, I or anyone else are much more likely to be listening to voices other than yours. That’s not good. No, it’s not.

What will you do if you want me to hear and answer your prayers? I will draw near to you. I will confess my sins to you. I will also confess my sins to anyone that I have hurt or harmed in anyway. I will make sure that no sin of any kind is hindering my prayers and my relationship with you. I will receive your forgiveness and cleansing. That will be very good. What else? I will live in an ongoing relationship and dialogue of prayer with you. I know that you want me to live in an intimate relationship with you. Yes, I do. In the context of our intimate relationship you will both give and grant me prayers to pray. What does that mean? You will give me prayers to pray that you will hear and answer. You will teach me to pray according to your will. Yes, I will do that for you, as you live in an intimate relationship with me. Living in an intimate relationship, vitally connected to you, will help also me to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you. This is the righteous life that I will live with all your help and power and strength. You will have all you need from me. You will be praying powerful and effective prayers. For that I am thankful beyond words. That is very good.

Lord, you have forgiven my sin and cleansed my unrighteousness. You have made me righteous in the eyes of God. The position I have in you, does not release me from living a life that is good and right and pleasing to you. That is how I will live before you Amen

Key Question… Why must you make it your regular practice to confess your sins to God and others?

Living It Out… Live a life before God that is good and right and pleasing to Him in all you think, say and do.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will hear and answer your prayers as a life that is pleasing to Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has been hearing and answering your prayers.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you confess your sins to each other as you pray for one another.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 197 – James 5-16-18 – Confess Your Sins To Each Other – 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 Am I That I Should Go?

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 198 - Exodus 3:11-12 - Who Am I That I Should Go? - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 198 – Exodus 3:11-12 – Who Am I That I Should Go? – Growing As Disciples

But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” Exodus 3:11-12 (NIV)  

Who Am I?

Haven’t I asked you that question many times before? Yes, you have asked me that question many times. Why have you asked me that question? What did you have on your mind when you asked me that question? I have asked you that question when I have felt incapable and unqualified and unprepared to go and do what you have asked of me. I have asked you that question when I have felt insignificant and powerless to accomplish your purposes. I have asked you that question when I have felt that you have asked too much of me. I have asked you that question when I have been timid and filled with worry and doubt and anxiety. So, this question is not a prelude to your expressing all your great faith and trust in me. Not at all. You have expressed this question when you have thought that you would be left all alone to go and do what I asked of you. In response to the assignment I wanted to give you, you took a personal inventory of yourself and said, “no way, it’s not going to happen. Send someone else, I’m not up to the job. I can’t do what you are asking of me.” That’s right. I’m not proud of my response to you. But what you have said is the absolute truth.

How have I responded to you when you have tried to turn down an assignment from me? Generally, you have not accepted my turning down your assignments. How do you feel about that? Would you have preferred that I moved on to someone else? Would you like it better if I never asked you to do something for me? No, not at all. I want to go and do what you ask of me. I want to be used by you. That’s good. What have I also done for you when you have tried to turn down my assignments? You have assured me that you will be with me to help me. You have always empowered me to go and do what you have asked of me. Yes, I have done both of these things for you so you could take on and complete my assignments.

I would like to clear a few things up for you. Like what? You are not small and insignificant. You are not incapable, unqualified or unprepared. Since I will always be with you to help you there is no need for you to be filled with worry, doubt and anxiety. You also may be sure that I have been and will be preparing you for all the assignments I will give to you. You can also be certain that I have given you gifts and talents and abilities to serve me. Oh, and one more thing. What’s that? You can be positive that my assignments will always be challenging. My assignments will cause you to place all your faith in me. You will need to rely on me as you go and do what I ask of you. Is that a bad thing? No, that is very good thing. I want to grow in my faith. I want to rely on you. I want to place all my faith and trust in you. That is very good. Now, go and do what I ask of you. Yes, Heavenly Father, I will.

Heavenly Father, I am happy to take on any assignment you give to me. I will go and do what you ask of me. I know you will be with me to help me. I have faith to believe you will work in and through me to accomplish your purposes for your kingdom and glory. Amen

Key Question… Why is it not unusual for God to give you an assignment that was beyond your abilities?

Living It Out… Take on any assignment God gives you with the knowledge that He will be with you to help you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will be with you to help you with any assignment He gives you.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have grown in faith as you have served God.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you take on all the assignments your Heavenly Father gives to you.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 198 – Exodus 3-11-12 – Who Am I That I Should Go? – 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

Say No To Ungodliness And Worldly Passions

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 199 - Titus 2:11-14 - Say No To Ungodliness And Worldly Passions - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 199 – Titus 2:11-14 – Say No To Ungodliness And Worldly Passions – Growing As Disciples

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)  

No

I understand the importance of that word. You understand the importance of what word? I understand the importance of the word, no. Is there something that you want to tell me about the word, no? Yes, I have something to say about the word, no. I’m listening. You have taught me why to say no ungodliness and worldly passion. You have taught me when to say no to ungodliness and worldly passion. You have taught me how to be able to say no to ungodliness and worldly passion. I can’t wait to hear what you have to say. You already know what I will say. Yes, that is true. But that does not mean that I won’t have joy in hearing what you have to say. Here goes. You have taught me why it is important that I say no to ungodliness and worldly passion. Why is that? If I want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you, I will say no to ungodliness and worldly passion. If I want to shine brightly as your witness in the world, I will say no to ungodliness and worldly passion. If I want to live a life that bears fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name, I will say no to ungodliness and worldly passion. Yes, those are all very good reasons for you to say no to ungodliness and worldly passion.

You have taught me when to say no to ungodliness and worldly passion. It is also critically important that I make an advance decision to say no to ungodliness and worldly passion. Why is that? Ungodliness and worldly passion is not something to be uncertain about or play around with. Making an advance decision about ungodliness and worldly passion will help me to not enter into tempting situations in the first place. My advance decision will also help me to immediately flee ungodliness and worldly passion when I see it approaching. The surest way to fall into temptation is to linger around it. So, the time to make a decision about ungodliness and worldly passion is right now. Yes, it is. And the answer is no. That is very good.

Finally, you have taught me how to say no to ungodliness and worldly passion. This has taken me the longest time to understand. The only way that I will ever be able to say no to ungodliness and worldly passion is by keeping my heart and mind and life focused on you. I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you. I am excited and anxiously awaiting your return. I am filled with all the hope I have in you. I want to live the life you have called me to live. My mind is made up. Why would I want anything else or less? I don’t. I know that you will make me able to say no to ungodliness and worldly passion as I love, follow and serve you. Yes, I will. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, I will say no to ungodliness and worldly passions. I will not allow myself to enter into tempting situations. I will keep my heart and mind and life focused on you. I am anxiously awaiting your return. I know you will help me to live a life that pleases you. Amen

Key Question… Why is it critically important to make an advance decision to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions?

Living It Out… Make an advance decision to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the grace of God will help you to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God is helping you to live a self-controlled and godly life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you say no to living an ungodly life.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 199 – Titus 2-11-14 – Say No To Ungodliness And Worldly Passions – 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 This Is God’s Will For You In Christ Jesus

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 200 - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - For This Is God's Will For You In Christ Jesus - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 200 – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – For This Is God’s Will For You In Christ Jesus – Growing As Disciples

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

Circumstances

I know something about circumstances. What’s that? My circumstances will be uncertain. My circumstances will be unpredictable. My circumstances will not always be enjoyable. Does this come as some big surprise to you? No, not really. I know that this is a sin broken world. There is pain and suffering and evil in this world. There are temptations and trials in this life. You experienced the pain and suffering and evil that is in this world. You were not exempt. Why would I be exempt? No, I am certain to experience adverse and difficult circumstances in life. That’s true.

How will you go through circumstances in life? Will you allow your circumstances in life to dictate your thoughts, feelings and values? Who will you rely on as you go through difficult circumstances in life? Will you rely on yourself? Will you rely on me? How will you respond to painful and troubling circumstances in life? Those are all very good questions. There is one thing I know for certain. What’s that? You will be with me to help me as I go through all the circumstances of life. Yes, I will be with you to help you.  I will never be alone. That’s right. It seems to me that trying circumstances will give me focused opportunities to draw near to you. In every difficult and trying circumstance I can draw close to you. You will comfort me. You will strengthen me. You will encourage me. You will carry me through every difficulty. Yes, I will do all these things for you. Receiving your help fills my heart with joy. Experiencing your presence fills my heart with thankfulness. So, even in the midst of trying circumstances, in the midst of great difficulty, I can be joyful and thankful because I know that you will be with me to help me. Yes, I will. In the midst of difficult circumstances, I will know that I will be learning to come to rely on you. I will know that I will be learning to know and do your will because I will remain joyful and thankful as I place all my hope and faith and trust in you. I will keep on being joyful and thankful and prayerful as I walk with you through all the difficult circumstances in life. That will be very good. Thank you, Lord for being with me to help me. 

Lord, I need your help. I want to be joyful and thankful and prayerful throughout all the varied circumstances of life. I want to know and do your will everyday as I love and follow and serve you. You are my joy. For you I give thanks. To you I make my prayers. Amen

Key Question… Why will it sometime take great concerted effort to be joyful, prayerful and thankful in life?

Living It Out… Always be joyful, thankful and prayerful as you love, follow and serve the Lord.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to remain joyful, thankful and prayerful throughout life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group a joyful and thankful prayer to the Lord.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you be joyful, thankful and prayerful as you love, follow and serve the Lord.

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

Day 200 – Becoming Like Christ – 1 Thessalonians 5-16-18 – For This Is God’s Will For You In Christ Jesus – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 201 - Matthew 5:3 - Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 201 – Matthew 5:3 – Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit – Growing As Disciples

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 (NIV)

Spiritual Poverty

Nothing is more certain. Nothing is surer of being true. What is that? Apart from you, I live in spiritual poverty. Apart from you, I am a spiritual pauper. That is a very important discovery. That is a very important acknowledgement. I know that to be true, without a doubt. Why is that? It was the discovery and acknowledgment of my spiritual poverty that led me to you. I did not know why I felt empty. I did not know why I felt no hope and meaning in life. I did not know why I had no purpose and direction in life. I just knew that I was living a bruised and battered and broken life. I was certainly living and walking on a path that led away from you. There is no doubt that I was living a life that was not good and right and pleasing to you. I was weary and worn out. I was desperate for something more or different. I wanted something else. What that was, I did not know. If someone would have told me that I was poor in spirit, they would have received no argument from me. That’s good.

What happened to you? You are asking me that question? Yes, I am. You happened to me. You would not let me go. You rescued me from a life without you. You heard my poverty filled cry. I asked you to show yourself to me. I asked you to come into my life. I asked you to be my Savior and Lord. Not that I get any credit for crying out to you. It was you who drew me to yourself. It was you that made me able to see and acknowledge my spiritual poverty. It was you who forgave my sin and cleansed my unrighteousness. It was you who has enabled me to live in a vibrant and intimate relationship with you. I love you now, because your first loved me. You adopted me into your family and made me your own. Yes, I have done all these things in you and for you. For that, I am thankful beyond words. That is very good.

What do you know now? I know that apart from you, I will always live in spiritual poverty. I know that living in a vibrant and intimate relationship with you will bring your blessings into my life. You will guard and guide me. You will lead and direct me. You will use me to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. You will allow me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. You will bless my life as I love, follow and serve you. Nothing will ever be better than living my life with and for you. That is true. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, I know that, apart from you, I live in spiritual poverty. I know that I need to come to rely on you for all my spiritual needs. I know that you will revive, refresh, restore and bless my spiritual life as I live in a vibrant and intimate relationship with you. Amen

Key Question… How has acknowledging your own spiritual poverty brought God’s blessings into your life?

Living It Out… Acknowledge your spiritual poverty and rely on the Lord to meet your spiritual needs.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will bless your life as you rely on Him to meet your spiritual needs.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how acknowledging your spiritual needs keeps you reliant on the Lord.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you live in a vibrant and intimate relationship with the Lord.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 201 – Matthew 5-3 – Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit – 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

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 202 - Matthew 5:4 - Blessed Are Those Who Mourn - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 202 – Matthew 5:4 – Blessed Are Those Who Mourn – Growing As Disciples

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 (NIV)

Mourning 

What do you know about mourning? That is an interesting question. I’m not exactly sure how to answer that question. I have experienced pain and suffering and loss. Of that, I am very sure. Have others experienced greater pain and suffering and loss and mourning than I? Yes, I suppose that is true. Is my share of pain and suffering and loss yet to arrive? That may be true. At one time, I thought I liked change. I’m not so sure anymore. Change has brought its own grief and sadness. I have mourned the loss of what once was and is no more, nor can ever be again. My youth is gone. I mourn that. Friends and family are gone. I mourn that. Past roles and responsibilities are gone. I mourn that. I even mourn my weaknesses and failings and sin. Maybe “even”, is the wrong word. I especially mourn my weaknesses and failing and sins. Sometimes, I ask, “Why is there so much pain and suffering and loss and mourning in this life?”  The only answer I have to that question is that this is a sin broken life. I mourn that too.

What has happened to you in your mourning? Has nothing good come from out of your mourning? Much good has come to me in my mourning. In my mourning, I have cried out to you. My mourning has formed many of my prayers to you. Those prayers have not gone unheard and unanswered. You have drawn near to me as I have mourned. You have mourned when I have mourned. You have comforted me in my mourning. Had I never mourned I would have never need comforting. Had I never been comforted I would have never known your love and care for me. Had I never mourned my weaknesses and failing and sins, I would have never confessed them to you. Had I never confessed my sins and received your forgiveness and cleansing, I would have never come to know you. I tell you what. What? I would much rather mourn. That’s good. Out of my mourning you have richly blessed my life. That is true.

What has your mourning taught you? My mourning has taught me that you love and care for me. My mourning has taught me that a better life awaits me. One day, I will come to live forever in heaven with you. Then there will be no sickness and sadness and suffering and loss. There will be no mourning when I am in heaven with you. My mourning has taught me to look to you now and to remember that I have a future forever in heaven with you.  Yes, you do. That is very good. Yes, it is.

Lord, you have never left me alone in my mourning. You come alongside me to comfort me. You have drawn me close to you and held on to me. You bandaged my wounds and healed my broken heart. You have lifted me up and kept me moving forward with you. Amen

Key Question… When have you mourned the loss of someone or something near and dear to you?

Living It Out… Draw near to the Lord, cry out to Him, allow Him to comfort you when you are mourning.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will draw near to you and comfort you in your mourning.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has comforted you in your mourning.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the Lord to comfort you in your mourning.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 202 – Matthew 5-4 – Blessed Are Those Who Mourn – 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