Monthly Archives: November 2022

May The Meditation Of My Heart Be Pleasing In Your Sight

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 149 - Psalm 19:14- May The Meditation Of My Heart Be Pleasing in Your Sight - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 149 – Psalm 19:14- May The Meditation Of My Heart Be Pleasing in Your Sight – Growing As Disciples

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NIV)

Pleasing You

There is only one way that will happen. What’s that? There is only one way that my thoughts, words and actions will ever be fully pleasing to you. How is that? For my thoughts or words or actions to be fully pleasing to you, they will have to come from you. Why is that? My heart and mind and life are not naturally in alignment with your thoughts or words or actions. Thoughts or words or actions that are pleasing to you don’t naturally coming spilling out of my life. For that to happen, my life needs a complete overhaul. I need a full restoration. How is that possible? You tell me. No, you tell me. Do you think I know the answer to that question? I know that you know the answer to that question. I need a new heart and mind and life. That is the starting point. Yes, that is the starting point. You are well past the starting point. You asked me into your life long ago. You received my forgiveness and cleansing of your sin long ago. I filled you with my Spirit long ago. I became your Savior and Lord long ago. Yes, you did. I gave you a new heart and mind and life, long ago. Yes, you did.

Well, I don’t always think and speak and act in ways that are fully pleasing to you, of that I am positive. Let me ask you a few questions. I’m listening. When you gave your life to me, I began a good work in you. I began the work of transforming your heart and mind and life, did I not? Yes, you did. When do you think I will finish with my work in you? I think you will be working in and through me until the day I come to meet with you face to face. Yes, I will. What tool will I use to keep on transforming your heart and mind and life? Or, I could say, you mentioned the starting point, what is continuing point? I’m not sure. What do I want you to do? You want me to come to meet with you in your word. You will use your word to keep on transforming my heart and mind and life. You will use your word to help me to think thoughts, speak words and take actions that are fully pleasing to you. Yes, I will. Will you continue to meet with me in my word? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. I will continue to do my good work in you. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, you are my rock and redeemer. I will make your word the meditation of my heart. I will allow your word to transform the thoughts of my mind, words of my mouth and actions of my life. Help me to fully please you with all my thoughts, words and actions. Amen

Key Question… Why will the condition of your heart be displayed by your thoughts, words and actions?

Living It Out… .Allow God’s word to transform all your thoughts, words and actions so that they are fully pleasing to Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to think thoughts, speak words and take actions that are fully pleasing to Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God’s word is forming your thoughts, words and actions.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you meditate on God’s word so that all your thoughts, words and actions can be pleasing to Him.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 149 – Psalm 19-14 – Meditation Of My Heart Be Pleasing In Your Sight – 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

He Who Does These Things Will Never Be Shaken

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 150 - Psalm 15:1-5 - He Who Does These Things Will Never Be Shaken - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 150 – Psalm 15:1-5 – He Who Does These Things Will Never Be Shaken – Growing As Disciples

LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken. Psalm 15:1-5 (NIV)

Not Shaken

Here is the bottom line for me. I want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you. I want to live a life that you can and will bless. I want to live a life that will never be shaken. I want to live in an intimate relationship with you. I want to dwell in your sanctuary. I want to live on your holy hill. Although, I’m not sure where that is or what that means. But it sounds very good to me. Why is that? I want to be wherever you are. I don’t want to wander away from your presence. I don’t want to live a life that would separate me from you. That is very good. 

How will you live a life that is good and right and pleasing to me? Why do you want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to me? Let me take that second question first. I have never understood the idea of fearing you as a motivation to live my life for you. I do have an awesome respect and holy awe of you. I’m sure that I have a healthy fear of you as well. But I want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you because I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I would agree wholeheartedly with your word when it says that your kindness is meant to lead me to repentance. That is what has happened to me. I love you because you first loved me. I have turned my life over to you because I passionately want to know and love and follow and serve you. That is very good. Now, let me answer your first question. Go right ahead. I cannot fully live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you without your help. No, you cannot. You are the one who is changing me. You are the one who is molding and shaping me. You are making me into the person you want me to become. Yes, I am. I welcome your work in me. Yes, I will. I have worked in you. I am working in you. I will work in you. My work in your life will never stop. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, I want to live a life that is pleasing to you. I want to live in an intimate relationship with you. I want to dwell in your sanctuary and live on your holy hill. Help me to live a life of integrity that you will fully bless. Help me to live a life that cannot be shaken. Amen

Key Question… How will living a life of loving, following and serving the Lord keep you from being shaken?

Living It Out… .Rely on the Lord to help you to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to live in ways that are pleasing to Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord is helping you to live in ways that are pleasing to Him.

Prayer To Bless Others…May you live a life that is pleasing to God and cannot be shaken.

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

Day 150 – Becoming Like Christ – Psalm 15-1-5 – He Who Does These Things Will Never Be Shaken – 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

Shine Like Stars In The Universe

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 151 - Philippians 2:14-16 - Shine Like Stars In The Universe - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 151 – Philippians 2:14-16 – Shine Like Stars In The Universe – Growing As Disciples

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life–in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. Philippians 2:14-16 (NIV) 

A Star In The Universe

That is what I want my life to be like. What do you want your life to be like? I want my life to be like a star that shines brightly in the universe for you. Let me be clear, my desire to shine brightly in the universe is for you. I am not concerned with making a name for myself. I am not trying to elevate my life above others. I would be satisfied to quietly serve you in some small corner of the world, if that were what you asked of me. Some of the small corners of the world do not receive much light. I know that you want everyone to hear about the salvation that they can have in you. You want others to see your life being lived out in and through your followers, Yes, I do. I want that very same thing. We are in complete agreement. That is very good.

What could hinder your being able to shine brightly as a witness in the world for me? Sin of any kind will dramatically dull my ability to shine brightly as a witness in the world for you. Do you have any sin in particular in mind? Yes, I do. I must confess that I have been a whiner and complainer and arguer. About what? You know. Yes, I do know. But you said you had something that you want to confess. Yes, I did. I’m listening. I have whined and complained and argued about my lot in life. At times, I have wished that my life would have been lived out differently. How so? I don’t really know. I have wanted something vaguely different or better or more. Sometimes, I have not liked your assignments. Rarely, have I run away from or turned down your assignments. But frequently, I have whined and complained or argued about them. That’s not good. No, I know that it is not. I know that whining and complaining and arguing is not pleasing to you. It is not. So, I have decided to stop whining and complaining and arguing. That’s good. How has your life changed since you have decided to stop whining, complaining and arguing? That is a very good question. Why is that? There have been dramatic changes. Tell me about them. I have born more fruit for you. I have had more joy in serving you. I have shined more brightly as a witness for you in the world. Then you are shining more like a star in the universe for me. Yes, I am. For that, I am very thankful.  That is very good.

Lord, I have been a whiner, complainer and arguer. I know how unpleasant I have been to be around. No more! Help me to be a bold and bright witness in the world. Help me to shine like a star in the universe. I will not whine or complain or argue about my life. Amen

Key Question… Why will complaining or arguing certainly hinder your ability to be a witness for Christ in the world?

Living It Out… .Follow the Lord’s example by going through life without arguing or complaining.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to shine like a star in the universe as a witness for Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have decided not to complain or argue about your lot in life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you live life without complaining or arguing so you will be a witness for Christ in the world.

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

Day 151 – Becoming Like Christ – Philippians 2-14-16 – Shine Like Stars In The Universe – 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 A Life Worthy Of The Calling

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 152 - Ephesians 4:1-3 - Live A Life Worthy Of The Calling - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 152 – Ephesians 4:1-3 – Live A Life Worthy Of The Calling – Growing As Disciples

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV)

A Worthy Life

Well, I can’t tell you how many times I have failed in this regard. What’s that? In so many ways, I have failed to live to live a life worthy of the calling I have received from you. Do you think this comes as a shocking surprise to me? No, I don’t. I wanted to let you know that I know how desperately I need your help to live out the calling I have received from you. That’s good. What’s good about that? You know that you need my help. You know that you can’t possibly live out the calling you have received under your own power and strength. If you were to think that your own very best efforts would lead to you living a life worthy of my calling that would be a tragic mistake. Why is that? I have called you to live in an intimate relationship with me. I have called you to live a life that is reliant on me. I am the one who will mold and shape you. I am the one who will change your heart, transform your mind and guide your life. That’s great. I welcome all your good work in me. I trust that you will make me into the person you want me to become. I will submit my heart and mind and life to you. Do your work in and through me. Yes, I will.

Do you know when and where and how I will change your heart, transform your mind and guide your life? I’m not sure. Tell me. In my presence, you will come to know me. In my presence you will come to love me. In my presence, you will desire to follow and serve me. In my presence, you will desire to think my thoughts, speak my words and take my actions. In my presence, I will do my work in you. In my presence, I will make you to be like me in all that you think, say and do. As you keep on coming to me it will be the utmost desire of your heart to live a life that is pleasing to me. As you keep on coming to me you will definitely be able to live a life that is worthy of my calling. Thank you, Lord. I will keep on coming to you. That will be very good.

Lord, I have far fallen short of living a life worthy of my calling. Forgive me. Help me to be humble and gentle and patient and loving. I want to live in peaceful unity with others. I will make every effort to live a life worthy of the calling I have received from you. Amen

Key Question… How is the Lord making you to be more like Him as you live your life with and for Him?

Living It Out… .Live a life worthy of your calling by being humble, gentle, patient and loving as you live in peaceful unity with others.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to live a life worthy of the calling you received from Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord is helping you to live a life worthy of your calling.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you live a life that is worthy of your calling.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 152 – Ephesians 4-1-3 – Life A Life Worthy Of The Calling – 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

But Because You Say So

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 153 - Luke 5:5 - But Because You Say So - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 153 – Luke 5:5 – But Because You Say So – Growing As Disciples

Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Luke 5:5 (NIV)  

Obey Me

Will you obey? Don’t answer me yet. Will you go and do what I ask of you even when you do not understand? Must you agree with me completely before you will follow and obey me? Will you pick and choose when you will or will not do what I ask of you? Such an approach would not be obeying you at all. If I were to pick and choose when I would or would not obey you that would make me the guide of my own life. I cannot say that you are both my Savior and Lord if I rely on my own instruction and follow my own guidance. Such behavior would also be foolish and unproductive. Why is that? I am not all wise. I am not all knowing. I am not all powerful. Apart from you, I can accomplish nothing that will be of lasting and eternal value. Guiding my own life will lead to nothing but weariness on the way to accomplishing nothing. That’s true.

There is something else that I know. What’s that? You seldom make all the details relating to my next steps in life known to me. Why do you suppose that is? I can think of a few reasons why that is true. I’m listening. You want me to live in an intimate relationship with you. You want me to come to rely on you. You want me to walk in faith with you. You want me to know that you are working in and through my life. You want to accomplish your purposes and plans in and through me so that glory is brought to your name so that others come to have faith in you. For all of these reasons, you often reveal my next steps in life one step at a time. Is that alright with you? Do I have a choice? Very funny. No, you do not have a choice. Yes, it is alright with me whenever and however you want to reveal to me my next steps in life. I want you to be able to accomplish all your purposes and plans in and through my life. That’s good.

There is something else I know. What’s that? I know that you will sometimes test me. How so? You will ask me to go and do what I don’t fully understand to let both you and I know if I will obey you. You already know. But I do not. So, I’m asking you to help me to always say yes to you. Help me to always obey you. That I will do. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, I know you will sometimes ask me to do what I don’t fully understand. It is not my job to pick and choose when I will follow and obey you. I go and do whatever you ask of me. Give me your power so I will be able to accomplish your purposes and plans. Amen

Key Question… When has the Lord asked you to do something for Him that you did fully understand?

Living It Out… .Go and do whatever the Lord asks of you even when you don’t fully understand why.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord your life will bear fruit as you go and do what the Lord asks of you.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are going and doing whatever the Lord asks of you.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you do what the Lord asks of you even when you don’t fully understand why.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 153 – Luke 5-5 – But Because You Say So – 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

Teach Me Your Ways So I May Know You

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 154 - Exodus 33:12-17 - Teach Me Your Ways So I May Know You - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 154 – Exodus 33:12-17 – Teach Me Your Ways So I May Know You – Growing As Disciples

Moses said to the LORD, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” And the LORD said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” Exodus 33:12-17 (NIV)

My Prayer

This is my prayer. What is your prayer? I want to know you. I want to walk in your ways. I want your presence to be with me. I want your favor to rest on me. I want you to make me able to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. I want to live a life that is pleasing to you. I want to glorify your name in all that I think, say and do. I want to be powerfully used by you so that I can bear abundant fruit for your kingdom. I know that none of this will be possible without your help. None of this will happen unless you hear and answer my prayers. Do you believe that I will hear and answer your prayers? Yes, I do. Do you believe that I will accomplish my purposes and fulfill my plans in and through you? Yes, I do. That is very good.

What must you do if you want me to accomplish all that you have asked of me? I must keep on coming to you. I must live a life that is reliant on you. I must live a life of prayer with you. I must live in an intimate relationship with you. I will meet with you in prayer. I will meet with you in your word. I will meet with you in worship. I will live a life that is fully devoted to you. This is the life that I want to live. This is the life that I desire. I want nothing more than to love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. Make me able to live this kind of life. Accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans in and through my life. Help me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Place your hand on me. Let your favor rest on me. I want what you want. I will go where you send me. I will do what you ask of me. My life is in your hands. Use me in your service. I will hear and answer your prayers. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, there is nothing I want more than to come to know you and find favor with you. It is my utmost desire to live in ways that please you and bring glory to your name. Help me to know and love and follow and serve you. Use my life completely in your service. Amen

Key Question… How are you asking for the Lord’s favor to be on you so you can know Him and His ways?

Living It Out… .Ask the Lord to teach you His ways so that you can come to know Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will teach you His ways so you can come to know Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has helped you to come to know Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you come to know and find favor with the Lord.

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

Day 154 – Becoming Like Christ – Exodus 33-12-17 – Teach Me Your Ways So I May Know You – 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

But You Will Receive Power

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 155 - Acts 1:8 - But You Will Receive Power - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 155 – Acts 1:8 – But You Will Receive Power – Growing As Disciples

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)

Power

I want to be your witness in the world. I want to be used by you to draw others to yourself. I know that my efforts to be your witness in the world have often been powerless and feeble attempts. I know that apart from you I can do nothing of lasting and eternal value. Operating under my own power and strength will accomplish nothing. I know where the problem has been in the past. I have neither waited for or relied on your power to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. I am very tired of living a fruitless life. I have had enough of rushing off to take on your assignments by myself. I don’t want any more of that. That’s good.

So, what will you do differently now that you have realized that your efforts alone will never be enough to go and do my will? I will wait for and rely on your power. I will meet with you in prayer. I will ask for your help. I will receive your instruction and follow your guidance. That does not mean that I will sit around forever. I know that there is a time to wait and a time to move out. I will wait for your green light. When you say wait, I will wait.  When you say go, I will go. It seems to me that there is a time of waiting and a time to take that faith filled first step. I will follow your timing rather than my own. I will take my first and every step with you. I want you to lead me. I want you to guide. I want you to direct my efforts. That will be very good.

Your power does seem to come with that faith filled first step. You’ve noticed? Yes, I have noticed that your power does not come to those who rush off without you. Yes, I have noticed that your power does not come to those who do not move out with you. So, I will neither run ahead of you or lag behind you. I will allow you to lead me to where you want me to go. I will allow you to give me what you want me to do. That will be very good.

Then what will you expect? What will you hope for? What will you have faith to believe? I believe that you will work in and through my life. Your Holy Spirit will empower me to do your work. Your Holy Spirit will make me able to do what I could never do by myself. Your Holy Spirit will empower me to be your witness in the world around me. Yes, He will. I will powerfully use you as my witness in the world. You will accomplish the work that I will give you to do for me. Your hopes and dreams and prayers that I have given to you will be answered. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, I know that without the power of your Holy Spirit working in and through me, I will be unable to be your witness in the world. Empower me. Make me able to go and do your work. Use me near and far to be your witness so many will come to know you. Amen

Key Question… How has the power of the Holy Spirit made you able to do what you could not have done by yourself?

Living It Out… .Wait for and rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you to be Christ’s witness in the world.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Holy Spirit will empower you to be Christ’s witness in the world.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Holy Spirit has empowered you to be Christ’s witness.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you wait for and rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you to be Christ’s witness in the world.

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

Day 155 – Becoming Like Christ – Acts 1-8 – But You Will Receive Power – 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

This Is How We Know What Love Is

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 156 - 1 John 3:16-18 - This Is How We Know What Love Is - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 156 – 1 John 3:16-18 – This Is How We Know What Love Is – Growing As Disciples

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:16-18 (NIV)

Love Others

I have not always loved others with my actions. I have not always had my eyes and ears open to see and hear the opportunities that are before me to love others with my actions.  I’m sure that I have walked right on by opportunities to love others with my actions. Forgive me. You are forgiven. What is it that you want? I want to follow your example. I want to love like you loved. I want to do what you did. What did I do? You humbled yourself. You took on the form of a servant. You loved others with your thoughts, words and actions. You laid down your life for others. Yes, that is what I did for others. That is what I did for you. For that, I am thankful beyond what my words could possibly express. That is good.

How will you love others with your actions? I’m not sure. How will you lead me to love others with my actions? You have answered my question with your question. How so? You tell me. I will follow you to where you lead me. I will do whatever you ask of me. I will keep my heart and mind and life attentive to you. I will open my eyes and ears to see and hear the opportunities to love others that you have placed before me.  I will not walk right on by the opportunities you give me to love others with my actions. That will be very good. 

How will you benefit by loving others with your actions? I have not thought of that. Think about that question now. I will have great joy in following your example. I will rejoice that I have been used by you to help draw others to you. I will have great peace in knowing that you have used me to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. I will have satisfaction in knowing that I have been able to shine brightly as your witness in the darkness of the world around me. I will be grateful that you have made me able to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. In addition to all this, I will be thankful that you have allowed me to store up treasure in heaven with you as I love, follow and serve you. That is very good. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, I will not love others only with my words. I will follow your example. I will lay down my life for others. I will do for others what you have done for me. I will love others with my actions. Give me opportunities to demonstrate your love to others in the world. Amen

Key Question… How has loving others with your actions allowed you share the love of God with others?

Living It Out… Follow the Lord’s example by loving others with your actions.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to love others with your actions.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has led you to help others with your actions.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you follow the Lord’s example by loving others with your actions.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 156 – 1 John 3-16-18 – This Is How We Know What Love Is– 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

The Fruit Of The Spirit Is

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 156 - Galatians 5:22-26 - The Fruit Of The Spirit Is - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 156 – Galatians 5:22-26 – The Fruit Of The Spirit Is – Growing As Disciples

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Galatians 5:22-26 (NIV)

In Step 

I want your fruit to grow and develop in me. I want all your fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control to fully flourish in me. That is a very good desire to have in you. How do you suppose this desire came to be yours? This desire does not come from the world. This desire did not originate in me. You placed this desire in my heart and mind. You gave me the desire to live by your Spirit rather than by the thoughts and values and principles of the world. You made it possible for the passions and desires of my old sinful nature to be crucified on the cross with you. The old me no longer lives. You have given me a completely new life to live in you. Yes, that is exactly what I have done for you.

I have noticed something about you. What’s that? You are sometimes impatient. You want to see more progress. You want to see more results. You want to see more of my fruit in your life. There is no doubt about that. Don’t be discouraged. Don’t lose heart. My fruit is growing in you. Day by day and moment by moment, my fruit is steadily and surely growing in you. You may be the last one to recognize the slow and steady and sure growth of my fruit in you. But have faith that my fruit has been and will continue to grow in you. Yes Lord, I will.

There is one way for you to be certain that my fruit is and will continue to grow in you. How is that? You tell me. I will keep in step with your Spirit. I will be attentive to the Spirit’s work in and through me. I will listen to the Spirit’s voice. I will follow His instruction. I will receive His guidance. I will go where I am led. I will do what I am asked. I will certainly continue to leave behind the old and worldly and sinful life I once lived. I will keep on living the new and vibrant and alive life that you have given me to live with and for you. That will be very good. 

Holy Spirit help me to keep in step with you. Help me to live by your Spirit living and working in and through me. Grow your fruit in me. Cause your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control to fully flourish in me. Amen

Key Question… How has your life changed slowly, day by day, over time as you have sought to live by the Spirit?

Living It Out… Keep in step with the Holy Spirit so He can continue to grow His fruit in you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Holy Spirit will grow His fruit in you.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are keeping in step with the Holy Spirit.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you keep in step with the Holy Spirit so He can grow His fruit in you.

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

Day 157 – Becoming Like Christ – Galatians 5-22-26 – The Fruit Of The Spirit Is – 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

Came A Gentle Whisper

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 158 - 1 Kings 19:11-12- Came A Gentle Whisper - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 158 – 1 Kings 19:11-12- Came A Gentle Whisper – Growing As Disciples

The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:11-12 (NIV)

Quiet 

I know one thing that is for certain. What’s that? I will only hear your whispers if I want to hear your whispers. Why do you say that? Life is busy and noisy. If I want to hear your voice speaking to me, I will need to quiet myself before you. That may seem like an easy task to some. But it is not. It takes a vigorous and committed effort to regularly and consistently quiet myself before you. Why is that the case? The demands of life scream for my attention. All that seems urgent but is ultimately not all that important attempts to monopolize all my time. There is never enough time to complete all the items on the “to do” lists of life. Trust me, I know. I have raced through life accomplishing the urgent and the unimportant. I do trust you, on this. Your life is not hidden from me. I have seen the frantic activity of your life. I know.

Do you want to hear from me? There is nothing I want more than to hear from you. Why is that? I want to come to know you. I want to come to love you. I want to come to follow and serve you. I want to come to live my life with and for you. I want to live and walk in an intimate relationship with you. I don’t want to hear an occasional whisper from you. I want to live in an ongoing dialogue with you throughout the day by day, moments of my life. How will that be possible? Only by you making it possible, of that I am sure. Yes, but what will need to happen in you for you to be able to hear from me? I will tell you what I think. Go ahead, I’m listening. Day by day and moment by moment you will make me better able to hear your voice as I continue to quiet myself before you. How do you know that to be true? That is what you have been doing in me already. You are making me better able to hear from you. Yes, I am. Keep on quieting yourself before me. Yes, I will. That will be very good.

Heavenly Father, I will withdraw from the noise and busyness of life so I can hear from you. I will quiet myself before you so I can hear your gentle whispers. Speak to me. I am listening. I will hear and respond and act on everything you have to say to me. Amen

Key Question… When are you withdrawing from the noise and busyness of life so you can hear God speaking to you?

Living It Out… Set aside a time and place to quiet yourself before God so you can hear from Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will speak to you in gentle whispers when you meet with Him in prayer.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group something God has spoken to you through a gentle whisper.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you quiet yourself before God so that you can hear from Him.

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

Day 158 – Becoming Like Christ – 1 Kings 19-11-12 – A Gentle Whisper – 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