Monthly Archives: February 2023

Acknowledged My Sin

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 105 - Psalm 32:5- Acknowledged My Sin - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 105 – Psalm 32:5- Acknowledged My Sin – Growing As Disciples

Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”– and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah Psalm 32:5 (NIV)

Confess

I will regularly, willingly and openly confess my sins to you. As needed, I will also confess my sins to anyone I have sinned against. I will not ignore my sins. I will not try to hide my sins. I will not stubbornly and pridefully resist the idea that I am a sinner. I will not reject the truth that I do need your forgiveness and cleansing of my sins. That is very good.

Will you generally ask for forgiveness of your sins? I’m not sure what you are asking of me. Will you be specific when you are asking for forgiveness of your sin? Is that important? What do you think? By you asking me that question, I am guessing that it is very important that I am specific when I confess my sins to you. Good guess. Why do you suppose it is important that you acknowledge and confess your specific sins? A general confession of sin is almost like no confession at all. A general confession of sin acknowledges no actual wrong doing on my part. I would not be naming how I have sinned. I would not be determining to turn away from my sin. I would not be asking you to help me to not sin against you or others. With a general confession of sin, it is highly unlikely that I would ever ask for forgiveness from someone I have sinned against. These are all true statements. What else? A general confession of sin is likely to leave me with the vague feeling that I have been forgiven. That’s true. What else? You no doubt want to have a conversation with me about my sin. A general confession of sin is unlikely to lead to any meaningful conversation between us about my sin. That is also true.

I have another question for you? I’m listening. What freedom and joy and peace have you found when you have come and confessed specific sins to me? For one, I have known without a doubt that I have openly and willing admitted my specific sin to you. We have talked together about my sin. I have asked you to help me to not sin against you and others. I have determined that I will turn away from my sin. I have taken steps to avoid circumstances that might cause me to sin against you and others. I have also made a commitment to flee when temptation and evil approach me. But I am most thankful to know without a doubt that you have forgiven my sin and cleansed my unrighteousness. Knowing this has filled my life with your freedom, joy and peace. Yes, it has and that is very good.

Lord, I will not pridefully resist confessing my sins to you. I will regularly, willingly and openly confess my sins to you. When needed, I will also confess my sins to anyone I have sinned against. Thank you for forgiving my sins and cleansing all my unrighteousness. Amen

Key Question…  How are you making it your regular practice of openly and willingly confessing your sins to the Lord?

Living It Out… Willingly and openly and regularly confess your sins to the Lord so you can receive His forgiveness.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will forgive your sins as you confess them to Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you regularly ask the Lord to forgive your sins.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you acknowledge your sin to the Lord, so you can receive His forgiveness.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 105 – Psalm 32-5 – Acknowledged My Sin – 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

Equipped For Every Good Work

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Study - 365 Days Of Guidance - Day 36 - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - Equipped For Every Good Work - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Study – 365 Days Of Guidance – Day 36 – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Equipped For Every Good Work – Growing As Disciples

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) 

Thoroughly Equipped

Do you want to be thoroughly equipped to do the work that I have given you to do for me? Yes, of course I would like to be thoroughly equipped and completely prepared to do the work that you have given me to do for you. Why would anyone want anything else but that? What point would there be in trying to serve you without being prepared? How would I ever be able to bear fruit for you if I wouldn’t let you prepare me to do what you have asked of me? Without your preparation I would be headed toward certain frustration and failure. I know that apart from you I can do nothing. That’s right. I know that apart from you, I have no chance of bearing fruit that will last for all eternity. That’s right.

How well would you like to be equipped and prepared? I want to be as equipped and prepared as you will make me. How long do you think I might have you in a time of training, equipping, and preparation? I’m not sure. Why are you asking me these questions? Your attitude and commitment will factor into how well you will be trained, equipped, and prepared to serve me. What do you mean by that? If you think that my training, preparing, and equipping will be quick and easy, you will not continue to let me train you. If you are half-hearted in your commitment, your training will be greatly hindered. Let me ask you a few of questions. I’m listening. How well did I use Moses? How long was Moses in training before I used him to lead my people out of Egypt? Was Moses’ training, equipping, and preparation, quick and easy? You used Moses in a way that changed the course of history and the destiny of your people. Yes, I did. Moses spent two thirds of his life in training before you used him to lead your people out of Egypt. Yes, that’s right. His training was anything but quick and easy. His training was long and never ending. Why do you say that? Well, I don’t think you ever stopped training, equipping, and preparing Moses to keep on doing what you asked of Him. No, I did not. Are you willing to allow me to train, equip, and prepare you today and tomorrow and up until the last day of your life? Yes Lord, I am willing. So, are you willing to go through training that is not quick and easy? Are you willing to go through training that is long and difficult? Yes Lord, I will go through whatever training you have in mind for me. That will be very good.

What do you think I will use to train, equip, and prepare you? I think you will use all of life to train me. I think you will use situations and circumstances of every kind to train, equip, and prepare me. Yes, that’s right. That however was not the answer that I was looking for from you. Try again. You will use your word to train, equip, and prepare me. That’s right. I will use my word to speak into your life. I will use my word to train, equip, and prepare you in all the situations and circumstances you will face in life. I get it. You said you wanted to be well trained, equipped, and prepared? Yes, I did. Then what do you think will be required of you? I will need to spend a lot of time with you in your word. Will you meet with me in my word so I can train you? Yes, I will. Will you meet with me every day, in my word, so you can be well trained, equipped, and prepared? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I will meet with you in your word. I will allow your word to speak into my life. May your word teach, rebuke, correct, and train me in righteousness so I can be thoroughly equipped to do every good work you have given me to do for you. Amen

Key Question…  What has God’s word taught you to equip you for every good work?

Living It Out…  Meet with God in His word so He can speak into your life and prepare you to do the work He has given to you.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that God’s word will thoroughly equip you to do the work He has given you to do for Him.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how God’s word has been preparing you to do good works for Him.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you meet with God in His word so He can prepare you to do good works.

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

365 Days Of Guidance – Day 36 – 2 Timothy 3-16-17 – Equipped For Every Good Work – 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

All May See Your Progress

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - 365 Days Of Guidance - Day 35 - 1 Timothy 4:15-16 - All May See Your Progress - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – 365 Days Of Guidance – Day 35 – 1 Timothy 4:15-16 – All May See Your Progress – Growing As Disciples

Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.  1 Timothy 4:15-16 (ESV)

Progress

Do you want to make progress in your faith? How would I define progress in my faith? What would progress in my faith look like? That’s a very good question that I want you to think about and answer. Why is that? I want you to tell me what you want. Why is that? It’s important for you to know what you want. Why is that? You can’t have what you don’t desire and do not want. Clarifying to yourself what you really want will give you desire. When you really desire something, you will pursue it. When you really desire something, you will keep on asking me for it as you pursue it with all your heart and mind and soul and strength. Are you asking me, “what do I really want?” Yes, I am.

I want to know you. I want to live in an intimate relationship with you. I want to be able to hear your voice. I want you to hear my voice. You want to have conversations with me? Yes, I want to live in an ongoing dialogue with you. I want to know your will. I want to live and walk in your ways. I want to be fully devoted to you. How will you go about doing that? I’m not positive. I do have some ideas. Let me hear your ideas. I will immerse myself in your word. I will meditate on your word day and night. I will let your word change my heart and transform my mind. I will put your word into practice in my life. I will think, say, and do what your word instructs me to think, say, and do. I will leave behind any thought, word, or action that is not consistent with your word. That will be very good. What else? I will offer myself to you as a living sacrifice. What do you mean by that? I will do whatever you ask of me. I will use the gifts that you have given to me. I will go and do the ministry that you have given me to do for you. I will allow you to bear fruit in and through my life. I will allow you to use me for your glory. That will also be very good. Anything else? As I walk with you, live in dialogue with you, and serve you, I will be on guard. On guard against what? I will be on guard against drifting away or getting off track. I will make sure that my life and ministry keep on track with you. I will watch my life. I will watch my ministry. I will make sure that my life and ministry remain faithful and fully devoted to you. Yes, and you will know me. You will know my will and walk in my ways. You will have what you desire from me. You will hear from me. I will hear from you. You will remain faithful, and you will grow in your faith.

Lord, I am fully devoted to you. It is the desire of my heart to grow in my relationship with you. I want to know you, your will, and your ways. I will immerse myself in your word. I will throw myself in the ministry you have given to me. Use me for your glory. Amen

Key Question…  How are you immersing yourself in God’s word so that you will grow and progress in your faith?

Living It Out… Put into practice all that the Lord is teaching you so you can grow in your faith and be an encouragement to others.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that others will see the growth and progress of your faith as you continually immerse yourself in God’s word.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has used you to impact the eternal destiny of someone.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you put into practice what Lord is teaching you so you can grow in faith and be an encouragement to others.

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

365 Days Of Guidance – Day 35 – 1 Timothy 4-15-16 – All May See Your Progress – 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

Be Reconciled

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 105 - Matthew 5:23-24 - Be Reconciled- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 105 – Matthew 5:23-24 – Be Reconciled- Growing As Disciples

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV)

 Something Against Me 

Does someone have something against me? Do I really need to be concerned about that? Don’t I only need to take action when I have something against someone else? Isn’t my letting go of any offences and having a forgiving attitude toward everyone enough? Certainly, I will forgive others just as you have forgiven me. I won’t hold on to grudges. I won’t have a bitter, unforgiving heart. Isn’t that enough? Isn’t that like going the extra mile? What do you think? I think that I have a lot of questions. Why do you have a lot of questions? Isn’t the answer to your questions staring you in the face? Is the meaning of my word hidden so that you cannot understand it? Do you want to understand my word? Will you accept what my word is saying to you? I understand your word. The meaning of your word is quite clear. Nothing here in your word is hidden. I’m probably asking a lot of questions because I don’t like what your word is saying to me. I don’t really want to go and do what your word is asking of me. Now, those are honest answers.

Why don’t you want to go and do what my word is asking of you? It is more than a little intimidating to go and reconcile with someone that has something against me. Why is that? What if they reject my effort? What if they spurn my attempt to make peace? What if they don’t reject your effort and spurn your attempt at making peace? If they accept my effort and welcome my attempt at making peace, my enemy may become my friend. Wouldn’t that be fantastic? Yes, it would be. What else? If I could live in peace and harmony with a former enemy, a heavy burden would be lifted from my life. Wouldn’t that be great? Yes, it would be.  What else? If I am reconciled with someone, I might have a great opportunity to minister to them in some larger way. They might even come to know you as a result of seeing your love and forgiveness being lived out in and through my life. Wouldn’t that be incredible? Yes, it would be. What else? Going and making an effort to reconcile myself to someone who has something against me would give me peace. Why is that? I will have known that I have obeyed you. I will have known that I have gone and done what you have asked of me. Do you want to obey me? Do you want to go and do what I ask of you? Do you want to live in my peace? Yes Lord, I do. Then go and be reconciled with anyone and everyone that has something against you. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. One more thing. What’s that? I will be with you to help you. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, I want to live a life free from conflict with others. I want to live a life in harmony with others. I want to be a bold and bright witness for you in the world. I don’t want anything to get in the way of my bearing fruit for your kingdom. So, I will reconcile with others. Amen

Key Question…  Why will unreconciled relationships hinder your ability to be a witness for God in the world?

Living It Out…  Go and make peace and reconcile your difference with anyone and everyone that holds something against you.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will help you to make peace and reconcile your differences with others.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group who you have gone and made peace with most recently.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you make peace with anyone who holds something against you.

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

Day 106 – Becoming Like Christ – Matthew 5-23-24 – Be Reconciled -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

Be Holy

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 107 - 1 Peter 1:13-16 - Be Holy- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 107 – 1 Peter 1:13-16 – Be Holy – Growing As Disciples

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16 (NIV)  

Like You

How will I be able to prepare my mind? What will make my mind ready for action? What will help me to be self-controlled? How can I set my mind on all that I have in you? How can I be obedient? How can I make sure that I am not conforming to evil that is in the world? How can I become like you? These sound like impossible tasks. Let’s start at the beginning. How did you begin to follow and serve me? How did you turn away from your old life? What made you tell me that you wanted me to be your Savior and Lord? You showed me your love. You called me to come to you. You drew me near to you. You turned my life around. You turned my life upside down. I would have said that my beginning to love, follow and serve you was most unlikely. Would you say that I began a good work in you? Would you agree that I have been changing your heart and mind and life? Do you closely resemble the person you once were? You definitely began a good work in me. You certainly have been changing my heart and mind and life. I am unrecognizable from the person I was before I started loving, following and serving you. So yes, you have been and are doing a good work in me. That’s right.

Who will you look like as you love, follow and serve me? I will look like you. How so? As I draw near to you, I will begin to think your thoughts, speak your words and do your deeds. As I live in your presence, I begin to be holy in all that I think and say and do. Will this take a gigantic and herculean effort on your part? Have I set you up with an impossible task? No, this will not take a gigantic and herculean effort on my part. Why is that? I want to become like you. I want to live as you lived. I want to do what you did. I want to think, and speak, and act in ways that are pleasing to you. It is the desire of my heart to become like you. I want to be holy in all that I think and say and do. That is very good. This is the work that I am doing in you. I will make you able to do all that I ask of you. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, I will prepare my mind for action. I will be self-controlled. I will set my hope on all I have in you. I will not allow my heart and mind and life to conform to evil in the world. Instead, it will be my utmost desire to be holy, like you, in all I think, say and do. Amen

Key Question…  How are you guarding your heart and mind and life from conforming to worldly and evil desires?

Living It Out…  Prepare your mind for action so you can live as an obedient and holy child of God.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will use His word to make you able to be holy in all you think, say and do.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has been making you to be more like Him.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you be holy in all that you think, say and do.

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

Day 107 – Becoming Like Christ – 1 Peter 1-13-16 – Be Holy – 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

Create In Me A Clean Heart

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 108 - Psalm 51:7-12 - Create In Me A Clean Heart- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 108 – Psalm 51:7-12 – Create In Me A Clean Heart- Growing As Disciples

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:7-12 (ESV)  

Clean Heart

That is what I want. What is it that you want? I want a clean heart. Why do you want a clean heart? That seems like an odd question. Why is that? Doesn’t everyone want a clean heart? What do you think? Since you are asking me that question, I will assume that not everyone wants a clean heart. Good assumption. I’m guessing that desire doesn’t register within the hearts of most people. Good guess. So, lets return to my question. Why do you want a clean heart? I don’t want anything to hinder my desire and ability to love and follow and serve you. I want a single-hearted passion in my heart to drive my desire to do what is good and right and pleasing to you. I want to love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I want to be fully devoted to you. I want to know you. I want to hear your voice. I want to go where you guide me. I want to do what you ask of me. I want to bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom. I want to bring glory to your name. None of these things will be possible unless I have a pure heart. That is true. So, that is why I want to have a clean heart. You have very good reasons for wanting a clean heart.

How will you be able to have a clean heart? Only you can make my heart clean. Do you have a role in your heart being clean? Yes, I do. I will turn away from sin. I will turn to love, follow and serve you. I will confess my sin to you. I ask you to forgive my sin and cleanse my unrighteousness. Will I forgive you of your sin? Will I cleanse you of your unrighteousness? Will I help you to turn away from sin so you can turn to love and follow and serve me? Yes, you will do all these things for me. Yes, you have done all these things for me. What has been the result of my forgiving your sins and cleansing your unrighteousness? You have given me a clean heart. You have given me joy in the salvation I have in you. You have filled me with a passionate desire to love and follow and serve you. You have answered my prayers and fulfilled the desire of my heart. For that I am thankful beyond words. That is very good. 

Lord, I know that I am a sinner. I am in need of your forgiveness and cleansing of my sin. I will confess my sins to you. Thank you, for forgiving me of all sins and cleansing me of all my unrighteousness. You have given me joy in loving, following and serving you. Amen

Key Question… How did Jesus Christ make it possible that your sins could be forgiven, and your unrighteousness cleansed?

Living It Out… Make it your regular pattern and practice to confess your specific sins to the Lord.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will forgive your sins and cleanse your unrighteousness.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has given you joy in loving, following and serving Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you confess your sins to the Lord.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 108 – Psalm 51-7-12 – Create In Me A Clean Heart – 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

Remain In Me

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 109 - John 15:4-5 - Remain In Me- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 109 – John 15:4-5 – Remain In Me – Growing As Disciples

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5 (NIV)

Remain In You

What would my life look like if I were to remain in you? What would I be doing differently if I were to live a life of continually abiding in you? What has been hindering me from living a life of abiding in you? What would help me to truly live a life of abiding in you? Those are all very good questions. Do you have any answers? I know what not abiding in you looks like. I’m listening. When I let my life become entirely entangled in the frantic pace of life, without any thought of you, I am clearly not abiding in you. When I allow my thoughts and words and actions to go completely unchallenged or uncritiqued by any desire to know and do your will, I am clearly not abiding in you. When I come up with plans and dreams and desires and goals without consulting with you, I am clearly not abiding in you. When I rely solely on my own power and strength to accomplish what is before me, I am clearly not abiding in you. You do understand quite well what not abiding in me looks like on a daily basis. Yes, I do. So, you have gained valuable experience. Knowing the nature of your problem is vital information. Yes, it is. How have you come to understand what not abiding in me looks like? Not on my own, that is for sure. You have revealed to me what life looks like without abiding in you. I’m glad that you have heard me speaking to you. Me too.

Now, let’s go back to one of your previous questions. How will you live your life differently now that you want to abide in me? I will set aside a daily time and place to meet with you. I will make meeting with you the highest priority in my life. I want to know you. I want to love you. I want to follow and serve you. I want to live my life with and for you. I want to live in an intimate relationship with you. I will not allow myself to race though life without hearing from you. I will come to rest in your presence. I will slow down and quiet myself before you, so I can hear from you. I will allow you to teach and train me. I will allow you to mold and shape me. I will allow you to guide me to where you want me to go. I will allow you to give me what you want me to do. I will rely on your power to help me to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. That is very good. Then you will bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, I don’t want to live a fruitless life. I know apart from you I can do nothing. Daily, I want to remain vitally connected to you. I want your life to flow into my life. I want to live a life of continually abiding in you. I want to bear an abundance of fruit for you. Amen

Key Question… What are some specific habits that have helped you to continue to abide in Christ on a daily basis?

Living It Out… Make it your daily pattern and practice to abide in Christ.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will make you able to bear fruit as you abide in Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are continually making it your daily practice to abide in Christ.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you remain in the Lord so you can bear fruit for Him.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 109 – John 15-4-5 – Remain In Me – 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

Put Aside Deeds Of Darkness

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - 365 Days Of Guidance - Day 34 - Romans 13:12-14 - Put Aside Deeds Of Darkness - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – 365 Days Of Guidance – Day 34 – Romans 13:12-14 – Put Aside Deeds Of Darkness – Growing As Disciples

The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Romans 13:12-14 (NIV)

Put Off, Put On

You live in a world filled with darkness. You are surrounded by people who love darkness and are attracted to evil.  This is not true of you, at least not now. You have put off darkness and evil as if they were stinky smelly old clothes. You are no longer attracted to your old life and its values, patterns, and practices, is that true? Yes, I have put off darkness and evil. They no longer attract me like they once did. At one time I was like a sleepwalker walking through the sin and evil of this world. I knew nothing else. I was attracted to evil and darkness. My thoughts, words, and actions were continually evil. You didn’t say evil, and darkness have no attraction to you, did you? No, I did not. It is good that you realize that you will always be subject to temptation and evil as long as you are in this life. Why is that? Your awareness will keep you on guard against evil and darkness. Do you know where evil and darkness will attempt to attack most often? Yes, I do. Tell me. Evil and darkness will first attempt to attack me in my thoughts. Yes, that’s right. Evil and darkness will try to corrupt my thoughts, words, and actions. But the entry that evil and darkness will seek into my life will most often be through my mind. So, what won’t you do? I won’t allow myself to entertain thoughts about how I might gratify the desires of my sinful nature. I like how you used the word entertain, why did you choose that word? An evil thought may enter my mind. I won’t let evil stay in my mind by showing it hospitality by entertaining it. Evil will be shown the door the second I become aware of its presence. Will you have the same attitude toward evil words and evil actions? Yes, I have and will continue to separate myself from anything that I know is not pleasing to you. So, you will put off every evil thought, word, and action? Yes, That’s right. That will be very good.

You must realize that you are not alone in putting off evil thoughts, words, and actions from your life. You can never win your battle by your own strength. You must rely on my word and my Spirit to fight in you, with, and for you, against evil. You must rely on me. You don’t have to convince me. I have fought and lost many battles against evil by using my strength alone. I know that will never work. What will you put on? I will put on the armor that you have given to me. I will put on the new life of righteousness that you have given to me wear. I will allow your word to dwell in me richly. I will allow your word to strengthen and sustain me against every attack of evil and darkness. I will live the life that you have called me to live. I will live and walk in the light with you. My eyes will be fixed on you. I will be drawn to you and drawn away from evil and darkness. I will put on good thoughts, words, and actions that you have given me to think, say, and do. Then you will be living fully in the light with me. Yes, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I will put off deeds of darkness. I will put on the armor of light you provide so I will be able to stand against evil in the world. I will clothe myself with your righteousness so I will be able to live and walk in the light with you. Amen

Key Question…  How are you putting off deeds of darkness so you can live and walk in the light with Christ?

Living It Out…  Put off deeds of darkness and put on Jesus Christ so you can live and walk in the light with Him.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that as you put off deeds of darkness you will be able to put on Christ and walk in the light with Him.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how you have put on Christ and are walking in the light with Him.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you put aside deeds of darkness so you can walk in the light with the Lord.

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

365 Days Of Guidance – Day 34 – Romans 13-12 -14 – Put Aside Deeds Of Darkness – 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.

Not Become Weary In Doing Good

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - 365 Days Of Guidance - Day 33- Galatians 6:9- Not Become Weary In Doing Good- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – 365 Days Of Guidance – Day 33- Galatians 6:9- Not Become Weary In Doing Good- Growing As Disciples

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Reap A Harvest

You are in a battle. What kind of battle am I in? You already know the answer to that question. Yes, I do, but I was hoping that you might describe or bring some clarity to the battle that I am in. Why don’t you start by describing the battle that you are in?  I’m weary and worn out. I feel like I can go no further. I have worked long and hard and I’m ready to give up. I’d like a new assignment. Give me something fresh and exciting. Do you really think that would be a good idea? No, I suppose not. Tell me why it wouldn’t be a good idea to leave your assignment now for something new and different? Well, I have worked long and hard on this assignment and I have not yet reaped a harvest. There has been some fruit along the way that’s for sure. But, I’m pretty sure that you had a much larger harvest in mind when you gave me this assignment. Are you just pretty sure? No, I’m positive that you want me to reap a rich harvest as a result of this assignment that you have given to me. Has your being positive about your assignment from me kept you going strong? Yes, it has, otherwise I would have given up and quit long ago. How long must my labor be before I can reap a rich harvest for you? What do you think? That’s a question that there is no quick and easy answer. What must you continue to do then? If I want to reap a rich harvest for you, I must keep on working and not give up. There is a season of planting. There is a season of working. Then there is a season of harvest. Yes, that’s right. Do you think that I will give you a new assignment now? No, I don’t think you will give me a new assignment now. Why won’t I give you a new assignment now? If you allow me to quit, I will never reap the rich harvest that you intended. No, you will not. If I quit early now, I would probably quit even earlier in my next assignment. You want to develop patient endurance in me. Yes, I do.

Let’s talk about your being weary and worn out. Do you think it is my plan for you to be weary and worn out? No, I think you want me to be strong, energetic, and full of life. Yes, I do. There is nothing wrong with being tired from hard work. No, there is not. But, there is something not quite right with my being weary and worn out. What do you think is the problem? Somehow, I have started to rely on my own strength to do the work that you have given me to do for you. That will never work. Why is that? I will always give you work that is beyond your ability. Do you know why that is? Yes, you want me to rely on you. Yes, I do. There is another just as important reason. I’m not sure why that is. I want you to know that I am working in and through you. You will never be alone in doing the work that I have given you to do for me. Will knowing that I am working in and through your life encourage you? Yes, it will. Will knowing that I am working in and through keep you going and doing the good I have given you to do? Yes, it will. Then be encouraged and don’t give up. Keep doing the good work that I have given you to do. Yes Lord, I will. Then you will reap a rich harvest for me.

Lord, I will not grow weary. I will keep doing good. I will rely on you to sustain and strengthen me in doing the work that you have given me to do. I will wait and keep on working until I reap a harvest for your kingdom and glory. Amen

Key Question…  When has knowing with certainty what the Lord has given you to do helped you to keep on serving Him?

Living It Out…  Never grow weary in doing the good the Lord has given you to do until you reap a harvest.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will help you to reap a harvest because you did not grow weary but kept on doing good.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group what good the Lord has given you to do until you reap a harvest.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you not grow weary and give up so you will reap a harvest at the proper time.

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

365 Days Of Guidance – Day 33 – Guidance – Day 33 – Galatians 6-9 – Not Become Weary In Doing Good – 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.

Not Become Conceited

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - 365 Days Of Guidance - Day 32-Galatians 5:26 - Not Become Conceited - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – 365 Days Of Guidance – Day 32-Galatians 5:26 – Not Become Conceited – Growing As Disciples

Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Galatians 5:26 (NIV)

 Comparison

Why do you compare yourself with others? Why is that a problem? You tell me. I’m not sure why comparing myself with others is a problem. Then let me ask you a few questions. Go ahead, I’m listening. What has happened to you when you have compared your gifts, talents, and abilities with others? You don’t really want to answer this question do you? No, not really. You are immediately beginning to see why it is a problem to compare yourself with others, aren’t you? Yes, I am. Tell me what you are thinking. When I compare my gifts, talents, and abilities with others there are two negative results. What are they? I might either be proud because I will think I am superior to others or be depressed and filled with envy because I will think I am inferior to others. Which one is more likely? That will vary from day to day and situation to situation. So, one day you might be conceited and proud and on another day you might be depressed and filled with envy, is that true? Yes, that’s true. What will you never be when you compare yourself to others? When I compare myself with others, I will never be content or grateful for what I have been given. Let’s talk about not being content for a minute. Go ahead.  What have you done when you have not been content with how I have made you? What have you done when you have not been content with the work that I have given you to do? Those are two tough questions. I’m not going to like my answers to your questions. I thought so, let me hear your answers anyhow. When I am not content with how you have made me, I have wanted to be someone else. When I am not content with what you have given me to do, I have wanted to do something else. Can you ever be someone else? No, I can never be someone else. Can anyone else ever be you? No, no one can ever be me. Is that a good or bad thing? I have wished I could be someone else. I have thought it was a bad thing that I couldn’t be someone else. What do you think now? I think it’s pretty incredible that you uniquely made me just as I am. Yes, I think so too. Do you believe that I have also given you unique assignments that I want you to accomplish? Yes, I do. Do you suppose that the person you have compared yourself with will be able to do what I have given you to do? No, probably not and it would be a mistake for them to try. Why is that? If they try to do what you have given me to do, then they will not be doing what you have given them to do. That’s right. They will be wasting time on what they have not been gifted to do. They will be wasting time not working on the assignment that you have given to them. That is also true. Now, lets go back to the other word that you uncovered in our discussion. What word was that? You mentioned the word grateful. Yes, I did. Can you be grateful for both how I have made you and for the assignments that I have given to you? Yes, I can. When will that be? I can only be grateful when I stop comparing myself with others. I can only be grateful when I give thanks to you for how you designed me to do the work that you have given me to do for you. Will you do that? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I don’t want to be conceited, nor do I want to provoke or envy others. Keep me from comparing what I have received or what I have accomplished with others. Help me to humbly walk with you so I will be thankful for all I have received. Amen

Key Question… How has the Lord taught you lessons in humility as you have kept in step with His Spirit?

Living It Out… Allow the Lord to teach you lessons in humility as you keep in step with the Holy Spirit.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to grow in humility as you keep in step with the Holy Spirit.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has been teaching you lessons in humility.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you humbly walk with the Lord.

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

365 Days Of Guidance – Day 32 – Galatians 5-26 – Not Become Conceited – 4 Page Discipleship 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.