Monthly Archives: June 2023

Search Me

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 30 - Psalm 139:23-24 - Search Me - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 30 – Psalm 139:23-24 – Search Me – Growing As Disciples

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)

Search Me

I have not shut myself off to you. My life is not closed to you. What do you mean by that? You have my invitation to test me. Go ahead and examine me. See what is in me. See if there is any offensive way in me. Are you confident about what I will find in you? Do I think you will find no sin in me? That is a good question. No, I’m sure that I am a sinner. I have not arrived. I am not a completed work. I am not a finished product. There is plenty of work yet to be done in me. That is why I can confidently ask you to search and test me. I know that you will remove any offensive way that is in me. I know that you will continue to mold and shape my life. You will make me into the person you want me to become. Yes, you are the work of my hands. I am molding and shaping your life.

I do know that your work in me will not always be or feel comfortable. To be molded and shaped sounds so free and easy, maybe even like going to the spa. I know that picture is far from accurate. Sometimes, your work in me has felt more like major surgery. Removing an offensive way that is in me has been and could again be very painful. My invitation to you still stands. If your work in me involves some pain, I still wholeheartedly and enthusiastically welcome you to proceed. Why is that? I know you have my best in mind. What is my best for you? Your best for me is for me to be the person you have called me to be. Your best for me is for me to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. Your best for me is for me to follow you to where you lead me to do what you ask of me. Your best for me is for me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Yes, all of these things are my best for you. None of these things will be possible without you doing your work in me. That is correct. So, I will say it again, search me, test me, and remove any offensive way that is in me. That is very good. 

Lord, you have my invitation to search me completely. Test me. See what is in me. Change any offensive way that is in me. Help me to live a life that is good, right and pleasing to you. Lead me on your path. Guide me on your way everlasting. I will follow you. Amen

Key Question… Why is allowing God to search you part of the process of allowing Him to change you?

Living It Out… Allow God to search you fully so that He can change you completely.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will search you fully and change you completely as you follow Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are allowing God to search and change you as you follow Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the Lord to search you fully and change you completely.

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

Promises – Day 30 – Psalm 139-23-24 – Search 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

Delight Yourself In The Lord

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 28 - Psalm 37:4 - Delight Yourself In The Lord - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 28 – Psalm 37:4 – Delight Yourself In The Lord – Growing As Disciples

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (NIV) 

Desires

When I think of some of the desires, I have had in my heart, I am thankful that you did not grant them to me. Why is that? They certainly did not come from you. They were not good and right and pleasing to you. Having what I wanted and desired at one time, is certainly not what I would want or desire now. So, your desires have changed since you started following me? Without, a doubt. In fact, my desires now look nothing like the desires I had before I came to know and love you. How so? My old desires were of the flesh. They were earthly. I wanted comfort and pleasure. I want power and prestige. I wanted wealth and riches. Looking back, those desires were pretty pathetic. Why do you now think that? What good is a desire that has no lasting value? What good is a desire that will fade away when this life ends? What good is a desire that will bear no fruit in light of all eternity? You have asked some very good questions. What do you think? I want desires that come from you. I want desires that are good and right and pleasing to you. I want you to give me desires that will bear fruit for all eternity. I want you to grant me desires that line up with your purposes and plans. So, you are not asking for or wanting some small desires? No, I am not. But I do believe that I am asking for what you want. What do I want? You want me to live a life that bears fruit for your kingdom and brings glory to your name. That is what I want for you. Yes, well, I believe that you will give and grant this desire that is in my heart and on my mind. Yes, I will, you can be certain of that. Thank you, Lord.

Let’s take a step back. I have a few questions for you. I’m listening. How have these new and godly desires come into your heart? As I have drawn near to you and as I have delighted in you, you have given or placed these new desires in my heart. Give me another example of a new desire within you. It is my utmost and most passionate desire to know and love and follow and serve you. This desire certainly did not come from me. No, it did not. You have fanned the flame of this desire in me. Yes, I have. In fact, I would say that I am on fire with this desire in me. My heart burns for you. That is very good. What are you certain of? I am certain that you will keep on giving and granting me the desires of my heart as I continue to delight in you. Yes, I will. Thank you, Lord. I will keep on drawing near to you. I will keep on delighting in you. That will be very good. 

Lord, it is my great joy to delight in you. You are so very good to me. I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. It is the desire of my heart to know you intimately and to love and follow and serve you. Grant this desire that you have given to me. Amen

Key Question… What desire of lasting and eternal value would you like the Lord to grant to you now?

Living It Out… Make it your daily practice to express to the Lord your delight in Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will both give and grant you the desires of your heart as you delight in Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has given and granted you the desires of your heart.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you delight yourself in the Lord so He will give and grant the desires of your heart.

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

Promises – Day 28 – Psalm 37-4 – Delight Yourself In The Lord – 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

See Good Days

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 27 - 1 Peter 3:8-12 - See Good Days - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 27 – 1 Peter 3:8-12 – See Good Days – Growing As Disciples

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.  Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.  For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.  He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.  For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:8-12 (NIV)

Good Days

I want to see a lot of those. You want to see a lot of what? I want to see a lot of good days. I want to live a life that you can and will bless. How will this be possible? What must you do for this to be true of your life? I knew you were going to ask me that. So, you were prepared? Well, kind of, sort of, maybe. You don’t sound so sure of yourself. I’m not actually. Why is that? If I want to see many good days, I will need to do the opposite of what comes naturally to me. What’s that? I am a debater. I like to do battle. I like to fight fire with fire. That kind of behavior only stokes flames of anger and resentment. That kind of behavior stirs up evil words and insulting behavior. Engaging in this kind of behavior is an unwinnable battle that will never lead to peace and harmony or bring me any good days. That is a very good lesson that you have learned. I can safely say, I have not been a quick learner. For that, I need your forgiveness. You are forgiven.

What would you like to do differently? How do you want to change your behavior? I want to live in harmony with others. I want to be sympathetic and loving and compassionate and humble. I want to repay every insult and evil, said or done against me, with a blessing. That will be counter cultural. That will not go unnoticed. That will stand out in the world. Exactly, I want to be a bold and bright witness for you in the world. I want my behavior to shine as a bright light that draws others to you. That will be very good. So, I will turn from evil, to do good. I keep evil and deceitful words from coming out of my mouth. I will humbly make every effort to seek peace and pursue it. What will happen to you when you live your life in this way? I will see many good days. I will live a life that you can and will bless. Your eyes will be on me, you will hear and answer my prayers. Yes, I will. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, I have often been tempted to repay evil with evil and insult with insult. Many times, I have succumbed to those evil desires. Forgive me. Help me to bless those who have harmed me. Help me to seek and pursue peace. Help me to be a bright witness for you. Amen

Key Question… How are you making very sure that evil words and deceitful speech does not come out of your mouth?

Living It Out… Make it your ongoing, daily practice, to keep your tongue away from evil and deceitful speech.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will see many good days because you are keeping your tongue away from evil and deceitful speech.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are keeping your tongue away from evil and deceitful speech.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you keep your tongue away from evil and deceitful speech so you will see many good days.

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

Promises – Day 27 – 1 Peter 3-8-12 – See Good Days – 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

Foundation On The Rock

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 26 - Matthew 7:24-29 - Foundation On The Rock - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 26 – Matthew 7:24-29 – Foundation On The Rock – Growing As Disciples

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

Foundation 

That is exactly what I want. What exactly do you want? I want my life to have a firm foundation. I want to be able to withstand the storms of life that are sure to come. I don’t want to build my life on sand. I don’t want my life to fall apart when I face a storm. Those are very good desires. What must you do if you want your life to have a firm foundation? What must you do if you want your life to withstand the storms of life? I must do two things if I want a rock-solid foundation for my life that will withstand the storms, I am sure to face. I’m listening. Was that a clue? That is what I must do, I must listen to you. I must listen to your word. How will you listen to my word? I will listen attentively to your word. I will listen to your word as if my life depends on it. Why is that? My life does depend on listening to your word. Your word can and will guide the thoughts of my mind, words of my mouth, and the deeds of my life. You will guard and guide me by your word. The entire course of my life will be directed by your word. So, I don’t want to be casually listening to your word. I don’t want your word to go in one of my ears and out the other. What a tragedy that would be, for me. So, I will take your word deep into my heart and mind and life. I will allow your word to dwell in me richly. I will start my day with your word. I will end my day with your word. That will be very good.

After having clearly heard my word, what will you do with it? That is a very good question. Why is that? Hearing your word is good. Hearing your word is important. Hearing your word is my priority. But that is not nearly enough. Just as I will be listening attentively to your word, so must I also carefully put your word into practice. Only hearing your word will not give me a firm foundation or make me able to withstand the storms of life. My hearing must be coupled with my action. How so? I must do what your word says. I must receive your instruction and follow your guidance. Then, I will have a firm foundation. Then I will be able withstand the storms of life. Yes, you will. 

Lord, I will listen attentively to your word. I will make hearing your word the priority of my life. I will take your word deep into my heart and mind and life. I will meditate on and memorize your word. Guide my life with your word, as I put it into practice. Amen

Key Question… How has putting God’s word into practice helped you to withstand the storms of life?

Living It Out… Hear and put God’s word into practice so that you will be able to withstand the storms of life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will be able to withstand the storms of life with God’s word as your rock-solid foundation.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God’s word has helped you to withstand the storms of life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you hear and put God’s word into practice so you can build your life on solid rock.

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

Promises – Day 26 – Matthew 7-24-29 – Foundation On The Rock – 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

God’s Will

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 25 - Romans 12:1-2 - God's Will - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 25 – Romans 12:1-2 – God’s Will – Growing As Disciples

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

Inside Out

You gave yourself as a sacrifice for me. You died on the cross as payment for my sins. You set me free to live a new life with you. I didn’t deserve your grace and mercy. You showed me your love even while I was living in open rebellion to you. You drew me to yourself when I was living and walking on a path far away from you. You are my Father. You made me to be your child. I am so grateful and thankful for all that you have done for me. I love you now only because you first loved me. I can never thank and praise you enough. What then do you want to do with your life now? I want to live my life fully and completely with and for you. In every way I want to please you. I have nothing to earn. I am yours. All I have from you is a gift. That’s right. My desire to give my life to you as a living sacrifice does not come from any sense of obligation on my part. It is my joy to love you with all my heart and soul and mind. I’m doing what I want to do. Nothing makes me happier than to know that I am doing what pleases you. It is my prayer that my life will be given fully to you as an act of worship. I know that I do not worship you perfectly with my body. But, I know that you will help me every step of the way as I follow you. Yes, I will.

I am not finished with you. That’s very good news. What do you want to do with me? What do you think I want to do with you? I know that you want to change my heart and transform my mind. I know that I am a work in your hands. You are molding and shaping my life. Yes, I am. The world is continually trying to squeeze me into its mold. You don’t want me to allow that to happen. No, I do not. What do you think I will use to change your heart and transform your mind? You will use your word to change me from the inside out. You will change my heart and transform my mind with your word. Yes, I will. How often do you think it would be good for us to meet together in my word? That’s an easy question to answer. Why is that? There is not a day that you don’t want to speak to me. There is not a day that I don’t need to hear from you. You want your word to dwell in me richly. You want to use your word to set me free. You want us to meet together in your word everyday. Yes, I do.

As we meet together in my word what do you think I want you to know? You want me to know you. You want me to know your thoughts. You want me to know your will. I can only know your will and your ways as I meet with you in your word. You want to speak to me. You want me to listen to what you have to say. You want me to obey what you ask me to do. Yes, I do. Nothing could be more exciting than to know that you want me to know you, your will and your ways. So, I’m giving myself fully to you. I’m inviting you to change my heart and transform my mind with your word. That is exactly what I will do for you.

Lord, I am giving my entire being to you as an act of worship. All I am, all I have, and all I hope to be is yours. Change me from the side out. Use your word to change my heart and transform my mind so I can know and do your will. Amen

Key Question… What does the world use to try to squeeze you into its’ pattern of practices, values and behaviors?

Living It Out… Meet with God in His word on a daily basis so that He can use it to change your heart and transform your mind.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God’s word will change you from the inside out so that you can both know and do His will.

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

Prayer To Bless Others… May you meditate on and memorize God’s word so that He can change your heart and transform your mind.

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

Promises – Romans 12-1-2 – God’s Will – 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

If It Is The Lord’s Will

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 24 - James 4:13-17 - If It Is The Lord's Will - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 24 – James 4:13-17 – If It Is The Lord’s Will – Growing As Disciples

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.”  Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”  As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil.  Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins. James 4:13-17 (NIV)

Your Will

That is what I want to know and do. What do you want to know and do? I want to know and do your will. Is this some new desire? Is this a big change? Is this a different game plan? Yes, it is all of the above. Why is that? I can’t tell you how many times I have made plans without consulting you. No need, I already know. Yes, I know that you know. You know everything about me. You know my thoughts before I think them, words before I speak them and actions before I take them. But I am clearing the air. I am confessing my sin. What sin are you confessing? I know that it is a sin to make plans without consulting you. I know that plans that don’t include you will amount to nothing of lasting and eternal value. I know that I will waste time and energy and resources making my own plans to do my own thing. Such efforts will cause me to walk a crooked path bouncing from one fruitless endeavor to another. That is not your plan for me. That is not your desire for me. What is my plan and desire for you? You want me to be able to know and do your will. You want my life to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Yes, I want these things for you. Yes, this is my plan and desire for you. For that, I am grateful and thankful. That’s good.

How will you make it your priority to know and do my will? I will draw near to you. I will live and walk in an intimate relationship with you. As I walk through life with you, I will continually have a question in my heart and on my mind. What will that question be? I will be continually asking, “Is this your will?” How will I respond to your question? I am sure that you will help me to know and do your will. How sure? I am absolutely sure that you will help me to know and do your will as I seek you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. You will guide me. You will guard me. You will lead me. Yes, I will. I have no doubt about that. That is very good. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, in the past I have frequently made plans without consulting you. These plans have amounted to nothing of lasting, eternal value. Forgive me. No longer will I make plans without consulting you. Help me to know and do your will, as I draw near to you. Amen

Key Question… When have you made the mistake of planning without seeking to know and do the Lord’s will?

Living It Out… Make it your daily goal to know and do the Lord’s will.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to know and do His will.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has helped you to know and do His will.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you seek to know and do the Lord’s will.

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

Promises – Day 24 – James 4-13-17 – If It Is The Lord’s Will – 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

You Will Receive Power

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 23 - Acts 1:8 - You Will Receive Power - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 23 – Acts 1:8 – 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 desperately need that. What do you desperately need? I desperately need your power. Why is that? I have learned, over and over again, that apart from you, I can doing nothing. Without, your power I am weak. Without, your power I am timid. Without, your power my life will neither bear fruit for your kingdom or bring glory to your name. That is why I desperately need your power. You have given a good answer. You clearly do know why you need my power.

When will my power come upon you? Now that is a good question. Your power will come upon me when I need it. Your power will come on me as I step out in faith to be your witness in the world. Your power will come upon me as I rely on you to do the work of ministry. I know all this might seem obvious to all, but not to me. How so? I have wanted your power to be on me all the time. I have wanted your power to be with me even when I did not need it. I have expected to receive your power well in advance of doing any work of ministry. I know this will sound silly. I have wanted your power even while casually thinking about being your witness in the world or before doing any work of ministry. I don’t think that is how your power works. How do you think my power works? I think you specialize in the just in time delivery of your power. Why is that? What will happen to you if you step out in faith and then expect my power to make you able to be my witness in the world? My faith in you will grow. My reliance on you will be surer. I will know without a doubt that is you that is working in and through me. You are giving me your power and strength. You are making me bold and courageous. You are making me able to be an abundantly fruitful witness for you in the world. You are helping me to bring glory to your name. I will know, as will everyone else, that all the praise and honor and glory go to you and not to me. So, my just in time delivery of all the power you will need is a very good thing isn’t it? Yes, it is. It pleases me that you know this to be true. Thank you, Lord.

Holy Spirit, empower me a be a witness for Christ in the world today. Make me bold and courageous. Use the words of my mouth to make the Good News of the Gospel known to others both near and far away. Help me to bear fruit and bring glory to His name. Amen

Key Question… Why do you desperately need the Holy Spirit to empower you to be a witness for Christ in the world?

Living It Out… Rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you to be a witness for Christ in the world.

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

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

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

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

Promises – Day 23 – Promises – Day 23 – Acts 1-8 – 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

Strict Training

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 22 - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 - Strict Training - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 22 – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – Strict Training – Growing As Disciples

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.  No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV)

Run Well 

I certainly want to be able to do that. You certainly want to be able to do what? I want to be able to run well. I don’t want anything to hinder me from running well. I don’t want to allow anything to knock me off course.  I want to be able to complete the course you have set before me. I want to end well and finish strong the race you have given me to run. It sounds like you have thought quite a bit about running well. Yes, running well is not a new subject to me. I have thought about running well most of my life. That’s good.

What must you do if you want to run well? What must you do if you want to stay on course and finish the race, I have given you to run? I must enter into strict training if I want to run well and finish the race you have set before me. I must also eliminate and avoid any obstacles, hindrances or barriers that will prevent me from running well and finishing strong. What will go into your strict training? You tell me, you are the coach. Good answer. I will allow you to teach and train me. I will go wherever you guide me. I will do whatever you ask of me. So, you will need to listen attentively to me? Yes, that’s right. How will you come to listen to me? I will listen to you in prayer. I will listen to you in your word. I will listen to you in worship. Do each one of these sound like an element of your training? Yes, they all do without a doubt. Can you think of any more ways you will listen to me? Can you think of any more elements of your training? I will listen to you in service. What do you mean by that? I will serve you whenever, wherever and however you ask me. I will use all the gifts and talents and abilities you have given me to serve you. Serving you and others will definitely be part of my training. Yes, it will. How else will you listen to me? Can you think of one more element of your training? I will listen to you in fellowship. Say more about that. I will meet with you, together with other believers, as we come together to worship you. You made me to live in relationship with you and your body of believers. Yes, that’s right. I will receive a great deal of training as I live in fellowship with you and others. Yes, you will.  As you meet with me in prayer, my word, prayer, worship, service and fellowship you will be trained and prepared to run well and finish the course I have set before you. Focus your heart and mind and life on me and you will be able to avoid any obstacles, hindrances or barriers that would prevent you from running well and finishing strong. That I will do. That will be very good. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, I want to run well as your follower. I don’t anything to hinder me on the course you have set before me. I will eliminate anything hindering me from running well. I will avoid anything that might knock me off course. I will enter into strict training with you. Amen

Key Question… How have you entered into strict training so you can run well as a follower of Jesus Christ?

Living It Out… Enter into strict training so that you will be able to run well as one of Christ’s followers.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to train and run well as one of His followers.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are training to run well as a follower of Christ.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you go into strict training so you will run well as a follower of Jesus Christ?

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

Promises – Day 22 – 1 Corinthians 9-24-27 – Strict Training – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

The Truth Will Set You Free

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 21 - John 8:31-32 - The Truth Will Set You Free - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 21 – John 8:31-32 – The Truth Will Set You Free – Growing As Disciples

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 (NIV)

Set Free

That is exactly what I want to be. What do you want to be? I want to be set free. Do you know what being set free will require of you? Yes, I think I do know. Tell me what you know. If I want to be set free, I must do three things. Go ahead, I’m listening. First, I must come to believe in you. I must accept you as my Savior and Lord. In doing so, I must turn my life over to you. My life must come under new management. No longer will I live according to my thoughts and opinions and desires. I must leave behind my old self-centered life of sin. I must stop living according to the values and practices of this world. I must leave my old life behind. I must reject all the evil and falsehood in this world. I would call that step one. Very good. Next I must make myself available to hear your teaching. I must allow myself to hear your instruction so I can follow your guidance. I must take your word deeply into my heart and mind and life. I must allow you to use your word to change my heart and transform mind. In doing so, your word will mold and shape me. Your word will guard and guide me. Your word will fill me with desire to live my life with and for you. I would call that step two. That is very good as well. Finally, I must hold on to your teaching. I must put your word into practice. All my thoughts and words and actions need to be guided by your word. I must allow your word to be the foundation of my entire life. Your word will make me able to live the life you have called me to live. Finally, I would call that step three. That is also very good. So, as I believe in you, listen attentively to your word, and put your word into practice, I will know the truth and the truth will set me free. That’s true. That’s right. That’s sure. Keep on believing in me. Keep on listening to me. Keep on putting my word into practice. Then you will know the truth. Then you will be set free by the truth. That is my plan and desire for you. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, thank you for teaching me. It is my delight and joy to listen attentively to you. I will take your words deep into my heart and mind and life. I will put all your teaching into practice. I will live the life you are calling me to live. Set me free by your word. Amen

Key Question… How is hearing and putting Christ’s teaching into practice setting you free from any bondages?

Living It Out… Hear and put Christ’s teaching into practice so you will know and be set free by the truth.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will know and be set free by the truth as you put Christ’s teaching into practice.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how putting Christ’s teaching into practice has set you free.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you hold to Christ’s teaching so you will know and be set free by the truth.

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

Promises – Day 21 – John 8-31-32 – The Truth Will Set You Free – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

I Shall Not Be In Want

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The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,  he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:1-6 (NIV)  

My Good Shepherd

You have definitely been that to me. I have definitely been what to you? You have definitely been my Good Shepherd. I am glad that you know that to be true. Tell me how I have been your Good Shepherd. I could start by saying that I have been like a sheep that has gone astray. I should add the words stubborn and stupid to that description. I have been like a stubborn and stupid sheep that has gone astray. How so? I have frequently wandered off and gotten myself into deep trouble. I have gone where I shouldn’t have gone. I have done what I shouldn’t have done. My own actions have left me bruised and battered and broken. Yet, you pursued me. You went after me. You would not let me go. It was your kindness and mercy and love that brought me back to you. That’s true. You brought me to a quiet place in green pastures, by still waters, where you could revive and refresh and restore my soul. Like a Good Shepherd, you healed my bruised and battered and broken life. Yes, I did all of this for you. You haven’t stop working in me. How so? You turned my life around. You fanned the flame of my desire to love and follow and serve you. You made me want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you. For that, I could not be more grateful and thankful. That’s very good.

But there is much more. Tell me about it. You are with me, to help me, I know that now. Life is full of ups and downs and twists and turns, almost like a roller coaster. You will never leave me. You will never forsake me. Even if and when I walk through a valley within the shadow of death, I will not be afraid. Why is that? You will comfort me. You will strengthen me. You will lead and guide me through all that life throws against me. Yes, I will, have no doubt about that.  I have no doubts. You have even been with me when I have been in the presence of those who are or once were my enemies. Even then, I have had your peace dwelling in me. Your blessing has been on me. I have felt your favor. Your goodness and mercy and love has been with me wherever you have led me and in whatever you have given me to do for you. Yes, I have blessed you. Yes, My favor rests on you. Yes, I will be with you to help you every day of your life. One day, I will take my last step in this life and my next step will be into eternal life in heaven with you. That will be a glorious day. Dwelling with you forever in heaven is what gives me joy and hope and peace in this life. I know where I am headed. That is very good. Yes, it is. Thank you, Lord, for being my Good Shepherd.

Lord, thank you for being my Good Shepherd. You have been guiding me throughout all of life. You have provided all that I have needed. You have revived, refreshed and restored my soul. You have been leading me on the path of life as I have followed you. Amen

Key Question… When has the Lord led you to a place to lie down so He could revive, refresh and restore your soul?

Living It Out… Allow the Lord, your Good Shepherd, to lead and guide you through life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord is your Good Shepherd, who will be with you to lead and guide you through life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has been your Good Shepherd to lead you through life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the Lord, your Good Shepherd, to lead and guide you through life.

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

Promises – Day 20 – Psalm 23-1-6 – I Shall Not Be In Want – 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