Monthly Archives: July 2024

Storing Up – Bringing Out

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Rhythms - Luke 6:43-45 - Storing Up - Bringing Out - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Rhythms – Luke 6:43-45 – Storing Up – Bringing Out – Growing As Disciples

“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.  Luke 6:43-45 (NIV)

Good Fruit

Do you want to bear fruit for my kingdom? Do you want to bring glory to my name? Nothing is more important to me than bearing fruit for your kingdom and bringing glory to your name. How can I be certain to bear good fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name? That’s a very good question. Do you know what certainly won’t bear fruit for my kingdom or bring glory to my name? I think so. Tell me. My own best ideas and my own best efforts will not bear fruit for your kingdom or bring glory to your name. That’s right. It pleases me that you know this to be true. You remember my word that has said, ‘apart from me you can do nothing.” Yes, I do. Those words are stored up in my heart. That’s a key thought. You’re on to a very important idea. You are very close to the answer to your question. Tell me what you are thinking.

In the past I have had a lot of bad things stored up in my heart. Every once in a while, my mouth would reveal what was stored up in my heart. I would say things that I deeply regretted. I would wonder where in the world did my pathetic words come from. The answer was, they came from my heart. What was in my heart would always eventually spill out of my life for everyone to see. That’s true. What is also true, is that you have been changing my heart. As I have been storing up your word in my heart, you have been changing my heart and transforming my mind. You have been helpful to think your thoughts. You have been helping me to walk in your ways. You have been helping to know and do your will. My heart and mind and life are being filled up to the brim with good things, as I have been meeting with you in your word. Exactly, and what is now spilling out of your life? Good things are spilling out of my life. I am speaking words that reveal the good work that you are doing in my heart and mind and life. Is it now difficult for you to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name? No, all I need to do is to follow you to where you lead me and do what you ask of me. That has become the desire of my heart because of the work you are doing in and through my life. All praise and glory and honor belong to you. It is you that is bearing fruit in and through my life. Yes, I am.

Lord, I have had bad things stored up in my heart. What was in my heart came out of my mouth. I wasn’t happy. Others weren’t happy. You weren’t happy. But, you are changing me. Keep using your word to change my heart. Make my life fruitful for you. Amen

Key Question… How will memorizing and meditating on God’s word store up good things in your heart?

Living It Out… Store up God’s word in your heart so that your life will bear good fruit for God’s kingdom and His glory.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your life will show forth good fruit as you allow the Lord to store up good things in your heart.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are storing up God’s word in your heart.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the Lord to store up good things in your heart so you will be able to bear fruit for Him.

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

Rhythms – Luke 6-43-45 – Storing Up – Bringing Out – 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

Bring It To Completion

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Freedom - Philippians 1:6 - Bring It To Completion - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Freedom – Philippians 1:6 – Bring It To Completion – Growing As Disciples

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

My Work

Who started doing a good work in you? You did.  I knew you would say that. I’m wondering why you would say that. Why is that?  I can see that you are not confident about the progress you are making as my follower.  You have been worried that you are not growing fast enough, is that true? Yes, it is.  You have been concerned that you may fall short or miss the mark regarding who I want you to be and what I want you do for me, is that also true?  Yes, it is. If I am the one who started doing a good work in you, won’t I also be the one who will keep on doing that good work in you? Yes, you will. Do you think that you are the best one to judge your progress or growth as my follower?  No, not at all. Have you been judging your growth and progress as my follower? Yes, I have been judging my growth and progress as your follower.  It’s time for you to stop doing that. Why is that? Why do you think? When I evaluate my own growth and progress as your follower, I set myself up as my own judge.  As my own judge, I might mistakenly think that I have made either a lot of progress or very little progress. I might become complacent or I might become discouraged.  It doesn’t matter, you never intended to make me the judge of my own progress.  No, I did not.

What do you think I want you to do? I think you want me to continue to allow you to do your good work in me.  How will you do that?  I will keep coming to you. I will keep drawing near to you.  I will keep meeting with you in your word.  I will keep loving, following and serving you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength.  I will live in a constant dialogue of prayer with you. I will rely on you. I will trust you. I will believe with all my heart that you are doing your good work in me. I will have no doubt that you will bring your good work to full completion. You will make me who you want me to be.  You will give me what you want me to do. Your hand will be on me. You will make me able. You will make me faithful. You will accomplish your work in and through my life.  I will accomplish the purposes and plans you have prepared for me to do for you.  Yes, you will.  I will continue to do my good work in you until the day you come to live forever in heaven with me.  

Lord, I have been worried that I am not growing and making fast enough progress as your follower. Now, I have come to realize that it is you who is doing your work in my life. I believe with all my heart that you will bring to full completion all your work in me. Amen

Key Question… Why can you be certain that the Lord will bring to full completion His work in you?

Living It Out… Allow the Lord to bring to full completion the work that He started and is continuing to do in and through your life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will bring to full completion the work that He began in you.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord is doing His good work in and through your life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the Lord to continue to bring His good work in you to full completion.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional study guide click here:

Freedom – Philippians 1-6 – Bring It To Completion – 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 Still

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Be - Psalm 46:10 - Still - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Be – Psalm 46:10 – Still – Growing As Disciples

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (NIV) 

Invitation

You have my invitation. I am calling you to come to me. Rest in my presence. Leave the noise and busyness of your hectic life. Learn from me. Come to know me. Hear my thoughts. Listen to my voice. Let me teach you. Allow me to train you. I will mold and shape your life. I will lead you. I will guard and guide your life. My hand will be on you. You will come to know me. You will walk in my ways. You will accomplish my purposes and fulfill my plans for your life. You will be able to know and do my will.

There is no place I would rather be than in your presence. There is nothing I would do than to come to listen to you. I will leave the noise and busyness of my hectic life. That is no difficult sacrifice for me to make. Coming to know you is the desire of my heart. Nothing would thrill me more than to be able to know and do your will. Only you can make me able to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. Only you can make me fruitful for your kingdom. Only you can help me to bring glory to your name. So, I will accept your invitation. I will come to sit before you. I will rest in your presence. I will be still before you so that I can come to know that you are God. You are my God. You are my King. You are my Savior and Lord. You are worthy of all my praise and honor and glory. You are worthy of all time. You are worthy of receiving all that I am, have and hope to be. Yes, I am. Ask me whatever you will. I will say yes to whatever you ask of me. Here I am now, sitting here in your presence. This is a very good place. It is quiet. It is still. It is calm. I am ready to listen. I am ready to receive all that you have for me. I am ready for you to mold and shape my life. I am ready for you to strengthen and sustain and encourage me through all the ups and downs and twists and turns of life. I will hold on to you as I walk with you through life. Guard and guide my life as I follow you. Direct me to where you want me to go. Give me what you want me to do. Thank you for calling me to come to you. Thank you for your invitation to come to know you.

Heavenly Father, there is no place I would rather be than in your presence. There is nothing I would rather do than to be still before you. Help me to come to know you as I sit still before you. Strengthen, sustain and encourage me as I rest in your presence. Amen

Key Question… How are you making it your daily practice to be still before God?

Living It Out… Make it your daily practice to sit still before God.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will come to know God as you sit still before Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are being still before God.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you be still before God so that you will come to know Him.

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

Be – Psalm 46-10 – Still – 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

Mature In Christ

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - Colossians 1:28 - Mature In Christ - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – Colossians 1:28 – Mature In Christ – Growing As Disciples

It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me. Colossians 1:28-29 (NRSV) 

Present Everyone Mature

You have some urgent and important work that you have been given to do for me. The work won’t be easy. It will require your best effort. It will use all your energy. It will be a struggle. Are you trying to discourage me even before I start? No, I want you to know what to expect. I don’t want you to be tempted to give up when you experience struggle and difficulty. You mentioned that the work you have given to me would require my best effort and all my energy. Yes, I did. Do you have a question about that? Yes, I do. Will my best efforts and all my energy be enough to accomplish the work that you have given to me? That’s a very good and wise question. I am pleased that you asked it. No, your best efforts and all your energy will not be nearly enough. You will need to rely on my power to accomplish the work that I have given to you. So, my best effort and all my energy will not really be mine at all. My best effort and all my energy will be the power and strength that you will give to me. You got that right.

You must remain focused on the work that I have given to you. Don’t let yourself be distracted by other tasks that appear to be good works. Don’t leave or set aside the work that I have given you to do something else. You must be clear in your heart and mind about the work that I have called you to do for me. Would you like me to describe again the work that I have given you to do for me? Yes, that would be great. I have called you to go and make disciples. I have asked you to proclaim me to those who do not know me. You are my witness. You will testify on my behalf. Tell others how they can be forgiven and cleansed of all their sins. Tell others how they can receive the gift of salvation from me. Help them to turn away from their sin to follow me. Help them to know what it means to follow me as their Savior and Lord. Warn them of the eternal danger of living their life apart from me. Your goal is to present mature disciples to me. That is the fruit that I want you to bear for my kingdom. That is how I want you to bring glory to my name. That is how I want you to use the power that I will give to you. Will you do this for me? Yes Lord, I will go and make disciples.

Lord, thank you for calling me into your service. Help me to boldly and powerfully proclaim your salvation. Help me to warn others about the eternal danger of living life apart from you. Help me to teach others so they can grow mature in their life with you. Amen

Key Question… How is your ministry to which you have been called helping others to become mature in Christ?

Living It Out… Rely on God’s power to make you able to proclaim Jesus Christ so that others will grow mature in Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will be given the power to proclaim Christ so that others will grow mature in Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are proclaiming Jesus Christ so others can grow mature in Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you rely on the power of God to proclaim Christ so that others will grow mature in Him.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional study guide click here:

So That – Colossians 1-28-29 – Mature In Christ – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

Remain In Me And I Will Remain In You

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Rhythms - John 15:4-5 - Remain In Me And I Will Remain In You- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Rhythms – John 15:4-5 – Remain In Me And I Will Remain In You- 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)

Nothing

I don’t want to live a fruitless life. I don’t want my life to be filled with lots of activity that will amount to absolutely nothing. I want my life to be filled with meaning and purpose. I want my life to have mattered in light of all eternity. When I come before you, I don’t want to look back on a life that is filled with regret of what I could have accomplished for you. I want to accomplish every purpose and plan that you had in mind when you created me. I don’t want to have missed any opportunity or left anything undone. One day I would like to hear you say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Where do you think all these desires of yours have come from? I think these desires in my heart come from you. You are right about that. You and I both want the same thing. I want you to bear an abundance of fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name.

What must you do if you want to bear an abundance of fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name? I must remain in a vital and intimate and connected relationship with you. That’s right. What would living in a vital, intimate and connected relationship with me look like? That kind of life is observable? Yes, it is. I’m not sure what you mean. What has helped you to remain vitally and intimately connected to me? Meeting you in your word has helped me to remain intimately and vitally connected to you. What else? Talking to you in prayer, meeting with you in worship, and serving you in ministry have all helped me to remain intimately and vitally connected to you. That’s right. Has anything or anyone else encouraged you to live in an intimate relationship with me? Fellow believers have spurred me on and helped me to live in an intimate and connected relationship with you. Receiving encouragement from fellow believers, in a small group, has both challenged and encouraged me to remain vitally connected to you. I have desperately needed encouragement to remain vitally and intimately connected to you. You have encouraged me. You have placed others in my life to encourage me. Yes, I have. Keep on living in an intimate, vital and connected relationship with me. Yes, Lord, I will. Then you will bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. 

Lord, I have been distant. I have been independent. I have been isolated. I want no more of that kind of life. Help me to remain in a vital, intimate and connected relationship with you. I want to bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom. Amen

Key Question… How has meeting with the Lord in His word helped you to remain vitally connected to Him?

Living It Out… Make it the rhythm of your life to remain in vital and intimate and connected relationship with Jesus Christ.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your life will bear an abundance of fruit as you remain in a vital relationship with Jesus Christ.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are remaining in an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you remain in a vital and connected and intimate relationship with the Lord so you can bear fruit for Him.

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

Rhythms – John 15-4-5 – Remain In Me – Remain In 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

You May Know Him Better

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - Ephesians 1:17 - You May Know Him Better - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – Ephesians 1:17 – You May Know Him Better – Growing As Disciples

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:17 (NIV) 

On Fire

I have this hunger and thirst within me. I want to know you above anything else in all of life. I don’t want to know about you. I want to intimately know you. My heart and mind and soul are on fire with this desire. I will seek you with all my heart. I will set apart a time and a place to go to meet with you so that I can come to know you. This sacred time and place will only be the start of developing the habit of seeking you at all times and in all places. I want to live and walk with you in and through every moment of every day. I have complete faith in you. Your word says that when I will seek you with all my heart I will find you. Yes, it does and yes you will find me. Your word says that you will draw near to me as I draw near to you. Yes, it does and yes I will draw near to you as you draw near to me. Your word says that you will give me the desires of my heart. Yes, it does. You have put this desire in my heart to know you. This hunger I have for you did not come from me. You gave me this hunger and thirst for you. Yes, I did. Only you can satisfy my hunger and thirst for you, by allowing me to know you. I want nothing less. I want nothing else. Your word says that if I come to you, my hunger and thirst for you will be fed and satisfied. Yes, it does. I will give you the desire of your heart. It pleases me that you want to know me. I will feed your hunger for me. I will satisfy your thirst for me.

You have put your Spirit in me. You have revealed yourself to me. You have given me the wisdom to want to know you. Yes, I have given you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation. That is why you are filled with the hunger and thirst and desire to know me. I am thankful that you have given me this revelation and filled me with this desire. I can never be grateful enough for what you have done for me. You have something that you want to ask of me? Yes, I do. I want more! I want to love you with all my heart and mind and soul. I want to be completely on fire for you. I want to be filled with passion for you. I want to hear your voice. I want to walk closely with you. I want you to fan the flames of my desire for you. I want you to increase my hunger and thirst for you. I want to be totally devoted to you. I want to go wherever you guide me. I want to do whatever you ask of me. I want to live my life completely with and for you. I want to bear an abundance of fruit for you that will last for all eternity. I want you to use my life for your kingdom and your glory. Do you believe that I will do all of this for you? Yes, I believe without a doubt. I believe that you will grant these desires that you have put into my heart. Yes, I will.

Heavenly Father, nothing is more important to me than coming to know you. I will set aside a time and place to go to meet with you so I can come to know you. I ask that by your Holy Spirit you will help me to come to know you intimately. Amen

Key Question… Why will you never come to know God better unless you go to spend time with Him?

Living It Out… Set apart a time and a place where you can go to spend time with God so that you can come to know Him better.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will help you come to know Him better as you go to spend time with Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are coming to know God as you go to spend time with Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you set a time and a place to go to meet with God so you can come to know Him better.

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

So That – Ephesians 1-17 – You May Know Him Better – 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

Hold On To Instruction

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Discipleship Devotional Study - Life - Proverbs 4:10-13 - Hold On To Instruction- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study – Life – Proverbs 4:10-13 – Hold On To Instruction- Growing As Disciples

Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Proverbs 4:10-13 (NIV)

Attentively Listening

Are you listening attentively to my words? Are you paying attention to all that I want to say to you? Are you taking a hold of all my teaching and instruction? I would like to say that I am, but I am sure that I am not. Why is that? What is hindering you from hearing and receiving every word that I want to speak into your life? I can think of several bad reasons why I am not hearing and receiving all that you want to say to me. Lets talk about this.  

I have been too busy or at least I think that I have been too busy. You are too busy to listen to what I want to speak into your life? That is a very troubling question. Why is that? What could be more important than listening to all that you want to say to me? Obviously, there is nothing that could be more important than listening to you. Somehow, I have let my life become filled up with places to go, people to see and things to do. I know that I will never hear you over the noise of my own life. I need to stop and take time to listen to you. Yes, you do. What else is hindering your ability to listen attentively and pay attention to my words?

I have been stubborn, independent and self-reliant. What do you mean by that? I think that I have all the answers. I think that I have all that I need. No one can tell me anything. I’m sure that I can accomplish everything that is before me with my own gifts, talents and abilities. How does all this sound to you? It sounds really pathetic to me. Why is that? I know that I don’t have all the answers. I know that I don’t have all that I need. I know that my gifts, talents and abilities are very limited and will never enable me to accomplish all that you have given me to do without your help. You’re absolutely right about that, what else is hindering your ability to hear and receive all that I want to speak into your life?

I have wanted to do things in my way, according to my own plan. That had to be very hard for you to admit. Yes, it was. Listening to you and to others might change my plans. I might become uncomfortable. I might not want to do what I am being asked to do. I might think that I have a better idea or way of my own. How does all of this sound to you? I have been so filled with pride. It really disgusts me. At least you are facing these sins of yours. Yes, I am. Are you willing to turn from them? Yes, I am. Why is that? I really do want to hear all that you have to say to me. I really do want my life to be guided by you. I do want you to teach and instruct me. I want to remember, take hold and not swerve away from any of your word. What will you do? I will make attentively listening to you the priority of my life. Then, you will be hearing from me.

Lord, I need to hear and receive all the words of wisdom that you want to speak into my life. Help me to be open and receptive to all that you want to teach me. I will listen attentively and hold on to all that you want to say to me. Amen

Key Question… How open and receptive are you to hearing words of wisdom that the Lord brings into your life?

Living It Out… Be open and receptive and take hold of all the words of wisdom that the Lord wants to speak into your life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will speak words of life giving wisdom into your life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are receptive to hearing and receiving words of wisdom.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you listen attentively to all the wise words of instruction that the Lord wants to speak into your life.

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

Life – Proverbs 4-10-13 – Hold On To Instruction – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

Forgive Him

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Prayer - Mark 11:25 - Forgive Him - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Prayer – Mark 11:25 – Forgive Him – Growing As Disciples

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25 (NIV)

Forgiveness

You want to become like me, is that correct? Yes, I want to become like you. I thought it was your plan to mold and shape my life so that I become like you. That is my plan. So, you want me to love like you love. You want me to give like you gave. You want me to serve like you served. Do I have the right idea? Yes, you do have the right idea. I know that I will never be perfect. I will fall short and miss the mark of becoming just like you. I know that I will sin and need your forgiveness. You have my forgiveness. I also know that you will keep on molding and shaping my life everyday so that I will continue to become more like you. That’s exactly right. Your work in my life will continue right up until the day that I come to live forever in heaven with you. That’s right. You started our conversation with a question. Yes, I did. Do you have something specific in mind that was part of your question? Yes, I do.

What else do you want to ask me? Is there something you want me to do that I am not doing? Where do you want to continue to mold and shape my life right now? I want you to forgive others just as I have forgiven you. I had a feeling that was what you might say to me. Why is that? I have been hurt. I have been wounded. I have been mistreated and attacked. You’re not too happy about what you have had to suffer. No, not at all. You have been quite unhappy about how you have been mistreated. That’s right. You are holding on to some anger and bitterness toward those who have attacked you. Yes, I am. I would like to ask you some more questions. Go ahead, I’m listening. Was I ever hurt and wounded? Was I ever mistreated and attacked? Yes, you were hurt, wounded, mistreated and attacked many times. So, we share this in common? Yes, we do, at least in part. Did I ever hold on to anger and bitterness toward my attackers? No, you did not. You prayed for everyone who mistreated and hurt you. Yes, I did. You forgave those who wounded and attacked you? Yes, I did.

Do you still want to become like me? Yes, I do. Will you forgive others just as I have forgiven you? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, thank you for forgiving me of all my sins and cleansing me of all my unrighteousness. Help me to forgive all others just as you have forgiven me. Use me as a vibrant witness for you as I extend to others the same forgiveness I have received from you. Amen

Key Question… How has receiving forgiveness from your Heavenly Father helped you extend forgiveness to others?

Living It Out… Take a close inventory of all your relationships and make sure to forgive all others just as you have been forgiven.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your Father will forgive your sins and hear your prayers as you freely extend forgiveness to others.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are freely forgiving all others just as you have been forgiven.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you forgive others just as you have been forgiven.

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

Prayer – Mark 11-25 – Forgive Him – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Abide In My Word

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Freedom - John 8:31-32 - Abide In My Word - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Freedom – John 8:31-32 – Abide In My Word – Growing As Disciples

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 (ESV)

Set Free

What does it mean to let your word abide in me? What do you think it means? I will tell you what I’m sure that it does not mean. What’s that? Occasionally hearing your word, in small doses, once a week does not constitute abiding in your word. No, it does not. If I want to abide in your word I am sure that abiding in your word will also require more of me than merely listening to what others are saying about your word. Yes, it will.

Why do you want to abide in my word? What do you hope my word will do for you? I want your word to change my heart, transform my mind and guide my life. I want your word to help me to know and do your will. I want your word to set me free so I can live my life fully and passionately for you. I want your word to help me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. I want your word to make me able to endure trials and stand against temptation. I want your word to be like a sword in the Holy Spirit’s hand so that He can fight in me, with me and for me. I want your word to set me on fire to love, follow and serve you. I want your word to help me to know you intimately. Do you believe that my word will accomplish all these things in and through you as you let it abide in you? Yes Lord, I believe that your word can accomplish these things and even more than I could think to ask for or even imagine. That’s right. 

How will you let my word abide in you? I will set aside a daily time to meet with you in your word. I will listen attentively to everything you have to say to me.  I will read your word. I will study your word. I will meditate on your word. I will memorize your word. I will pray your word. I will speak your word. I will hold on to your word. I will let your word mold and shape my life. I will let your word change my heart, transform my mind and guide my life. Most importantly, I will put your word into practice as I love, follow and serve you. That will be very good. You will be set free as you abide in my word. I will use my word to accomplish all my purposes and plans in and through your life.

Lord, I will abide in your word. I will let your word dwell in me. I will meditate on your word. I will hide your word in my heart. I will put your word into practice. Use your word to change my heart and transform my mind. Guide and set me free by your word. Amen

Key Question… What ways to abide in God’s word would you like to adopt in your life?

Living It Out… Make it your daily practice to abide in God’s word so you can know and be set free by the truth.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will be set free as you abide in God’s word.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are making it your daily practice to abide in God’s word.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the Lord to search your life so He can show you how to live in ways that please Him.

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

Freedom – John 8-31-32 – Abide In My Word – 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

Search Me

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Wisdom - Psalm 139:23-24 - Search Me - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Wisdom – 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)

Examine Me 

You have my invitation. I welcome your examination. Go ahead and investigate my life. Put my life under your microscope. Take a long and close look at me. Know my heart. Test me. Know every one of my thoughts. Tell me what you find. You seem quite confident. I am very confident. I have nothing to fear. Why is that? Why are you so confident? Why do you have nothing to fear? I can tell you one thing that is for sure. What’s that? My confidence is not in myself, not for one minute, not for one second. If my confidence were in myself, it would be a scary thought for you to be examining my life. But, my confidence is in you and you alone. That’s very good. I know without a doubt that you love me. I know that I am your child. You are my Heavenly Father. I am sure that you will find things in my life that do not please you. I am sure that you will find thoughts, and words and deeds in and from me that you will want to change. I trust you. I want you to work in my life. I want you to change me. I know that you will do your good work in me. I know that you will mold and shape my life. I know that you will help me to do what is pleasing to you. You will change my heart. You will transform my mind. You will help me to know and do your will. You will help me to walk in your ways. You will lead me. You will guide me. You will direct me. You will help me to fulfill your purposes and plans. Yes, I will.

So, inviting you do take a close look at my life is an exciting thought. Really? Well, I can’t say that I don’t have some apprehension over your examination. Why is that? I know that the changes you will want to make in my life will not always be free and easy and comfortable. Sometimes your changes in my life have been painful. Sometimes your changes in my life have been like surgery. You will remove from my life what is not been pleasing to you. That can hurt. Yes, it can. But your examination and your surgery in my life will bring healing to me. You will make me able to live a life that is pleasing to you. Yes, I will.

Lord, investigate my life and show me if I am living in any way that is offensive to you. It is my desire to live in ways that please you in all that I think, say, and do. Help me to live fully for you and to bring glory to your name. Amen

Key Question… What has the Lord used to show you that you are living in ways that are offensive to Him?

Living It Out… Ask the Lord to show you if you are living in any way that is not 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 please Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the Lord to search your life so He can show you how to live in ways that please Him.

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

Wisdom – 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