Monthly Archives: July 2024

Light Of The World

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life In Christ - John 8:12 - Light Of The World - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life In Christ – John 8:12 – Light Of The World – Growing As Disciples

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NIV)

Path Of Life

Where are you headed? I was going to walk down this path. Does that look like a good direction to head? I thought so, is there something wrong with it? It looks awfully dark to me. What do you think? I didn’t think of that. It does look quite dark just a head, now that you mention it. What drew you to that path anyway? I saw lots of people heading down this path. I just assumed that they knew where they were going. So, I was thinking of following them. I thought that this must be the right direction in life if so many others were taking it. So, you were going to follow the crowd? I guess I was. But, you didn’t give it much thought did you? Not really. What was so alluring about that path anyhow? It was the well-traveled path that all the popular people were taking. I wanted to be popular so I thought I’d join them. I didn’t want to stand out as being different. That would be awkward and maybe even embarrassing. You wouldn’t want that now would you? No, not at all, at least that’s what I was thinking then. What are you thinking now? I’m guessing that there must be something wrong about that path. Why is that? Why else would you be asking me so many questions about it? You’ve got a good point and you’re right, there is a problem with that path. What’s the problem?

There are actually two problems. How can that be, there is only this one path? There is a problem with who chose the path and the path itself. Who chose the path? That would be me. Isn’t it my job to choose my path in life? Yes, if that’s what you want. I’m confused. If you want your own path, go ahead and choose it. That’s what I did. I know. That brings us to the second problem. What’s that? I’m not on that path. You’re not? No, that path leads away from me into darkness. People on that path will stumble and grope around in darkness for a long time. Some will eventually find their way back to me, many others will not. Those who find their way back to me will regret the time they wasted on that wrong path. Well then, I definitely don’t want to go down that path. I’m glad you got my attention and directed me to the right path. Yes, I’m very glad that you are paying attention to me. But, it’s time now for you to make a big decision. What’s that?

You are going to have to decide who will choose your path in life? Are you going to be the one continually choosing or are you going to follow me? If you follow me you will have my light to guide you through life. You will know which direction to head because I will be leading you. If you choose your own path in life you will be doing a lot of stumbling around in darkness. You will go places and do things that are not in my plans for you. I don’t want that at all. I didn’t think so. Will you follow me? Yes Lord, I will. Very good, let’s move away from here. Follow me on this path.

Lord, thank you that you are the light of the world. You guide and direct me through life and keep me from walking in darkness. You are the Light of my life. Guide my next steps so that I will be able to follow you and live according to your plan. Amen

Key Question… How is turning from sin and following Christ like leaving darkness and walking in the light?

Living It Out… Commit yourself to following Christ. Ask Him to give light to your life and to direct your steps along the path of life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you as you follow Christ, He will give you light to your path as He directs your steps.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how Christ has given you light and direction as you have followed Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you follow Jesus Christ and allow Him to direct you on the path of life.

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

Life In Christ – John 8-12 – Light Of The World – 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                                                               http://www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Meet Together

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Let Us - Nehemiah 6:2-4 - Meet Together - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Let Us – Nehemiah 6:2-4 – Meet Together – Growing As Disciples

Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were scheming to harm me; so I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer. Nehemiah 6:2-4 (NIV) 

A Great Project

I have given you a great project to do for me. Do you have any doubt about that? No, I have no doubts about the work you have given me to do for you. It’s a very good thing that you have no doubts about what I have asked you to do for me. Why is that? You tell me. What you have asked me to do for you is not easy. No, it is not. I could never accomplish the work you have asked me to do without your help. No, you could not. The work that you have given to me to do is not a short-term assignment. No, it is not. I could never keep on doing the work you have given to me without your strength and endurance. No, you could not. Every day I will need your help and encouragement to keep on doing the work that you have given to me. Yes, you will. The work that you have given to me will bring glory to your name. Yes, It will. What you have asked me to do for you will bear fruit for your kingdom that will last for all eternity. Yes, it will. There is no other assignment or work that I could do in life that is more important or more valuable than doing what you have asked me to do for you. No, there is not. I will face opposition in doing the work that you have given me to do for you. Yes, You will. Others will attempt to distract me from doing your work. Others will attempt to hinder me from doing your work. Yes, they will. Sometimes the opposition and hindrances that I will face will even come from seemingly well-meaning friends and family. Yes, it will. This opposition and these hindrances may cause me to question your call on my life and the work that you have given me to do for you. Doubt will try to creep into my heart and mind. Yes, it will. I will need to hold on to you as I continue to do your work. I must rely on your strength and endurance. The joy of bearing fruit for your kingdom and your glory will sustain me. Knowing with certainty that you are working in and through my life will keep me going when opposition mounts, weary sets in and hindrances arise. Yes, be certain that I have called you. Be certain that I have given you work to do for me. Be certain that you are doing what I have asked of you. Be certain that I will give you everything you need to keep on serving me. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, thank you for giving me work to do for you. I will fend off everything that will attempt to distract or hinder me from doing your work. Give me your joy and endurance and strength to keep on doing all you have asked me to do for you. Amen

Key Question… How have you been able to resist hindrances and distractions so you could continue doing the Lord’s work?

Living It Out… Fend off hindrances so you can remain focused on doing the work that the Lord has given you to do for Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will give you joy and strength and endurance 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 you have known the work the Lord has given you to do for Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you receive joy and strength and endurance to keep on doing the work the Lord has given you to do for Him.

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

Let Us – Nehemiah 6 -2-4 – Meet Together – 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

My Lost Sheep

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Luke 15:4-7 - My Lost Sheep - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Luke 15:4-7 – My Lost Sheep – Growing As Disciples

Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.  Luke 15:4-7 (NIV)

You Rescued Me

You were lost and without hope in the world. You were on your own. You were all by yourself. You thought you were strong. You thought you were self-sufficient. You were independent and stubborn and strong willed. You thought you could handle whatever life brought your way. You did not want help. You didn’t need anyone’s advice. You lived for your own comfort. You sought your own pleasure. You were on a dark and lonely path. You were walking away from me.  Yes, I was walking away from you.

Life was not good for you. You experienced the pain that comes from the kind of life you were living. You were weary. You were worn out. You were bruised and battered and broken by life. You hurt others. Others hurt you. You were wounded and in need of healing. Yes, I was in great pain. I wanted something else. I needed something more. I was looking for something different. I needed and wanted you. I didn’t know that at the time. All I knew is that I was empty inside. I ached all over. I know that I cried out to you. I asked you for your help. Yes, you did cry out to me. It was more like a scream. Yes, it was. You asked me to show myself to you, if I was real. Yes, that was my scream. Did you accept that as my prayer? Yes, I did.

Did I show myself to you? Yes, you showed yourself to me.  Did I seek you out? Did I pursue you in your pain? Wasn’t I your Good Shepherd? Weren’t you one of my lost sheep? Yes, you pursued me. Yes, you sought me out. You responded to my cry. You came to me. You took me out of the muck and mire that was my life. You set my feet on solid ground. You forgave all my sin. You cleansed me of all my unrighteousness. You healed my bruised and battered and broken life. You carried me. You calmed me. You brought me to a place where you could revive, refresh and restore my soul. Now, you are my Savior and Lord. Now I am on the path of life walking with you. Yes, you are. I am so thankful that you rescued me.

Lord, I was off by myself, stubbornly wandering in a life of sin. My life was a mess. I was bruised and battered. You left heaven to find and save me. Thank you for healing and rescuing me and giving me a new life of following you. Amen

Key Question… How do you feel knowing that it was the Good Shepherd who sought you and brought you to him?

Living It Out… Turn away from your old sinful life to follow Christ in the new life He has for you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your Good Shepherd came into this world to rescue you and give you a new with Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Good Shepherd rescued you from a life without Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you follow your Good Shepherd as He leads you through life.

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

Identity – Luke 15-4-7 – My Lost Sheep – 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

Walk As Jesus Did

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Discipleship Study Devotional Study Guide - Life - 1 John 2:6- Walk As Jesus Did - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Study Devotional Study Guide – Life – 1 John 2:6- Walk As Jesus Did – Growing As Disciples

Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6 (NIV)

What Did I Do? 

What did I do? That seems like a really broad and large question. Yes, and you will do very well if you spend a lifetime thinking deeply about your answer. Go ahead and ask your question, I know what’s on your mind. I was thinking, “Why is that?” Why should I spend a lifetime thinking about what you did? I’m not being defiant. I have my own ideas of why I think it would be important for me to continually think about what you did. I would much rather listen to what you have to say on the subject. That’s funny I would much rather listen to what you have to say on the subject. I guess you are going to win. I will be happy to listen to all that you have to say.  Here goes then.

I want to watch and think about what you did because I want to become like you. Most people, including me, learn best by observing a real life example. It’s one thing to have something explained. It’s quite another to see it done. It’s even better to have something explained and see it done. So, I want to carefully consider both your words and your actions. Your words explain things to me. Your life serves as an example to me. Now, that wasn’t so hard to say was it? No, it wasn’t. You have said just about what I would have said to you if I had gone first. Really? Yes, really. That should be an encouragement to you. You are thinking, “Why is that?” again aren’t you? Yes, I am. Don’t even bother asking me that. You tell me. If I said what you might have said then I’m thinking thoughts and saying words that are similar to yours. Yes, is that surprising to you? It is more than surprising, it is astonishing to me. Now, I should ask, “Why is that?” It seems inconceivable to me that I could think some of your thoughts and say some of your words. Isn’t that the goal? What do you mean by that? Don’t you want to become like me? Don’t you want to walk as I walked? Don’t you want to live as I lived? Don’t you want to do what I did? Yes, I do. Then as you listen attentively to my words and observe what I have done and am doing you will start becoming like me. You will think what I thought. You will do what I did. You say what I said.  I will? Yes, and this is not something that should surprise you. In fact you should expect that I will be changing your thoughts, words, and deeds to be more like mine. Do you know why that is? Not really. Sure you do, give me your best shot at answering my question. I want to become like you. I am listening attentively to your words. I am carefully observing what you did. I am intently watching what you are doing.  I love you. I want to follow, obey and serve you. Now see, you have great answers to my question. Can you see that all these things that you want are what I want for you? Yes, I can see that. Can you understand that I placed these desires in your heart? Yes, I can. Then you need to believe that I will make you to be like me in all your thoughts, words, and deeds as you follow me. Do you believe that? Yes Lord, I do. That’s very good.

Lord, thank you for making it possible for me to walk as you walked by doing what you did in life. I want to trust my Heavenly Father just as you trusted Him. I want to love, follow and serve Him just as you did. Help me to do that every day. Amen

Key Question… How are you walking as Christ walked in the way that He knew and did His Heavenly Father’s will?

Living It Out… Make it the priority of your life to walk as Christ walked by thinking, saying and doing what He did in life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Holy Spirit will help you to walk as Christ walked by thinking, saying and doing what He did in life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are walking as Christ walked by doing what He did in life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you walk as Jesus walked by doing what He did as He loved, followed and served His Father.

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

Life – 1 John 2-6 – Walk As Jesus Did – 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

Will Be An Encouragement

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - Ephesians 4:29 - Will Be An Encouragement - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – Ephesians 4:29 – Will Be An Encouragement – Growing As Disciples

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)

Everything You Say 

I want you to guard every word that comes out of your mouth. Your words will either build others up or tear them down. You words can be like a tool in my hand or they can be like a weapon that can do a world of evil. Before you speak ask, “Will my words be helpful or hurtful?” Ask, “Will my words build others up or tear them down?” Don’t let any unwholesome and foul words come out of your mouth. Your words can be like a gift that will encourage others in their walk of faith in me. Your words can change the course of a person’s life and their ultimate destiny. Do you hear what I am saying to you? Do you understand the power of your words? Yes Lord, I am listening to you. I understand the power of my words.

I want you to look for opportunities to build others up by encouraging them with your words. Go out of your way to bless others with the words that I will give you to speak. Take notice of others. Know what they need to hear. Invest yourself in their lives with your words. Speak your words according to what they need to hear and not according to what you think you need to say. Have you been encouraged by the words of another? Has someone ever said good and helpful words that built you up and encouraged you? Yes, you have encouraged me with your words. You have built me up with your words. Your words have changed the course of my life. Your words have directed my destiny. Can I speak through you? Can I use the words of your mouth? You can do all things. You can use me however you see fit. I want to use your mouth. I want to speak through you. I welcome you to speak through me. I want you to use my words to bless other people. That will be very good.

You will be blessed as I speak through. You will be blessed with the same words with which you bless others. As you encourage others you will be encouraged. As you build others up you will be built up. You may ask why is that. Why is that? You will know that I am using you. You will know that I am speaking through you. You will know that your words are bearing fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. Will you allow me to speak through you? Yes Lord, I will allow you to speak through me. That will be very good.

Lord, so often I have spoken words that are not good, helpful or encouraging. I have torn others and even myself down with my thoughts and words. Use the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart to encourage and build others up. Amen

Key Question… How are you looking for opportunities to build others up and encourage others with your words?

Living It Out… Allow the Lord to use you to speak good, helpful and encouraging words that build others up.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will use you to build others up with your good, helpful and encouraging words.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how good, helpful and encouraging words have impacted your life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May your words be good and helpful so that they will encourage others.

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

So That – Ephesians 4-29 – Will Be An Encouragement – 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

Your Attitude

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Transformation - Philippians 2:5-7- Your Attitude - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Transformation – Philippians 2:5-7- Your Attitude – Growing As Disciples

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:5-7 (NIV)

An Example

You have said that you want to be like me. You may not have that same thought after we are done talking today. Why is that? I did not lay claim to what was rightfully mine. I did not assert my own rights. I did not demand to be treated with honor and respect. I didn’t seek my own comfort. I did not pursue my own pleasure. I was not self-sufficient. I was not self-absorbed. I thought more about the needs of others than of my own. I did not seek my own will. I did not try to accomplish my own plans. I left the comfort of heaven to come into the world. I allowed myself to become a man. I went about doing my Father’s will. I went where my Father sent me. I did everything my Father asked of me. In everyway I lived to please Him.

I could have chosen a prideful self-seeking life. I did not. I made a choice to humble myself and serve the needs of others. It was not easy.  I experienced pain. I felt sorrow. I was rejected. I loved those who did not love me. I gave expecting nothing in return. I got little thanks. I received much abuse. It was a lonely path on which I walked. Who would want it? Who would follow it? This is where you can speak up.

You have set an example for me to follow. I want to walk on the same path on which you walked. I want to live the life that you lived. Your life had meaning. Your life had purpose. You lived to know and do your Father’s will. It brought you great joy to serve Him. You did the good works that He prepared in advance for you to do. You had no regrets. You made no retreats. You left nothing in reserve. You emptied yourself to humbly serve your Father by doing all that He asked of you. It cost you everything. But, knowing and doing your Father’s will was worth it all. You accomplished all that you were sent to do in this world for Him. You bore an abundance of fruit for His kingdom. You brought glory to His name. What could be better than that? Just as you did your Father’s will so I also want to do my Father’s will. I want no regrets. I will not retreat. I will leave nothing in reserve. Help me to know and do the Father’s will. Help me to serve like you served. Yes, I will.

Lord, I have had a “me first” attitude. I have thought that I was better than others. I have pridefully felt that others should serve me rather than me humbly serving them. Forgive me. I will take on your attitude. I will have your mind. I will joyfully serve others. Amen

Key Question… What joy have you found in taking on Christ’s attitude and humbly serving others?

Living It Out… Take on Christ’s attitude by humbling living a life of serving others.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you have been called to take on Christ’s attitude by humbling serving others.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are taking on Christ’s attitude by humbly serving others.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you take on the attitude of Christ by humbling serving others.

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

Transformation – Philippians 2-5-7 – Your Attitude – 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

Guard Your Hearts And Minds

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Philippians 4:4-7 - Knowing God - Guard Your Hearts And Minds - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Philippians 4:4-7 – Knowing God – Guard Your Hearts And Minds – Growing As Disciples

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

Present Your Requests

I’m not hearing many actual prayer requests from you. You are not asking me for very much. Why is that? Do you think that I may be too busy to hear and answer your prayers? Do you think your prayers may come as an inconvenience to me? Do you not want to bother me with your requests? Do you think that you are not worthy to have your prayers heard and answered by me? Are you so busy that you just don’t have the time to pray? You don’t have to answer all my questions immediately. I do want you to think deeply about what I am saying to you.

Is your life so under control that you don’t need my help? Now, I can’t let that question go by unanswered. That is a question I don’t need to take time to answer. I didn’t think so either. You’ve seen my life. Yes, I see your life from beginning to end. I take notice of every detail of your life on every day of your life. Have you noticed that I am full of worry and anxiety? Yes, that’s exactly why I started this conversation with you about your prayers. What do you have in mind? What do you think I have in mind? You don’t want me to carry worry and anxiety through life. No, I do not.

I want your life to be filled with joy. I want you to have peace that is so full and deep that you can’t even explain it. I want you to have my joy and peace no matter what circumstances you face in life. How is that possible? You tell me. I don’t know. Well, do you want to keep carrying your worries and anxieties through life? No, I don’t. What can you do with your worries and anxieties? I can give my worries and anxieties to you. I can turn each one of my worries and anxieties into a prayer to you. Yes, you can. Now if you did that, you would be asking for a lot more from me in your prayers. Yes, I would. That is exactly what I want to hear from you. I want you to ask me for all that you need. I want you to come to me to rely on me in your prayers. Will you do that? Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I have held on to anxious worries. My joy has been robbed. My ability to rejoice has been limited. I know that you are near to me and ready to hear my prayers. I will turn all my worries into prayers to you so that your peace will guard my heart and mind. Amen

Key Question… What is a worry that you would like to turn into a prayer to God right now?

Living It Out… Draw near to God and turn all your worries into prayers to Him so that He can guard your heart and your mind.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the God will guard your heart and mind as you turn your worries into prayers to Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have drawn near to God to turn worries into prayers to Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you turn all your worries into prayers to God so that His peace will guard your heart and mind.

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

Knowing God – Philippians 4-4-7 – Guard Your Hearts And Your Minds – 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

Salt Of The Earth

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Transformation - Matthew 5:13 - Salt Of The Earth - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Transformation – Matthew 5:13 – Salt Of The Earth – Growing As Disciples

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Matthew 5:13 (NIV)

My Salt

You are the salt of the earth. Do you have any idea what that means? I’m not sure, but I have some ideas. Let me hear them. Salt adds seasoning to what might otherwise be bland and tasteless. You salt just about everything you eat, don’t you?  Yes, I do. How can you add flavor and seasoning to everything that you think, say and do in this world? On my own, I can’t add any salt seasoning to anything.  Why is that? It is only you living inside of me that makes me able to bring flavor and seasoning to others in this world. I’m glad that you know that. Will you rely on me to use you as flavoring and seasoning in the world?  Yes Lord, I will.

What do you think my salt seasoning looks and tastes like? Your salt is nothing like the salt I use to flavor my food. Your salt dramatically stands out from all the blandness and tastelessness of the world. Your salt is in short supply in the world. When people see the pouring out of your salt, it gets noticed. Your salt changes the hearts and minds and lives of people. Your salt is attractive and highly desirable. People are drawn to you when they experience a taste of your salt.  Once someone tastes your salt, they want nothing else. There is no real substitute for your salt. The excess salt that I eat may harm my body.  Your salt brings health and healing to me and to anyone else it touches. 

I crave your salt.  I want to live in your salt. I want your salt to cover me from head to toe.  I want to be used to spread your salt to everyone I meet.  I want your salt to penetrate all that I think, say and do. There is nothing I want to think, say or do unless it has your salt on it.

You know the words that describe my salt, don’t you?  You know where my salt comes from, don’t you?  You know that my salt will be poured out from your life, don’t you?  Yes, I do. Your salt comes from your Holy Spirit living inside of me. Your salt comes in a variety of flavors. You want me to be a dispenser of your salt seasoning in all that I think, say and do. You want me to season the world with the salty flavors of your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control. Yes, that’s right.  Pour your salt into my life so that it can pour out of my life.  Is that your prayer? Yes, it is.  I will hear and answer your prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank you for making me to be a salty witness for Christ in a bland and tasteless world. Send me to where you want me to go and guide me to what you want me to do for you. Use me according to your plan so others will be drawn to Christ. Amen

Key Question…How has God’s word helped you to be a salty witness for Christ in a bland and tasteless world?

Living It Out… Always be ready to do what God asks of you so you will be able to season the world with the saltiness of Christ in you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will use the saltiness of Christ that is in you to season a bland and tasteless world.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has used you to season the world with the saltiness of Christ.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you be a salty witness for Christ in a bland and tasteless world.

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

Transformation – Matthew 5-13 – Salt Of The Earth – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

You Are Too Important

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - If - Galatians 6:2-3 - You Are Too Important - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – If – Galatians 6:2-3 – You Are Too Important – Growing As Disciples

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Galatians 6:2-3 (NLT)

Too Important

Are you too busy to see the needs of others? Are you so preoccupied that you can’t even hear a cry for help?  Is who you are or what you are doing too important to take time to help others in need? Please don’t say yes you are too busy. Please don’t say yes that you or your work is too important. It would grieve me so to hear those words come out of your mouth. Stop and think. Why have I given you so much? Why do you have gifts and talents and resources in abundance? Don’t answer, just listen to me. I know that you want to be like me. I know that you want me to change your heart. I know that you want me to transform your mind. I know that you want to live the life that I have called you to live. Is all of this true? Yes Lord, I want to be like you. I want to know you. I want to know your will. I want to walk in your ways. I want to go wherever you guide me. I want to do whatever you ask of me. That is very good. 

Was I ever too busy to help someone in need? Was I ever too important to stop what I was doing to help others? No, you were never too busy or too important to help others. Were my eyes open to see those in need? Were my ears open so I could hear the cries of those in need? Did I ever let my life become too busy and preoccupied that I ignored someone who was in need? No Lord, you were never too busy. You were never preoccupied. Your eyes and ears were opened. You never missed out on an opportunity to help someone in need.

What am I asking of you? What is my will? What will you do if you want to follow me? Where do you think I will lead you? What will I ask you to do for me? You will ask me to love like you loved. You will ask me to give like you gave. You will lead me to serve others. You will call on me to use all the gifts, talents and resources that you have given me to share with others. You will ask me to do what you have done. You want me to go and meet the needs of others. Yes, I do. Then you will be like me. Then you will be doing my will. Then you will bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. Are you ready? Yes Lord, I am ready to serve you as I meet the needs of others.

Lord, I know that there have been many times where I thought I was too busy or too important to help others in need. Forgive me. You have never been too busy or important to help me. Help me now to love and give like you loved and gave. Amen

Key Question… Why must you never think that you are too important or too busy to help someone in need?

Living It Out… Open up your eyes to see and your ears to hear how the Lord wants to use you to help people in need.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will regularly use you to help people in need.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has used you to help people in need.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you never think that you are too important to help someone else.

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

If – Galatians 6-2-3 – You Are Too Important – 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

Your Refuge

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - If - Psalm 91:9-13 - Your Refuge - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – If – Psalm 91:9-13 – Your Refuge – Growing As Disciples

If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!  Psalm 91:9-13 (NLT) 

Under Protection

Do you desire to dwell in my presence? Do you want to be at home with me? Do you want to take shelter in my protection? Will you come to take refuge in me? There is no place that I would rather be than in your presence. In your presence I am at peace and rest. In your presence I have fullness of joy. I feel at home when I come to meet with you. You are my refuge in every storm. You shelter me in your safety. Yes, I will dwell in your presence. Yes, I will take shelter and protection in your refuge. There is nothing I would rather do than come to be with you.

How have I guarded and guided your life as you have come to dwell with me? There are many places I have not gone and things I have not done because I have drawn near to you and you have drawn near to me. You have kept me away from danger. You have taught me to walk away from evil. You have helped me to walk in the light as you have led me through life. There are many things I have not done because I have remained with you in your word. Your word has changed my heart. Your word has transformed my mind. I no longer desire to do what is dangerous. I no longer want to do what is evil. It is my joy and delight to do what pleases you. So, you have protected me from going into dangerous places to do what would end up harming me. In these ways you have guarded, guided and protected my life. You are right. But, these are not the only ways I have watched over and protected you. 

As you have come to live and dwell with me, evil has not been able come near to you. Drawing near to me and me drawing near to you has made you able to resist evil so that it would have to flee from you. There is another way that I have watched over you. There is another way that I have protected your life. How is that? I have sent my angels to guard you. They are under my orders to guard and protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up. They will keep you from stumbling. They will protect you from falling. They will give you victory over evil of every kind. They will make your steps sure as you keep on following me. That is exactly what I will do. I will keep on following you. That will be very good.

Lord, I know what it is like to live a self-sufficient, self-indulgent and self-serving life that is not under your protection. But now, you are my dwelling place. It is my joy to take refuge in you. You guard and guide my life. You are my shelter of protection.  Amen

Key Question… When have you known that the Lord was certainly protecting you from danger?

Living It Out… Make every effort to make the Lord your dwelling, shelter and refuge so you will be under His protection.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will be your dwelling, refuge and shelter of protection as you follow Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has been your refuge as you have followed Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the Lord to be your refuge and shelter as you follow Him.

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

If – Psalm 91-9-13 – Your-Refuge – 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