Monthly Archives: August 2024

God Called To Him From Within The Bush

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Knowing God - Exodus 3:3-6 - God Called To Him From Within The Bush - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Knowing God – Exodus 3:3-6 – God Called To Him From Within The Bush – Growing As Disciples

So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight–why the bush does not burn up.” When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God. Exodus 3:3-6

Go Over And See

Check it out. Stop and take notice. Go over and see. What are you talking about? I’m talking about my activity in your life. I’m trying to get your attention. You are always on the go. You are so very busy. The noise and busyness of life is your enemy. How could that be? I want to speak into your life. I have things that I want to say to you. I have much that I want to show you. The noise and busyness of life will make you deaf and blind to me. Can you see how noise and busyness really are your enemies? Yes, now I understand. It is not enough to simply understand your enemies. You must be willing to do battle with them. You must learn to defeat them.

How can I defeat the noise and busyness of life? That is a very good question. Let me ask you a couple different questions first. Go ahead I’m listening. What will you miss out on if you let the noise of life make you deaf to me? What will happen to you if you can’t hear me speaking to you? If I can’t hear you then you won’t be able to speak into my life. If I’m not listening to you, I won’t receive any of your guidance and direction. I will have no idea of where you want me to go. I will have no idea of what you want me to do. I will be like a ship without a rudder or a sail without the wind. There will be no direction or power in my life. I won’t be able to know your will. I won’t be able to accomplish purposes and plans for my life. No, you will not. What will happen to you if you allow the busyness of life to make you blind to what I want to show you? If I am blind to what you want to show me I will never learn from what you are doing in the world all around me. All your wisdom and instruction will be like a book unread. I will have left it unnoticed and untouched. I will have raced right on by what is of eternal value to pursue what will ultimately amount to nothing. I won’t have allowed you to use my life. I won’t have been able to bear fruit for your kingdom or bring glory to your name. No, you will not. Do you want to defeat the noise and busyness of life? Do you want to hear from me? Do you want to see and learn from what I am doing? Yes Lord, I want to defeat the noise and busyness of life. Then draw near to me and I will draw near to you. Set a time and a place to meet with me. In our times together you will hear from me. In our times together you will see what I want to show you. Then you will defeat the noise and busyness of life.

Lord, I know there have been times when I have been so busy that I failed to notice what you wanted to show me. I haven’t stopped to turn aside to allow you to speak into my life. I’m here now. I’m ready to listen. Speak to me. Guide the course of my life. Amen

Key Question… When have you been too busy to take notice of the activity of God around you?

Living It Out… Be watching for how God wants to get your attention so He can speak into your life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will get your attention and speak to you so He can guide the course of your life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has gotten your attention so He could speak into your life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you turn aside to meet with the Lord so that He can guide the course of your life.

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

Knowing God – Exodus 3-3-6 – God Called To Him From Within The Bush – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

Be Holy Because I Am Holy

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Knowing God - 1 Peter 1:13-16 - Be Holy Because I Am Holy - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Knowing God – 1 Peter 1:13-16 – Be Holy Because I Am Holy – Growing As Disciples

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

Action

Let’s talk about that word action. What about it? I want you to take action. What kind of action do you want me to take? I want you to take two different actions. What two actions do you want me to take? What does my word say? You want me to tell you what two actions you want me to take? Yes, I do. That will take some thought. Yes, it will. That’s exactly what I want you to do. I want you to think about taking action. Why is that? You won’t take any action at all unless you think about it first. Both of the actions that you want me to take involve my mind. Yes, they do. You want me to take control over what I allow myself to think. Yes, I do. You don’t want me to continue to allow my mind to be conformed to the pattern of evil desires that are in the world. That’s right. How will I take control over what I allow myself to think? You tell me. Well, I could start by eliminating anything that encourages or stimulates evil thinking in my life. I could get rid of everything that might feed evil desires in my heart and mind. That would be a very good way to start taking control over what you allow yourself to think. What else? What other action will you take with your mind? I will set my mind on the hope that I have in you. I will set my mind on you. I will set my mind on what you want me to think. I will set my mind on what you want me to do. I will set my mind on the life you have called me to live. I will set my mind on the person you have called me to be. Yes, those are the thoughts that I want you to take action and begin to think. Did you notice something about my earlier question? No, I did not. I’m not at all sure of what you mean. I did not ask you what other action will you take next with your mind. Why is that? Why do you think? Both actions of setting aside evil thoughts and setting my mind on your thoughts need to be ongoing and occur at the same time. Why is that? The only way to stop thinking evil thoughts is to start thinking your thoughts. Your thoughts will cleanse my heart and my mind. Your thoughts will help me to live the life that you have called me to live. Your thoughts will transform me into the person that you want me to be. Your thoughts will make me more like you. Yes, they will. Will you set aside evil thoughts and start thinking my thoughts? Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, thank you for calling me to come to you. You have lavished me with your grace. You have given me your salvation. Help me now to have a heart, mind and life that are prepared for action and ready to live the life you have called me to live. Amen

Key Question… When are you meeting with God in His word so that your mind can be prepared for the action?

Living It Out… No longer live in ignorance conforming to the world’s evil desires but be holy in all that you think, say and do.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to be holy in all that you think, say and do as you follow Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are no longer thinking, speaking and acting as you once did.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you be holy in all that you think, say and do because He who called you is holy.

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

Knowing God – 1 Peter 1-13-16 – Be Holy Because I Am Holy – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

Through Me

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Knowing God - John 14:6 Through Me - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Knowing God – John 14:6 Through Me – Growing As Disciples

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  John 14:6 (ESV) 

The Way, The Truth, The Life

You became my life when I had no life. I was lost and without hope in the world. I was living in darkness and walking on a path that led away from you. I was living as your enemy doing whatever I pleased whenever I pleased. I lived entirely for myself. I was self-sufficient, self-centered and independent. I didn’t want or need anything from anyone. I didn’t think about you. I didn’t care what you thought. I was in a really bad place.  That was quite a while ago. Yes, it was at least from my perspective. But, it is good to look back and remember where I was when you rescued me from a life without you. You took me out of the muck and mire of what you could call my life. You set me on solid ground. You drew me to yourself. You turned my life around. You helped me to cry out to you. You became my Savior and my Lord. You gave me a new life to live now that will continue on forever in eternity with you. Yes, I did. You are now my life. In every way I want to do what pleases you. I want to know and do your will. I want to accomplish everything that you have planned for me to do for you. I will help you accomplish my plans and purposes for your life. 

You are the truth that has and is continuing to set me free. You are speaking into my life. You are molding and shaping me into the person you want me to be. You are using your word to change my heart and transform my mind. You are allowing me to think your thoughts. I will continue to meet with you in your word. There is no place that I would rather be than in your presence. You have drawn near to me as I have drawn near to you. There is nothing I would rather do than be taught by you. I know that you are not finished with me yet. I am your work in progress. Yes, you are. Your work in me will continue right up until I come to meet you face to face. Yes, it will.

You are my way through life. You are leading me through all the ups and downs and twists and turns of life. The road hasn’t always been easy. I have experienced pain and suffering and loss. I have never been on my own. I have never been all alone. You have always been with me to help me. You have always held on to me as I have held on to you. You will never let me go. I am in your firm and steady grip. I am all yours. Yes, you are mine. You are my way, my truth and my life. Yes, I am.

Lord, thank you for being the way that is leading me through life. Thank you for being the truth that teaches me and is setting me free to live my life with and for you. Thank you that you are the one that has given me a new life now and forever in heaven.  Amen

Key Question… How are you making it your daily practice to follow Jesus Christ as the way, the truth and the life?

Living It Out… Let Jesus Christ guide you on the way, set you free with the truth and give you new life now and forever.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that Jesus Christ is the way to guide you, the truth to teach, and the life to give you now and forever.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your smallgroup how you are following Jesus Christ as the way, the truth and the life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you follow Jesus Christ as the way, the truth and the life now and forever.

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

Knowing God – John 14-6 – Through 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

Know That I Am God

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Knowing God - Psalm 46:10 - Know That I Am God - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Knowing God – Psalm 46:10 – Know That I Am God – 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)

Be Still

Do you want to know me? Do you want to live in an intimate relationship with me? Do you want to know my will? Do you want to walk in my ways? Yes, I want to know you intimately. That is the desire of my heart. I hunger to know you. I thirst to know you. My heart aches with desire to know and love you. There is nothing else in all of life that I want more than to know and love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. That is very good. I want you to know me. That is my desire for you. We both want the same thing. You want to know me. I want you to know me.

How do you think that you will come to know me? What will be required of you if you really do want to come to know me? I’m not sure what you mean. If it were your goal to come to know someone what would you do? I would spend time with them. It really would not be possible to know someone without spending time with them. That’s right. How much time would you spend if you really wanted to know someone intimately? Would once a month be enough? No, certainly not. I would never come to know someone intimately at that rate. How about once a week, would that be enough? I doubt it. If I really wanted to know someone intimately I would want to meet with them every day. When you met with the person that you wanted to know intimately would just being around them be enough for you to come to know them intimately? No, if I really wanted to know someone intimately I would need to give them my undivided attention. Yes, that’s right. Do you see where our conversation is headed? Yes, I do. If I want to come to know you intimately I will need to set aside a time and a place to meet with you everyday. When we meet together I will need to be still and give you my undivided attention. Why do you think that is so important? I need to learn to listen attentively to you so that I can hear all that you want to say to me. I need to learn to pay close attention so that I can see all that you want to show me. Yes, I will help you to learn to listen to all that I want you to hear. I will help you to learn to see all that I want to show you.

Will you come to me? Will you meet with me at a specific time in a quiet place? Will you be still before me? Will you give me your undivided attention? Will you listen to all that I want to say to you? Will you pay close attention to all that I want to show you? Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, here I am. I have removed myself from the hectic pace and busyness of life. I have set aside this time and quiet place to meet with you. My ears are open to hear all that you want to say to me. My eyes are open to see all that you want to show me. Amen

Key Question… When are you setting aside a time and place to draw near and be still in the presence of God?

Living It Out… Set a time and a place to be still before God so that you can come to know Him better.

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

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have come to know God better as you have met with Him.

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

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

Knowing God – Psalm 46-10 – Know That I Am God – 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 g=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

Find The Knowledge Of God

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Knowing God - Proverbs 2:1-6 - Find The Knowledge Of God - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Knowing God – Proverbs 2:1-6 – Find The Knowledge Of God – Growing As Disciples

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:1-6 (NIV) 

Hidden Treasure

What are you seeking in life? What is worth your all out pursuit? What do you value above anything else? You don’t need to dream up some good answer to these questions. You have already answered them. How could I have possibly already answered questions that I am just now hearing for the very first time? Your answer is in one of your words. What word? How do you spend your time? You spend your time on what you are seeking. You use your time to pursue what is most valuable to you. How you spend your time indicates what is most you most treasure. That’s an interesting thought. I have never thought of time in quite like that before. I’m wasting a lot of time on what is not valuable. I’m spending a lot of valuable time on what is certainly not a treasure. Then it is time to reevaluate how you are spending your time. Yes, it is.

What do you treasure? How would you like to reallocate your time with what you really value? You are my treasure. I value my relationship with you. I want to know and love you. Your word is a treasure that is more important to me than silver or gold. I want to listen attentively to your words. I want to cry out for insight and understanding. I want to be molded and shaped by your word. I want to be guided and directed by your word. I want to live my life according to your word. I want to know your wisdom. I want to have your knowledge and understanding. This is what I want. This is what I desire. These desires are all worthy of my time. Yes, they are.

If you want my wisdom, knowledge and understanding what will you do? If you want to come to know and reverence me as God how will you spend your time? I will spend my time with you. I will earnestly seek with you all my heart. I will turn my ears to listen to all that you have to say to me. I will accept your words and take them in as my own. I will pursue you and the life that you have given me to live. I will look out for all you want to show me. I will search for all that you want to give to me. I will pursue your words like hidden treasure. Yes, you will.

Lord, I am listening attentively to your word as I store it in my heart. Your word is more valuable to me than any treasure of silver or gold. Help me to know and reverence you as God. Give me your wisdom, knowledge and understanding as I earnestly seek you. Amen

Key Question… How has storing up God’s word helped you to come to know, follow and obey Him?

Living It Out… Seek God with all your heart so that you will come to know Him and receive His wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God’s word is more valuable than any hidden treasure of silver and gold.

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

Prayer To Bless Others… May you seek and store up God’s word in your heart so that you will come to know and reverence Him as God.

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

Knowing God – Proverbs 2-1-6 – Find The Knowledge Of God – 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

Now I Know

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Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy. Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. Please accept now a gift from your servant.” 2 Kings 5:13-15 (NIV)

Pride Versus Humility

Do you think that you know it all? Do you have every question answered? Do you know every decision to make and step to take? I definitely don’t know it all. I certainly don’t have every question answered. I don’t even know what I don’t know. Take one look at my life and you will see that I have made many missteps. I have left a trail of foolish and unwise decisions. Well, it is very good that you recognize your need for help. Why is that?

You want to know me. Yes, I want to know you. Nothing will hinder you from coming to know me more than pride. Why is that? You tell me. What are you like when you are filled with pride? When I am filled with pride I am self-reliant and self-sufficient. No one can tell me anything when I am filled with pride. Then I think that I know it all. Then I am sure of my decisions to make and steps to take in life. My life could look like a train wreck waiting to happen to everyone around me and no one would be able to flag me down to change my course. Why is that? I would not listen. My pride would make me so sure that I am absolutely right. Has that ever happened to you? Yes, I have gone full speed into bad decisions more often than I want to admit. When you are filled with pride how well have you listened to me? When I have been filled with pride I have had no need to listen to you. I have thought I had no need for you to guard and guide my life. That’s true. That’s why pride will hinder you from coming to know me. I get it.

Nothing will help you more to come to know me than humility. Why is that? You tell me. What are you like when you are filled with humility? When I am filled with humility I am open to listen to whatever you have to say to me. I spend time with you in your word. I listen attentively to your voice. I allow your word to change my heart and transform my mind. I allow you to replace my thoughts and ways with your thoughts and ways. Even the pace of my decisions slows way down. Why is that? I am willing to wait for your instructions. I don’t want to run ahead of you or lag behind you. I want to follow you to wherever you are leading me to do whatever you are asking of me. I especially want you to guard and guide my life. Then you will come to know me as you rely on me. Is that what you want? Yes Lord, I will humbly rely on you so that I can come to know you.

Lord, I admit it. I don’t have the answers. I don’t know every decision to make or step to take. I have been foolish and unwise. I have gone left instead of right. I have stopped instead of started. I have retreated instead of advanced. I will follow and obey you. Amen

Key Question… When has pride made you reluctant to obey simple instructions from God and His word?

Living It Out… Make up your mind that you are going to follow and obey God and His word so that you can come to know Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will come to know God better as you follow and obey Him and His word.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have come to know God as you have followed and obeyed Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you obey God’s word so that you can come to know Him.

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

Knowing God – 2 Kings 5-13-15 – Now I Know – 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

Tell Everyone

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Knowing God - 1 Chronicles 16:8-12 - Tell Everyone - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Knowing God – 1 Chronicles 16:8-12 – Tell Everyone – Growing As Disciples

Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the LORD. Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him. Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given, 1 Chronicles 16:8-12 (NLT)

Remember

Lets talk about the word remember. What would you like to say to me about remembering? I would like to tell you to not forget. Why is that? You tell me. It has been the history of your people to forget all that you have done for them. It has been my history to forget all that you have done for me. Why do you say that? It’s true. How do you know it is true that you have often forgotten what I have done for you? I think you remind me of what I have forgotten. How do I remind you? When I have been filled with fear and facing a giant obstacle you have reminded me that you are with me to help me. How do I do that? You remind me that you have been with me through all the fear filled times in my life when I have faced giant obstacles. You have always been with me. I have always been able to hold on to you as you have always held on to me. How else have I reminded you of the great things I have done for you? When I have been battered and bruised and broken by life you have always answered my cry and my prayer. Now, I can’t face a trial in life without remembering that you have always come to comfort, heal and strengthen me. Can you think of one more way that you I have reminded you of the great things that I have done for you? When I am feeling a little lost and without hope in life you have reminded me how you have saved me and set me on the path of knowing, loving, following and serving you. You have reminded me that this life is temporary. My future is forever in heaven with you. Yes, it is. Holding onto these thoughts has filled me with joy and thanksgiving. Lets talk a little bit more about that.

I want you to take a more active in role in remembering all that I have done for you. What do you have in mind? You tell me. What can you do to remind yourself of all that I have done for you? That’s a good question. I could keep a record and write down what you have done for me. That would be a good start. What else? I could make it my pattern and practice to spend time in praise and worship to give you thanks for all that you have done for me. That would be excellent. What else? I could start telling others about all that you have done for me. That would be fantastic. What do you think will happen to you as you do all of these things? As I remember to give thanks to you and tell others all that you have done for me, my life will be filled with joy. I will be encouraged and strengthened as I declare your kindness, mercy and love. I will become bold witness for you as I declare your goodness. Yes, you will.

Lord, I am filled with thanksgiving as I remember the great things you have done for me. You have all my praise and worship. My heart is filled with joy as I tell others who you are and all that you have done. You have strengthened me to keep seeking you. Amen

Key Question… How has remembering all that the Lord has done for you brought thanksgiving and joy into your life?

Living It Out… Remember and give thanks to the Lord for all the great things that He has done for you as you have followed Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will be filled with joy and thanksgiving as you tell others the great things the Lord has done for you.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group the great things that the Lord has done for you.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you remember to tell others the great things that the Lord has done for you.

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

Knowing God – 1 Chronicles 16-8-12 – Tell Everyone – 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

Possess These Qualities In Increasing Measure

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Knowing God - 2 Peter 1:5-9 - Possess These Qualities In Increasing Measure - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Knowing God – 2 Peter 1:5-9 – Possess These Qualities In Increasing Measure – Growing As Disciples

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 2 Peter 1:5-9 (NIV)

Make Every Effort

Do you want to know my will? Do you want to know what I want you to do in life? Yes, I want to know your will. I would like to know what you want me to do in life. When you think of my will, is your first thought about doing something? Yes, it is. What else is there? Are you completely defined by what you do? Have you given much thought to who you are? Are you thinking at all about who you will become? I have thought a lot about what I might do and very little about who I am. I have thought even less about who I might become. Have I been thinking too much about what I will do and way too little about who I am or who I will become? You tell me. I’m guessing that you want me to think more about who I am and who I will become. Good guess. 

Who are you? I am your creation. You made me. I am your child. You are my Father. I am your follower. You are my Savior and Lord. You called me to come to you. You have forgiven and cleansed me of all my sin. You have given me a new life to live with and for you. I am your disciple. You are teaching and training me. You are guiding and directing me. You are molding and shaping my life. You are making me into the person you want me to become. Yes, I am. I am your servant. You have given me places to go and things to do for you. I am your witness. You want me to be your light in the world. You want to draw others to you through my life. Yes, I do. 

Who will you need to be in order to be an effective and productive witness for me in the world? I will need to be the person that you have called me to become. Who have I called you to become? You have called me to become a person of character. If I do not have good character I will be an ineffective and unproductive witness for you in the world. No one will be drawn to you through my life if I have not allowed you to develop my character. How will you know when you are a person of good character? Who will be your example and role model? Who will you follow? Who would you like to look like? I will follow you. I want to begin to look like you. You are my example. You are my role model. You want me to become like you. Yes, I do. Will you allow me to develop your character? Will you also make every effort to develop your character? Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I will make very effort to develop qualities of good character so that I am not ineffective and unproductive as I come to know, love and follow you. I invite you to do your work in me. Mold and shape my life so that I am the person you called me to be. Amen

Key Question… How is Jesus Christ your example and role model for the qualities of character you would like to possess?

Living It Out… Make every effort to develop qualities of character so that you will be effective and productive as a follower of Christ.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will develop qualities of good character in you as you come to know, love, and follow Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has been developing qualities of good character in you.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you grow in your character so that you will be an effective and productive follower of Jesus Christ.

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

Knowing God – 2 Peter 1-5-9 – Possess These Qualities In Increasing Measure – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

God Is With You

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Knowing God - Joshua 1:8-9 - God Is With You - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Knowing God – Joshua 1:8-9 – God Is With You – Growing As Disciples

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9 (NLT)

Wherever You Go 

You will be tested. You will face challenges. You will fight battles. You will need courage and strength that you do not have. You will be tempted by fear. You will battle discouragement. Without me you will give into fear and discouragement. Without me you will be weak and cowardly. How can I have your courage and strength? How can I fend off fear and discouragement? How can I win the battles that I will face? How can I be victorious in all the tests and challenges of life?

What have I said to you? What am I commanding you? What have I provided for you? You have given me your word. You have said that you will be with me wherever I go. You have commanded me to be strong and courageous. You have told me to not be afraid or discouraged. You have said that you will give me prosperity and success. You are right about what I have said to you. What must you do if you want to prosper and succeed? What must you do if you want to be strong and courageous? What must you do if you want to keep fear and discouragement far from you? There is something I must do? Yes, there is something you must do. I must believe your word. I must believe that you are with me wherever I go. I must believe that you are with me to help me. That’s right. What else must you do? I must keep your word in my heart and on my mind continually. I must study your word. I must meditate on your word day and night. I must put your word into practice. That’s right. 

What will my word do for you? Your word will give me courage and strength. Your word will guard and guide my life. Your word will help me to follow and obey you. Your word will prosper my life and give me good success. Your word will me remind that you are with me wherever I go. Your word will continually remind me that you are with me to help. Will you study my word? Will you meditate on my word day and night? Will you believe my word and put it into practice? Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, your word is continually in my heart and on my mind. It is my delight to meditate on your word day and night. Guard, guide and bless my life with your word. Help me to obey and put your word into practice as I follow you. Amen

Key Question… How has meditating on God’s word given you a greater awareness that He is with you to help you?

Living It Out… Meditate on God’s word day and night so that you will be able to do all that He asks you to do for Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will bless your life as you meditate on His word and put it into practice.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are allowing God to guide and guard your life with His word.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you continually keep God’s word in your heart and on your mind as you meditate on it day and night.

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

Knowing God – Joshua 1-8-9 – God Is With 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

 

Instructions Of The Lord

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Knowing God - Psalm 19:7-11 - Instructions Of The Lord - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Knowing God – Psalm 19:7-11 – Instructions Of The Lord – Growing As Disciples

The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. Psalm 19:7-11 (NLT)

Valuable

Is my word really more valuable to you than the finest gold? That is a very good question. I usually ask good questions. Yes, you do. What is your answer to my question? I better not answer your question with my words alone. What do you mean by that? If I say that your word is more valuable to me than the finest gold then there should be some evidence of that in my life. I agree. How is my word more valuable to you than the finest gold? What has my word been doing in your life?

I meditate on your word. I consider deeply what you have to say to me. I allow your word to speak into my life. Your word revives my soul. Many times when I come to meet with you in your word I am weary and worn out. As I spend time with you in your word I know that you are refreshing and reviving my soul. I feel reinvigorated and reenergized to continue on doing what you have given me to do in life. What else?

Your word makes me wise. I am very prone to making dumb mistakes and unwise decisions. My life has left a trial of stupidity whenever I have relied solely on myself. You have never turned me away when I have come to you to ask for wisdom. You have generously given me wisdom from your word. My quick decisions have usually been foolish decisions. As I spend time with you in your word you have shown the wise decision to make and path to take. What else?

Your word has been changing my heart and transforming my mind. What does that mean? You are changing the way that I think. You are changing what I want to do. You are showing me how to live. All of this comes from your word. I’m having real joy in wanting to think your thoughts and walk in your ways. In fact, I want nothing else. I want nothing less. My desire is to live my life fully for you. I want to fulfill your purposes and plans for my life. These desires and this passion have come to me as I have allowed you to speak into my life with your word. Your word has become sweet and precious to me. I can see that in you. Will you continue in my word? Yes Lord, I will continue in your word. Speak to me I am listening. Your word really is more valuable to me than gold and sweeter also than honey. Yes, it is. You have answered my question with both your words and with your life.

Lord, your word is more valuable to me than the finest gold. Your word revives my soul. Your word gives me wisdom. You word brings me joy. I know that your word is trustworthy and true. Thank you that your word guides, guards, protects and blesses my life. Amen

Key Question… How has God’s word revived your soul as you have listened to all that He wanted to say to you?

Living It Out… Rely on God’s word to guide, guard, protect and bless your life as you follow Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God’s word is more valuable to you than the finest gold.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are relying on God’s word as you live your life for Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you rely on God to guide, guard, protect, and bless your life with His word.

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

Knowing God – Psalm 19-7-11 – Instructions Of 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