Monthly Archives: September 2024

The Counselor

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Knowing God - John 14:25-26 - The Counselor - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Knowing God – John 14:25-26 – The Counselor – Growing As Disciples

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:25-26 (NIV)

Remind You

It is very good that you are in my word. Why is that? I am using my word to teach you. I am using my word to train you. I am using my word to guide you. I am using my word to counsel and comfort you. I am using my word to mold and shape your life. My word is living and active and working in your life. Yes, it is. I can see that. I am very thankful that you are using your word to change my heart and transform my mind. You are helping me to think your thoughts and walk in your ways. Yes, I am. 

It is very good that it is your delight to continue to meet with me in my word. Why is that? How would I teach and train and guide you without my word? How would I counsel and comfort you without my word? How would I mold and shape your life if you never met with me in my word? If you did not know my word, how could it be living and active in your life? I don’t know the answer to your questions. I do know that you have given me a burning desire to attentively listen to all that you want to say to me. In your presence I taste of your goodness, kindness, mercy and love. In your presence you restore my soul and refresh my life. When I am weak you make me strong. When I am empty you fill me up. When I am bruised and battered by life you heal all my wounds. You leave me satisfied and always hungry for more of you. There is not a day that I don’t need to hear from you. Continue in my word. Yes Lord, I will.

My word will continue to teach you moment by moment as you follow me. How is that? My Spirit will take what you have heard and seen and learned and received from me and bring it back into your remembrance. My Spirit will make my word living and active in your heart and mind. My Spirit will help you to continually think my thoughts and walk in my ways. My word will be with you when you get up and when you lie down. My word will be with you when you are awake and when you are asleep. My Spirit will use my word to fight like a sword in you, with you and for you. My Spirit will use my word to make you able to stand against temptation. My Spirit will use my word to make you able to bear fruit for my Kingdom and bring glory to my name. Let my Spirit use my word to work in and through you every day of your life. Yes Lord, I will.

Holy Spirit, thank you for being my helper, counselor, comforter, advocate, teacher and friend. Teach me all you want me to know. Bring to my remembrance all you have taught me from God’s word. Help me to put into practice all I have learned from you. Amen

Key Question… How has the Holy Spirit been teaching you and making you able to understand God’s word?

Living It Out… Put into practice all that the Holy Spirit has taught you and brought into your remembrance.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Holy Spirit will teach you and bring to your remembrance all that you have learned from Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Holy Spirit has helped you to remember what you have learned.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you put into practice all that the Holy Spirit has taught you and brought into your remembrance.

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

Knowing God – John 14-25-26 – The Counselor – 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 Have Eternal Life

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Knowing God - 1 John 5:13-15 - You Have Eternal Life - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Knowing God – 1 John 5:13-15 – You Have Eternal Life – Growing As Disciples

I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. 1 John 5:13-15 (NLT)

He Hears Me

You heard my call. You turned your life over to me. You have come to believe in me. You have eternal life. That’s very good news. I feel such peace knowing that you are my Savior and Lord. You are my God and Heavenly Father. I am your child. I can place all my hope and trust in you. You have my life in your hands. You will lead me now and forever. You have a purpose and a plan for my life. I can rest here in your presence today, tomorrow and forever. Yes, you can rest in me.

I can live in a close and intimate relationship with you. I will walk with you through life. You will hold on to me as I hold on to you. You will draw near to me as I draw near to you. Every day, I can talk to you about anything and everything. I’m not sure how to pray in ways that will please you. I know that you will teach me how to pray. I know that you will bring subjects of prayer to my heart and mind. I know that it will please you that I will come to you to allow you to teach me how to pray. I know that it will please you that I will come to you to rely on you. I know that it will please you that I will ask you for what I need. I am humbly asking you to teach me how to pray in ways that please you. You can be sure that I will teach you how to pray. You are right that I will be pleased that you come to me to rely on me.  

I will pray prayers filled with faith and trust in you. I will pray prayers asking you for what I need. I will bring others to you who are in need of prayer. I will believe that you are hearing and will answer my prayers according to your purposes and plans. I am sure that I will not always understand your answers to my prayers. That will not trouble me. I know that you are my Heavenly Father. You are good and kind and gracious to me. Your wisdom is far above mine. Your answers to my prayers of yes, no or not yet will all be according to your will. I trust you with my life. You have a good plan for me. I will follow you wherever you lead me to do whatever you ask of me. That will be very good. Keep coming to meet with me in prayer. Yes Lord, I will. 

Lord, thank you for my new and eternal life I have in you. You have made it so I could come to know and believe in you. Guide me to pray prayers that are pleasing to you. Hear and answer my requests for what I need from you. Amen

Key Question… How has what is written in God’s word helped you to know that you have eternal life?

Living It Out… Be confident that God will hear and answer the prayers that you are praying to Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will hear and answer prayers that you are praying to Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has heard and answered prayers that you have prayed to Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you pray prayers that are pleasing to God so that He will hear and answer them.

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

Knowing God – 1 John 5-13-15 – You Have Eternal Life – 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

Received The Word Of God

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - 1 Thessalonians 2:13 - Knowing God - Received The Word Of God - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – 1 Thessalonians 2:13 – Knowing God – Received The Word Of God – Growing As Disciples

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NIV) 

At Work In You

My word is at work in you. You can be sure of that. How is your word at work in me? How can I be certain that your word is working in me? You have been receiving my word. You are taking my word into your heart and mind. You have been studying my word. You have been meditating on my word. You have been memorizing my word. You have been putting my word into practice. It is obvious to me that you consider my word to be worth far more than any other words that you will hear in life. Why is that so obvious? You have been listening attentively to my word. You are hiding my word in your heart. My word is constantly on your mind. You have been seeking my word as if it were more valuable than silver or gold. Your word is more valuable than silver and gold. Yes it is. You have also been putting my word into practice. You cannot receive my word into your life so fully and not have it powerfully working in your life. My word is living and active and powerful. Yes, it is. My word will accomplish my purposes and plans in your life. Yes, it will. I believe what you are saying to me with all my heart. 

Haven’t you noticed how my word has been changing you? You don’t need to answer that question. You can have a seat and take a rest. I will tell you how my word has been powerfully working in your life. I would like that a lot. Your thoughts are changing. Your thoughts have been coming into alignment with my thoughts. I have been renewing and transforming your mind with my word. You are thinking thoughts that are pleasing to me. Yes, I am. Your heart is changing. Your desires are coming into alignment with my desires. You want to do my will. Actually it is your delight to do my will. Yes, it is. You are setting aside old thoughts and desires. Your old thoughts and desires are being replaced with thoughts and desires that are pleasing to me. Yes, they are. You are coming to know me better every day. Your love for me is growing more passionate every day. Your faith in me is growing stronger every day. Isn’t this all true? Yes Lord, you have been completely changing my heart and mind and life with your word. Your word has been powerfully working in me. Lets also remember that my word is powerfully working through you. As you have been remaining in my word you have been bearing an abundance of fruit for my kingdom. You have been bringing glory to my name. Now are you certain that my word is at work in you? Now do you believe that my word has been working through you? Yes Lord, I am certain. Yes Lord, I believe in you. Let your word continue to do your work in and through me. It will. Continue in my word.

Lord, your word is far more valuable than any other words I will hear. I welcome your word into my life. I will study and meditate on it. I will memorize and put your word into practice. Use your word to help me to know you better. Grow my faith with your word. Amen

Key Question… How has God changed your thoughts, words and deeds as you have received His word into your life?

Living It Out… Receive God’s word into your life so that He can use it to work in you according to His purposes and plans.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will use His word to change your thoughts, words, and deeds in ways that please Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have come to know God by receiving His word into your life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you receive God’s word and allow it to work in your life.

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

Knowing God – 1 Thessalonians 2-13 – Received The Word 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

My Thoughts Are Nothing Like Your Thoughts

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Knowing God - Isaiah 55:6-9 - My Thoughts Are Nothing Like Your Thoughts- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Knowing God – Isaiah 55:6-9 – My Thoughts Are Nothing Like Your Thoughts- Growing As Disciples

Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.   Isaiah 55:6-9 (NLT)

Your Thoughts, Your Ways

Your thoughts are nothing like my thoughts. Your ways are nothing like my ways. My thoughts and my ways are way beyond your thoughts and ways. You can’t begin to imagine my thoughts and my ways. Of that I am very sure. Would you like to know my thoughts? Would you like to know my ways? Just because my thoughts and my ways are beyond what you could possibly imagine does not mean that I will not allow you to know my thoughts and my ways. I want you to know my thoughts and my ways. Nothing would delight me more than for you to come to know my thoughts and my ways. Yes, of course I want to know your thoughts and your ways. How can I come to know your thoughts and your ways? That is a very good question.

You must want to know my thoughts and ways. I will not reveal my thoughts and ways to you if you are only curious about them. I will not reveal my thoughts and my ways if you will pick and choose which ones you will follow and obey. I will not pick and choose.  I will follow and obey all your thoughts and all your ways. You must want to know my thoughts and ways enough so that you are willing to turn away from all your old thoughts and all your old ways. I am willing to turn away from all my old thoughts and all my old ways. 

You must seek me with all your heart if you want to know my thoughts and my ways. You must be willing to live your life according to my thoughts and ways. I will live my life according to your thoughts and your ways. You must leave your old life of sin behind. You must ask for my forgiveness. You must receive my mercy. You must leave your old life of sin to follow my thoughts and my ways. I am crying out to you. I am seeking you with all my heart. I am turning from all my old thoughts and all my old ways. I am turning to follow you. I am leaving my old life of sin behind. I will not entertain the evil of my old thoughts and my old ways. I am asking for your forgiveness. I am asking for your mercy.  I want to live my life according to your thoughts and your ways. Then I will allow you to know my thoughts so that you can walk in my ways. Follow me. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I know my thoughts and ways have not been yours. I will seek you and call upon your name as I turn away from my thoughts and ways. Thank you for your mercy and forgiveness. Teach me your thoughts and your ways. Accomplish your purposes in me. Amen

Key Question… How has God been using His word to change your thoughts and ways to accomplish His purposes in you?

Living It Out… Turn to the Lord and seek Him with all your heart so that you will come to know His thoughts and His ways.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will reveal His thoughts and ways to you as you turn to seek Him with all your heart.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God is changing your thoughts and ways as you follow Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you turn to seek the Lord with all your heart so you can come to know His thoughts and walk in His ways.

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

Knowing God – Isaiah 55-6-9 – My Thoughts Are Nothing Like Your Thoughts – 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

Trust In The Lord With All Your Heart

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Knowing God - Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust In The Lord With All Your Heart - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Knowing God – Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust In The Lord With All Your Heart – Growing As Disciples

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)   

All Your Heart

I have made a lot of really dumb decisions. I have been so self-reliant. I have been so self-confident. I have been so independent. Apparently I have been so sure that I am always right that others have felt that it would be pointless to tell me anything different. They could all see the coming train wreck of my decisions. They could all see the foolish and crooked path that I was on. Why couldn’t I see what was obvious to others? Why was I so blind to what was in plain sight? Why was I so stupid and headstrong? I would have listened. I would have received wise counsel. I would have made course corrections. Someone should have pointed out to me the error of my ways. Are you being truthful with yourself? What do you mean by that?

Think of someone else in nearly your identical situation. Would they listen to you? Are they willing to listen to anyone else? Would they turn away from their self-reliance to trust me with all their heart? No, I suppose they would not listen. Why is that? We are all so self-reliant. We are all self-sufficient. We are all so independent. We all think that we don’t need anyone or anything. We all have all the answers. Maybe we all need to hit rock bottom before we will cry out to you for help. Isn’t that what has happened to you? 

Yes, now I know that I don’t have all the answers. Now, I know better than to rely on my own understanding. Now, I am open to all the guidance and direction you will give to me. Now I will listen attentively to all that you have to say to me. Now, I will seek the wise counsel of all those you have placed in my life. I have forsaken my way. I have given up on my own understanding.

I am acknowledging you as the Savior and Lord of my life. You are in charge. You are on the throne. I am not. You know the future. I do not. You have a purpose and plan for my life. You have a path laid out for me to walk on. I want to know and do your will. I want to follow you to wherever you lead me. I want to do whatever you will ask of me. Only you can take me off the foolish and crooked path that I have been on. Only you can lead me on the straight path that you have laid out for me. Will you trust in me with all your heart rather than leaning on your own understanding? Yes Lord, I am placing all my faith and trust in you.

Lord, I have made so many foolish and unwise decisions because I have leaned on my own understanding. I have been self-reliant rather than trusting in you. I have walked a crooked and foolish path. No more. Guide my life, as I trust in you with all my heart. Amen

Key Question… When have you leaned on your own understanding and made very foolish and unwise decisions?

Living It Out… Trust in the Lord with all your heart, rather than leaning on your own understanding, so that He can guide your life.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will lead you a good and straight path as you trust in Him.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has guided your life as you have trusted in Him.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you trust in God with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

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

Knowing God – Proverbs 3-5-6 – Trust In The Lord With All Your Heart – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

Think About Such Things

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Philippians 4:8-9 - Knowing God - Think About Such Things - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Philippians 4:8-9 – Knowing God – Think About Such Things – Growing As Disciples

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

Into Practice

Did you know that you have control over what you allow yourself to think? Did you know that you can make a choice about what you allow yourself to think? Do you know that what you allow yourself to think will have power over your life? Your thoughts are not only in your mind. Your thoughts will also be on your heart. Your thoughts will guide the course of your life. All your words and deeds begin in your mind. This is not real encouraging. Why is that? I don’t like all the thoughts that I think. I don’t want all my thoughts to become my words and actions. I don’t want all my words to guide the course of my life. There is more. What’s that? I feel powerless over my thoughts. I don’t feel like I have power to control my thought life. My mind feels like a battleground and I’m not winning the fight. You are right about one thing. What’s that? Your mind is a battleground and you will not win the fight without my help. Would you like my help? Yes, I would like your help. I desperately need your help. Yes, you do.

You have been allowing yourself to think the wrong thoughts. You have been letting your mind dwell on what is not good. I get that, what would you suggest? I want you to fill your mind with what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. They may not sound all that easy. It doesn’t. I’m not sure that I can identify thoughts and subjects that match up with all those words. This sounds like you would like me to think about what is perfect. That’s a very good place to start. What is perfect? What would have the power to instantly change your thinking to thoughts that please me? Your word is perfect. You are perfect. I could think about you. I could think about your word. I could think about all that you want to teach me. I could think about your will. I could think about doing what pleases you. Yes, that’s right.

Thinking about me and my word is not completely new to you. No, it is not. What has happened to you when you have turned your thoughts on to me and my word? I have been able to stop thinking thoughts that I don’t want to think. I have stopped thinking thoughts that are not pleasing to you. Your word has been like a brush scrubbing the crud out of my mind. As I have meditated on your word I have felt strengthened and able to reject thoughts that neither you nor I want me to think. As I have considered your word I have been made able to know and do your will. That’s right. Will you allow me to strengthen and cleanse your mind with my word? Will you allow my word to help you to know and do my will? Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I know I have been quite a gifted negative thinker. I can see the downside of every situation. That’s not what I want. That’s not what you want. I want to think your thoughts and do your will so I can know you and live in your peace.  Amen

Key Question… Why is there always an opportunity to think positively or negatively in the same set of circumstances?

Living It Out…  Allow God’s word to help you to think His thoughts and do His will so you can experience His peace.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that you will come to know God better and experience His peace as you think His thoughts and do His will.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has helped you to think His thoughts and do His will.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you think God’s thoughts and do His will so that you can live in His peace.

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

Knowing God – Philippians 4-8-9 – Think About Such Things – 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

Who Then Is This?

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Knowing God - Mark 4:39-41 - Who Then Is This? - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Knowing God – Mark 4:39-41 – Who Then Is This? – Growing As Disciples

And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 4:39-41 (ESV)

Facing Storms

You will face storms in life. You can be certain of that. How you face a storm will harm or help you. What do you mean by that? You have seen others that were either made bitter of better by the storms of life. You have seen others either grow or shrivel up in their faith as a result of the trials they have gone through. You have seen others either draw near or distance themselves from me in times of trouble. You have seen others rely on themselves or on me when they have been in great need. Yes, I have seen all these possibilities in others. I have seen all these potentialities in myself. Then you have been watching. You have been learning. You have been growing.

These possibilities and potentialities all come about as a result of choices that you will make when you are in the storms of life. Storms and trials and difficulties will always pose questions that you must answer. What questions must I answer? You tell me. I want you to hear what questions you have answered and what you have learned. There are a lot of questions that I have been forced to answer as I have gone through storms, trials and difficulties. I have plenty of time. I’m listening. Do you want me to list them? Yes, I do. Here goes. I’m ready. Will I draw near to you when I go through trials? Will I ask for your help when I go through storms? Will I rely on your strength when I face difficulties? Will my faith grow stronger as I place all my trust in you? Will I hold on to you as you hold on to me? Will I have faith that you are with me to help me even if I can’t perceive it at the time? Will I look to see how you are accomplishing good even through the most difficult storms, trials and difficulties in my life? Will I look back to see how you have been with me through storms and trials and difficulties of every kind? Will I ask you to help me to come to know you better through whatever storm, trial or difficulty life throws at me? That is quite a list. How do you want to answer all of these questions? “Yes I will”, that is the only answer I want to give to each one of these questions. Only you can give me the wisdom and strength to say, “yes I will”, to each one of these questions. Is this your prayer? Yes, it is. This is a prayer that I will certainly hear and answer.

Lord, you have never left me. You have always been with me in the storms of life. Thank you for taking my worst storms and using them to accomplish something good in my life. Help me to know you better and receive your peace and calm in every storm.  Amen

Key Question…  How have you come to know God better as you have gone through storms in life with Him?

Living It Out…  Have faith in God and rely on Him so you can come to know Him better as you go through storms in life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will come to know God even better as you go through storms in life with Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have come to know God better through a storm in life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you have faith to believe that Jesus Christ will calm the storms in your life.

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

Knowing God – Mark 4-39-41 – Who Then Is This? – 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

Leave Your Country

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Knowing God - Genesis 12:1 - Leave Your Country - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Knowing God – Genesis 12:1 – Leave Your Country – Growing As Disciples

The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. Genesis 12:1 (NIV)

Go And Do 

Do you need a road map? Must you know every detail? Would you like to consider every twist and turn and up and down of your journey before you take your very first step? Those are very hard questions. I’m not a big fan of unpleasant surprises. I’d like to know where the hazards are in life so I can go around them. I would like to eliminate all the bumps and dips and holes in the road so I don’t lose my balance and fall into them. Making an informed decision before I start my journey doesn’t sound like a bad idea to me. So, if you knew the road would be long and the journey difficult would you take your very first step? What do you think? You tell me. 

I am on a journey with you right now. Yes, you are. I have to tell you that my journey has not been a piece of cake. No, it has not. I have had my share of pain and suffering and hardship and loss since I started following you. Yes, you have. What are you trying to tell me? Never once have I wanted to quit following you. Never once have I given up on the idea of living my life with and for you. I have never followed you perfectly. I have taken wrong turns. I have made mistakes. I have sinned against you. You have always forgiven me, picked me up and helped me to continue on in my journey with you. Yes, I have.

I don’t recall asking for any directions when I started following you. No, you did not. I find that surprising. Why is that? I do want a road map. I do want to know every detail. I would like to know the first and last step and every one in between. I would like to know that the journey is worth it before I set out. Why did you set out? Why did you take the first step? Has the journey been worth it? You have been my road map. I am following you. You are guiding each one of my steps. You are worthy of all my faith and trust. All my hope is in you. You are my Savior and Lord. Knowing and loving and following you is my prize. You are worth it. I want to do whatever pleases you. I have received all that I have ever wanted in you before I ever took my very first step. I have a new life in you both now and forever. Yes, you do.

Why are we having this conversation now? Do you still want to follow me? Yes Lord, I do. Will you go and do all that I ask of you? Yes Lord, I will. I will be with you to help you. Follow me.

Lord, I will go and do whatever you ask of me. I don’t need a lot of the details. It is enough to know that you are asking me to go and do something for you. Grow my faith and help me to know you better as I follow and serve you.  Amen

Key Question… When has God called you to go and do something for Him without giving you a lot of the details?

Living It Out…  Say yes to God by going and doing whatever He has called you to do for Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will bless your life and the lives of others as you go and do what He has called you to do for Him.

Get Ready To Share…   Share with another person or your small group how God has used you to bless the lives of others as you serve Him.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you go and do what God asks you to do so that He can bless your life and the lives of others.

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

Knowing God – Genesis 12-1 – Leave Your Country – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Saw The Boldness

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Knowing God - Acts 4:13 - Saw The Boldness - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Knowing God – Acts 4:13 – Saw The Boldness – Growing As Disciples

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 (ESV) 

In Your Presence

Do you want to be a bold and courageous witness for me? Do you want me to use you to do extraordinary ministry to others? Do you want to bear an abundance of fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name? Yes, I want to be a bold and courageous witness for you. Yes, I want you to use me to do extraordinary ministry to others. Yes, I want to bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. These are all prayers and desires of my heart. Do you believe that I have both given and will grant these desires and prayers of your heart? Yes, I do believe that you have given and will grant these desires and prayers of my heart. You are right to believe that I will hear and answer these prayers and desires of your heart.

Under what conditions do you think I will grant these prayers and desires of your heart? I’m not sure what you mean. What will be required of you for me to be able to grant these prayers and desires of your heart? You expect me to be able to answer that question? Yes, I do. Would you like some help? Yes, I need all the help that you will give to me. I will ask you some more questions. That will help me? Yes, it will. Have you always been a bold and courageous witness for me? No, I have at many times been a weak and feeble witness for you. Have you regularly been extraordinarily used by me to minister to others? No, I have seldom been extraordinarily used by you to minister to others. Have you born an abundance of fruit for my kingdom and brought glory to my name? I have born some fruit and brought some glory to your name. I can see that my questions are a little discouraging to you. Yes, I would like to answer your questions more positively. I would like to be bold, courageous and more fruitful for you. I would like to bring glory to your name. Yes, I can see that. What has been the problem? Why haven’t you been more bold and courageous and fruitful for me? I have been relying on my own power and strength. I have not been relying on you to make me bold, courageous and fruitful. What would your life look like if you were to rely on me to make you bold, courageous and fruitful? I would come to you. I would spend time with you. I would remain in your presence. I would allow you to teach me. I would allow you to empower me to do the ministry that you have given me to do for you. Yes, you would. Is that what you will now do? Yes Lord, I will. Teach, train and empower me to be your witness and minister to others as I remain in your presence. Help me to bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Yes, I will.

Lord, I have tried to be your witness and minister with my own power and strength. What a weak and feeble effort that has been. Only you can make be bold and courageous. Only you can do extraordinary ministry to others through me. Use me for your glory. Amen

Key Question… What has Jesus Christ been teaching you as you have been spending time with Him?

Living It Out… Spend time with Jesus Christ so that He can make you a bold witness and extraordinary minister for Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will become a powerful witness and extraordinary minister as you spend time with Jesus Christ.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are growing bolder as a witness and minister for Jesus Christ.

Prayer To Bless Others… May the time you spend with Jesus Christ make you into a bold witness for Him as you minister to others.

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

Knowing God – Acts 4-13 – Saw The Boldness – 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 Shepherd

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Knowing God - Psalm 23: 1-6 - My Shepherd - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Knowing God – Psalm 23: 1-6 – My Shepherd – Growing As Disciples

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

Lead You

I am your shepherd. Follow me. I will lead you through life. Yes Lord, I will follow you. Where do you want to lead me? You have been bruised, battered and banged up by life. I will lead you to a quiet place where you can get out of the crowd and away from the noise and busyness of life. I will bring my healing into your life. You are weary and worn out. Rest in my presence. Drink deeply from the still waters of life. You have been hungry and thirsty. Come to me and you will never go hungry. Believe in me and you will never be thirsty. I will satisfy your life with good things as you live your life with and for me.

Don’t be too quick to leave this place. Make it your daily pattern to rest in my presence so that I can refresh your life and restore your soul. What do you want to do in me? How do you want to change me? What do you want to do through me? I will teach and train you to walk with me. I will mold and shape your life. I will lead you on the path of righteousness for my name’s sake. What does that mean? I will help you to think my thoughts. I will help you to walk in my ways. You will learn to follow and obey me.

The road ahead will not always be easy. At times you will be walking right through evil and darkness all around you. Enemies will be on every side of you. You will have no reason to fear. Why is that? I will be with you to help you. I will guard and guide your life. I will protect you. I will watch over you. My presence will comfort you. You will learn to rely on me. You will learn to trust in me with all your heart. 

My blessing and anointing will be upon you. You will bear an abundance of fruit for my kingdom. You will bring glory to my name. Goodness will follow you all the days of your life. There is one thing that you will always be able to look forward to with great anticipation. What’s that? One day you will come to live forever in heaven with me. With that knowledge you will be encouraged. With that knowledge you will be strengthened. With that knowledge you will keep moving forward with me. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, you are my shepherd. You have been meeting my needs. You have restored my soul. You have led me on paths of righteousness. You have been my comfort as I have walked through evil. I look forward to living forever in heaven with you. Amen

Key Question… When has the Lord led you to quiet places where you could rest in His presence?

Living It Out… Allow the Lord to be your shepherd leading you through life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord is your shepherd leading you through life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has been your shepherd leading you through life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you let the Lord your shepherd lead you through life.

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

Knowing God – Psalm 23-1-6 – My Shepherd – 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