Monthly Archives: November 2024

Say No To Ungodliness

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 199 - Titus 2:11-14 - Say No To Ungodliness - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 199 – Titus 2:11-14 – Say No To Ungodliness – Growing As Disciples

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)  

No

I understand the importance of that word. You understand the importance of what word? I understand the importance of the word, no. Is there something that you want to tell me about the word, no? Yes, I have something to say about the word, no. I’m listening. You have taught me why to say no ungodliness and worldly passion. You have taught me when to say no to ungodliness and worldly passion. You have taught me how to be able to say no to ungodliness and worldly passion. I can’t wait to hear what you have to say. You already know what I will say. Yes, that is true. But that does not mean that I won’t have joy in hearing what you have to say. Here goes. You have taught me why it is important that I say no to ungodliness and worldly passion. Why is that? If I want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you, I will say no to ungodliness and worldly passion. If I want to shine brightly as your witness in the world, I will say no to ungodliness and worldly passion. If I want to live a life that bears fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name, I will say no to ungodliness and worldly passion. Yes, those are all very good reasons for you to say no to ungodliness and worldly passion.

You have taught me when to say no to ungodliness and worldly passion. It is also critically important that I make an advance decision to say no to ungodliness and worldly passion. Why is that? Ungodliness and worldly passion is not something to be uncertain about or play around with. Making an advance decision about ungodliness and worldly passion will help me to not enter into tempting situations in the first place. My advance decision will also help me to immediately flee ungodliness and worldly passion when I see it approaching. The surest way to fall into temptation is to linger around it. So, the time to make a decision about ungodliness and worldly passion is right now. Yes, it is. And the answer is no. That is very good.

Finally, you have taught me how to say no to ungodliness and worldly passion. This has taken me the longest time to understand. The only way that I will ever be able to say no to ungodliness and worldly passion is by keeping my heart and mind and life focused on you. I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you. I am excited and anxiously awaiting your return. I am filled with all the hope I have in you. I want to live the life you have called me to live. My mind is made up. Why would I want anything else or less? I don’t. I know that you will make me able to say no to ungodliness and worldly passion as I love, follow and serve you. Yes, I will. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, I will say no to ungodliness and worldly passions. I will not allow myself to enter into tempting situations. I will keep my heart and mind and life focused on you. I am anxiously awaiting your return. I know you will help me to live a life that pleases you. Amen

Key Question… Why is it critically important to make an advance decision to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions?

Living It Out… Make an advance decision to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the grace of God will help you to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God is helping you to live a self-controlled and godly life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you say no to living an ungodly life.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 199 – Titus 2-11-14 – Say No To Ungodliness – 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

Strong And Courageous

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 86 - Joshua 1:7-9 - Strong And Courageous - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 86 – Joshua 1:7-9 – Strong And Courageous – Growing As Disciples

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9 (NIV)  

Strong And Courageous 

That is what I want. What do you want? I want to be strong and courageous. I want to stay on course. I want to keep on moving forward with you. I don’t want to turn to the right or the left. I don’t want to lag behind you. I don’t want to run ahead of you. I want to go where you guide me. I want to do what you ask of me, with the power and strength and courage that you will give to me. Those are very good desires.

How will I make you strong and courageous? How will I keep you on course? How will I keep you moving forward with me? You will use your word to accomplish all of these things in and through me. That is correct. What role will you have in allowing my word to work in and through you? I will need to take your word into my heart and mind and life. I will need to meditate on your word day and night. I must keep your word every before me. How will you keep my word every before you? I will read your word. I will study your word. I will meditate on and memorize your word. I will pray your word. I will speak your word. How often will you do these things with my word? There is not a day that I will not need to let your word dwell in me richly in these ways. So, I will set apart a special time and place every day to meet with you in your word. Our special time together will just be the start of my living each day moment by moment in an intimate relationship with you. My heart and mind and life will be attuned to you. I will attentively listen to you as you speak into my life. That will be very good. Then you will be strong and courageous. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, I will follow and obey your word. I will meditate on your word day and night. Your word will be on my heart and in my mouth. I will put your word into practice. Use your word to keep me on course. Use your word to help me to be strong and courageous. Amen

Key Question… How has meditating on God’s word lifted you up from discouragement and kept you from being terrified?

Living It Out… Make sure that you are following and obeying God’s word so you will be strong, courageous, prosperous and successful.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will be strong and courageous as you follow and obey God’s word.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God’s word has made you strong and courageous.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow God’s word to help you to be strong and courageous.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 86 – Joshua 1-7-9 – Strong And Courageous – 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

Ask God

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 66 - James 1:5-8 - Ask God- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 66 – James 1:5-8 – Ask God- Growing As Disciples

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1:5-8 (NIV)

No Doubt

Well, there is no doubt about me. What do you mean by saying there is no doubt about you? I desperately need wisdom. There is no if’s, and’s or but’s about my lack of wisdom. I especially need wisdom when I am in a difficult trial. I certainly need wisdom when I am in the middle of a storm. Was this surprising news to you? Did this come as a shocking revelation? Did you need to become thoroughly convinced on this point? I would say no, but my actions would say otherwise. How so? You have seen me desperately needing wisdom. You have seen me in the middle of a storm. You have watched me in a difficult trial. What is your point? Did I cry out to you? Did I ask for your help? Did I come to rely on you? No, I did not. I relied on myself. I kept silent. I did not ask for directions. I did not receive your guidance. Instead, I trusted in my own wisdom. How did that work out for you? Not, well.  It was a painful, educational experience. How so? I had a front row seat to observe my lack of wisdom. I came to clearly see that I needed your help. So, I desperately cried out to you. I asked for your help. That was a valuable lesson. Yes, it was. I’m sad to say that every so often, I must revisit this lesson. I must see again the foolishness of relying on myself and not coming to fully place all my trust in you. But, I am learning, slowly but surely. You have been kind and forgiving and gracious teacher. For that I give you all my thanks and praise. That is very good.

What else have you learned? There is no doubt about you. What do you mean by saying that about me? You are good and kind. You are gracious. You are generous. You are forgiving. When I have cried out to you for wisdom you have generous heard and answered my prayer. You have not rejected me. You have not condemned me. You have not told me that I should have been better and smarter and wiser. All of that would have been true. But, you have been with me to help me. You have guarded and guided me through every difficulty. You have held on to me as I have held on to you. Not once, have you left me on my own. Not once, have you told me that I could or should fend for myself. You have drawn me close to you. You have helped me to persevere. You have helped me to place all my faith and trust in you. For that I give you all my thanks and praise. That is very good. 

Heavenly Father, there is no question about it, I lack wisdom. I especially need all your wisdom as I go through trials in life. No longer will I rely on myself. With a heart filled with faith, I will ask for all your wisdom. I know without a doubt that you will help me. Amen

Key Question… When have you desperately cried out to God for His wisdom as you have gone through trials in life?

Living It Out… Be quick to ask for and rely on wisdom your Heavenly Father will give you as you go through trials in life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your Heavenly Father will generously give you wisdom as you go through trials in life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group what wisdom you have received from your Heavenly Father.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you ask for and rely on God’s wisdom as you go through trials.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 66 – James 1-5-8 – Ask 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

Who Am I?

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Handwriting text Who Am I Question. Concept meaning Question Asked Identity Thinking Doubt Psycology Mystery written Tear Papers the Green background.

But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” Exodus 3:11-12 (NIV)  

Who Am I?

Haven’t I asked you that question many times before? Yes, you have asked me that question many times. Why have you asked me that question? What did you have on your mind when you asked me that question? I have asked you that question when I have felt incapable and unqualified and unprepared to go and do what you have asked of me. I have asked you that question when I have felt insignificant and powerless to accomplish your purposes. I have asked you that question when I have felt that you have asked too much of me. I have asked you that question when I have been timid and filled with worry and doubt and anxiety. So, this question is not a prelude to your expressing all your great faith and trust in me. Not at all. You have expressed this question when you have thought that you would be left all alone to go and do what I asked of you. In response to the assignment I wanted to give you, you took a personal inventory of yourself and said, “no way, it’s not going to happen. Send someone else, I’m not up to the job. I can’t do what you are asking of me.” That’s right. I’m not proud of my response to you. But what you have said is the absolute truth.

How have I responded to you when you have tried to turn down an assignment from me? Generally, you have not accepted my turning down your assignments. How do you feel about that? Would you have preferred that I moved on to someone else? Would you like it better if I never asked you to do something for me? No, not at all. I want to go and do what you ask of me. I want to be used by you. That’s good. What have I also done for you when you have tried to turn down my assignments? You have assured me that you will be with me to help me. You have always empowered me to go and do what you have asked of me. Yes, I have done both of these things for you so you could take on and complete my assignments.

I would like to clear a few things up for you. Like what? You are not small and insignificant. You are not incapable, unqualified or unprepared. Since I will always be with you to help you there is no need for you to be filled with worry, doubt and anxiety. You also may be sure that I have been and will be preparing you for all the assignments I will give to you. You can also be certain that I have given you gifts and talents and abilities to serve me. Oh, and one more thing. What’s that? You can be positive that my assignments will always be challenging. My assignments will cause you to place all your faith in me. You will need to rely on me as you go and do what I ask of you. Is that a bad thing? No, that is very good thing. I want to grow in my faith. I want to rely on you. I want place all my faith and trust in you. That is very good. Now, go and do what I ask of you. Yes, Heavenly Father, I will.

Heavenly Father, I am happy to take on any assignment you give to me. I will go and do what you ask of me. I know you will be with me to help me. I have faith to believe you will work in and through me to accomplish your purposes for your kingdom and glory. Amen

Key Question… Why is it not unusual for God to give you an assignment that was beyond your abilities?

Living It Out… Take on any assignment God gives you with the knowledge that He will be with you to help you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will be with you to help you with any assignment He gives you.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have grown in faith as you have served God.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you take on all the assignments your Heavenly Father gives to you.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 198 – Exodus 3-11-12 – Who Am I? – 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

An Instructed Tongue

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 194 - Isaiah 50:4 - An Instructed Tongue - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 194 – Isaiah 50:4 – An Instructed Tongue – Growing As Disciples

The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. Isaiah 50:4 (NIV)

Weary

Well, I’m weary. If I’m weary, how will my words ever be able to sustain others who are weary? That is a very good question with a very simple answer. What’s that? Your words will never be able to sustain others who are weary. That is no surprise to me. Don’t think that you or anyone else will be able to live off of your words. Living on the power of your own thoughts, words and actions will guarantee one thing. What’s that? You will be weary. That then, is why I am weary right now. I have been relying in myself. That is a very important discovery. 

Is there something you would like to do differently? Is there a different way that you would like to live? Yes, I would like to live by your power. I want to be sustained by your words. I wanted to be lifted up, encouraged and strengthened by you. That is a very good desire. But desire is not enough. What action will you take? What will you do differently? I will listen to you. I will allow myself to hear from you. I will awaken to your voice. I will listen to all that you have to say to me. How will you allow yourself to be awaken so that you can hear my voice speaking to you? There is no mystery to that. In the morning, I will get up to meet with you. I will meet with you in your word. I will allow your word to sustain and strengthen me. I will allow your word to teach and train me. I will allow your word to develop my thoughts, form my words and guide my actions. That will be very good.

What will happen to you as you continue to meet with me in my word? I will be readied to be used by you. How so? Your teaching and training will prepare me to minister to others. As you sustain and strengthen me, I will be able to sustain and strengthen others with your words. As you teach and train me, I will be able to teach and train others with your words. You will give me an instructed tongue. I will not be speaking my words. I will not be living by the power of my own words. No, your words will be working in and through me. Your words working in and through me will make me able to lift up, encourage and strengthen others. Yes, they will. Keep on meeting with me in the morning. Keep on listening to me. Keep on being taught by me. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, there is no doubt about it. I am weary. Here I am in your presence. You have opened my ears. I am ready, willing and able to hear from you. Teach me. Use your word to sustain me so I will be able to speak words that will sustain others who are weary. Amen

Key Question… When has the Lord given you words to speak that sustained the weary?

Living It Out… Allow God to teach you morning by morning so you will be able to speak words to sustain the weary.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will give you words to speak that will sustain those who are weary.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have been able to sustain the weary with your words.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the Lord to give you words to speak that will sustain the weary.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 194 – Isaiah 50-4 – An Instructed Tongue – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

Mature In Christ

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 196 - Colossians 1:28-29 - Mature In Christ - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 196 – Colossians 1:28-29 – Mature In Christ – Growing As Disciples

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. Colossians 1:28-29 (ESV)

Move In, Move Out, Move On

That is exactly what I want to do. What’s that? I want to proclaim you. I want to make you known. I want others to come to know you as their Savior and Lord. I want others to grow mature in you. Those are very good desires. They are not just desires. I expect to move in, move out and move on. What do you mean by that? By “move in”, I mean draw near to you. I know that you will empower me. I know that you will give me passion. You will fill me with boldness. You will teach and train me. I know that, you will transform my thoughts, and words and actions so that I will be able to proclaim you near and far to those I know and those I do not yet know. Yes, I will do that in you and for you so I can work through you.

Tell me more about your expectation of “moving out”. The time of inactivity is over. The time of passively waiting is gone. The time of timidly thinking, speaking and acting is no more.  I expect that you will open my eyes and ears to hear and see the opportunities you have placed before me to proclaim you to others. I will move out with you. No longer will I lag behind or run ahead of you. I will follow you to where you lead me. I will go and do what you ask of me. I will allow you to powerfully and passionately use me to accomplish your purposes and plans. The time to “move out” is now. Yes, it is. Follow and serve me. Yes, Lord, I will.

What do you have to say about “moving on”? I know that you want me to grow mature in you. You want me to “move on” with you. You have new places you want me to go. You have new things you want me to do. Today, is a new day. Yes, it is. You want me to be fully engaged in helping others to grow mature in you. Yes, that is what I want to do through you. I also know that you will help me to grow mature in you as I help others to also grow mature in you. So, that is what I will do in this new day that is before me. I will “move in”, “move out” and “move on” with you. That will be very good. 

Lord, empower me with energy and passion and boldness to use all my thoughts, words and actions to proclaim you to those who do not know you. Give me your thoughts and words. Guide my actions. Powerfully use me to help others to become mature in you. Amen

Key Question… When have the thoughts, words and actions of others helped you to grow mature in Christ?

Living It Out… Make sure that you are energetically and passionately proclaiming Christ with all your thoughts, words and actions.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will empower you to proclaim Him to others in your circle of influence.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has empowered you to proclaim Him to others.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you live as an imitator of God in all you think, say and do.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 196 – Colossians 1-28-29 – Mature In Christ – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

Imitators Of God

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 195 - Ephesians 5:1-2 - Imitators Of God - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 195 – Ephesians 5:1-2 – Imitators Of God – Growing As Disciples

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)  

An Example

That is what I want my life to be. What’s that? I want my life to be a living and fragrant sacrifice to you. What does that mean? I want to go and do what you ask of me. I want to be at your service. I want to know and do your will. I want to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. Will that be very difficult for you? Will going and doing my will be demanding of you? Will serving me require giving your all and very best effort? Yes and no. How can your answer be both yes and no? Serving you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength will never be easy. Giving myself to you as a living sacrifice and fragrant offering will always require my very best. This is the yes part of my answer. But giving my all and best effort to serve you is the desire of my heart. There is nothing I want more than to be a fragrant offering to you. So, how difficult and demanding can it be to do what is the desire of heart? I have great joy in loving and following and serving you. That is the no part of my answer. No, it will not be difficult to serve you because I love you. Yes, it is difficult to serve you because it will require my all and very best effort. Your answers are very good. 

What has helped you in giving your all and very best effort to me? I have had an example to follow. I want to think and speak and act like Christ. I want to follow His example. I want to love like He loved. I want to give like He gave. I want to serve like He served. I want to go and do what He did. That is very good. How is it that you are coming to know and live out Christ’s example? Your word has shown me what He thought, what He said, and what He did. Your Holy Spirit has taken your word and applied it to my life. So, as I have listened to your word and followed the guidance of your Holy Spirit I have been coming to know and live out the example that Christ has set before me. That is very good. Keep on meeting with me in my word. Keep on listening to my Holy Spirit speaking to you. Then you will keep on offering yourself to me as a fragrant offering and living sacrifice to me. That is what I want. That is what I will do. That is very good. 

Lord, thank you for giving me an example to follow. I want to become like you in all I think, say and do. Help me to live like you lived. Help me to live as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Help me to go and do what you did. Help me to love like you loved. Amen

Key Question… What has helped you to think and speak and act in ways that are in alignment with Christ’s example?

Living It Out… Imitate the life of Christ as you offer yourself as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to imitate Him as you offer yourself as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are imitating Christ and offering yourself to God.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you live as an imitator of God in all you think, say and do.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 195 – Ephesians 5-1-2 – Imitators 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

Called You Friends

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 193 - John 15:12-17 - Called You Friends - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 193 – John 15:12-17 – Called You Friends – Growing As Disciples

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit–fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other. John 15:12-17 (NIV)

Bear Fruit

That is exactly what I want to do. What do you want to do? I want to go and bear fruit for your kingdom. I want to bring glory to your name. Why is that? What is your motivation for wanting to serve me? You made yourself known to me. You sought me ought. You rescued me from a life without you. You laid down your life for me. You forgave my sins. You cleansed my unrighteousness. You made it so I could live in an intimate relationship with you. You chose me from out of the world. You adopted me into your family. You made me to be your child. You now call me your friend.  I now love you because you first loved me. Could there be any greater motivation for me to love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength? Could anything give me a greater desire to go and do what you ask of me? I don’t think so. My heart is filled with joy and gladness. You have given my life hope and meaning and purpose. It is my utmost and highest desire to be used by you. I am at your service. I want to know and do your will. I am ready to love others just like you loved me. I am ready to serve like you served and give like you gave. Point me in the right direction. Give me your assignment. Put me to work. That is a very good request. That is an excellent prayer. Yes, I will use you. Yes, I will give you an assignment. Yes, I will make you able to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. My hand will guide you. My favor will rest on you. I will help you to know and do my will. I will guard and guide the course of your life. I will use to accomplish my purposes and fulfill my plans. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, thank you for choosing me. It is my desire to lay down my life for others. I want my life to be a powerful demonstration of your love in the darkness of this world. Help me to know and do your will. Help me to bear abundant fruit that will last for all eternity. Amen

Key Question… What assignment has the Lord given you to do so you can bear fruit for Him?

Living It Out… Allow the Lord to make you able to bear abundant and lasting fruit for Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will make you able to bear abundant and lasting fruit for Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has made you able to bear fruit for Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you go and do what the Lord asks of you.

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

Day 193 – Becoming Like Christ – John 15-12-17 – Called You Friends – 4 Page Discipleship Study Guide

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

Every Opportunity

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 192 - Ephesians 5:15-20 - Every Opportunity - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 192 – Ephesians 5:15-20 – Every Opportunity – Growing As Disciples

Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:15-20 (NIV)

Every Opportunity

I will be careful. I will watch out. I will monitor all my thoughts and words and actions. I know that the days are evil. I live in a sin broken world. I don’t want anything about my thoughts or words or actions to hinder my ability to serve you. But I am asking you to help me to live a wise life. I am asking you to help me to be able to know and do your will. I want to be able to make the most of every opportunity you give to me to serve you. Do you believe that I will hear and answer these desires and prayers of yours? Yes, I do, without a doubt. That is very good. Yes, I will hear and answer these desires and prayers of yours. I will help you to live a wise life that is good and right and pleasing to me. I will help you to be wise in all that you think, say and do. Thank you, Lord.

What tool do you think I will use to help you to know and do my will? What tool will I use to help you to be wise in all that you think and so and do? You will use your word. You will use your word to guard and guide all my thoughts and words and actions. Yes, that is exactly what I will use to change your heart, transform your mind and guide your life. Now, does knowing that, place any responsibility on you? Yes, it does. I must come to meet with you in your word. I must take your word deep into my heart and mind and life. I must allow your word to feed and sustain and strengthen me. If you fail to meet with me in my word what will be the result? If I fail to meet with you in your word, I will not be able to know and do your will. I will not be able to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you because I will not have allowed your word to work in and through me. But that won’t happen to you. No, it won’t. Why is that? I meet with you every day in your word. Yes, you do and that is very good.

How will you be empowered to know and do my will? How will you be made able to make the most of every opportunity I give you to serve me? How will I empower you to do good by ministering to others? Your Holy Spirit will fill me. Your Holy Spirit will empower me. Your Holy Spirit will use your word, like a sword, to work in me, with me, for me and through me so that I can make the most of every opportunity to serve you by ministering to others. That is true. That is right. That is good. Now go with the power of my word and my Spirit working in and through you. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I will be careful how I live. Help me to be wise. I want to understand and accomplish your will. Fill me with your Spirit. Empower me to make the best use of opportunity to serve you. Thank you, for every opportunity you will give me to minister to others. Amen

Key Question… How are you asking for and relying on the Holy Spirit to empower your ministry to others?

Living It Out… Make the most of every opportunity that the Lord gives you to serve Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will give you abundant opportunities to serve Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you made the most of an opportunity to serve the Lord.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you make the most of every opportunity the Lord gives you to serve Him.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 192 – Ephesians 5-15-20 – Every Opportunity – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide pdf

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

In His Heart

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 191 - Psalm 37:30-31 - In His Heart - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 191 – Psalm 37:30-31 – In His Heart – Growing As Disciples

The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just. The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip. Psalm 37:30-31 (NIV)

My Word

What has my word done for you as you have stored it in your heart? I’m not sure where to begin. Your word has changed my heart and transformed my mind. How so? Your word has given me new thoughts to think and words to speak. It is as if your word has scrubbed the crud out of my mind. There were many unhelpful, unhealthy, and unholy thoughts that once occupied my heart and mind. I would battle against ungodly thoughts. I would reject them. I would try to distance myself from them. Most of my efforts were quite unsuccessful. I felt discouraged and depressed and defeated. The more I struggled against improper thoughts the less successful I was. I asked myself, “How can I stop thinking thoughts I don’t want to think?” I did not have the answer. I did not have a clue. Then you came to my rescue. You showed me your way of escape. What was my way of escape? I was trying so hard to not think certain thoughts. That plan was filled with failure. Instead, I began to fill my heart and mind with your word. I listened to your word.  I read and studied your word. I meditated on and memorized your word. I turned your word into my prayers. I taught and shared your word with others. I put your word into practice. In every way, I took hold of your word and your word took hold of me. It has been as if your word has pushed unhelpful, unhealthy and unholy words out of my heart and mind. Your word has certainly given my heart and mind a good scrubbing. I know that your Holy Spirit has taken your word and used it like a sword to fight in me, with me, for me and through me. Your word has been molding and shaping me. Your word has been guarding and guiding me. Your word has made me able to stand against temptation and resist evil. Your word has been given me wisdom. I am no longer discouraged or depressed or defeated. Your word has made it possible for me to live the life you have called me to live. Yes, my word and my Spirit have been doing these things in you, with you, for you and through you. I am so thankful for your word. Keep on storing my word in your heart and mind. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. 

Lord, it is my delight to hear your word. It is my joy to have your word hidden in my heart. Use your word to change my heart. Make me able to speak words that are wise and just. Help me to live the life you are calling me to live. Keep my feet from slipping. Amen

Key Question… What practices have helped you to hide God’s word deeply in your heart?

Living It Out… Store God’s word in your heart so that you will be able to live the life He is calling you to live.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your heart will be changed as you store God’s word in it.

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

Prayer To Bless Others… Lord, I will store God’s word in my heart.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 191 – Psalm 37-30-31 – In His 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