Monthly Archives: May 2025

Clothe Yourself With Humility

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 7 - 1 Peter 5:5-7 - Clothe Yourself With Humility - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 7 – 1 Peter 5:5-7 – Clothe Yourself With Humility – Growing As Disciples

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:5-7 (NIV)

Clothe Yourself With Humility

Why do you think I want you to clothe yourself with humility? I can think of quite a few reasons why you want me to clothe myself with humility. That’s good. I would like you to tell me your thoughts. You want me to become like you. You clothed yourself with humility. You want me to clothe myself with humility. It is your plan that I become like you. That’s true, that is my plan.

What will you do differently because you are clothing yourself with humility? I will come to rely on you. I will stop relying on myself. I will stop thinking that I can overcome every difficulty with my own gifts, talents, strengths and abilities. I will stop trying to solve all my problems by myself. What has happened to your life when you have tried to solve all your problems by yourself? My life has filled up with anxiety and stress when I have relied solely on myself to overcome all my difficulties. What would you like to do differently?  I would like to come to rely on you. I would like to ask you for your help. I would like to cast all my anxiety on you because I know that you care for me. I care for you, is that a reason why I want you to clothe yourself with humility? Yes, it is. Can you see how pride has caused you a great deal of stress and anxiety? I can now. Your pride has prevented you from coming to ask me for help. Yes, I can see that now, quire clearly. That’s good.

So, what will you rely on as you clothe yourself with humility? I will rely on you and your promises. Nothing in all of life, not money, not power, not position or anything else is worthy of my trust. You alone are worthy of my trust. I can hold on to all your promises. Yes, you can. Will you? Yes, I will.

What kind of relationship will you have with other people as you clothe yourself with humility? I will know without a doubt that I am no better than anyone else. I will be willing to humbly love and care for others just as you love and care for me. I will do for others what you have done for me. That is very good. There is something else that I want you to do. What’s that? Not only do I want you to give help to others, but I want you to be willing to receive help from them as well. Will you clothe yourself with humility so you can both give and receive help? Yes, I will. That will be very good. Then you will be filled with my grace and peace.

Lord, I’m not better than others. I don’t think I’m betters than others. Help me to be like you. Help me to clothe myself with humility. Help me to live a humble life that is completely reliant on you. Help me to live a grace and peace filled life of serving others. Amen

Key Question… How has your life filled up with anxiety and stress and pressure because you have relied on yourself?

Living It Out… Rely on the Lord, to help you to clothe yourself with humility, so that you will come to fully rely on Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to clothe yourself with humility.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord is helping you to clothe yourself with humility.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you rely on Christ to help you to clothe yourself with humility, so you will come to rely on Him.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 7 – 1 Peter 5-5-7 – Clothe Yourself With Humility – 4 Page Discipleship 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

A Way Out So You Can Stand Up

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 13 - 1 Corinthians 10:13 - A Way Out So You Can Stand Up - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 13 – 1 Corinthians 10:13 – A Way Out So You Can Stand Up – Growing As Disciples

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

Ways Of Escape

I know that I am not unique. I know that I am not all alone. I will never experience temptations that are not common to the rest of mankind. Nor will I ever be tempted beyond my ability to withstand that temptation. That’s true. I also know that you will provide me a way of escape out of every temptation I will face. Yes, I will.  

It sounds to me like you have some questions. Yes, I do have a few questions. What will your way of escape out of temptation look like? Is there some wisdom you can give me about your ways of escape out of temptation? Those are very good questions that I would like to hear you answer. I thought you might say that. Well, I did. So, let me hear your answers. The ways of escape out of temptation will be as varied as the temptations themselves. Give some examples. One way of escape out of temptation is to not let myself enter into it in the first place. I already know when, where and how I am most likely to be tempted. I am not usually overtaken by some rare and unusual temptation that I have never encountered before. I already know that there are places I should not go and things I should not do. Being around certain people and places and in some circumstances is like opening a door to temptation. So, you will not go where you should not go? You will not do what you should not do? You will separate yourself from people and places and things that you find tempting? Yes, that’s true. That’s a good start. What else? I know that my defenses against temptation can be weak or they can be strong. How so? If I am allowing your word to dwell in me richly, my defenses against temptation will be strong. Why is that? I will be meditating on your word. I will be thinking your thoughts, speaking your words and taking your actions. So, my word will guard and guide your life? Yes, that’s it. So, you are really talking about my defenses for you rather than your defenses? Yes, I am. On my own, without your protection, I am defenseless against temptation. Your Holy Spirit will take your word and use it to fight in me, with me, for me and through me so I will be able to stand against temptation and resist evil. That’s true. What else? I am not meant to live the Christian life alone. What do you mean by that? It is your plan that I become rooted and grounded in a body of believers. That’s true. As I live in close relationships with fellow believers I will be strengthened and encouraged and lifted up. It is your plan for me to be strengthened by, and to strengthen, other believers so we can stand against temptation and resist evil. Yes, it is. Anything else? Yes, sometimes your way of escape out of temptation simply involves running from it. Yes, it does. Will you take all these ways of escape? Yes, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, thank you that I will never experience a temptation that is not common to the rest of mankind. I am not unique, nor am I all alone. Thank you for always providing, for me, a way of escape out of temptation. Help me to see and quickly take that way. Amen

Key Question… Why will you lose your opportunity to take the way of escape out of temptation if you don’t quickly take it?

Living It Out… Watch for and take the way of escape out of temptation that the Lord will provide for you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to take His way of escape out of temptation.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have seen and taken the way of escape out of temptation.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you take the way out of temptation that the Lord provides.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 13 – 1 Corinthians 10-13 – A Way Out So You Can Stand Up – 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

Put Them Into Practice

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 344 - Matthew 7:24-29 - Put Them Into Practice - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 344 – Matthew 7:24-29 – Put Them Into Practice – Growing As Disciples

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.  But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”  When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,  because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Matthew 7:24-29 (NIV)  

My Words 

What must you do with my words, if you want to become wise? What must you do with my words, if you want your life to have a firm foundation that is able to withstand the storms of life? What must you do with my words, if you want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to me? First, let me say that there is no “if” about any of your questions. How so? I want to become wise. I want my life to have a firm foundation that can withstand the storms of life. I want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you. That is very good. Yes, I think it is good to be clear about what my desires. We are on the same page. I want what you want. We both want the same thing. That is very good.

Now, to answer your questions. I must do two things with your word if I want to become wise, have a firm foundation for my life and live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you. First, I must hear your words. How often must you hear words? Is there a day that I don’t need to hear from you? Certainly not. I need to hear from you every day. How will you listen to my word? I will listen attentively to your word. Casually and inattentively and half-heartedly listening to your word will bring me no benefit. I will take your word deep into my heart and mind and soul. I will allow your word to dwell in me richly. I will meditate on your word day and night. That is very good. I have more to say. I’m listening. I will read and study your word. I will memorize and meditate on your word. I will pray and proclaim your word. I will take hold of your word as it takes ahold of me. What do you mean by that? I will allow your word to change my heart and transform my mind and guide my life. Yes, all of these are excellent strategies for hearing my word. What else must you do with my word for it to be powerfully effective in your life? If it isn’t clear by now, I will state it clearly here. Hearing your word only is not enough. For your word to do its complete and full and powerfully active work in my life, I must put it into practice. That is good. That is right. That is true. Hear and put my word into practice and you will be wise, have a firm foundation for your life and be able to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to me. That is what I want. That is what I will do. That will be very good. Thank you, Lord, for your word. 

Lord, I will not be foolish. I will make it my daily pattern and habit to both hear and put your word into practice. I will allow your word to make me wise. I will allow your word to become the foundation of all that I think, say and do. Build my life with your word. Amen

Key Question… How are you making sure that you are actively putting God’s word into practice?

Living It Out… Make it your daily pattern to hear and put God’s word into practice so you can withstand the storms of life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that hearing and putting God’s word into practice will make you able to withstand storms in life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group something from God’s you have heard and put into practice.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you hear and put God’s word into practice.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 344 – Matthew 7-24-29 – Put Them Into Practice – 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

Not Rest On Men’s Wisdom

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 5 - 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 - Not Rest On Men's Wisdom - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 5 – 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 – Not Rest On Men’s Wisdom – Growing As Disciples

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NIV)

Your Word

What do you rely on? What do you place your faith in? What is worthy of all your trust? Do you rely on seemingly wise and persuasive words of men? Are you taken in by the wisdom of the world? Is your life founded on the thoughts, opinions and values of the world? Does your faith rest on the wisdom of men? You have asked a lot of questions. Do you have any answers? I have only one answer. Let me hear it. My faith rests on you. I would like to hear more from you on this subject. 

It is true, that at one time I placed my faith on wisdom that comes from the world. My life conformed to the thoughts and opinions and values of the world. I thought like the world thought. I spoke like the world spoke. I acted like the world acted. I was no different than anyone else that is living in the world. What did you find out? There is no hope and joy and peace in living a life that is founded on the patterns and practices of the world. There is no purpose and meaning in thinking and speaking and acting in worldly ways. My worldly life became a bruised and battered and broken life. I was empty. I wanted more. I wanted something else. I wanted you. I wanted to know you. I wanted to love you. I wanted to follow and serve you. I wanted to live my life in ways that would please you. Did I know all of this at the time? Certainly not. But you brought me to yourself. You came into my life. You forgave my sins and gave me a new life to live. Yes, I did.

How is your life now different? My faith rests on you. My faith rests on your word. My faith rests on your power. What do you know? I know that you are using your word to make me like you. Your Holy Spirit powerfully uses your word like a sword. He uses the sword of your word to fight in me, with me, for me and through me. Yes, that is true. What do you do with my word? I take your word into my heart and mind and life. I am letting your word mold and shape me. I am letting your word teach and train me. I am letting your word guard and guide me. Now I know without a doubt that my faith rests on you and the power of your word. That is good. What are you asking? I am asking for your Holy Spirit to continue to use your word to do your work in and through me. I will hear and answer that prayer. 

Lord, I will no longer place my faith in the seemingly wise and persuasive words of men. To do so would be foolish. I will rely on you. I will trust your word. I will place all my faith in the power of God. Work in, for, and through me according to your good pleasure. Amen

Key Question…  When has the power of God accomplished something that you could have never done on your own?

Living It Out…  Place all your faith in the power of God rather than on the seemingly wise and persuasive words of men.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the power of God will work in and through and for you according to His good pleasure.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how your faith is resting on the power of God.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you place all your faith in God rather than on seemingly wise and persuasive words of men.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 5 – 1 Corinthians 2-4-5 – Not Rest On Men’s Wisdom – 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

Many Advisers

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Compass with needle pointing the word advice concept of business consultant, blue and beige tones, blur effect with focus on the main text.

For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure. Proverbs 11:14 (NIV)

Advisers

That is what I need. What is it that you need? I need wise advisers to give me good counsel. Why is that? I can’t tell you how many times I have rushed a decision without seeking good counsel from wise and trusted advisers. What has been the result of rushing your decisions without seeking wise counsel? Quite often, I have fallen flat on my face. I have suffered harm. I have wasted time and energy and resources. I have had to retrace my steps. I have had to start over. I have had to begin again. That is not a fun process. No, it is not. It is a very painful way to learn valuable life lessons. Why do you suppose that you have failed to seek out wise advisers to give you good counsel? Here may be an even harder question for you. Why do you think you have failed to listen to the wise advisers that I have brought into your life? The answer seems obvious to me. I have been filled with pride. I have been stubborn. I have been independent. I have been self-reliant and self-sufficient. I have thought that I knew it all and that I had all the answers. I have foolishly been wise in my own eyes. On top of that, I have been impatient. That is not good. No, it is not.

What is the danger of being proud and stubborn, independent, self-reliant and self-sufficient, impatient and wise in your own eyes? I will not be able to receive your instruction. I will not be able to accept your guidance. I will not be able to know and do what you ask of me. My life will be unfruitful and unproductive. I will go through life bouncing from one thing to another. I will walk a crooked path. I will not accomplish or fulfill your plans for my life. You understand the danger before you quite well. I have learned by every one of the mistakes I have made. Yes, you have learned well.

How are you now living your life differently? I am admitting that I need advice. I don’t know it all. I need wise counsel. So, I am listening attentively to you. I am also listening closely to the wise counselors that you have brought into my life. I am receiving your instruction. I am following your guidance. Why is that? I want to go and do your will. I want to bear fruit for your kingdom. I want to bring glory to your name. I want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you. I want to live a life that has no regrets. One day I want to hear you say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Keep on listening to me. Keep on receiving wise counsel. Keep on following good advice. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. 

Lord, I have made many mistakes because I rushed a decision. I did not seek wise counsel. I did not listen to good advice. I did not rely on you or any wise counselors you brought into my life. Forgive my pride. I will act on all the good counsel you give to me. Amen

Key Question…  Why will you rarely regret taking a little extra time to receive advice before making a decision?

Living It Out… Allow the Lord to give you wise counsel through trusted advisers He brings into your life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will give you wise counsel through trusted advisers He brings into your life.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how you listen to and act on wise counsel from trusted advisers.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you listen to wise counsel from trusted advisers that the Lord brings into your life.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 325 – Proverbs 11-14 – Many Advisors – 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 Is Wise?

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 273 - James 3:3 - Who Is Wise? - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 273 – James 3:3 – Who Is Wise? – Growing As Disciples

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13 (NIV)

Who Is Wise?

I wouldn’t quickly raise my hand on that question. You wouldn’t quickly raise your hand on what question? I wouldn’t quickly raise my hand to say that I am wise. Why is that? I have made more than my share of dumb mistakes, foolish missteps and unwise decisions. I can’t tell you how many times I have thought and said and done what was truly unwise. At times, I have thought I was quite gifted at putting my foot in my mouth. Then it seems to me that you have the beginnings of wisdom within you. How is that? How can that be? What have you admitted? What are you abundantly aware of? What do you know without a doubt? I have admitted that I am unwise. I am abundantly aware of my own lack of wisdom. I know without a doubt that I need wisdom. Where did such an awareness of your lack of wisdom come from? I would guess that you have helped me to see my own lack of wisdom. You guess? No, I know that you have helped me to see that I need wisdom. Why do you suppose I have allowed you to see your own lack of wisdom? You want to change me. You want to make me wise. You want me to be able to think and speak and act in ways that are wise. You want my life to demonstrate your wisdom in the world. Yes, I do. Your understanding is correct. So, recap from me what you know. I know I am unwise. I know you have helped me to see that I am unwise. I know you want to make me wise. I know you want to work in and through me in ways that will demonstrate your wisdom in the world. I know I can ask for you to help me to be wise in all that I think, say and do. Yes, you can. You will be my source of wisdom. Yes, I will. What word would you use to describe your willingness to admit your need for wisdom? I would use the word humility. So then, can you now agree with me that you have the beginnings of wisdom in you? Yes, I can. That’s good. Thank you for helping me to humbly see that I desperately need wisdom. You are welcome. 

Now, the beginning of wisdom starts with an attitude of humility. You will receive wisdom as you humbly come to rely on me. But how will your life demonstrate my wisdom in the world? How will people be able to see my wisdom in operation in the world? Not only by the wise thoughts you give me. Wise thoughts are a starting point. I need your wise thoughts in me to be sure. But wisdom is demonstrated by wise words and wise actions. You want to give me wise thoughts to think, wise words to speak and wise actions to take. Yes, I do. Will you think and speak and act according to the wisdom I give you? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. Then my wisdom will be demonstrated in the world. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, give me your wisdom and understanding. Help me to live a life of humility that demonstrates your wisdom to the world. Help me to be wise in all that I think, say and do. Help me to live a life of love and service to others. Help me to pattern my life after yours. Amen

Key Question…  What has helped or hindered your ability to ask for and receive wisdom from God?

Living It Out…  Allow the Lord to make you wise in all that you think, say and do, so you can demonstrate His wisdom in the world.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will help you think and speak and act wisely so you can demonstrate His wisdom in the world.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has helped you to demonstrate His wisdom in the world.

Prayer To Bless Others… May all that you think, say, and do demonstrate wisdom.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 273 – James 3-13 – Who Is Wise? – 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

Is Anything Too Hard?

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 289 - Genesis 18:13-14 - Is Anything Too Hard?- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 289 – Genesis 18:13-14 – Is Anything Too Hard?- Growing As Disciples

Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son.”  Genesis 18:13-14 (NIV)  

A Good Question

That is a good question. What is a good question? Is anything too hard for you? Why is that a good question? It may not be a good question to ask. It is certainly a good question to consider. It is a good question for me to have answered in my heart and mind. I like where you are headed, say more. I need to have answered and resolved in my heart and mind that you can and will do the impossible in, for, and through me. I need to have faith to believe that you can and will do in, for and through me what only you can do. I need to know that you delight and desire to do in, for and through me what only you can do. Why do you suppose it is my desire and delight to do in, for and through you what only I can do? You want to show yourself to me. You want to reveal yourself to the world. You want people to turn their hearts and minds and lives toward you. You want people to leave their old lives of sin so that they can love, follow and serve you. Yes, I do. 

What has happened to you as I have done in, for and through you what only I could do? I have been encouraged. I have been lifted up. I have been strengthened. I have been revived and renewed and refreshed. My heart and mind and life have been filled with hope and joy and peace. Thanks, and praise to you have been on my lips. My faith in you has grown as I have relied on you to do what was impossible. I have been made able to bear fruit for your kingdom. I have been made able to bring glory to your name. I have been able to shine brightly for you, like a star in the universe. Yes, I have done all of these things in, for and through you.

What will you now do differently because you know that nothing is too hard for me? I will come to rely on you more fully. I will ask you to do in, for and through me what only you can do. My heart and mind and eyes will be open with expectancy to watch for and join you in the seemingly impossible work that you want to do in the world around me. That will be very good. 

Lord, I know nothing is too hard for you. To think or believe otherwise would be foolish. Help me to have faith to believe that nothing is too hard for you to do in, for, or through. I will come to ask you for your help. I will rely fully on you. My faith will be in you. Amen

Key Question…  How are you relying on the Lord to do in, for or through you what only He can do?

Living It Out…  Ask the Lord to do in, for, or through you what only He can do.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that nothing is too hard for the Lord to do in, for, or through you.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has shown you that nothing is too hard for Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you have faith to believe that nothing is too hard for the Lord to do in, for, or through you.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 289 – Genesis 18-13-14 – Is Anything Too Hard? – 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

Whenever You Face Trials

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 12 - James 1:2-4 - Whenever You Face Trials - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 12 – James 1:2-4 – Whenever You Face Trials – Growing As Disciples

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Pure Joy

I don’t know about that. You don’t know about what? I’m not sure how to have pure joy when I’m going through trials. Why is that? I’m not sure I can or even want to have pure joy when I go through trials. You should know, I am no fan of trials. I don’t like trials. I like to avoid trials. I have no interest in going through trials. I do my best to leave a trial as soon as possible. Do you think I want you to be joyful for your trials? It sounds like it to me. Then you better listen a little more carefully. How so? There is a huge difference between being joyful in and through a trial and being joyful for a trial. Can you explain that to me? Yes, I can.

Let me ask you a few questions. I’m listening. Have you drawn closer to me as you have gone through trials? Have you felt my nearness as you have gone through trials? Has your life with me grown more intimate as you have held on to me through trials? Has your faith in me grown stronger as you have gone through trials? Have I strengthened you and made you able to persevere as you have gone through trials? Have you learned to call out to me and ask me for help as you have gone through trials? Have I heard and answered your prayers as you have gone through trials? Have I generously given you wisdom as you have gone through trials?  Yes, you have done all these things in and for me as I have gone through trials. Are you thankful for all that I have done in and for you as you have gone through trials? Yes, I am thankful. Yes, I am grateful. Would you even say that you are joyful for what I have done in and for you as you have gone through trials? Without, a doubt, I have joy in my heart because of all that you have done in and for me as I have gone through trials. Remember that. Have this joy in you as you go through trials. Now, I understand. That’s good. 

One more question. What’s that? If you could, would you trade all that I have done in and for you through trials for never having any trials in the first place? Not, for a second. Then you can have joy and give thanks in the midst of trials because you know that I will be continuing my good work in you. Yes, I can. Yes, I will. That is very good. 

Lord, I am no fan of trials. I have had a negative attitude toward them. Yet, I know that you can and do use trials for good in my life. Help me to persevere and grow stronger in my faith as I go through trials. Help me to rely on you for all I need in every trial. Amen

Key Question…  How has your faith grown stronger as you have gone through trials?

Living It Out…  Rely on the Lord to help you to persevere and grow stronger in your faith as you go through trails.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will be able to use trials to help you to grow stronger in your faith.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how your faith has grown stronger as you have gone through trials.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you rely on the Lord to strengthen your faith as you go through trials.

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

Day 12 – Becoming Like Christ – James 1-2-4 – Whenever You Face Trials – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Take Heart

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 333 - John 16:33 - Take Heart - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 333 – John 16:33 – Take Heart – Growing As Disciples

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)

Trouble

There is no doubt that this world is filled with trouble. I know that this is a sin broken world that no longer functions fully according to your design. People mistreat people. Nations rise against nations. Even the weather and climate of this world has gone haywire. Nothing in this world has been left untouched by sin. At one time I thought that because I am one of your followers, I might be exempt from all the pain and suffering in this life. What a silly thought that was. Why would I be exempt? You suffered in this world. I will suffer in this world. Now, I know without a doubt, that I am not exempt from all the pain and suffering that is in this life.

But I will not be discouraged or defeated or depressed by all the pain and suffering in this life. Why is that? I have hope in you. I can take courage in you. I can have peace in you. Why can you have hope and peace and courage in me? You have overcome the world. I will overcome the world because I am in you. You will give me the courage and hope and peace and strength to go through whatever I will face in life. You will be with me. You will help me. You will strengthen me. You will lift me up and carry me through life. Of that, I am certain. That is my experience. You have never left me alone. You have never abandoned me. No, I have not. No matter what you face in life, I have always been with you to help you. Thank you, Lord.

But I have a hope in you that goes far beyond this life. What hope do you have beyond this life? This world is not my true home. This life is temporary. This life is like a blink of the eyes or the snap of the fingers. I am quickly passing through this life. My real home is in heaven with you. Yes, it is. You have secured a place for me forever in heaven with you. There will be no pain or suffering or tears in heaven. The beauty of this life will not compare to the splendor of heaven. My future in heaven with you gives me hope and peace and courage in the midst of any trouble I will face in this world. That is very good. 

Lord, thank you that I am in you. My final, real and forever home is secure in heaven with you. Thank you that you have overcome the world. Help me to also overcome all the troubles in the world. I will take heart and be filled with your hope, peace and courage. Amen

Key Question… How is the Lord helping you to overcome, all the trouble in the world, because you are in Him?

Living It Out… Take heart, be of good courage and have peace because you are in Christ who has overcome the world.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will have peace, in the midst of troubling world, because you are in Christ.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how being in Christ has filled your life with courage and peace.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you take courage and be filled with peace because you are in Christ.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 333 – John 16-33 – Take Heart – 4 Page Discipleships 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

Accept Instruction

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 9 - Proverbs 19:20 - Accept Instruction - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 9 – Proverbs 19:20 – Accept Instruction – Growing As Disciples

Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Proverbs 19:20 (NIV) 

Listen To Advice

I think I have learned my lesson. I hope I have learned my lesson. I pray that I have learned my lesson. What lesson are you talking about? I think and hope and pray that I have learned to listen to advice and accept instruction. Has this been a hard lesson for you to learn? You know the answer to that question. Nothing is hidden from you. That’s right. Yes, it has been a hard lesson for me to learn. Why is that? It is very hard for a “know it all” to listen to advice and accept instruction. Have you been something of a “know it all’? A little bit. Now, aren’t you funny? I have been far more than a little bit of a “know it all.” I have also thought that I am “almost never wrong.” That is a problem, isn’t it? Yes, it is a huge problem.

Tell me why it is a huge problem to be a “know it all” and an “almost never wrong” kind of person. First of all, I want to become like you. You want me to become like you. It is both your and my goal that I become like you. Proudly thinking that I “know it all or that I am “almost never wrong” is nothing like you. You were not filled with pride. You were filled with humility. If I am to become like you, I will need to trade in my pride for your humility. Yes, you will. That is absolutely true.

Why is it a foolish and dangerous mistake to give others the impression that you think you “know it all” and are “almost never wrong?” What are the consequences of these prideful attitudes? If others think I won’t listen to advice or accept instruction, then they won’t take the time or make the effort to tell me what I need to hear. They will let me go on my own way into the pain and trouble and suffering that could have been avoided. I will not be the beneficiary of the wisdom others would be willing to share with me. You won’t be able to speak into my life through the wisdom of the people around me. I will have no sounding boards. I will accept no feedback. My life could be heading for a train wreck without anyone to warn me, simply because my pride would not allow me to listen to advice or accept instruction. That’s true. 

I will tell you a little secret. What’s that? If you are unwilling to listen to others, you will also be unwilling to listen to me. The pride that will cause you to fail to listen to advice and accept instruction from others, will also prevent you from hearing and following and obeying me. Of that, I am positive. Will you humbly listen to advice and accept instruction from me and others? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I cannot tell you how often I have thought I knew it all. What a mistake. I have frequently given others the impression that I was unwilling to listen to advice and accept instruction. Another big mistake. Help me now to eagerly accept advice and instruction. Amen

Key Question… When have you been positive that the Lord spoke into your life through advice and instruction from others?

Living It Out… Eagerly accept and carefully listen to advice and instruction that the Lord wants to give to you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will often give you advice and instruction through people He brings into your life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has given you advice and instruction to follow.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you humbly listen to advice and accept instruction.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 9 – Proverbs 19-20 – Accept Instruction – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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