Monthly Archives: September 2025

A Way That Seems Right

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Guidance - Proverbs 14 - A Way That Seems Right - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Guidance – Proverbs 14 – A Way That Seems Right – Growing As Disciples

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12 (NIV)

Wrong Way

How often has what seemed right to you not ended up being right for you? I’m not sure what you mean. How often have you made decisions that were based solely on your own thoughts, opinions and values? I have made a lot of decisions based solely on my own thoughts, opinions and values. Why is that? My thoughts, values, and opinions seemed right to me at the time. Is that all? No, that is not all. I have made my own decisions because I have not wanted any advice from anyone else. I have wanted to be my own boss. I haven’t wanted anyone telling me what to do. That’s true. You have been a very strong willed and independent person. You have been wise in your own eyes. You have thought that you knew it all and needed no help or counsel from anyone else. Is this true? Yes, you know that it is true. What has been your track record when you have made decisions based solely on what seemed right to you? I have made a lot of dumb decisions and unwise mistakes. I have suffered quite a bit as a result my dumb decisions and costly mistakes. I have ignored warnings. I have failed to heed cautions. I have raced head long into one painful disaster after another. Has the pain and suffering of your dumb decisions and unwise mistakes gotten your attention? What do you mean by that? Are you doing anything differently now? 

There is one mistake I have not made. What mistake haven’t you made? The pain of all my little mistakes has gotten my attention. I have turned away from the path that seemed right to me. The path that I was on was bad enough in the here and now. Had I stayed on that path it would have led me completely away from you. It would have led to my complete destruction. I have gotten off that path to destruction. I have turned my life over to you. I am no longer strong willed and independent. I no longer think that I know it all. I need help. I need wise counsel. I am listening attentively to all that you have to say to me. I am following you to where you lead me. I am doing what you ask of me. I no longer want my will and my ways. I want your will and your ways. I have stepped on to the path of life with you. Yes, you have. You are my Savior and Lord. Yes, I am.

Lord, take my hand and lead me along the road that leads to life now and forever. I will hold on to you. Help me to steer clear of the wrong road that leads to destruction. I will reject that road when it tempts me to walk on it. Amen

Key Question… When have you discovered that you were walking down the wrong road in life?

Living It Out… Make a decision to walk with the Lord on the road that leads to life as you reject the road that leads to destruction.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will lead you along the road that leads to life now and forever with Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are walking with the Lord on the road that leads to eternal life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you follow the Lord on the path that He lays out for you to walk.

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

Guidance – Proverbs 14-12 – A Way That Seems Right – 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

Refuge In The Lord

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Guidance - Psalm 118:8-9 - Refuge In The Lord - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Guidance – Psalm 118:8-9 – Refuge In The Lord – Growing As Disciples

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. Psalm 118:8-9 (NIV)

Your Trust

You have a choice to make. What kind of choice do I have to make? You have a choice of trusting in me or you have a choice of trusting in someone or something else. That seems like a clear and easy choice to make. It does, really? Have you always chosen to trust in me? No, I have not always trusted in you. I thought you said you had a clear and easy choice to make. I did. Just because I said the choice was clear and easy to make does not mean that I have always made it. Perhaps the choice is not as easy as you think. Probably so, otherwise I would have always made it.

Who have you chosen to trust in when you haven’t chosen to trust in me? I have chosen to trust in myself. I have thought that I did not need your wisdom or instructions or guidance. I have thought that I knew where to go and what to do, without your help. I have been self-sufficient. I have been self-centered. I have been strong willed and independent. I have been stubborn and determined and certain. How has all that worked out for you? Being self-reliant has never served me well. Being self-sufficient has often led to disaster. Why is that? I don’t know it all. I can’t see the future. I haven’t known where I should go and what I should do in life. So, I have made a lot of mistakes. I have taken wrong turns. I have gone where I should not have gone and done what I should not have done. I have wasted time and energy and resources when I have trusted in myself. That’s not good. No, it is not.

What else have you trusted in when you haven’t chosen to trust in me? When I haven’t trusted in you, I have also chosen to trust in other things or people. Like what? Like who? Well, I have trusted in money. I have trusted in power and prestige and influence. I have trusted in my own education and training. I have trusted in my own gifts, talents and resources. I have trusted in family and friends. I have trusted in people who I thought were older and wiser and smarter than me. You name it, I have tried trusting in it. What have you found out? I have found out that you are the only one worthy of all my faith and hope and trust. Sooner or later everything and everyone other than you will fail me. There is not one thing or any other person worthy of all my faith and hope and trust. You will never fail me. You will never forsake me. You are my rock. You are my fortress. You are my deliverer. I can take refuge in you. Yes, you can. That is what I will do. That will be very good.

Lord, I have trusted in many people and in many things. No one and no thing is worthy of my faith and trust. You alone are my place of refuge. When the storms of life come, I know that I will not be disappointed for having placed all my faith and trust in you. Amen

Key Question… When have you been disappointed by placing your faith and trust in yourself or others?

Living It Out… Exercise your faith and trust in the Lord by relying on Him to guard and guide your life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord is worthy of your placing all your faith and trust in Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are placing all your faith and trust in the Lord.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you place all your faith and trust in the Lord.

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

Guidance – Psalm 118-8-9 – Refuge In The Lord – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

Careful To Follow

Posted on by
Reply

51060163 – test word with long shadow over a wooden ruler to illustrate measuring in an experiment or evaluation

Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers. Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.  Deuteronomy 8:1-2 (NIV)

It’s A Test

You have been through many trials and troubles in life. You have experienced great difficulty. You have faced difficult challenges. You aren’t telling me anything new, that’s for sure. It doesn’t sound like you have enjoyed going through trials and troubles. It doesn’t seem like you are a fan of difficult challenges. No, I am not, not at all. Do you know anyone that is? No, I don’t.

You may not have realized it, but your trials, troubles and difficult challenges in life have tested you. How so? You and I have been able to see what was in your heart as you have gone through trials, troubles and difficult challenges in life. What is in my heart? You tell me. I don’t know if I can tell you. I will help you by asking you some questions. That would be great. Have trials, troubles and difficult challenges caused you to give up? Have you quit following me? Have you become bitter or better? Has your faith grown weaker or stronger? Do you trust me more or less? Have you relied on yourself or have you come to rely more on me? Are you thankful for what trials, troubles and difficult challenges have accomplished in your life? Have you come to see trials, troubles and difficult challenges as your bitter enemies or your best friends? Do you deeply regret what you have gone through or are you especially thankful for every test that you have faced in life? That’s a lot of questions. Do you have some answers? Yes, I do.

I haven’t given up. I haven’t quit following you. I haven’t grown bitter. My faith hasn’t grown weaker. I trust you more and rely on myself far less. I wouldn’t sign up to take any of these tests of mine again. I wouldn’t ever wish that my tests had never come my way. You have used every trial, trouble and difficult challenge to draw me close to you. You have never left me. You have never forsaken me. You have taught me to hold on to you as you have held on to me. You have shown me that I have a heart to follow you. I want to go wherever you lead me to do whatever you ask of me. I am thankful for how you have tested me. You have given me a hunger to know you and a desire to walk in your ways. I will love you and follow you and serve you with all my heart. That is very good.

Lord, I am not a big fan of wilderness journeys in life. I don’t like the trials, and troubles that have come my way. I am thankful that you have been with me to help me through every difficulty. You have humbled my heart and caused me to come to rely on you. Amen

Key Question… When in your life have you felt like you were walking through a wilderness?

Living It Out… Humbly allow the Lord to lead and guide you through wilderness experiences you will go through in life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that when God leads you through a wilderness in life, He will be testing you to see what is in your heart.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has humbled you as you gone through a wilderness in life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you be careful to follow the Lord to where He leads you to do all that He asks of you.

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

Guidance – Deuteronomy 8-1-2 – Careful To Follow – 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

Preserve My Life

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Guidance - Psalm 119:33-37 - Preserve My Life - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Guidance – Psalm 119:33-37 – Preserve My Life – Growing As Disciples

Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Psalm 119:33-37 (NIV)

Help

Are you asking for my help? Yes, I am asking for your help. What kind of help do you want from me? What are you asking me to do for you? I’m asking you to preserve my life. How do you want to preserve your life? I want you to help keep me on the right track. I want you to help keep me focused on what is worthwhile and valuable. I don’t want to get caught up in chasing after what will end up being worthless. I don’t want to pursue selfish gain. I don’t want to live only for what this life has to offer. I want you to help me to keep my heart and mind and life focused on you. I want to pursue the life that you have called me to live. I want to listen to your instructions. I want to follow your guidance. I want to go where you guide me. I want to do what you ask of me. That is very good. 

Where will you find my instruction and guidance? How will you hear what I want you to hear? How will you see what I want you to see? What will keep your heart and mind and life focused on me? I will draw near to you. I will quiet myself before you. I will meet with you in your word. I will consider deeply all that you have to say to me. I will take your word into my heart and mind and life. I will let your word dwell in me richly. I will allow your word to change my heart, transform my mind and guide my life. I will read your word. I will study your word. I will meditate on your word. I will memorize your word. I will pray your word. I will put your word into practice. Then you will delight in my word. Then you will be given understanding. Then you will know how to keep my word in your heart and obey it in your life. Then you will walk on the path that I have laid out for you. Then you will follow me to where I lead you, to do what I ask of you. That is what I want. That is the desire of my heart. That is very good.

Lord, it is you that teaches me by your word. Your word has changed my heart and given me the desire to follow and obey you. Direct my life by your word. Turn me toward you and away from selfish gains and worthless things. Amen

Key Question… How has God’s word guided, protected and preserved your word as you have followed and obeyed Him?

Living It Out… Allow God to change your heart and mind and course of your life as you spend time with Him in His word.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will teach, direct and preserve your life as you obey His word and follow Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God’s word has given you a desire in your heart to obey Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May your life be preserved by God’s word.

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

Guidance – Psalm 119-33-37 – Preserve My 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

Ran Away From The Lord

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Guidance - Jonah 1:1-3 - Ran Away From The Lord - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Guidance – Jonah 1:1-3 – Ran Away From The Lord – Growing As Disciples

The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD. Jonah 1:1-3 (NIV)

Uncomfortable And Unpleasant

You have heard me speaking to you? Yes, I have heard you speaking to me. You have heard me asking you to go somewhere uncomfortable? Yes, I have heard you asking me to go someplace uncomfortable. You have heard me asking you to do something that was unpleasant? Yes, I have heard you asking me to do something that was unpleasant. Are these requests of mine quite rare and very infrequent? Are you kidding me? Is that a joke? Are you serious? I am very serious. I am not kidding you. My question is not a joke. I have a very important reason to ask you this question. Why is that? I want you to be able to hear my voice. I want you to be able to recognize where I might call you to go. I want you to be able to know what I might ask you to do. The answer to your question is somehow central to me being able to know and do your will? Yes, it is. Well, there is only one obvious answer to your question. Let me hear your answer. You frequently ask me to go places that are uncomfortable to do things that are unpleasant. This is not a rare or very infrequent event. No, it is not. So, just because something is uncomfortable or unpleasant to you does not mean that I am not asking you to go and do it? No, it certainly does not. Perhaps the very opposite is often true. How so? If something feels uncomfortable or unpleasant to me that could be a signal that you are asking me to go and do it. Yes, it could be. Never evaluate my call on your life based on your being comfortable or uncomfortable with it. Don’t try to avoid my call by thinking that I would never ask you to do something so uncomfortable and unpleasant. I won’t. Are you sure? Yes, I am sure. That will be very good.

Why do you think I frequently ask you to do what seems to be uncomfortable and unpleasant? The problem isn’t with you, it is with me. How so? I like being comfortable. I don’t like leaving the familiar to go to the unknown. I don’t like doing what I have never done before. I especially don’t like doing anything that might be the least bit unpleasant. Like what? Doing anything for people that I might not like would be at the top of my list. So, you wouldn’t want to go somewhere unfamiliar to minister to someone you might not like? That’s right. How likely will it be that I will ever ask you to do such a thing? You are likely to ask me to do such a thing frequently. Yes, I am. Will you go to the unfamiliar to do the unpleasant for me? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I will say yes to however you want to use me. There is no one I am unwilling to serve on your behalf. There is no place that I am unwilling to go to serve you. Give me all the help and strength that I will need to say yes to you. Amen

Key Question… What has made you feel reluctant to say yes to something that the Lord wanted you to do for Him?

Living It Out… Say yes to all the ways that the Lord wants to use you no matter how uncomfortable you may feel about it.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will use you to minister to your enemies and to people you don’t like.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group when the Lord has asked you to minister to someone you didn’t like.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you run toward what the Lord is asking you to do for Him.

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

Guidance – Jonah 1-1-3 – Ran Away From The Lord – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

For God Does Speak

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Guidance - Job 33:12-18 - For God Does Speak - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Guidance – Job 33:12-18 – For God Does Speak – Growing As Disciples

“But I tell you, in this you are not right, for God is greater than man. Why do you complain to him that he answers none of man’s words? For God does speak–now one way, now another– though man may not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men as they slumber in their beds, he may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings, to turn man from wrongdoing and keep him from pride, to preserve his soul from the pit, his life from perishing by the sword. Job 33:12-18 (NIV)

Speak

I do speak. I am speaking. I will speak to you in many ways. I will speak to you at various times in different seasons. The crucial question is not “Do I speak?” or “Will I speak?” What is the crucial question? The crucial question is, “Will you listen?” Will you make yourself attentive to my words? Will you be listening when I am speaking to you? Will you recognize my voice? Will you notice my activity all around you? I’m not sure how to answer your questions. You can answer my questions by asking me your own questions. Is that some sort of hint? Yes, it is.

How can I make myself attentive to your words? How can I make myself receptive to all that you have to say to me? How can I notice your activity all around me? Those are the questions that I wanted you to ask me. Now, I will let you answer those questions. Really? Yes, really. I wouldn’t ask you to answer those questions if I did not know that you already know the answer to them. So, let me hear your answers.

I can make myself attentive to your words, receptive to what you want to say to me and aware of your activity all around me when I seek you with all my heart. If my heart and mind and life are focused on you I will not miss a word of what you want to say to me. If I give you my full attention, I will not fail to notice your active all around me. There is one thing that is absolutely certain. What’s that? I will find you when I seek you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. You will certainly draw near to me when I draw near to you. You are right. You have asked good questions that you have answered well. Will you seek me with all your heart? You will focus your heart and mind and life on me? Will you draw near to me? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. Then you will hear from me. Then you will notice my activity all around you.

Lord, thank you for speaking to me in so many various ways. Help me to be attentive to your voice so I am ready to listen to all that you have to say to me. When I hear you speaking to me, I will joyfully respond to you with a thankful and obedient heart. Amen

Key Question… How strongly do you desire to know God and hear what He wants to say to you?

Living It Out… Make adjustments in your life to meet with God so that you can hear what He has to say to you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God does want you to know Him and what He has to say to you.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has spoken, and made himself known, to you.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you be attentive to the voice of God so you can hear Him speaking to you.

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

Guidance – Job 33-12-18 – For God Does Speak – 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

If It Is The Lord’s Will We Will Live And Do This Or That

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Guidance - James 4-13-15 - If It Is The Lord's Will We Will Live And Do This Or That - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Guidance – James 4-13-15 – If It Is The Lord’s Will We Will Live And Do This Or That – Growing As Disciples

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15  (NIV)

 Ask Of Me

Do you have big plans? What makes you think that you have time to accomplish them all? There is something a little strange about the roadmap that you have laid out for yourself. What’s that? I don’t recall you inviting me in on your little planning process. You have a good point there. Why did you do that? Well, I wasn’t getting a roadmap from you, so I decided to forge ahead on my own. Without me? Now that you put it that way, my action does seem really misguided. You got that right. Your efforts are not only going to be misguided by you, but unguided by me. Don’t you want me to guide and direct your life? Yes Lord, I do. But, you’re impatient. It’s hard for you to wait for instructions and ask for help, isn’t it? Yes, it is.

Haven’t you done this before? What? Forged ahead without me, with your own roadmap and plans? I guess that I have. Is that really a guess? No, I know that I have ventured out ahead of you with my own plan. How has that worked out for you? Not so well. What’s happened? Any number of undesirable outcomes have occurred. Like what? I’ve gone the wrong direction, had to turn around and retrace my steps, for one thing. That sounds like a big waste of time. It is. But you like that better than waiting for my instructions? At least I feel like I am doing something. You know what they say about feelings, don’t you? What’s that? You can’t rely on them.

Anyhow, you felt like you were doing something? Yes, I did. Why did you turn around? I realized that I had made a mistake. How was that? I may have thought that I was doing something but I knew for sure that you were not. I could tell that you were not in the plan I was pursuing. How could you tell that? I really had no power or ability to accomplish what I was attempting to do. It was just a lot of tiresome self-effort on my part. That sounds very exhausting. It was, that’s for sure. What have you learned by forging ahead without me? I’ve learned that it is better to wait for instructions from you so that I will be able to move forward with your plan and rely on your power to accomplish it. You’ve learned a very important lesson, don’t you think? Yes, I have and for that I am very thankful.

It seems to me that there is one missing element we have not considered. What’s that? Well, so far we’ve talked about plans and power. You’ve learned that you want my plan and power rather than your own. Yes that’s correct. We have not talked about purpose. What is the purpose of your plans? Will the purpose of your plans standup in light of eternity? What do you mean by that? Let’s say it’s 10,000 years from now and you’re looking back from eternity, will you be pleased with the purpose of your plans? Probably not. Why is that? The purpose of my plan was too centered around me and what I wanted in that moment of my life. I will have wished that I had asked you to show me your purposes and plans so that I could accomplish them with your power. There is no need to wish. Why is that? You can come and ask that of me right now.

Lord, I’m sorry that I have made big plans without consulting you. I don’t want my plans in life. I want your purposes and plans to be accomplished through my life, by your power, for your kingdom and glory.  Thank you that I can serve you.   Amen  

Key Question… When have you waited for the Lord to show you His purposes and plans?

Living It Out… Ask the Lord to show you His purposes and plans for your life so that you can do what He wants you to do for Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will show you His purposes and plans and give you the power to accomplish them.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group when God has given you His power to accomplish His plans.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you pursue the Lord’s plan for your life.

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

Guidance – James 4-13-15 – If It Is The Lord’s Will We Will Live And Do This Or That – 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

Do Not Have God Speak To Us

Posted on by
Reply

 

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Guidance - Exodus 20:18-21 - Do Not Have God Speak To Us - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Guidance – Exodus 20:18-21 – Do Not Have God Speak To Us – Growing As Disciples

When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, ” to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.” Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was. Exodus 20:18-21 (NIV)

Hearing Your Voice

Do I want to hear your voice?  That is a good question. The quick and simple answer would be, yes of course, I want to hear your voice.  Who would not want to hear directly from God? But, I can think of reasons why someone wouldn’t want to hear your voice. Tell me what you think those reasons are. Let me speak from personal experience. At one time or another I’ve been afraid to hear your voice for a variety of reasons. Let’s talk about those fears.

I’ve been afraid that you will ask me to do something I don’t want to do.  How likely is that? You’ve got to be kidding me. From my experience, I would say that you are very likely to ask me to do something that I’m not comfortable doing. How concerned do you think I am about your comfort? On one hand, you are very tender, kind and gracious to me. You have cared for me so deeply that I cannot possibly say thanks enough. On the other hand, it has seemed like you have enjoyed making me uncomfortable. That sounds terrible, doesn’t it? Yes, it does. Let me ask you a question. When I have made you uncomfortable what has happened to you?  I’ve grown. Really, I’m glad to hear you admit that. Would you rather be comfortable and staying the same or uncomfortable and growing? I’d rather be growing. So, when I have made you uncomfortable what do you think I have had in mind? My best, you have wanted me to grow. That doesn’t sound too bad after all, does it? No, it doesn’t. When else have you been afraid to hear my voice?

I’ve been afraid that you would ask me to stop doing something that I liked doing. You don’t want to talk about this one too much, do you? Not really. Why is that? Well, some of what you have asked me to stop doing was sinful. We don’t have to go into details now. Let me ask you, why do you think I wanted you to stop sinning? You know that my sinning will harm my relationship with you and others. Sin brings brokenness and death as its wages now and forever. Yes, it does. You have wanted me to live a vibrant life of following you. That requires turning and running away from sin. Yes, it does. How have you felt as you have turned and run away from sin to follow me?  I have felt great, new, fresh and alive.  So, you wouldn’t trade your old life of sin, for the new life you have in me?  Not for a second.  So, hearing my voice, has sounded very good to you? Yes, it has. Let’s talk about one more fear you have had, about hearing my voice.

I’ve been afraid that you will say that I cannot have what I wanted to have. Let me ask you, do you believe that I love you and have your very best in mind?  Yes, I do. When I have withheld something from you, what has happened?  You have given me something different and far better. What else? You have also helped me to understand that what I wanted was not good for me. So, again you have enjoyed hearing my voice? Yes, Lord. Now, I know that I never want to stop hearing your voice.  That is very good.

Lord, I don’t want to remain at a distance from you. Help me to draw near so that I can hear your voice. I am ready and willing to listen, follow and obey all that you want to say to me. Teach and guide my life by your words. Amen

Key Question… When have you been afraid God might ask you to do something that might make you uncomfortable?

Living It Out… Draw near to God and listen, follow and obey Him so that He can teach you and guide your life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith God loves you and His voice will speak words of guidance that will bless your life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has guided and blessed your life by His words.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you draw near to God and listen to His voice so you can receive His guidance.

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

Guidance – Exodus 20-18-21 – Do Not Have God Speak To Us – 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

Scattered Throughout

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Guidance - Acts 8:1 - Scattered Throughout- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Guidance – Acts 8:1 – Scattered Throughout- Growing As Disciples

And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Acts 8:1 (NIV)

Nudged

Let’s talk about nudges. What about them? You have felt them. They have prompted you. You have responded to them. You have also failed to respond to them. I’m sure that is true. I want you to be more aware of my promptings. I don’t want you to miss out on what I am prompting you to go and do for me. You want to bear fruit for my kingdom. You want to bring glory to my name. You want me to use you according to my purposes and plans. Is all of this true? Yes all of this is true. I want you to use me. I am completely at your disposal. Use me however and whenever and wherever you see fit. There is no place I won’t go. There is nothing I won’t do for you. I like what you are saying to me. Those are easy words to speak and very difficult words to live out. The truth of your words will be tested. How so? You tell me.

Your promptings will come in a hundred different shapes and sizes. Your nudges will come at any time and in every place. Not all your promptings will be easy. Not all your nudging will be convenient. You will prompt me when I am busy. You will nudge me when I would rather not be nudged. I will have things on my mind. I will have places I want to go. I will have things I want to do. Each of your promptings and nudges will be a test of my obedience to you. That’s right. You will be asking me if I will go and do what you are now asking me to do for you. The theory of my obedient words will be tested by the reality of obedient actions. That is also right.

I have something to tell you right now. What’s that? I will not always pass your test. That will come as no surprise to me. I have something that I also want to tell you. What’s that? I want to love, follow and serve you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I know that to be true. I want to go and do whatever you prompt and nudge me to do for you. I will need every bit of help that you will give me to love, follow and serve you. Yes, you will. I will be listening for your promptings. I will be waiting for your nudging. Help me to go and do everything you ask of me. Yes, I will.

Lord, I will be watching for nudges from you. I will be waiting for you to guide me to what you want me to go and do for you. Use me according to your purposes and plan. Help me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Amen

Key Question… When has discomfort gotten your attention to help you consider doing something new for the Lord?

Living It Out… Consider carefully what the Lord may be nudging you to go and do for Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will nudge you to go and do what He wants you to do for Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has nudged you to go and do something for Him.

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

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

Guidance – Acts 8 – 1 – Scattered Throughout – 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

Go To Everyone I Send You

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Guidance - Jeremiah 1:7-9 - Go To Everyone I Send You - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Guidance – Jeremiah 1:7-9 – Go To Everyone I Send You – Growing As Disciples

But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD. Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now, I have put my words in your mouth. Jeremiah 1:7-9 (NIV) 

You Must Go 

Do not make excuses for why you cannot go and do what I ask you to do for me. You are not too young. You are not too old. You are not unqualified. You are not unprepared. If you were on your own nothing would make you ready. If you had to rely on yourself nothing would make you able to go and do all that I ask of you. But, you are not on your own. I am with you. I will help you. I will go before you. My hand is on you. My favor will rest on you. Do not waver. Do not go to the left or to the right. Do not run ahead. Do not lag behind. Follow me to where I lead you to do what I will ask of you. Will you go and do all that I ask of you? Yes Lord, I will.

Do not be afraid. Do not be timid. I am calling you. I have given you an assignment. I have given you a mission. What I am asking you to do for me you cannot do by yourself. You would not have asked for this assignment. You would not have dreamed up this mission. I am guiding you. I am leading you. Take comfort in that. I will strengthen you. I will help you to know my will. I will help you to walk in my ways. You will fulfill the purposes and plans that I will give to you. Yes Lord, I will.

My words will be in your heart. My words will be on your mind. My words will burn like a fire within you. My words will overflow your life. It will be your joy and passion and desire to speak the words that I give to you. You will shine brightly for me in the world. You will be witness. Nothing will be able to stand against you because I will be with you to help you on every step of your way. You will bear an abundance of fruit for my kingdom. You will bring glory to my name. Will you allow me to use you? Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I have given you a bunch of excuses for why I am not able to go where you guide or do what you ask. No more excuses. No more I am only, “this or that.” Prepare me for whatever you want me to do and I will go and do it. Amen

Key Question… When have you had an excuse for why you couldn’t do what the Lord asked you to do for Him?

Living It Out… Take a step of faith to go where God guides you to do what He asks you to do for him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will be with you to help to go where He guides you and to do what He asks of you.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has prepared and helped you to serve Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you rely on the Lord to help you to go and do all that He asks of you.

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

Guidance – Jeremiah 1-7-9 – Go To Everyone I Send You – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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