Monthly Archives: December 2025

Living And Active

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - God's Word - Living And Active - Hebrews 4:12 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – God’s Word – Living And Active – Hebrews 4:12 – Growing As Disciples

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

Surgery

You’re sick. I don’t feel sick. Actually, I feel just fine. I’m not talking about how you look or feel. You’re not? What are you talking about then? I’m talking about the condition of your heart. Is this going to be a painful discussion? It may be. Let me ask you a question. If you knew that you were sick, would you be willing to have surgery if it would make you well? Of course I would. Do you think that the surgery might hurt you? Yes, I’m sure that it would. Why then would you be willing to subject yourself to it? Because I would know that after a period of recovery, I would be well. So the surgery would be worth it? Yes, it would.

How about the surgeon, would you let just about anyone operate on you? No, I’d carefully consider their experience and track record of success. You would need to be convinced that they knew what they were doing and had your best interests in mind? Yes absolutely, otherwise I would never subject myself to their surgery.

How about me, how do you like my level of experience? Do you think that I know what I’m talking about? Am I experienced enough for you? What is my track record of success? You have a lot of questions today. Yes, I do. But it comes down to one question. What’s that? Do you trust me? Yes Lord, I trust you. Why is that? I know that you love me and have my best interest in mind. I know that there is no one who has your level of wisdom, knowledge or experience. I can count on you.

Let’s talk about the surgeon’s tools. If the surgeon didn’t have the right tools or if they were defective, would their experience or track record matter? No, I suppose that using the wrong or defective tools could bring catastrophic results. You’ve got that right.

So, if I say that you are sick, what are you going to think? I’m going to think that’ I’m sick. If I tell you that I want to do some surgery in your life, are you going to be afraid? No, I’m not going to be afraid because I trust you. You know what you are doing. I know that you will make me well.

The tool that I will be using in your surgery is my word. Do you think that I have the proper tool with which to operate? Yes Lord, you do. I know that your word is living and active. It is powerful. It can penetrate deep into my thoughts, motives and actions. It can change and heal my heart and transform my mind. Yes, it can.

The big question is will you let me operate on your heart and mind? Yes Lord, I will. But I’m not sure how to do that. When you deeply consider my word and let it penetrate your heart, mind, and life, I will be doing surgery to make you well. The choice is yours.        

Lord, I welcome your word into my life. Use your word to change the thoughts and attitudes of my heart. Cut out of my heart and life anything that is not pleasing to you. Heal and strengthen my heart by your word so that I can live fully for you. Amen

Key Question… When has it felt like God was using His word to preform surgery on your heart and mind?

Living It Out… Allow God to penetrate your thoughts, words, attitudes, and actions as you meditate on His word.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will use His word to change your heart and transform your mind.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God’s word is actively changing your heart and mind.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow God to use His word to change your heart and transform your mind.

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

God’s Word – Hebrews 4-12 – Living And Active – 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

Comes From Hearing

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Faith- Romans 10:17 - Comes From Hearing - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Faith- Romans 10:17 – Comes From Hearing – Growing As Disciples

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.  Romans 10:17 (NIV)

Hear And Do

Do you want to grow in your faith? Do you want to have a strong and vibrant faith? Do you want to have the kind of faith in me that will allow you to bear an abundance of fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name? Do you want to have the kind of faith that will make you a bold and courageous witness for me? Do you want to have the kind of faith that will make you able to stand against temptation and evil? I want this kind of faith. I want my faith in you to be able to accomplish all that you have described. How can I grow strong in my faith? How can I have the kind of faith that you will powerfully use to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name? Those are very good questions. 

If you want to have the kind of faith that I have described you must do two things. You have my full attention. I’m listening very carefully to what you are about to say to me. What I am about to say to you is not complicated and hard to understand. What I am about to say to you is actually quite simple. First you must hear my word. You must listen attentively to all that I have to say to you. Hearing my word is not something you can do casually. Hearing my word is not something you can do occasionally. If you want to hear my word you must let it dwell in you richly. My word will teach you. My word will train you. My word will mold and shape you. My word will change your heart and transform your mind. My word will make you able to know my will and walk in my ways. My word will strengthen you as you meditate on it day and night. Your faith will grow strong as you meet with me in my word. Think of a body builder. A body builder lifts great weight to strengthen their muscles. A body builder would never become strong by lifting light weights here and there and now and then. Just as a body builder allows himself to be trained by lifting heavy weights, you also must allow yourself to be trained by my word. Do understand what I am saying to you? Yes Lord, I understand.

What else must I do for my faith to grow strong? In addition to hearing my word you must also put my word into practice. Imagine a body builder who read everything they could about lifting weights. How much stronger would he be if after studying bodybuilding he never actually lifted any weights? He would be no stronger. All of his studying of bodybuilding would have not benefited his life at all. If you only hear my word and do not put my word into practice you will never grow stronger in your faith. Will you hear and do my word? Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, thank you for helping me to grow in my faith as I have met with you in your word. I will make it my daily pattern to set aside time to hear your word. Mold and shape my life with your word. Help me to put your word into action as I follow and serve you. Amen 

Key Question… How has hearing and putting God’s word into practice caused your faith in Him to grow?

Living It Out… Make it your daily pattern to set aside time to hear and put God’s word into practice so you can grow in your faith.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will grow in your faith as you make it your daily habit to hear and put God’s word into practice.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how your faith in God has grown as a result of hearing God’s word.

Prayer To Bless Others… May your faith in God continue to grow as you hear His word.

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

Faith – Romans 10-17 – Comes From Hearing – 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

Lamp Under A Bowl

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Lamp Under A Bowl - Matthew 5:14-16 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Lamp Under A Bowl – Matthew 5:14-16 – Growing As Disciples

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16  (NIV)

 Say Yes

Do you know who you are? Do you know what I want to do in you and through you? Do you know what is the purpose of your life? Those are very significant questions that aren’t that easy to answer. Would you be willing to help me out with the answers? Yes, I would. In fact the answers can’t and won’t come from you. If they did then they wouldn’t be correct. So, it is a good thing that you’re relying on me for the answers.

You are the light of the world. You know why that is possible and true? I think so. Tell me what you think. I am the light of the world because I am your child. A child is like his parents. You are my Father. You rescued me from the darkness that I was living in. You saved, forgave and cleansed me through all that Christ did for me on the cross. You sent your Holy Spirit to live inside of me. Now, day-by-day, you are transforming me and making me more like you. Each day I shine a little brighter for you as I allow you to mold, shape and change my life. Yes, that is exactly what I’m doing in and through you and for you.

As I change you and you shine more brightly, what am I leading you to do for me? You are leading me to let the light that is you, in me, shine out into the darkness of this world. Yes, and how does that actually happened? It happens when I say yes to what you’re asking me to do for you. What happens when you say no to me and just sit around and do nothing for me? That would be like putting my light under a bucket or bowl. What would happen then? My light would grow very dim and others would not see that your light was shining through me. Can you see how my light will shine even brighter through you as you serve me? Yes, I can. The light that you give me is to be shared; it is not meant to be kept hidden or secret. It is for all to see.

What will happen to others when they see my light shining through you? They will see the good things that you have done in me for me and through me. They will know that it has been you at work. They will want to give thanks and praise to you because you are the source of light shining through me.  Yes, I am. What else will others want to do because of what I’ve done in you? They will want to give their lives to you as well. They will want to love you, follow you and serve you. Yes they will.

What then would you say is the purpose of your life? The purpose of my life is to say yes to you so that I can shine brightly for you and bring glory to you. That is what I will do with all my heart and mind and soul because I love you. I am your child. I am all yours. Yes, you are. 

Lord, help me to say yes to all that you want to do for me, in me and through my life so that I can shine brightly in the world. Let all the good deeds that you lead and enable me to do bring thanks, praise, honor, and glory to you. Amen

Key Question… How do you think God wants to use you to shed light in the world and bring glory to Him?

Living It Out… Say yes to all that God wants to do in and through your life so that you can shed light and bring glory to Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your light will shine brightly in this world when you say yes to what God wants to do through you.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has used you to shed light in this world for His glory.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you say yes to all that God wants to do through your life so you can shine brightly and bring glory to Him.

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

Parables – Matthew 5-14-16 – Lamp Under A Bowl – 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              http://www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

But Overcome Evil With Good

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - God's Will - Romans 12:19-21 - But Overcome Evil With Good - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – God’s Will – Romans 12:19-21 – But Overcome Evil With Good – Growing As Disciples

Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:19-21 (NIV)

Your Enemy

How have you responded to your enemies? What have you done for those who have done evil against you? Well, I have often brainstormed how I might get even with them. I have considered how I might repay them for every evil that they have done against me. Have you spent a lot of time thinking these kinds of thoughts? I am embarrassed to admit how much time I have wasted imagining what do to those who have hurt me. Have you found thoughts of payback and revenge to be helpful and healthy? Thinking thoughts of payback and revenge have been nothing more than a large waste of time. Why is that? I can’t think of one time that I actually paid someone back or took revenge against them. You just day dreamed about payback and taking revenge against evil that was done against you? That’s right. That is a big waste of time. 

I want you to take a far different approach to those who have done evil against you. What’s that? You are going to like this, I think. I can’t imagine that. You like to brainstorm. You like to day dream. You like to think through scenarios. You like to think about future possibilities of your actions. Yes, I do like to do all those things. Well, I want you to do all those things toward an enemy that has done something to hurt you. I’m already doing that. Yes, I know. But, you are doing all those things with an evil intent of paying them back and seeking revenge. That’s true. I want you to do just the opposite. Like what?

Imagine that one of your strongest enemies became your best friend. That’s hard to imagine. Stay with me. How would you try to turn one of your strongest enemies into one of your best friends? I would begin to brainstorm how I could do good things for them. Then I would look for any and every opportunity to follow through and actually do good things for them. That’s good. What else? I would pray for them continually. That’s also very good. Why would you be willing to do good things toward your enemy? Why would you be willing to continually pray for them? I would do good things for my enemy and pray for them because that is what you are asking of me. That’s right. If you do what I am asking of you, then you may not only have an enemy as a best friend but you might have them as a brother of sister. Wouldn’t it be amazing if your enemy joined you in heaven because of the way that you allowed me to work in and through your life? That would be amazing. Start doing good things for your enemy as you pray for them. Yes, Lord, I will.

Lord, I have sought revenge. I have wanted to pay back others for evil done against me. Forgive me. I will make every effort to overcome evil by doing good. I will seek to turn enemies into friends by doing good things for them. Use me as your witness. Amen

Key Question… Why is overcoming evil by doing good completely contrary to common practice in the world?

Living It Out… Make every effort to overcome evil by doing the good things God gives you to do for Him?

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will make you able to overcome evil by doing the good He gives you to do for Him

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how are you overcoming evil by doing what is good.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you always overcome evil by doing good that God gives you to do.

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

God’s Will – Romans 12-19-21 – Overcome Evil With Good – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

Trust In The Lord

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - God's Will - Proverbs 3:5-8 - Trust In The Lord - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – God’s Will – Proverbs 3:5-8 – Trust In The Lord – Growing As Disciples

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Proverbs 3:5-8 (NIV)

Lean On

I don’t want to lean on my own understanding. Why is that? I have made so many mistakes. I have taken so many missteps. I can’t tell you how many times I have had to stop and turn around and start all over because I have relied on my own understanding. You don’t need to tell me, I already know. The ways that I have chosen have led me on a zig zag path through life. I have gone from one thing to another. I have stopped. I have started. I have gone left and right. I have been frozen in place. I have raced on ahead. All in all, I have wasted a lot of time. I have burned up a lot of my energy. I have been unproductive and unfruitful. I thought that I was wise. But now, I know that I am not. That’s very good.

What else? Not only have I wasted time and energy. I have filled my life full of worry. If you are the one in charge of your own life, then you have good reason to worry. Why is that? You just told me. Your track record of success when you are under your own leadership is dismal, isn’t it? Yes, it is. Are you ready to give up? Are you ready to accept new leadership? Will you place yourself under new management? Will you follow me to where I lead you? Will you do whatever I ask of you? Yes, I will follow and serve you. My life is in your hands. I will no longer lean on my own understanding. I will place all my trust in you. I will acknowledge your leadership over my life now and forever. That’s very good. 

You will also have something new as you follow me to where I lead you and do all that I ask of you. What’s that? You will have my peace and joy and hope and health, all because you will know that I am leading you on a good and straight path. You will know that your life is not a waste. You will know that I am helping you to bear fruit for my kingdom. You will know that you are bringing glory to my name. That is my hope and prayer. That is what I have always wanted. That is what you will have as you follow me.

Lord, so often I have relied on my own understanding rather than placing my trust in you. I have walked a crooked path that zigged and zagged throughout life. Forgive me. Now, I will trust in you, so that you can guide my steps and bring health into my life. Amen

Key Question… When have you had to stop, turn around and start over because you relied on your own understanding?

Living It Out… Place all your trust in the Lord rather than relying on your own understanding so that He can direct your path.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will make your path straight as you trust in Him rather than rely on your own understanding.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are trusting in the Lord to guide you through life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you trust in the Lord rather than lean on your own understanding.

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

God’s Will – Proverbs 3-5-8 – Trust 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

Joyful – Prayerful – Thankful

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - God's Will - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Joyful - Prayerful - Thankful - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – God’s Will – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Joyful – Prayerful – Thankful – Growing As Disciples

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) 

Circumstances

I have let circumstances get me down. I have not been joyful in every circumstance. Far from it. I have let circumstances cloud my vision and lose my focus. I have let circumstances steal my joy.  I have let circumstances cause me to take my eyes off you. I have let all my thoughts and words and deeds be guided and directed by whatever circumstance I have found myself. Circumstances have caused me to lose my balance and send me off course. So often, I have lived under the circumstances of life rather than above them. That’s not good. No, it’s not. How have gotten back on course? There is one very positive thing about negative circumstances. What’s that? Negative circumstances have always caused me to cry out to you. Right away? No, not right away. I wish I could say that I would start praying to you right away when circumstances have turned negative around me. Unfortunately, I have tried in vain to fight my own way out of negative circumstances. Sometimes, I have even had to reach rock bottom, when all my own efforts have not brought me through negative circumstances, before I have cried out to you in prayer. I like it that you have tried to fight your way out of negative circumstances. Why is that? Your desire to fight and do battle against negative circumstances is good. Your choice of weapon to fight your way out of negative circumstances is all wrong however. How so? You will never win battles against negative circumstances with your own efforts. You must rely on me. You must choose the proper weapon with which to fight. Do you know what that weapon is? Yes, after so many failures, I have finally learned that I can continually pray prayers that will give me victory through circumstances. Why is that? As I pray to you, my eyes will be on you rather than on my circumstances. You will lead me through my circumstances. You will be my helper. You will be my strength. You will be my guide. I can hold on to you as you hold on to me through all the circumstances of life. Yes, you can. Yes, I will. What will you have as I lead you through all the ups and downs and twists and turns of the circumstances of life? I will have joy. Why is that? My relationship with you will grow deeper and become sweeter as I hold on to you and you hold on to me. Yes, it will. Then you will become truly joyful, prayerful and thankful as you love, follow and serve me. Yes, I will.

Lord, I have not always been joyful, prayerful and thankful. I’m sure that comes as no surprise to you. Help me to be continually joyful, prayerful and thankful. I know I have abundant reasons to be joyful, prayerful and thankful. You have blessed my life. Amen

Key Question… How are you learning to give thanks in and through all the varied circumstances of life?

Living It Out… Make it your practice to be joyful, prayerful and thankful as you love, follow and serve the Lord.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you have abundant reasons to be joyful, prayerful and thankful as you love, follow and serve the Lord.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are joyful, prayerful, and thankful as a Christ follower.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you be continually joyful, prayerful and thankful as you love, follow and serve the Lord.

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

Gods Will – 1 Thessalonians 5-16-18 – Joyful -Prayerful -Thankful – 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

Look Carefully Then How You Walk

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - God's Will - Ephesians 5:15-17 - Look Carefully Then How You Walk - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – God’s Will – Ephesians 5:15-17 – Look Carefully Then How You Walk – Growing As Disciples

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV)

To Do List

I know that I have wasted a lot of time. I have allowed my life to be sucked into massive time wasters. I have been unwise. I have foolishly spent large portions of my life on what will be of no value and amount to nothing. I need your help. I need your wisdom. I need your strength. Why is that? I know that my life will not go on forever. I have a very limited amount of time to live my life on this earth. That’s right. I can’t afford to be wasting time if I want my life to amount to anything. What do you mean by that? I want to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. I want to be busy doing what will amount to something that will be valuable for all eternity. I want to know and do your will. That’s good.

Why do you think you need my wisdom in determining how you use your time? I don’t think I will know how to use my time well without your help. Obviously, I can eliminate the obvious time wasters like spending hour upon hour watching television or searching the internet. There is little to no lasting and eternal value there. That’s right.  I know that you have good works planned for me to do for you. That’s right. I am quite certain, that those good works that you have prepared for me to do for you have seldom, if ever, appeared on what has been my day after day urgent “to do” list. That’s a very good point. If you always completed your urgent “to do list” you may still miss doing what I have called you to do for me. Do you know why that is? Yes, I have raced frantically through life trying to complete my urgent and daily “to do list”. What has not been on your urgent “to do” list? Taking time to know your will has never appeared on my “to do list”. Asking for your wisdom to know how I can better use my time has never been on my “to do list”. Asking you to help me bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name has never been on my “to do list”. Do you think it is time to reprioritize your “to do list?” Yes, I do. Will you help me to reprioritize my “to do list” so that I will be able to know and do your will? Yes, I will.

Lord, I have wasted a lot of valuable time. Forgive me. Help me to evaluate how I use my time. Give me strength to eliminate from my life what is wasting the time I have been given. I want to walk wisely and use my time well as I love, follow and serve you. Amen

Key Question… What foolish time wasters will you eliminate from your life so you can better use your time?

Living It Out… Look carefully how you walk so that you will wisely make the best use of the time as you follow and serve the Lord.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will give you wisdom in the way that you walk so you can make the best use of the time.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are wisely making the best use of the time as a Christ follower.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you look very carefully how you walk so you will make the best use of the time.

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

God’s Will – Ephesians 5-15-17 – Look Carefully Then How You Walk – 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

Good Work In You

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - God's Will - Philippians 1:6 - Good Work In You - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – God’s Will – Philippians 1:6 – Good Work In You – Growing As Disciples

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

Complete 

You can be sure that I began a good work in you. Have you noticed that I have been molding and shaping your life? Have you noticed that I am making you into the person I want you to be? Have you noticed that I am helping you to live the life I have called you to live? Yes, I’ve noticed. That’s it? That’s all you want to say? No, not all. There is a lot I would like to say. Go ahead, I’m listening. I am so encouraged that you began a good work in me. To think that you are molding and shaping my life is beyond amazing. My words cannot begin to express how thankful I am that you are making me into the person you want me to be and helping me to live the life that you have called me to live. Why are you so encouraged? I could never make myself into the person you want me to be. It is so comforting to know that I am the work of your hands. I welcome your work in my heart and mind and life. There is nothing about me that I want left untouched by you. I give you my complete permission to do your work in and through my life. Twist me inside out. Turn me upside down. Give me a good shake. Do whatever is necessary to continue your good work in me. Anything else? Yes, I could never do what you have called me to do. I could never live the life that you have called me to live. I could never do what is pleasing in your sight, without your help. So, here I am. Keep on working in and through me. Yes, I will. 

How have I worked in your life? What are some of the tools that I have used to continue my good work in you? Why do you ask? It is important for you to be able to recognize my work in and through your life. I see. You have used your word to work in my life. Your word has been changing my heart, transforming my mind and guiding my life. That’s right. What else? You have used your body of believers, your church to change me. How so? You have given fellow believers important words to speak into my life. I have also been changed, as I have worshipped you, with other believers in your body. That’s true. What else? You have used the ministry you have given me to do for you to mold and shape my life. As I have gone and done what you have asked of me, I have come to rely on you. I have drawn near to you. I have asked for your help. I have rested in your presence. I have listened to your instructions. I have followed your guidance. In your presence, I have been changed. That’s right. You have used every twist and turn, every up and down, every back and forth, every circumstance of life as a tool in your hand to mold and shape my life. That’s right. Will you welcome my work in your life, until the day in which it will be complete? Yes, I will.

Heavenly Father, thank you for beginning a good work in me. I welcome all the work you want to do in and through me. Make me into the person you want me to be. Help me to live the life you have called me to live. Use my life fully for your kingdom and glory. Amen

Key Question… What changes have you noticed in your heart and mind and life as God has continued His good work in you?

Living It Out… Welcome God’s good work in you and allow Him to bring it to full completion.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will bring His good work in you into full completion.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how God has been working in you.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you welcome God’s continual working in you.

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

God’s Will – Philippians 1-6 – Good Work In 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

I Know The Plans I Have For You

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - God's Will - Jeremiah 29:11 - I Know The Plans I Have For You - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – God’s Will – Jeremiah 29:11 – I Know The Plans I Have For You – Growing As Disciples

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) 

A Plan

I have a purpose and plan for your life. You can be confident and certain about that. I want to use you to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. How will I be able to know your plan for my life? How will I be able to fulfill the purposes you have in mind for me? Those are important questions. I know that you have been worried about there answers. You have been fearful that you might miss out on my plan and fail to fulfill my purposes for your life. That’s right. I don’t want to live a life that would someday be filled with regret about where I could have gone and what I could have done for you. I want you to be able to fully use my life for your purposes and your plans. That’s a very good desire. Do you know where that desire comes from? My desire to fulfill your purposes and plans comes from you. Yes, it does. Would I place a desire in your heart that I would not help you to fulfill? No, I doubt it, certainly not, I’m sure. Your two very important questions have one simple answer. What is it? You can be certain that you will go where I want you to go and do what I have given you to do if you follow me.  I will lead you to where I want you to go. I will give you what I want you to do for me. Is that simple and clear enough? Yes, it is.

What will following me require of you? I will need to be attentive to you. I will need to listen carefully to all that you have to say to me. I will need to be willing to follow and obey you. I must guard against anything that might hinder my ability to hear from you. How will you do that? I will withdraw from the noise and busyness of life so that I can listen and hear from you. Once you have heard from me what must you do? I must put into practice all that you have shown me. I must be willing to go where you are leading me. I must be willing to do all that you are asking of me. Will you listen attentively to me? Will you follow me? Will you do what I ask of you? Yes Lord, I will. Then I will use you to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. 

Lord, I have had this fear that I would miss out on your plans for my life. I have thought that I might leave something undone that you wanted me to do for you. I don’t want that. I know that you will help me to follow you and to fulfill all your plans for my life. Amen

Key Question… How has the Lord used your life to bear fruit for Him and bring glory to His name?

Living It Out… Follow and serve the Lord so you will be able to fulfill the plans He has for your life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to follow and serve Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are following and serving the Lord?

Prayer To Bless Others… May you follow the Lord and fulfill the plans He has for you.

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

God’s Will – Jeremiah 29-11 – I Know The Plans I Have For You – 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

Sons Of God

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - God's Will - Matthew 5-9 - Sons Of God - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – God’s Will – Matthew 5-9 – Sons Of God – Growing As Disciples

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

Peacemaker

Do you want to be a witness for me in the world? Do you want to live a life that is vibrant and attractive to those who do not know me? Do you want others to come to know me through my working in and through your life? Do you want to be a vessel that I can use for my kingdom and glory? Do you want to go where I send you and do what I ask of you? Are you at my disposal? Are you ready for my use? Lord, I want you to use me. I am completely at your disposal. I am ready for your use. I will go wherever you send me and do whatever you ask me. Where will you send me? How do you want to use me? What will you ask of me? I will send you next door. Next door, I’m not sure what you mean?

I want you to express my kindness and mercy and love to all those who are around you on a day to day basis. You don’t need to go far to be my witness in the world. I will use you right now, right where you are, in your daily life. How will you use me? Think of the people that rub you the wrong way. Think of the people that are abrasive and difficult to love. Think of the people who are obnoxious and self-serving. Think of the people that are living lives that are far away from me. These are the people that I want you to love with my love. These are the people that I want you to pray for and serve. Show them what they can’t see in the world. What’s that? Show them my unconditional love. Show them kindness at every turn.  How will I do that?

I am calling you to be a peacemaker.  I want you to make and maintain peace wherever you go, in whatever you do. I want your life to spread the fragrance of me everywhere. I want you to stand out as a bold and bright witness for me in a world filled with conflict. I want people to see me living and working in and through your life. I want people to know my kindness, mercy and love through your life. I want people to see me living in you. I want people to know that they have been in the presence of one of my children, when they have been around you. You are my child, are you not? Yes, I am your child. You are my Heavenly Father. Yes, I am. You want to become like me, do you not? Yes, I want to become like you. Then be a peacemaker for me. Will you do that for me? Yes Lord, I will be a peacemaker for you in a world filled with conflict. That will be very good.

Lord, I have often allowed myself to become embroiled in conflict. I regret that engaging in conflict has hindered my ability to be a witness for you. Forgive me. Use me now as a peacemaker. Help me to make and maintain peace in a world filled with conflict. Amen 

Key Question… When has the Lord used you to make and maintain peace in a world filled with conflict?

Living It Out… Allow the Lord to use you to make and maintain peace in a world filled with conflict.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will use you to make and maintain peace in a world filled with conflict.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has used you to make and maintain peace.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the Lord to use you to make and maintain peace in a world filled with conflict.

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

God’s Will – Matthew 5-9 – Sons 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