Category Archives: 365 Days Of Guidance

Fix Our Eyes On Jesus

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide -365 Days Of Guidance - Day 39 - Hebrews 12:2-3 - Fix Our Eyes On Jesus - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide -365 Days Of Guidance – Day 39 – Hebrews 12:2-3 – Fix Our Eyes On Jesus – Growing As Disciples

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)

Eyes On You

What are your eyes fixed on? What has your attention? I’m not really sure how to answer those questions. What occupies your attention and what your eyes are fixed will guide the course of your life. Then my answer to your questions is very important Yes, it is.  To the extent that your eyes and focus are on me, I will be guiding your life. If my eyes and focus turn away from you then I am likely to wander off the path that you are leading me on. That’s right. I will waste time and effort on things of this world that are ultimately not that important. I will expend my energy and strength on what will not bear fruit for your kingdom and your glory. I will grow weary and lose heart once I see how little impact my life is making for you. Yes, you’ve got that right.

The problem of not focusing on me is larger than you may realize. How is that? I am the author and perfecter of your faith. Without keeping your eyes on me you can’t really live the life that I have laid out for you. You are not the author of your faith. I am the author of your faith. What does the author of the story know that the reader cannot know? The reader follows the story and only learns of the story while reading what the author has written. Keeping your eyes and focus on me is like reading the story of your faith. You will only know where I am leading you by following me. You will only know what I am asking of you by obeying me. The story of your life of faith with me will unfold little by little, day by day, as you keep your eyes and focus on me. I get it.

How hard has it been to keep your eyes and focus on me? It has been very hard to keep my eyes and focus on you. Why is that? The world and everything in it tries to demand my attention. The commitments that are before me grab a hold of my time. The noise of life makes it hard for me to listen to you and keep my focus on you and the life that you have for me. The pace of life wears me out and throws my life completely out of balance. So, the challenge of keeping your eyes and focus on me is great? Yes, it is. What will help you to keep your eyes and focus on me? Meeting everyday with you in your word will help me to keep my eyes and focus on you. Is that what you will do? Yes, it is. I will be looking and waiting for you to come to meet with me. I have a time and place set to meet with you. That will be very good.

Lord, thank you that you are the author and perfecter of my faith. I will follow you. I will keep and my eyes on you. Help me to endure whatever opposition I will face in life. Strengthen me so I will not grow weary or lose heart.  Amen

Key Question…  How would your life change if you continually fixed your eyes on Jesus?

Living It Out…  Fix your eyes on Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of your faith, so will not grow weary or loose heart.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that as you fix your eyes on Jesus you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how you are fixing your eyes on Jesus Christ.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you fix your eyes on Jesus so you to not grow weary or lose heart.

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

365 Days Of Guidance – Day 39 – Hebrews 12-2-3 – Hebrews 12-2-3 – Fix Our Eyes on Jesus – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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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

Know How To Answer Everyone

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - 365 Days Of Guidance - Colossians 4:6 - Know How To Answer Everyone - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – 365 Days Of Guidance – Colossians 4:6 – Know How To Answer Everyone – Growing As Disciples

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6 (NIV)

Salt

Let’s talk about that word salt. What do you want to say to me about salt? You like salt quite a bit. Yes, I do. Is there anything that you don’t salt before you eat it?  You’ve noticed? There isn’t anything that I don’t notice. Yes, I salt almost everything I eat even without tasting it first. Why is that? I like the way that salt makes my food taste. What would your food taste like without salt? My food would taste bland without salt. You might want to lay off some of the salt. Too much salt isn’t good for you. I want you to live a long life as my servant in the world. That isn’t why I brought up the subject of salt, however. What do you want to say to me?

I want you to be like salt in the world. The world is bland and tasteless. I want your life to be a witness for me in the world. How you live and all that you say and all that you do will be like salt seasoning the world with my goodness, kindness, mercy, and love. Then all my words and actions better taste good to those around me. I don’t want to add a bad flavor to the world. You’re getting the idea. What you will add to the world, as my witness, will be different and attractive. Your life will look and taste good to others. Others will be drawn to you because I am living inside of you. People will be drawn to you because they will wonder what makes you so different. They will want to know why you are so loving, kind, and gracious. They will see that you forgive others even when you have been wronged. They will want what you have. They will want to live the kind of life that you are living. They will ask you about the hope that you have in you. Then you will have an opportunity to tell others about me. What if other people are not drawn to me? What if I don’t look and taste good to those who don’t know you? What if they don’t want to live the life that I am living? Those are good questions. What do you think might be the answers? If people are not asking me why I am so different, that would mean that I am not living as your salt in the world. It would mean that others are not seeing your goodness, kindness, mercy, and love in me. At that point I would desperately need your help. Yes, that’s right. Will you ask for my help to make you my salt in the world? Yes Lord, I want to be your witness in the world. I want you to use me for your kingdom and glory. I want others to be drawn to you through my life. Then come to me now. You will have all the help from me that you will ever need. Thank you, Lord.

 Lord, thank for giving me a new life to live and a new hope to share. Help me to live my new life in a way that is attractive to others. Give me kind, gracious, and life-giving words of faith so I will always be ready to share the hope I have in you. Amen

Key Question…  When has your kind and gracious manner caused others to want to know more about your faith in Christ?

Living It Out…  Be always ready to share with others the faith that you have in Jesus Christ.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will use your kind and gracious words as a witness for Him in the world.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group when you have had an opportunity to share your faith with someone.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you always be ready to graciously share with others the faith you have in Jesus Christ.

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

365 Days Of Guidance – Day 38 – Colossians 4-6 – Know How To Answer Everyone – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Renewed Like The Eagle’s

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Discipleship Study - 365 Days Of Guidance - Day 37 - Psalm 103:1-5 - Renewed Like The Eagle's - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Study – 365 Days Of Guidance – Day 37 – Psalm 103:1-5 – Renewed Like The Eagle’s – Growing As Disciples

Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits– who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:1-5 (NIV)

Don’t Forget 

Does all that is within you praise me? Do you think about all that I have done for you? Do you remember to give thanks to me? Not all that is within me gives praise to you. A lot of the time, I don’t think about or remember all that you have done for me. I’m sorry about that. I ask for your forgiveness for being so forgetful. You have my forgiveness. I am thankful for all that you have done for me. I want to live with the conscious awareness of all that you have done, are doing, and will do for me. Keeping my heart and mind on your activity in my life will only bring joy and blessing into my heart. Why is that? Living more aware of your activity will help me to know that you are always with me. Living more aware of your activity will help me to join you in what you are doing all around me. Living more aware of your activity will give me joy and fill me with the desire to thank and praise you. Yes, it will. I don’t want to live in a fog of forgetfulness. I don’t want to be blind to your working. I don’t want to be empty and joyless and ungrateful because I can’t see and remember your blessings. I need your help. Open my eyes. Help me what you have done, are doing, and will do in my life and in the world around me. Is that a prayer? Is that what you are asking of me? Yes, it is the desire of my heart to know you, to walk in your ways, to join you in what you are doing, and to live a life filled with joy and thankfulness. I want my life to give you glory, and to overflow with thanksgiving and praise to you.

If that is your prayer then here is what I want you to do. I’m listening. Yes, I can see that. At the end of each day reflect on what you have to be thankful for. Consider all that I have done. Make a list if you must. Then give thanks and praise to me. In this way you will learn to see and remember all that I have done. In this way you will learn to give thanks and praise to me. As you give thanks and praise to me you will be filled with joy. You will become aware of what I am doing. You will join me in the work that I have prepared for you to do. Will you do what I am asking of you? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, you have blessed my life. You have pulled me out of darkness and redeemed my life. You have forgiven my sins and cleansed my unrighteousness. You have renewed my life and granted me the desires of my heart. I give all my thanks and praise to you. Amen

Key Question…  When do you sit down to consider all the ways that the Lord has blessed your life?

Living It Out…  Remember all that the Lord has done for you so you can continually offer praise and thanks to Him.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord is worthy of all your praise and thanks for all He has done for you.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group what helps you to remember and give thanks to God for all he has done.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you continually remember all that the Lord has done for you so you can continually praise and thank Him.

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

365 Days of Guidance – Day 37 – Psalm 103-1-5 – Renewed Like The Eagle’s – 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

Equipped For Every Good Work

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Discipleship Study - 365 Days Of Guidance - Day 36 - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - Equipped For Every Good Work - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Study – 365 Days Of Guidance – Day 36 – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Equipped For Every Good Work – Growing As Disciples

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) 

Thoroughly Equipped

Do you want to be thoroughly equipped to do the work that I have given you to do for me? Yes, of course I would like to be thoroughly equipped and completely prepared to do the work that you have given me to do for you. Why would anyone want anything else but that? What point would there be in trying to serve you without being prepared? How would I ever be able to bear fruit for you if I wouldn’t let you prepare me to do what you have asked of me? Without your preparation I would be headed toward certain frustration and failure. I know that apart from you I can do nothing. That’s right. I know that apart from you, I have no chance of bearing fruit that will last for all eternity. That’s right.

How well would you like to be equipped and prepared? I want to be as equipped and prepared as you will make me. How long do you think I might have you in a time of training, equipping, and preparation? I’m not sure. Why are you asking me these questions? Your attitude and commitment will factor into how well you will be trained, equipped, and prepared to serve me. What do you mean by that? If you think that my training, preparing, and equipping will be quick and easy, you will not continue to let me train you. If you are half-hearted in your commitment, your training will be greatly hindered. Let me ask you a few of questions. I’m listening. How well did I use Moses? How long was Moses in training before I used him to lead my people out of Egypt? Was Moses’ training, equipping, and preparation, quick and easy? You used Moses in a way that changed the course of history and the destiny of your people. Yes, I did. Moses spent two thirds of his life in training before you used him to lead your people out of Egypt. Yes, that’s right. His training was anything but quick and easy. His training was long and never ending. Why do you say that? Well, I don’t think you ever stopped training, equipping, and preparing Moses to keep on doing what you asked of Him. No, I did not. Are you willing to allow me to train, equip, and prepare you today and tomorrow and up until the last day of your life? Yes Lord, I am willing. So, are you willing to go through training that is not quick and easy? Are you willing to go through training that is long and difficult? Yes Lord, I will go through whatever training you have in mind for me. That will be very good.

What do you think I will use to train, equip, and prepare you? I think you will use all of life to train me. I think you will use situations and circumstances of every kind to train, equip, and prepare me. Yes, that’s right. That however was not the answer that I was looking for from you. Try again. You will use your word to train, equip, and prepare me. That’s right. I will use my word to speak into your life. I will use my word to train, equip, and prepare you in all the situations and circumstances you will face in life. I get it. You said you wanted to be well trained, equipped, and prepared? Yes, I did. Then what do you think will be required of you? I will need to spend a lot of time with you in your word. Will you meet with me in my word so I can train you? Yes, I will. Will you meet with me every day, in my word, so you can be well trained, equipped, and prepared? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I will meet with you in your word. I will allow your word to speak into my life. May your word teach, rebuke, correct, and train me in righteousness so I can be thoroughly equipped to do every good work you have given me to do for you. Amen

Key Question…  What has God’s word taught you to equip you for every good work?

Living It Out…  Meet with God in His word so He can speak into your life and prepare you to do the work He has given to you.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that God’s word will thoroughly equip you to do the work He has given you to do for Him.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how God’s word has been preparing you to do good works for Him.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you meet with God in His word so He can prepare you to do good works.

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

365 Days Of Guidance – Day 36 – 2 Timothy 3-16-17 – Equipped For Every Good Work – 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

All May See Your Progress

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - 365 Days Of Guidance - Day 35 - 1 Timothy 4:15-16 - All May See Your Progress - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – 365 Days Of Guidance – Day 35 – 1 Timothy 4:15-16 – All May See Your Progress – Growing As Disciples

Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.  1 Timothy 4:15-16 (ESV)

Progress

Do you want to make progress in your faith? How would I define progress in my faith? What would progress in my faith look like? That’s a very good question that I want you to think about and answer. Why is that? I want you to tell me what you want. Why is that? It’s important for you to know what you want. Why is that? You can’t have what you don’t desire and do not want. Clarifying to yourself what you really want will give you desire. When you really desire something, you will pursue it. When you really desire something, you will keep on asking me for it as you pursue it with all your heart and mind and soul and strength. Are you asking me, “what do I really want?” Yes, I am.

I want to know you. I want to live in an intimate relationship with you. I want to be able to hear your voice. I want you to hear my voice. You want to have conversations with me? Yes, I want to live in an ongoing dialogue with you. I want to know your will. I want to live and walk in your ways. I want to be fully devoted to you. How will you go about doing that? I’m not positive. I do have some ideas. Let me hear your ideas. I will immerse myself in your word. I will meditate on your word day and night. I will let your word change my heart and transform my mind. I will put your word into practice in my life. I will think, say, and do what your word instructs me to think, say, and do. I will leave behind any thought, word, or action that is not consistent with your word. That will be very good. What else? I will offer myself to you as a living sacrifice. What do you mean by that? I will do whatever you ask of me. I will use the gifts that you have given to me. I will go and do the ministry that you have given me to do for you. I will allow you to bear fruit in and through my life. I will allow you to use me for your glory. That will also be very good. Anything else? As I walk with you, live in dialogue with you, and serve you, I will be on guard. On guard against what? I will be on guard against drifting away or getting off track. I will make sure that my life and ministry keep on track with you. I will watch my life. I will watch my ministry. I will make sure that my life and ministry remain faithful and fully devoted to you. Yes, and you will know me. You will know my will and walk in my ways. You will have what you desire from me. You will hear from me. I will hear from you. You will remain faithful, and you will grow in your faith.

Lord, I am fully devoted to you. It is the desire of my heart to grow in my relationship with you. I want to know you, your will, and your ways. I will immerse myself in your word. I will throw myself in the ministry you have given to me. Use me for your glory. Amen

Key Question…  How are you immersing yourself in God’s word so that you will grow and progress in your faith?

Living It Out… Put into practice all that the Lord is teaching you so you can grow in your faith and be an encouragement to others.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that others will see the growth and progress of your faith as you continually immerse yourself in God’s word.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has used you to impact the eternal destiny of someone.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you put into practice what Lord is teaching you so you can grow in faith and be an encouragement to others.

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

365 Days Of Guidance – Day 35 – 1 Timothy 4-15-16 – All May See Your Progress – 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

Be Reconciled

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 105 - Matthew 5:23-24 - Be Reconciled- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 105 – Matthew 5:23-24 – Be Reconciled- Growing As Disciples

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV)

 Something Against Me 

Does someone have something against me? Do I really need to be concerned about that? Don’t I only need to take action when I have something against someone else? Isn’t my letting go of any offences and having a forgiving attitude toward everyone enough? Certainly, I will forgive others just as you have forgiven me. I won’t hold on to grudges. I won’t have a bitter, unforgiving heart. Isn’t that enough? Isn’t that like going the extra mile? What do you think? I think that I have a lot of questions. Why do you have a lot of questions? Isn’t the answer to your questions staring you in the face? Is the meaning of my word hidden so that you cannot understand it? Do you want to understand my word? Will you accept what my word is saying to you? I understand your word. The meaning of your word is quite clear. Nothing here in your word is hidden. I’m probably asking a lot of questions because I don’t like what your word is saying to me. I don’t really want to go and do what your word is asking of me. Now, those are honest answers.

Why don’t you want to go and do what my word is asking of you? It is more than a little intimidating to go and reconcile with someone that has something against me. Why is that? What if they reject my effort? What if they spurn my attempt to make peace? What if they don’t reject your effort and spurn your attempt at making peace? If they accept my effort and welcome my attempt at making peace, my enemy may become my friend. Wouldn’t that be fantastic? Yes, it would be. What else? If I could live in peace and harmony with a former enemy, a heavy burden would be lifted from my life. Wouldn’t that be great? Yes, it would be.  What else? If I am reconciled with someone, I might have a great opportunity to minister to them in some larger way. They might even come to know you as a result of seeing your love and forgiveness being lived out in and through my life. Wouldn’t that be incredible? Yes, it would be. What else? Going and making an effort to reconcile myself to someone who has something against me would give me peace. Why is that? I will have known that I have obeyed you. I will have known that I have gone and done what you have asked of me. Do you want to obey me? Do you want to go and do what I ask of you? Do you want to live in my peace? Yes Lord, I do. Then go and be reconciled with anyone and everyone that has something against you. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. One more thing. What’s that? I will be with you to help you. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, I want to live a life free from conflict with others. I want to live a life in harmony with others. I want to be a bold and bright witness for you in the world. I don’t want anything to get in the way of my bearing fruit for your kingdom. So, I will reconcile with others. Amen

Key Question…  Why will unreconciled relationships hinder your ability to be a witness for God in the world?

Living It Out…  Go and make peace and reconcile your difference with anyone and everyone that holds something against you.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will help you to make peace and reconcile your differences with others.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group who you have gone and made peace with most recently.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you make peace with anyone who holds something against you.

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

Day 106 – Becoming Like Christ – Matthew 5-23-24 – Be Reconciled -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 Aside Deeds Of Darkness

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - 365 Days Of Guidance - Day 34 - Romans 13:12-14 - Put Aside Deeds Of Darkness - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – 365 Days Of Guidance – Day 34 – Romans 13:12-14 – Put Aside Deeds Of Darkness – Growing As Disciples

The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Romans 13:12-14 (NIV)

Put Off, Put On

You live in a world filled with darkness. You are surrounded by people who love darkness and are attracted to evil.  This is not true of you, at least not now. You have put off darkness and evil as if they were stinky smelly old clothes. You are no longer attracted to your old life and its values, patterns, and practices, is that true? Yes, I have put off darkness and evil. They no longer attract me like they once did. At one time I was like a sleepwalker walking through the sin and evil of this world. I knew nothing else. I was attracted to evil and darkness. My thoughts, words, and actions were continually evil. You didn’t say evil, and darkness have no attraction to you, did you? No, I did not. It is good that you realize that you will always be subject to temptation and evil as long as you are in this life. Why is that? Your awareness will keep you on guard against evil and darkness. Do you know where evil and darkness will attempt to attack most often? Yes, I do. Tell me. Evil and darkness will first attempt to attack me in my thoughts. Yes, that’s right. Evil and darkness will try to corrupt my thoughts, words, and actions. But the entry that evil and darkness will seek into my life will most often be through my mind. So, what won’t you do? I won’t allow myself to entertain thoughts about how I might gratify the desires of my sinful nature. I like how you used the word entertain, why did you choose that word? An evil thought may enter my mind. I won’t let evil stay in my mind by showing it hospitality by entertaining it. Evil will be shown the door the second I become aware of its presence. Will you have the same attitude toward evil words and evil actions? Yes, I have and will continue to separate myself from anything that I know is not pleasing to you. So, you will put off every evil thought, word, and action? Yes, That’s right. That will be very good.

You must realize that you are not alone in putting off evil thoughts, words, and actions from your life. You can never win your battle by your own strength. You must rely on my word and my Spirit to fight in you, with, and for you, against evil. You must rely on me. You don’t have to convince me. I have fought and lost many battles against evil by using my strength alone. I know that will never work. What will you put on? I will put on the armor that you have given to me. I will put on the new life of righteousness that you have given to me wear. I will allow your word to dwell in me richly. I will allow your word to strengthen and sustain me against every attack of evil and darkness. I will live the life that you have called me to live. I will live and walk in the light with you. My eyes will be fixed on you. I will be drawn to you and drawn away from evil and darkness. I will put on good thoughts, words, and actions that you have given me to think, say, and do. Then you will be living fully in the light with me. Yes, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I will put off deeds of darkness. I will put on the armor of light you provide so I will be able to stand against evil in the world. I will clothe myself with your righteousness so I will be able to live and walk in the light with you. Amen

Key Question…  How are you putting off deeds of darkness so you can live and walk in the light with Christ?

Living It Out…  Put off deeds of darkness and put on Jesus Christ so you can live and walk in the light with Him.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that as you put off deeds of darkness you will be able to put on Christ and walk in the light with Him.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how you have put on Christ and are walking in the light with Him.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you put aside deeds of darkness so you can walk in the light with the Lord.

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

365 Days Of Guidance – Day 34 – Romans 13-12 -14 – Put Aside Deeds Of Darkness – 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.

Not Become Weary In Doing Good

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - 365 Days Of Guidance - Day 33- Galatians 6:9- Not Become Weary In Doing Good- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – 365 Days Of Guidance – Day 33- Galatians 6:9- Not Become Weary In Doing Good- Growing As Disciples

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Reap A Harvest

You are in a battle. What kind of battle am I in? You already know the answer to that question. Yes, I do, but I was hoping that you might describe or bring some clarity to the battle that I am in. Why don’t you start by describing the battle that you are in?  I’m weary and worn out. I feel like I can go no further. I have worked long and hard and I’m ready to give up. I’d like a new assignment. Give me something fresh and exciting. Do you really think that would be a good idea? No, I suppose not. Tell me why it wouldn’t be a good idea to leave your assignment now for something new and different? Well, I have worked long and hard on this assignment and I have not yet reaped a harvest. There has been some fruit along the way that’s for sure. But, I’m pretty sure that you had a much larger harvest in mind when you gave me this assignment. Are you just pretty sure? No, I’m positive that you want me to reap a rich harvest as a result of this assignment that you have given to me. Has your being positive about your assignment from me kept you going strong? Yes, it has, otherwise I would have given up and quit long ago. How long must my labor be before I can reap a rich harvest for you? What do you think? That’s a question that there is no quick and easy answer. What must you continue to do then? If I want to reap a rich harvest for you, I must keep on working and not give up. There is a season of planting. There is a season of working. Then there is a season of harvest. Yes, that’s right. Do you think that I will give you a new assignment now? No, I don’t think you will give me a new assignment now. Why won’t I give you a new assignment now? If you allow me to quit, I will never reap the rich harvest that you intended. No, you will not. If I quit early now, I would probably quit even earlier in my next assignment. You want to develop patient endurance in me. Yes, I do.

Let’s talk about your being weary and worn out. Do you think it is my plan for you to be weary and worn out? No, I think you want me to be strong, energetic, and full of life. Yes, I do. There is nothing wrong with being tired from hard work. No, there is not. But, there is something not quite right with my being weary and worn out. What do you think is the problem? Somehow, I have started to rely on my own strength to do the work that you have given me to do for you. That will never work. Why is that? I will always give you work that is beyond your ability. Do you know why that is? Yes, you want me to rely on you. Yes, I do. There is another just as important reason. I’m not sure why that is. I want you to know that I am working in and through you. You will never be alone in doing the work that I have given you to do for me. Will knowing that I am working in and through your life encourage you? Yes, it will. Will knowing that I am working in and through keep you going and doing the good I have given you to do? Yes, it will. Then be encouraged and don’t give up. Keep doing the good work that I have given you to do. Yes Lord, I will. Then you will reap a rich harvest for me.

Lord, I will not grow weary. I will keep doing good. I will rely on you to sustain and strengthen me in doing the work that you have given me to do. I will wait and keep on working until I reap a harvest for your kingdom and glory. Amen

Key Question…  When has knowing with certainty what the Lord has given you to do helped you to keep on serving Him?

Living It Out…  Never grow weary in doing the good the Lord has given you to do until you reap a harvest.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will help you to reap a harvest because you did not grow weary but kept on doing good.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group what good the Lord has given you to do until you reap a harvest.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you not grow weary and give up so you will reap a harvest at the proper time.

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

365 Days Of Guidance – Day 33 – Guidance – Day 33 – Galatians 6-9 – Not Become Weary In Doing Good – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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Not Become Conceited

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - 365 Days Of Guidance - Day 32-Galatians 5:26 - Not Become Conceited - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – 365 Days Of Guidance – Day 32-Galatians 5:26 – Not Become Conceited – Growing As Disciples

Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Galatians 5:26 (NIV)

 Comparison

Why do you compare yourself with others? Why is that a problem? You tell me. I’m not sure why comparing myself with others is a problem. Then let me ask you a few questions. Go ahead, I’m listening. What has happened to you when you have compared your gifts, talents, and abilities with others? You don’t really want to answer this question do you? No, not really. You are immediately beginning to see why it is a problem to compare yourself with others, aren’t you? Yes, I am. Tell me what you are thinking. When I compare my gifts, talents, and abilities with others there are two negative results. What are they? I might either be proud because I will think I am superior to others or be depressed and filled with envy because I will think I am inferior to others. Which one is more likely? That will vary from day to day and situation to situation. So, one day you might be conceited and proud and on another day you might be depressed and filled with envy, is that true? Yes, that’s true. What will you never be when you compare yourself to others? When I compare myself with others, I will never be content or grateful for what I have been given. Let’s talk about not being content for a minute. Go ahead.  What have you done when you have not been content with how I have made you? What have you done when you have not been content with the work that I have given you to do? Those are two tough questions. I’m not going to like my answers to your questions. I thought so, let me hear your answers anyhow. When I am not content with how you have made me, I have wanted to be someone else. When I am not content with what you have given me to do, I have wanted to do something else. Can you ever be someone else? No, I can never be someone else. Can anyone else ever be you? No, no one can ever be me. Is that a good or bad thing? I have wished I could be someone else. I have thought it was a bad thing that I couldn’t be someone else. What do you think now? I think it’s pretty incredible that you uniquely made me just as I am. Yes, I think so too. Do you believe that I have also given you unique assignments that I want you to accomplish? Yes, I do. Do you suppose that the person you have compared yourself with will be able to do what I have given you to do? No, probably not and it would be a mistake for them to try. Why is that? If they try to do what you have given me to do, then they will not be doing what you have given them to do. That’s right. They will be wasting time on what they have not been gifted to do. They will be wasting time not working on the assignment that you have given to them. That is also true. Now, lets go back to the other word that you uncovered in our discussion. What word was that? You mentioned the word grateful. Yes, I did. Can you be grateful for both how I have made you and for the assignments that I have given to you? Yes, I can. When will that be? I can only be grateful when I stop comparing myself with others. I can only be grateful when I give thanks to you for how you designed me to do the work that you have given me to do for you. Will you do that? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I don’t want to be conceited, nor do I want to provoke or envy others. Keep me from comparing what I have received or what I have accomplished with others. Help me to humbly walk with you so I will be thankful for all I have received. Amen

Key Question… How has the Lord taught you lessons in humility as you have kept in step with His Spirit?

Living It Out… Allow the Lord to teach you lessons in humility as you keep in step with the Holy Spirit.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to grow in humility as you keep in step with the Holy Spirit.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has been teaching you lessons in humility.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you humbly walk with the Lord.

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

365 Days Of Guidance – Day 32 – Galatians 5-26 – Not Become Conceited – 4 Page Discipleship Study Guide

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Do What Leads To Peace

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - 365 Days Of Guidance - Day 31 - Romans 14:19 - Do What Leads To Peace - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – 365 Days Of Guidance – Day 31 – Romans 14:19 – Do What Leads To Peace – Growing As Disciples

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Romans 14:19 (NIV)

Every Effort

Why don’t you like conflict? I’m not sure. I know that I don’t like the stress that conflict brings into my life. I know I don’t like the destruction of relationships that is often caused by conflict. I know I don’t like the feelings of brokenness I feel when I am heavily engaged in conflict. I more than dislike conflict. I hate conflict. I loose sleep over conflict. Conflict drains my energy and wears me out. Conflict makes it very difficult for me to hear your voice and know your will. My productivity goes way down when I am engaged in conflict. For someone who isn’t sure, you seem quite sure about why you don’t like conflict. I guess so.

When is conflict most likely to find its way into your life? I am more likely to engage in conflict when my life is out of balance. If I haven’t had enough sleep, food, or exercise I can easily be drawn into conflict. Why is that? A lack of sleep, food, or exercise tends to make me crabby and very short on patience. If any of my other basic needs haven’t been met I can be drawn into conflict then as well. Oh, more importantly, if I haven’t spent time in fellowship with you, that’s when I’m probably most easily drawn into conflict. That’s when my life is most out of balance. So, if I want to be able to resist being drawn into conflict, I need to make sure that my life is in balance, starting with fellowship with you, in your word. Your help comes to me as I am living in close fellowship with you.  I need to rely on you to help me to resist the temptation to be drawn into conflicts. That sounds like a good plan to me.

What circumstances are most likely to draw you into conflict? Disagreements of all types draw me into conflict. Some conflict is unavoidable. Some conflict is even desirable. I’m sure that you want me to engage in conflict when I am faced with injustice in the world. You don’t want me to idly stand by when someone is being unjustly treated. No, I don’t. But, the times of justified conflict seem to be more of the exception than the rule. Often times I get drawn into conflict when someone does something that I don’t like. When someone doesn’t live up to my expectations conflict has often resulted. Just not getting what I want has also resulted in conflict. So, there has been a lot of conflict in my life related to my own selfishness and pride. I think it’s important to evaluate any conflict in my life. Yes, it is. I know you don’t want me to engage in conflict that is rooted in selfishness, pride, or any other sin. No, I do not.

What would you rather do than engage in conflict? What do you think I would rather you do than engage in conflict? Both questions have the same answer. I want to do what you want. What do I want? You want me to live in peace with others. You want me to make peace my aim and pursuit. You want me to distance myself from selfish, prideful, and sinful conflict. Instead of engaging in conflict with others, you want me to use all my thoughts, words, and actions to encourage and build others up in their faith in you. Yes, I do. Will you use your thoughts, words, and deeds to build others up in their faith? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I will make every effort to live in peace with others. I will make peace my aim and pursuit. I will distance myself from whatever leads to conflict with others. Instead, use all of my thoughts, words and deeds to encourage and build others up in their faith. Amen

Key Question…  When has the Lord used you to encourage and build others up?

Living It Out…  Make doing what leads to peace your aim and pursuit.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will use you to encourage and build others up.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how you are being changed as you spend time with Jesus.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you do what leads to peace in your relationships with others.

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

365 Days Of Guidance – Day 31 – Romans 14-19 – Do What Leads To Peace – 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.

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