Category Archives: Character

Approval Of Men

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Character - Galatians 1:10 - Approval Of Men - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Character – Galatians 1:10 – Approval Of Men – Growing As Disciples

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

Approval

Who are you trying to please? Whose approval are you trying to win? Don’t give me a quick answer. Don’t tell me what you think I want to hear. Make sure that you are being truthful with yourself. Make sure that you are being truthful with me. I can give you a quick answer. I am certain that I know the truthful answers to your questions. I am certain that my answer is not what I think you want to hear. Go ahead then, what is your answer? I have been living to please others. I have been trying to win the approval of mankind. I have been consumed with wondering what others might think or say about me. How has that worked out for you? Living to try to please others is an impossible task. There isn’t enough time in the day to do what everyone might want to ask of me. Living to try to please others is a foolish and futile course. Why is that? Trying to please others has pulled me in a thousand different directions. I have gone here, there and everywhere trying to do what I thought might please others. Living to please others is certainly a way to waste time and misspend a life How so? When I look back over my endless urgent and unimportant “to do lists” in life, one thing is certain. What’s that? My “to do lists” did not come from you. My “to do lists” were authored by my desire to live to please others. At the end of my life, if I were to have completed every one of my people pleasing, “to do lists”, I would have accomplished nothing. My life would have amounted to nothing. Others would give me no thanks and I would not have lived a life that was pleasing to you. That’s true.

What do you want? What changes do you want to make? I want to know and do your will. I want to live in an intimate relationship with you. I want to hear your voice. I want to live and walk with you. I want you to guide and direct my life. I want to go where you guide me to do what you ask of me. I want to live my life to please you. It will be my joy to live my life with and for you. I want to serve you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. Why is that? I love you. That is very good.

Lord, I know that I have lived to please others. I have been overly concerned about what others might think or say about me. Now, I want to live differently. I want to live my life in ways that please you. I want to know and do your will so that I can serve you. Amen

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

Character – Galatians 1-10 – Approval Of Men – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Forgiving Each Other

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Character - Philippians 4:32 - Forgiving Each Other - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide- Character – Philippians 4:32 – Forgiving Each Other – Growing As Disciples

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) 

Forgiven And Forgiving 

Do you want to be like me? Will you do for others what I have done for you? Do you want to be my witness in the world? I want to be like you. I want to do for others what you have done for me. I want to stand out from the crowd. Yes, I want to be a bold and bright witness for you in the world. Then you will need to do what others, in the world, will not do. You must be willing to do what is difficult. I’m not sure what you are asking of me. Can you be more specific? Yes, I can be very specific. 

You have been mistreated. Others have harmed and hurt you. You have ben spurned and rejected and betrayed. Is what I am saying true? You know that all you have said is true. I have some deep wounds and painful memories. What have you wanted to do to those who have harmed and hurt you? To be honest, I have wanted to get even. I have wanted revenge. I have wanted to pay others back for the pain and suffering that they have caused me. Would that help you in any way? Would that make you feel better? Would healing come into your life by paying back evil with evil? Would you be completely free of anger and bitterness because you took revenge and got even? No, I can see that there is no benefit for me to pay others back for the wrongs they have committed against me. That’s right. Seeking revenge and paying back evil with evil is what happens in the world. If you want to pay others back for the wrongs that they have done to you, you will never be a witness for me in the world. That would not be good. I desperately want 32to be a bold and bright witness for you in the world. Yes, I know you do. 

There are some other things that I know you want. Like what? You want to become like me. You want to know my will and walk in my ways. You want to live like I lived. You want to do what I did. You want to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. Am I right? Yes, I want all these things as well. Then you must forgive others just like I forgave you. Can you forgive others? Will you forgive others? Yes, I will forgive others just like forgave me. Then you will be like me and that will be very good. 

Lord, thank you for forgiving me of all my sin and cleansing me of my unrighteousness. Help me to have your attitude of compassion and kindness toward others. Help me to forgive others just as you have forgiven me. Use me as your bold witness in the world. Amen

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

Character – Ephesians 4-32 – Forgiving Each Other – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Carry His Own Load

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Character - Galatians 6:4-5 - Carry His Own Load- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Character – Galatians 6:4-5 – Carry His Own Load- Growing As Disciples

Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Galatians 6:4-5 (NIV)

Test Your Actions

How will you go about testing your own actions? What measure will you use in testing your own actions? Will you compare yourself against others? Will you measure yourself against your past? How will you know if you have an accurate measure of where you are in life? I am surprised that your word tells me that I should test my own actions. Why is that? I am sure that I am not qualified to test or measure myself. I have no confidence in myself. I am certain that I will get it wrong. Yes, I have measured myself against others. That’s a huge mistake. Why is that? Others are not perfect. I am not perfect. No one should use me as their standard to measure their life. I should not use anyone else as my standard to measure my life either. Doing so would either make me proud with the thought that I am better off than someone else or I may become discouraged with the thought that someone else is far better off than I am. Comparing myself with others is like one sinner comparing themselves to another sinner. We are all imperfect. We have all missed the mark. We have all done what we should not have done and failed to do what we should have done. I would never ask you to compare yourself with others. There is no value in doing that. 

How about measuring myself with my past, is there any value in that?  There is value in that. It is helpful for you to look back to see how I have changed your heart and transformed your mind. You should take encouragement in remembering how I have worked in and through your life. That perspective will help encourage and spur you on as you follow and serve me. Knowing that I have been and will continue to work in and through your life should encourage your faith. Then I will look back as one way to test my actions and measure my life. That will be very good.

What would be other ways for you to test your actions and measure your life? I could measure my life against your word. How so? Your word will show me where I have made progress and where I am falling short. Yes, my word will do that for you. Where I am falling short, I could ask you to use your word to continue to do your work in and through me. That is a very good idea. What else? I could come and ask you how I’m doing. When could you do that? I could ask you how I’m doing every day when I come to meet with you in your word. So, you would be listening to my voice as you remain in my word, is that right? Yes, that is exactly what I would do. That will be very good.

What will happen to you as you continue to test your actions and measure your life? I will be at peace and feel confident that you have me right where you want me to be. I will be hopeful. I will know that I am going where you send me to do whatever you ask of me. I will know that I am carrying my load. I will know that your hand is on me to use me for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Yes, you will.

Lord, I know comparing myself with others is a bad idea. I will either be proud or discouraged. Use your word to test every one of my thoughts, words and deeds. Show me where I need to change. Mold and shape me into the person you have called me to be. Amen

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

Character – Galatians 6-4-5 – Carry His Own Load – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Prepare Your Minds

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Character - 1 Peter 1:13-16 - Prepare Your Minds - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Character – 1 Peter 1:13-16 – Prepare Your Minds – Growing As Disciples

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16 (NIV)

In Your Presence

Are you ready for action? Am I prepared for what kind of action? Are you prepared to live the life that I have called you to live? What kind of life have you called me to live? You tell me. I know something about the life that you have not called me to live. Tell me about that. You do not want my heart and mind and life to be conformed to the values, patterns and practices of the world. You do not want me to think and speak and act just like everyone else in the world. You do not want me to live the corrupt and evil life that I once lived. You don’t want me to live a self-centered, self-sufficient, and self-indulgent life. You don’t want my life to be all about pursuing comfort and seeking pleasure. No, I do not.

How can I live a life that is ready for action? How can I be prepared to live a Godly life that is pleasing to you? How can I live a self-controlled life that desires to do your will? You are Holy. That’s right. You want me to become like you. That’s true. On my own, with my own strength I cannot live a holy life. Without your help, I cannot be holy. Without your working in me, I cannot become like you. No, you cannot. Well, I want to become like you. I want to know you. I want to love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I want to follow you to wherever you lead me. I want to do whatever you ask of me. I want all my thoughts and words and deeds to be holy and pleasing in your sight. That’s good. Have you given me impossible desires? No, I have not given you impossible desires. What have I called you to do? You have called me to come to you. Where and when and how do you think you will be changed? I will be changed in your presence. That’s right. You will keep on changing me as I keep on coming to you. That’s true. Do you believe this? Will you keep on coming to me? Will you set your hope fully on me? Yes, I will keep coming to you. I will set my hope fully on you. Then you will be changed. You will think my thoughts, speak my words and do my deeds. You will be holy, because I am holy.  I welcome you to do your work in and through me. Mold and shape me according to your purposes and plans. Yes, I will and that will be very good.

Lord, at one time I allowed my life to be conformed to the world. My thoughts and words and deeds were all evil. But, that all changed when you called me. You changed my heart, transformed my mind and gave me a burning desire to love, follow and serve you. Amen

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

Character – 1 Peter 1-13-16 – Prepare Your Minds – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Love Of Money

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Character - 1 Timothy 6:6-10 - Love Of Money - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Character – 1 Timothy 6:6-10 – Love Of Money – Growing As Disciples

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 (NIV)

Treasures In Heaven

You brought nothing into this world. You will take nothing out of this world. Is that something that you have considered?

Have you given that much thought? No, not really. That explains a lot of your past behavior, doesn’t it? What do you mean by saying that? You know exactly what I mean. Are you sure? Are you kidding me? Yes, I’m sure. Tell me why I know that you haven’t thought much about the futility of loving money and pursuing things. If I had given the subject much thought, at all, I would have realized how futile it is to love money and pursue things. Why is that? Life is short. My life on this earth is here today and gone tomorrow. In a blink of an eye or at the snap of the fingers my life on this earth will be over. That’s true. I am just passing through this life. This is not my forever home. Trying to stockpile money and acquire possessions is a waste of time and energy. Everything I think I own will be left here when I leave this life. That’s right.

As you have said, I brought nothing into this world and I will take nothing out of it. That’s what I said, but, I need to make one very important clarification. What’s that? You can store up treasures in heaven. What does that mean? How can I do that? You have heard me say that I will reward you for the good that you do for me in this life? Yes, I have heard you say that. I want to explain that to you. But first, let me be clear. You will be coming to live forever in heaven with me. You are my follower. You have received my forgiveness and cleansing of your sin. For that I am forever grateful and thankful. That’s good. Coming to live with me in heaven is a gift, it is not a reward. So, when I have told you that you will be rewarded for all the good that you will do for me in this life I am not talking about your salvation. I am not talking about your eternal life in heaven with me. That would be good enough for me. I would need nothing more. I don’t need any rewards. That is a good attitude to have. But, all the fruit you will bear for me in this life will be storing up treasure in heaven with me. You will be rewarded. I will pay you back. That’s sounds incredible. It will be fantastic.

So, I want to ask you a question. Go ahead, I’m listening. Do you want to pursue the treasures of this life or do you want to store up treasure, that will last forever, in heaven with me? I want to store up treasure in heaven with you. Then do the good things that I give you to do for me. Go and bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I have wanted money and material possessions. I have been discontent. I have gone down a destructive path pursuing what will not last. No more. I want to love, follow and serve you. I want to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name.  Amen

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

Character – 1 Timothy 6-6-10 – Love Of Money – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Knows The Good

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Character - James 4:17 - Knows The Good - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Character – James 4:17 – Knows The Good – Growing As Disciples

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins. James 4:17 (NIV)

Know It All

What do you know? What do I know about what? What do you know about doing good? I know that I am not a very good judge of knowing what good I should go and do. Why do you say that? Well, first of all, it was you who said, “Apart from me, you can do nothing”. Yes, I did say that. When I have dreamed up my own plans and gone and did what I wanted to do, my efforts have accomplished nothing of lasting and eternal value. So, I have experienced the truth of what you have said. That’s why I would say that I am not a good judge of knowing the good that I should go and do. In fact, thinking that I “know it all” has often caused me to fail to do what you have asked me to do for you. In the busyness of my own efforts I have not stopped to listen to your directions. I have not received your guidance. I have not followed your instructions. Instead, I have failed to do what I knew I should have gone and done and I have also done what I should not have gone and done. What does that sound like to you? You mean not doing what I should and doing what I should not? Yes, what does that sound like to you? It sounds to me like a pretty good definition of sin. That’s right. 

What lies just behind not doing what you should and doing what you should not? I’m not sure what you mean. What motivates or guides your desire to not do what you should and doing what you should not? I think I know where you are headed with your question. You do? Yes, is there a greater sin than not doing what I should and doing what I should not? You could think of where we are headed in that way. What would you call a greater sin or the sin that motivates every sin? Pride seems like the greater sin. Pride is the sin that seems to motivate all sin. How so? Pride would try to tell me that I don’t need to listen to your directions, receive your guidance or follow your instructions. Pride would try to tell me that I don’t need you to guide my life. Pride would try to have me say that I can go and do what I want, when and where I want. Pride would reject the idea that there is nothing I should or shouldn’t do. Pride would try to place me in charge of deciding what is right and what is wrong. Pride would try to have me on a path walking away from you. That’s true. 

I started by asking you, “what do you know?” Now, I will continue by asking you, “what do you want?” I will start by telling you what I don’t want. I don’t want to live a pride filled life that leads me away from you. I want to live humbly before you so that I will listen to your directions, receive your guidance and follow your instructions. I want to do all that you ask of me. I will rely on you to help me to know and do your will. That will be very good.

Lord, often times, I have dreamed up my own plans and goals without asking for your guidance. I have not relied on your help. I have done what I should not have done. I have not done what I should have done. Forgive me. Help me to know and do your will. Amen

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

Character – James 4-17 – Knows The Good – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Clothe Yourself

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Character - Romans 13:14 - Clothe Yourself - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Character – Romans 13:14 – Clothe Yourself – Growing As Disciples

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Romans 13:14 (NIV)

Like You

Do you want to become like me? Yes, in every way I want to become like you.  Do you want to think my thoughts? Do you want to speak my words? Do you want to do my deeds? Do you want to live the life that I have called you to live? Yes, I want to live the life that you have called me to live. Is this a passionate long held desire of your heart or is it simply what you think you should say to me. I am sure that you know the answer to this question, even before you ask it of me. Yes, I do. It is a long-held desire of my heart to live the life that you have called me to live. I want to think your thoughts, speak your words and do your deeds. I have no hesitation and no second thoughts. I am not simply telling you what I think you want to hear from me. Yes, I know that you want to live the life that I have called you to live. Isn’t it good to say again and again that you want to love, follow and serve me with all your heart and mind and soul and strength? Yes, it is good to remind myself about the goal and purpose and mission of my life. Which is? It is the goal and purpose and mission of my life to know you and do your will. Why do you want to know me and do my will? I love you. My love for you motivates the desire of my heart. My love for you spurs me on to want to think your thoughts, speak your words and do your deeds. Yes, it does.

You want to become like me. What will you do because you want to become like me? I will clothe myself with your example. I will think what you thought. I speak what you spoke. I will do what you did. What did I do? You relied on your Heavenly Father to guide and direct your life. You spent time with Him in prayer. You listened to all that He had to say to you. In every way, you lived in an intimate relationship with your Heavenly Father. You relied on your Heavenly Father for all that needed.  You went where He sent you. You did what He asked of you. Yes, I did. His thoughts were your thoughts. His words were your words. His deeds were your deeds. You are right, you will live the life that I have called you to live if you clothe yourself with me by thinking what I thought, speaking what I spoke and doing what I did. Is this what you will do? Yes Lord, it is what I will do as I love, follow and serve you. That will be very good.

Lord, I know I have very limited time to live my life for you on this earth. I want to understand the time and make the best use of my life for your kingdom and glory. I will clothe myself with you so I can think your thoughts, speak your words and do your will. Amen

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

Character – Romans 13-14 – Clothe Yourself – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Despises His Neighbor

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Character - Proverbs 14-21 - Despises His Neighbor - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Character – Proverbs 14-21 – Despises His Neighbor – Growing As Disciples

He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy. Proverbs 14:21 (NIV) 

Attitude And Action

What attitude will you have toward your neighbors? I’m not sure what you mean. Will you be kind to your neighbors or will you despise them? Why would I despise my neighbors? Sooner or later your neighbors will do something that you don’t like. Sooner or later your neighbors will do something that will make you uneasy or uncomfortable. They will cross a boundary. They will make a mistake. They will do something that you won’t appreciate. Your neighbors will never live up to your expectations.  Are you surprised by what I am saying to you? No, not at all. There is a flip side to what I have said. What’s that? You will never live up to your neighbor’s expectations either. You will do something they don’t like. You will cross one of their boundaries.  You will make them uneasy and uncomfortable. You will do something they won’t appreciate.  Is this hard for you to imagine? No, not at all.

You will be faced with two decisions. What are they? You will be forced to decide your attitude toward your neighbors. Will you love or despise your neighbors? That is the question you must answer.  There is a good and a bad time to answer that question. I don’t understand. It will be best to decide now if you will love or despise your neighbors before they disappoint you. Deciding to love your neighbors now will help you to love them when they don’t live up to your expectations. Now, I understand. What will it be? What is your decision? I will love my neighbors. Will you love your neighbors when they cross boundaries, make mistakes and fail to live up to your expectations? Yes Lord, I will love my neighbors regardless of their behavior. That is a good decision. Why are you making such a decision? I am following your example. I want to love like you love. That is very good. 

You mentioned that I would be faced with two decisions. Yes, I did. What is the second decision I must make? You have already decided that you will love your neighbors. That is an attitude. Yes, it is. Your second decision will be to decide what action will you take toward your neighbors. What do you mean by that? Your neighbors will have needs. Will you ignore the needs of your neighbors? Will you let the needs of your neighbors go unmet? Will you meet the needs of your neighbors? I cannot say that I will have a loving attitude toward my neighbors if I am unwilling to take action to help meet their needs. Both my attitude and action must go together if I am to be truly loving. That’s true. Why are you making such a decision? I am following your example. I want to serve like you served. That is very good.

Your life will be richly blessed as you love your neighbors with both your attitude and action. That is what I want. That is what I will do. That will be very good.

Lord, I have not always gotten along well with all my neighbors. I have liked some and sinfully despised others. Forgive me. I want you to bless my life as I am kind to those in need. Help me to show love to all my neighbors by helping them with their needs. Amen

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

Character – Proverbs 14-21 – Despises His Neighbor – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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