Category Archives: Discipleship

May Be Built Up

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Discipleship - Ephesians 4:11-13 - May Be Built Up - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Discipleship – Ephesians 4:11-13 – May Be Built Up – Growing As Disciples

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.  Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV)

Prepare Others 

I have called you to come to me. I have called you to follow me. I have called you to serve me. I have richly blessed your life. I have given you gifts and talents and abilities to be used to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. How will I will bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name? You will use your gifts and talents and abilities to help prepare people for works of service so that my body can be built up. You are not to simply serve me, but you are to also help others to serve me. I want to multiply your efforts through your preparing and building others up to serve me.

Let me ask you a question. I’m listening. When you came to me, were you ready to serve me. No, not really. Oh, maybe I could serve you in some small ways. Yes, and that is what you did. You started serving me in small ways right away. That was very good, make no mistake about that. Every day that you have followed and served me you have become more prepared to serve me in larger and greater ways. How did I prepare you to serve me? Who did I use to prepare and build you up to serve me? You brought people into my life that taught me how to love and follow and serve you. They gave me a good example to follow. They showed me how to live my life with and for you. Through them, you prepared me to be used in your service. Through them, you built me up as a member of your body. Yes, I did.

What would have happened to you if some of my faithful followers never helped prepare and build you up to serve me? I would have never progressed. I would have never grown. I would have never developed. I would have gone on serving you in small, almost infantile ways. That’s true. But, they took the time. They invested their lives in yours. They did not just serve me through their own efforts. They took the time to prepare and build you up so that you could serve me with your efforts. Yes, they did and I am so thankful for the people that have invested their lives in my life. That is very good. 

Will you invest your life in the lives of others? Will you prepare others to serve me? Will you use your gifts, and talents and abilities to help build up my body? Will you allow your efforts to be multiplied through the efforts of others? Yes Lord, I will. Then you will truly bear an abundance of fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name.

Lord, thank you for calling me to serve you. You have used others to prepare me for service and build up your body. I have benefited from their labor. Use the gifts, talents and abilities you have given me to also prepare others for service and build up your body. Amen

Key Question… Who has the Lord used to help prepare you for service and building up His body?

Living It Out… Allow the Lord to use you to prepare people for service so that His body can be built up.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will use you to prepare people for service so that His body can be built up.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how others have prepared you for service to build up the body of Christ.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow God to use you to build up the body of Christ.

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

Discipleship – Ephesians 4-11-13 – May Be Built Up – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Worthy Of Your Calling

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Discipleship - Ephesians 4:1-3 - Worthy Of Your Calling - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Discipleship – Ephesians 4:1-3 – Worthy Of Your Calling – Growing As Disciples

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 (NLT)

Your Love

What kind of life would I need to live be worthy of your calling? Is living that kind of life even possible? I fall far short of living the kind of life that you lived. Does that mean that you will give up trying to live a life that is worthy of your calling? Do you think that living a life that is worthy of your calling means that you must live a perfect life? If that is what you think, then you are right, that would be impossible. You will never be able to live a perfect life.

What did you do when you heard my call? How did you respond to my calling? I confessed my sins to you. I turned away from the dark and sinful life that I was living. I received your forgiveness and cleansing of my sin. I accepted the new life that I had in you, as a free gift. That’s right. You could not earn or merit your forgiveness and cleansing by trying to live a perfect life. You couldn’t do that then. You can’t do that now. 

How is your life different from the life that you once lived? My life is completely different. You have made night and day different changes in my life. I am not the person that I once was. So, you are allowing me to change your heart. That’s right. You are allowing me to transform your mind. That’s right. You are allowing me to guide your life. You have changed the thoughts of my mind, the words of my mouth and the deeds of my life. That’s right. You are following me to where I lead you. You are doing what I ask of you. Yes, I am.

Let’s do a little recap. You are confessing your sins. You are following and serving me. You are allowing me to change your heart, transform your mind and guide your life. Yes, I am. Why? Why? That’s what I asked. I am doing all these things because I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. Yes, you do. Is your love for me spilling over to others? Do you love others just like I love you? Yes, I love others. Do I love others perfectly? No, I do not. But, you are helping me to love others with your love. Yes, I am. Keep on loving me and others so will continue to live a life that is worthy of your calling. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I have not always been humble and gentle. Sometimes, I have been just the opposite. Forgive me. I will live the life that you have called me to live. I will love others just you have loved me. Help me to love others and live in peaceful unity with them. Amen

Key Question… How are you putting up with the faults of others because you love them?

Living It Out… Love others and live the life that God has called you to live.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that as you love others you will be living the life that God has called you to live.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are living the life that God has called you to live.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you love others as you live the life that you were called to live.

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

Discipleship – Ephesians 4-1-3 – Worthy Of Your Calling – 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

Your Attitude

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Discipleship - Philippians 2:5-7 - Your Attitude - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Discipleship – Philippians 2:5-7 – Your Attitude – Growing As Disciples

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:5-7 (NIV)  

A Servant

How do you want to spend your life? What do you hope to accomplish? Where will you go? What will you do? In your opinion, what would be a well spent life? That sounds like a trick question. It’s not. Why do you think I have asked you a trick question? Well, I’m not sure that my opinion matters all that much. Why do you say that? My opinions are often wrong. I don’t want to live my life based on my own incorrect opinions. Your opinion is much more valuable to me. I would much rather hear your answers to the questions you have asked me. I have already lived my life in the world. You have my thoughts, words and deeds available to you in answer to the questions that I have asked you. You can look and see how I spent my life, what I accomplished, where I went and what I did. Yes, I can.

Was my life well spent? Did I accomplish what my Heavenly Father asked me to do? Did I go where He led me? Did I do what He asked of me? There is no doubt that your life was well spent. You accomplished what your Heavenly Father asked you to do. You went where He led you. You did everything He asked of you. You gave yourself fully. You poured yourself out completely. You left this life on empty. You didn’t keep anything in reserve. You made no retreats. You certainly had no regrets. That’s true.

Why did I do what I did? Why did I take on the form of a servant? Why was I willing to humble myself to come into this world as a man? Why was I willing to give my life in service to God and others? You loved God. You loved others. You wanted to do what was pleasing in His sight. You wanted to rescue others from a life without you. You were willing to lay down your life as payment for sin so that everyone would have the opportunity to receive forgiveness and cleansing of their sins so that they could come and live forever in heaven with you. That’s true. 

Why will you take on the attitude and role of a servant? I will take on the attitude and role of a servant because I love you. I want to do what you did. I want to go where you went. I want to live the kind of life you lived. I want to live my life with and for you. I want to serve you and others. I want you to well use my life. I want you to well spend my life in your service. I won’t keep anything in reserve. I will make no retreats. I will have no regrets. That is very good.

Lord, it is not some huge sacrifice for me to take on the attitude and role of a servant. I am doing what I want to do because I love you. I want to do what is pleasing in your sight. I want to become like you. I want to take on the attitude and role of a servant. Amen

Key Question… How have you been able to serve God and others because you took on the attitude and role of a servant?

Living It Out… Take on the attitude and role of servant so you can serve God and others.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will be able to serve God and others as you take on the attitude and role of a servant.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are engaged in serving God and others.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you have a Christ like attitude so you can become a servant of others.

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

Discipleship – Philippians 2-5-7- Your Attitude – 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

Whoever Serves Me

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Discipleship - John 12:26 - Whoever Serves Me - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Discipleship – John 12:26 – Whoever Serves Me – Growing As Disciples

Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. John 12:26 (NIV)

Follow Me

Do you want to serve me? Yes, I want to serve you. Will you follow me to where I will lead you? Yes, I will follow you to where you will lead me. Will you do whatever I ask of you? Yes, I will do whatever you ask of me. Let me make sure that I am hearing you correctly. You will follow me even though you do not know where we are going? That’s right, I will follow you not because I know where we are going. I will follow you simply because it is you who are leading me. You are enough of a road map for me. You know where we are going. That is enough for me. My direction, my course and my way through life will be in your hands. With you leading me, I have nothing to worry about. You will guard and guide and lead my life. All my faith and trust is in you. That is very good.

You will also do whatever I ask you to do even though you have no idea what that might be, is that correct? Yes, I will do whatever you ask of me even though I don’t yet know what that might be. I know you have a purpose and plan for my life. You have given me gifts, talents and abilities that you want me to use to serve you. You want me to be able to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. You will make good use of my life. Nothing you have given to me will go to waste as I follow and serve you. I will be able to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans by going and doing whatever you give me to do for you. Yes, you will.

How will you follow me? I will draw near to you. I will listen to your voice. I will ask for your direction. I will follow your guidance. I won’t run ahead of you. I won’t fall behind you. I won’t turn to the right or to the left. I will keep my heart and mind and life focused on you. Here I am right now. I’m watching. I’m waiting. I’m listening. Lead on, I will follow. Guide the work of my hands, I will serve you. Make me able to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Help me to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. Yes, I will.

Lord, you will not find me off on my own doing my own thing. Not anymore. Now, I will follow you to wherever you lead me. Now, I will do whatever you ask of me. Use me as your servant. Help me to know and do your will. Help me to live my life fully for you. Amen

Key Question… How determined are you to follow Jesus to wherever He leads you to do whatever He asks of you?

Living It Out… Follow Jesus Christ to where He leads you so you can do whatever He asks of you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that if you follow Jesus Christ you will know when, where and how He wants you to serve Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have been following and serving Jesus Christ.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you follow Jesus Christ to where He leads you so you can do what He asks of you.

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

Discipleship – John 12-26 – Whoever Serves Me – 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

Remain In Me

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Discipleship - John 15:1-4 - Remain In Me - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Discipleship – John 15:1-4 – Remain In Me – Growing As Disciples

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:1-4 (NIV)

Connected

How are you remaining in me? Are you vitally and vibrantly connected to me? If I took a close look at your schedule would anything indicate that you have made remaining in me a priority in your daily life? Yes, I am remaining in you. Yes, I am vitally and vibrantly connected to you. Yes, you can look at my schedule and see that I have made remaining in you a priority in my daily life. Tell me more about that. I have set aside a time and place to meet with you in your word. I have withdrawn from the busyness and noise of life. I have blocked out large amounts of time so that I could hear from you. I want to listen to your instruction. I want to follow your guidance. In every second, minute, hour and day I want to keep in step with you. I want to follow you to where you lead me to do whatever you ask of me. That is very good.

What else has helped you to remain vitally and vibrantly connected to me? I have allowed myself to be rooted in a local body of your believers. How so? I have made gathering together with others to worship you a consistent pattern in my life. I have found a regular place to serve you by ministering to others. I have found ongoing support and encouragement from others in a small group. I am meeting with you in prayer. I am reading and studying your word. I am meditating on and memorizing your word. I am praying your word. I am putting your word into practice. In every way, I am trying to know and do your will. It is my passionate desire to live my life with and for you. That is very good.

How have I helped you to remain in me? You have let me know that you are working in and through my life. You have allowed me to shine brightly for you in the world. You are allowing me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Am I perfect? Am I following you without any mistakes or missteps? Certainly not. But, you are leading me. You are guiding me. You are changing me. You are pruning my life. You are making me able to be more vitally connected to you. You are making me able to live more vibrantly for you. Yes, I am. Help me to remain connected to you today, tomorrow and forever. Yes, I will.

Lord, I will remain in you. I will make abiding in you a daily priority in my life. I will withdraw from the noise and busyness of life so that I can draw near to you. I will meet with you in your word, prayer and worship so that I can remain vitally connected to you. Amen

Key Question… How can your remaining closely connected to Jesus Christ be observed in your daily schedule?

Living It Out… Make remaining in Christ a priority in your life that can be observed in your daily schedule.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will bear fruit for Christ as you continue to remain in Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group what how remaining in Christ can be observed in your daily schedule.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you remain in Jesus Christ so that you can bear fruit for Him.

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

Discipleship – John 15-1-4 – Remain In Me – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

Do Not Love The World

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Discipleship - 1 John 2:15-17 - Do Not Love The World - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Discipleship – 1 John 2:15-17 – Do Not Love The World – Growing As Disciples

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world–the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does–comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)  

Do My Will

Do you love the world? This is a very important question. Is your life motivated by what you want to have and do and be? I’m not sure what you mean. What are you asking me? Do you want to be rich? Do you want to have an abundance of possessions? Are you always pursuing the next latest and greatest thing? Do you want to accomplish great things? Do you want to make a name for yourself? Do you want to be admired and respected and looked up to? Do you live for the applause of the crowd? Do you need constant affirmation from people? Is your perspective earthly? Are you living for all that this world will offer you? Do you now understand what I am asking of you? Yes, I do. 

I have been enticed by the world. I have chased after all that the world offers. I have wanted the latest and greatest new thing. I have pursued riches and honor and prestige. I have wanted to make a name for myself. I have wanted to accomplish great things. I have wanted to hear the applause of the crowd.  I have wanted to be admired and respected and looked up to. My perspective has been earthly. I have lived for the moment. I have not had an eternal perspective. I have chased after what is unsatisfying and will one day amount to nothing. Forgive me. You are forgiven.

What changes would you like to make? I want to have a heavenly perspective. I want to live the life that you are calling me to live. I want my love for you to motivate and enflame my desire to serve you. I want my heart and mind and life to be focused on you. I want to know and do your will. I want to follow you to where you lead me. I want to do what you ask of me. I want to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. I want to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. I want to live for the applause of heaven. I want to do what is good and right and pleasing in your sight. One day, I want to hear you say, “well done, good and faithful servant. To be and do all that you have called me to be and do I will need your help. Is that your desire? Is that your prayer? Yes Lord, it is. I will hear and answer this desire and prayer of your heart. I will help you to know and do my will. 

Lord, I have loved the world. I have wanted what the world offers. I have been filled with craving, lusts and boasts. I have been proud of what I have and have done. Forgive me. I pray that my love for you will now motivate and enflame my desire to do your will. Amen

Key Question… How is your love for God motivating your desire to do His will?

Living It Out… Turn away from loving the world so that you can demonstrate your love for God by doing His will.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your love for God will motivate your desire to do His will.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how your love for God is motivating your desire to do His will.

Prayer To Bless Others… May your love for God motivate your desire to do His will.

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

Discipleship – 1 John 2-15-17 – Do Not Love The World – 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

Present Your Requests To God

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Discipleship - Philippians 4:6-7- Present Your Requests To God - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Discipleship – Philippians 4:6-7- Present Your Requests To God – Growing As Disciples

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Weighed Down

What are you doing? What does it look like I am doing? It looks like you’re doing nothing. You look like you are frozen in place. You look like you are sitting there paralyzed with anxiety and worry. You look like you are carrying a very heavy burden. You look like you are weighed down by anxiety and worry. I can’t hide anything from you. No, you cannot. Do you like to be filled with anxiety and worry? No, I do not. What kind of question is that? Who would ever say that they like to be filled with anxiety and worry? Well, one could wonder about you. Why is that? You have almost made anxiety and worry a hobby in your life. You worry about anything and everything. Much of what you worry about doesn’t have the remotest chance of ever happening. You seem to imagine the worst and then begin to worry about that. Yes, I do. That’s not good. Yes, I know.

Would you like to be free of anxiety and worry? Yes, I would. Really? Yes, really. If you want to be free from anxiety and worry you must do two things. You have my full and complete attention. I want to know what two things I must do to be free from anxiety and worry. Are you sure? Yes, I am sure. First, you must relinquish control of your life over to me. You are not in charge. You do not control your destiny. You do not know the future. Will you trust me? Will you place your faith in me? Yes, I will trust you. Yes, I will place my faith in you. You say that now. Your commitment to trust me and place your faith in me will be tested every time you start to feel anxiety and begin to worry. In fact, anxiety and worry will be a sign that you are once again beginning to trust and rely on yourself. Do you understand? Yes, I understand.

What is the second thing that I must do if I want to be free from anxiety and worry? After you have placed your trust and faith in me, you must turn each one of your anxieties and worries into prayers to me. I want you to let go of your anxiety and worry by turning them into prayers to me. Do you believe that I will hear and answer your prayers? Yes, I do. Will you turn all your anxieties and worries into prayers to me? Yes, I will. That will be very good. My peace will come into your life as you turn all your anxieties and worries into prayers to me. That is what I want. That is what you will have as you present your prayer requests to me.

Heavenly Father, I have allowed my heart and mind and life to become filled with anxiety and worry. I have not turned my anxiety and worry into prayers to you. No longer will I carry anxiety and worry. Fill me with Christ’s peace as I present my requests to you. Amen

Key Question… When have you turned your anxiety and worries into prayers to God?

Living It Out… Turn all your anxiety and worries into prayer requests to God.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will hear and answer the prayer requests you present to Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how turning your anxieties and worry into prayers has given you peace.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you present your requests to God so His peace will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

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

Discipleship – Philippians 4-6-7 – Present Your Requests To 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

Practice These Things

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Discipleship - Philippians 4:8-9 - Practice These Things - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Discipleship – Philippians 4:8-9 – Practice These Things – Growing As Disciples

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV)

Your Mindset

What is your mind set on? I’m not sure what you’re asking me. What do you allow yourself to think? I’m guessing that the best answer isn’t, “I allow myself to think whatever comes into my mind.” Is that the truth? That is very close to the truth. What is the complete and whole truth? I don’t guard my thoughts very well. Why is that a problem? My thoughts will become words. My words will become deeds. My thoughts and words and deeds will add up to the life I will live. That’s correct.

What kind of life do you want to live? I want to live a true life that is honorable, just and pure. I want to live a life that is commendable and excellent. I want to live a life that is praiseworthy. I want to live a life that is pleasing to you. I want to put into practice all that I have learned and received and heard and seen from you. I want to live a life that is filled with your peace. You are describing a beautiful life. Yes, I am. This is the life I want to live. That is very good. 

How will you ever be able to live the life that you have described? That is a good question. I can’t live this kind of life without your help. Only you can make me able to live this kind of life. That’s true. Have I given you anything that will make you able to live this kind of life? Yes, you have given me your Holy Spirit. What else? You have given me you word. That’s right. How will my Holy Spirit and my word make you able to live the kind of life that you have described? Your word will change my heart. Your word will transform my mind. Your word will guide my life. Your Holy Spirit will use your word to fight in me, with me, and for me. Your Holy Spirit will apply your word to my life. Your Holy Spirit will make me able to put into practice all that I have learned and received and heard and seen from you. Your Holy Spirit and your word will make me able to live the life that you are calling me to live. Your Holy Spirit and your word will make me able to experience your peace as I know and do your will. That’s right. That will be every good.

Lord, thank you for your word. It has been my joy to meditate on and memorize your word. Your word has made me able to think your thoughts. Your word is changing my heart, transforming my mind, and guiding my life. Help me to put your word in practice. Amen

Key Question… How has practicing what you have learned, received, heard and seen from the Lord given you peace?

Living It Out…  Put into practice all that you have learned, received, heard and seen from the Lord so you can live in His peace..

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will live in peace as you practice what you have learned, received, heard and seen from the Lord.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have been experiencing God’s peace in your life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you put into practice what you have learned, received, heard and seen from the Lord.

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

Discipleship – Philippians 4-8-9 – Practice These Things – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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Individual users may save the Discipleship 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 Like Him

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Discipleship - 1 John 3:1-3 - Be Like Him- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Discipleship – 1 John 3:1-3 – Be Like Him- Growing As Disciples

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. 1 John 3:1-3 (ESV)

Like Me

Do you want to become like me? Yes Lord, I want to become like you. How do you want to become like me? I want to become like you in my thoughts. I want to become like you in my words. I want to become like you in my deeds. That is very good. You and I want the very same thing. I want you to become like me.

How do you think you will be able to become like me? I will never become like you by my own efforts. No, you will not. Only you can make me to be like you. That’s right. You started off making me to be like you on the day that you adopted me into your family. You made me to be your child. Yes, I did. A child always becomes like their parent. That’s true.

How do you think you will become more like me every day? That is a good question. I think I have a role and responsibility in becoming more like you. How so? I will become more like you as I spend time with you. I will become more like you as I draw near to you. I will become more like you as I am in your presence. I can’t spend time with you and remain unchanged. You will draw near to me as I draw near to you. Yes, I will. I can’t remain unchanged as I am in your presence. That’s right. So, your role and responsibility is to come to me. You need to make yourself available to me so that I can change your heart and mind and life. As I remain in your presence you will change everything about me. You will change the thoughts of my mind, the words of my mouth and the deeds of my life. Yes, I will. 

When do you think I will finish my work? When will you be completely changed? Now, I see you in part. Now, I am being changed in part. One day, I will see you completely. Then I will be completely changed. That’s right. That is the hope I have in you. That is very good.

 Lord, thank you for your love in making me to be your child. You loved me. Now, I love you. I know day by day you are changing me. You are making me to be like you in my thoughts, words and deeds. Keep on doing your work in me until I see you face to face. Amen

Key Question… What hope do you have that God will finish His work in making you to be like Him?

Living It Out… Draw near to God so that you can come to know Him and become like Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that as a child of God you will be able to come to know God.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God is you making you to be like Him as you come to know Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you come to know the Lord so you can become more like Him.

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

Discipleship – 1 John 3-1-3 – Be Like Him – 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 Imitators Of Me

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Discipleship- 1 Corinthians 11:1 - Be Imitators Of Me- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Discipleship- 1 Corinthians 11:1 – Be Imitators Of Me- Growing As Disciples

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV)

An Example

Do you want to be an example that others can follow? That is an unusual question. Why is that? How could my life ever be a worthy example for others to follow? Why do you ask that? I am a sinner. I haven’t just sinned in the past. I am a sinner in the present. I will be a sinner in the future. I haven’t partially sinned against you. I have sinned against you in my thoughts, words and deeds. I have sinned by what I have done. I have sinned by what I have left undone. So, you are telling me that you are a sinner? So, you are telling me that you need my forgiveness? So, you are telling me that you need my cleansing of all your unrighteousness? Yes, I am. Is that not a worthy example for others to follow? Yes, it is.

Let’s explore this topic further. I’m game. You have turned away from your old life of sin. You have asked me to be the Savior and Lord of your life. You are no longer allowing your life to be conformed to the values, patterns and practices of the world. You have stopped relying on your own understanding. You are no longer relying on your own strength. You want to accomplish my purposes. You want to fulfill my plans. You want to live a life that is pleasing to me. You want to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. You are no longer chasing after all that the world offers. You want to store on treasure in heaven with me. You are going where I guide you. You are doing what I ask of you. One day you want to hear me say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Is everything that I have said true? Do you desire to live the life that I have described? Yes, I want to life my life in all the ways that you have described. Are these desires not worthy of imitating? Yes, these desires are worth imitating. I suppose that you want to point out that you are doing none of these things perfectly. Well, that’s the truth. Your admission is also worth imitating. 

Let’s take this one step further. Alright. You have set apart a special time and place to meet daily with me in my word. You are drawing near to me, as I draw near to you. You are allowing my word to change your heart, transform your mind and guide your life. You are meeting with me in prayer and worship. You have allowed yourself to be rooted in a body of believers. You are allowing yourself to be spurred on in your faith as you spur others on in their faith. You are allowing me to work in and through your life. You are engaged in doing the ministry that I have given you to do. Is there anything here that is not worthy of imitating? No, everything you have said is worthy of imitating. 

Let’s talk about a few more things. OK. The desire of your heart is to know me. You want to know my thoughts and do my will. You want to live and walk in an intimate relationship with me. You want to have a constant and ongoing dialogue of prayer with me, just as I had with my Father.  Are any desires worthier of imitating than these? No, I’m sure there are no desires worthier of imitating than these. You are right. Thank you for giving and granting me all these desires of my heart. Your life is an example worthy of following as you keep on imitating me. That is what I will do. That will be very good.

Lord, you have set before me an example to follow. I want to think what you thought. I want to say what you said. I want to do what you did. In every way, I want to imitate you. Not only that, I want to be a worthy example others can follow as I imitate you. Amen

Key Question… What are you doing differently because you are following the example Christ has set before you?

Living It Out… Imitate Jesus Christ in all you think, say and do as you love, follow and serve Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will make you able to be an example others can follow as you imitate Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are imitating Jesus Christ as you love, follow and serve Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you imitate Christ in all you think, say and do so you can be an example for others to follow.

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

Discipleship – 1 Corinthians 11-1 – Be Imitators Of Me – 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