Category Archives: Guidance

Abraham Obeyed And Went

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Guidance - Hebrews 11-8 - Abraham Obeyed And Went - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Guidance – Hebrews 11-8 – Abraham Obeyed And Went – Growing As Disciples

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. Hebrews 11:8 (NIV)

To Where?

You would like to know where you’re going wouldn’t you? Yes, actually I would. Would you get up and go to a strange place that you had never been before, if I asked you? That all depends. On what? It would depend on how clearly I heard your voice. So, if the heavens opened up and you heard my booming voice directing you to go, you’d drop everything and leave? Yes, I think I would. What if you had a really nice and comfortable situation, would you be tempted to sit tight and stay? I might, but probably not, if I heard your voice audibly directing me to go somewhere.  What if the place I asked you to go was completely unfamiliar to you, would you still set out? Would you take the first step? How specific would your directions be? What if I just pointed and said, head that direction? If that’s all the direction you gave me I might question whether or not I heard you correctly in the first place. But, with that question in the back of my mind I think I would still begin the journey. What if the journey took a very long time? How long? Let’s say years when you thought it might have taken months. You’re making this sound very difficult. I haven’t even mentioned a level of difficulty yet. How difficult could the journey be? You might have everyone questioning your sanity. They might say you’ve been hearing voices. You might feel quite lonely on your journey. On the journey you would encounter adversaries and difficult circumstances. How difficult? Real cliff-hangers, if you ask me. Great, just great. You sound discouraged. That’s because I am. Why is that? This sounds a lot like the journey I’m already on. I thought it was just a matter of time before you realized that. There’s one big difference though, isn’t there? What’s that? The heavens didn’t open up and you haven’t audibly heard my voice have you? No, I haven’t. What have you heard instead? I’ve heard your quiet whispers guiding me through life. I’ve heard your word instructing and teaching me in the way I should go. Haven’t I counseled you and watched over you? Yes, you have. Has that not been enough for you? Yes, it has. What’s the problem? I guess I’m just a little weary and worn out, that’s all. What has your weariness caused you to do? It has caused me to come to you. What have I done for you? You have refreshed me and revived my life. Come to me now and I will do that again for you. You’ll need it. Why is that? Your journey is not over yet. I will continue to take you where you have never been before. Will you follow me? Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I have faith in you. Your calling on my life does not always need to make sense to me. I know that sometimes you will lead me to places I have never been to do what I have never done. Give me strength to follow and obey you. Amen

Key Question… When have gone out to go where God guided you without knowing any details?

Living It Out… Follow the Lord to places you have never been to do what you have never done.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will call you to go to places you have never been to do what you have never done.

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

Prayer To Bless Others… May you listen to the Lord and go wherever He guides you to do whatever He asks of you.

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

Guidance – Hebrew 11-8 – Abraham Obeyed And Went – 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

Teach You In The Way You Should Go

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Guidance - Psalm 32:8-9 - Teach You In The Way You Should Go - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Guidance – Psalm 32:8-9 – Teach You In The Way You Should Go – Growing As Disciples

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Psalm 32:8-9 (NIV)

Full Stop

Do you think that you know it all? Do you need no instruction? Do you have all of life figured out? Do you have no need for anyone to teach you? Do you know exactly where you should go? Do you know for sure what you must do? Lord, I know nothing. I need all the instruction you will give me. I have nothing figured out. I need you to teach me. I have no idea where I should go. I don’t have a clue what I must do. I need you to counsel me. I want you to guide me. I desperately want you to watch over my life. Your answers are a little surprising. You’re surprised? No, I’m not surprised. Nothing ever surprises me. You should be surprised by your own answers. Why is that?

You seem desperate for help. I am desperate for help. No one would ever guess that by watching you. Why is that? A desperate person asks for help. A desperate person cries out for help. A desperate person goes no further until they receive the help that they will need to move forward. A desperate person comes to a complete stop and waits for help. I don’t see you waiting. I don’t hear you asking. I don’t hear you crying out. Your life looks nothing like a complete stop. Your life looks more like one frantic activity after another. You are trying one thing after another. Yes, it looks and feels like I am going and doing nothing pretty fast. I’m wearing myself out as I waste my life on what will not amount to anything of real value. That’s right.

I know what’s wrong. What’s that? I have been full of myself. I have been filled with pride. I have thought that I knew it all. I have not stopped to ask for directions. I have not listened for instructions. I have done only what seemed right to me. I have been stubborn. I have been unwilling to receive directions. I have not been open to correction. That’s not good. I know.

Here I am right now. I ask your forgiveness for my stubbornness. I confess that I need you. I need your help. I want to know you and your ways. I want to do what pleases you. I want to go where you guide me. I want to do all that you ask of me. Instruct me, teach me, guide me, counsel and watch over me. My life is in your hands. I’m at a full stop. I’m waiting. I’m watching. I’m listening. Help me please. Yes, I will.

Father, thank you that your loving eyes are on me. My eyes are also on you. You have my full interest and attention. Instruct and teach me now. Counsel and guide my life according to your purposes and plans. I’m listening to you. Amen

Key Question…  What must you do to be able to receive instruction, counsel and guidance from your Heavenly Father?

Living It Out…  Keep your eyes on your Heavenly Father and listen to Him so that He can instruct, counsel and guide you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your Heavenly Father has His eye on you and He will instruct, counsel and guide you.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how the Father has given you instruction, counsel and guidance.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you humbly accept how the Lord wants to instruct, teach, counsel and watch over you today,

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

Guidance – Psalm 32-8-9 – Teach You In The Way You Should Go – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

I Will Turn Aside

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Guidance - Exodus 3:2-4 - I Will Turn Aside - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Guidance – Exodus 3:2-4 – I Will Turn Aside – Growing As Disciples

And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Exodus 3:2-4 (ESV)

Paying Attention

How do you think you will hear from me? I’m not sure what you are asking of me. Will I shout to you over the noise of the world? Will I pull you out of the busyness of your life by making you come to a complete stop? You might, anything is possible. If I’m not paying attention, you might use just about anything to get my attention. Why is that? You love me. You don’t want me to go without hearing from you. That’s true. I want you to hear from me. I want to lead and guide your life. I want to guard and guide you. I want to teach and train you. I want to use your life to bear fruit for my Kingdom and bring glory to my name.

What will hinder or help your ability to hear me speaking to you? Being too busy will hinder me from hearing from you. Allowing my life to be constantly filled with noise will hinder my ability to hear you speaking to me. Thinking that I can bear fruit for your Kingdom with my own gifts, talents, strengths and abilities will make it very difficult for me to hear from you. Why is that? If I am self-centered, self-sufficient and self-reliant it is unlikely that I will ever develop the ability to hear from you. That’s right. I need to constantly remember that apart from you I can do nothing. What do you mean by, “nothing”? I mean that apart from you I can’t do anything that will be of lasting and eternal value. I can’t bear fruit for kingdom or bring glory to your name without relying on you for your help. You got that right.

What will you do differently if you want to hear from me? I will set apart a time and a place to turn aside to meet with you. I will quiet myself before you. I will listen to your voice. I will listen to your instructions. I will follow your guidance. As I continue to meet with you, I know that you will strengthen my ability to hear from you. Just as a muscle needs to be exercised to become strong so also my hearing and seeing needs to be strengthened to notice your activity. You will strengthen my hearing and sharpen my eyes to hear and see your hand at work all around me. Yes, I will. I will look for your activity even in what I might consider to be distractions in life. I will keep my ears open to whatever you want to say to me. That will be very good.

Lord, I will never allow myself to become too busy to listen to you. I will never allow the noise of life to drown out my ability to hear from you. I will make time every day to turn aside to sit and listen to what you want to say to me. Amen

Key Question…  How has the Lord gotten your attention so that you could hear Him speaking to you?

Living It Out…  Be ready, willing and able to turn aside to hear all that the Lord wants to say to you.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will speak to you when you turn aside to listen to Him.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how God has spoken to you as you have turned aside to listen to Him.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you turn aside from the noise and busyness of life so you can hear from the Lord.

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

Guidance – Exodus 3-2-4 – I Will Turn Aside – 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

The Lord Require Of You

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Guidance - Micah 6:8 - The Lord Require Of You - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Guidance – Micah 6:8 – The Lord Require Of You – Growing As Disciples

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 (NIV)

Your Example

I don’t know where I’d be without your example. What do you mean by that? I wouldn’t know how to live a good life. I wouldn’t know what to think. I wouldn’t know what to say. I wouldn’t know where to go. I know you will never give me a step by step road map for my life. You have given me something far better. You have given me your example. Tell me more about that. Simply by closely observing your life I have a very clear picture of how I want to live my life.

How do you want to live your life? I want to live my life in ways that please you. I want to go where you went. I want to do what you did. Where did I go? What did I do? You lived a humble life. You were not self-sufficient. You were not self-reliant. You were not self-centered. You had a direction. You had purpose. You had a mission. What was my direction. What was my purpose? What was my mission? You wanted to know and do what pleased your Heavenly Father. You didn’t want to do your own thing. You didn’t want to have your own way. You did what your Heavenly Father required of you. What was that? What will be required of you? I will be required to walk in humility. Walking in humility is the only way that I can live a life that is pleasing to God. Walking in humility is the only way that I can live the life I am being calling me to live. Walking in humility is the example that you have set before me. That’s true.

What else will be required of you? What other examples have I set before you? I will be required to act justly. What does that mean? I’m not positive. I know that I won’t be able to walk indifferently past injustice in the world around me anymore. No, you won’t. I’m sure that you will want me to keep my eyes and ears open to you. You will show me how to act justly in the world around me. Yes, I will.

What else will be required of you? What is another example that I have set before you? You have loved me. You have loved me when I was unlovable. You have not given me what I deserve. You have given me what I did not deserve. Instead of judgement you gave me mercy. Instead of condemnation you gave me forgiveness and salvation. Yes, I did. Will you love others as I have loved you? Will you extend to others the same mercy that I have shown to you? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, thank you for showing me what is good. I want to follow your example. I want to live the kind of life that you lived. I will do what you require of me. I will act justly. I will love mercy. I will walk humbly with you in all that I think, say and do as I follow you. Amen

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

Guidance – Micah 6-8 – The Lord Require Of You – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

The Good You Ought To Do

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Guidance - James 4:17 - The Good You Ought To Do - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Guidance – James 4:17 – The Good You Ought To Do – Growing As Disciples

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

Make A Commitment

I’ve noticed something about you. What’s that? You have these crazy arguments or debates with yourself. Sometimes you even include me in on them.  Arguments and debates, what kind of arguments and debates? I’m not sure what you mean? You know those conversations you have with yourself about something you don’t want to do? Like what? Can you give me some examples? Is nothing coming to your mind? I wouldn’t say that. I would just like you to give me some examples that come to your mind. Are you sure? Not really, but I won’t say no now. Please go ahead, I’m listening.

Let’s say it’s Sunday morning. You were up late Saturday night. You’re very tired. In your mind, you deserve rest because you’ve had a very hard week. Under no circumstances do you want to get out of bed. Is this sounding a little familiar to you? Yes, it is. So, a conversation begins in your mind about the idea of getting out of bed and going to church. You’re trying to sell yourself on the merits of staying in bed. After much conversation, you convince yourself that it is my will for you to stay in bed. Has this ever happened to you?  You know that it has. There is a problem with your conclusion. What’s that? It is not my will that you stay in bed instead of assembling together with other believers to worship me. Does it shock you to hear me say this to you? No, not at all. So, you know that it is my will for you to come together with other believers to worship me? Yes, I do.  How is it possible for you to have a conversation with yourself that leads you to thinking and doing otherwise? I’m not sure. I must have thought that these were special circumstances that overruled your desire to have me in worship on that Sunday morning. How does that sound to you as you say that to me now? It sounds incredibly weak and pathetic. I’m glad that you are willing to admit that.

This is part of a much larger problem. It is? Yes, it is. I’m not going to overwhelm you with examples but you have these conversations with yourself quite frequently. Do you know where the conclusions to these conversations usually end up?  I think so, but please tell me. These conversations most often end up with you concluding your decision based on what is most comfortable to you. I was afraid you might say that. It’s true, isn’t it? Yes, it is. Let me ask you a question. Go ahead. How willing are you to be uncomfortable as you serve me? That’s a hard question. I can only answer it by saying that I’m sorry. Forgive me for placing my own comfort above doing what I know you want me to do for you. You are forgiven.

I don’t want to leave our conversation at this point. I want you to know how pleased I am with your love and service to me. You are? Yes, I am. I know that you want to be used by me. You want to bear abundant fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. Yes, I do, above all else. I have heard that prayer of your heart and I will answer it. You will? Yes, beyond what you could ask for or even imagine. But there is one thing I want you to do. What’s that? Stop having these conversations with yourself when you already know what I’m asking you to do for me. Make a commitment now, to just do what I have asked of you. Yes, Lord, I will.

Lord, you will get no argument out of me. I want to know and do your will. I want to do all the good you want me to do for you. I know that this will cost my time, talents and resources. Use all I am, all I have and I hope to be for your kingdom and glory. Amen

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

Guidance – James 4-17 – The Good You Ought To Do – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

For God Does Speak

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

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

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

Speak

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

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

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

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

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

Guidance – Job 33-12-18 – For God Does Speak – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Ask Of Me

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do Not Have God Speak To Us

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

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

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

Hearing Your Voice

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guidance – Exodus 20-18-21 – Do Not Have God Speak To Us – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Scattered Throughout

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

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

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

Nudged

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

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

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

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

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

Guidance – Acts 8 – 1 – Scattered Throughout – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

Go To Everyone I Send You

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

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

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

You Must Go 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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