Category Archives: Holy Spirit

Had Called Us

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Holy Spirit - Acts 16:6-10 - Had Called Us - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Holy Spirit – Acts 16:6-10 – Had Called Us – Growing As Disciples

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.  Acts 16:6-10 (NIV) 

Shut Doors

The doors seem closed to you, don’t they? Yes, they do. You are a little discouraged that the doors that you’ve tried have not opened to you? Yes, I am a little discouraged and probably more than just a little. You have even begun to wonder if there is something wrong with you? Yes, I have. I have been hurt and wounded by shut doors when I expected them to be wide open. Instead of a warm and healthy greeting, I have been ignored, set aside and forgotten. All I wanted to do was freely give of my time, talent and resources. Who ever says no to that unless they think that there is something wrong with the gift or the giver?  Doesn’t that have to be it?

Do you know why the doors that you’ve tried seemed to be shut to you?  No, not really, I don’t have a clue. They seem to be shut to you because they really are shut. You haven’t been wrong about that.  Why have they been shut? That’s a good question for which you have believed a wrong answer that has wounded and hurt you. What’s that? You just told me. You’ve believed that doors are shut because something is wrong with you. Isn’t that a logical conclusion? It may be logical, but it’s also wrong. It is? Yes, it is. Let me ask you some questions. Go ahead, I’m listening.  Who do you think has kept the doors shut that you have tried to open? Would you feel better or worse if I told you that it was me who was keeping doors shut that you have wanted to open? Why would you be keeping doors shut for me? Why do you think? I’m guessing that you don’t want me to go through those doors. You must have something else in mind for me. Those are really good guesses, only they aren’t really guesses, are they? No, I suppose that they are not. You know that I have something else in mind for you don’t you? Yes, I do.

I want you to be encouraged. You need to know that I have a purpose and plan for your life. I don’t want you to open a wrong door and settle for less than what I have planned for you to do for me. What do you want me to do? I will lead you to where you need to go. I will show you what I want you to do. Don’t run ahead or lag behind me. Keep in step with me. Listen to me leading and guiding you through life. Soon enough you will need to be ready to open a door to go and do what I will ask you to do for me. Alright, I will watch and wait for you to open that door for me.

Holy Spirit, help me to understand when you are opening a door that you want me to walk through. Help me to recognize a shut door so that I will not try to break through it. Thank you for guiding my life so I can follow you.  Amen

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

Holy Spirit – Acts 16-6-10 – Had Called Us – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Clothed With Power

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Holy Spirit - Luke 24:45-49 - Clothed With Power - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Holy Spirit – Luke 24:45-49 – Clothed With Power – Growing As Disciples

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:45-49 (NIV)

Stay

That is a very hard word for me to put into practice. What word is that? Stay. I have a very difficult time staying in one place. I want to be on the go. I want to be on the move. I don’t like sitting around doing nothing. Is that what you think it means to stay? If I tell you to stay, do you think that is the same as me telling you to do nothing? That’s a good question, that I haven’t considered. I have only thought of staying as doing nothing and being a waste of time. That’s not correct thinking on your part. I need to hear more.

Let’s talk about what is a waste of time. I’m listening. That’s good. Have you ever wasted your time and effort by doing something that I didn’t ask you to do? Yes, many times. Have you ever wasted time and effort by trying to do something under your own power, without my help? Yes, many times. Have you ever wasted your time and effort by running ahead of me and trying to do something before you were ready? Yes, many times. Have you ever wasted your time and effort by not carefully following my instructions? Yes, many times. Might you have greatly benefited by staying with me, in my presence before making all these mistakes? Yes, I’m sure that is true. That’s good.

So, tell me how you will wisely use the time, when I tell you to stay in one place. I will stay and wait for your guidance. I will stay and wait for your power. I will stay and wait for you to prepare me. I will stay and wait for your instructions. Does waiting in any one of these ways seem like a waste of time to you? No, not at all. Do you believe that you really need to stay in one place until you have received these things from me? Yes, I do. Without your help I can do nothing. Without your power, my efforts will be fruitless. I desperately want and need your help. I will come to fully rely on you. I will place all my faith in you. That is very good. I will use you to be my witness in the world. You will bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name.

Holy Spirit, it has been difficult for me to wait. Often, I have run ahead of you and tried to do your work under my own power. What a fruitless mistake. I’m here now. I’m waiting. Fill me. Clothe me. Empower me to do your work and be your witness in the world. Amen

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

Holy Spirit – Luke 24 -45-49 – Clothed With Power – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Taught By The Spirit

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Holy Spirit - 1 Corinthians 2:13-16 - Taught By The Spirit - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Holy Spirit – 1 Corinthians 2:13-16 – Taught By The Spirit – Growing As Disciples

This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment: “For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:13-16 (NIV)

What Is True?

How will you know what is true? How will you know what is wise? How will you be able to distinguish the difference between worldly wisdom and spiritual truth? I won’t be distinguishing the difference between worldly wisdom and spiritual truth. Why is that? Worldly wisdom is what comes naturally to me. I live in this world. If I rely on myself and on my human understanding I will no doubt think and speak and act on human wisdom understanding and worldly wisdom. That’s true.

Is there something that you want from me? I want your wisdom. I want wisdom that only comes to me from your Holy Spirit. Is that what you are asking of me? Yes, it is. This is my desire. This is my prayer. I no longer want to think or speak or act according to human understanding and worldly wisdom. I am sure that a life that is lived based on human understanding and worldly wisdom will amount to nothing of lasting eternal value. I don’t want to waste my life. I want to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. I want to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. That is very good.

There are somethings that I have had enough of for a lifetime. What’s that? I have had enough of my feeble efforts. I have had enough of my insignificant accomplishments. I have had enough of my powerless efforts. I have had enough of working incredibly hard but accomplishing very little. No longer will I operate under my own power. No longer will I be guided by my own worldly wisdom. I have had enough, I will go no further without your help. I will take on no task unless you are giving me the power to accomplish it. Let me be clear, I find no fault in you. The fault has been in me. I have not asked for your help. I have not relied on your wisdom. I have not followed your instruction. There will be no more of that. That’s very good.

So, Holy Spirit I am asking for your help. Show me where you want me to go. Give me what you want me to do. Give me your wisdom and power and strength to do whatever I am being asked to do for you. I will wait and watch. Come now and fill me. Come now and empower me. Use me how you will. I will rely on you. That will be very good. I will give you all you need to do all that I am asking of you as you rely on me. That is what I will do.

Holy Spirit, I have heard, followed and acted on words of human wisdom. I have thought incorrectly, spoken too quickly and acted unwisely based on human wisdom. I want none of that. Teach me to hear, speak and act on your spiritual wisdom. I’m listening. Amen

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

Holy Spirit – 1 Corinthians 2-13-16 – Taught By The Spirit – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Sword Of The Spirit

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Holy Spirit - Ephesians 6:17-18 - Sword Of The Spirit - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Holy Spirit – Ephesians 6:17-18 – Sword Of The Spirit – Growing As Disciples

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:17-18 (NIV)

Unarmed 

That is something that I don’t want to be. What’s that? What don’t you want to be? I don’t want to be unarmed, when I face battles in life. What makes you think you will face battles in life? Everyone faces battles in life. You faced battles in life. I will face battles in life. Battles in life are certain. Yes, they are, and you are correct, I faced battles in life. Let me ask you a question. I’m listening. You have my full attention. That’s good. How did I fight battles in life? I’m not sure what you mean. What did I use to fight battles in life? Now, I understand your question. You used God’s word when you faced battles in life. You knew God’s word. You used God’s word like a sword to fight off every attack of the devil. God’s word enabled you to stand strong against evil. God’s word helped you to resist every temptation. Yes, God’s word was like a sword that fought in me, with me, for me, and through me. 

Now, I have some more questions for you. Do you know my word? Do you have a firm grasp of my word? Is my word in your heart and on your mind? Are you allowing my word to dwell in you richly? Are you meditating on my word day and night? Are you taking hold of my word so it will take hold of you? Yes, I believe that I am. How so? I am reading your word. I am studying your word. I am meditating on and memorizing your word. I am praying your word. I am teaching your word. Finally, I am putting your word into practice. So, I would say that I am taking a hold of your word so it will take hold of me. That is very good.

What has my word done for you? Your word has been like a sword fighting in me, with me, for me and through me. Your word has been changing my heart. Your word has been transforming my mind. Your word has been guiding my life. Your word has helped me to know you. Your word has helped me to walk in your ways. Your word, with the power of the Holy Spirit, has made me able to fight against evil and stand against temptation. So, you have not been unarmed? No, I have been fully armed and made ready to fight. Keep on taking a hold of my word. Yes Lord, I will. Then you will never be unarmed. That will be very good. 

Lord, thank you for saving me and filling me with your Holy Spirit. I will now take a firm hold of your word. I will allow your word to dwell in me. I will hear and obey your word. I will allow the Holy Spirit to use your word to fight in, with, for and through me. Amen

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

Holy Spirit – Ephesians 6-17-18 – Sword Of The Spirit – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Helps Me

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Holy Spirit - Philippians 1:18b-20 - Help Given By - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Holy Spirit – Philippians 1:18b-20 – Help Given By – Growing As Disciples

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. Philippians 1:18b-20 (NIV)

Witness

I want to be a bold witness for you. I want to shine brightly in the darkness of this world. I want to bring glory to your name. You want to say more, don’t you? Yes, I do. A storm has come upon me. I’m in the midst of a very difficult trial. It would be easy for me to become discouraged and depressed. It wouldn’t take much for me to feel alone and rejected or downcast and defeated. I did not cause this trial. I did not deserve this trial. I could not have predicted this trial. I did not see this trial coming. Yet, here I am in the midst of these very difficult and trying circumstances that feel more like two storms coming from different directions. I could wallow in self-pity. I could give up. I could quit. Although, I’m not sure what those choices would even look like. I do know some things for certain. What’s that? I will need your help. If I were to rely on myself, these trials would certainly swamp my life. So, I’m coming to rely on you. I’m asking for your help. That’s good.

What else do you know for certain about these trying circumstances that you are in? These trials are a test and an opportunity. How are they a test? That seems obvious to me. How so? The test question I am being asked is, “Will I come to rely on you, or will I rely on myself?” I will answer that question right now. I will rely on you today, tomorrow and every day after that. That’s good. It is one thing to say that I am relying on you when everything is smooth sailing. It is quite another to demonstrate that I really am relying on you in the storms of life. That is very true. That brings me to my second point. Which is? These trials are an opportunity. How so? I have already touched on that. I can demonstrate to the world that I am relying on you. I can live boldly and shine brightly for you in the midst of these trials. These trials will give me an opportunity to rely on you even more fully. These trials will give me an opportunity to grow in my faith. As my faith in you grows, I will become an even brighter and bolder witness for you in the world. Yes, you will.

Holy Spirit, in my own strength I do not face trials and great difficulty well. I get lost in my own pain and lack of comfort. Help me to trust you and rely on your power to help me to be a bold and bright witness for Christ in every difficulty I will encounter in life. Amen

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

Holy Spirit – Philippians 1-18b-20 – Helps Me – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

The Sanctifying Work

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Holy Spirit - 2 Thessalonians 2:13 - The Sanctifying Work - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Holy Spirit – 2 Thessalonians 2:13 – The Sanctifying Work – Growing As Disciples

But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NIV)  

Sanctified 

What does that mean? What’s that? What does it mean for me to be sanctified? You do know that I chose you? Yes, I know that you chose me. You chose me long before I chose you. It was your choosing me that made me able to chose you. It was your love that made me able to love you. You pursued me when I was not pursuing you. You drew near to me long before I ever drew near to you. I now love you because you first loved me. You pulled me out of the darkness that was my life. You pulled me off the path that led away from you. You rescued me from a life without you. You caused me to come to you. I confessed my sin to you. You led me to turn my life over to you. You became my Savior and Lord. You adopted me into your family. You made me to be your child. You made me Holy in your sight. You gave me a completely new life to live. You have described one way in which you are sanctified. How so? You have been set apart and made Holy in my sight. That is one way in which you are sanctified.

In what other way I am sanctified? There is another way in which you are being sanctified. Let me ask you a few questions. Go ahead, I’m listening. Since you started following and serving me as your Savior and Lord have there been any changes in your life? Are you exactly the same person you once were? Well, when I first turned my life over to you and began to follow you as my Savior and Lord there were many immediate changes. Like what? Your Holy Spirit came to live and dwell inside me. I left my old life behind to live my new life with you. Many of my old patterns and practices were gone almost immediately, if not immediately. I noticed you used the word, “many”. Yes, I did not say, “all’, did I? No, you did not. Every day, since that very first day, you have continued to mold and shape my life. You have been using your word to change my heart and transform my mind. You have been giving me new thoughts to think, words to speak and deeds to do that are all a part of the new life I have in you. You have been helping me to put on the completely new life I have in you. The day by day work that I have been and will continue to do in you is how you are being sanctified. This work will continue right up until I come to live forever in heaven with you. Yes, it will. I welcome your ongoing work of sanctification in my life. That is very good.

Lord, I know I can’t change myself. Thank you that you have and are continuing to change me. On the cross you paid for my sin and made me holy in God’s sight. Holy Spirit, change my heart and transform my mind, so that I become more like Christ every day. Amen

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

Holy Spirit – 2 Thessalonians 2-13 – The Sanctifying Work – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

What The Spirit Desires

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Holy Spirit - Romans 8:5 - What The Spirit Desires - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Holy Spirit – Romans 8:5 – What The Spirit Desires – Growing As Disciples

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. Romans 8:5 (NIV)

Mindset

What are you allowing your mind to think? What thoughts are you entertaining? I’m not sure what you mean. My mind thinks thousands upon thousands of thoughts. What do you mean by asking me what thoughts am I entertaining? You seem to be expressing the idea that I can control what I allow myself to think. You seem to be suggesting that I can entertain some thoughts and reject others. That is exactly the idea I am expressing and suggesting to you. I will take the thought and idea I want you to consider on step further. How so? Your thoughts can be categorized in one of two categories. You have my complete attention. You have my full curiosity. Your thoughts will either be set on what the sinful nature desires or on what the spiritual nature desires. I need to hear more of what you want to say to me.

The thoughts of your mind, words of your mouth, and the entire course of your life will be guided by what you set your mind on. If you set your mind on what the sinful nature desires you will think thoughts, speak words, and take actions that are earthly, fleshly and unspiritual. You will think and speak and act like everyone else in the world. You will have nothing but a worldly perspective. You want what the world wants. You will do what the world does. This kind of life is temporary and will pass way. This type of life will amount to nothing of eternal value. This life is filled with sin and darkness. This life is evil and will end in death. These are opposite of the thoughts I want you to think and the life I have called you to live.

What kind of life have you called me to live? I want you to think thoughts of what the spiritual nature desires. I want you to think my thoughts. I want you to know me. I want you to become like me. I want you to think thoughts, speak words and take action that are filled with life. I want your whole perspective to be spiritual. I want you to keep your heart and mind and life focused on me. This sound like I will be in for quite a battle. Say more. I do live in a dark and sinful and broken world. My heart and mind and life are continually under bombardment from the world. That’s true. How can I think your thoughts, speak your words and live the life you are calling me to live? Draw near to me. Meet with me in my word. Allow me to use my word to change your heart, transform your mind and guide your life. I will give you thoughts to think, words to speak and a life to live as you live in an intimate relationship with me. Will you allow me to change your heart and transform your mind? Will you continually draw near to me? Will you walk with me through life? Yes, I will. Then your mind will be set on what I desire. Then you will live the life you have been called to live. That is my desire. That is what I will do. That is very good. 

Holy Spirit, at one time I thought about whatever came into my mind. I fed my mind on garbage from the world. I lived a life that was not pleasing to you. Use God’s word to transform my mind so I can think your thoughts and fully live the life you desire for me. Amen

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

Holy Spirit – Romans 8-5 – What The Spirit Desires – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

How We Recognize The Spirit Of Truth

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Holy Spirit - 1 John 4:4-6 - How We Recognize The Spirit Of Truth - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Holy Spirit – 1 John 4:4-6 – How We Recognize The Spirit Of Truth – Growing As Disciples

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. 1 John 4:4-6 (NIV) 

Overcoming The World

How is that I will come to know you? How is it that I will come to live in an intimate relationship with you? How will I know your voice? How will I be guarded and guided by you? How will I be able to distinguish between what is true and false in the world? I know that the world and all that is in it is waging war against my soul. Day by day, my life is being bombarded by the thoughts and opinions and values of the world. My life is under the constant assault of passions and evil desires that come from the world. How will I be able to stand against them and even overcome them? You say that I will know the truth. You say that I will be able to identify and distinguish between what is true and what is false. You say that I will be able to overcome the world. How will all these things be possible? You have asked many good questions. Let’s talk about them. I’d like that.

You have repented and turned away from your sin. You have given your life to me. You have said that you will follow me as your Savior and Lord. Yes, all of this is true. I have forgiven all your sins. I have cleansed all of your unrighteousness. My Holy Spirit now lives and dwells inside of you. I have given you a completely new life to live. Do you believe all of this to be true? Yes, without a doubt. That’s good, because it is true. You are continually putting off your old life. You have left your old patterns and practices. You are allowing my word to dwell in you richly. My word is changing your heart. My word is transforming your mind. My word is guarding and guiding your life. My Spirit that is in you is taking my Word and using it to fight in you, with you, for you and through you. The power of my Spirit and my word is helping you to continually put on the new life that I have given you to live. You are thinking my thoughts. You are speaking my words. You are doing my deeds. Is all of this true? Yes, it is. Am I doing all of these things perfectly? No, I am not. But, I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. Yes, you do. I am seeking you with all that is within me. Yes, you are. When you do make mistakes, take missteps and sin against me, you are confessing and receiving forgiveness and cleansing of all your sins. Every day, you are coming to know me better and follow me more closely. Yes, I am. Every day, I am making you able to overcome the evil in the world. Every day, I am helping you to see what is true and false in the world. Yes, you are. Do you have any remaining questions? No, I do not. I am so very thankful that you are working in me, for me, with me and through me. You are making me able to overcome the world. I will live my new life with and for you That is very good.  

Holy Spirit, use your word to guide me in the truth. Help me to distinguish between what is true and false. Thank you that you live inside of me. You make me able to overcome all the evil in this world. I will listen carefully to you as guard and guide me in life. Amen

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

Holy Spirit – 1 John 4-4-6 – How We Recognize The Spirit Of Truth – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional  Study Guide

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

After They Prayed

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Holy Spirit - Acts 4:31 - After They Prayed - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Holy Spirit – Acts 4:31 – After They Prayed – Growing As Disciples

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31 (NIV)

Boldly Speak 

That Is what I want. What’s that? I want to be able to boldly speak your word. That is a very good desire. Is that it? Is there anything else or more that you want? I want much more. Not only that, I want to be able to boldly and powerfully serve you whenever you call me, wherever you send me and however you want to use me. What end goal do you have on your heart and in your mind? I want to be able to know and do your will. I want to do what is pleasing in your sight. I want to be able to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. I want to be well used by you. Those are all very good desires as well.

Its sounds to me like you have learned some very important lessons. Tell me what lessons you have learned. I have learned that apart from you I can do nothing. With my own efforts and in my own strength I can do nothing. Without your power I am powerless. With your help my efforts will be fruitless. Only you can make me able to know and do your will. So, what will you continue to do? I will come to you to ask you for your help. Will your asking me for my help be a onetime effort or an infrequent request? No, not at all. I will live my life in moment by moment dependence on you. I will continue to ask you for all that I need. I will live my life in a constant dialogue with you. That will be very good. Why do you suppose it is so good that you will keep on praying to me? You want me to live in an intimate relationship with you. Yes, I do. What will happen to you, as you keep on living in an intimate relationship with me? I will be changed. My heart will be changed. My mind will be transformed. I will begin to think your thoughts. I will learn to speak your words. I will take action by doing your deeds. You will guide my life as I keep on following you. Yes, I will do all these things for you.

I will tell you a secret. What’s that? You want what I want. Your prayers are in alignment with my will. I will make you able to boldly speak my word and powerfully serve me, whenever I call you, wherever I send you and however I want to use you. For that, I am so very thankful. That is very good. 

Holy Spirt, in my own efforts and with my own strength I am quite timid. I am weak. I am powerless. Without your power and I can do nothing. Fill, empower and use me. Give me the freedom to speak boldly so I can bear abundant fruit for the kingdom of God. Amen

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

Holy Spirit – Acts 4-31 – After They Prayed – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

If Anyone Is Thirsty

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Holy Spirit - John 7:37-39 - If Anyone Is Thirsty? - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Holy Spirit – John 7:37-39 – If Anyone Is Thirsty? – Growing As Disciples

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 7:37-39 (NIV)

Thirsty 

I did not make myself this way. Or maybe, I should say, I did not do this to myself. You did not make yourself what way? You did not do what to yourself? You know, I did not make myself thirsty for you. Why do you say that? I want to note that it is you who has made me thirsty for you. And before I say more, I will note that I am not just a little bit thirsty for you. I am passionately thirsty for you. Why is it important for you to note that I made you thirsty for me? Well, let me also say that I am so very thankful that you made me thirsty for you. I am filled with hope and peace and joy because I am thirsty for you. I have come to know and love and follow and serve you because I have been thirsty for you. But, in answer to your question, the thirst I have within me tells me that you love and care for me. You wanted me to live in an intimate relationship with you. You were unwilling to let me go. You pursued me. You sought me out. You got my attention. You turned my heart and mind and life toward you. You called to me so that I could hear your voice. Yes, I did. There is one final point that I want to make. What’s that? The fact that I am thirsty for you strengthens my belief in you. How so? Well, I have thirst in me that I couldn’t have originated. I have this thirst in me that I initially did think I wanted or needed. Both the origination and the satisfaction of my thirst comes from you. Yes, it does.

What will you do with your thirst for me? I will seek you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I will look for ways to please you. I will take steps to live in a more intimate relationship with you. I will go where you guide me. I will do what you ask of me. I will make it my priority to meet with you. I will listen to your voice. I will follow your instructions. I will do these things not because I should or most. I will do these things because I love you with all my heart and mind and strength. There is also one thing I know for certain. What’s that? You will continue to satisfy my thirst for you as I live my life with and for you. Yes, I will.  

Lord, I am thirsty. I do hear your call. I do believe in you. I will follow you. You are my Savior and Lord. I will seek you with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. I will come and drink your living water. I will allow the Holy Spirit to satisfy all my thirst for you. Amen

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

Holy Spirit – John 7-37-39 – If Anyone Is Thirsty – 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