Category Archives: Identity

New Self

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Ephesians 4:20-24- New Self - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Ephesians 4:20-24- New Self – Growing As Disciples

You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:20-24 (NIV)  

Made New 

I will put off my old life. I will leave behind all my old sinful patterns and practices. I will distance myself from evil of every kind. I will let nothing into my life that feeds deceitful desires. I will run from situations that are likely to tempt me. I separate myself from anyone that encourages the wrong thoughts, words and deeds to grow in me. This does not mean that I will not minister to those who do not know you. I will still pray for and serve those who have not yet come to you. I will reach out to those who appear to be far from you. That’s good. I do know that I will not be able to remove myself from this world. I will still live in this world that is filled with corruption. But, I will not allow myself to be of this world. I will not allow the world to conform me to its values, patterns and practices. These thoughts are all very good. You have already put off your old life when you turned your life over to me. Yes, I know, that is what I have done. I am affirming that this is what I will continue to do. That will be very good. 

Do you know what I will use to help you to keep on putting off your old life? Do you know the tool that I will use to continue to change your heart and transform your mind? Yes, I do. You will use your word to change my heart and transform my mind. How will I use my word to change your heart and transform your mind? As I meet with you in your word you will apply it to my life. As I let your word dwell in me richly, you will use your word to change my thoughts, words, and deeds. Your word will help me to think your thoughts, speak your words and do your deeds. Your word will help me to know your will and walk in your ways. Your word will enable me to stand against temptation and evil that is in this world. Yes, my word will do all these things in, for and through you. 

What will you do as you continue to put off your old life and let my word change your heart and transform your mind? I will put on the new life that you give me to live. How will do that? I will go where you guide me. I will do whatever you ask of me. I will be at your service. I will allow you to use me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. That will be very good.

Lord, help me to put off my old life and its’ way of thinking, speaking and acting. Use your word to change my heart and transform my mind. Give me new ways to think, speak and act. Help me to put on the new righteous life you have given me to live with you. Amen

Key Question… How do you think, speak and act differently now that you have put on your new self and life in Christ?

Living It Out… Put off your old self, be renewed in your mind, and put on the new life you have in Jesus Christ.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to put off the old self, be renewed in your mind, and put on the new self in Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have put off your old life and put on your new life in Christ.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you put off your old life, be renewed in your mind and put on your new life in Christ.

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

Identity – Ephesians 4-20-24 – New Self – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study

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

Many Parts, But One Body

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - 1 Corinthians 12:14-20 -Many Parts, But One Body - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – 1 Corinthians 12:14-20 -Many Parts, But One Body – Growing As Disciples

Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 1 Corinthians 12:14-20 (NIV)

Your Gifts

What spiritual gifts have I given to you? I can see the look on your face. What’s that? You like a deer caught in head lights. What do you mean by that? You look dumbfounded. You don’t have much of a clue about what are your spiritual gifts. Oh, you have same vague idea of what might be your spiritual gifts. But, you aren’t certain, that’s for sure. Have I got this right? Is what I am saying true? Yes, I have only a vague idea about what might be my spiritual gifts. That vague uncertainty about your spiritual gifts is troubling to you, isn’t it? Yes, I would like to know for certain what spiritual gifts you have given to me. That is a very good desire. 

Why would you like to know what spiritual gifts I have given to you? Does that sound like a dumb question to you? I’m certain that you do not ask dumb questions. No, it is a very good question. Why is that? I want to know how I can best serve you. I would like to better understand your call on my life. I would like greater clarity about where you want me to go and what you want me to do for you. If I am unclear about my spiritual gifts it is unlikely that I will cultivate, develop and fully use them. That’s true. I might even try to function in areas that are completely outside of my spiritual gifting. You have been there and done that. I might even desire and envy spiritual gifts that aren’t mine. There is no, “might” about that. I may waste quite a bit of time trying to do what you have not called or gifted me to do for you. There is no, “may” about that either. You have experienced a lot of frustration and wasted time and effort by not knowing and using your spiritual gifts, isn’t that true? That is completely true.

I want you to know and use your spiritual gifts. I want you to hear my call on your life. I want you to be able to go and do all that I ask of you. I don’t want you to waste your time and effort on something that I have not I have not called or gifted you to do for me. Does all of this come as a surprise to you? No, it does not. What is the problem then? Why are you unclear about your spiritual gifts and my calling on your life? I think there are three things I need to concentrate on and do. What’s that? I need to ask you about my spiritual gifts. I need to listen to what you say to me about my spiritual gifts. Then I need to step out in faith and use the spiritual gifts you have given to me. That’s a good plan. Oh, one more thing. What’s that? I need to stop envying other people and their spiritual gifts and be content to keep on using the spiritual gifts you have given to me. That’s a great idea.

Lord, sometimes I have desired and envied a spiritual gift that wasn’t mine. Sometimes, I have been afraid to step out in faith to use my spiritual gifts. Forgive me of both attitudes. Help me to fully discover and completely use the gifts you have given to me. Amen

Key Question… How have you been able to discover and use a spiritual gift that you have been given?

Living It Out… Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the spiritual gifts you have been given so He can use you in the body of Christ.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord has given you spiritual gifts to use so that His body will function together properly.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have discovered and used your gifts in the body of Christ.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you discover and use the spiritual gifts God has given to you.

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

Identity – 1 Corinthians 12-14-20 – Many Parts, But One Body – 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

My Lost Sheep

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Luke 15:4-7 - My Lost Sheep - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Luke 15:4-7 – My Lost Sheep – Growing As Disciples

Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.  Luke 15:4-7 (NIV)

You Rescued Me

You were lost and without hope in the world. You were on your own. You were all by yourself. You thought you were strong. You thought you were self-sufficient. You were independent and stubborn and strong willed. You thought you could handle whatever life brought your way. You did not want help. You didn’t need anyone’s advice. You lived for your own comfort. You sought your own pleasure. You were on a dark and lonely path. You were walking away from me.  Yes, I was walking away from you.

Life was not good for you. You experienced the pain that comes from the kind of life you were living. You were weary. You were worn out. You were bruised and battered and broken by life. You hurt others. Others hurt you. You were wounded and in need of healing. Yes, I was in great pain. I wanted something else. I needed something more. I was looking for something different. I needed and wanted you. I didn’t know that at the time. All I knew is that I was empty inside. I ached all over. I know that I cried out to you. I asked you for your help. Yes, you did cry out to me. It was more like a scream. Yes, it was. You asked me to show myself to you, if I was real. Yes, that was my scream. Did you accept that as my prayer? Yes, I did.

Did I show myself to you? Yes, you showed yourself to me.  Did I seek you out? Did I pursue you in your pain? Wasn’t I your Good Shepherd? Weren’t you one of my lost sheep? Yes, you pursued me. Yes, you sought me out. You responded to my cry. You came to me. You took me out of the muck and mire that was my life. You set my feet on solid ground. You forgave all my sin. You cleansed me of all my unrighteousness. You healed my bruised and battered and broken life. You carried me. You calmed me. You brought me to a place where you could revive, refresh and restore my soul. Now, you are my Savior and Lord. Now I am on the path of life walking with you. Yes, you are. I am so thankful that you rescued me.

Lord, I was off by myself, stubbornly wandering in a life of sin. My life was a mess. I was bruised and battered. You left heaven to find and save me. Thank you for healing and rescuing me and giving me a new life of following you. Amen

Key Question… How do you feel knowing that it was the Good Shepherd who sought you and brought you to him?

Living It Out… Turn away from your old sinful life to follow Christ in the new life He has for you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your Good Shepherd came into this world to rescue you and give you a new with Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Good Shepherd rescued you from a life without Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you follow your Good Shepherd as He leads you through life.

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

Identity – Luke 15-4-7 – My Lost Sheep – 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

Refused To Be Known As

Posted on by
Reply

 

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Hebrews 11:24-27 - Refused To Be Known As - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Hebrews 11:24-27 – Refused To Be Known As – Growing As Disciples

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. Hebrews 11:24-27 (NIV)

Your Choice

How you live your life will be your choice. You can live for the pleasures of sin for a short time. You can chase after all that the world offers. You can choose to live for the praise of the world and the applause of this life. You can focus all of your attention entirely on the here and now with no thought for the future. You can fix your eyes on what is seen and be completely blind to what is unseen. You can pursue pleasure and live entirely for comfort. You can do whatever you please, whenever you please. I’m glad to know that I have choices to make. I don’t like the sound of the choices that you have described to me so far though. Why is that? You know why. Yes, I do. I have made many of these choices. I have lived this empty life. I have discovered that the pleasures of sin last only for a very short time. Then come the consequences of a sin filled life that is lived entirely for comfort and pleasure. This is a pain filled life. This is an empty life that leads nowhere. This is a life without hope. Why is that? This is a life that is without you. Yes, it is.

I don’t want to live a life without you. That is not my choice. What is your choice? I will not chase after what the world offers. Instead, I will chase after a life that is pleasing to you. I want to love you and follow you and serve you. I want to know you. I want to live my life with and for you. I want my heart and mind to be set on you. I want my eyes to be focused on you and the life that you have given me to live both now and forever. I want the way that I live my life to make me easily identifiable as one of your followers. I want to shine brightly for you in the world. I will not pursue the world. I will not seek the praise of the world and the applause of this life. What will you seek? I will seek to know and do your will. I will seek to walk in ways. I will seek you. I will love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. This is my choice. You have made a very good choice.

Lord, I want to be easily identifiable as one of your followers. I want to live my life in every way that is pleasing to you. I want to shine brightly as a witness for you in the world. I will choose loving, following and obeying you over the temporary pleasures of sin. Amen

Key Question… What labels are you willing to refuse to identified by in favor of being a Christ follower?

Living It Out… Make a choice to follow and serve Christ with all your heart over the short-lived pleasures of sin.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the rewards of following and serving Christ far exceed the short-lived pleasures of sin.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how choosing to follow and serve Christ is your ongoing daily decision.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you be easily identifiable as a follower of Jesus Christ by the way that you live your life.

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

Identity – Hebrews 11-24-27 – Refused To Be Known As – 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

Marked In Him

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Ephesians 1:13-14 - Marked In Him - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Ephesians 1:13-14 – Marked In Him – Growing As Disciples

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession–to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIV)

Guarantee

I’m so glad that I can look forward to more than what this life offers. Why is that? This life has more than its share of disappointments, pain and suffering. I know that this life was not how you designed it. This world and the life in it is broken. What you created has been damaged by sin and is beyond repair. Yes, it is. I know that you don’t want me to become too attached to life in this world. No, I do not. This life is like a blink of an eye or a snap of the fingers in comparison to all of eternity. That’s right. I am here on this earth for a very short time. This is not my real home. I am just passing quickly through this life. All that I see that seems so real and permanent is like a mirage on a sun scorched road. All I see here today, will be gone in not too many tomorrows. That is true. I could be discouraged. I could be disappointed. I could be worried about the temporary nature of life as I now know it. I am none of these things. I am not discouraged, disappointed or worried. Not, in the least. Why is that?

I have a promise from you. Yes, you do. I have a guarantee. Tell me about it. Your Holy Spirit lives and dwells in me. Your Holy Spirit came to live and dwell in me on the day that I became your permanent possession. You redeemed my life. You purchased my forgiveness. You secured my cleansing. You made me your very own. Yes, I did. You marked and sealed me with your Holy Spirit on the day that I came to believe in you. Yes, I did. I now have a forever future with you in heaven. I now have an inheritance that is certain and guaranteed by the deposit of your Holy Spirit living inside of me. Yes, you do. So now, I am encouraged. I am filled with joy. My heart and mind and life are overflowing with praise and thanksgiving for who you are and for all that you have done for me. Now, I want to live my life to the fullest for you. In the time, I have left on this earth and in this life, I want to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to name. I want to faithfully follow and serve you until the day I come to live forever with you. That will be very good.

Lord, thank you that I have been marked with the Holy Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing that I am yours. You have redeemed my life and given me an inheritance in heaven with you. Help me to live now for your praise and glory. Amen

Key Question… What guarantee do you have that you are redeemed and have an inheritance in Christ?

Living It Out… Live your life believing in Christ, living for Him, knowing that you are marked by the Holy Spirit for redemption.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you have been marked by the Holy Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing your inheritance in Christ.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Holy Spirit has put His mark on you and changed your life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May your life bring glory to God as you live as His redeemed possession.

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

Identity – Ephesians 1-13-14 – Marked In 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

Imitators Of God

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Ephesians 5:1-2 - Imitators Of God - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Ephesians 5:1-2 – Imitators Of God – Growing As Disciples

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)

A Fragrant Offering

What would you do if you wanted to imitate me? How would your life look different if you went and did what I did? How would your thoughts and words and deeds change if you followed my example? Let me start of by emphatically saying one thing. What’s that? There is no “if” involved in my answer. I thought so. I want to imitate you. I want to go and do what you did. I want my life to be changed. I want to think your thoughts. I want to speak your words, I want to do your deeds. I know this to be true about you. Hearing you say that, encourages my heart. That’s good. I want you to be encouraged and strengthened in your desire to imitate me.

Now, I will attempt to answer your question about how I will start imitating you. There is only one way to start imitating you. What do you mean by that? My focus should start off with why you did what you did and not on what you did. Explain that. You gave yourself up as a fragrant offering to God. You poured yourself out in service to others. Yes, I did. But your giving yourself as a fragrant offering to God and pouring yourself out in service to others started with your love for Him. You loved God with all your heart and mind and soul and strength. Yes, that is true. You lived in a close and intimate relationship with God. You drew near to Him as He drew near to you. You hungered and thirsted for Him. You lived and dwelt in His presence. You lived your life in a constant dialogue with Him. You listened to His voice. You followed His guidance. You fulfilled His purposes and accomplished His plans. Yes, I did. That is what I will imitate. That is what I want. That is the desire of my heart. That is what I hunger and thirst for. I want to live in the same intimate relationship with the Heavenly Father that you lived and walked in. I want to know Him. I want Him to know me. I want to love Him with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. Then I want to go wherever he guides me to do whatever He asks of me. Then I will fulfill His purposes and accomplish His plans. Then I will offer myself as a fragrant offering to Him. Then I will pour myself out in service to others. Yes, you will and that will be very good.

Father, thank you that I am your child. Your love has changed me. No longer do I want to live for myself. Instead I want to live as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to you as I give your love and my life to others just as Christ did. Amen

Key Question…  What example has Jesus Christ set forward for you to imitate?

Living It Out…  Be an imitator of Christ by giving yourself as a fragrant offering to God as you love and serve others.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to imitate Him by offering yourself to God as a fragrant offering.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how God has guided you to give your love and life to others.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you imitate Christ by loving God and giving your life in service to Him.

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

Identity – Ephesians 5-1-2 – Imitators Of 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

Give And It Will Be Given To You

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Give And It Will Be Given To You - Luke 6:36-38 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Give And It Will Be Given To You – Luke 6:36-38 – Growing As Disciples

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:36-38

 Giver

What am I like? You are unlike any other. How do I treat you? You don’t give me what I deserve. Instead, you give me what I don’t deserve. What do you mean by that? You give to me based on who you are and not based on what I have done. What have you done? I have sinned, wandered away and ignored you. I’ve done worse than that. At one time I was your enemy. I took your name in vain and even mocked you and your followers. I had no interest in you at all. So how did I treat you then? Well, there were a lot of negative consequences that I experienced as a result of my sin. When I was in deep pain, I cried out to you and asked for your help. Did I judge you? Did I condemn you? Did I turn you away? No, you did not. That is what I deserved. What did you receive instead? You gave me forgiveness. You welcomed me to you with your arms opened wide. You showered me with your kindness, mercy, and love. How did that feel to you? It felt great. I couldn’t believe it. I felt so loved and accepted. What did my kindness, mercy, and love, motivate you to want? I wanted to follow you. I wanted to be like you. I wanted to treat others just like you have treated me. Is that what you still want today? Yes it is.

Tell me how you want to treat others? When I am wronged, I will give forgiveness. When others don’t act like I would expect I will give acceptance rather than judgment. Instead of condemnation, I will give kindness, mercy and love. Why would you be willing to do this?  Because that is exactly what you gave to me. I want to be like you and do what you have done and are still doing today.

What do you think will happen as you treat others with kindness, mercy, and love? I think that I will be a tool in your hands. I will be like a vessel through which your love can pour. My life will become like a signpost pointing people to you. Has that been happening in your life these days? Yes, I believe that even people who have regarded themselves as my enemies can see your life shining through me. Do you want more of this to happen? Yes, I do.

Father, change my heart and mind. I want to think and act as you do. Instead of judgment and condemnation I want to freely give kindness, mercy and love to others. Use my life as a signpost that points people to you.  Amen 

Key Question…  How has the Lord demonstrated generous giving to you so that you wanted to follow His example?

Living It Out… Give to others the same kindness, mercy and love that He has given to you.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will help you to give to others the kindness, mercy and love that the He has given to you.

Get Ready To Share…   Share with another person or your small group how God has used you to show His kindness, mercy and love to others.

Prayer To Bless Others…   May you freely give love and kindness to others so you can be a witness and signpost that points them to God.

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

Identity – Luke 6-36-38 – Give And It Will Be Given To 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

Fruit That Will Last

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Fruit That Will Last - John 15:16 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Fruit That Will Last – John 15:16 – Growing As Disciples

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit–fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.  John 15:16 (NIV)

Appointed You To Go

I understand that you would like to bear fruit for me. Is that true? Yes, it is. You do know that apart from me you can do nothing? Yes, I do. But I didn’t always understand what you meant by that. What part of nothing is hard to understand? There are things that really look like something now but will ultimately be worth nothing in light of eternity. That’s what I wasn’t understanding. Now you do? Yes, I have accomplished quite a lot of nothing. Now I want to bear real fruit that will last for all eternity. Let’s talk about this some more. What do you think it means to abide in me?

Abiding in you describes a close and intimate relationship with you. How close? Close enough to talk back and forth with you about anything and everything. That doesn’t sound too difficult. I think you are kidding me. Why is that? Everything in life seems to pull me in every direction away from you. I’ve spent my whole life running around in circles trying to respond to whatever seemed to shout for my attention. You do know that I will never shout for your attention. Yes, I know. What drew you to me in the first place? I’d had enough. I was weary and worn out. Life was not working out as I had hoped. In desperation I cried out to you. I asked you to come into my life and you did. I’ll bet you thought that you chose me, didn’t you? Yes, I did. How about now? Now I know that it was you who chose me. You were watching and waiting for me to respond to your call. I had to be ready to hear and listen to your voice. The desperation I was feeling made me ready. That’s funny how that works, isn’t it? Not really, but I know what you mean.

Do you think it’s possible to be one of my followers and not abide in me and not bear everlasting fruit? Yes, I do. Ever since I’ve had this new relationship with you as my Savior and Lord, I’ve let life run me around in circles. I haven’t drawn near to you. We haven’t had much back and forth conversation together. You mean prayer, don’t you? Yes, that’s what I mean. What do you think you’ve missed because of your life of prayerlessness?

Ouch, I don’t like how that sounds. Neither do I. My prayerlessness has made it so I couldn’t hear your instructions. What instructions? Like “Go”. What do you mean by that? If I’m not listening, how will I ever hear you say “go” there and bear fruit. I’ll just sit around or race off in a hundred wrong directions. Yes, you will. I know because I have. But things are much different for you now, aren’t they?

Yes, you have drawn me to you. I hunger to be with you. It is my delight to meet with you in prayer. There is no place I’d rather be. I have tasted of your goodness. In your presence, I have fullness of joy. I am so thankful that you have given me this burning desire for you. You are now ready to bear abundant fruit for me. Listen carefully for my instructions. I will soon say, “Go” to you. You will then bear fruit for me and be able to ask the Father for whatever you need to do so.

Father, I have no greater desire than to serve you and to bear fruit for you and your kingdom. Help me to abide in Christ so that I will flourish and be able to bear abundant and lasting fruit for Him. I ask this in His name.   Amen

Key Question…  What kind of eternal and lasting fruit has the Lord been able to bear through your life?

Living It Out…  Draw near to the Lord and abide in Him so that you will be able to bear lasting and eternal fruit for Him.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord has chosen and appointed you to bear lasting and eternal fruit for Him.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group where the Lord has had you go to bear lasting fruit for Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you live and walk in an intimate relationship with Christ so that you are able to go and bear fruit for Him.

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

Identity – John 15-16 – Fruit That Will Last – 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                                                               http://www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

In Strict Training

Posted on by
1
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 - In Strict Training- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 – In Strict Training- Growing As Disciples

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (NIV) 

Run

I have laid out a course for you. You are in a race. The race is called life. I want you to run well. I want you to run in such a way so that you will win the prize that I have in heaven for you. What must I do to run well? How will I be able to run in such a way as to win the prize that you have in heaven for me? You must follow me. You must keep your eyes on me. You must avoid the obstacles in life that will hinder you from running well. You must keep the focus of your heart and mind and life on me. I will train you. I will guide you. I will lead you through life. Will you enter in to strict training as you run the race that I have laid out for you?  Yes Lord, I will. That’s very good. 

I do have questions. Go ahead. Ask me, I’m listening. What does going into strict training look like? What will be a part of my strict training as I follow you? You tell me. You think I know the answers to my questions? Yes, I do. I’m sure that meeting with you in your word daily will be a part of my training. Developing an intimate prayer filled life with you will be another part of my training. You’re on the right track. Keep going. I’m sure that you have no intention for me to run my race all alone by myself. No, I do not. Living in close fellowship with other believers will spur me on as I run the race that you have laid out for me. Yes, it will. So, a part of my regular training will include joining together with other believers to worship you. That’s right. I’m guessing that you would also like me to be a part of a small group that will encourage me to keep on running. Good guess. There is more. I know that you have a purpose and plan for my life. Yes, I do. You have good works prepared in advance for me to do. Yes, I do. Doing the work that you have given me to do for you will be a part of my race. Yes, it will. You have answered your questions well. Will you go into this strict training? Will you run your race with me? Will you run in such a way as to win the prize I have in heaven for you? Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I will go into strict training so I will be able to compete. I want to be able to run in such a way as to get the prize that you have waiting in heaven for me. I want a crown from you that will last forever. Help me to live my life fully and completely for you. Amen

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

Identity – 1 Corinthians 9-24-25 – In Strict Training – 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

Like Clay In The Hand Of The Potter

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Like Clay In The Hand Of The Potter - Jeremiah 18-1-6 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Like Clay In The Hand Of The Potter – Jeremiah 18-1-6 – Growing As Disciples

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the LORD came to me: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?” declares the LORD. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. Jeremiah 18:1-6 NIV

Potter

Do you really believe this? Believe what? That you are the work of my hands. I think that I do. You seem a little tentative in your answer. What would it mean if I did or didn’t fully believe this? That’s a good question. Let’s talk about that.

If you don’t believe that I am like a potter shaping you into the work of my hands, then who is in charge of shaping you? If it’s not you, then I guess it would have to be me. If you were not in charge then someone would have to take charge. Isn’t that what you have done for much of your life? Take charge? Yes, that’s true I suppose. Why do you like being in charge?   I’m not sure exactly. Take a stab at it. I want to make progress and fulfill a good purpose in life. That’s very good. So, when I think that I have a sense of what that might be, I take charge and head off in that direction to try to make it happen. How has that worked out for you? I have had very mixed success. Sometimes I’ve made bad decisions, gotten into trouble and wasted a lot of time. That’s been very frustrating for me. Me too. Do you want me to describe to you what has been happening to you from my perspective? Yes, very much so. One minute, you are on my potter’s wheel, being shaped by me, the next moment you’ve jumped off. Then after awhile when you’re all bent out of shape, you come back and jump back on my potter’s wheel. So, I go from being glad to sad to glad again. It saddens me when you’ve taken charge of your life and jumped off my potter’s wheel. As you have made bad choices and gotten all bent out of shape, I have felt sadness and pain right along with you.

What part of you doesn’t like to be in charge? The part of me that knows better and is becoming a little wiser. Tell me what you mean. I’ve started to be able to sense when I’m jumping off your potter’s wheel. How’s that? It’s like your voice is whispering to me saying, “don’t go there, be careful, don’t do that.” That has been me, you’re right. So, I stop and return to ask for your help and direction. Why do you need my help and direction? I’ve learned that I’m not a good potter. I don’t have the right perspective. I don’t see things that you see. I don’t know what you know. My efforts leave me sadly misshapen. Are you saying that you would like to relinquish the potter’s role to me? Yes, I am. Do you trust that I will continue to make you into the work of my hands? Yes, I do. How do you think that you will look when I’ve finished with you? I will be beautiful in your sight and in the sight of all! When do you think I will be finished molding and shaping your life? When I’m in heaven with you? Exactly, you got that right. Won’t that be a great day? Yes, it will.

Father, thank you that you are the potter and I am the clay. I trust you. My life is in your hands. Mold and shape my life according to your purposes and plans. Make me beautiful in your sight for your kingdom and glory. Amen

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

Identity – Jeremiah 18-1-6 Like Clay In The Hand Of The Potter – 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