Category Archives: Identity

Imitators Of God

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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

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

Give And It Will Be Given To You

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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

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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

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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

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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

The Lord Is My Shepherd

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - The Lord Is My Shepherd - Psalm 23:1-3 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – The Lord Is My Shepherd – Psalm 23:1-3 – Growing As Disciples

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3

Sheep

Do you like it here? Yes, I do. What do you like about it? It’s so quiet and still. There is only the sound of a quiet stream. I can relax here. I don’t have anything or anyone demanding my time and attention. I feel like I can breathe. Yes, take some slow, deep breaths. Rest, here in my presence.

Take this all in. The air is so crisp and fresh. With each breath, I feel like I’m being revived and restored. I have been so busy. The pace of my life has been frantic. I had no idea how worn out I was until you brought me to this place. Right now I can feel the tension leaving my body as I lay back in this green pasture, resting. Yes, very good, let go of all the worries and burdens you have been carrying. Lay them down here at my feet. That’s ok, I can do that? Yes, absolutely. That’s why I brought you here. You have been troubled by many things. It’s time for you to give them to me. Really? Yes, really. Ok, I will. I feel so much lighter now. It’s like you have lifted a burden off my shoulders. I didn’t realize I was carrying so much. Now you do, though? Yes, it feels so good.

Thank you for letting me set them down for a while. Oh, you don’t get to pick them up again. Why not? If I don’t carry all these burdens, who will? I will. That’s why you have laid them at my feet. You were never meant to carry this load. How do you feel about that? I feel so relieved and thankful I could cry. You are so good to me. You take such loving care of me. I am your Good Shepherd, you know. You were one bruised and battered sheep when I brought you back to this place.

Sorry, that I got so off the path and wandered away from you. It brings me great joy that you have returned to me too. What else have you noticed about this place? When I first arrived I was so thirsty I could hardly stand it. How about now? All your words have been feeding my hunger and satisfying my thirst. I feel like I have been drinking deeply from the cool mountain stream over there. That’s a good analogy. My word will refresh your life when you slow down to drink deeply from it. How do you feel right now? I feel like a new person. Do you mean new sheep? Not really, but I understand what you mean. What’s that? I know now how I have wandered away like a lost sheep and like my Good Shepherd you have brought me back to this place of quietness and rest with you. What else have you learned? I’ve learned that I can come and rest in your presence at any time and in any place. How often would you like to do that? I’d be a foolish sheep to not want to be with you every day. Very good, I’m glad to hear you say that.

Lord, forgive me for wandering away from you like a foolish sheep. Thank you for bringing me back to you to a place of quiet rest in your presence where I can drink deeply and be refreshed, revived and restored in my soul by you.  Amen

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

Identity – Psalm 23-1-3 – The Lord Is My Shepherd – 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

Because To This You Were Called

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Because To This You Were Called- 1 Peter 3:8-9 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Because To This You Were Called- 1 Peter 3:8-9 – Growing As Disciples

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.                          1 Peter 3:8-9

Blessing

Let’s talk. About what? About how you respond to people when they mistreat you or say really evil things against you. Let me ask you, “How have you been when responding when someone has wronged you? Not well, I suppose. Tell me more. In the worst case, I’ve tried to figure out if there is a way to get even. Usually I never attempt to get even. But, I think about it a lot. Somehow, I have gotten some kind of perverse joy as I have run revenge strategies through my mind. Even as I have thought them, I’ve known that I wouldn’t take revenge. Why bother with thinking those thoughts then? I don’t know. Some of my revengeful thoughts have had some humor in them. They’ve helped me blow off steam. Do you think I would laugh at your humor in these situations? Not really. You’re right. How else have you responded when others have hurt you? Most of the time I’ve ignored and distanced myself from them. Even in those cases my attitude toward them has been unloving and sarcastic. How would you say that these two strategies are working out for you? Not well, the problem doesn’t usually go away and my bad attitude remains. Would you like me to help you? Yes, what would you suggest?

First let me be clear, what I am about to say is not a suggestion. What is it? It is your calling. I’ve called you to be a blessing. How did I respond when I was mistreated? Did I retaliate? Did I seek revenge? No, you did not. You loved even those who were your enemies. Yes, I did. You are my follower, aren’t you? Yes, most definitely. I know that you are. As my follower I want you to become like me and do what I did. Do you want that too? Yes, I do. Then I want you to love even those who mistreat you. Don’t seek revenge even in your thoughts. Repay evil, wrong, insult, unkindness, and mistreatment with blessing. That is who you are.   That is your calling. Pray for those who wrong you. Think of ways to show love and kindness at every turn.

There is something that I would like to laugh with you about. What’s that? How your love for your enemies is a witness for me. Why would you laugh at that? We will both laugh together when your enemies become my friends through me working as a blessing through your life. Won’t that be something for us to celebrate and laugh about together? Yes, it will. Are you ready to live out your calling to be my blessing to others? Yes, Lord I am. Remember as you are a blessing to others, my blessing will be on your life now and forever.

Lord, I am your follower. I want to be like you. I want to do what you did. Help me to live out my calling to be a blessing. I will repay every mistreatment, hurt and evil with blessing as a witness for you in this world.  Amen

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

Identity – 1 Peter 3-8-9 – Because To This You Were Called – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

Your Body Is A Temple Of The Holy Spirit

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Your Body Is A Temple Of The Holy Spirit - 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Your Body Is A Temple Of The Holy Spirit – 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 – Growing As Disciples

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Run Well

How valuable do you think that you are to me? What price do you think I would be willing to pay for you? Let’s say that your life was gripped in the clutches of evil and completely entwined in sin. What do you think that I would be willing to do to set you free?

I know the answer because you have already done it. You’ve already paid the price. You were willing to come to earth to die in my place as payment for my sin. Your death has set me free and broken the power of sin over my life. I am no longer in its grip and entwined in its bondage.

You missed one of my questions. Which one? The first one. How valuable are you to me? What does my sacrifice say about your value? It says that I am priceless to you. There was no amount of worldly currency that could have bought my freedom. So, you paid for me personally with your own life.

That’s right. That’s exactly what I did for you. I want to ask you again. Why did I die for you? You died to set me free from sin. What did I want from you, once you were free from your sin? You wanted a relationship with me. What do you think that I expect your attitude toward sin to be? You want me to flee from it. Why is that? You don’t want me to be held in its grip or be entangled by it again. Very good. Lets talk about that.

I want you to think about the start of a race. The runners are in the starting blocks. “Ready” and “set” have been announced. The starter’s finger is beginning to pull the trigger. You are the runner in lane three. What are you about to do? I’m about to burst out of the starting blocks with every ounce of energy and speed that I have. The starter’s gun has gone off and you’re running. What are you thinking about? Where are your eyes looking? What has your attention? I’m thinking about running well. My eyes are on the finish line. My attention is entirely on finishing the race.

I want you to flee sin with the same determination of a runner leaving the starting blocks. The race is your life. You will run well as you keep your eyes on me. Don’t let anything from the world crowd into your life to distract you. Your coach in your race through life is the Holy Spirit living inside of you. Listen to him. He will guide every one of your steps. The finish line is heaven. I’m waiting to greet you there. But now, we are cheering for you. Run well, my child. Run well.

Lord, thank you for setting me free. Help me to run away from sexual immorality and sins of every kind. Holy Spirit, I want to honor God with my body. Show me how  sin is attempting to enslave me again so I can sprint away from it.  Amen

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

Identity – 1 Corinthians 6-18-20 – Your Body Is A Temple Of The Holy Spirit – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Nature Of A Servant

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Gratitude - Nature Of A Servant - Philippians 2:5-8 Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Gratitude – Nature Of A Servant – Philippians 2:5-8 Growing As Disciples

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death– even death on a cross! Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)

Your Attitude

Oops. What do you mean by oops? I haven’t gotten this right. Tell me about it. I like to be the center of attention. I like to be the most important person in the room. So often, I think so much about myself and my thoughts that I can’t even hear what another person is saying. It’s like their lips are moving but no words are coming out. It’s hard to admit it, but on some level I must feel that I am more interesting than other people. It disgusts me to hear myself even say those words. How could I be so blind to my own pride? Who do I think that I am to secretly harbor such attitudes? My attitude really discourages me. What are you going to do about it? Realizing your self-centeredness is a really good place to be, don’t you think? Yes, but I do want to move on from here and make some changes in my life. Like what?

First of all I want to confess this sin of self-centeredness to you. I know that it is just the opposite of the attitude that you want me to have. How do you know that? You gave me a pretty good and clear example to follow. What example do you see in me? You had the right to every honor. You had the right to be treated with the highest respect. Yes, and you did not claim any rights. Instead you took on the form of a servant. You could have demanded to be served, but no, you chose to obediently serve others even to the point of suffering death on the cross. What do you suppose motivated my service? I think you were motivated by love for your Father and love for us. Yes, that is exactly right. Do you believe that I can change you and grow this same kind of love within you? Yes, I do.

You mentioned that you wanted to make some changes in your life. Yes, I did. That’s a good desire to have. I know that you want to be like me. I know that you want to serve me and others. Yes I do, that’s right. Do you really think that you are the one who can make these changes in your life? What do you mean? Do you really think you can develop a servant’s heart by your own efforts? I have been trying. How has your trying been working out? Not too well. I’ve mostly become just more aware of my failures. That’s left you discouraged and wanting to give up, hasn’t it? Yes, it has.

Would you like to take a different approach? Like what? Why don’t you try asking me to change you and give you a servant’s heart? You would do that for me? What do you think? I think I just asked a dumb question. I know that you will hear and answer my prayer asking for a servant’s heart. Very good, go ahead and ask me right now.

Lord, I want to have the same attitude that you had. You gave yourself fully. You laid down your life. Help me to humbly serve you and others however you desire and direct me. I am your servant. Use me however you see fit.  Amen

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

Identity – Philippians 2-5-8 – Nature Of A Servant – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

I Am Carrying On A Great Project

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Discipleship Study - Identity - I Am Carrying On A Great Project- Nehemiah 6:3 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Study – Identity – I Am Carrying On A Great Project – Nehemiah 6:3 – Growing As Disciples

so I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?”   Nehemiah 6:3 (NIV)

Focus

You already know what I am going to say to you, don’t you? I doubt it. Your thoughts are so much higher than mine. How could I possibly know what you are going to say to me? What I want to say to you is not new to you. I have been trying to get your attention on this topic for quite some time. I have used so many others and different ways to try to speak to you about this. Just now it’s coming into focus for you. What’s that? You need to tell me. I’m not sure exactly what you mean, but you have my full attention.

I have given you work to do for me. Yes, I know. It could be called “a great work” could it not? Yes, it surely could. I’m actually amazed at the enormity of the work that you have given me to do. It is a large assignment. But, you will have all the help you need from me to accomplish it. So, is there something about this “great work” that I have been missing? Yes, there is. What is it?

Have you ever heard someone say, “You need to find your voice”? Yes, I have. That message was from me. Finding your voice is a way of saying, “become who I want you to be and then do what I ask you to do”. Aah, I see. Do you? What I want you to understand is that there are many good things that will attempt to distract you from the “great work” that I want you to do for me. That’s been happening to me a lot. Yes, I know. I want you to stay “on task” and continue to do the “great work” I have given you to do. Don’t set it down for something else that seems good to you. I get it. Not yet, you don’t.

Let me ask you a question.   Go ahead. What does a newborn lion sound like when it roars? I suppose it sounds like a little kitty. Yes, that’s exactly right. As you continue to grow up in me and do what I ask, you will find your voice. Now, you sound like a little kitty. But one day you will roar for me and my glory. I will? Yes you will, if you follow me and let me work through you on the work that I have given you to do for me. I get it. Not yet, you don’t.

Let me give you another example. I’m listening.   You have my full attention. You’ve heard about the concept of focused light?   I think so. That has also been a message from me to you as well. It has? Yes, it has. You know that a focused light has power like a laser? Yes, I do. You also know that an unfocused light has very little power? I can see where this is headed. Where is that? You want me to focus on you and the work you have given me to do. You don’t want my life to be distracted or diminished by anything, even if it seems good to me. Now, you get it! I do? Yes, you do.

But let me ask you a test question. Go ahead. What are you going to do when someone asks you to do something that will cause your work for me to stop? I am going to say “the Lord has given me a ‘great work’ to do for Him and I cannot leave it and let the work stop.” See, you really do get it. Did anything of what I have just said to you surprise you? No, not really. It’s just now that all the pieces have really come into focus. Yes, they have. Follow me and continue to do the work I have given you to do. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, thank you for giving me gifts, talents, and abilities to serve you. Help me to know the work you want me to do for you. Prepare and strengthen me for your service. Help me to not be distracted and so I can keep doing the work. Amen

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

Identity – Nehemiah 6-3 – I Am Carrying On A Great Project- 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