Category Archives: Identity

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

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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

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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

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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

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

Our Citizenship Is In Heaven

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Our Citizenship Is In Heaven - Philippians 3:20-21 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Our Citizenship Is In Heaven – Philippians 3:20-21 – Growing As Disciples

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:20-21 (NIV)

Look Forward

Do you trust me? Yes, I trust you. I hear you saying that now. It’s easy to say that when you are sitting in that chair. How about when the world seems out of control? Do you trust me then? Yes, I trust you then. Let’s get a little more specific and personal. When your world seems out of control and things aren’t going your way, do you trust me then? I’m getting a little uncomfortable with this line of questioning. I thought you might. Why is that? I’ve seen you when things don’t go as you hoped or planned. What do I look like to you? You look worried and frantic. It’s obvious that you are very uncomfortable. That’s true. Where is your trust in these worried and frantic moments of yours? I’m not sure. What do you mean you’re not sure? Well, in these moments trust is probably the last thing on my mind. Why is that? My focus turns to getting out of the difficulty that I’m in. All my efforts become engaged to eliminate the problem I’m facing. So the question in my mind is not, “who do I trust, but what can I do”? Doesn’t it seem obvious to you where you are placing your trust then? I guess it does. Where is it? I want to hear you say it. Alright, when I am in great difficulty and facing problems I often put my trust in myself. Good, I’m glad to hear you say that. How could you possibly be glad to hear that? I’m glad that you are not hiding this and that you are willing to confess it to me. I see.

Actually, you don’t see. What do you mean? You are looking at life incorrectly. How so? You are thinking and living as if what you see is all there is. I don’t understand. What if you had a different focus? Like what? What would change if you really began to believe that you are just a visitor here and that your real home and life is elsewhere? Like in heaven with you? Yes, you got it. If I had that perspective I would be less worried and frantic, that’s for sure. Why is that? I would know that my problems are very temporary. They would really begin to loose their grip on me. In fact, all my problems and difficulties in life might just help to remind me that this life is temporary and that one day I will live forever in heaven with you. What will happen then? I will have a glorious new body and everything will be under your control. That’s a lot to look forward to, isn’t it? Yes, it is. Let that grab your attention and be your focus as you live your life for me through whatever difficulties you face. With your help, I will.  

Lord, my eyes are on you and not on the troubles I face in this life. Thank you for reminding me that this life is temporary and that I am just passing through. As I await your return, help me to live my life fully for your glory.  Amen

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

Identity – Philippians 3-20-21 – Our Citizenship Is In Heaven – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Changed into A Different Person

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Changed Into A Different Person - 1 Samuel 10:6-7 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Changed Into A Different Person – 1 Samuel 10:6-7 – Growing As Disciples

The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do,  for God is with you. 1 Samuel 10:6-7

A Different Person

Father, it is my desire to be changed by you. As I look back over my life, I see that you have been changing me day by day to become more like your son, Jesus Christ. From the day I turned away from my sin and began to follow Christ as my Savior and Lord, your work of molding and shaping my life has not ceased. For rescuing me out of darkness and helping me to walk in the light as your child, I am eternally thankful.

You however have placed a desire in my heart for more. I know that you want to change me more than I can possibly imagine. You want me to be completely transformed into another person! What will this new person look like?

You have already stated the answer to your question.  I want to transform your life so that you think, act, and live just as my Son thought, acted and lived. As you have followed Him that is exactly the work I have been doing in your life. I know that. There is a problem, isn’t there? Yes, there is. Tell me what you think the problem is.

The problem is that I want your work in my life to be unhindered by me. I want what you want when you want it. I know that I have been slow to obey your will. I know that I have been hard of hearing of your voice of guidance. I want you to be able to fully use me. I know that you have specific plans you want to accomplish through my life. I don’t want to miss out on any one of those. Sometimes I worry that I will miss out on what you want to do in  and through my life. That’s the problem as I see it.

Is there anything else? Yes, sometimes I feel like I’m trying to live my life under my own power, which is totally inadequate. In my own strength I certainly can’t be and do all that you desire. What do you want? I want the Holy Spirit to have free reign to work in my life so that I am transformed into the person you want me to be.

This sounds a lot like a prayer. It is. Are you asking me to answer these requests for you? Yes, I am. That’s good. Where do you think these desires of yours came from? From you. Yes, that’s right. If you trust and rely on me, what do you think I will do for you? Grant the desires of my heart. Exactly, just as I have stated in my word.

Father, I want what you want. Accomplish your purposes and plans in and through my life. Holy Spirit transform me into the person that you want me to become. Help me to think, act and live like Jesus Christ. In His name I pray.  Amen

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

Identity – 1 Samuel 10-6-7 – Changed Into A Different Person – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Whoever Serves Me Must Follow Me

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Whoever Serves Me Must Follow Me - John 12:25-26 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Whoever Serves Me Must Follow Me – John 12:25-26 – Growing As Disciples

The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.   John 12:25-26

I’m Calling You Now

What does it mean to lose my life in this world? Am I living for the pleasures of this life? Does all of life revolve around me and what I want? Am I guided by comfort? When have I set aside my will, plans, and desires to serve you, Lord? Those are good questions. Do you have any answers? Right now, I want to sit here and live with these questions. I think it would be a mistake to quickly answer and dismiss them all in my favor. I agree. Then, I feel like I’m on the right track. You are. I also sense a danger here as well. What’s that? I could sacrifice my life in complete service to others and yet not know you. What do you mean? Isn’t it possible to give up my life in service to the wrong purpose, plan, or person? Yes, it is. Tell me more of what you’re thinking. Your call is to give up my life to follow you. It isn’t a call to give up my life to become a serving maniac. As I give up my life to you, the only way I can serve correctly is to live in a close relationship with you. It’s not as if you’ll give me a huge “to do” list and check back with me at the end of my life, I know that. How do you know that? You said, “follow me” and where you are, that’s where I’ll be. Yes, that’s true. How will that be possible and how will that happen? That will only happen as I follow you. I need to wait, watch, and listen for your guidance. Otherwise I will likely go off course and not do what you want me to do and waste a lot of time doing what’s unnecessary. That’s exactly right.

I’m calling you right now. Come follow me. Don’t love the world. Love me. I will guide your life. You will have real joy as you join me in the work I will give you to do. Is this what you want to do? Is this who you want to be? Do you want to be my follower? Do you want to serve me? Yes Lord, I do. Good, then come. I am calling you right now.

Lord, today is the day that I will stop living for myself. The things of this world no longer have me in their grip. My eyes are on you. My ears are attentive to you. I’ve heard your call. I will follow where you lead and do what you ask.  Amen

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

Identity – John 12-15-26 – Whoever Serves Me Must Follow Me – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

As God’s Chosen People

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - As God's Chosen People - Colossians 3:12-14 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – As God’s Chosen People – Colossians 3:12-14 – Growing As Disciples

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)

Clothe Yourself

I’m not sure what’s more frustrating, the people I have to put up with or my bad attitude I have in responding to them. I’m sure that others have felt that I’ve been quite a handful to deal with at times. Maybe they have thrown their arms up in disgust about my behavior. That’s for sure. Really, I thought I was a little better and maybe more perfect than others. You’re kidding me, aren’t you? Yes Lord, I know that I’m flawed. I am a sinner in need of your forgiveness. Thank you for freely forgiving me. I didn’t have to earn your forgiveness. Not that I could have anyhow. I didn’t have to show you that I was worthy of your forgiveness. When I confessed my sin you just gave your forgiveness to me. Why is it that I have trouble being as loving and gracious toward others?

It’s like my first instinct is to put on the wrong clothes that don’t go together. My clothing combinations have been like mixing plaids with stripes or checks with polka dots. I don’t recall you ever wearing polka dots. No, I haven’t, but you get the idea. Yes, I do, but I’d like you to say more about what you mean. Do you want some examples? Yes, I do.

Here are some of my clothing combinations that haven’t gone together at all. I’ve wanted to be merciful in all my actions. That’s very good. Well, as I have put on mercy, I have also worn judgment with it. I’ve found fault in others and been critical of their behavior. Those definitely don’t go together. I know it’s an ugly combination that clashes with each other.

I’ve also wanted to have a kind heart that guides how I feel and respond to others. But, along with kindness I have attempted to also wear anger, bitterness, and revenge. Those are impossible combinations. You can’t have kindness in your heart and wear those. I know, the ugliness of anger, bitterness, and revenge overpowers the beauty of kindness. Yes, they do.

I’ve wanted to have a humble mind that is patient and tolerant with others. That would look very good on you. Yes, I know. What have you tried to combine it with? I am embarrassed to say that I’ve attempted to wear humbleness with pride. Those are opposites that clash. Yes, I could see that when I tried wearing them both.

It looks to me like you need help with clothing yourself. Yes Lord, I do. Would you like my help? Yes Lord, I would. There is one piece of clothing that will help you to know how to dress properly. What is that? It is love. I want you to put on my love. With the same love with which I loved you, I want you to love others. That’s what I want Lord. I know that you do. Would you like my help? Yes Lord, I would. Then ask me to help you to put on love. That will put all your other clothes in perfect unity. Will you ask me for this help? Yes Lord, I am asking for your help right now.      

Lord, I know that with my own strength and ability I am not able to love and forgive just as you have loved and forgiven me. Help me to be clothed with your love so that I can love and forgive even those who have hurt me. Amen

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

Identity – Colossians 3-12-14 – As God’s Chosen People – 4 Discipleship Devotional Page 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