Category Archives: Identity

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

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

Disciplines Those He Loves

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Hebrews 12:5-6 - Disciplines Those He Loves - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Hebrews 12:5-6 – Disciplines Those He Loves – Growing As Disciples

And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”   Hebrews 12:5-6 (NIV)

Disciplined

You’ve never liked to be disciplined very much have you? No, not really, who does? But, I have noticed that you are especially sensitive to discipline. How is that? When I have disciplined you, you have held wrong thoughts about it. Like what? For one, you have gotten discouraged and wanted to give up. You have felt life is too hard and that nobody else is experiencing what you are going through. Then there has reached a point where you have felt like you have had enough and have become defensive. That’s when it has become very difficult to teach you anything. Well, I’m sorry for all the wrong attitudes that I’ve held. I do want to be taught by you no matter how hard it might get. Are you saying that you will welcome my discipline into your life as you would a friend? I might not be quite ready to say something like that. I thought so. But, you do know that I want to be fully trained by you? Yes, I can see that. Do I really have to be glad about your discipline when it comes? Your attitude about my discipline is very important. You must not resist it. You must not take it lightly. You will need to trust me most of all. You do know that I love you? Yes, I do. You do know that I always have your best in mind? Yes, I do. When my discipline comes you will need to remember that I love you and I am training you as my child. Yes Lord, I will remember your love for me.

You have asked a lot from me. Yes, I have. You have asked me to bless your life. You have told me that you don’t want to miss out on anything that I have prepared for you, is that right? Yes, that’s right. Can you understand that many of my blessings will only come to you through my discipline? Not fully, but I will try to understand. I will definitely need your wisdom and help. Yes, you will and you will have it. There is something I want you to know right now. What’s that? You will not always understand my discipline.

My discipline may seem unpleasant at the time. Yes, I am well aware of these times. There is one thing that I want you to know for certain. What’s that? I will discipline you only because I love you. My discipline will help you to live your life fully for me. You have told me that you want your life to bear abundant fruit for my glory, haven’t you? Yes, I have. Much of the fruit that you will bear for me will come through how I have disciplined and trained you. Then, sign me up. What do you mean by that? Is there something that you want to say to me? Yes Lord, I will welcome your discipline into my life as a friend. Discipline, teach and train me however you see fit. Very good, I’m glad to hear you say that.

Lord, help me to welcome your discipline into my life. I know that you discipline me because you love me and desire something better for me. Help me to learn from your discipline so that I will live in ways that honor you. Amen

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

Identity – Hebrews 12-5-6 – Disciplines Those He Loves – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

I Have Called You Friends

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - John 15:13-15 - I Have Called You Friends - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – John 15:13-15 – I Have Called You Friends – Growing As Disciples

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:13-15 (NIV)

You Are My Friend

What have I done for you? How completely have I shown you that I love you? Could I have done anything more significant for you than to lay down my life for you? Does that not say it all to you? Yes Lord, it does. Your death on my behalf says it all. You laid down your life for my sins. I was living far away from you as your enemy. Yet, you were willing to make me your friend by dying for me on the cross. That is amazing love displayed in the fullest possible measure. No other gift could be more valuable. No other sacrifice could have been more costly. You gave all that you had for me. I am so grateful and thankful for you love and the new life you have given to me.

How can I express my gratitude to you? What will my thankfulness cause me to do? What desire rises in my heart to express my love to you? Those are very good questions. What answers come to your heart and mind? I want to live my life fully for you. Not because I should or must, although both of those would be true. But your love for me has caused me to love you. I can’t stop or limit this love. It is like a spring of fresh living water coming up and overflowing my soul. This love comes from you of that I am sure.

Out of this love in me comes a question. The question is, “What can I do for you today?” The desire of my heart is to know what you want and to do what you ask. I want to follow you and go wherever you lead me. Not the least bit reluctantly but with a joy filled heart because I love you.

The idea that you and I are friends is wonderful. I was happy to be called your servant because it is my joy to serve you. But to be your friend is beyond imagination. I want to shout, “the Lord and I are friends!” That thought needs to sink deeply into my heart and mind. Yes, it does. Will you help me to comprehend all that being your friend means? Yes, I most certainly will. I know that being your friend means that I will listen to you and do what you ask. Will you? Yes Lord, with a glad heart I will. Very good, as you continue to do so, our friendship will deepen. You will grow in your understanding of my will and ways. Is that what you want? Yes Lord, it is! Follow me where I lead you. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, thank you for demonstrating your love to me by laying down your life for me. I will demonstrate my love for you by doing what you ask of me. It is my joy to follow you. Strengthen and show me how to live my life for you. Amen

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

Identity – John 15-13-15 – I Have Called You Friends – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Called According To His Purpose

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Called According To His Purpose - Romans 8:28 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Called According To His Purpose – Romans 8:28 – Growing As Disciples

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Willing to Wait

Tell me what you think that you know for sure. I know that you love me and I love you. We have had this relationship for along time. Once I was very far away from you and you rescued me from a life without you. You called me out of darkness to a new life of following you. Over the years I have never stopped following you. At many times and in many places I have stepped off the path a little bit and wandered where I shouldn’t. These wanderings often caused me pain and deep regret. Somehow you were able to train me. Now, you have placed this incredible desire in me for more. I want more of you. I want to clearly hear your voice of direction and joyfully follow without question. I want to be powerfully used by you so that I can bear abundant fruit for your kingdom. Right now, it seems like I am in a time of preparation as I draw near to you. I am watching and waiting. How do you want to use me? Where do you want to use me? Just point me in the right direction. Give me an assignment and I will engage fully in whatever you ask me to do. 

What if I am asking you to wait? Can you do that? Yes, I suppose I can. But you don’t like it, do you? No not at all. Why is that? Sometimes it’s hard to know if I’m in a period of trust filled waiting or if I have been set aside. In these moments of doubt, I feel invisible, unusable, and rejected. Where do you think those thoughts come from? Not from you, that’s for sure. That’s right, they certainly don’t.

What has happened to you in these times of trust filled waiting and preparation? You have caused me to rely on you more whole-heartedly. Through them, my faith and trust has grown. You have made me stronger as I have depended on you. My desire for you has been set on fire. You have been overflowing my life with your goodness. Never before have I felt like I have so much to say about how good it is to love and follow you. At times, I have felt like I am going to explode with your love. I feel so full. 

What’s the problem then? I guess I’m more than a little impatient. That’s not really a guess, is it? No, it’s not. Do you trust that I have a purpose and plan for your life? Yes, I do. Do you think there is any chance that I will let my purpose and plan for you to go unfulfilled? No, I don’t. Do you believe that I am in control and that my time is just right? Yes, I do. Since you believe these things, what are you willing to do? I am willing to wait. Good, that’s exactly what I want you to do. Wait with me and for me. I am preparing you for my use. I will fulfill these desires of your heart in my way and in my timing. Which will be just right, of that you can be absolutely sure.

 Father, forgive my impatience and doubt. I do trust you. I will wait for your purposes and plans to unfold in my life. Use all my life experiences, both good and bad, for your kingdom and glory according to your purposes and plans.  Amen

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

Identity – Romans 8-28 – Called According To His Purpose – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

For We Are God’s Workmanship

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - For We Are God's Workmanship - Ephesians 2:10 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – For We Are God’s Workmanship – Ephesians 2:10 – Growing As Disciples

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

Workmanship

Father, thank you for making me just as you have made me. I’m not sure that I have given much thanks to you for creating me just as you have. I’ve so wanted to do and be more that I haven’t taken time to thankfully consider how you have made me. I will give thanks to you now.

You’re right about not thankfully considering the work of my hands. Work of your hands? That’s right, you are the work of my hands, so go ahead and tell me how you think I have done. What are you most thankful for?

You have given me a hunger for fellowship with you. I didn’t realize it at first, but without you I had this emptiness inside. My life was going nowhere. I was far from you. But you would not let me go. You drew me back and rescued me from a life without you. So, I’m thankful that you created me with an emptiness that only you can fill. You both feed this hunger for you and leave me wanting even more. It delights me to hear you say this. There is more. Go ahead, I’m listening.

You have given me this burning desire to serve you. For so long I have been engaged in worldly pursuits that ultimately won’t amount to much in light of eternity. Over time, dissatisfaction with these pursuits has grown in me. Now you have set me on fire with desire to do what you have prepared me to do for your kingdom and glory. I don’t always know what these assignments are but I’m watching and waiting and walking with you. I’m thankful that you have given me this desire to serve you.  Very good. I have prepared many good works for you to do. You can be sure that I will help you to accomplish them.

Your help reminds me what I am most thankful for. What’s that? I am so thankful that I can trust you. For so long I have trusted in myself and in my own efforts. How did that work out? Not well at all. I know. What gives you the greatest confidence that you can trust me? You made me. I am your child. You are my Father. So, I am most thankful that, as your child, I can trust you completely. My life is in your hands. You love me and I love you. I will live my life holding on to your hand. Yes, and I will be holding onto you. My grip will never let you go.

Father, thank you that I am the work of your hands. As my Father you have lovingly designed me to live as your child. It is my delight to live in fellowship with you as I do the good works that you have prepared me to do for you.  Amen

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

Identity – Ephesians 2-10 – For We Are God’s Workmanship – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

May Be One

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - John 17:20-23 - May Be One - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – John 17:20-23 – May Be One – Growing As Disciples

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:20-23 (NIV)

Let The World Know

Your life is a message. Do you know that? Maybe, I’m not sure. Could you explain what you mean? How you live your life sends a message to others. Your actions and the way that you conduct yourself will speak louder than your words. If the way that you live your life is not consistent with your words then what you say will not be believed or even heard. It will be as if your lips are moving but the hearer will not be able to comprehend what you are saying. In fact, they will have no desire to hear what you are saying. In their minds they will dismiss you and label you as just another hypocrite. The world has seen an abundance of those. That is not what you want to be. No, you are right, I don’t want to be a hypocrite.

What message do you want my life to convey? What do you think? I think you want the world to know about your love. That’s why you sent your son into the world. The message of His life was that through Him each one of us could receive forgiveness of our sins and be restored into a relationship with you, as your children. How do you factor into that message being spoken, heard and received in the world through your life? 

Living in a restored relationship with you is changing me. How is that? Because I am your child I am in the process of becoming more like you. What do you think becoming more like me will look like? I think becoming more like you will look like love. If I love you, I will love others just like you have loved me. You gave yourself for me. I will give myself to others. You laid down your life for me. I will lay down my life for others. You came to serve, not to be served. I will become a loving servant to others. Instead of always thinking about my needs, and myself I will consider how I can love and serve others. What kind of message will your loving and serving others be in this world?

Living the life that you want me to live will stand out. It will get noticed. It will be shockingly different. Your kind of love and service to others is very rare in this world. People are filled with wonder when they see real love and sacrificial giving on display. They are attracted to it and want to know its source. But, I can’t live and love and serve others without your help. I really need your help. It is only you that can make me able to love and serve others. That’s the point isn’t it? What do you mean? You want others to see me in you. Yes, that’s exactly what I want. You will only be able to love and serve others, as I would, as you rely on me. As you rely on me my love will flow through you and enable you to be my witness in the world. Will you rely on me, and allow me, to send my message to the world through your life? Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I want my words and life to be a testimony for you in this world. Let your love shine brightly through me as a light that gives glory, and attracts others, to you. Help me to love even those that others find difficult to love. Amen

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

Identity – John 17-20-23 – May Be One – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Teach Me, O Lord, To Follow

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Teach Me, O Lord, To Follow - Psalm 119 - 33-37 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Teach Me, O Lord, To Follow – Psalm 119 – 33-37 – Growing As Disciples

Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Psalm 119:33-37

Huddle

There is a lot of noise out there. I know, it’s so distracting. Sometimes it gets so loud it’s hard to think straight. I feel like my life is under a constant bombardment of noisy messages from the world. What are they saying? Do this. Go there. You will be happy if you have this or try that. You can’t possibly be happy without this or that. If I listened to all these voices I would have no direction in life at all. I’d be running around in circles and wanting to pull out my hair in frustration. How do you know that’s true? I’ve lived it. I’ve made the mistake of falling under the influence of the world. At times I have felt like I’ve been running on a treadmill that leads to nowhere. Do you want to get off? Yes, I do. How can I?

I want you to imagine that you are in a very large stadium. The crowd is roaring so loud your ears are beginning to hurt. Down on the field there is a football game being played. You are on the team and in the game. What do you need to do to learn what the next play will be? I would need to huddle up, lean in, and listen very carefully for the next play to be called. Would there be any other way to learn the play? I’m not sure what you mean. Would the crowd ever be able to shout out the next play? Would the opposing team give you the correct signal? Would you be able to guess what you were supposed to do next? No, the only way that I would know what to do next is by leaning in and listening very carefully. That’s exactly right. How does this help me? 

The stadium is like the world. The crowd noise is every thought, opinion and suggestion the world has to offer. The game is life and you are a player in it. The plays that are called in the huddle are what you are to do next. You will only know what to do next as you lean in and listen very carefully. I am the signal caller. You are on my team. You are my follower. Leaning in and listening is called prayer. The playbook is my word. Now, I get it. Do you? Tell me what you understand.

As your follower, it is my role to know your word and lean into you in prayer. As I study your word and come to you in prayer, you will guide my life. Yes, you do understand. Is this what you will do? Yes Lord, I will.

Father, in the midst of the noise of this world I will huddle up and lean in to you in prayer to listen to your instructions. I will study and know your word to allow it to guide my life. 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 – Psalm 139-33-37 – Teach Me, O Lord, To Follow – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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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

Conformed To The Likeness

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Conformed To The Likeness - Romans 8:29 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Conformed To The Likeness – Romans 8:29 – Growing As Disciples

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29 (NIV)

Like Him

I have a plan for your life. Do you want to hear what it is? Yes, I would. My plan is that you will become like my Son. I want to mold and shape your life so that you look a lot like Him. When people see you, I want them to see my Son in you. I’d like that very much. That is the desire of my heart. Yes, I know. Where do you think that desire came from? From you, I’m sure. What makes you so sure of that? Such a dramatic change of desire within me could have only come from you. For so much of my life, my desires were very much in step with everyone else in this world. How so? I lived exclusively for my own pleasure. I did what felt good. All my thoughts, words, and actions were molded and shaped by the world’s value system. They’re not now? No, I now know that you are in the process of changing me. Do you like what I am doing in you? Yes, I do. Tell me about that.

I like that you are changing my heart and mind. Your work is obviously an inside job. Why do you think that? I’ve noticed that there are a lot of sinful things that I don’t do or say anymore. It’s not because I’ve gotten better at keeping a lid on them either. No, it’s because you have been changing me on the inside so that I look and act different on the outside. You got that right. What have I been using to transform your heart and mind?

You have been molding me and shaping me by your word. You have given me such a hunger for your word. I have been thinking deeply about it day and night. Yes, I know. That pleases me. How do you think my word has been working in you? Your word changes my thoughts. It’s like your Holy Spirit uses your word to push my old thoughts out of my heart and mind. It seems like the Holy Spirit is using your word like a sword to fight in me, for me, and through me. Sometimes old patterns of thought and action don’t leave without a battle. You are winning the battle over my heart and mind one day at a time. For that I am so very thankful.

I know that you have been impatient about the changes I’ve been making in your life. You’ve wanted them to come more quickly. Yes, I have. That desire is good. Yet, I want you to trust me. It would be the devil’s trick for you to become discouraged. He wants you to give up and fall back into your old patterns of living. Keep your eyes on me. It is me that is changing you day-by-day and moment-by-moment. By the way, when do you think my work in you will be complete and finished? When I’m living with you forever in heaven. Yes, that’s right.  

Father, I welcome your work in me. Mold my life so that I become like your son in all I think, say, and do. Help me to stand against the world’s efforts to conform me into its image. I want people to see Jesus Christ living in me.  Amen

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

Identity – Romans 8-29 – Conformed To The Likeness – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

A Pure Heart

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - A Pure Heart - Psalm 51:10 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – A Pure Heart – Psalm 51:10 – Growing As Disciples

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Pure Heart

I’ve done it again. I’ve really blown it this time. I made a big mistake. I’ve made a really bad choice. Do you mean to say that you sinned? Yes, I do. Who have you sinned against? I’ve sinned against you and another person. It’s good that you are confessing this to me. There is no sense in trying to cover it up. You can’t hide it from me. I saw you do it in the first place. I tried to prompt you and show you a way of escape so that you would not sin. But, you would not listen. You let yourself be enticed. Did you not see the way of escape that was there for you to take? Yes, I guess I did. But, you didn’t want to take it, did you? No, I didn’t. Why is that? I got so wrapped up in the heat of the moment that I felt powerless to take the way of escape and do the right thing. You played around with this sin in your mind and once you did that the way of escape closed. Do you really want to do the right thing and not sin against me and other people? Yes, desperately so. How desperately are you willing to stop playing around with sin in your heart and mind? I am very willing. I want you to create in me a pure heart so that I will have clean thoughts and right desires. Are you asking me to forgive and cleanse you? Yes, I am. You will have to make things right with the person you have sinned against. I know, I will. Good, your sins are forgiven. My son has already taken care of that for you on the cross. He has already secured your forgiveness and cleansing. I know, I am so thankful. How thankful? Are you willing to take steps to turn away from sin when it attempts to entice you again? Yes, I am. Do you have something specific in mind? Yes, I do.

You have asked for a clean heart and a pure mind, haven’t you? Yes, I have. How do you think that will happen? I don’t know. That seems obvious to me. Do you realize that every day you are presented with a choice of what you will feed your heart and mind? How is that? Everything you hear or see enters your heart and mind. What you allow entrance will either help or harm you. Is there anything that you are watching or listening to that you think might displease me? Yes, there is. Are you willing to remove those from your hearing and sight? Yes, I am. Good, but that’s only half of the equation. What else is there? You will need to feed on my word. Why is that? As you feast on my word, I will change your heart and mind with it. Where do you suggest I begin? Begin meditating on and memorizing my word that speaks directly to where you are weak and most likely to be tempted. Will that help? Yes, the Holy Spirit will take my word that you have hidden in your heart and use it to help you to stand against attacks of temptation and evil. Are you ready to begin? Yes, I am.  

Father, thank you that my forgiveness and cleansing was secured on the cross, by your son Jesus Christ. Help me now to turn away from sin. Create in me a clean heart and mind as I feast on your word.  Amen

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

Identity – Psalm 51-10 – A Pure Heart – 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