Category Archives: Life

Crown Of Life

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - James 1:12 - Crown Of Life - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – James 1:12 – Crown Of Life – Growing As Disciples

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (NIV)

Trials And Tests

How have you been able to persevere and withstand the trials and tests of life? I’m not sure how to answer that question. Why is that? I’m not sure if I really have persevered and withstood the trials and tests of life. How can you think and say that?  Am I wrong? Yes, you are wrong. You may not have passed all the trials and tests of life in a way that most benefited you. But, you are here right now talking to me. You haven’t run away. You haven’t abandoned your faith. You have held on to me through all the trials and tests that you have faced in life. I could have held on to you a little more tightly. I could have relied on you a little more completely. Yes, that is true. 

What has happened to you as you have taken a hold of my promises? Your promises have sustained and strengthened me. Your promises have given me hope. Your promises have given me joy even in the midst of trials and tests in life. Your promises have helped me to persevere and withstand whatever trail and test that has come my way. Most of all my love for you has grown as I have relied on you and your promises. Do these words of yours sound like someone that has not been persevering and withstanding the trials and tests of life? I guess not. Guess again. No, these are the words of a person who has been sustained and strengthened by you. Yes, that’s right.

Where have I been when you have been in the midst of the trials and tests in life? You have been right there with me in the middle of my trials and tests. It has taken a long time and many trials and tests for me to realize that I have never been alone. Maybe that has been the real test. Say more about that. Maybe my trials and tests have been meant to teach me to trust you. Maybe my trails and tests have been meant for me to rely on your strength. Maybe my trials and tests have been meant to develop my relationship with you. Maybe my trials and tests have been meant to cause me to look to you and the future I will have forever in heaven with you. That’s a lot of maybe, are you really that uncertain? No, I am certain that all my trials and tests have and were meant to accomplish all these purposes.

Do you wish that you wouldn’t have had so many trials and tests in life? That’s a difficult question to answer. Why is that? I have never been a fan of trials and tests. They have been painful for me to endure. But, if I had not gone through so many trials and tests I would trust and rely on you less. If I had not gone through so many trials and tests I wouldn’t know you like I do. If I had not gone through so many trials and tests I would not have my eyes so focused on my life forever in heaven with you. Most of all, if I hadn’t gone through so many trails and tests I might not love you as much as I do. You have been with me to help me through every trail and test in life. Yes, I have been.

Lord, I love you. I know you love me. I am certain that you will help me to persevere and withstand the trials and tests of life. Sustain and strengthen me as I joyfully hold on to you and your promises through trials and tests in life. Amen

Key Question… How has the Lord helped you to persevere under trials and stand the tests that they have presented to you?

Living It Out… Let your love for the Lord and the hope that you have in Him help you to withstand trials and tests in life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to persevere and withstand the trials and tests of life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has helped you to withstand the trials and tests of life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you love the Lord and hold on to Him as you joyfully go through the trials and tests of life.

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

Life – James 1-12 – Crown Of Life – 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 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

Worries Of This Life

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - Matthew 13:22- Worries Of This Life - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – Matthew 13:22- Worries Of This Life – Growing As Disciples

The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. Matthew 13:22 (NIV)

Planting

Do you want me to plant my word in your life? Yes, I’m sure that I do. Do you have any idea how that might happen? I’m not sure. Do you think that you will see and hear my word while you are doing something else? Like what? Pick any activity in your life, where and when have you heard or seen my word? I only hear or see your word when I take the time to sit down to read it. That’s my point. If you want me to plant my word in your life you must participate in the process. You must make time and have a place where and when you meet with me in my word. You can’t tell me that you want me to plant my word in your life if you’re not meeting with me in my word. I get it, that makes sense to me.

Do you want my word to grow and flourish in your life? Yes, of course I do. How do you read my word? I’m not sure what you mean. Do you carefully consider my word? Do you listen attentively to my word? Do you meditate on my word day and night? Do you ask me how I want to apply my word to your life? You must allow my word to change your heart and transform your mind. I am meeting with you in your word. I am attentively listening and carefully considering your word. I do think about your word all the time. Your word has been changing my heart and transforming my mind. You are giving me new thoughts to think and a new life to live that is guided by your word. Yes, you are and yes I am.

Do you want your life to bear and abundance of fruit for my kingdom and glory? I sure do, more than anything else in all of life. Are you making sure that nothing chokes the growth of my word in your life? Like what? Are you letting yourself be too busy to meet with me in my word? No, I don’t think so. Are you letting the worries and cares of this world short circuit what I want to do in and through you? If I am you will need to show that to me.  Are you pursuing the riches and pleasures of this world? I don’t think so, although this is certainly an area of danger for me. Yes, it is, I’m glad that you see that. Is there any sin that is hindering your desire to come and meet with me? If there is, then you will need to show that to me as well. I’m sure that I have sin and that I am a sinner. But, I’m not allowing anything to stop me from coming to you. That’s very good.

Keep coming to me to meet with me in my word. I will continue to plant my word in you so that it will flourish and grow. Then you will be able to bear an abundance of fruit for my kingdom and glory. Then you will be able to live the life that I have given you to live. Then you will be able to know and do my will. Then my word will dwell in you richly. Is this what you want? Yes Lord, it is.

Lord, plant your word in my life. Let your word grow and flourish in me. Show me if there is anything that is choking the growth of your word in me. Change my heart and mind by your word. Make my life abundantly fruitful for you. Amen

Key Question… How are you making yourself available to God so that He can plant His word into your life?

Living It Out… Make yourself available to God so that He can plant His word in your life and make you fruitful for Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God’s word will grow like seed in your life and make you fruitful for Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God’s word has been growing in you, making you fruitful for Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May God’s word grow and flourish in you so that your life can be abundantly fruit for Him.

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

Life – Matthew 13-22 – Worries Of This Life – 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

But Christ Lives In Me

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - Galatians 2:20 - But Christ Lives In Me - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – Galatians 2:20 – But Christ Lives In Me – Growing As Disciples

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 

Dead And Alive

How can I be both dead and alive? Aren’t I either dead or alive? Your question seems logical enough. But, the only way that you can be alive is if you are dead. I’m confused. I hope you will explain this to me. Yes, I will. At one time, you were very much alive to the evil of this world. You were ruled by your passions and lusts. Your thoughts, words and actions were all thought, said, or done according to the values and wisdom of this world. You lived a self-centered, self-indulgent, and self-reliant life. You did whatever you wanted whenever you wanted. You lived entirely for your own comfort and pleasure. You had no time for me. You had no interest in me. Am I painting a fair picture of your old life? Yes, you are. You were also living a bruised and broken life. You were experiencing the wages and consequences of your sin. Which is death. Yes, it is. You were living in darkness. You were living in death. You were living apart from me. Yes, I was.

I may confuse you a little more. Go ahead. The only way you can be alive is if you are dead. The only way you can be dead is if you are alive. You are right I’m even more confused. Be patient, I’ll explain. You’ll get it, I know that you will.  I’m listening. You have my full attention. I was unwilling to leave you living in your sin filled dead life. I was unwilling to leave you forever separated from life with me. So, I came into this world to die on the cross for your sins. I broke the power that sin held over your life. I made it possible for you to cry out to me. Which, I did. Yes, you did. You asked me to forgive your sins. You asked me to cleanse you of all your unrighteousness. Yes, I did. Well, I did forgive and cleanse you of all your sins. Your sins and your old life were nailed to the cross with me. Your old life died on the cross with me. Are you getting this now? Maybe, tell me more. Your old life died on the cross so you could live a new life with me. You were dead in sin. But, now you are dead to sin. There is a huge difference. I see it. When I was dead in sin I was powerless to live the life you wanted to give to me. Now, because I am dead to sin, it has no power over me. That’s right. Now, I am free to live the life that you have given me to live. Yes, you are. 

Really, I could also say, I no longer live. It is you that is living in and through me. Yes, I am. My old life is dead and gone. It was put to death on the cross with you. Yes, it was. The life that I am now living is the life that you have given me to live. Yes, it is.

Lord, thank you that my old sin filled life is dead and gone. All my sin was nailed on the cross. Now, I am forgiven. Now, I have been cleansed by your blood. Now, I have been set free. Now, I have a completely new life to live. Amen

Key Question… How does your new life in Jesus Christ compare with the old life you once lived?

Living It Out… Live the life of being dead to sin and alive to God that Jesus Christ has secured for you on the cross.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you are now dead to sin and alive to God because of what Jesus Christ did for you on the cross.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how Jesus Christ has given you a completely new life to live with Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you be dead to sin and alive to God through all that Jesus Christ has done for you on the cross.

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

Life – Galatians 2-20 – But Christ Lives In Me – 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

Hold On To Instruction

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Discipleship Devotional Study - Life - Proverbs 4:10-13 - Hold On To Instruction- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study – Life – Proverbs 4:10-13 – Hold On To Instruction- Growing As Disciples

Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Proverbs 4:10-13 (NIV)

Attentively Listening

Are you listening attentively to my words? Are you paying attention to all that I want to say to you? Are you taking a hold of all my teaching and instruction? I would like to say that I am, but I am sure that I am not. Why is that? What is hindering you from hearing and receiving every word that I want to speak into your life? I can think of several bad reasons why I am not hearing and receiving all that you want to say to me. Lets talk about this.  

I have been too busy or at least I think that I have been too busy. You are too busy to listen to what I want to speak into your life? That is a very troubling question. Why is that? What could be more important than listening to all that you want to say to me? Obviously, there is nothing that could be more important than listening to you. Somehow, I have let my life become filled up with places to go, people to see and things to do. I know that I will never hear you over the noise of my own life. I need to stop and take time to listen to you. Yes, you do. What else is hindering your ability to listen attentively and pay attention to my words?

I have been stubborn, independent and self-reliant. What do you mean by that? I think that I have all the answers. I think that I have all that I need. No one can tell me anything. I’m sure that I can accomplish everything that is before me with my own gifts, talents and abilities. How does all this sound to you? It sounds really pathetic to me. Why is that? I know that I don’t have all the answers. I know that I don’t have all that I need. I know that my gifts, talents and abilities are very limited and will never enable me to accomplish all that you have given me to do without your help. You’re absolutely right about that, what else is hindering your ability to hear and receive all that I want to speak into your life?

I have wanted to do things in my way, according to my own plan. That had to be very hard for you to admit. Yes, it was. Listening to you and to others might change my plans. I might become uncomfortable. I might not want to do what I am being asked to do. I might think that I have a better idea or way of my own. How does all of this sound to you? I have been so filled with pride. It really disgusts me. At least you are facing these sins of yours. Yes, I am. Are you willing to turn from them? Yes, I am. Why is that? I really do want to hear all that you have to say to me. I really do want my life to be guided by you. I do want you to teach and instruct me. I want to remember, take hold and not swerve away from any of your word. What will you do? I will make attentively listening to you the priority of my life. Then, you will be hearing from me.

Lord, I need to hear and receive all the words of wisdom that you want to speak into my life. Help me to be open and receptive to all that you want to teach me. I will listen attentively and hold on to all that you want to say to me. Amen

Key Question… How open and receptive are you to hearing words of wisdom that the Lord brings into your life?

Living It Out… Be open and receptive and take hold of all the words of wisdom that the Lord wants to speak into your life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will speak words of life giving wisdom into your life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are receptive to hearing and receiving words of wisdom.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you listen attentively to all the wise words of instruction that the Lord wants to speak into your life.

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

Life – Proverbs 4-10-13 – Hold On To Instruction – 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

Walk As Jesus Did

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Discipleship Study Devotional Study Guide - Life - 1 John 2:6- Walk As Jesus Did - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Study Devotional Study Guide – Life – 1 John 2:6- Walk As Jesus Did – Growing As Disciples

Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6 (NIV)

What Did I Do? 

What did I do? That seems like a really broad and large question. Yes, and you will do very well if you spend a lifetime thinking deeply about your answer. Go ahead and ask your question, I know what’s on your mind. I was thinking, “Why is that?” Why should I spend a lifetime thinking about what you did? I’m not being defiant. I have my own ideas of why I think it would be important for me to continually think about what you did. I would much rather listen to what you have to say on the subject. That’s funny I would much rather listen to what you have to say on the subject. I guess you are going to win. I will be happy to listen to all that you have to say.  Here goes then.

I want to watch and think about what you did because I want to become like you. Most people, including me, learn best by observing a real life example. It’s one thing to have something explained. It’s quite another to see it done. It’s even better to have something explained and see it done. So, I want to carefully consider both your words and your actions. Your words explain things to me. Your life serves as an example to me. Now, that wasn’t so hard to say was it? No, it wasn’t. You have said just about what I would have said to you if I had gone first. Really? Yes, really. That should be an encouragement to you. You are thinking, “Why is that?” again aren’t you? Yes, I am. Don’t even bother asking me that. You tell me. If I said what you might have said then I’m thinking thoughts and saying words that are similar to yours. Yes, is that surprising to you? It is more than surprising, it is astonishing to me. Now, I should ask, “Why is that?” It seems inconceivable to me that I could think some of your thoughts and say some of your words. Isn’t that the goal? What do you mean by that? Don’t you want to become like me? Don’t you want to walk as I walked? Don’t you want to live as I lived? Don’t you want to do what I did? Yes, I do. Then as you listen attentively to my words and observe what I have done and am doing you will start becoming like me. You will think what I thought. You will do what I did. You say what I said.  I will? Yes, and this is not something that should surprise you. In fact you should expect that I will be changing your thoughts, words, and deeds to be more like mine. Do you know why that is? Not really. Sure you do, give me your best shot at answering my question. I want to become like you. I am listening attentively to your words. I am carefully observing what you did. I am intently watching what you are doing.  I love you. I want to follow, obey and serve you. Now see, you have great answers to my question. Can you see that all these things that you want are what I want for you? Yes, I can see that. Can you understand that I placed these desires in your heart? Yes, I can. Then you need to believe that I will make you to be like me in all your thoughts, words, and deeds as you follow me. Do you believe that? Yes Lord, I do. That’s very good.

Lord, thank you for making it possible for me to walk as you walked by doing what you did in life. I want to trust my Heavenly Father just as you trusted Him. I want to love, follow and serve Him just as you did. Help me to do that every day. Amen

Key Question… How are you walking as Christ walked in the way that He knew and did His Heavenly Father’s will?

Living It Out… Make it the priority of your life to walk as Christ walked by thinking, saying and doing what He did in life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Holy Spirit will help you to walk as Christ walked by thinking, saying and doing what He did in life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are walking as Christ walked by doing what He did in life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you walk as Jesus walked by doing what He did as He loved, followed and served His Father.

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

Life – 1 John 2-6 – Walk As Jesus Did – 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

Life-Giving Rebuke

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - Proverbs 15:31 - Life-Giving Rebuke - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – Proverbs 15:31 – Life-Giving Rebuke – Growing As Disciples

He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. Proverbs 15:31 (NIV)

Constructive Criticism

You have heard words of constructive criticism before haven’t you? Yes, I have. That’s a modern way to say what is called a life-giving rebuke. It’s probably not a good translation of my word. I don’t think you understand the danger of not accepting a life-giving rebuke when you call it constructive criticism. I’m not sure what you mean. Do you think accepting or rejecting constructive criticism is an option on your part? Is constructive criticism like feedback that you can choose to accept or reject? Yes, I guess so. That’s a real problem then. Why is that? I often speak through others to you. I will often give you wisdom through the words of others. Sometimes that wisdom will be a matter of life and death. Do you want to pick and choose from the wisdom that I want to speak into your life? No, I don’t. I want all the wisdom that you will give to me. Yes, I know.

Not every criticism you hear will be constructive. Not every constructive criticism will come from me. Not every constructive criticism will be like a life-giving rebuke. Some criticism may look like constructive criticism but will be a form of condemnation that will try to tear you down. The devil is very good at using so called constructive criticism to attack you with words that can steal, kill, and destroy life. What do all my comments suggest to you? I need to listen very carefully to what I have called constructive criticism and what you call a life-giving rebuke. I need to carefully consider all the words that are being spoken to me. When you listen what will you be trying to hear? When I listen I will be trying to hear all the wisdom that you want to speak into my life. As you listen what must you not do? As I listen I must not react in a way that quickly rejects what others have to say to me. Why is that? I know that you have often spoken into my life through the words of others. Yes, I have.

How open are you to listening to constructive criticism or life-giving rebukes from others? What is your first response to difficult and challenging words that others have to say to you? I want to be completely open to how you speak to me through the words of others. I know that I have not been completely open to hearing difficult words of constructive criticism or life-giving rebuke. That is a very dangerous position to be in. Why is that? If others are afraid to take a chance to give you constructive criticism or life-giving rebukes then they won’t speak up. How you react to the words of others will either give or deny them the opportunity and permission to offer life-giving help to you. Do you want to limit the help you receive from others? No, I do not. Do you want to limit one of the ways that I want to speak wisdom into your life? No, I do not. Then you must be ready to listen to and ready to act on constructive criticism and life-giving rebukes that come your way. Is that what you will do? Yes Lord, it is.

Lord, I haven’t always been receptive to hearing and acting on words of constructive criticism. I know you often speak to me through the voices of others. Help me to hear all that you want to say to me so I can grow in your wisdom. Amen

Key Question… What might never hearing words of constructive criticism from others signal to you?

Living It Out… Be open to receive and act on the wisdom that the Lord gives you through constructive criticism from others.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will often give you wisdom through the constructive criticism of others.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how receiving constructive criticism is helping you to grow in wisdom.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you receive wisdom that the Lord wants to give you through constructive criticism from others.

Life – Proverbs 15-31 – Life-Giving Rebuke – 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 Tongue

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - James 3:6 - The Tongue - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – James 3:6 – The Tongue – Growing As Disciples

The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:6 (NIV) 

Life Giving Words

There is power in your tongue. How so? Your words can kill or your words can heal. You can speak life giving words that will lift others up or you can speak life taking words that will tear others down. What kind of words would you like to speak? Obviously, I would like to speak life giving words that will lift others up. Why is that obvious? Would everyone see it as obvious by the words that have come out of your mouth? Well, I said that I would like to speak life giving words. I did not say that I have always spoken life giving words. That wouldn’t be true. But that’s what I want and that’s what you asked me. Yes, I did, you’re right. So, do you want to make a break with the past? Yes, I do. Do you want new life giving words to come out of your mouth? Yes, I do,

What will need to happen for life giving words to come out of your mouth? I’m not sure, I really don’t know. Do you think that the words of your mouth can be different than what’s in your heart and on your mind? I don’t think so. I’ve tried to keep a lid on negative thoughts and words that I’ve held on to in my heart and mind. Sooner or later those words have erupted and come out of my mouth. Yes, they have and that has not been pretty, has it? No, it hasn’t. Then I’ve spoken life taking words that have torn others down. Yes, you have.

Would you agree that your heart and mind have to change before the words of your mouth will change? Yes, I would. Would you also agree that whatever is in your heart and on your mind will one day come out? Yes, I would. So, if evil is in your heart and on your mind it will come out, is that true? Yes, it is. Likewise, if good is in your heart and on your mind, it will come out, is that also true? I am sure that it is. So, do you want me to change what is in your heart and on your mind? Yes, I do. Why don’t you change your heart and mind by yourself? I would if I could but I can’t. Are you sure? Yes, I’m sure. What makes you so sure you can’t change your own heart and mind? I’ve tried that many times and failed miserably. Yes, you have. Only you can change my heart and mind. Yes, that’s right.

Do you believe that I will change your heart and mind so that you can speak my life giving words? Yes, I do. What do you think I will use to change your heart and mind? You will use your Holy Spirit living inside of me to change me. Yes, I will. What will my Holy Spirit use as a tool to change your heart and your mind? Your Holy Spirit will use your word to change my heart and mind. He will help me to think and speak your words. Yes, He will and then you will be able to speak the life giving words that I will give you to speak into the lives of others. Then my words will come pouring out of your life. Then you be a witness for me in the world. That is exactly what I want.

Lord, in the past the words of my mouth have been like a flamethrower. I have said things that have hurt people and destroyed relationships. No more! Take charge of my tongue. Help me to speak life giving words to other people. Amen

Key Question… When have you set something on fire with the words that have come out of your mouth?

Living It Out… Make every effort to make sure that the words that are coming out of your mouth are life giving.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will use your mouth to speak words that give life to other people.

Get Ready To Share… May the Lord use the words that come out of your mouth to give life to other people.

Prayer To Bless Others… May it be your desire to know and do the will of God.

Life – James 3-6 – The Tongue – 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

On Every Word That Comes From The Mouth Of God

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - Matthew 4:4 - On Every Word That Comes From The Mouth Of God - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – Matthew 4:4 – On Every Word That Comes From The Mouth Of God – Growing As Disciples

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Matthew 4:4 (NIV)

Feast On

Are you nibbling or feasting on my word? What does nibbling on your word look like? You tell me. I suppose nibbling on your word would include hearing your word at church and reading it once in a while for myself. Nibbling on your word would probably seldom involve listening attentively to it, thinking deeply about it, remembering it, or actually putting it into practice. Nibbling on your word would be more like receiving a free sample at the grocery store but never actually buying the product. You have a very good idea of what nibbling on my word looks like. What would feasting on my word look like? Feasting on your word would certainly involve listening attentively to it, thinking deeply about it, remembering it and actually putting it into practice. Yes, it would. I would like to say more. Go ahead. Feasting on your word would also mean it was a regularly part of my daily diet. If I really wanted to feast on your word I would set aside a daily time and a place to meet with you in your word. Yes, you would. So, in answer to your question, I have been feasting on your word. Yes, you have been.

What has feasting on my word done for you? Feasting on your word has changed and is changing my heart. How so? As I have feasted on your word the desires of my heart have changed. What I want has changed. In the past I wanted all that I wanted. I was never content. I always wanted more. A lot of what I wanted was not what you wanted for me. Like what? I wanted all that the world had to offer. A lot of what I wanted was sinful. I was easily tempted by evil and controlled by my passions. I was an easy target for the Devil and all his temptations. My heart was entangled and in bondage to sin. Not now? No, not now! Now, my heart wants what you want. I want to know and do your will. Yes, I can see that. Tell me more. Your word has also transformed and is transforming my mind. How so? In the past my mind was weak. I thought about whatever came into my mind. What did you think? The world and all its values bombarded my mind and controlled most of what I thought. I thought and lived according to the world’s values just like most everyone else. My worldly thoughts and values also made me an easy target for the Devil and his temptations. My mind was darkened and under his power. Not now? No, not now! Now, I meditate on your word day and night. Now, it is my delight to think your thoughts, speak your words and do your will. Yes, I can see that.

I would like to say more. Go ahead. Your word has sustained me. You word strengthens me. You word is a shield around me. Your word fights in me, with me, and for me. Yes, it does. I can stand on your word against every attack of the Devil and his evil. Yes, you can. It is my joy to meet with you in your word. There is no place I would rather be than with you in your word. Yes, I can see that too. I will allow your word to continue to change my heart and transform my mind. That’s very good.

Lord, use your word to change my heart and its desires. Use your word to transform my mind and its thoughts. Use your word to make me able to stand against the devil and his evil temptations. Feed, sustain and strengthen me with your word. Amen

Key Question… How has God’s word been transforming your mind and the way that you think?

Living It Out…  Make it your daily practice to feast on God’s word so you will have all you need to resist the Devil and his temptations.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God’s word will change your heart and transform your mind making you able to stand against the Devil.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God’s word is changing your heart and transforming your mind.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you attentively listen to God so that you can live on every word that comes from Him.

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

Life – Matthew 4-4 – On Every Word That Comes From The Mouth Of God – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

Do Not Worry About Your Life

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - Matthew 6:25-27 - Do Not Worry About Your Life - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – Matthew 6:25-27 – Do Not Worry About Your Life – Growing As Disciples

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6:25-27 (NIV) 

Faith And Trust

Don’t worry. That’s easier said than done. How has worrying about tomorrow added value to your life today? It hasn’t, what do you suggest? What I have in mind is not a suggestion. You have let worry control your life for far too long. Yes, I have, I’m sure of that. What’s the alternative? You tell me. I will tell you what has not worked. What’s that? I have turned my worries into greater anxiety and harder work. Has that helped? No, it hasn’t, not at all. No matter how hard I try I just cant stop worrying. Maybe you should try a different approach. Like what? Would you like to stop worrying? Yes, I would. Are you ready to admit that worrying is a real problem in your life? Yes, I am. I can’t tell you how many opportunities I’ve passed up or avoided because of one kind of worry or another. You think I don’t know? No, I’m sure that you know. So, you want to stop worrying? You bet, I do.

Do you think I have been telling you to just stop worrying? Isn’t that what you have been telling me? No, not really. Without a doubt I want you to stop worrying. Make no mistake about that. I’m really confused. What are some words that you think of when you think of the opposite of worry? I think of faith and trust primarily. What would you do if you had complete faith and trust in me? I’m not sure what you mean. If you had complete faith and trust in me would you talk to me about your worries? Yes, I would. If you had complete faith and trust in me would you believe that I will hear and answer your prayers? Yes, I would. If you had complete faith in trust in me would you believe that I will sustain your life and make you able to do whatever I ask of you? Yes, I would.

So, if I’m not telling you to simply stop worrying what do you think I might be saying to you? You are asking me to place all my faith and trust in you. Yes, I am. You are asking me to talk to you about all my worries. Yes, I am. You are asking me to turn every one of my worries into a prayer to you. Yes, I am. You are asking me to believe that you will hear and answer my prayers. Yes, I am. You are asking me to believe that you will give me whatever I need to do whatever you ask of me. Yes, I am.

Why is that? I will be able to overcome worry because you are with me to help me. Yes, I am. How often am I with you to help you? You are with me to help me all the time. Yes, I am and you have no need to worry and every reason to have faith and trust in me. Yes, I do and yes I will have faith and trust in you.

Heavenly Father, in the past I have turned my worries into greater anxiety and harder work. I have lived a stress filled life. I have not trusted you or relied on your help. Forgive me. I will stop worrying and start praying. I will turn my worries into prayers to you. Amen

Key Question… When have you turned your worries into prayers to your Heavenly Father?

Living It Out… Learn to trust your Heavenly Father and rely on His help by turning all your worries into prayers to Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your Heavenly Father will hear and answer your prayers as you trust Him and rely on His help.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how praying to your Heavenly Father has released you from worry.

Prayer To Bless Others… May your life be released from stress and anxiety as you turn your worries into prayers to the Lord.

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

Life – Matthew 6-25-27 – Do Not Worry About Your Life– 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

Train Yourself

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - 1 Timothy 4:7-8 - Train Yourself - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – 1 Timothy 4:7-8 – Train Yourself – Growing As Disciples

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)

In Training

What do you think it would require for someone to train to become an Olympic athlete? I’m sure that it would take their all out, fully committed efforts to become an Olympic athlete. Give me some examples. They would need to devote their entire life to their goal. So, that would require rigorous physical training every day. Their diet would be limited to only what would be healthy for the care and maintenance of their body. No junk food would go into their mouth that’s for sure. They would also need to make absolutely sure that they were receiving the optimal amount of sleep and rest. Beyond that they would never stop studying how they might gain an advantage in both their training and actual competition. Then they would compete regularly against the best competition in the world so that they would continually be pushed to their limits. After all these fully devoted efforts they might reach their goal of being an Olympic athlete. You have a good grasp of what it would cost to be an Olympic athlete.

Of how much value do you think it might be to be an Olympic athlete? It would certainly be of value to be in great shape physically. I know that you want me to take care of my body. Yes, I do. Being an Olympic athlete might give someone a platform from which they could do great work in society. Yes, it might. Good health might help someone to be able to energetically serve you for a longer period of time. That’s also true. But at the end of a life how much value will there be in physical training? At the end of life there will be no value in physical training. Physical training adds value only in this life. Yes, that’s right.

What kind of training holds value in this life and for all eternity? Training in godliness holds value both now and forever. Yes, it does. Are you training in godliness? Yes, I am. As I meet with you daily in your word I am in training. As we talk together in prayer I am in training. As I follow, obey and serve you I am in training. As I worship you, together in the body of believers I am in training. As I live as your witness in the world I am in training. Yes, you are. What do you hope will be the end result of all your training in godliness? I want to know and love you well. I want to be changed by being in your presence. I want you to mold and shape my life according to your purposes and plans. I want to be the person you want me to be. I want to live the life you have given me to live. I want to have done what you have asked me to do. I want to bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom and your glory. These are all very good desires. As you are in training with me do you believe that I will accomplish all of these things in and through your life? Yes, I do without a doubt. You are right.

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

Life – 1 Timothy 4-7-8 – Train Yourself – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Lord, help me to be diligent, devoted and committed to growing in my relationship with you. I want to know you. I want to be changed by you. I want my life to be molded and shaped by you. I want to love, follow and serve you well. Amen

Key Question… What patterns, practices, and habits in your life are helping you to grow as a follower of Jesus Christ?

Living It Out…  Be diligent, devoted and committed to spending time and effort daily to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that whatever time and effort you commit to growing in your relationship with the Lord will not be wasted.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how you are vibrantly growing in your relationship with Jesus Christ.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you be diligent, committed and devoted to your training in godliness as a follower of Jesus Christ.

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