Category Archives: Life

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

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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

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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

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

Take Hold

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - 1 Timothy 6:11-12 - Take Hold - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – 1 Timothy 6:11-12 – Take Hold – Growing As Disciples

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:11-12  (NIV)

Flee And Pursue

Are you ready to fight the good fight of faith? Yes, I am. I will fight with all the strength that you give to me. Great, I’m glad to hear that. Now run! Run? Yes, I said, “run” and run as fast as you can. Run, that doesn’t sound at all like fighting. Oh, did you think that you would stand around and do battle with evil and ungodliness? Yes, I did. That’s not a strategy that has worked very well for you. Why is that? Why do you want me to run away from evil? You tell me. I’m not sure that I know why. Have you ever been attracted to evil? Have you ever enjoyed doing evil? I have to say yes to both your questions. So, do you know for sure that you will actually fight evil if you hang around to check it out? No, I don’t. Are you positive that you would be able to overcome evil if you stayed for the fight? No, I’m not positive. When I have made a way of escape from evil for you when has that way opened up? Your way of escape from evil has always come immediately. Hanging around evil has never led to a good result for me. That’s right, so run! I’m out of here right now! That’s Good.

Do you know where you are running? Do you know what to pursue? Aren’t I just supposed to run away? Isn’t one place just as good as another? What do you think? I suppose not. I might run into more evil. Yes, that’s right. You are fleeing evil. Yes, that’s right. What do I want you to pursue? You want me to pursue godliness and righteousness. Yes, I do. You will never be able to fight the good fight of faith and take hold of the eternal life that you have in me by simply fleeing evil alone. You must pursue me and the godly and righteous life that I have given you to live. That is the way that I have called you to live. Fleeing evil and pursuing me is what I have called you to do. Do these two directions seem clear enough to you? Yes, they are crystal clear.

What will you be doing as you flee evil and pursue godliness? Beyond fighting the good fight of faith and taking hold of the salvation that I have in you? Yes, beyond that. I’m not sure. Will anyone be watching you? You will be watching me. Yes I will be watching you. Will anyone else be watching you? The world will be watching me. Yes, that’s right. Now, do you have the answer to my question? Yes, I do. Let me hear your answer. When I flee evil and pursue righteousness I will be living as your witness in the world. Yes, you will. People will notice how I live and some of them will be drawn to you through the testimony of my life. Yes, they will.

Lord, help me to fight the good fight of faith. Help me to take hold of the eternal life that I have in you. I will flee ungodliness and pursue the righteous life you have given me to live. Help me to live as your witness in the world. Amen

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

Life – 1 Timothy 6-11-12 – Take Hold – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Word Of Life

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - Philippians 2:14-16 - Word Of Life - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – Philippians 2:14-16 – Word Of Life – Growing As Disciples

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life–in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. Philippians 2:14-16 (NIV)

 Shine Like Stars

What will happen if you become known as someone who is always complaining, whining or arguing about something? People will ignore me. They won’t listen to a word that I have to say. Is that all? No, they will want to distance themselves from me. No one likes to hang around someone that is always complaining, whining or arguing about something. So, you won’t be very popular? No, I wouldn’t be. Is that really the worst that could happen? No, it’s not. Complainers, whiners, and arguers often find themselves under the attack of criticism from others. I have found that you get back what you give out. You reap what you sow? Yes, that’s it exactly. That would be really uncomfortable. Yes, it would be. But, its still not the worst thing that could happen is it? What could be worse than that?

Let me ask you a few questions. Go ahead, I’m listening. Who are you? Who have a called you to be? What have I asked you to do? You have called me to be a pure child of God. Yes, that’s right. Is there anything pure about being a complainer who whines and argues all the time? No, there is not. So, one of the worst things about being a whiner, arguer, or complainer would be what? If I were a whiner, arguer or complainer then I would not be living out my calling as a pure child of God. That’s right. How big a deal is that? That would be unthinkable. I want to live out my calling as a pure child of yours. Yes, I know, so you will do what? I will do whatever you have given me to do in life without whining, complaining or arguing. That’s great. 

What will happen when you do the work I have given to you without complaining, whining or arguing? I’m not sure what you mean. We have talked about the worst that could happen. Yes. Well, what is the best thing that could happen if you live as a pure child of God? I would be attractive to others. They would be drawn to me. They would wonder why I was living so different from most of the people they know. The world is full of whiners, complainers and arguers. Yes, it is. I would shine like a bright star in this dark world. Yes, that’s it exactly.

As you shine like a bright star in the universe what will you be able to hold out to those who are drawn to you? I will be able to hold out you. You are the word of life. You are my Savior and Lord. Yes, I am. People wouldn’t really be drawn to me. It is you living in and through my life that would draw others to you. But, I would be using you. Your life would speak out for me. Your words would explain the life that others could have in me. Yes, and then they would want to give themselves to you. They would want the same life that I have in you. Yes, they would.

When people give themselves to me because of the testimony of your words and your life will that be valuable and important? I know of nothing that would be more valuable and more important in life than to see others coming to you because of how you were able to use my life. Then your life would have been well used and well spent? Yes, definitely. You would not have labored or run the race of your life in vain? Certainly not, my life would have been well used by you. That’s right.

Lord, thank you for calling me to live as your pure child of God. Keep complaining, whining and arguing far from me. Help me to shine like a bright star in the universe. Use my life as a vibrant witness for you as I hold out the word of life to others. Amen

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

Life – Philippians 2-14-16 – Shine Like Stars – 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

Anyone Who Lives On Milk

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - Hebrews 5:11-14 - Anyone Who Lives On Milk - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – Hebrews 5:11-14 – Anyone Who Lives On Milk – Growing As Disciples

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:11-14 (NIV) 

Quick To Learn

Do you want to grow up? Do you want to mature in your relationship with me? Do you want to live the life that I have given you to live for me? That’s an easy yes to all three of your questions. I want to grow and mature in my relationship with you. I want to live the life you have given me to live for you. You have a question? Yes, I do. How do I grow mature in my relationship with you? How can I make sure that I really am living the life you have given me to live for you? Are you looking for some great mysterious answer? Are you thinking that I will reveal some hidden secret to you? I don’t know. You will receive neither of those from me. What I will tell you will be simple to hear and easy to understand. That’s great. What I will tell you will also sound like a very easy thing to do. You’re hesitating a little aren’t you? Yes, I am. Why is that? I hear the words, “will also sound like a very easy thing to do”. What you will tell me will sound easy but it may not be easy, is that right? Yes, that’s right. I’m listening. If you want to grow and mature in your relationship with me and live the life I have given you to live you will need to meet with me in my word. You’re right that is quite simple to hear and easy to understand. How often do you want me to meet with you in your word? How quickly do you want to grow and mature in your relationship with me? I’m not sure what you mean. Do you want to be slow or quick to learn? I would like to be quick to learn. Then how often do you want to meet with me in my word? I want to meet with you everyday in your word. Good answer. So, what’s so hard about this? I now know that I want to meet with you everyday in your word. Yes, you do. When and where will we meet? I thought we would have a random time and place where we would meet everyday. I like to be flexible. Scheduling a time and place for us to meet sounds a little too formal to me. So, you’ll fit me in whenever your schedule allows. I wouldn’t say it that way. But, I will definitely meet with you sometime during each and every day. You think so? Yes, I do. Would you like me to save you a lot of time and frustration? Yes, I would. You won’t be meeting with me everyday in my word. I just said that I would. Yes, I heard that. But, you won’t be meeting with me in my word. Do you doubt my sincerity? Do you think that I am lying to you? No, I don’t doubt your sincerity or honesty. Why do you doubt what I am saying? I know that you are fooling yourself. Why is that? Unless you set a time and a place for us to meet it won’t happen. Your days will get full and become busy and soon enough you’ll realize that we aren’t meeting together in my word. You’re positive of this? Aren’t you? I guess you’re right. No, I know that you are right. So, what are you going to do? I’m going to pick a time and place to meet with you in your word. When will it be? I considered several choices. What were they? I thought of before I leave the house in the morning, on my lunch break, after work and before I go to bed at night. What is your choice? Can I pick two? You want to meet twice? Yes, I do. Sure you can. I chose before I leave the house in the morning. Then, we can meet in my home office. I also chose before I go to bed at night. Then we can meet in my bedroom. Those sound great to me. Now, I know that I really will be meeting with you in your word. Yes, you will.

Lord, I’m hungry for your word. I’m receptive to your word. I’m committed to meeting with you in your word. No longer do I want to live like an infant feeding on milk. Teach me with the solid food of your word as I meet with you in it. Amen

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

Life – Hebrews 5-11-14 – Anyone Who Lives On Milk – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

A Life Worthy

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - Colossians 1-10 - A Life Worthy - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – Colossians 1-10 – A Life Worthy – Growing As Disciples

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, Colossians 1:10 (NIV)

Pleasing Him

What kind of life would you find pleasing and how can I live it? That’s a very good question. You tell me the answer. I was hoping that you would tell me. Yes, I know. I think it pleases you to know that I want to live a life that pleases you. It does. I’m not asking you that question out of some idle curiosity. I know. I really do want to live a life that pleases you. I can see that.

I’m sure that a lot of self-effort on my part is not what you want from me. I don’t think that would please you. Why do you say that? I don’t think you want me to be at the center of our relationship. I don’t. So, I think it pleases you that I ask you a lot of questions. It does. But, tell me more about why you think that. You want me to rely on you. I do. Asking you a lot of questions lets you know that I know that I don’t have all the answers. That’s very good. A pride filled self-reliant and self-sufficient life is not pleasing to you. No, it’s not.

What happens to you when you come to me to ask me a lot of questions? We talk together. I listen to you. I spend time in your presence. I come to know you. I learn your will and your ways. I begin to understand your purposes and plans. What else? As I spend time in your presence I am being changed. What is changing about you? You are changing my heart and transforming my mind. You are making me to be more like you. Yes, I am. I’m sure that it pleases you that I am becoming more like you. It does. There is one very big thing that I forgot to mention. It’s the most important part of spending time in your presence. What’s that? As I spend time in your presence I am growing to love you more and more every day. I’m sure that it pleases you to know that I love you with all my heart and mind and soul. Yes, it does. Today, I know that it only seems like I love you with all my heart and mind and soul. Why do you say that? I know that I will love you more tomorrow than I do today. Are you sure? If I keep coming to you every day I am positive that I will know and love you more and more every day. Yes, you will.

What will you do as you come to know and love me? I will desire to do what pleases you. I will look and listen for ways to serve you. I will go where you send me to do what you ask of me. Yes, you will. I will be like a tool in your hands that you can use. That’s right. I will bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom and glory. Yes, you will. Is that what you want? Yes Lord, it is. That pleases me.

Lord, it is my desire to know, love and serve you more everyday. I want my life to honor you in every way. Help me to live my life in ways that please you. Use my life to bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom and your glory.  Amen

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

Colossians 1-10 – A Life Worthy – 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

Show Him My Salvation

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - Psalm 91:15-16 - Show Him My Salvation - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – Psalm 91:15-16 – Show Him My Salvation – Growing As Disciples

He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”   Psalm 91:15-16 (NIV)

Your Salvation

What have I shown to you? You have shown me your salvation. What does that mean to you? That’s a very large and broad question that I understand more today than yesterday but less than I will tomorrow. Why is that? You are showing me that my salvation in you is new every day. Let’s talk about some of what I have shown to you. Where should I start? You can start wherever you like.

You have shown me that there is no place that I would rather be than in your presence. Why is that? In your presence I can draw near to you as you draw near to me. In your presence I can come to know you. In your presence I can hear your voice as you also hear mine. We can talk about anything. I can lay my fears, worries and troubles at your feet. In your presence I can rest and be at peace.  Yes, you can. What else have I shown you?

You have shown me that I am never alone. You are with me to help me. You are my refuge, fortress, strength and deliverer. You have been a shield of protection around me. Will you never experience, pain, suffering and loss in this life? Oh, I have experienced all of those. I know that this is a broken and sin filled world. I also know that you have always been with me when I have been broken hearted. You have wept when I have wept. You have carried me when I could walk no further. You have healed me when I have been hurt.  Yes, I have. What else have I shown you?

You have shown me the path of life. I could have wandered away from you in a thousand different ways. You have guarded, guided and protected my life. You have kept me walking in your ways. You have given me a heart and desire to want to know your will and walk in your ways. You have filled me with a hunger and thirst for you that will never be completely satisfied. I will always want to know and love you more. Yes, you will. What else have I shown to you?

You have shown me that you hear and answer my prayers. You are not distant. You are not far away. You are not remote and removed from me. You are not too busy or distracted to hear from me when I call out to you. You are worthy of all my faith and trust. I can rely on you to lead, guard, guide and protect me throughout life. You will answer me when I call. You will be with me when I am in trouble. You will deliver me when I need your help. You will satisfy me with more than I can imagine as I live with you in this life of salvation that you have given to me. Yes, I will.

Father, thank you for the peace and rest I have as I dwell in your presence. You have been my refuge, fortress and strength. You have been with me to help me throughout life. I will live without fear as I trust in and rely on you. Amen

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

Life – Psalm 91-15-16 – Show Him My Salvation – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Alive To God In Christ Jesus

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - Romans 6:11 - Alive To God In Christ Jesus -  Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – Romans 6:11 – Alive To God In Christ Jesus –  Growing As Disciples

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.  Romans 6:11 (NIV)

Count

Count, now that is a very important word. Why is that? I’m going to let you answer that question. I want you to think deeply about your answer. I think you are giving me a clue. Yes, I am. Counting on something relates to what I believe. Yes, it does. What I believe will determine all my thoughts, words and actions. Yes, it will. So, I should be very careful about how I count in life. If I don’t count properly my life will not add up to all that you have prepared for me. Incorrect counting will prevent me from living the life that you have called me to live. Yes, it will.

Let’s talk more about counting. What do you count as true? I’m not sure what you mean. Do you count my word and what I say to you as being true? Yes, I certainly count your word as being completely reliable and true. Do you believe that all my promises are true? Yes, I do. What do you count as true when my word and your experience don’t seem to match? Can you give me some examples? Sure, I can. My word says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength,” does it not? Yes, it does. You know where this is headed don’t you? Yes, I do. There have been plenty of times that I have looked at all my gifts, talents and abilities and then told you there was no way that I could do what you were asking me to do. What does that sound like to you? It sounds like incorrect counting. Good answer. I have made the mistake of counting on myself rather than counting on you. Yes, you have. Would you like another example of incorrect counting? Yes, I would. My word says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Can you tell me where this is headed? Yes, I can. Go right ahead. I have been quite a worrier. That sounds like an understatement. I have been a tremendous worrier. That’s more like it. Is your worrying a good example of incorrect counting? Yes, I have counted on myself to get me through trials in life. The more I have relied on myself, the more I have worried. You want me to count on you by turning every worry of mine into a prayer to you. Yes, I do. By now I should be a tremendous prayer based on how many worries I could have turned into prayers. Now, that’s a thought.

Let’s talk about your counting yourself as being dead to sin and alive to me. Why is it so important for you to believe that you are dead to sin and alive to me? You died on the cross for my sins. Yes, I did. You broke the power that sin had on my life. Yes, I did. You set me free from sin so I could live a new life in you. Yes, I did. You made me alive to you. Yes, I did. You want me to live out in my experience all that you have done for me. Yes, I do. If I don’t believe or correctly count on all that you have done for me then I will not be able to live a life that is dead to sin and alive to you. No, you will not. But, I do believe and I am counting on you. I do know that you have made me alive to you and dead to sin. Yes, I know. I am and will continue to offer myself up to you as an instrument of righteous that you can use. I am counting on you using me for your kingdom and your glory. Yes, you are and you can count on me to do that in and through your life.

Lord, thank you that you have made me dead to sin. Sin has no power over me. Thank you that you have made me alive to you. I will continually offer myself to you as an instrument of righteousness you can use for your glory. Amen

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

Life – Romans 6:11 – Alive To God In Christ Jesus – Growing As Disciples – 4 Page Devotional Discipleship 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

A Quiet Life

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 - A Quiet Life - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 – A Quiet Life – Growing As Disciples

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NIV)

Win Respect

You didn’t ever expect to hear me say that did you? What’s that? Mind your own business. Yes, that does sound a little strange to hear you say that I need to mind my own business. Let me ask you a question. Go right ahead. How has it worked out when you have stuck your nose into other people’s business? I’m not sure how to answer that question. Well, have people welcomed you into their lives for you to offer your opinions regarding something that was clearly their business? No, they haven’t done that. Have you gotten a pretty strong and negative response whenever you have inserted yourself into the business of others? Yes, I have. Will you ever be able to lead a quiet and peaceful life if you don’t mind your own business? No, I wont. So, what is strange about what I am saying to you? I thought you wanted me to be involved in the lives of other people.

Yes, I want you to be involved in the lives of other people. Are you thinking that you have a choice of either inserting yourself into other people’s business or becoming completely uninvolved in other people’s lives? Maybe. That’s why you thought my saying; “mind your own business” was strange? Yes, it was. Saying, “mind your own business” is not the same as saying, “keep to yourself”. I would never tell you to, “keep to yourself.” That’s what I thought.

How do you think I want you to be involved in the lives of other people? I’m sure that you want me to live my life in a way that is an example to them. How so? You want me to work hard in the work that you have given me to do for you. You don’t want me to be idle and lazy. No, I do not. You want me to work hard in my job so that I can provide for the needs of my family. Yes, I do.

There are many other ways that I want you to live your life as an example to others. What are they? We will talk much more about that in the future. But, what do you think will happen when you live your life as an example to others? I will earn their respect. Yes, you will and what else? They might ask me for help. There is no might about that. You can be certain that when you earn others respect they will come to you and ask you for help. Then you will not be sticking your nose into other people’s business because they will have asked you for help. What will I do then? Then you will do whatever I have given you the opportunity to do for them. At that time and in those moments ask for my help. Will you do that? Yes Lord, I will. Then, I will show you how you can serve the people whose respect you have won by being my example and witness to them.

Lord, thank you for giving me work to do. I will mind my own business and quietly and peacefully work hard at the work you have given to me. Use my hard work as a witness for you so I will be able to win the respect of others. Amen

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

Life – 1 Thessalonians 4-11-12 – A Quiet 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