Category Archives: Life

Honor God With Your Body

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 - Honor God With Your Body - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 – Honor God With Your Body – Growing As Disciples

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

Flee

What did it cost for me to redeem your life? What did I need to do so that you could be set free from your sin? You sent your Son Jesus Christ as payment for my sin. Yes, I did. Was that an easy thing for me to do for you? No, I’m sure that sending your Son into the world to die on the cross for my sins was not an easy thing for you to do. It had to be a very painful act on your part. It was. 

How do you feel in knowing that I paid such a costly price to redeem your life from sin? I am awestruck. I am dumbfounded. I am so grateful and thankful for all that you have done for me. How grateful and thankful are you really? Well, I have turned my life over to you. I know that I am no longer my own. I was bought with the costly price that you paid for me. Yes, you were. What do you mean by saying that you have turned your life over me to me? I have two things in mind. Like what? I have left my old life of sin behind. Your payment has set me free from the power that sin held over my life. So, I have turned my back on my life of sin. Was that a hardship for you? Do you miss your old life of sin? No, leaving my old life of sin behind was not a hardship and I don’t miss it one bit. Does sin no longer have any appeal to you?  I wouldn’t say that. As long as I live in this body I will still be subject to temptations to sin. I must continually be on guard against temptations that might cause me to sin. How do you guard yourself against temptations to sin? Your Holy Spirit works in me, for me and through me to help me to stand against temptation. Often times your Holy Spirit will take your word and apply to my life in ways that help me to stand against temptation. Yes, He does. I’ve noticed you have used the word stand quite a bit. Do you actually stand around temptation to fight against it? No, I don’t stand around temptation. Yes, I stand against temptation. But, one of the best ways to resist temptation is to immediately flee temptation before it fully arrives. Why is that? I know that temptations can be very alluring. So, I don’t hang around to check them out. That’s good. I also don’t allow myself to be in situations or places that will likely feed sinful temptations and desires. That’s very good.

What else do you have in your mind? What is the second part of turning your life over to me? Turning my life over to you involves both turning away from evil and turning towards you. When I flee from evil I run to you. When I determine not to think, say or do things that are sinful I also have determined to think your thoughts, speak your words and do what pleases you. I know the life I don’t want to live. I also know the life I do want to live. The new life that you have given to me has replaced the old life I have left behind. Now, I am all yours. Now, I am at your disposal. Now, I am ready to be used by you.  Use my life to honor and glorify you. Yes, I will.

 Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son Jesus Christ to redeem my life. I was bought with a costly price. I am not my own. I am all yours. Holy Spirit, help me to honor and glorify God in all my thoughts, words, and actions. Amen

Key Question… How has the Holy Spirit helped you to flee sexual immorality so can honor God with your body?

Living It Out… Eliminate and flee anything that might feed the sinful desire to engage in sexual immorality.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Holy Spirit will help you to honor and glorify God in all your thoughts, words, and actions.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are fleeing sexual immorality and honoring God with your body

Prayer To Bless Others… May you flee sexual immorality and honor God with your body as a temple of His Holy Spirit.

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

Life – 1 Corinthians 6-18-20 – Honor God With Your Body – 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

All The Days Of My Life

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50695217 – jesus written on desert road

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6 (NIV)

Following Him

Who am I and what have I done for you? You are my Good Shepherd. You have led me through life. You have met all my needs. When did I become your Good Shepherd? I think you became my Good Shepherd even before I acknowledged and was ready to accept the fact that I was a lost sheep. I was wandering through life. I was getting beat up, bruised and battered by life.  I was living my life without you. I was walking on a path that led away from you. Yes, you were. You sought me out. You pursued me. There was no place that I could wander that you weren’t watching and waiting for me to turn to you. Yes, I was. 

You did turn to me. You did acknowledge me as your Good Shepherd. You did give your life to me. Yes, I did. What did you need when you turned your life over to me? I needed forgiveness and cleansing of my sin. I needed healing and restoration. Yes, you did. Where did I bring you so that your soul could be restored? You brought me into quiet places where I could meet with you in your word. You allowed me to rest in your presence. You allowed me to taste and see your goodness. You fed my hunger and satisfied my thirst for you. You refreshed, restored and filled my soul. Yes, I did.

What has happened to you as you have remained in my presence and met me in my word? You are changing my heart and transforming my mind. You have set on fire a flame of desire within me to want to do what pleases you. You have given me new thoughts to think and new feelings to feel. I want to know and love you with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. I want to live the life that you have called me to live. I want to go where you guide me to do what you ask of me. That’s very good, isn’t it? Yes, it is my joy to know and love you.

Your life has not been all joy and sunshine since you have started following me. No, it hasn’t been. I’ve gone through many ups and downs and twists and turns in life. I have experienced pain and suffering, joy and sorrow. I have had powerful enemies and great friends. I have had amazing victories and devastating defeats. I walked in the light and through the darkness. Yes, you have. I have never been alone. You have always been with me. You have been my comforter and guide. You have given strength. You have been my fortress and deliverer. You have taught me to rely on you. You have shown me that I have nothing to fear. Yes, I have. 

What are you sure of as you follow me? I know that your hand is on me. You are blessing my life as I follow and serve you. Yes, I am. Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. Yes, it will. I can and will live in your presence both now and forever. Yes, you will.

Lord, thank you for being my Good Shepherd leading me through life. You have been with me in and through all the ups and down and twists and turns in life. You have shown me your love, restored my soul, protected me and met all my needs. Amen

Key Question… When has the Lord led you to a quiet place where He could restore your soul?

Living It Out… Set aside a time and a place where and when you will meet with the Lord to allow Him to restore your soul.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord is with you to help you in and through every up and down and twist and turn in life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord restores your soul as you meet in quiet places with Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the Lord to be your Good Shepherd leading you through all that you will experience in life.

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

Life – Psalm 23-6 – All The Days Of My 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

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

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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

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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

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

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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