Humble Yourselves

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Mixed Emotions - 1 Peter 5:6-7 - Humble Yourselves - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Mixed Emotions – 1 Peter 5:6-7 – Humble Yourselves – Growing As Disciples

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)

My Anxiety

I would have never guessed the true source of my anxiety. What’s the true source of your anxiety? I’m not absolutely positive that I am correct. But, it seems to me that pride is the true source of my anxiety. How is pride the true source of your anxiety? Well, my pride has told me that I can handle every problem and that I can work my way out of every difficult circumstance. My pride has told me to keep my problems and difficult circumstances to myself. My pride has told me that I should not want or need help from anyone. So, I should not ask anyone for any help of any kind. Does that include me? I’m embarrassed to say, yes, it has included you. That’s not good. No, it’s not.

How has not wanting or needing or asking for any help of any kind worked out for you? Not well, at all. Pridefully trying to be self-sufficient and self-reliant has only served to fill my life full of anxiety. That should come as no surprise to you. Why is that? Do you think I made you to be self-sufficient and self-reliant? No, I don’t think so, I doubt it. Do you think I made you to live in close and intimate relationships with others and with me? Yes, I do. Would you live in close and intimate relationships with others and me if you never needed any help of any kind? Knowing myself, I would say, no, not ever. Then your needing help is a good thing? Then your needing to rely on me is a very good thing? Yes, it is. I can see that now. 

Will you ask for help? Will you come to rely on me? Will you cast all your anxieties on me? Yes, Heavenly Father, I will ask you for your help. I will come to rely on you. I will cast all my anxieties on you. What will happen to you when you do these things? I will be helped. I will be relieved. The pressure and anxiety that has been filling my life will be released. I will be filled with peace and calm and joy. Why is that? You will be helping me. You will be lifting me up. You will be encouraging me. Why will I be doing all of these things for you? You love and care for me. Yes, I do. You can be sure of that.

Heavenly Father, I have pridefully thought I could handle every problem and work my way out of every difficult circumstance. I was wrong. My pride only served to fill my life full of anxiety. Now, I will humbly cast all my cares on you. I know you care for me. Amen

Key Question…  When has prideful self-reliance caused your life to be filled with anxiety?

Living It Out…  Humble yourself before God so you can cast all your anxieties on Him.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that God will lift you up, in due time, as you humble yourself before Him.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how humility has helped you to cast your anxieties on God.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you humble yourself before God by casting all your anxieties on Him.

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

Mixed Emotions – 1 Peter 5-6-7- Humble Yourselves – 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

Being Confident

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Mixed Emotions - Philippians 1:6 - Being Confident - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Mixed Emotions – Philippians 1:6 – Being Confident – Growing As Disciples

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

Confident 

I’m confident. You are confident about what? I am confident that you began a good work in me. When did I begin my good work in you? Now, if I were to quickly answer that question, I would give the wrong answer, I’m sure. What would be your wrong answer? I would say that your good work began in me on the day that I began to follow you as my Savior and Lord. You’re right, that is the wrong answer. It isn’t a bad answer, it’s just the wrong answer. What is the correct answer? You began your good work in me before I was born. You designed and created me in my mother’s womb. Yes, I did.

But, let’s talk about the work I have been doing in and through you since the day you started to follow me as your Savior and Lord. I’d like that. How do you know that I have been doing a good work in you? Well, looking back over the years, I can see the dramatic changes you have made in me. How so? I am nothing like the person I once was. My whole perspective has changed. My values are completely different. My hopes and dreams are nothing like what they once were. Go into some detail. At one time my thoughts were entirely on the things of this earth. I gave no thought to the things of heaven. My goal was to pursue the comfort and pleasures of this life. I lived solely to please myself. I lived a dark and sinful life. I was walking on a path that led away from you. I was self-indulgent. I was self-centered. I was self-sufficient. In total, I was insufferably proud. To tell you the truth, I would have been quite embarrassed to have my thoughts and words and deeds held up to your close scrutiny. What has changed? You have and are continuing to change my heart and transform my mind. You have given and are giving me new thoughts to think, words to speak and deeds to do. You are helping me to become like you. It is my utmost and highest desire to do what is pleasing in your sight. I know that I am far from perfect. But, I have been and am willing for you to take a close look at my life. You will find flaws. You will find mistakes. You will find sins. I have no doubt about that. I have no doubt about something else. What’s that? You are not finished with me yet. You will continue to mold and shape my life. You will continue to make me into the person you have called me to be. You will keep on doing your work in and through my life. Yes, I will. For that, I am thankful beyond measure. That is very good. 

Heavenly Father, I know you started a good work in me. I welcome your good work in me. Sometimes, I have been impatient and slow to notice your good work in me. Thank you for molding and shaping my life and never stopping doing your good work in me. Amen

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

Mixed Emotions – Philippians 1-6 – Being Confident – 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

Finish Its Work

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Mixed Emotions - James 1:2-4 - Finish Its Work - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Mixed Emotions – James 1:2-4 – Finish Its Work – Growing As Disciples

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (NIV)

OK

OK, what? I’m here again. I’m in another trial. Normally, I would not be too pleased that I’m in another trial. I’m not a huge fan of trials. I have often railed and rebelled against trials. I have not wanted to stay in them. I have tried to get out of them as soon as possible. I have tried to duck them. I have sought to avoid them. I have backed up from them. I have tried to go around them. I have certainly not welcomed them into my life. That’s certainly true. What about now? I am saying OK. I am acknowledging that I am in a trial. I will let this trial have its full effect in my life. I will allow you to use this trial to mold and shape my life. Use this trial to do your work in me. That’s your prayer? Yes, that is my prayer. I am welcoming this trial into my life because I know that, even though you are not the author of this trial, you will use it to grow and strengthen my faith. You will develop perseverance in me. Yes, I will.

What has changed your attitude? Looking back over my life is changing my attitude about trials. How so? You have always been able to bring some great good out of the trials I have gone through. It may have taken a long time, in some cases many years, for me to see your hand at work in the trials I have gone through. I may never fully understand all the trials I have gone through. What I will do is trust you. What I have done and will continue to do is draw near to you as I go through trials in life. In every trial, I will come to rely on you. In every trial, I will ask for your help. I will cry out to you for wisdom. In every trial, you have heard and answered my prayer. You have drawn near to me as I have drawn near to you. You have helped me. You have sustained me. You have strengthened me. Yes, that is what I have done and will continue to do for you as you go through trials. For that, I would not trade anything. For that, I will endure every trial as you grow and strengthen my faith in you. That is very good. 

Lord, I know I am a work in progress. You are not done molding and shaping my life. You are still making me into the person you want me to become. I will joyfully allow trials to test my faith and do their work in me. Grow and develop my faith as I follow you. Amen

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

Mixed Emotions – James 1-2-4 – Finish Its Work – 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

God Sent Me

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Mixed Emotions - Genesis 45:4-8 - God Sent Me - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Mixed Emotions – Genesis 45:4-8 – God Sent Me – Growing As Disciples

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. Genesis 45:4-8 (NIV)

Never Alone

My life has been filled with twists and turns and ups and downs. It has felt like I have been on a roller coaster of discouragement, set-backs and disappointment.  I have gone through so many difficult and trying circumstances. I have experienced heartbreak, rejection and loss. I have entered some deep and dark valleys surrounded by trouble of various kinds on every side. I have felt lost and alone. Looking back over my life I have a few things that I would like to say about all this hardship. What’s that?  First, I’m sure that I am being a little melodramatic. How so? I’m not positive that I have suffered any more hardship than the next person. I’m sure that others have lived a much more difficult life than mine. There is no doubt that you experienced far more pain, suffering and rejection in your life than I have or will ever experience. That’s true. There is one thing that I now know without a doubt. What’s that? I have never really been alone. You have been with me. You have carried me through every difficulty in life. You have lifted me up. You have comforted and encouraged me. You have sustained and strengthened me. I have found the promise that you are near to the brokenhearted to be most certainly true. You have been with me in every deep and dark valley. That’s true. I have also learned another very important lesson. What’s that? You have been able to use even the darkest days and most difficult moments of my life. Nothing has gone to waste. Where I have gone, what I have done, and what I have experienced has been redeemed in one way or another for your use. You have taught me. You have trained me. You have prepared me. You have placed and positioned me for your use. Now, you can use me to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. Yes, I have you right where I want you. Now, I will use you to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. Will you keep on loving, following and serving me? Yes Lord, I will. That is very good. 

Lord, I have been frustrated, and angry. I have faced discouragement and doubt. I have felt lost and all alone. I have wondered if I would ever be able to accomplish your purposes. I was wrong. You have had a plan. Thank you, that you are using me after all. Amen

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

Mixed Emotions – Genesis 45-4-8 – God Sent 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

Slow To Become Angry

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Mixed Emotions - James 1:19-21- Slow To Become Angry - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Mixed Emotions – James 1:19-21- Slow To Become Angry – Growing As Disciples

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. James 1:19-21 (NIV)

The Righteous Life

How can I be slow to anger? Is that what you want? Yes, it is. Why is that? I know my anger will never allow me to live the righteous life that you are calling me to live. My anger will only fuel wrong thoughts, words and deeds to be stirred up in me. My anger will make it impossible for me to listen carefully to what others are saying to me. My anger will make it impossible for me to hear what you are saying to me. If I can’t listen attentively or hear clearly, I will never be able to know and do your will.  That’s true.

So, your real question is how can you live the righteous life that I am calling you to live? Yes, it is. Are you ready to listen attentively and hear clearly all that I have to say to you? Yes, I am. That is very good. If you want to live the righteous life that I am calling you to live, then you must allow my word to be planted deeply in you. How will I do that? You must read my word. You must study my word. You must meditate on my word. You must memorize my word. You must pray my word. Finally, you must put my word into practice. If you do these things with my word, it will be planted deeply in you. My word will grow and flourish in your life. As you take a hold of my word, it will take a hold of you. My word will cleanse you. My word will wash you. My word will purify you. My word will remove moral filth from your heart and mind and life. Then you will hear me. The you will know me. Then you will know my will. Then you will walk in my ways. My word will make you able to be quick to listen and slow to speak. My word will make you able to be slow to become angry. In every way, my word will make you able to live the righteous life that I am calling you to live. That is what I want. That is what I desire. That is the prayer of my heart and mind and life. I want to listen carefully. I want to be able to hear clearly. Speak to me Lord, I am listening. That is very good. 

Lord, I need your help. I want to live the righteous life you desire. I want your word to be planted deeply in my heart and mind and life. Help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry so I can hear all you and others are saying to me. Amen

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

Mixed Emotions – James 1-19-21 – Slow To Become Angry – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

I Can

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Mixed Emotions - Philippians 4:13 - I Can - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotionals Study Guide – Mixed Emotions – Philippians 4:13 – I Can – Growing As Disciples

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (ESV) 

Impossible

This is too hard. This is too difficult. You have asked too much of me. This is beyond my gifts, talents and abilities. I can’t possibly do what you are asking me to do for you. Why do you do this to me? Do what to you? Why do you ask so much of me? You have done this to me many times before. What have I done to you many times before? You have asked me to do the impossible. You have asked me to do something that I cannot do. You have asked me to do something that was way outside the scope of my gifts, talents and abilities. You’ve noticed, that’s good. You’re right, I have done this to you many times before and you can be sure that I will do it to you many times again. What? Why is that? You tell me. I’m not sure. Take a guess.

You have given me impossible assignments so that I would be forced to come to rely on you for your help. You got it. How good would you be at relying on me if I gave you nothing but easy assignments? I see your point. You haven’t answered my question. I have had a long history of trying to be self-sufficient and self-reliant. If you gave me nothing but easy assignments I would do nothing but rely on myself to accomplish them. That’s right. 

Could there be another reason why I might give you impossible assignments? Let me think. Go right ahead, give my question some depth thought. You want me to learn that you are with me to help me. You want me to know that you will work in and through my life. You want me to know that your hand is on me. You want me to know that you will use my life to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. That’s right. 

Could there be one more reason why I might give you impossible assignments? You want everyone to know that you are the one who has accomplished the impossible. I have not accomplished the impossible. I will not receive credit for doing what I could not have done. It is you that will receive all the praise and glory and honor in doing what could not be done. When the impossible gets done, fruit is born for your kingdom and glory is brought to your name. But, I do get to rejoice and give thanks that you have worked in and through my life. That’s right. Will you come to rely on me? Will you allow me to do the impossible in and through your life? Will you allow me to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name through your life? Yes Lord, I will. That is very good.                               

Lord, what is there that I cannot do with your strength? Nothing? I know that I am weak. I know that you are strong. I will rely on you to give me strength to do what I couldn’t possibly do by myself. Help me to be able to do what you are asking me to do for you. Amen

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

Mixed Emotions – Philippians 4-13 – I Can – 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

Envied The Arrogant

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Mixed Emotions - Psalm 73:2-3 - Envied The Arrogant - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Mixed Emotions – Psalm 73:2-3 – Envied The Arrogant – Growing As Disciples

But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Psalm 73:2-3 (NIV)

Slippery Path

I had the wrong perspective. I was looking at life from the wrong point of view. How so? I envied prosperity. I wanted great wealth. I looked around and compared myself with others. I wanted what I did not have. I was discontent. I was unsatisfied. I chased after riches. I pursued worldly wealth. No matter how much I had, it was never enough. I always wanted more. My heart and mind and life were consumed with desire for the things of this world. I suspected that others were living a far better life, filled with greater comfort and pleasure. I was wrong. I was stupid. I was ignorant. I was sadly misinformed. My hopes and dreams and values were all wrong. I was on a path that was headed nowhere. Why is that? I was on a slippery path walking away from you.

I have come to my senses. I have seen the error of my ways. Tell me more about that. I now know that the riches of this life are fleeting. I now know that worldly riches will not satisfy. I now know that acquiring all the wealth of this world would not leave me at peace and fill me with contentment. I would always want more. Yes, you would. I suspect that the desire for more is not all bad. I have come to believe that you have placed a desire in my heart and mind and life for something else, something different, something far better and more. What is that desire that is in you? It is my desire to know and love you. It is my desire to be rich in my relationship with you. What would a rich relationship with me look like? I want to hear your voice. I want to receive your counsel. I want to be guided by you. How will that happen? I will draw near to you. I will worship you with all that is within me. I want to live in a close and intimate relationship with you. To know you… To walk in your ways… To follow you… To go and do your will… To bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name… That is what a rich relationship with you would look like. That is what I want. That is what I will pursue. I want to live my life with and for you. My heart is filled with desire to know you and live this kind of life. I will fulfill that desire within you.

Lord, I will not envy those who have gained great worldly wealth. I do not want to live a prideful, arrogant and wicked life. I do not want to be rich in worldly wealth. I want to be rich in my relationship with you. I want to be able to tell others of your goodness. Amen 

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

Mixed Emotions – Psalm 73-2-3 – Envied The Arrogant – 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 Love The World

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Mixed Emotions - 1 John 2:15-17 - Do Not Love The World - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide- Mixed Emotions – 1 John 2:15-17 – Do Not Love The World – Growing As Disciples

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17 (ESV)

Do My Will

Do you love the world? Do you love the things of this world? Is your heart and mind and life filled with fleshly desires that come from the world? Are your eyes captivated by all that the world offers? Are you living a pride filled life? I hope not. I would say not. Have I been tempted by the world and the things in it? I would say so. Have my eyes been captivated by what the world offers? I would say so. Have I been proud? I would say so. But, the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and the pride of life do not have control of my life. I have left these behind so that I could follow and serve you.

What makes you so certain that you do not love the world and the things of the world? I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. It is impossible to love you and the world at the same time. That’s true. If I loved the world, love for you would not be in me. That’s right. What else? I know you. There is no place I would rather be than in your presence. There is nothing I would rather do than to listen to you. I know your will. I am walking in your ways. It is my delight to do what pleases you. I will go wherever you send me. I will do whatever you ask of me. That’s very good.

What can you be sure of because you know and love me? What can you be sure because you are going and doing my will? I can be sure that I will live forever. You are my Savior and Lord. You have given me a completely new life to live. This new life that you have given me to live began on the day that I stopped loving the world and started loving you. Yes, it did. Keep on following and serving me. Keep on going to do my will. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I will not love the world or the things of the world. Instead, I will love you with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. I know the world and all tis desires is passing away. Thank you that I can know your will and walk in your ways as I follow and serve you. Amen

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

Mixed Emotions – 1 John 2-15-17 – Do Not Love The World – 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 Be Anxious

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Mixed Emotions - Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Mixed Emotions – Philippians 4:6-7 – Do Not Be Anxious – Growing As Disciples

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)  

Worries Into Prayers

I am not in charge, I know that. You are not in charge of what? I am not in charge of my life. I don’t know the future. I don’t control my own destiny. My life is in your hands. You are in control. You are in charge. You know my future. You have a purpose and plan for my life. You will lead me. You will guard and guide my life. You will take care of me. You will watch over me. Your hand will be on me. You will help me. You are worthy of all my trust. I can rely on you for all that I will need. You will not withhold any good thing from me. You will hear and answer my prayers. I like what you are saying to me. I like what I am hearing from you. That’s good.

There is a problem. What’s that? What might I say in response to all that you have said to me? I don’t know. I will ask you a couple questions. Go ahead, I’m listening. Since you can trust in me, do you have anything to worry about? I’m not sure what you mean. Oh, I think you know what I mean. Let me hear your thoughts on this subject. I do worry quite a bit. Yes, you do. When your life is filled with worry are you trusting me? When your life is paralyzed by anxiety are you relying on me for all that you need? No, I am not. Who then, are you relying on? When my life is filled with worry and anxiety I am trusting myself. That’s a good thing for you to admit to me. Do you want to be free from worry and anxiety? Do you want to live in me peace? Yes Lord, I do want to be free from worry and anxiety. I do want to live in your peace. That’s good.

Let’s take this one step at a time. Let’s take this one worry and one prayer at a time. If you want to be free from worry and anxiety and live in my peace you will need to develop a new habit.  What habit will I need to develop? You can answer that, can’t you? What is my word telling you? I need to develop the habit of turning my worries into prayers to you. That’s it. How will you start turning your worries into prayers to me? I will start with one worry and one prayer at a time. When I start to have a worry, I will bring it to you it to you, I will turn it into a prayer. That will be very good. When you turn a worry into a prayer you will experience my peace. That is my promise to you. Thank you, Lord, for all your promises to me.

Lord, I will turn all my worries into prayers to you. You are in charge of my life. You are in control of my destiny. I know that I can trust you. Thank you for guarding and guiding my life and making me able to live in your peace as I love, follow and serve you. Amen

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

Mixed Emotions – Philippians 4-6-7 – Do Not Be Anxious – 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 Be Frightened

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Mixed Emotions - Joshua 1:9 - Do Not Be Frightened- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Mixed Emotions – Joshua 1:9 – Do Not Be Frightened- Growing As Disciples

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (ESV) 

Bold And Courageous 

Will you go where I send you? Will you do what I ask of you? Yes, I will. Will you go where I send you with courage? Will you do what I ask of you with boldness? Those are much harder questions. Why is that? I am willing to go where you send me to do whatever you ask of me. I am just not as sure that I will go where you send me with courage and do what you ask of me with boldness. That is a problem. Yes, it is. Would it surprise you to hear that I don’t want you to go somewhere for me if you do not go with courage? Would it also surprise you to hear that I don’t want you to do something for me if you do not do it with boldness? Yes, both of those statements do surprise me. Can you think of why I would make both of those statements? Yes, I can. That’s good.

Let me hear why you think I don’t want you to go and serve me if you are not going to go with courage and serve with boldness? You want me to rely on you. You want me to trust you for all that I need. You want me to rely on your power working in and through me. You don’t want me to try and serve you with my own gifts, talents and abilities. I know that you will use my gifts, talents and abilities. Yes, I will. You gave me my gifts, talent and abilities. Yes, I did. You intend to use my gifts, talents and abilities. Yes, I do. There is a big difference between relying on myself and my resources than relying on you to be with me to help me. If I rely on myself I will not go anywhere with courage. If I rely on myself I will not do whatever you ask me with boldness. That’s right.

Why do you think I want you to rely on me for all that you will need in the daring and difficult assignments I will give to you? You want me to live in an intimate relationship with you. You want me to know that you are working in and through my life. You want me to feel the joy and experience the exhilaration of knowing that I am bearing fruit for your kingdom and bringing glory to your name. Yes, I do. What else? You want me to shine as a bright witness for you in the world. I can only do that as I rely on you for all that I will need to serve you. That’s true. All of this will happen as I rely on you to go and do all that you ask of me. Yes, it will and that will be very good.

Lord, I will go and boldly serve you wherever you send me to do whatever you ask of me. I know that you are with me to help me wherever I go. I will rely on your power and strength. I will trust that you are working in and through me every step of my way. Amen

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

Mixed Emotions – Joshua 1-9 – Do Not Be Frightened – 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