Category Archives: Parables

The Unmerciful Servant

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Parables - Matthew 18:23-34 - The Unmerciful Servant - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Parables – Matthew 18:23-34 – The Unmerciful Servant – Growing As Disciples

“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.” Matthew 18:32-35 (NIV)

Weight Lifted

I want you to do something for me.  Anything Lord, you just say the word.  What is it?  I want you to think about all the people that have hurt you in some way throughout your life.  That might take some time.  I’m sure that it will.  It’s going to be a fairly long list.  The longer, the better.  I don’t want you to forget anyone or anything that has been done to you.  This seems like kind of a weird request coming from you.  Yes, I’m sure that it does.  Take however long you need to today to work on your list and come back to me.  Will you do that?  Yes Lord, I will.

I’m back.  That took quite a while.  Yes it did.  Is your list as exhaustive as it can possibly be?  I think so.  Do you have all your enemies written down?  Yes, it was easy to remember them.  How about everyone that has cheated, lied or stolen from you? They’re all on here.  How about people who broke their promises or betrayed you?  Oh, a couple more names just came to mind.  Write them down.  Got it.  Do you have everyone that hurt, rejected, judged or manipulated you?  You weren’t kidding about not leaving any names off the list.  No, I wasn’t.  Ok, I’ve added a few more names.  How about anyone who disappointed you, didn’t follow through or live up to your expectations?  Slow down a little bit.  I’m writing.  Has anyone ever used, rejected or devalued you?  Yes!  Are they on the list?  Not yet.  I’ll wait.  Are you done now?  Yes, I think so.  That’s good.

What would you like to do with the people on that list?  Could you zap them for me?  No, I cannot.  This is a serious moment for you, let’s not joke around.  Alright, I’m just a little nervous about how long this list is.  Why is that?  I’m pretty sure that I shouldn’t have this kind of a list.  Why not?  It’s a really heavy burden to carry.  How so?  It has worn me out carrying anger and unforgiveness around for so long.  Yes, it has.  That’s why I had you make a list.  I wanted you to see that you are being weighed down by unforgiveness.  I’m getting a pretty clear picture right now, that’s for sure.

What do you want to do with all these people on your list?  I want to do for them what you’ve done for me.  What’s that?  I want to love and forgive them.  There are some pretty nasty people on your list.  Are you sure you want to forgive them?  I was once a pretty nasty person.  Yes, you were.  You forgave me.  Yes, I did.  So, yes I want to forgive everyone on my list.  I want to do for them what you’ve done for me.  So, I’m forgiving them all right now.  That’s very good.  How do you feel?  Like a weight has been lifted.  As a matter of fact, it has.

Lord, you have forgiven me of an enormous debt of sin, at great cost to you, that I could never hope to repay. I am so thankful for your forgiveness. Help me to have a forgiving heart towards others like you have had toward me. Amen

Key Question… How has the forgiveness you received from Christ motivated you to want to be forgiving toward others?

Living It Out… Ask the Lord to give you a soft heart that is willing to forgive others just as you have also been forgiven.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will give you a forgiving heart so that you can be a witness for Him in the world.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have been able to forgive others when you were wronged.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you having a forgiving heart that offers to others the same forgiveness you have received from the Lord.

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

Parables – Matthew 18-32-25 – The Unmerciful Servant – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Lamp Under A Bowl

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Lamp Under A Bowl - Matthew 5:14-16 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Lamp Under A Bowl – Matthew 5:14-16 – Growing As Disciples

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16  (NIV)

 Say Yes

Do you know who you are? Do you know what I want to do in you and through you? Do you know what is the purpose of your life? Those are very significant questions that aren’t that easy to answer. Would you be willing to help me out with the answers? Yes, I would. In fact the answers can’t and won’t come from you. If they did then they wouldn’t be correct. So, it is a good thing that you’re relying on me for the answers.

You are the light of the world. You know why that is possible and true? I think so. Tell me what you think. I am the light of the world because I am your child. A child is like his parents. You are my Father. You rescued me from the darkness that I was living in. You saved, forgave and cleansed me through all that Christ did for me on the cross. You sent your Holy Spirit to live inside of me. Now, day-by-day, you are transforming me and making me more like you. Each day I shine a little brighter for you as I allow you to mold, shape and change my life. Yes, that is exactly what I’m doing in and through you and for you.

As I change you and you shine more brightly, what am I leading you to do for me? You are leading me to let the light that is you, in me, shine out into the darkness of this world. Yes, and how does that actually happened? It happens when I say yes to what you’re asking me to do for you. What happens when you say no to me and just sit around and do nothing for me? That would be like putting my light under a bucket or bowl. What would happen then? My light would grow very dim and others would not see that your light was shining through me. Can you see how my light will shine even brighter through you as you serve me? Yes, I can. The light that you give me is to be shared; it is not meant to be kept hidden or secret. It is for all to see.

What will happen to others when they see my light shining through you? They will see the good things that you have done in me for me and through me. They will know that it has been you at work. They will want to give thanks and praise to you because you are the source of light shining through me.  Yes, I am. What else will others want to do because of what I’ve done in you? They will want to give their lives to you as well. They will want to love you, follow you and serve you. Yes they will.

What then would you say is the purpose of your life? The purpose of my life is to say yes to you so that I can shine brightly for you and bring glory to you. That is what I will do with all my heart and mind and soul because I love you. I am your child. I am all yours. Yes, you are. 

Lord, help me to say yes to all that you want to do for me, in me and through my life so that I can shine brightly in the world. Let all the good deeds that you lead and enable me to do bring thanks, praise, honor, and glory to you. Amen

Key Question… How do you think God wants to use you to shed light in the world and bring glory to Him?

Living It Out… Say yes to all that God wants to do in and through your life so that you can shed light and bring glory to Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your light will shine brightly in this world when you say yes to what God wants to do through you.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has used you to shed light in this world for His glory.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you say yes to all that God wants to do through your life so you can shine brightly and bring glory to Him.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional study guide click here:

Parables – Matthew 5-14-16 – Lamp Under A Bowl – 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              http://www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Growing Seed

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Parables - Mark 4:26-29 - Growing Seed - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Parables – Mark 4:26-29 – Growing Seed – Growing As Disciples

He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain–first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”   Mark 4:26-29 (NIV)

Growing

Let’s talk about growth. That sounds good to me. You want to grow, don’t you? Yes Lord, I certainly don’t want to remain just as I am. Do you know that you can’t cause yourself or anyone else to grow? I think I have been a little confused about that. Let’s clear that up. I’d like that. I alone am the one that causes growth. Your desire to grow is nothing compared to my desire to see you grow. How do you want me to grow? How do you think? I think you want me to grow to know you, love you and serve you more each day. Is that what you want? Yes, it is. That’s good. How else do you want to grow? I want to grow to bear fruit for you. I want you to be able to use me to reap a rich harvest for you. Those are also good desires that we agree on. I have a question. What’s that? If I can’t cause myself to grow, does that mean I can sit back and just let it happen? What do you think? I’m sure that’s not the case. You are right.

Have you noticed that there are two conditions for growth to occur mentioned here in my word? I think I missed them. To tell you the truth, I can’t ever remember even seeing this parable before. Look closely, what do you see? I see that seeds must be scattered for growth to occur. Yes, that’s one. What else? Where must they be scattered? They must be scattered on the ground. You got it. Do you know what the seed and grounds stand for? Yes, the seed is your word and the ground is my heart. So what part of growth is yours? I need to tend to my heart to make sure that it is receptive to your word. That’s right. I also need to let your word be scattered in my heart. When those two conditions are met, what will happen? I will grow in my relationship with you and your ability to use me. Yes, you will.

Now since I know that you are impatient, we need to discuss a few more points. Like what? Let me ask you a couple questions. Go ahead. Will your growth as my follower happen immediately? Do you mean like almost overnight? You have the idea. I’m guessing that the answer is no. Good guess. You may not even notice your own growth, but others will that’s for sure. Your growth will be constant, gradual and unstoppable as you continue to love, follow and serve me. So, don’t get discouraged or loose heart. I’m doing a work in you, day by day, until the day we see each other in heaven. Do you believe me? Will you trust me on this? Yes Lord, I will.

One final but very important point. What’s that? I want you to be out in the world casting the seed of my word into the soil of other people’s hearts. You do? Yes, of course I do. You want to be a part of reaping a rich harvest for me, don’t you? Yes Lord, I do. When can we start? Right now, today. How does that sound to you? I’m so glad to be growing, scattering seed and harvesting all for your glory. Here I am Lord, use me! I will.

Lord, thank you for using people to plant seeds of faith in me. Without them I wouldn’t have heard the good news of the gospel. Thank you for making seeds of faith to grow in me. Use me now to help plant seeds of faith in others. Amen

Key Question… How has the Holy Spirit caused seeds of faith to grow continually, constantly and gradually in your life?

Living It Out… Make sure that the soil of your life is suitable for seeds of faith to take root and grow in you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Holy Spirit will use you to sow seeds of faith in those who do not know Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group where God has sent you to sow seeds of faith in others.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the soil of your life to be fertile ground for God’s seeds of faith to grow in it.

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

Parables – Mark 4-26-29 – Growing Seed – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Weeds In The Field

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Parable Of The Weeds In The Field - Matthew 13:24-30,36-43 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Parable Of The Weeds In The Field – Matthew 13:24-30,36-43 – Growing As Disciples

He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. Matthew 13:37-40 (NIV)

Awake And Listening

It’s not your job to judge or condemn evil people that are in the world. Leave that up to me for the end of the age. If it were your job now, someone would have already judged and condemned you. I suppose so. Well, you would be right then. Yes, I once lived as one of your enemies. I was headed in the wrong direction walking away from you and doing evil of every kind. But, you rescued me. Yes, I did. How did I do that? I’m not sure what you mean? Did I use anyone to help rescue you from the darkness that you were walking in? Yes, you used several people, at just the right time, to help me to come to you. What did they do for you? They prayed for me. They showed me your love and acceptance by the kindness that they showed me on your behalf. Yes, they most certainly did. What else? They spoke up and showed me how I could have a new life in you. So, it was their prayers, love and testimony that I used to draw you to me. That’s right.

I have a few questions that I would like to ask you. Go ahead, I’m listening. It’s funny that you just used the word listening. Why is that? My first question is what would have happened to you if the people who helped you were not awake and listening to me? They would not have prayed, loved or spoken to me. Where then would you still be now? I would still be living as your enemy, walking in darkness. Yes, you would. What if they had been busy, judging and condemning you as an evil person? Their judgment and condemnation would have driven me even farther away from you. Their assessment would have been completely correct and their actions would have been totally wrong. Yes, and who would have won in the end? The devil would have won because I would have been lost to him. Yes, you would have. But, I would not let that happen, nor would the people that I used in your life. How fantastic is that? It is fantastic beyond words. Because your servants fulfilled their role as good seed in the world they bore real fruit for your kingdom. In this case I was the fruit of the labor that you gave to them. Yes, you were. What will happen to you now? One day, I will join you in heaven and I will be able to shine like the sun in your kingdom for all eternity. Yes, you will, along with all my followers.

One final question, but it’s a question that I want you to ask me. I know what it is. Are you sure? Yes, I’m sure. Let’s hear it then. Who can I love, pray for and talk to about the new life they can have in you? Yes, that’s exactly what I want you to ask me. That’s what I am asking you right now. Be awake and listen to me and I will give you your answer.

Lord, it is a good thing someone wasn’t given the job of judging and condemning me. I would have been judged to be an evil weed. Thank you for planting your good seed in me and giving me a new life to live, bearing fruit for you.  Amen

Key Question… Why is it important that you are awake and aware of the evil activity of the devil in this world?

Living It Out… Ask the Lord to show you how He wants you to labor with Him to plant His good seed in the world.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will use you as His good seed in the world to bear fruit for Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has used you, as His good seed, to bear fruit for Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… Lord, show me how I can live today as your good seed in the world, bearing fruit for your kingdom and glory.

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

Parables – Matthew 13-37-40 – Weeds In The Field – 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

Mustard Seed

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Parable Of The Mustard Seed- Matthew 13:31-32 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Parable Of The Mustard Seed- Matthew 13:31-32 – Growing As Disciples

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32  (NIV) 

Small Beginnings

How do you feel about a day of small beginnings? That is a question that I’ve never considered. It takes a lot of faith to believe when something is very small and just starting out. The potential and possibilities can’t even be seen. Only the eyes of faith can see them. Take yourself for example. I sowed a tiny seed of faith in you. Do you think anyone knew or took notice? No, certainly not. Nothing they could see about me would ever indicate that faith would grow and flourish in me. Who would you say was most surprised to see faith growing and flourishing in you? That would be me, that is for sure. Isn’t it interesting that the seed of faith I planted in you was so small that not even you could perceive it?  Yet, there were those who took you on as a faith challenge. They had just enough faith to pray for you. They believed that one day you would turn around and give your life to me. Yes, they did. Look at you now; you have come from having no faith in me at all to being a person that I can use to encourage others to come to me in faith. Yes, and I am so very thankful for that.

Well, that brings me back to the question that we started with. Ask me again. How do you feel about a day of small beginnings? I’m not exactly sure what you mean by that. What if I gave you a small assignment? Would you take it on? I’m pretty sure that I would. That does not sound like a very strong commitment. No, I suppose it doesn’t. If I could have just one thing from you then I’m certain that I would take on whatever assignment you give me. What’s that? I would want to know for certain that you were really asking me to do something for you. Then it wouldn’t matter to me how large or small the assignment from you was.  It would be enough for me to know that I was doing what you were asking me to do. That’s it? That’s all you would need? Yes, that’s it. Why would that be enough for you? There has to be something that you aren’t telling me. Yes, there is. I know that you will help me to do whatever you have given me to do whether it is a small or large assignment. Yes, I will.

You used an interesting word there. What’s that? You used the word “seems”. Yes, I did. Tell me why you did? I know what seems small or what seems like a day of small beginnings may not be small at all. What do you mean by that? Well, when a carpenter called twelve men to follow Him that may have seemed like a day of small beginnings. But, in reality it was God coming to earth to plant seeds of faith that changed the world forever. Yes, it was. What does that have to do with you? You planted your seed of faith in me. Yes, I did. Now, you may want me to plant seeds of faith in others. It would be a mistake to think of any assignment from you as a day of small beginnings. Yes, it would. I am pleased that you understand this.  So, Lord I’m saying to you now, that I will do anything and everything you give me to do for you.

Lord, you planted your seed of faith in me. It was a day of small beginnings. Thank you for nurturing faith in me so that it could grow. Use me now according to the faith you have given to me, to accomplish your purposes and plans. Amen

Key Question… What has Christ been able to do through you because His seed of faith has grown in you?

Living It Out… Allow the seed of faith that Christ has planted in you to grow so that He can use you to change the world for Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that Christ, who planted the seed of faith in you, will be able to accomplish great things through you.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group what Christ’s seed of faith growing in you has done for you and others.

Prayer To Bless Others… May the seed of faith that Christ has planted in you grow and flourish so that He can use you for His glory.

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

Parables – Matthew 13-31-32 – Mustard Seed – 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                              http://www.GrowingAsDisciples.com
 

A Friend In Need

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Parables - Luke 11:5-8 - A Friend In Need - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Parables – Luke 11:5-8 – A Friend In Need – Growing As Disciples

I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man’s boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.  Luke 11:8 (NIV)

Keep Asking

What is it that you really want? What are you willing to keep asking me for until you receive it? I’m not talking about what you want today, but can’t remember tomorrow. How important can those prayers possibly be to you if you have no interest in continuing to pray them? Those are tough questions. I’m not sure what I really want quite a bit of the time. Really, are you sure of that? Am I sure that I’m unsure? That’s an unusual question. Yes, it is. But, it’s an important question. I would really like to know what you are sure that you want from me. I think it’s important for you to think deeply to consider what you really want from me. Right now? What would you be willing to keep on asking from me until you receive it?

That’s a good question. Here is what I know that I want from you without any doubts. I want to know and love you intimately. I want to know your will and the purposes and plans you have for my life. I want to be used by you for the kingdom and glory. I want to be a person that loves, learns, and lives out your word. I want to be made wise by you as I sit at your feet. I want to be powerfully full of your Holy Spirit so that I can live, as you want me to live. Something has occurred to me. What’s that? As I’ve tried to describe what I want, I think that I have been describing someone else. Who is that? I think that I have been describing you. What makes you think and say that? I think I want the same relationship that you have with your Heavenly Father. You think? No, I’m certain that is what I want! Do you think that is possible? Not without you, it’ not. What do you mean by that? Didn’t you die on the cross so that I could be forgiven and have a new and intimate relationship with my Heavenly Father? Yes, I did. Do you think I’m asking for anything that is out of line? Aren’t my requests ones that you would have also made? What do you think? I think they are. You are absolutely right. Do you think that the Heavenly Father answered all those requests of yours? That all depends. What does it depend on? My Heavenly Father will answer these requests of mine only if I make them to Him. You’re right about that. How often do you think your Heavenly Father wants you to make these requests of Him? I would say day by day and moment by moment. Yes, that’s right and what will that show your Heavenly Father? It would show Him that I am relying on Him for all that I need. Yes, it will. You know what? What? I think you really do know what you want. Yes, I am now certain that I want you Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Help me to live my life with and for you every day, moment by moment.

Lord, thank you that I have the privilege to bring the needs of others to you in prayer. Help me to be bold and persistent in prayer and to not give up when the answer does not come immediately. Instead, I will keep on praying and trusting in you for an answer. Amen

Key Question… When have you boldly and persistently prayed on behalf of your friends that are in need?

Living It Out… Boldly and persistently bring the needs of others to the Lord in prayer.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will hear and answer as you persistently pray on behalf of others that are in need.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how your prayer life has grown as you have prayed persistently.

Prayer To Bless Others… Lord, help me to boldly and persistently bring my needs and the needs of others to you.

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

 Parables – Luke 11-5-8 – A Friend In Need – 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                                      http://www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Serve Two Masters

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Parables - Serve Two Masters - Matthew 6:24 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Parables – Serve Two Masters – Matthew 6:24 – Growing As Disciples

“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Matthew 6:24 (NIV)

Decisions

What has your attention? What are your eyes focused on? What occupies your thoughts? Those are all good questions. How about one more? Alright, go ahead. Where is your treasure? Why are you asking me all these questions? You are about to make an important decision, aren’t you? Yes, as a matter of fact I am. How you answer these questions will determine the direction of your life. Yes, I can see that. How are you going to answer these questions? They weren’t rhetorical questions? No, they were not. You expect an answer? Yes, I do.

Let me first say that my treasure is in heaven. I have no desire to store up things for my self here on earth. That’s good. Has that always been the case? No, much of my life has revolved around pursuing and acquiring things. But, no longer. Yes, that’s right. I’m glad to hear that. What are you pursuing instead? I’m pursuing you. I want to love, follow and serve you far above anything else. I not only want to do what you ask but I want to be the person you want me to be.In fact, being who you want to be enables me to do what you want me to do. Would you say that you can’t “do what” without “being who”? Yes, I would. I also know that you won’t finish molding and shaping my life until the day we met in heaven. Yes, that’s right. So you’re “becoming” and “doing” are happening at the same time, aren’t they? Yes, they are.

Let’s talk about your attention and focus a little more. I’m not sure what to say or what to think. About what? I have big decisions to make about the direction of my life. Whatever decision I make, I want it to be the one that best serves you. So you want to know what I think? Yes, I do. Are you really sure? Yes, I’m completely sure. Yes, I can see that you really want to follow me to where I’m leading you. I’d like to ask you a question. Alright, I’m listening. How much time have you spent trying to figure out your future direction? Quite a bit. I’ve mulled it over and thought about it from every angle. Has that helped you a great deal? Not really. Why not? The choices before me all have a fairly even set of pros and cons to them. So, one choice has not emerged as the clear winner. Yes, that’s true. But, you’re pretty sure that one is superior and you can’t tell which one, is that true? Yes, it is. Do you feel like you don’t have enough information? That’s exactly how I feel. I have one final question. I’m pretty sure I know what it is. Then tell me what you think my question is going to be. I think you want to ask me how much time have I spent talking to you about this decision. Yes, that was my question. What’s your answer? My answer is not enough. I’ve spent for too much time worrying and mulling over my decision and too little time talking to you about it. I’m glad that you have seen this. Do you want to talk to me now about your decisions? Yes, I do. Can you see how allowing yourself to be guided by me is how you will allow me to be the Lord of your life? Yes, I can. You are my Lord and Savior. Guide and direct my life according to your purposes and plans.

Lord, the things of this world  have had a grip on me. I’ve always wanted the latest and greatest next big and best thing. No longer. I know that loving, following and serving you is the desire of my heart. There is nothing else. There is nothing better than you. Amen

Key Question… How are heavenly riches far superior to any earthly riches or possessions?

Living It Out… Make a choice to love, follow, and serve the Lord instead of chasing after worldly pleasures, possessions and riches.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that following and serving the Lord will store up riches in heaven that are far superior to earthly possessions.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how your heart and mind are focused on following and serving the Lord.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you love, follow, and serve the Lord with all your heart and lay up lasting treasures in heaven with Him.

Parables – Matthew 6-24 – Serve Two Masters – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

The Two Sons

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Parable Of The Two Sons - Matthew 21:28-32 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Parable Of The Two Sons – Matthew 21:28-32 – Growing As Disciples

“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.  Matthew 21:28-31 (NIV)

What Do You Think?

What do you think?  About what?  What thoughts do you let occupy your mind?  I’m not sure what you’re asking.  The thoughts that you have in your mind and entertain in your heart will guide the course of your life.  Can you give me an example?  I would be happy to.  At one time you had it in your mind that you were pretty special.  You thought you had the world by the tail.  You didn’t think you needed any help from anyone.   You were independent, headstrong, pride-filled and stubborn.  Yes, I sure was.  You were like your own little god.  You certainly didn’t want or need me in your life.  Yes, that is sad but true.  You lived entirely for your own comfort and pleasure.  You did what you wanted, when you wanted it. Yes, I did.  Now, why don’t you finish the story and tell me how your thinking changed.  Alright, I’d be happy too.

My life was really headed in the wrong direction away from you.  I was living a dark and sinful life.  Soon enough I began to suffer the consequences of my sinful life.  The wages my sinful life paid was brokenness, pain and suffering.  My life began to fall apart.  I began to see that I wasn’t as strong and smart as I thought I was.  My pain overcame my pride.  I know that I needed help so I cried out to the only one I thought would help me.  That was you.  You answered my cry.  Yes, I did.  What did you do?  I turned away from my sinful life to follow you.  I asked you to be my Savior and Lord.  Yes, you did.  So your emphatic no to me became a yes to me, is that right?  Yes, that’s right.  Your change of mind and heart is now directing the course of your life.  It sure is.

Do you see any possible dangers ahead to avoid?  Yes, I do.  What are they?  First, let me say that I want my life to continue to be a constant day by day, moment by moment, yes to you.  Why is that?  It’s not because I’m now religious.  It’s because I have a relationship with you.  You love me.  Yes, I do.  My love for you gives me delight to do what pleases you.  So, what’s the danger?  I don’t ever want to slip into becoming a religious person that obeys you because I should obey you.  What do you think would happen then?  I’d stop following you and go back to doing pretty much my own thing.  On the outside I’d probably still look quite religious but my heart would be far from you.  Yes, it would.  But, the good thing is that won’t happen.  Why not?  You tell me.  We love each other too much to ever let that happen.  That’s right.  Keep loving me and delighting to do my will and you’ll never waver off course.  Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I know that there is a big difference between being self-righteous, moral, and religious and living a life of faith in you. I love you Lord. It is my desire to live for you and work in your vineyard, as I love, follow and serve you in this life.  Amen

Key Question… How is living a religious and moral life like working in your own vineyard instead of the Lord’s vineyard?

Living It Out… Live a life of faith in the Lord; loving, following and serving Him in all the work that He gives you to do for Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you are working for the Lord, in the right vineyard, as you love, follow and serve Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has guided the work He has given you to do for Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you serve the Lord as you work for Him because you believe in Him and love Him with all your heart.

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

Parables – Matthew 21-28-31 – The Two Sons – 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 Talents

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Parables - Matthew 25:14-30 - The Talents -Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Parables – Matthew 25:14-30 – The Talents -Growing As Disciples

“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. Matthew 25:14-18 (NIV)

Found Faithful

I know what you want to hear most of all at the end of your life. You do? Yes, of course I do. I know everything about you. I have my eye on you. I made you. You are the work of my hands. I hear everything that you think, say and do. I have molded and shaped your life. I have given you all that you are and all that you have. You don’t have anything that isn’t on loan from me. So, yes, I know exactly what you want to hear at the end of your life. Alright then, go ahead and tell me. Is this some sort of a test? No, not at all. I would love to hear you say what I’ve been thinking for quite some time. Yes, I’m sure that you would. But, I think that you would benefit more by telling me what is on your mind. Why is that? Trust me on this. Tell me the thoughts that you’ve held for so long.

First, let me say that you have my full agreement that everything I have is on loan from you. You’ll get no argument there. I’m glad to hear that. Secondly, I know that you have made me and given me all the gifts, talents, and abilities that I have. Yes, I have made and gifted you. Finally, I’m sure that it is your intent that I use all the gifts, talents, and abilities to serve you. It would be a sin to let anything you have given to me to be unused and go to waste. Yes, it would. Beyond that, if I don’t use all my gifts, talents, and abilities for your kingdom and glory, I and others will miss out on many blessings that were part of your plan. Yes, not using the gifts, talents, and abilities that I have given to you would be a tremendous loss. You are correct on all the points you’ve just made. But, you’re taking quite a bit of time getting around to the subject at hand. What’s that? What you want to hear me say to you at the end of your life. Alright then.

At the end of my life, I want to hear you say, “well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” That sounds like something right out of my word.  It is. Let me ask you something. Go ahead. Where do you think this desire that you have had in your heart for so long has come from? I think it has come from you. You put that desire in my heart. Yes, I did. How strong is that desire in you? It burns like a fire in me. Yes, I can see that it does. Do you believe that I will answer this prayer of your heart? Yes Lord, I’m certain that you will. Well then, you would certainly be right. I am delighted to hear you say that. I am delighted to hear you ask it. Now go, and do what I have given you to do for me. Yes Lord, I will.

Key Question… How have you been able to discover and use your gifts, talents and abilities to serve the Lord?

Living It Out… Ask the Lord to help to see how and where you can use all your gifts, talents, and resources to serve Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to discover and use all your gifts, talents and resources to serve Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have been able to use all your gifts to serve the Lord.

 Prayer To Bless Others…May you use all you gifts, talents and resources to faithfully serve the Lord in the work He has given you to do.

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

Parables – Matthew 25-14-30 – The Talents – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Lord, thank you for all that you have given to me. You have richly blessed me with gifts, talents, and abilities that I can use to serve you. Help me to be faithful to use all that you have given to me to do the work you want me to do. Amen

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                                            http://www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

The Lost Coin

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Parables - Luke 15:8-10 - The Lost Coin - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Parables – Luke 15:8-10 – The Lost Coin – Growing As Disciples

“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”  Luke 15:8-10 (NIV)

Lost Coins

Do you know who the lost coins are? Yes, they are the people who don’t know you. Do you know where the lost people who don’t know me are living right now? Are they living in my own house? Yes, they are in your family, circle of close friends, workplace and church. You may not have thought about it but the person sitting next to you right now might not know me and be lost for eternity. Why are you telling me this now? This is your wake up call. I want you to go into action for me. What would you like me to do for you? I want you to begin to search diligently for all those who are lost. You won’t have to go far at all, just a few steps in many cases. It’s very important that you realize the true condition of many of the people you know and love. There are many that are lost and without hope for all of eternity. I don’t know them. They don’t know me.You know me and I know you.Yes, and for that I am very thankful. But, you know these lost ones that I am referring to, don’t you? Yes Lord, I do. I do too. I’m not willing to let any one of them perish. How about you? Are you willing to let someone you love go into eternity without me as their Savior and Lord. No Lord, I am not. That’s good, then we are in agreement. What can I do? Where can I start? How can I reach out to them? First, you need to make the decision that you are determined to reach them for me. You will need to have some urgency, passion, and commitment in response to this work that I am calling you to do for me. I do, but I will need your help. You will have all the help you need from me. Next, I want you to shed some light on the situation. How can I do that? You can begin to pray diligently and urgently for those around you who are lost. The time for being unaware and in the dark is over. As you are praying, make sure that there is nothing in your life or in your house that will hinder my working through you. Do a clean sweep. It is time to take out all the trash. Do you understand what I am saying? Yes Lord, I do. That’s good. Finally, watch for opportunities to testify on my behalf. Testify? Yes, speak up. Be prepared to tell others the reason you have for the hope of eternal life in you. It is not enough that your life is a witness for me. The witness of your life must be accompanied by your words; otherwise those who are lost will not hear the message. There is another decision that you will have to make. What’s that? Are you willing to speak up and share the good news of forgiveness and salvation in me? Yes Lord, I am. Finally, get ready to rejoice with me. Why is that? We will rejoice together as those who are lost are found. Is a harvest coming? Yes, it is and you are one of my laborers in it.

Lord, when I was lost you pursued me. You didn’t give up on me. You turned my life around and brought me to faith in you. In that heaven rejoiced. Use me now to help others who are lost to come to believe and have faith in you.  Amen

Key Question… How are you engaged in helping those who are lost to come to believe and have faith in Christ?

Living It Out… Ask the Lord to show you who to reach out to so that they might come to believe and have faith in Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will use you to help those who are lost to come to believe and have faith in Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are nurturing belief and faith in Christ in your household.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow yourself to be used by Christ to help find the lost so that they can come to believe and be found in Him

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

Parables – Luke 15-8-10 – The Lost Coin – 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                                      http://www.GrowingAsDisciples.com