Category Archives: Parables

The Net

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Parables - The Net - Matthew 13:47-50 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Parables – The Net – Matthew 13:47-50 – Growing As Disciples

“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:47-50  (NIV)

Let It Down

The net that is let down in the lake, that’s what I want you to do for me. You love to fish don’t you? Yes, I do. Well then, it’s time for you to go fishing for people. I’m calling you to use your life to go fishing for me. I want you to cast out the net of the good news of forgiveness, salvation and new life in me.  Are you willing to do this for me? Yes Lord, I am. Will you go where I send you, when I prompt you? Yes Lord, I will.

You must have your eyes and ears open to what people say to you. You must have your eyes and ears open to me, so that, you will know what I want you to say to them.  I will do that. I will instruct your tongue.  I will put my words in your mouth. I will teach you to boldly declare my word. The net will be cast far and wide. Fish of all kinds will be caught. I want you to examine all the fish. Love and pray for each and every one of them. Some will not choose to follow me. Others will not understand my call on their lives. I will use you to speak for me, so that they will come to understand and follow me.

How does this all sound to you? It sounds overwhelming. Yes, I’m sure that it does. It would be impossible without me helping you every step of the way. Remember, apart from me you can do nothing. Yes Lord, I’ve learned that quite well.

But, I can tell something about you. What’s that? You’re very excited about the idea of me using you. Yes Lord, I am. You have been praying that you will bear abundant fruit for me and my kingdom and glory. Yes Lord, I have. That prayer will not go unanswered. You have been asking me to teach you how to pray. You have been asking me to revive, restore and use you in my service. Yes Lord, I have. Those prayers will not go unanswered. You have also been asking me to teach you to be able to boldly proclaim my word. That prayer will also not go unanswered. Do you believe what I’m saying to you? Do you trust me? Will you allow me to use you? Yes Lord, I will. Good, should we start right now, today? Yes Lord, that sounds very good to me. Well, let’s let down the net to begin catching fish.

Lord, open my eyes and ears to see and hear the cries of people who need you. Help me to let down my net, so that I can be used to catch people for you. Show me where to go, how to pray and what to say to those who need you.  Amen

Key Question… Where is the Lord asking you to let down your net to begin catching people for Him?

Living It Out… Be watching and listening and praying for opportunities to let down your net to share your faith in Christ with others.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord wants you to let down your net so that you can begin catching people for Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has helped you to let down your net and share your faith.

Prayer To Bless Others… May your eyes and ears be open to the Lord so that you will know where to let down your net for Him.

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

Parables – Matthew 13-47-50 – The Net – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

The Cost Of Discipleship

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Parables - The Cost Of Discipleship - Luke 14:28-33 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Parables – The Cost Of Discipleship – Luke 14:28-33 – Growing As Disciples

In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:33 (NIV)

Surrender

I give up. I surrender. I’ve counted the cost and I can’t do it. You can’t do what? I can’t build a tower or win a war. What do you mean by that? I know that I am weak. I have no ability to build a tower or wage a war. My own efforts would certainly fail. Why is that? I have no construction ability. I have a gift for hitting my thumb every time I use a hammer. It’s kind of pathetic isn’t it? Yes, it is.  But, are we really talking about building an actual tower here? Maybe, I’m not sure. What if we weren’t? Then, I would think that building a tower, might represent, me trying to build my life into something really impressive like a monument. How would you do on that construction project? I would fail even more miserably than trying to build an actual tower. Why do you say that? Well, I’ve already tried to build a life that would stand out and be really impressive. How did that work out for you? My own efforts just led me further away from you and into sin that really hammered my life. Only this time it wasn’t just my thumb that hurt. Your whole life hurt? Yes, it did.

So, you can’t build a tower monument to yourself? No, I can’t. How good are you at fighting a war? I’m better at building a tower than I am at fighting a war. That bad, huh? Yes, I’m afraid so. What kind of war have you been fighting? I have been fighting a war between right and wrong. I’ve wanted to do the right thing. I’ve wanted to make the right choices. How have you done? Haven’t you noticed? Yes, I have. Well, as you can see I’ve often liked the alluring and attractive easy sinful choice. So, I’ve chosen it. Have you been happy with your choices? Absolutely not, I’ve experienced so much pain and suffering I can’t stand it anymore. That’s why I’m giving up. I’ve counted the costs of trying to live my life apart from you. The price is too high to pay. I want to surrender my life to you. You do? Yes, I most certainly do.

Do you realize that there is a cost to follow me? There is? Yes, there is. What is the cost? If you want to follow me it will cost you everything. What do you mean by everything? What part of everything is hard for you to understand? Do you mean everything I have? Yes, I do. Do you mean everything I am? Yes, I do. Do you mean everything I hope to be? Now, you understand, don’t you? Yes, I think so. Can I ask you a question? Yes, of course. Won’t either choice I make end up costing me everything? If I choose to lead a self-centered, selfish, and sinful life, won’t living that kind of life cost me everything and lead me away from you forever? Yes, it will.  But, if I give myself to you completely, won’t you help me to live a life of loving, following, and serving you? Yes, I will. Then I’m done counting the cost. I surrender myself to you. It will be my joy and pleasure to follow you to wherever you lead me to do whatever you ask of me. That will be very good.

Lord, it is my delight and joy to give up everything I am, have, and hope to be as I follow you as my Savior and Lord. You are first place in my life. You have my heart, and mind and life at your disposal. Use me according to your purposes and plan, for your glory. Amen

Key Question…  Why is it worth giving up all you have, are, and hope to be to follow Christ as your Savior and Lord?

Living It Out…  Give up everything you are, have, and hope to be to Jesus Christ as you follow Him as your Savior and Lord.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that Jesus Christ really is asking you to give up everything you have, are, and hope to be to follow Him.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group the love, joy, and peace you have in giving up all to follow Jesus Christ.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you give all your heart and mind and life to Christ as you follow Him today.

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

Parables – Luke 14-33 – The Cost Of Discipleship – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

The Persistent Widow

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Parables - The Persistent Widow - Luke 18:1-8 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Parables – The Persistent Widow – Luke 18:1-8 – Growing As Disciples

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.  He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men.  And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’  “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men,  yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming!'”  And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says.  And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?  I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:1-8 (NIV)

Imagine That

What do you want from me? What are you willing to continue to ask of me day and night? What will you continue to persevere in prayer for until you have an answer from me? I’m not hearing a very quick answer from you. I know, I’m thinking. Doesn’t something jump out to you right away? It’s not that I can’t think of anything. I’m not sure of what’s worthy of bringing to you night and day. Don’t tell me that you don’t want to bother me with small stuff. I was about to. That would be a mistake. Why is that? Your prayers are never a bother to me. I delight to hear all your prayers, both the large ones and the ones you consider to be the small ones.  There is something that I want you to know. What’s that? There is no such thing as a small and unimportant prayer request.  Why is that?  Think back over your life for a second. What very small seemingly insignificant events changed the course of your life? Do you have any in mind? Yes, I do.  Would you ever have been able to predict, in advance, which insignificant detail was going to change the course of your life? No, I wouldn’t. So, what does that tell you? It tells me that I should bring all my prayer requests to you, even ones I consider to be insignificant. Yes, that’s right.

There are a couple of things that I want you to know about being persistent in prayer. What’s that?  Your persistence in prayer tells me something about your prayer. What’s that? It tells me that you are serious about it. When you pray a “one and done” prayer how important is that prayer to you? Not very, I suppose. Yes, there have been times that you have prayed a prayer and not even remembered that you prayed it. I’m sure that is true. It is. Do you know what else your persistence in prayer tells me? What’s that? It tells me that you have faith in me. Otherwise, you would stop praying.  Yes, I would. You believe that I will hear and answer your prayers. Yes, I do.

Since you are having a hard time remembering your persistent prayers, at this moment, let me tell you what I am regularly hearing from you. Alright, go ahead. You are persistently praying that you will know and love me. Yes, I am. Do you think this prayer is being answered as you persist in prayer with me? Yes, I do.  You have been praying that I will use you so that you will bear abundant fruit for me. Yes, I have. Is this persistent prayer being answered for you? Yes, it is. You have been asking me to mold and shape you into the person that I want you to become. That’s right. Are you being transformed as you persist in prayer with me? Yes Father, I am.

So, what are you thinking about persistent prayer right now? I’m so thankful for your invitation to come and persist in prayer with you. You are answering my prayers beyond what I could have possibly imagined. Yes, I am. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for inviting me to come and bring all my prayers to you. Help me to persist in prayer with you. Mold and shape my life and grow my faith and trust in you as I await your answers to my persistent prayers. Amen

Key Question…  What has your Heavenly Father been able to do in your life as you have persisted in prayer with Him?

Living It Out…  Accept the invitation from your Heavenly Father to persist in prayer with Him.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that your Heavenly Father is inviting you to persist in prayer with Him.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group the prayers that you are persistently praying to your Heavenly Father.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you be persistent in the prayers you pray to your Heavenly Father.

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

Yr 3 Wk 48 Day 1 Parables – Luke 18-1-8 – The Persistent Widow – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

The Rich Man And Lazarus

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Parable Of The Rich Man And Lazarus- Luke 16-19-31- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Parable Of The Rich Man And Lazarus- Luke 16-19-31- Growing As Disciples

“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'” Luke 16:27-31

 Inconvenienced

You have been walking right on by, haven’t you? Your eyes have looked the other way? Your feet have led another direction? Your hands have been closed? Isn’t this true? Don’t pretend you’re not sure what I’m talking about. I know what you’re talking about. What am I talking about? You want me to tell you what you are talking about? Yes, I do. Alright, you are talking about the poor and needy. Yes, I am. Go ahead, you may continue. I have been walking right on by those who are in desperate need. Yes, you have. My eyes have looked the other way. My feet have quickly led me in another direction. My hands have been closed to those who are in desperate need. Yes, I am glad you are agreeing with me. There is no point in denying your assessment. I would have precious little to hold up in my defense. You would have some examples to highlight how you have responded to my prompting you to help those in need, wouldn’t you? Yes, I would. But you know that what you have done is not enough. Why is that? It really isn’t a question of how much I’ve done is it? No, it’s not. The real question is am I truly at your disposal? Will I allow myself to be really inconvenienced when you prompt me to respond to someone in need? You have a funny way of putting things. How is that? I’m not an inconvenience to you, am I? No, not at all. I used the word inconvenienced because it helped me to understand the true condition of my heart. What are you coming up with? I like to live in luxury and pleasure. I don’t like to be distracted or made uncomfortable. No, you don’t. I don’t like what I’m seeing. What’s that? It’s a sin to live in such luxury when others all around are in desperate need. I know that I have heard your voice and felt your prompting to help someone in need. What have you done with that? Sometimes I have responded to what you have asked me to do for you. Yes, you have. But, far too often, I have failed to respond to you and walked right on by someone in need. So, what are you saying? Do you want to have a winning record? Are you trying to improve your frequency of favorably responding to me? No, I’m not. You’re not? No, I want you to completely change and transform my heart and mind so that without any thought the words that came out of my mouth are always yes. So, right now, I’m confessing my sins of disobedience to you. I’m asking for your forgiveness. I’m turning away from my self-centered, pleasure seeking life to a life of following and serving you. You’re forgiven. You know that? Yes Lord, I do. Then this is a glorious day, isn’t it? Why is that? You are forgiven and free to serve me now whenever and however I ask you. Yes Lord, I am. Isn’t that exciting? Yes Lord, it is.  

Lord, forgive me for walking right on by people who were in desperate need. Open my eyes and soften my heart to those who are in need. Show when, where, and how I can get up and move out of my comfort zone to help others who are in desperate need. Amen

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

Parables – Luke 16-19-31 – The Rich Man And Lazarus – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

The One Who Had Mercy On Him

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Luke 10:30-37 - The One Who Had Mercy On Him - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Luke 10:30-37 – The One Who Had Mercy On Him – Growing As Disciples

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:36-37 (NIV)

Walking By

I think that you are missing something. What’s that? You have been wanting me to use you in ministry to others, isn’t that true? Yes, that’s correct. How are you expecting that I might want to use you? I don’t know but I’m open to whatever you have in mind. I’m very glad to hear that. What do you think I might have in mind? Right now, I have no idea. But, I’m really anxious to get going on any assignment that you give to me. I’m watching and waiting. Just say the word. Point me in a direction. I’m all yours. Really? Yes, really. Are you sure? I’m getting a little less sure right about now. You’re wondering where I’m heading with my line of questioning? Yes, I am. You’re eager to take on a very large assignment from me, aren’t you? Yes, I am beyond eager. I’m really chomping at the bit. As they say in sports, “put me in coach”. So you want to be in the game and fully engaged. Absolutely, no doubt about it. What if I don’t have a large assignment for you right now? That would be disappointing.

What if I had a small assignment for you? Would you be as excited and enthused to serve me? I’m not sure what you mean by a small assignment? What would you think if I gave you a bunch of behind the scenes assignments that don’t seem at all like center stage kind of work? I’d do them if that were what you were asking me to do for you. You don’t sound as excited and enthused right now. Well, I was hoping that you were preparing me to be used in some larger way. Do you think that I might prepare you for a larger responsibility by giving you some smaller assignment first? Yes, I’m sure that is the way that you work. Am I missing something? I do not understand what you are trying to say to me. You’ve been watching and waiting for a large assignment from me, have you not? Yes, I have. Do you think it might be possible that your eyes have not been open to smaller assignments that I’ve wanted to give to you? I suppose it is. Do you think it might be possible that you’ve walked by people in need because you were looking for a larger assignment from me? Yes, now I understand what you are pointing out. It’s like I’ve been looking at a forest but not seeing the trees. Yes, that’s exactly right. What do a large amount of individual trees add up to? They add up to a forest. Yes, and what do a bunch of smaller assignments from me add up to? They had up to a large assignment from you. Yes, they do.

You have been walking by assignments from me. People are beaten, bruised, and battered all around you. It’s time to open your eyes so that you can do the ministry that you’ve always wanted to do for me. Will you do that? Yes Lord, I will go and do all that you give me to do for you.

Lord, without your help I will be unable to love my neighbor. Give me the strength that I will need to love neighbors that are especially hard for me to love. I will no longer be too busy or too inconvenienced to love my neighbor. Amen

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

Parables – Luke 10-25-37 – The One Who Had Mercy On Him  – 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

Two Men Owed Money To A Certain Moneylender

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Two Men Owed Money To A Certain Moneylender - Luke 7:41-43 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Two Men Owed Money To A Certain Moneylender – Luke 7:41-43 – Growing As Disciples

“Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. Luke 7:41-43 (NIV)

How Much Debt?

How much have you been forgiven of by me? Did you have a big debt or just a very small one for which you needed my forgiveness? Lord, you know all my thoughts, words and actions. Yes, I do. Why then do you ask me these questions? You know the extent of my sinfulness far better than even I do. Yes, I do. It is important for you to think about the extent of your sin. Why is that? If you thought you had no sin, you would not need or want me at all. I don’t think that at all. I know that I am a sinner. I need no convincing on that point. That’s good. If you thought that you have just a little bit of sin, you may think that by your good efforts you might be able to pay me back. I know that I cannot pay for my own sin no matter how hard I would try. Haven’t you tried before? What do you mean? Haven’t there been times when you felt particularly sinful and thought maybe you should engage in some extra service for me because of your sin? Yes, I suppose so. How did that work out? Not very well. Why not? Trying to pay you back is just one more sin. Why do you think so? If I try to pay you back then I’m not having faith and believing that you have completely forgiven and cleansed me of my sin. No, you are not.

We could move this discussion along a little bit. Why do you want to? Well, I need no convincing about the extent of my sin. I have sinned against you and others in so many ways. It’s not like I’ve stopped either. All my sin is not just in the past. I’m a sinner now. I know that I will sin in the future. Yes, you will. So, I have a huge debt that I can’t repay. Not now, nor at anytime in the future. You’re right about that.

So, I’m nothing like the religious person who needs no or little forgiveness. I never want to have that attitude. If for some strange reason I think that for a moment then I will want to confess that attitude for the sin that it is. Haven’t you thought in this way before? Maybe, sometimes it is hard to even know my own sins. All I can say is that I know I’ve sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I didn’t have a small amount of sin for which you have forgiven me. You are right about that. I have forgiven you of all your sins of the past, present and future. You are completely forgiven and cleansed of your sin. You have no debt. It has been cancelled.

You say I have no debt? Yes, I do. Well, I feel something strongly toward you. What’s that? I feel a debt of gratitude, thankfulness, and love for you for all that you have done for me. This debt is not at all like an obligation; it is what wells up in my heart toward you. It is what makes me like the grateful woman who is washing your feet with her tears and drying them with her hair. I am at your feet right now. I love you. I give my life to you. I want to live my life with and for you. I have no need to ask, “who is this who even forgives sins?” You are the Son of God who died for my sin so that I could be forgiven, cleansed, and made able to live a new life in you. Yes, I am and yes, I did. Follow me. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I had a very big debt and load of sin I was carrying. My heart and mind and thoughts and actions were completely evil. I was far away from you, living a broken, sin filled life. Thank you, for bringing me near to you so that I could be forgiven of all my sin. Amen

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

Parables – Luke 7-41-43 – Two Men Owed Money To A Certain Moneylender – 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

He Went To Look For Fruit On It

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - He Went To Look For Fruit On It - Luke 13:6-9 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – He Went To Look For Fruit On It – Luke 13:6-9 – Growing As Disciples

Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'” Luke 13:6-9 (NIV)

Bearing Fruit

It is the desire of my heart to bear fruit for you. Where do you think that desire to bear fruit came from? It certainly did not originate with me. No, it did not. You chose and appointed me to bear fruit for you. Yes, I did. What kind of fruit do you want to bear for me? I want to bear fruit for you that will last. For much of life, I have used my time, talents, and resources on work that will not last. I was doing my own thing and not really relying on you to guide or empower my efforts. I have learned that apart from you, I can really accomplish nothing that will last. No, you cannot. But, can you clarify what you mean when you say you want fruit that will last. I’d be happy to. When I am in heaven with you, I want to be able to look back and say that I’m glad that I obeyed you and did this or that. I want to be able to look around heaven and see people that are there because of how you used me to reach out to them. So, you want your fruit to last for eternity? Yes, I do. You no longer want to waste your efforts on what will be of no lasting eternal value? No, I don’t. Those are very good desires and priorities.

Let’s talk about fruit a little more. Do you know that there are two different kinds of fruit? No, I don’t think that I do. Well it’s important that you do. What are these two types of fruit? Why is it so important that I understand that there are two kinds of fruit? The first fruit is the fruit of “being”. What does that mean? It is the fruit of becoming the person that I want you to be. I am tending to your life. I am giving you everything you need to grow and become who you are meant to be. When you say the “fruit of being”, is that like the fruit of the Holy Spirit? Yes, exactly. So you want me to bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Yes, I do. Being the person I want you to be will make you able to bear the second kind of fruit. What’s that? That is the fruit that you most often think of. It is the fruit of “doing”. Is there a problem with focusing on this kind of fruit? Yes, there is. Can you tell me what that problem might be? I think I can. Go ahead then.  If I’m so focused on “doing” something, I might end up doing the wrong thing with my own strength and not bearing any real, lasting fruit at all. Yes, that’s it. You want me to bear the fruit of being who you want me to become and doing what you want me to do at the same time. Yes, I do. Aren’t they really inseparable anyhow? Isn’t it impossible to bear the fruit of doing if I don’t have the fruit of being? I’m glad that you see this. Yes, these two fruits must go together if you want to bear fruit for me. Yes, Lord that’s exactly what I want. I can see that. Abide in me and you will bear an abundance of fruit that will last for all eternity. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, it is my desire and joy to be used by you. Nourish, prepare and strengthen me so that I can bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom and glory. Remove anything from my life that will hinder my growth and ability to be used by you to bear fruit for you. Amen

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

Parables – Luke 13-6-9 – He Went To Look For Fruit On It – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Whoever Can Be Trusted With Very Little Can Also Be Trusted With Much

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Parables - Whoever Can Be Trusted With Very Little Can Also Be Trusted With Much - Luke 16:8-12 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Parables – Whoever Can Be Trusted With Very Little Can Also Be Trusted With Much – Luke 16:8-12 – Growing As Disciples

“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? Luke 16:8-12 (NIV)

Test and Trust

Have you noticed the race of life that those of the world are running? I’m not sure what you mean. Sure you do, you see it every day almost the minute you step out your front door. What’s that? There is an all out pursuit of money and all the comforts and pleasures it can buy. Oh that, yes I am well aware of that. You once were consumed by that pursuit. Yes I was. Even now, once in a while, you fall back into that, don’t you? Yes, I do and even more than once and a while. Yes, I’m glad that you are willing to admit that.

How often have you seen someone who has the same aggressive and passionate pursuit of their life with me as those that are pursuing the world? Could I rephrase that question? Yes, go right ahead. Alright, how often have I seen someone completely one hundred percent devoted to following you, is that what you are asking me? Yes, I am. I’m not sure if I have ever seen anything like that before. But, I will tell you one thing. What’s that? I want to love, follow, and pursue you with my whole heart and mind. I want to use all that you have given me to serve you. I don’t want anything to go to waste, be misused or left unused.

That’s a very good desire that you have. See to it that you live that desire out. With your help and power, I will. I can’t do it on my own that’s for sure. Yes, that’s true. I want you to know something. What’s that? It’s very important that you are faithful to properly use all that I have given to you. Why is that? Why do you think? I think that if I am faithful with a little you will entrust me with more. Yes, I will. Do you know that your whole life is both a test and a trust? What does that mean? The test and trust is “how well did you use all that I entrusted you with”? I have blessed and gifted you so that you can serve me. I have placed resources in your hands to be used for my kingdom and glory. How well is your life and resources being used for my plan and purposes? That’s a good question. Yes, it is. One day, after your life is over, you will be asked that question. Will you help me to live my life in ways that will prepare me to answer that question well? Yes, I will. Will you help me to be faithful to you even in the smallest details? Yes, I will. I am so thankful that you will help me to answer that question. Why is that? I know that I will never be able to answer that question well without your help. No, you could not. But, I will help you to know how to answer it as you love me and pursue the life I have for you.

Lord, I know that I have not been completely faithful to use all that you have given me to serve you. Forgive me. Help me now to know how I can use all that you have given me to serve you and bear abundant fruit for your glory.  Amen

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

Parables – Luke 16-8-12 – Whoever Can Be Trusted With Very Little Can Also Be Trusted With Much – 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

A Farmer Went Out To Sow His Seed

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Parables - Matthew 13:3-9 - A Farmer Went Out To Sow His Seed - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Parables – Matthew 13:3-9 – A Farmer Went Out To Sow His Seed – Growing As Disciples

Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop–a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear.” Matthew 13:3-9 (NIV)

Good Soil

I want my life to be like good soil in which your word can grow. I want your word to make me able to bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom. In every way and on every day of my life I want to bring glory to your name. I want to live the life that you have called me to live. I want to be able to do all the good works that you have prepared for me to do for you. I don’t want anything to get in the way of your working in and through my life. I want to be completely at your disposal. That’s very good.

How can I make sure that my heart is like good soil in which your word can grow? That is a very good question. I’m sure that you know the answer to that question. I would like to hear your answer. First, I need to hear your word. If I am not hearing your word, then there is no chance that it will be growing in my life. That’s true. How will you hear my word? I will set apart a time and place to meet with you in your word every day. I will listen attentively to your word. I will carefully consider your word. I will meditate on your word. I will memorize your word. I will let your word dwell in me richly. Most importantly, I will follow and obey your word. I will put your word into practice as I follow and serve you. Putting your word into practice will demonstrate that I have heard your word. That’s true.

What do you think my word will do for you? Your word will change my heart. Your word will transform my mind. Your word will make me able to follow and obey you. Your word will make me able to resist temptation and stand up against evil. Your word will guard and guide my life. Your word will keep me on the path that you have laid out for me. Your word will help me to bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Yes, it will. Your word will keep my heart and mind and life focused on you. Your word will make my life like good soil in which it can continue to grow. Your word will accomplish your purposes and plans in my life. Yes, it certainly will. You got that right.

Lord, I want my life to be good soil in which your word can grow and bear an abundance of fruit. I will set apart a time and a place to meet with you in your word. I will stop to carefully consider all you are saying to me. I will hear and put your word into practice. Amen

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

Parables – Matthew 13-3-9 – A Farmer Went Out To Sow His Seed – 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

Sheep From The Goats

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Sheep From The Goats - Matthew 25:31-46 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Sheep From The Goats – Matthew 25:31-46 – Growing As Disciples

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Matthew 25:31-33  (NIV)

Who Are You?

Do you know who you are?  Do you know who I created you to be?  Do you know what I have called you to do?  I’m not sure that I do know all that well.  Sometimes I think that I do.  But then, I become confused, forget, and loose my bearings.  Then I wander off to think, say, and do what I regret having thought, said, and done.  So, I need a little in service training!  A little?  Well no, actually a lot.  I need all the help that you will give to me.  Is that what you want, my help?  Yes Lord, it is.  I can’t answer your questions without your help.  I don’t want to miss out on living the life you’ve called me to live. You’re right you do need my help.  I’m so glad that you are asking for it.  Let’s start with a question.

How would you describe me as I came to the earth to live as a man? How is this question going to help me? You’ll soon see, but focus now on my question.  Alright, I will.  First, your act of coming to live on the earth was a gigantic sacrifice. You gave up all your rights. You are God, yet you humbled yourself to live as a man.  You took on the form of a servant.  You didn’t hold on to your life.  Instead you joyfully and freely gave it away.  You weren’t concerned about your own comfort.  You devoted yourself to helping all those who were in pain and suffering. Honor, prestige, and power meant nothing.  Loving, serving, and giving meant everything to you. You knew that this life is temporary and will quickly pass away.  You lived to follow and please your Father in heaven.  You went where He guided you.  You did what He asked.  You did not have your own agenda but waited in prayer for His instructions and blessing. You saw what your Father wanted and did that.  You were totally devoted to loving and serving your Heavenly Father.  Yes, I am.  You have described me well.

I think you already know how answering my question is helping you, don’t you? Yes Lord, I do. Tell me how.  I love you. My love for you has given me a desire to be like you.  I want to follow you. I want to do what you did. I want to be like you are. You gave yourself away in service to others.  I want to give myself away in service to others as well.  As I do that, I know that I am really giving myself to you.  When I care for any lost, wounded, or hurting soul, I am really loving and serving you.  Yes, you are.  Now, do you know who you are?  Yes, I am yours. Yes, I am your child.  Do you know what I called you to do?  Yes, you called me to love you and serve others.  Yes, yes, and yes. Love me and do that. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I know there that have been times when I have walked right on by someone in need without giving them a second thought. Forgive me. Help be to be attentive and obedient to your prompting me to serve others in need. Amen

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

Parables – Matthew 25-31-33 – Sheep From The Goats – 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