Category Archives: Parables

New Cloth / New Wine

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide- Parable Of The New Cloth / New Wine - Luke 5:36-38 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide- Parable Of The New Cloth / New Wine – Luke 5:36-38 – Growing As Disciples

He told them this parable: “No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, ‘The old is better.'” Luke 5:36-39 (NIV)

Mismatches

What are some things that don’t go together? I’m not sure what you mean. What does not match? What doesn’t fit together? You mean things like a square peg in a round hole? Yes, now you have the idea. Let’s hear a few more. How about black shoes and a brown belt or a fool in leadership? Those are good. They say you can’t compare apples and oranges, I’m not sure why though. Plaids and stripes don’t go together. How about shouting in the library or laughing loudly at a funeral, those don’t fit the situation. You’ve given some good examples, how about a couple more? Cats and dogs are not a good combination. I’ve always liked oxymorons like jumbo shrimp, flight food, or military intelligence. Let’s stay away from sarcasm. Alright, how about one more? That would be good. Light and darkness can’t exist together. That’s the ultimate miss match. Yes, it is.

Why do you think I’ve asked you to consider what doesn’t go together? I’m not exactly sure. Take a stab at it. Well, I know that my old life in the world doesn’t match or go together with my new life in you. Why not? It’s kind of like light and darkness don’t go or can’t exist together. Tell me more about that.

When I started following you, I had to be willing to leave my old life behind. That wasn’t easy at the time. There were things from my old life that I thought I liked. I would’ve said they tasted good to me. If it were possible and if I had thought of it, I might’ve asked you to just make some minor adjustments to my life. You mean something like putting a few patches on the holes in your life? Yes, that’s it. How do you think that would’ve worked? Not at all. Fortunately I reached a point of desperation. I really saw the darkness of my life and how much in need I was. What were you willing to do? I was willing to turn completely away from my old life to begin to live the new life that you wanted to give to me. What did I do for you? You forgave and cleansed me of all my sins. Before I felt dirty and unacceptable. You made me clean as you showered me with your mercy, love and forgiveness. Yes, I did.

 You used an expression that I want to ask you about. What’s that? You said you “turned completely” away from your old life. Yes, I did. Can you say more about that? I’d be happy to. When I began to follow you, I thought that I had confessed all my sins and turned completely away from my old life. That was my intent. But as I follow you, every so often, I see things that don’t fit or match the new life that you have given me to live. Like what? I’ll give you two examples. How about anger and love or lust and purity, those combinations don’t fit the new life I have in you. No they don’t. So, when you show mismatches like that to me I once again have an opportunity to leave them behind and follow you. In this way you are making my life new, again and again, bit-by-bit, and day-by-day. Yes, I am. I’m sure you will continue to change me and remove mismatches from my life until the day we meet together in heaven. Yes, I will.

Lord, you are my Savior. Thank you for the new life that you have given to me to live as I follow you. You have changed my heart and mind, tastes and desires. The old is gone. The new is here. I’m excited to live my new life in you.  Amen

Key Question… How have your heart and mind, tastes and desires changed since you began to follow Jesus Christ?

Living It Out… Allow Jesus Christ to change your heart and mind so that you can put off your old life and put on your new life in Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that Christ will transform your heart and mind so that you can live a completely new life in Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how Jesus Christ is continuing to make your life completely new in Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you live out new life in Christ as you follow Him as your Savior and Lord.

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

Parables – Luke 5-36-39 – New Cloth, New Wine – 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

Sower And The Soils

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Parable Of The Sower And The Soils - Matthew 13:34-8,18-23 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Parable Of The Sower And The Soils – Matthew 13:34-8,18-23 – Growing As Disciples

But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” Matthew 13:23  (NIV)

Fruitful Heart

What is the condition of your heart? That depends, I suppose. What do you mean by that?  I wish that I could say that the condition of my heart is always soft and fertile, like a very well cared for garden. What is it that changes the condition of your heart? How can you continually take care of your heart so that it will be like a well cared for garden?

I know that the condition of my heart can become hard. How is that? There are any number of possibilities. Can you name one? I’ll try. When I allow myself to be filled with pride my heart can become quite hard. How so? My pride tells me that I know it all. I can become so certain of something that I am completely unteachable. That’s not good. I know. In this condition I’m not able to receive anything from you or anyone else. You don’t want that. No, I don’t. I can’t tell you how many dumb mistakes I’ve made because I failed to hear and understand what you or others have wanted to say to me.

What else would you like to say about the condition of your heart? I know that my heart can be fickle and fragile. Can you give me an example? One day I can be so excited to know that you have a purpose and plan for my life. Yes, I do. I know, that’s what your word says. But, the next day I might be completely discouraged. How is that possible? It’s easy. Why is that?  Sometimes, I let difficult circumstances. delay or roadblocks cause me to forget the promise that you have a purpose and plan for my life. I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve sometimes lived as if I don’t believe or haven’t heard your word.  It’s as if I haven’t taken a firm grip on your word or let it take a firm grip on me. This is not good either. I would have to agree with you.

Is there one final thing that you would like to say about the condition of your heart? I know that my heart can become entangled in the things of this world. What do you have in mind? It seems like I’m constantly being bombarded with the message that I don’t have enough. I shouldn’t be content with what I have. I should want or need more. It almost doesn’t matter what the “more” is. It’s the pursuit of this “more” and my lack of contentment that causes me to chase after what I don’t need or shouldn’t have. It’s this pursuit leading me to run in the wrong direction that does damage to my heart. What direction is that?  It’s any direction that leads away from you and all that you have for me. It’s any direction that replaces what you have for me with the things of this world. You don’t want that. No, I don’t.

What do you think will guard your heart so that you will be fruitful for me? Guarding and tending my heart all comes down to one thing. What’s that? When I spend time with you in your word; it is you that will guard, keep and protect my heart. Yes, I do. You will sow your word into my heart and mind. You will mold and shape my life by your word. It is you that will make me fruitful for you. Your word being lived out in my heart, mind and life will bear a rich harvest for your Kingdom and Glory. Is that what you want me to do in you, for you and through you? Yes, more than anything else. Make my heart fruitful for you. Yes, I will.

Lord, prepare my heart so that your word will take root and grow in me. Help me to hear and obey all you say to me. Transform my heart and mind by your word. Make my life abundantly fruitful for your kingdom and your glory.  Amen

Key Question… What will be the result of God’s word taking root and growing in your life?

Living It Out… Allow the seed of God’s word to take root in your life and grow so that you will bear abundant fruit for Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will bear an abundance of fruit through your life as you let His word take root in you.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are allowing God’s word to take root in you and grow.

Prayer To Bless Others… May the Lord bear an abundance of fruit through your life as you let His word take root in you.

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

Parables – Matthew 13-23 – Sower And The Soils – 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

Wise And Foolish Builders

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Parables - Wise And Foolish Builders - Matthew 7:24-27 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Parables – Wise And Foolish Builders – Matthew 7:24-27 – Growing As Disciples

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25 (NIV)

Two Choices

You have a choice to make, two choices actually.  What are they? The first choice is easy to miss. People take the first choice as a given, forget it and move on. What’s the first choice? Will you hear my words? That sounds easy enough. Yes it does, but it is actually quite difficult. It doesn’t seem so. Hearing my word is not the hardest part. What is then? It’s choosing to hear my word that is difficult. Why is that so hard? You tell me, what would distract you from hearing my word? How much of my word is enough for you to hear? Is hearing my word once or twice a week enough for you? Do you want all my word to be spoon fed to you by others or do you want to be able to feast on it for yourself? If my word were more valuable than silver or gold, which it is, how much of it would you want? How many, do you think, really desire my word and value it above silver, gold or anything else? You certainly have a lot of questions for me. Yes I do, tell me what you think.

I think that your word is not valued as it should be.  There have been times in my life when I have let just about anything distract me from prayerfully reading and hearing your word.   It pains me to know that I’ve spent more time watching television or playing on the computer than I have spent prayerfully reading and hearing your word. That’s like trading garbage for gold.  Yes, it is.  Why has all this changed for you? You led me to carve out a specific time and place to meet with you in your word everyday.   That’s an interesting choice of words. Why is that?  Why did you use the word carve?  It took a real rock solid commitment to set apart an uninterrupted time to meet with you. What helped you do that? I realized that our special time together would only be consistent if nothing was allowed to compete with it.  I knew that I should start very small and let our time together grow over time.  That’s why you chose to meet with me just before you went to bed every night?  Yes, I knew that nothing would compete with that time and place. That became a sacred time and place for you didn’t it? Yes, it did. Have other things tried to compete with this time that you have set apart to meet with me? No, not really.  It’s like there has been a wall of protection over our time together that distractions of any kind are not allowed to penetrate.  Very quickly our meeting together became an automatic pattern that is as regular as clockwork.  Actually, as we’ve met together, my hunger and desire to spend more time with you has grown. Yes, it has.

Have you noticed anything about the second choice? What’s that? It’s putting my word into practice. Yes, actually I have. What’s that? I’ve noticed that when I’m hearing and praying over your word; obeying you and putting your word into practice has become the desire of my heart. I don’t obey you because I should or because I must.  You don’t?  Why do you obey me? I obey you and put your word into into practice because I love you. I want to do whatever pleases you. The more I’m with you in your word the less interest or attraction I have for the things of this world. You have been transforming my heart and mind by your word. Your word is helping me to think your thoughts. You are molding and shaping my life by your word.  You are making me into who you want me to be by your word. Yes, I am. Your word has become a firm foundation for me.  It is now a wall of protection around me.  I have discovered that your word really is more valuable than silver or gold. Yes it is.  Continue hearing my words and putting them into practice. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, in the past I have allowed shaky materials to be the foundation of my life. These will not help me to withstand the storms of life. Give me a firm foundation that is built on your word. Help me to continue to come to you to hear your word and to put it into practice. Amen

Key Question… What construction materials are being used to build and shape the person you are becoming?

Living It Out… Carve out a time and set aside a special place to meet with God in His word on a daily basis.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that there is nothing more valuable or important than meeting with God in His word.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God’s word is the foundation on which your life is being built.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you meet with God in His word and put into practice all that you are hearing.

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

Parables – Matthew 7-24-25 – Wise And Foolish Builders – 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

Lamp Under A Bowl

Posted on by
Reply
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 will saying yes to what God wants to do through you allow His light to shine brightly for 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                                 www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

The Net

Posted on by
2
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

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 Cost Of Discipleship

Posted on by
Reply
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

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 Persistent Widow

Posted on by
Reply
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

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 Rich Man And Lazarus

Posted on by
Reply
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

Posted on by
Reply
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

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

Two Men Owed Money To A Certain Moneylender

Posted on by
Reply
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