Category Archives: Parables

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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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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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

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

The Lost Sheep

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Lost Sheep - Luke 15:4-7 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Lost Sheep – Luke 15:4-7 – Growing As Disciples

“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15:4-7 (NIV)

Go After

You know sheep are not the smartest of animals, don’t you?  Yes, that’s what I understand.  Do you know why I have compared you to a sheep?  Yes, I think so.  Tell me how you compare favorably with a sheep.  That’s a funny way to put it.  I don’t like to think that I’m like a sheep.  Why is that?  A sheep is pretty dumb and defenseless.  They have a tendency to wander off into trouble and get bruised and battered as a result.  Yes, they certainly do.  But you’ve done all that haven’t you.  Yes, I’ve wandered away from you into danger.  I’ve allowed myself to be hurt by the consequences of my bad and sinful choices.  I’ve known what it is like to be off alone by myself crying out just like a sheep.  Did my crying out to you sound at all like the bah of a sheep?  Yes, quite similar actually.   Wasn’t that like a little object lesson for you?  Yes, in those moments I felt very sheepish.  You felt more than that, didn’t you?  Yes, I felt lost and without hope.  That was a good place to be.  Why is that?  It showed you that you needed me, didn’t it?  Yes, in that place all my independence, stubbornness, and pride was set aside because I was in desperate need.  Yes, you were.  It’s a good thing the story did not end there, isn’t it?  Yes, it is.

Tell me what you think happened.  When I was wandering off into the world, you were pursuing me.  When I thought I was all alone, you were right there.  You were watching and waiting for just the right moment when I’d had enough of the world and was ready to turn away from it to give my life to you.  Yes, I was.  What happened next?  I asked forgiveness for all my sin and bad choices.  I said I was sorry.  I told you that I wanted to follow you and leave my old life behind.  Yes, you did.  What did it do for you?  You forgave, cleansed and healed me.  You put me on your shoulders and carried me.  You brought me into a time and place where you refreshed, revived, and restored my soul.  You allowed me to drink deeply of your kindness, mercy and love.  I was able to feast on your word.  You changed my heart and mind and desires as your Holy Spirit worked your word into my life.  Yes, you’re right about all of this.  I’d like to ask you a question.  Go ahead.

What about now?  What is now the desire of your heart?  I want to know you.  I want to be like you.  I want to join you in what you are doing.  What do you think that is?  You are a good shepherd who came to seek and save the lost.  Yes, I am.  Would you like to join me in that work?  Yes, Lord I would.  Then you will.  You will go after the lost and feed my sheep.  Yes, Lord I will.

Lord, I was off by myself, stubbornly wandering in a life of sin. My life was a mess. I was bruised and battered. You left heaven to find and save me. Thank you for rescuing me and carrying me back to you so I could live a new life.  Amen

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

Parables – Luke 15-4-7 – The Lost Sheep – Four Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide   

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

It Is Like Yeast

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Parable Of Yeast - Luke 13:20-21 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Parable Of Yeast – Luke 13:20-21 – Growing As Disciples

Again he asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.” Luke 13:20-21 (NIV)

A Choice

You have a choice, you know. What choice is there? You have a choice to make about who you are going to be. You have a chance to choose what your whole life will look like. What are these choices that are before me? How will they determine what my life will look like? There are really just two choices. Tell me about them. The first choice is the easiest one. I like easy choices. You won’t like this one. Why not? The easy choice is to live according to all the thoughts and values of this world. The predominant value of this world is to live for yourself so that all your wants and desires can be gratified. This selfish desire is like bad yeast that has infected society and every individual in it. People continually want what they don’t need and can’t have. When this evil desire is full blown it leads to conflict of all kinds between individuals and in society. Is that why we have fights and wars? Yes, it is. Just as the result of this kind of living leads to death for individuals it will also bring death to society, as well, through wars. How does living this way lead to death for individuals? I’m glad that you asked that. Living according to the bad yeast of this world will cause desires to rise in you that will lead you in every direction but towards me. The paths that lead away from me may seem pleasurable at the time but in the end they will lead to death. You’re right; I don’t want to make this choice. I’m glad to hear you say that. I think I’ve already experienced plenty of the results of making that choice. Yes, you have. Let me tell you about the other choice.

The other choice requires you to turn away from the bad yeast of the evil desires of this world to follow me. It means no longer letting the world conform you to its’ image. Instead you will allow me to work in your life. You, in fact, will no longer be in charge of your own life. You will no longer live for yourself. You will allow me to be your Savior and Lord. I will rescue you from the sin and death of this world. I will give you a new life to live. It will be a good life filled with joy and peace. You will know my love. You will feel my kindness, grace and mercy. I will work inside your life. My love will be like yeast in you. It will transform you into the person you were always meant to be. Really? You have been searching haven’t you? Yes, I have. But, you didn’t know exactly what for, did you? No, I didn’t. You thought maybe you would somehow find yourself? Yes, I did. But, that never seemed to be the answer, did it? No, it did not. What do you think the answer to your search is? You are the answer to my search. I want you. I want to love and follow you. I want you to make me into the person that you want me to be. I now know that I want what you want. I choose you, because I know that you have chosen me. You want to work in me like yeast in dough. I’m saying, yes, to that! Make me rise to a new life in you. Help me to also be like yeast in this world. Change me and use me however you see fit to change the world for your kingdom and your glory. You can be sure that I will.

Lord, thank you that your word and the Gospel of your Kingdom has been working silently, continually, and dramatically in me to transform me into the person you want me to be.  As your work in me continues, use me to change the world for your glory. Amen

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

Parables – Luke 13-20-21 – Yeast – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

 

When He Came To His Senses

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - When He Came To His Senses - Luke 15:11-32 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – When He Came To His Senses – Luke 15:11-32 – Growing As Disciples

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:17-20 (NIV)

Let’s Celebrate

You were once a wanderer. Yes, I know. You thought you knew it all. Your heart and mind were set on doing evil. Yes, they were. You were walking in darkness along a path that led away from me. Yes, I was. Your experience was not unlike this first lost son. That’s for sure. What similarities do you see? He was so head strong and independent. He was so self-centered and unconcerned about how his actions might hurt others. All he cared about was what he wanted. Yes, that’s right. He got all that he thought he wanted, but his life left him broken, bruised, and battered. Yes, it did. He was experiencing the consequences of all his sin. What was that? He was completely destitute. When his money ran out, his friends all ran away. His starvation led him to working and living in a pigsty. That must have been humiliating for him. Yes, it was. His poverty and hunger gave him no choice. He became enslaved to others just to survive. Yes, he was. But, you have one point wrong. What’s that? He had a choice and he took it.

Let’s talk about the choice he made. Alright, he reached rock bottom and he came to his senses. What was that? Somehow he knew that he could turn away from his sin and go back to his father. He was ready and willing to confess his sin to his father. Yes, he was. He thought he might be able to pay his father back by working as his hired servant.He even had a little speech prepared. But, what happened when he tried to give it? The Father would hear none of it.

What did the Father do? The Father was watching and waiting for his son’s return. He saw him at a great distance. His heart was filled with compassion for his son. He ran out to meet him. He threw his arms around his son and kissed him. Then he covered him with a new robe and put a ring on his finger. All the father’s joy drowned out the son’s proposal to be a hired servant to his father. There would be none of that. Instead he was freely forgiven and there would be a party to celebrate. Why was that? The son who was dead was now alive. The son who was lost was now found. Yes, these are my favorite celebrations. I have no greater joy than to see my sons and daughters return to me.

You know all that I did for this lost son I did for you when you returned to me. I was watching and waiting for you. I ran out to welcome you home. I threw my arms around you. I put my robe of righteousness on you. You have my ring on your finger and my shoes on your feet. You are not working for me as my servant. No, I am working in and through you as your Father. Let’s celebrate that! That’s a great idea.

Father, thank you for watching and waiting for me when I was far away from you. Your love brought me to my senses and caused me to turn my life around and give it to you. It is now my desire to love, follow and serve you.  Amen

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

Parables – Luke 15-11-31 – When He Came To His Senses – 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

Who Then Is The Faithful And Wise Manager

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Who Then Is The Faithful And Wise Manager - Luke 12:42-48 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Who Then Is The Faithful And Wise Manager – Luke 12:42-48 – Growing As Disciples

Peter asked, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?” The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. Luke 12:41-43 (NIV)

Well Done

What have you been given? I don’t even know where to start to try and answer that question. Start anywhere you’d like. I’ve been given life. Not once, but twice. I was born into this world, but made alive in Christ. You have filled me with your Holy Spirit. He has counseled me and guided me through all the ups and downs and twists and turns in life. When I’ve needed help or encouragement, He has been there to lift me up and keep me going and lead me along the path of life. I’ve been given your word. The Holy Spirit has used your word to transform my mind and change my heart. You’ve given me gifts, talents, and abilities with which I can serve you and others. You have given me a family, friends, and a church where I can gather with fellow believers to worship you. You’ve provided for all my needs. You have given much to me. You’ve given me hope of heaven and the certainty of eternal life. The list of all that you have given to me is very long. I could go on and on. I’m very thankful and I feel very blessed by all that you have given to me. Yes, the list of what I have given to you is never ending. Do you know why? Yes, Father, I do. Tell me why. You love me. Yes, I do. Your love is the best of all that you have given to me.

What desire has my love for you caused you to have in your heart? I want to love you with all my heart and soul and mind. I want to live my life in ways that please you. I want to use all that you have given to me for your kingdom and glory. I’m very glad to hear you say that.

At the end of your life or when my son returns in His second coming, is there something that you would like to hear me say to you? Yes, there sure is. Tell me what you want to be able to hear. I want to be able to hear you say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” What will be required of you in order for you to hear that said about you? I will need to be faithful with all that you have given to me. Because you have given so much to me, much will be required of me. Yes, it will. Do you have some concern or worry about this? Yes, I do. Tell me about it. I know that I am a sinner. I will always fall short. Yes, you will. How is it that I could ever be found to be faithful? On your own you will never be found to be fully faithful. But, you are not on your own, are you? No, I’m not. Who is it that will make you fully faithful? It is your son, Jesus Christ, who forgives all my sins. He makes me faithful. Yes, He does. How will you know what I am asking you to do for me? Your Holy Spirit will show me what you want me to do for you. Yes, He will. Your Holy Spirit will also give me the power to do what you have asked me to do for you. Yes He will. Rely on Him and say yes to what He asks of you. Then you will be found to be faithful. Then you will one day very soon hear me say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I’m saying, “yes” right now, use me in your service.

Lord, I am expectantly awaiting your sudden return. I am engaged in doing what you have given me to do for you. Help me to be faithful and always ready for your return. Give me the strength to never grow weary in serving you. Amen

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

Parables – Luke 12-41-43 – Who Then Is The Faithful And Wise Manager – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Brings Out Of His Storeroom New Treasures

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Brings Out Of His Storeroom New Treasures - Matthew 13:51-52 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Brings Out Of His Storeroom New Treasures – Matthew 13:51-52 – Growing As Disciples

“Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked. “Yes,” they replied. He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” Matthew 13:51-52  (NIV)                                                       

Bring Out Treasures

Do you know what I am doing in you? Yes, I think that I do.  Tell me what you think. I believe that you are transforming my mind and changing my heart by your word. How is that happening? You have drawn me to meet with you in your word on a daily basis. Yes, I have. Why do you think that my word has been transforming your mind and changing your heart?  I can see surprising, even startling results actually. Like what? I don’t think, feel or act the way that I once did. As I have let your word dwell in me richly, the Holly Spirit has been applying it to my life. My mind, heart and life are now being molded and shaped by your word. Yes, it certainly is. How do you feel about that? I am so thankful for what you are doing in my life and how you are changing me. What are you most thankful for? I am most thankful that you have given me a love and hunger for you. My desire and love for you is like a consuming fire. You have set me on fire for you. The more I taste of your goodness, mercy and love the more I want. You leave me satisfied and, at the same time, always hungering for more. You are the love of my life. That is very good, isn’t it? Yes, it is.

What do you think I want to do through your life? I believe that you are instructing me about how to live in your kingdom as your fully devoted follower. Yes, I am. What have you noticed most about this? At one time I felt like I had very little to say about loving, following and serving you. How about now?  Now, I feel like I could explode I have so much to say. You have been overflowing my life with your word. Yes, I have. Do you think that you will be able to remain silent about all that I have done in, for and with you? No, not all. I am watching and waiting for any and every opportunity to share the treasures that are in your word. I’ve noticed that you have been unusually patient. That’s only because of the work that you have been doing in me. I have sensed that you have been preparing me to speak up on your behalf. Yes, I have been preparing you. I will continue to prepare you. This will never stop. So, keep coming to meet with me in my word and your well will never run dry.  The treasures from my word will continue to overflow your life. Yes Lord, I will.

How much longer do you think that you will need to wait before I use you to speak and testify more fully on my behalf? I’m not exactly sure, but probably not much longer. You’re right about that. Very soon I will ask you to share with others the treasures that I have stored up in your heart. Are you ready for that? If you say that I am ready, then I am ready, but not before and until you say the word. I like your answer. You are ready now. Speak and testify on my behalf. Share with others the treasures that are in my word. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, help me be able to draw rich treasures out of the storehouse of your word. Teach me, train me, and guide me by your word. Help me to apply your word to my life so that I am able to live by it and share it’s riches with others.  Amen

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

Parables – Matthew 13-51-52 – Brings Out Of His Storeroom New Treasures – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Workers In The Vineyard

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Parable Of The Workers In The Vineyard - Matthew 20:1-16 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Parable Of The Workers In The Vineyard – Matthew 20:1-16 – Growing As Disciples

“But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:13-16 (NIV)

Why Serve Me?

Why do you want to serve me?  That’s a good question.  Why do you think so?  It causes me to examine my motives.  I ask myself a lot of follow up questions to your question.  Like what?  Do I serve you because of how I might be rewarded someday in the future?  Do I serve you because of some sort of praise and recognition I might receive from others?  Do I serve you because I’m trying to earn your approval, acceptance, and love?  Do I serve you because I don’t have a choice?  What sort of answers are you coming up with?  I’m coming up with a no answer to all of my follow up questions.   Why is that?  They are all very poor motives for serving you.  How so?  Serving you for possible rewards seems pretty grubby to me.  I’m not your hired hand.  I don’t have on and off duty hours.  I haven’t given you my life from nine to five.  You haven’t?  No, I’ve given it to you 24/7.  That’s good!  You will never put compensation in my hand only to have me look around at others and say, “that’s it”.  I’m glad to hear that.

Serving you to seek some kind of praise and recognition from others seems like a very feeble reason to serve you.  Why is that?  Praise from others would never be enough.  Living for it would only reveal an emptiness in my heart that only you can fill.  Besides, people usually offer more ridicule than praise for serving you.  If this were my motive I would never be satisfied.  No, you wouldn’t.

Serving you out of a desire to earn your approval, acceptance and love would be an impossible effort.  Why is that?  All the good I could do would never erase the bad that I have done.  I can’t make myself perfect or righteous in your eyes.  No you cannot.  But, you’ve already made me perfect and righteous in your eyes.   How did I do that?  You sent your son into this world to save me.  He paid for my sins.  I’ve been forgiven and cleansed of all my unrighteousness.  He has done for me what I never could have done for myself.  Yes, He did and yes, I have.  So, now you already approve, accept and love me.  Yes, I do.

Do I serve you because I don’t have a choice?  Of all the questions that I’ve asked myself, this one seemed to have the easiest answer of, “certainly not”.  But that isn’t your answer, is it?  No, it’s not.  When I consider all that you have done for me, and how you have loved and accepted me, my heart responds back to you with love.  I love you because you first loved me.  I give myself to you because you gave yourself to me.  This is not some sort of calculated transaction.  No, my heart compels me to serve you because I love you.  My heart gives me no choice.  You have showered me with your love and acceptance and my heart is now on fire with love for you.  For this I am so grateful and thankful.  You have already paid me in full.  I need or want nothing more.  That’s why I want to serve you. That is very good.

Lord, thank you calling me away from a life of living for myself. You forgave, cleansed, and saved me. You gave my life new meaning, purpose and direction. Thank you for giving me a new assignment and work to do serving you. Amen

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

Parables – Matthew 20-13-16 – Workers In The Vineyard – 4 Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Page 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