Category Archives: So That

Your Joy May Be Complete

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - John 16:24 - Your Joy May Be Complete - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – John 16:24 – Your Joy May Be Complete – Growing As Disciples

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. John 16:24 (NRSV)

Ask Me

Up until now you haven’t asked me for much. Would it surprise you to learn that I want you to come and ask me for what you need? Would it surprise you to learn that I want you to come and ask me for what you also want? Don’t assume that you can only ask for what you really need. Don’t think that I won’t give you what you also want. Haven’t you given your child both what they needed and what they also wanted? Yes, I have given my children things that they both needed and also wanted. Have you delighted in giving your children both what they need and want? Was it more delightful to give your children what they needed over what they wanted? No, I have had joy in giving them both what they needed and wanted. Sometime, I had even more joy in giving them something that they only wanted but didn’t absolutely need. Are you better at giving good gifts than I am? Are you the only one who takes joy in giving a surprise gift of something that you wanted? No, I’m sure that you are a far better gift giver than I am. Yes, you have surprised me by giving good gifts that were far beyond what I could have asked for or even imagined. I am far less than a novice giver compared to you. Yes, that’s right.

How have you felt when you have received a gift from me? What have you thought when I have heard and answered your prayers? It has brought me great joy to know that you love and care for me. It has given me great peace to know that you know both what I need and what I want. Your good gifts have demonstrated to me both that you know me and that you love and care for me. Have a done enough? What do you mean? Have I given you enough? Yes, you have done enough, Yes, you have given me far more than enough. If you never gave me another thing I would still be richly blessed beyond measure. What do you mean by that? You have given me a new life. You have forgiven my sins and cleansed me of all my unrighteousness. You have made it so I can live with you now and forever in heaven. Yes, I have. Do you think I’m tired of giving good gifts to you? Is my goodness worn out? No, I don’t think you’re tired or worn out. I’m sure that still want to give good gifts to me. How sure are you? Will you keep coming to me to ask me for what you want and what you need? Yes Lord, I will keep coming to ask you for what I want and what I need. That’s good because I have great joy in giving good gifts to you. I like to see the joy and thankfulness in your heart and mind and life when you receive a good gift from me. Keep on asking me for what you need and what you want. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I have been reluctant to bring my needs to you in prayer. I have not wanted to bother you with my requests. What a silly thought that has been. I now know you delight to hear and answer my prayers. Fill me with joy as I meet with you in prayer. Amen

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

So That – John 16-24 – Your Joy May Be Complete – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Forgive Your Sins

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - Mark 11:25 - Forgive Your Sins - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – Mark 11:25 – Forgive Your Sins – Growing As Disciples

But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” Mark 11:25 (NLT)

Make A List

Make a list. Make a list of what? What’s our topic? You want me to make a list of people to forgive? You got that right. There is no need to hurry either. I want you to think deeply. I want you to go way back. How far? Go back to your earliest years and keep going right up until today. Put everyone on your list that has harmed or hurt you. Make your list as exhaustive as your memory will allow. You will need to come back to your list several times before it is really complete. Don’t leave anyone who has hurt or harmed you off your list. Do you understand the task? Yes, I do.

Once you have completed your list forgive everyone that has hurt or harmed you. Let go of the pain that they caused you. Release yourself from the anger and resentment that you have held on to all these days and months and years. Offer a prayer of blessing for everyone on your list. You are going to be forgiving each person. You are going to be moving on from the baggage that you have carried as a result of the ways that you have been hurt. You are going to be set free from the weight of your unforgiveness. You are not minimizing your past hurts. You have been hurt. You have been wounded. There is no doubt about that. I am here to heal all your hurts and wounds. Today, you will be moving forward. You will no longer allow your past hurts and wounds to keep on harming you. Today you will be set free as you forgive others just as I have forgiven you. How does this sound to you? It sounds fantastic. I have held on to anger and resentment and unforgiveness for far too long. You got that right.

Going forward I want you to have a heart that is ready, willing and able to forgive others. No longer will you hold on to anger, resentment and unforgiveness. No longer will you keep a list of who has wronged you. No longer will you seek revenge. No longer will try to get even. No longer will you let the bitterness of unforgiveness hinder your prayers. Here is what I want you to do. When you start to pray I want you to take a quick inventory. Ask yourself if there is anyone that you need to forgive. Offer your forgiveness to those who have hurt and harmed you and then move on and draw near to me in prayer. Will you do this? Yes Lord, I will forgive others just as you have forgiven me. That will be very good.

Lord, I don’t want to be unforgiving. I don’t want my prayers to be hindered. I want to be ready to forgive others as you have forgiven me of all my sins. Help me to be a witness for you by the way that I show your unconditional love and forgiveness to others. Amen

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

So That – Mark 11-25 – Forgive Your Sins – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

There Is A God In Israel

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - 1 Samuel 17:45-47 - There Is A God In Israel - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – 1 Samuel 17:45-47 – There Is A God In Israel – Growing As Disciples

But David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This very day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army this very day to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not save by sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s and he will give you into our hand.” 1 Samuel 17:45-47 (NRSV)

Run Into The Battle

Do you see that giant? How could I miss it? It’s in my way and blocking my path. What will you do? Are you afraid? Would it be a sin to be afraid? That giant is more than I can handle. I will never be able to engage in the battle and win this fight. Did someone say that this is your battle? Did someone say that this would be your fight? Well, here I am. It looks like it might be my battle and my fight. Yes, you’re right here, that’s for sure. Are you all alone? No, I am not all alone. You are with me. Yes, I am with you. It is not a sin to be afraid. It would be a sin to not rely on me. This giant is more than you can handle. You cannot win this fight. That should not discourage you. Why not? What have you done when you have needed my help? I have cried out to you. I have asked for your help. You could do that now. Wouldn’t that be good? Yes, it would.

Would you like me to fight with you? Would you like my courage and my strength? Yes, I want you to fight with me. I need you to fight for me. I desperately need your courage and strength. What would you do if I told you to run? I would ask which direction. I’m glad to see that you have not lost your sense of humor. Which direction do you think that I have in mind? You want me to run into the battle to engage in the fight. Why would I ever ask you to do that? It’s not enough for me to say that I believe you will fight with and for me. You want me to run into the battle and engage in the fight to show that I know you are with me. You will give me the victory because it is not my fight. Yes, that’s right.

Why don’t I give you battles that are just your size? Why aren’t your obstacles a little more reasonable and manageable in size? There are some things that you want known. Like what? You want me to learn to rely on you. You want me to know that you will fight with and for me. You want me to know that the battles and the victories are yours. You want my life to be a witness for you. You want my life to bring glory to your name. That is why the battles and the obstacles are your size and not mine. Yes, you are right. Now, which way will you run? I will run into the battle and engage in the fight because you are with me. Yes, you will. Yes, I am with you in every battle and in every fight.

Lord, I will rely on you. Give me courage and strength in the battles that I will face. Help me to see your working and to trust in your plan. Help me to overcome giant obstacles so that my life will be a witness for you and bring glory to your name. Amen

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

So That – 1 Samuel 17-45-47 – There Is A God In Israel – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Be Even More Fruitful

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - John 15:1-2 - Be Even More Fruitful - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – John 15:1-2 – Be Even More Fruitful – Growing As Disciples

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. John 15:1-2 (NIV) 

Pruning

Pruning, now that’s a word that doesn’t sound too inviting. I’m not sure that I like the sound of that at all. Couldn’t you do some rearranging? How about some minor modifications or maybe even some tweaks or adjustments? You still do have a sense of humor. Well, pruning sounds painful. I’m not a big fan of enduring pain. I thought you liked pain. Now, you’re the one with the sense of humor. For the record I don’t like pain. I don’t even like mild discomfort. Please don’t tell me your pruning is going to cause me mild discomfort. I would never do that. Great, I’m glad to hear that. No, pruning might cause you some serious real attention getting pain. Ouch, I did not want to hear that. It’s the truth. Maybe, I can’t handle the truth. Why do I have to go through the pain of pruning? That is a very good question.

You have told me that you want to bear an abundance of fruit for my kingdom. You have said that you want to bring glory to my name. Am I right about this? Yes, I want to bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom. Yes, I want to bring glory to your name. You have also said that you want to be a bright and shining light for me in this world. Yes, I want to shine brightly for you in this dark world. I have said all these things. You have asked me to help you to bear an abundance of fruit for me. You have asked me to help you to bring glory to my name. You have asked me to help you to shine brightly as my witness in the world. Have I not heard these prayers from you? Yes, you have heard these prayers from me. You have repeatedly prayed these prayers with quite a bit of passion, isn’t that correct? Yes, that is correct. Do you expect that I will hear and answer all of these prayers of yours? Yes, I believe that you will hear and answer these prayers of mine. These prayers are the desire of my heart. I believe it is you that has both given and will grant these desires of my heart. Yes, you are absolutely right. I have given and will grant the answers to these heart felt prayers of yours.

I can see where this is headed. Tell me, what do you see? Do I have too? There is that sense of humor of yours again. Yes, tell me. Pruning is your answer to my prayers. You want me to bear an abundance of fruit, bring glory to your name, and shine like a bright light for you in world. Yes, I do. Your pruning is your way to help me to bear an abundance of fruit, bring glory to your name and shine brightly in the world for you. Yes, it is. Will you allow me to prune your life? Yes, I will.

Heavenly Father, I give you permission to prune my life so that I can bear even more fruit for you. Don’t hesitate to do whatever is necessary to make me more fruitful for you. I love you and want to bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom and your glory. Amen

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

So That – John 15-1-2 – Be Even More Fruitful – 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

Make Known The Mystery Of The Gospel

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - Ephesians 6:18-20 - Make Known The Mystery Of The Gospel - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – Ephesians 6:18-20 – Make Known The Mystery Of The Gospel – Growing As Disciples

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:18-20 (NIV)

Fearlessly 

Now that’s a word that has your attention. What’s that? Oh, you don’t know what I’m talking about? I suppose that I do know what you are talking about. You’re asking me about that word fearlessly. Yes, that’s right. You would like to minister to others without fear, wouldn’t you? You would like to proclaim the Gospel without any anxiety or apprehensions, isn’t that right? Yes, that’s right. If you had absolutely no fear would you rely on me? If you were completely without any anxiety would you ask me for my help? Those are great questions. You don’t even have to think about those questions. You know the answers without any hesitation, isn’t that right? Yes, I’m pretty sure that if I had no fear, anxiety or apprehensions I would most likely rely on myself and not on you. Is there any doubt in your mind? No, there is no doubt in my mind.

You have tried mightily to avoid fear, anxiety and apprehension when you have served me. You have looked for and chosen relatively easy assignments. Yes, I have done that. Have you found easy assignments that cause you no fear, anxiety or apprehension to be immensely fruitful and highly rewarding? No, not really. No, not at all.  Assignments that have no challenge are bland, mundane and boring. I am weary of doing very little and accomplishing even less. Do you think that it has been my will for you to choose bland, mundane and boring assignments? No, I don’t think so. What do you think my assignments for you might look like? I’m pretty sure that your assignments will ask me for more than I can handle. Your assignments will no doubt stretch me beyond my abilities. What you give me to do will cause me to cry out to you in prayer to ask you for your help. Yes, It will. You will give me all that I need to do what you have given me to do. Yes, I will. But, you will only give it to me, as I ask you for it, at the time that I need it. Why is that? You want me to rely on you. You want my faith in you to grow. You want me to come to you in prayer to ask you for all that I need. Yes, I do. Is that it? Can you think of any more reasons why I want you to come to me to ask me for what you need? You want me to live in a relationship with you. You want me to know that you really are working in and though my life. Yes, I do. Would you want it any other way? No, I would not. 

Lord, thank you that you have given me all I need to minister to those in need. Help me to be alert and constantly ready to pray for the needs of others. Open my mouth and give me your words to enable me to fearlessly proclaim the Gospel. Amen

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

So That – Ephesians 6-18-20 – Make Known The Mystery Of The Gospel – 4 Page -Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Equipped For Every Good Work

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - Equipped For Every Good Work - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Equipped For Every Good Work – Growing As Disciples

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Thoroughly Equipped

Do you want to be thoroughly equipped to do the work that I have given you to do for me? Yes, of course I would like to be thoroughly equipped and completely prepared to you do the work that you have given me to do for you. Why would anyone want anything else but that? What point would there be in trying to serve you without being prepared? How would I ever be able to bear fruit for you if I wouldn’t let you prepare me to do what you have asked of me? Without your preparation I would be headed toward certain frustration and failure. I know that apart from you I can do nothing. That’s right. I know that apart from I have no chance of bearing fruit that will last for all eternity. That’s right.

How well would you like to be equipped and prepared? I want to be as equipped and prepared as you will make me. How long do you think I might have you in a time of training, equipping and preparation? I’m not sure. Why are asking me these questions? Your attitude and commitment will factor into how well you will be trained, equipped and prepared to serve me. What do you mean by that? If you think that my training, preparing and equipping will be quick and easy you will not continue to let me train you. If you are half-hearted in your commitment your training will be greatly hindered. Let me ask you a couple of questions. I’m listening. How well did I use Moses? How long was Moses in training before I used him to lead my people out of Egypt? Was Moses’ training, equipping and preparation quick and easy? You used Moses in a way that changed the course of history and the destiny of your people. Yes, I did. Moses spent two thirds of his life in training before you used him to lead your people out of Egypt. Yes, that’s right. His training was anything but quick and easy. His training was long and never ending. Why do you say that? Well, I don’t think you ever stopped training, equipping and preparing Moses to keep on doing what you asked of Him. No, I did not. Are you willing to allow me to train, equip and prepare you today and tomorrow and up until your last day of this life? Yes Lord, I am willing. So, are you willing to go through training that is not quick and easy? Are you willing to go through training that is long and difficult? Yes Lord, I will go through whatever training you have for me. That will be very good.

What do you think I will use to train, equip and prepare you? I think you will use all of life to train me. I think you will situations and circumstances of every kind to train, equip and prepare me. Yes, that’s right. That however was not the answer that I was looking for from you. Try again. You will use your word to train, equip and prepare me. That’s right. I will use my word to speak into your life. I will use my word to train, equip and prepare you in all the situations and circumstances you face in life. I get it. You said you wanted to be well trained, equipped and prepared? Yes, I did. Then what do you think will be required of you? I will need to spend a lot of time with you in your word. Will you meet with me in my word so I can train you? Yes, I will. Will you meet with me everyday in my word so you can be well trained, equipped and prepared? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I will meet with you in your word. I will allow your word to speak into my life. May your word teach, rebuke, correct and train me in righteousness so I can be thoroughly equipped to do every good work you have given me to do for you. Amen

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

So That – 2 Timothy 3-16-17 – Equipped For Every Good Work – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Blameless And Pure

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - Philippians 2:14-16 - Blameless And Pure- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – Philippians 2:14-16 – Blameless And Pure- Growing As Disciples

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life–in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. Philippians 2:14-16 (NIV)

Just Do It

Just Do It. Now that’s a thought. What do you mean by that? You know exactly what I mean. Just do what I ask of you. Do you want to obey me? Will you do what I ask of you? Yes, I want to obey you. Yes, I will do what you ask of me. Why then do you grumble and complain and argue about what you have already agreed that you will do for me? Wouldn’t it be better if you just did what I asked of you without any hesitation? Wouldn’t it be best if you did what I asked of you without grumbling, complaining and arguing? Yes it would be best if I just did what you asked of me without any questions or indecision or internal debate on my part. Let me ask you a question. Go right ahead. Do you have more or less joy in serving me when you do something without question or when you reluctantly do what I ask of you? I don’t think that I have any joy at all when I reluctantly do something for you.

Let’s consider an example. I’m game. You know that I want you to come together with other believers to worship me. Yes, I know that you want me to go to church. That’s not exactly what I said but you have the idea. Why do you ask yourself each week if you are going to church? I’m not sure if I will be going to church or not. Isn’t that the same as saying I’m not sure if I will obey you or not. Yes, I suppose so. Most of the time you do gather with other believers to worship me. Yes, I do. But, many times you go reluctantly with an attitude of grumbling, complaining and arguing. That’s true. Wouldn’t you have more joy in gathering to worship me if you just decided once and for all that you were going to go to church every Sunday? Yes, I suppose that I would. Do you know why that is? No, I’m not sure. Grumbling, complaining and arguing are joy stealers. You will never feel complete joy in reluctantly doing what I ask of you. I get that.

How do you think I feel about grumbling, complaining and arguing? I’m pretty sure that you don’t like any of it. No, I don’t. Why do you think I don’t like grumbling, complaining and arguing? You didn’t create me to be a grumbler, complainer or arguer. No, I did not. Grumbling, complaining and arguing are the ways of the world. You want me to be different. You want me to stand out. You want me to be filled with joy. Yes, I do. When you are filled with my joy you will shine brightly like a star in the universe. When you grumble, complain and argue you will be living in the darkness of the world. I want to shine brightly for you. Then follow me and just do what I ask of you. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I am making a decision now about how I will respond in the future to difficult or unpleasant tasks. I am going to serve you willingly without grumbling, complaining or arguing. I give you permission to ask me to do whatever you want me to do for you. Amen

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

So That – Philippians 2-14-16 – Blameless And Pure – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Your Trust May Be In The Lord

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - Proverbs 22:17-19 - Your Trust May Be In The Lord - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – Proverbs 22:17-19 – Your Trust May Be In The Lord – Growing As Disciples

Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you. Proverbs 22:17-19 (NIV) 

Apply Your Heart

Do you want to be wise? Yes, I want to be wise. Do you think that it is easy to be wise? Do you think that wisdom will just drop into your lap? Will wisdom require any effort on your part? I don’t think that wisdom comes easily. I don’t believe that wisdom will just drop into my lap. No, it won’t. What do you think will be required of you if you want to be wise? I think the first thing I must do is admit that I am not wise. I don’t know it all. I am liable to make some very unwise decisions if they are left up to me. How do you know that? I have already made a whole host of dumb mistakes and unwise decisions. I have already fallen flat on my face when I thought I was so very wise. Are you ready to admit that you aren’t wise and that you need wisdom? Yes, I am ready to admit that I need wisdom.

What do you think is your next step toward wisdom? After I have admitted that I am unwise and that I need wisdom I must wait for it. What do you mean by that? It’s easy to say I am unwise. It’s harder to back up my admission with action. What action? Waiting for wisdom is an action that says that I will no longer be relying on myself. It says that I will be relying on you. Relying on you is my next step toward wisdom. That will be a very good step.

What will be another step toward wisdom? As I am waiting and relying on you for wisdom, I must pay attention and apply my heart to all that you want to teach me. What do you mean by that? There is nothing particularly productive about simply waiting. Relying on you will require me to listen with all my heart and mind and strength. It will take great effort and focused attention to listen and apply my heart to all that you want to teach me. Yes, it will.

What will you do once you have heard from me if you want to be wise? Once I have heard from you I will put into practice all that you have taught me. It would be very foolish to wait to hear from you and then fail to do what you have taught me. Yes, that would be very foolish. 

Is there anything that you want to tell me? Yes Lord, I am so thankful that you want to teach me. I welcome all your instruction. I will rely on all your teaching. I’m here. I’m waiting. I’m watching. I’m listening. I will pay attention and apply my heart fully to all that you have to say to me. I will put into practice all that you have to teach to me. Yes, you will.

Lord, here I am. I’m paying attention and applying my heart to your wisdom. Thank you for caring enough to teach even me your wisdom. I trust you and all you want to teach me. I will keep your wisdom in my heart on my lips so I can share it with others. Amen

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

So That – Proverbs 22-17-19 – Your Trust May Be In The Lord – 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

Know How To Answer Everyone

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - Colossians 4:6 - Know How To Answer Everyone - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – Colossians 4:6 – Know How To Answer Everyone – Growing As Disciples

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6 (NIV)

Salt

Lets talk about that word salt. What do you want to say to me about salt? You like salt quite a bit. Yes, I do. Is there anything that you don’t salt before you eat it? You’ve noticed? There isn’t anything that I don’t notice. Yes, I salt almost everything I eat even without tasting it first. Why is that? I like the way that salt makes my food taste. What would your food taste like without salt? My food would taste bland without salt. You might want to lay off some of the salt. Too much salt isn’t good for you. I want you to live a long life as my servant in the world. That isn’t why I brought up the subject of salt however. What do you want to say to me?

I want you to be like salt in the world. The world is bland and tasteless. I want your life to be a witness for me in the world. How you live and all that you say and all that you do will be like salt seasoning the world with my goodness, kindness, mercy and love. Then all my words and actions better taste good to those around me. I don’t want to add a bad flavor to the world. You’re getting the idea. What you will add to the world, as my witness, will be different and attractive. Your life will look and taste good to others. Others will be drawn to you because I am living inside of you. People will be drawn to you because they will wonder what makes you so different. They will want to know why you are so loving, kind and gracious. They will see that you forgive others even when you have been wronged. They will want what you have. They will want to live the kind of life that you are living. They will ask you about the hope that you have in you. Then you will have an opportunity to tell others about me. What if other people are not drawn to me? What if I don’t look and taste good to those who don’t know you? What if they don’t want to live the life that I am living? Those are good questions. What do you think might be the answers? If people are not asking me why I am so different, that would mean that I am not living as your salt in the world. It would mean that others are not seeing your goodness, kindness, mercy and love in me. At that point I would desperately need your help. Yes, that’s right. Will you ask for my help to make you my salt in the world? Yes Lord, I want to be your witness in the world. I want you to use me for your kingdom and glory. I want others to be drawn to you through my life. Then come to me now. You will have all the help from me that you will ever need.

Lord, thank for giving me a new life to live and a new hope to share. Help me to live my new life in a way that is attractive to others. Give me kind, gracious and life giving words of faith so I will always be ready to share the hope I have in you. Amen

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

So That – Colossians 4-6 – Know How To Answer Everyone – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Thoroughly Equipped For Every Good Work

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Discipleship Study - So That - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - Thoroughly Equipped For Every Good Work - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Study – So That – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Thoroughly Equipped For Every Good Work – Growing As Disciples

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) 

Thoroughly Equipped

Do you want to be thoroughly equipped to do the work that I have given you to do for me? Yes, of course I would like to be thoroughly equipped and completely prepared to do the work that you have given me to do for you. Why would anyone want anything else but that? What point would there be in trying to serve you without being prepared? How would I ever be able to bear fruit for you if I wouldn’t let you prepare me to do what you have asked of me? Without your preparation I would be headed toward certain frustration and failure. I know that apart from you I can do nothing. That’s right. I know that apart from you, I have no chance of bearing fruit that will last for all eternity. That’s right.

How well would you like to be equipped and prepared? I want to be as equipped and prepared as you will make me. How long do you think I might have you in a time of training, equipping and preparation? I’m not sure. Why are you asking me these questions? Your attitude and commitment will factor into how well you will be trained, equipped and prepared to serve me. What do you mean by that? If you think that my training, preparing and equipping will be quick and easy, you will not continue to let me train you. If you are half-hearted in your commitment, your training will be greatly hindered. Let me ask you a couple of questions. I’m listening. How well did I use Moses? How long was Moses in training before I used him to lead my people out of Egypt? Was Moses’ training, equipping and preparation quick and easy? You used Moses in a way that changed the course of history and the destiny of your people. Yes, I did. Moses spent two thirds of his life in training before you used him to lead your people out of Egypt. Yes, that’s right. His training was anything but quick and easy. His training was long and never ending. Why do you say that? Well, I don’t think you ever stopped training, equipping and preparing Moses to keep on doing what you asked of Him. No, I did not. Are you willing to allow me to train, equip and prepare you today and tomorrow and up until the last day of your life? Yes Lord, I am willing. So, are you willing to go through training that is not quick and easy? Are you willing to go through training that is long and difficult? Yes Lord, I will go through whatever training you have in mind for me. That will be very good. 

What do you think I will use to train, equip and prepare you? I think you will use all of life to train me. I think you will use situations and circumstances of every kind to train, equip and prepare me. Yes, that’s right. That however was not the answer that I was looking for from you. Try again. You will use your word to train, equip and prepare me. That’s right. I will use my word to speak into your life. I will use my word to train, equip and prepare you in all the situations and circumstances you will face in life. I get it. You said you wanted to be well trained, equipped and prepared? Yes, I did. Then what do you think will be required of you? I will need to spend a lot of time with you in your word. Will you meet with me in my word so I can train you? Yes, I will. Will you meet with me everyday in my word so you can be well trained, equipped and prepared? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I will meet with you in your word. I will allow your word to speak into my life. May your word teach, rebuke, correct and train me in righteousness so I can be thoroughly equipped to do every good work you have given me to do for you. Amen

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

So That – 2 Timothy 3-16-17 – Thoroughly Equipped For Every Good Work – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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