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

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

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

My Joy May Be In You

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - John 15:11 - My Joy May Be In You - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – John 15:11 – My Joy May Be In You – Growing As Disciples

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete  John 15:11 (NIV) 

Complete Joy

Do you want to live in an intimate relationship with me? Do you want me to hear and answer your prayers? Do you want to bear and abundance of fruit for my kingdom? Do you want your life to be filled with my joy?

Yes, I want to live in an intimate relationship with you. I have made drawing near to you the priority of my life. I want to know you. I want you to know me. I want to hear your voice. So, I am listening attentively to all that you want to say to me. I know that you want me to live in an intimate relationship with you. You love and gave yourself to me. I love and am giving myself to you. I want to live each moment of everyday in an intimate relationship with you. I will go where you lead me. I will do what you ask of me. We both want the same thing. Yes, we do.

Yes, I want you to hear and answer my prayers. I don’t want anything to hinder my life of prayer with you. I want my life to be like an open book before you. I will confess all my sins to you. I will draw near to receive your forgiveness and cleansing. Only you can make me clean in your sight. I want and need you to teach me to pray. I know that you will give me prayers to pray. I know that you will give me prayers that you will hear and answer. I want my life to be a constant dialogue of talking with and listening to you.  I want to hear your voice as clearly as you hear mine. We both want the same thing. Yes, we do.

Yes, I want to bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom. I want my life to bring glory to your name. I know that apart from you I can do nothing that will last for all eternity. I have no higher desire in life than to serve you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. My life is at your disposal. Use me however you see fit. I know that you have a purpose and a plan for my life. I know that you have good works already prepared for me to do for you. I will rely on you to give me the strength to do whatever you have given me to do for you. We both want the same thing. Yes, we do.

Yes, I want my life to be filled with your joy. There is no mystery to me about how to be filled with your joy. Listening attentively to you will bring me joy. Living in an intimate relationship with you will bring me joy. Having my prayers heard and answered by you will bring me joy. Bearing fruit for your kingdom will bring me joy. Bringing glory to your name will bring me joy. I know that it is your desire and will for me to live in your joy. Nothing would please you more than for you to see me living in your joy. I know that you will help me to live in your joy. Living in your joy is part of your purpose and plan for my life. Everything you and I both want will be surrounded and enveloped by your joy. We both want the same thing. Yes, we do.

Lord, I am here to listen to all you want to say to me. I want to live in an intimate relationship with you. I will remain in your love. I will obey your commands. I will rely on you for all I need. Fill me with your joy as I love, follow and serve you. Amen

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

So That – John 15-11 – My Joy May Be In You – 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

We Can Comfort

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - We Can Comfort - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – We Can Comfort – Growing As Disciples

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV) 

Give What You Have Received

What you have received from me is not only for yourself. What’s that? Think about all that you have received from me. You have given me so much for which I am so very thankful. Yes, I know that you are thankful to me. That’s not the point that I want to make with you right now. I want you to understand that when you receive something from me I also want you to share it with others. Like what? You tell me. Name something that you have received from me.  

I have received your forgiveness. How can you share my forgiveness with others? I could forgive others just like you have forgiven me. I can also share with others how they can come to you to receive your forgiveness for their sins. Yes, you can. What else?  

I have received hope from you. I know that you have a plan for my life. You created me. You are molding and shaping my life. My life isn’t broken beyond repair. You are the God of second chances. You can and do still want to use me according to your purposes. Yes, I do. I could share with others all the hope I have in you. Yes, you can. I want to use your words to encourage others that are without hope in life. What else?  

I have received your love. I know that you love and accept me. I am your child. You are my Father. I can live my life with and for you. You are on my side. You want to help me. You want me to rely on you. You want me to live in a close and intimate relationship with you. You want me to know you. You want me to hold on to you as I walk through life. I love you because you first loved me. I can share your love with others. I can let others know how much you love them. Yes, that’s right. Do you know that people are desperate to be loved and accepted? They have a void of emptiness in their hearts that only I can fill. You have the best secret in all of life. I love you and you love me. I am with you. I will never forsake you. Is this a secret that you want to keep to yourself? No, I want everyone to know of your goodness, kindness, mercy and love. I want everyone to know the hope they can have in you. Yes, I know that you do.

So how will you comfort others with the comfort that you have received from me? I will share with others all that I have received from you. I will tell others how they can live in a relationship with you. I will tell others how much you love them. Yes, you will. That is what I am calling you to do. Go and tell others about me.

Lord, you have met with me when I have been suffering. You have comforted me in my affliction. You have taught me to rely on you when I have been in need. You have used others to bring comfort into my life. Use me now to comfort others with your comfort. Amen

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

So That – 2 Corinthians 1-3-4 – We Can Comfort – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Their Work Will Be A Joy

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - Hebrews 13:17-Their Work Will Be A Joy - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – Hebrews 13:17-Their Work Will Be A Joy – Growing As Disciples

Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrews 13:17 (NIV)

Know It All

You don’t know it all. You don’t have it all. There is a reason that I have placed leaders over you. Why is that? You need to hear from those who are wise. You need to listen to those who are more experienced. You need to follow the examples of those who have gone before you in the faith. Don’t live as if you were a full glass that nothing more can be poured into. Live with a humble and open and listening heart to those that I have placed in authority over you. Let others speak into your life so that you can hear all that I have to say to you. Will you submit yourself to those that I have placed over you? Will you obey all that I am teaching you through Godly men and woman? Yes Lord, I will submit myself to those you have placed over me. I will obey what you are teaching me through the lives of others. That will be very good.

Your leaders are keeping watch over your soul. They are helping to guard and guide your life. Their job is not easy. Their work is very difficult. You can encourage them. You can help spur them on. How can I encourage and spur my leaders on? You can either make their job a burden or a joy. How can I make their job a burden or a joy? If you obey your leaders their burden will be light. If you rebel against your leaders their burden will be heavy. If you put into practice what you are being taught their work will be a joy. If you do not put into practice what you are being taught their work will be a burden. Your leaders will rejoice when they see fruit for my kingdom being born in your life. Your leaders will be discouraged if they do not see any fruit for my kingdom being born in your life. Will you listen and put into practice what you are being taught? Yes Lord, I will obey all that you are teaching me through my leaders. That will be very good.

A day will come when your leaders will give account for how they have watched over your soul. Do you want them to succeed? Do you want your leaders to be able to give a good report about how their work has born fruit in your life? Yes, I want them to be abundantly successful. That will mean that I have born an abundance of fruit for your kingdom. That will mean that they and I have both served you well. That is what I want. That is what I will do both as a follower and as a leader. Help me to also be able to give a good account to you. Help my leaders to watch over my soul. Help me to watch over those you have placed in my care. Yes, I will.

Lord, thank you for the leaders that you have placed over me. They have helped guard and guide the course of my life. I will obey and submit myself to the leaders that you have given to me. I will work to help make it joyful for them to watch over my soul. Amen

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

So That – Hebrews 13-17 – Their Work Will Be A Joy – 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