Category Archives: Spiritual Warfare

Endure Hardship With Us

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Spiritual Warfare - Endure Hardship With Us - 2 Timothy 2:3-7 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Spiritual Warfare – Endure Hardship With Us – 2 Timothy 2:3-7 – Growing As Disciples

Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs–he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. 2 Timothy 2:3-7 

All That You Ask Of Me

What does a good soldier look like to you? A good soldier is well trained. Have I been training you? Yes, you have. What else? A good soldier is strong and determined to complete his mission. He has a singular focus and is not distracted by civilian affairs. His desire is to please his commanding officer by following the orders that he has been given. No amount of adversity or hardship will cause him to withdraw from what he has been called upon to do. He will never give up. How about you? Are you this good soldier? Will you follow me with that kind of determination? Don’t answer me yet. I have more to ask of you.

What does an elite athlete look like to you? An elite athlete has a vigorous and balanced training regime that includes exercise, rest and healthy nutrition. How balanced has your training schedule been as you have followed me? I have had a hard time staying in balance. What do you mean by that? There have been many times when I have over trained and allowed myself to become weary and worn out. That’s where you are right now isn’t it? Yes, I suppose that it is. There have been plenty of other times when I have not trained hard enough. I’ve been pretty lax about my growing, following and serving you. But, not now? No, not now. Aren’t you missing something that almost all elite athlete’s have? What’s that? Don’t they all have a coach to help guide them in their training? Yes, they do. Who is your coach? You are my coach. Yes, I am. Will you allow me to guide your training as you follow me? Yes, I will. Are you sure? Yes, I am. You won’t try to take control of your own training? No, not anymore. I’ve tried that and it doesn’t work out very well.

What does a diligent farmer look like to you? A diligent farmer labors with great perseverance until he receives a crop. He keeps patiently working until he sees the fruit of his labors. He is patient because he knows that he will reap what he sows in due time. Do you have the patience of a diligent farmer? I’m afraid that I don’t. So often I want more immediate results. It’s hard for me to wait until the time of reaping. Do you believe that one day I will reward you for all the labor that you have done for me in this life? Yes Lord, I do.

So let me ask you these questions. Go ahead. Will you serve me with the singleness of mind of a good soldier so that you will be able to fight the good fight of faith? Will you allow me to coach and train you so that you will be able to run the race I have laid out for you? Will you persevere as a diligent farmer so that you will be able to reap a rich harvest and enjoy the fruit of your labors? Yes Lord, I will. I know that I can rely on you to help me to be and do all that you are asking of me. Yes, you can.

Lord, it is you that gives me strength to endure hardship. Help me to keep moving forward with you like a focused soldier, a committed athlete and a hard working farmer. I want to live a life bearing an abundance of fruit for you.  Amen

Key Question…  What kind of hardships have you suffered and endured as a good soldier of Jesus Christ?

Living It Out…  Commit yourself to following and serving the Lord with all the strength and endurance He will give to you.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that all your endurance and faithful service to Christ will be rewarded when you meet Him in heaven.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how Christ is bearing fruit through your enduring faithfulness to Him.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May the Lord give you strength to endure hardship as you faithfully serve Him; bearing fruit for His kingdom.

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

Spiritual Warfare – 2 Timothy 2-3-7 – Endure Hardship With Us – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Guard Your Hearts And Your Minds

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Spiritual Warfare - Guard Your Hearts And Your Minds - Philippians 4:4-7 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Spiritual Warfare – Guard Your Hearts And Your Minds – Philippians 4:4-7 – Growing As Disciples

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 

Unexplainable Peace

You are a very gifted worrier. That doesn’t sound like a compliment. It’s not. You have the ability to worry about things from every angle. You can see problems long before they will become problems, if they ever will. Do you like to worry? No, not at all, worry stresses me out. Yes, I can see that it does. When would you like to make a commitment to stop worrying? I’d like to make that commitment right now, but I don’t know where or how to begin. Would you like my help? Yes, I would. That’s good because you will never be able to stop worrying by your own efforts.

Let’s start with a question. Go ahead. Who is in charge of your life? What do you mean by that? Who controls your future? Is it you or is it me? I’d like to say that it is you. You’re cautious with that answer. Yes. I am. Why is that? I think that my worrying is a pretty good sign that I think I’m in charge of my life and it’s destiny. Yes, it does. You have a choice. Of what? Who are you going to trust? Are you going to trust me or are you going to trust yourself? I want to place all my trust in you.

Trusting me will require a change in your thinking, attitudes and actions. I’m willing to change. I’m sure that I will need your help to change. Yes, you will. Lets talk about where you will need to change. What would you like to change about my thinking and attitudes? I want you to consider who I am and all that I have done for you. You have been given so much. Yes, I know. I have done so much for you. Yes, you have. What do you think will happen when you think deeply about all the blessings that you have received from me? I think that I will be filled with joy, gladness and thanksgiving. Yes, you will. As you give joy filled thanks and praise to me, what will you become more aware of? I will become more aware of your presence with me. Yes, you will. You will know that I am right by your side and ready to help you. With my help you won’t be tempted to take control and worry about your life.

Before something becomes a worry for you, I want you to do something. What’s that? When you start to have a concern about something I want you to turn that concern into a prayer. Can you do that? Yes, I can. Your past worries have been pretty specific haven’t they? Yes, they have been. I want your prayers to be even more specific than your past worries have been. Why is that? I want you to know that I am hearing and answering your prayers. I also don’t want you to leave any room for worry. Give all the details to me. Do you know what will happen then? Yes, I think that I do. What’s that? I will have a peace from you that will defy all explanations. Yes, you will because your heart and mind will be guarded in Christ Jesus. For that I am eternally thankful.

Lord, thank you that I can bring to you in prayer anything that causes me anxiety. I know you are with me to help me through every difficulty in life. Thank you for loving-kindness. You give me joy and peace that is unexplainable!  Amen

Spiritual Warfare – Philippians 4-4-7 – Guard Your Hearts And Your Minds – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Refute Every Tongue

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Spiritual Warfare - Isaiah 54:17 - Refute Every Tongue - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Spiritual Warfare – Isaiah 54:17 – Refute Every Tongue – Growing As Disciples

no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 54:17 (NIV)

Come And Listen

Have you seen those noise cancelling headphones? Yes, I have. What do you think of them? They are really amazing. I can’t imagine how someone was able to design and develop them. You really gifted and inspired the creator of those headphones. Yes, I did. I love how they can turn a noisy room filled with loud voices into dead silence. Why are you asking me about noise cancelling headphones? I don’t even own a pair. Yes, but you like the peace and quiet that they bring. Yes, I certainly do.

Have you ever wished you could cancel out all the voices that have spoken against you throughout your life? I’m not sure what you mean. Haven’t you heard plenty of voices that said you wouldn’t amount to much? Yes, I suppose that I have. Haven’t you heard it said that you were a loser and not worthy of being loved and accepted? Yes, I know that I have. Haven’t you heard voices of criticism, rejection, judgment, and condemnation?   You know that I have. Not all the voices came from other people. Some of those voices have come straight from the evil one that is in the world. You mean the devil? Yes, I do. His goal is to get you to believe all those evil and accusatory words of attack. Once you start believing those words, do you know what will happen? No, I don’t think so. You will start to recite them to yourself. You will attack yourself with those words as you think and say them to yourself. Has that ever happened to you? Yes, more often than I’d like to admit. Listening to all those words and saying them to yourself will discourage and defeat you every time.

Would you like all those words and thoughts to be cancelled out and removed from your mind? Yes, I would. Do you think it is possible that I have my own form of noise cancelling headphones? With you anything is possible? Yes, it is. How can you cancel and remove all those words that attempt to speak evil against me?

Come and listen to these words from me. I love you. You are special to me. You are my child. I am an artist. You are my masterpiece. I created you. I have gifted and blessed you.   I have a purpose and plan for your life. I have prepared in advance good things that you will do for me. My hand is on you. I am leading you through life. You are never alone. I will be with you to strengthen you through every difficulty you will face in life. You are so valuable to me that I sent my Son to die for you so that your sins could be forgiven. One day soon you will begin living in heaven with me forever. How does all that sound to you? These words are wonderful for me to hear. Do they cancel out evil words that have attacked you in the past? Yes, they do. They make them small and insignificant and not even a squeak, really. These words are available for you to hear every day. Where and when? They are in my word. Come to me and listen to my word. I have a lot to say to you. I’m ready to listen and really hear all that you have to say to me.

Lord, I have allowed accusatory words spoken against me to have power over me. I have believed them and recited them back to myself. No more! Instead, I will meet with you in your word to hear all that you have to say to me. Amen

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

Spiritual Warfare – Isaiah 54-17 – Refute Every Tongue – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Understand What The Lord’s Will Is

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Spiritual Warfare - Understand What The Lord's Will Is - Ephesians 5:15-21- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Spiritual Warfare – Understand What The Lord’s Will Is – Ephesians 5:15-21- Growing As Disciples

Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:15-21 (NIV)

Be Filled

Watch your step. Be very careful how you walk. Why is that? The times that you live in are filled with evil. You must be wise about how you live. I want you to make the most of your time. How will I do that? You can know my will by meeting with me in my word as you have been doing. I will show you my will and my ways as you study and pray through my word. The truth that is in my word will set you free so that you can serve me and bear fruit for my glory. I will show you the next steps that I want you to take in life. I will guide you to where I want you to go. I will give you all that you will need to follow and serve me. That’s exactly what I want and desire above all else.

Make sure that you think and act wisely. What do you have in mind when you say that to me? Don’t waste and misuse your time. What do you consider to be time wasters? I’d like you to answer that question for me. I know that I have wasted a lot of time when I have relied on my own wisdom, strength or guidance. I have gone off in the wrong direction to try to do what I was not called or gifted to do. Yes, you have. How did that feel to you? I felt very frustrated, discouraged and weary. I also felt weak and alone in all my efforts. But, you made a very important discovery didn’t you? Yes, I did. Tell me about it. I learned that it is very unwise for me to try to take charge and be in control of my own life. Yes, it is. Who then should be in control of your life? You are the one that I want to be in control of my life. I want to be filled with your Holy Spirit. I can’t live the life you want me to live unless I am filled with your Spirit.

What do you mean by that? If I’m not filled with your Holy Spirit I don’t feel like singing at all. Why is that? I’m too tired and worn out because of all my self-effort. Who wants to sing because they can hardly breath? If I’m not filled with your Holy Spirit I don’t feel very thankful either. Why is that? Instead of being thankful for all the great things that you have done through me, I’m more likely to be proud of my small and pathetic accomplishments. Oh and this very same self-centered pride makes it very difficult for me to be submissive to others in any way. So, what are you asking of me? I’m asking you to fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I can wisely live the life that you have called me to live for you. Do you believe that I will hear and answer your prayer? I know that you have been answering and will continue to answer my prayer. Yes, you are right about that. 

Lord, help me to live and walk carefully in this world so that I am making the most of every opportunity that you give to me. Fill me Holy Spirit so I will be able to encourage others and give thanks to God for all that I have been given. Amen

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

Spiritual Warfare – Ephesians 5-15-21 – Understand What The Lord’s Will Is – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Better And Lasting Possessions

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Spiritual Warfare - Hebrews 10-32-34 - Better And Lasting Possessions - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Spiritual Warfare – Hebrews 10-32-34 – Better And Lasting Possessions – Growing As Disciples

Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. Hebrews 10:32-34 (NIV)

Hold On To Me

What are you willing to endure as one of my followers? What sacrifices are you willing to make as you follow me? Lord, I’m willing to endure anything and everything I must as I follow you. I’m willing to sacrifice and give up whatever you ask me to give up. My life, all that I am, have and hope to be is in your hands. I am at your complete disposal. Use me however you desire.

Why are you so willing to endure and make sacrifices as one of my followers? Do you think the road ahead will be easy? Do you think I won’t ask you to give up something that is enjoyable or do something that is costly to you? No, I don’t think the road ahead will be easy. The road behind has not been that easy either. No, it has not. I know that if you ask me to give up something, it will be because you will have a good reason. But, I trust you and your goodness, mercy and love to me.

There have been plenty of times that you have asked me to give up something to do something for you that was far better and more important than what I was doing or wanted to do. Following and obeying you has always brought great blessings into my life. Yes, it has. 

Do you have any sense of what I might ask you to do for me? Yes, I have a pretty good idea. Tell me about it. I have nothing specific in mind. I just have this general impression that you want me to give my life more fully to others. Yes, that’s right. I know that I have been quite self centered and often too focused on myself. I know you want me to have my eyes on you with the question in my heart of “how can I be your servant and show your love to others that are in need?” It pleases me that you have heard this from me. Keep your eyes open and I will show you who I would like you to serve and minister to on my behalf.

What will keep you going as you serve me? What hope and joyous expectation do you have in your heart to sustain you through trials that will be ahead of you? I know that no matter what happens I will live forever with you in the splendor of heaven. Yes, you will. Hold on to me. Allow my Holy Spirit to strengthen and sustain you as you follow and serve me. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, thank you that I will have a far better life and possessions in heaven with you. I will keep my eyes on you as I live for you in this life. Help me to stand together with fellow believers to encourage them as we face suffering and trials.  Amen

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

Spiritual Warfare – Hebrews 10-32-34 – Better And Lasting Possessions – 4 Page Study Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Open His Eyes

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Spiritual Warfare - 2 Kings 6:17 - Open His Eyes - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Spiritual Warfare – 2 Kings 6:17 – Open His Eyes – Growing As Disciples

And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17 (NIV)

Look Up

You’re missing quite a bit. What do you mean by that? Life is racing by and you are very busy. Yes, I am. There is a lot you are missing. There is a lot you fail to realize. What do you have in mind? I want you to slow down and take a greater notice of what I am doing in and through your life. I would like to do that. Is there something specific you are asking? Yes, there is.

What have you seen or understood only because you came to me in prayer and we talked about it? Every time I come to you in prayer I know your love more intimately and personally. I can see that your hand is on me. You are guarding and guiding my life. In prayerfully reading your word, you are transforming my mind and guarding my heart. Yes, I am. You are giving and granting me new desires in my heart. I am experiencing new joy and peace in your presence that I have never known before.

When you let your busy life and your surroundings grab your attention, what happens? I loose sight of the fact that you are with me to help me. I start to think that I am all alone to fight the battles of life. Then what? Then worry and fear begin to take a hold of me. What is the result of that? Worry and fear have held me back from going where you want me to go. I have believed that I couldn’t do what you have asked me to do. Yes, and where has your focus turned to then? My focus has turned to myself. What do you see then? I see only my own weakness. What do you think I really want you to see? I think you want me to see you. You want me to rely on your power and strength to help me. You want me to know that I am not all alone in the battles of life. You are with me. Your hand is on me. You are surrounding me with help on every side. Yes, I am.

How will you be able to keep your focus on me and see the help I want to give to you? I know that you will keep showing yourself to me as I meet with you in prayer. Yes, I will. Let me ask you something. Go ahead. Why would you ever stop praying? What do you mean? Can’t you have set times of prayer with me that continue on and are ongoing throughout your day? Yes, I suppose that I can. That is what I want to grow and develop within you. I want to teach you how to keep your eyes on me by praying throughout your day. Then I won’t fail to notice what you want to show me. I will look up and see that you are with me to help me. Yes, you will.

Lord, so often I have looked at battles with the eyes of fear, doubt and worry. I have looked at myself and the size of the battle and thought I was headed toward defeat. But, you have been with me to help me. Help me trust and rely on your help at all times. Amen

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

Spiritual Warfare – 2 Kings 6-17 – Open His Eyes – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Puts Them Into Practice

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Spiritual Warfare - Luke 6:47-48 - Puts Them Into Practice - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Spiritual Warfare – Luke 6:47-48 – Puts Them Into Practice – Growing As Disciples

I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:47-49 (NIV)

Building Your Life 

How are you building your life? What is your foundation? What materials are you using to construct your life? I’m not sure how to answer those questions. Why is that? If the construction of my life depends on me, I am in trouble. How so? I am unqualified to build my own life. I have made so many mistakes. I have taken so many missteps. I have wandered from one thing to another. I have wasted time. I have squandered effort. I have misused the gifts, talents and abilities that you have given to me. I been unwise. I need your wisdom. I need you to build my life. I need your guidance. I need your instruction. I desperately need your help. There is nothing unwise about you admitting that you need my help. 

Now that you have admitted that you need my help in building your life what are you going to do about it? I will do two things. First, I will continually rely on your help in building my life. I will trust that you will hear and answer my prayer. I will not rely on my own understanding. I will not simply go and do what seems right to me. That approach has gotten me into nothing but trouble. I will keep on asking for your wisdom. I will continue to listen to your instruction. I will on following your guidance. I will simply stop and wait and listen to all that you have to say to me. I will not move forward without your help. That will be very good. 

Where will you find my wisdom and instruction and guidance? How will you receive what I have to say to you? I will meet with you in your word. When and where and how will you meet with me in my word? I will meet with you daily in your word. Why is that? There is not a day that will go by that I don’t need to hear from you. Just as I need to eat food daily, so do I also need to feed on your word. Your word will feed and sustain my life. Yes, it will. Where will you meet with me in my word? I will set aside a special place to meet with you in your word so I can attentively listen attentively to all that you say to me. I will also carry your word with me throughout the day. I will meditate on your word day and night. I will allow your word to change my heart, transform my mind and guide my life.

What will you do with my word? I will not simply hear your word. I will not be a hearer only. That would be of no value to me. I will put your word into practice every day as I love, follow and serve you. In that way you will be building your life on the foundation of my word. Yes, I will. That will be very good. 

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

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

Spiritual Warfare – Luke 6-47-48 – Puts Them Into Practice – 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

No Longer Be Infants

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Spiritual Warfare - Ephesians 4:14-16 - No Longer Be Infants - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Spiritual Warfare – Ephesians 4:14-16 – No Longer Be Infants – Growing As Disciples

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:14-16 (NIV)

Grow Up

That is exactly what I want to do. What is it that you want to do? I want to grow up in your body. I no longer want to be an infant. I don’t want to be weak. I don’t want to be tossed back and forth by the storms of life. I don’t want to be driven by every wind of popular opinion. I want to be strong. I want to be mature. I want to be complete. Those are very good desires.

How will you grow up in my body? That is a good question. Do you have any answers? I have several answers. I would like to hear your answers. First, I need to remain vitally connected to you and your body. How will you do that? I will live in an intimate relationship with you. I will draw near to you. I will pray to you. I will worship you. I will meet with you in your word. I will listen to your instructions. I will follow your guidance. I will walk with you through life. That is a good answer. What else will you do so you can grow up in my body? I will live vitally connected in your body. I will remain grounded in your body. How so? I will live in intimate relationships with my fellow believers. I will allow myself to be known. I will seek to know others. I will accept what you want me to receive through the ministry of others in your body.  I will use the spiritual gifts that you have given me to help build up others in your body. That will be very good.

You have learned a very important principle that will help you to grow up in my body. What’s that? You must receive and you must give. As you live in an intimate relationship with me, I will teach and train and prepare you to give to others what you have received from me. Only in receiving and giving will you be able to fully grow up in my body. Are you committed to giving to others what you have received from me? Yes Lord, I am. Then you will grow up in my body. You will become strong and mature and complete in me. That will be very good. Yes, it will.

Lord, thank you for rooting me in your body of believers where I can be protected, encouraged, and strengthened, as I love, follow and serve you. Help me to know and use my spiritual gifts so I will be able to build up your body so that each part does it work. Amen

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

Spiritual Warfare – Ephesians 4-14-16 – No Longer Be Infants – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Set Your Mind

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Spiritual Warfare - Daniel 10:12-14 - Set Your Mind - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Spiritual Warfare – Daniel 10:12-14 – Set Your Mind – Growing As Disciples

Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.” Daniel 10:12-14 (NIV)

Your Words Were Heard

I have faith that you will give me prayers to pray. I believe that you will hear and answer my prayers. I know that you will teach me how to pray. I am certain that you will give me the strength to keep on praying until I have an answer from you. I have no doubt that I will face barriers and encounter spiritual warfare as I pray the prayers that you give me to pray. I am sure that you are calling me to be persistent in prayer. I say these things as statements of faith and as prayers to you. Let me hear them as prayers from you. I’m asking you to teach me how to pray. Give me prayers to pray that you will hear and answer. Help me to pray according to your will and your ways. Help me to pray in line with your purposes and plans. I’m asking for you to give me the strength to continue to be persistent in prayer. I’m asking you to help me to overcome barriers and spiritual warfare I will encounter as I pray the prayers you give me to pray. These are my prayers. Those are prayers that I will definitely hear and answer.

On what have you set your mind? I have set my mind on living in an intimate relationship with you. I will draw near to you in prayer. I will humble myself before you. I will sit before you. I will wait in your presence. I will listen attentively to your voice. I want to know you. I want to walk in your ways. I want to know and do your will. I want you to give me prayers to pray. I want your kingdom to come on earth. I want your will and purposes and plans to be accomplished in my life and in the world around me. I want you to use my life for your kingdom and glory. I want to shine brightly as a witness for you in the world. I want to be used by you. I want to be an instrument in your hands. I’m here now, I am at your service. Teach and train me. Use me. I have heard and I will answer these desires and prayers of your heart. Follow me. I will teach you. I will train you. I will guard and guide you. I will give you prayers to pray. You will bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name.  

Lord, teach me to fast and persist in prayer in the circumstances and situations that others and I face in life. Give me strength to keep on praying. Break through anything preventing an answer to the prayers you give me to pray. Amen

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

Spiritual Warfare – Daniel 10-12-14 – Set Your Mind – 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

Watch And Pray

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Spiritual Warfare - Matthew 26:41 - Watch And Pray - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Spiritual Warfare – Matthew 26:41 – Watch And Pray – Growing As Disciples

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Matthew 26:41 (NIV)

Watch And Pray

How are you watching? How are you praying? How am I watching and praying about what? How are you watching and praying so you will not fall into temptation? That is a good question. I’m not sure that I am watching and praying so I will not fall into temptation. Is that really necessary? Would I ask you to do something that is not necessary? No, you would not. Let me ask you a few questions. Go ahead, I’m listening. How often has a tempting situation snuck up on you? How often has a tempting situation taken you surprise? How difficult has it been for you to resist a temptation when you have been in the midst of it? How much easier has it been for you to resist a temptation that you avoided before it reached you? I can avoid temptations before they reach me? Yes, you can. You don’t need to allow yourself to enter into tempting circumstances. You can decide to not allow yourself to be placed in the middle of them. But, for that to be possible one thing is required. What’s that? You must be watching. You know when, where, why and how you are most likely to be tempted. You know people, places and circumstances that will likely present powerful temptations to you. Yes, I do. Watch and avoid them. Watch and run from them. Will you do that? Yes, I will. That will be very good.

Is that all I need to do to not fall into temptation? Is watching enough? That is a very good question. No, that is not all. Watching alone, is not enough to keep you from falling into temptation. What else is needed?  As you watch and avoid temptation, as you watch and run from temptation, you must enter into prayer to me. You will be leaving temptation and evil behind you as you run to me. You will be resisting evil by leaving it and submitting yourself in prayer to me. Watching and praying will both be needed if you want to avoid falling into temptation. Will you do both of these? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.  

Lord, I will keep my eyes open so I will not let tempting situations and circumstances sneak up on me. As I’m watching I will also be praying so I will have all I need from you to be able stand when temptation does try to attack me. Amen

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

Spiritual Warfare – Matthew 26-41 – Watch And Pray – 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