Sound No Trumpet

Posted on April 3, 2022 by growingasadisciple

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Sacramental Life – Day 362 – Matthew 6-1-4 – Sound No Trumpet – Growing As Disciples

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:1-4 (ESV)

Credit

Do you need credit? Are you seeking recognition? Must you have worldly rewards for the good things you do for others, in this life? Those are all very good questions. Why do you think I have asked good questions? It is good for me to evaluate my motives, not once and a while, but every day as I follow and serve you. What are your motives? I will say what I think is true. I will say what I hope is true. I am serving you because I love you. It is my desire to know and do your will. It is my pleasure to go and do what you ask of me. I am certainly not serving or giving with the hope or desire to receive worldly recognition and rewards. That would be foolish. Why is that? Life in this world is like a snap of the fingers or the blink of an eye. Every reward given in this life will soon be left behind. I brought nothing into this world. I will take nothing out of this world. That is only partly true. Why is that only partly true? You can store up treasure in heaven with me. Make no mistake about it, you will be one day be rewarded for everything that you did for me in this life. I have no doubt about that. I do want to say something. I do want to make one thing very clear. What’s that? First, let me say that I am aware of that fact that you will have rewards waiting for me when I come to heaven to live with you. I would also like to say that I am not serving you with even the hope of heavenly rewards. I won’t turn them done. But I prefer to think that I am serving you and doing good things in this life only because I love you. That is enough for me. I need or want nothing more. I want to know your will. I want to go and do what is pleasing to you. I want to live my life with and for you both now and forever. Could anything be better? Could I ask for more. I think not. So, it is my prayer that you will show me where you want me to go and give me what you want me to do. I want to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. That is enough, because I love you and I know that you love me. My life is in your hands. I am at your service. That is very good. You will have all that you have asked of me. Thank you, Heavenly Father. Amen

Heavenly Father, it is my delight to serve you. I am not serving you because I am seeking recognition or rewards from the world. I am serving you because I love you. I delight in doing your will. I want to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Amen

Key Question… When have you done something extravagantly generous without any desire for recognition or reward?

Living It Out… Give quietly and anonymously and generously to others without seeking reward or recognition.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your Heavenly Father will one day reward you for the work you have done for Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are learning to give to others without receiving recognition.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you quietly and anonymously and generously give to others.

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

The Sacramental Life – Day 362 – Matthew 6-1-4 – Sound No Trumpet – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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Present You Holy In His Sight

Posted on March 30, 2022 by growingasadisciple

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Sacramental Life – Day 352 – Colossians 1-21 -23 – Present You Holy In His Sight – Growing As Disciples

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation– if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. Colossians 1:21-23 (NIV)

That Was Then, This Is Now

That was then. This is now. What does that mean? I was once alienated from you. I was thinking and speaking and acting as your enemy. My behavior was evil in your sight. I was living for my own comfort and pleasure. I was walking on a road that led away from you. I was self-centered, self-indulgent, and self-sufficient. I didn’t think I wanted or needed anything or anyone. I especially had no time for you. I know this to be true, even though it is difficult to say and hard to acknowledge. My life was fully immersed and engaged in the darkness of this world. How did you enjoy that life? I didn’t. It is true that the wages of sin is death. I was being paid in full. My thoughts, and words and actions led to brokenness. I was experiencing pain and suffering. I had hit rock bottom. I had reached the end of my rope. I was stuck in the muck and the mire that was my life. I was without hope in the world. That sounds quite bleak. It was very bleak. But you would not let me go. You would not let me live a life without you. You allowed me to hear the Gospel. You allowed me to receive the Good News of your salvation. You forgave my sin. You cleansed my unrighteousness. You presented me to God, without any spot or blemish. I was free from any accusation. You helped me to turn my life over to you. You turned my life around. You gave me a new and fresh start. This is now. I am continuing to live the life of faith that you have given me to live. I am walking through life with you. I am living in an intimate relationship with you. I am following you to where you lead me. I am doing what you ask of me. I am allowing you to use me. Where am I leading you? What am I asking you to do for me? How am I using you? Just as the Gospel of your salvation was held out to me, so also, you want me to hold it out to others. You want to speak though me so that others can hear the Good News of their salvation. You want to use me to help others to come to know and love and follow and serve you. You want me to become a servant of the Gospel. Yes, I do. Will you allow me to use you in this way? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, I was once living as your enemy. My thoughts, words and actions were evil. How amazing it is that you helped me to hear the Gospel of my salvation. Thank you or forgiving my sin, cleansing my unrighteousness, and presenting me Holy in God’s sight. Amen

Key Question… How did Jesus Christ make it possible for you to hear and receive the Gospel of your salvation?

Living It Out… Allow the Lord to use you as a servant of the Gospel so that it can be proclaimed throughout the world.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will use you to help others to come to know, love, follow, and serve Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are now helping to proclaim the Gospel to others.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you become a servant of the Gospel proclaiming it to others.

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

The Sacramental Life – Day 352 – Colossians 1-21 -23 – Present You Holy In His Sight – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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The Life Of Jesus

Posted on March 23, 2022 by growingasadisciple

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Sacramental Life – Day 363 – 2 Corinthians 4-7-12 – The Life Of Jesus – Growing As Disciples

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (ESV)

Jar Of Clay

That us what I am like, of that there is no doubt. What’s that? I am like a jar of clay. How so? I am weak. I am frail. At one time I foolishly thought that I could be self-reliant and self-sufficient. What convinced you otherwise? I experienced all the separation and suffering and sin that is part of living a life without you. I went my own way. I did my own thing. I was discouraged, depressed, and defeated. My sinful life was receiving its payment in full, which is death. I was bruised and battered and broken by the life I was living without you. What happened to you? You turned my life around. You drew me to yourself. You helped me to turn my life over to you. I left my sinful life in the world so that I could love and follow and serve you. You gave me a new life to live. You filled my life with hope and peace and joy. You made me to be your child. You adopted me into your family. You filled me with your Spirit. You are helping me to know you. I am now living in an intimate relationship with you. I can hear your voice speaking to me. You are leading me through life. Now, nothing that life throws at me can stop me. You are with me to help me. You are sustaining and strengthening me. You are empowering me to live the life you have called me to live. Yes, I have done and will continue to do all these things for you.

In your jar of clay do you carry a treasure? Yes, I do. You live in me by your Spirit. You have given me a valuable message to share with others. Because I am weak, your power can be seen. Because I am weak, others can see that you are living and working in and through me. Because I am weak, your light and life can shine through me in the darkness of this world. Because I am weak, others will come to know and love and follow and serve you as I rely on your power to fulfill your purpose and accomplish your plans in and through my life. Yes indeed, you do have this treasure in you. Keep on relying on me. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, there is no doubt. I am weak and like a frail clay pot. Yet your treasure is in me. You have filled me with your Spirit. You are working in and through me to fulfill your purposes and accomplish your plans. I will rely on you to sustain and strengthen me. Amen

Key Question… Why would it be a foolish and tragic mistake to live your life solely under your own power?

Living It Out… Rely on the Lord to work in and through you to fulfill His purposes and accomplish His plans.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will powerfully work in and through your life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are relying on the Lord to powerfully work in and through you.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you rely on the Lord to work in and through you to fulfill His purposes and accomplish His plans.

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

The Sacramental Life – Day 363 – 2 Corinthians 4-7-12 – The Life Of Jesus – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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Forget Not All His Benefits

Posted on March 17, 2022 by growingasadisciple

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Sacramental Life – Day 350 – Psalm 103-1-5 – Forget Not All His Benefits – Growing As Disciples

Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits– who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:1-5 (NIV)

Not Forget

That is something that I need to remember. What do you need to remember? I need to remember to not forget your benefits. Is that a difficult task? Is that hard to accomplish? It must be. Why do you think it must be difficult and hard to not forget my benefits? Well, the Bible is filled with people who forgot and even took your benefits for granted. Forgetting and taking your benefits for granted seems as common today as it was back then. It should not be so. I wish it were not true. I am embarrassed to say that I haven’t praised and thanked you enough for who you are and all that you have done for me. I know that failing to give you praise and thanks for your goodness is a sin which I willingly and freely confess to you now. Forgive my lack of praise and thanks to you. You are forgiven. What would you like to change? I would like to make praising and thanking you a regular part of my daily prayers to you. That will be very good.

Let me ask you a few questions? Go right ahead, I’m listening. Do you sometimes feel weary and worn out? Do you sometimes lack hope and peace and joy in your life? Would you like to be refreshed and revived and restored to full strength? You know my answer to each one of your questions. Yes, I often feel weary and worn out. Yes, I would like my life to overflow with hope and peace and joy. Yes, I would like to be refreshed, revived, and restored to full strength. I would like to run and not grow weary. I would like to walk and not faint. I would like to be like an eagle soaring in mid-flight. I have no doubt about that. Do you know what you are missing? Yes, I do. I lack all these things in my life because I am not abundantly praising and thanking you. That’s right. Daily, enter my presence with praise and thanksgiving and I will refresh and revive and restore you. As you praise and thank me, I will fill your life with hope and peace and joy. That I will do. That will be very good.

Lord, I know how easy it is to forget and fail to give praise and thanks to you for who you are and all you have done for me. Daily, in my prayers, I will remember all that you have done for me. Fill my life with joy as I give abundant thanks and praise to you. Amen

Key Question… How are you making sure that you are regularly giving praise and thanks to God for His goodness to you?

Living It Out… Make praising and thanking God a regular part of your daily prayer life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God is worthy of all your praise and thanks because of who He is and all He has done for you.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are continually praising and thanking God for His goodness.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you praise God and remember all that He has done for you.

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

The Sacramental Life – Day 350 – Psalm 103-1-5 – Forget Not All His Benefits – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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Overwhelming Victory

Posted on January 9, 2022 by growingasadisciple

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Sacramental Life – Day 349 – Romans 8-37-39 – Overwhelming Victory – Growing As Disciples

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 (NLT)

Overwhelming Victory

That certainly would be an overwhelming victory for me. What would be an overwhelming victory for you? If I were to not be afraid about today or worry about tomorrow that would be an overwhelming victory for me. Why is that? All my life I have been filled with fear and worry. Do you know why you have been filled with fear and worry? Please don’t think or say that you have had a lot to be fearful and worried about, that would be an incorrect answer. I do know why I have been fearful and worried. You do? Yes, I do. Let me hear your thoughts. Pride has filled me with fear and worry. To some that may seem like an odd answer. Most would see no connection between pride and fear and worry. What connection do you see? Pride tells me that I am in control. Pride tells me to rely on myself to solve all my problems. Pride tells me that by my own efforts I can work my way out of fear and worry. How has relying on yourself worked out for you? How often have you been able to work yourself out of fear and worry? I have never been able to work myself out of fear and worry. My self-reliant efforts have only served to cause me greater fear and more worry. That is true.

What is the real solution to your fear and worry? Faith is the solution to my fear and worry. How so? You have told me that you love me. You have said that because of your love for me, I will be more than a conqueror and live-in overwhelming victory. Your love will for me will overcome fear and doubt and worry. Your love for me will conqueror the powers of hell and even death itself. There is nothing in life or even in death that your love for me has not and will not defeat. Nothing can or ever will separate me from your love. What you are saying couldn’t be truer.

What do you need from me? I need for you to increase my faith in you. I need you to help me to know your love more fully. I need for you to help me to live in your love more completely. What will you do? I will place all my faith and hope and trust in you. I will stop pridefully relying on myself by trying to work my way out of fear and worry. That will be very good. I will hear and answer your prayer. I will help you to know my love more fully and to live in my love more completely. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, I know you love me without reservation. I know you love me beyond all measure. Help me to know your love more fully. Help me to live in your love more completely. Help me to live without worry or fear because I know your love will always be with me. Amen

Key Question… How has God’s love for you been revealed and demonstrated beyond any possible doubt?

Living It Out… Allow the love of God, revealed in Christ Jesus, to give you overwhelming victory over worries and fears.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you have overwhelming victory in Christ that will make you unafraid no matter what comes your way.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the love of God is giving you victory over worries and fears.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you know and live in the love of God that gives you overwhelming victory over worry and fear.

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

The Sacramental Life – Day 349 – Romans 8-37-39 – Overwhelming Victory – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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In Our Time Of Need

Posted on December 25, 2021 by growingasadisciple

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Sacramental Life – Day 347 – Hebrews 4-14-16 – In Our Time Of Need – Growing As Disciples

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)

Time Of Need

I know you. I love you. I came into this world for you. I am on your side. I am in favor of you. Do not be self-reliant. Do not be self-sufficient. Do not think that you don’t want or need my help. That would be foolish. That would be prideful. That would be a tragic mistake. Don’t I know that well? How so? Haven’t I suffered greatly when I have relied solely on myself? You tell me. When I have relied on myself, I have made mistakes, taken missteps, and sinned against you and others. When I have been self-reliant and self-sufficient, I have not received the help that you are so willing to give me. When I have not received the help, you wanted to give me, I have become discouraged, depressed, and defeated. This is not the life that you want me to live. What kind of life do I want you to live? You want me to draw near to you. You want me to live in an intimate relationship with you. You want me to walk through life with you. You want me to confidently approach your throne of grace to receive the mercy and grace that you are so willing to give me in my time of need. Yes, I do.

How would you define your time of need? I’m not sure what you are asking of me. Is your time of need rare? Does your time of need come quite infrequently? When do you need my help? When will you ask me for what you want and need? Don’t answer me yet. I have more questions to ask you. I’m listening. When do you need my guidance? When do you need my instruction? When do you need my comfort and encouragement? When do you need my power and strength? When do you need my forgiveness and cleansing? I see where you are headed with all these questions. Where am I headed? You are showing me that I need your help all the time. There is not a day, or moment, or even a second that I don’t need your help. That is true. Will you confidently approach my throne of grace to ask me for what you need? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I will not attempt to be self-reliant or self-sufficient. I have plenty of weaknesses that you know and understand. I will rely on you. I will ask for your help. Thank you that I can confidently approach you and receive mercy and grace when I need it most. Amen

Key Question… Why would it be a prideful and foolish mistake to be self-reliant and self-sufficient?

Living It Out… Confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and grace in your time of need.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord understands your weakness and will come to your aid when you ask Him for help.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are approaching the throne of grace to ask for help.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you confidently ask the Lord for help in your time of need.

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

The Sacramental Life – Day 347 – Hebrews 4-14-16 – In Our Time Of Need – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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God Disciplines Us

Posted on December 10, 2021 by growingasadisciple

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Sacramental Life – Day 345 – Hebrews 12-7-11 – God Disciplines Us – Growing As Disciples

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:7-11 (NIV)

Endure Hardship

Will you endure hardship? That is quite a question. Have I not been enduring hardship? Has my life been easy? Have I not gone through great difficulty? Have I not experienced trying circumstances? Could I have given up and quit? Have I not been moving forward with you? Have I not been persistent? Have I not been resilient? You tell me. Whatever I have been, if it has been good, is because of you. All the adversity I have experienced in life has been a tool in your hand. You have used every trying circumstance to mold and shape my life. No, my life has not been easy. I have suffered crushing defeats. I have experienced significant setbacks. Do I deserve any credit for keeping moving forward with you? What do you think? Probably not. You have picked me up. You have dusted me off. You have encouraged me. You have spurred me on. Have I enjoyed hardship? Certainly not. Would I have preferred an easier life with more comfort? I am not so dumb. I am not completely foolish. Yes, it not my answer. I am thankful for the life you have given me to life. I am grateful for how you have been molding and shaping my life. You have been treating me as your son. You have used every twist and turn and up and down in my life to teach me to hold on to you. You have helped me to keep my heart and mind and life focused on you. You have been my shelter in every storm. You have been my refuge and strength. You have been my rock and deliverer. Would an easy and comfortable life have taught me any of this? Not hardly. So, I will say to you, “Keep on doing your work in my life.” You are my son. You are my child. I am your Father. I have been, will now, and forever take care of you. I love you with an everlasting love. You are the work of my hands. I am molding and shaping your life. And yes, I am making you into a masterpiece. Have faith in me. Keep on moving forward with me. Place all your faith and hope and trust in me. Yes, I will, with all the strength that you will give to me. That will be very good.

Lord, I have not welcomed your discipline into my life. I have not wanted to be uncomfortable. But now, I welcome your discipline into my life. Use your discipline to train me. Use your discipline to mold and shape me. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to you. Amen

Key Question… What has God used to discipline you to accomplish His good purposes in your life?

Living It Out… Welcome God’s discipline to train you to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will use His discipline to train you so you can live the life He has called you to live.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has used His discipline to train you.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow God’s discipline to train you.

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

The Sacramental Life – Day 345 – Hebrews 12-7-11 – God Disciplines Us – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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I Am The Door

Posted on November 30, 2021 by growingasadisciple

The Sacramental Life – Day 343 – John 10-7-10 – I Am The Door – Growing As Disciples

So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:7-10 (ESV)

The Door

I am the door. Do you know what that means? I’m not sure, please tell me. There are three ways in which I am a door for you. First, I am a door to life. You entered into life through me. You left your old life behind. You turned away from your old, sinful life in the world. You entered into the new life I have secured for you. I came into to this world to live and die for you. My death on the cross paid for your sins. I made it so you could be forgiven of all your sins and cleansed of all your unrighteous. I made it possible for you to live a new life with me. This new life is both now and forever. This new life began on the day that you went through me, your door, by allowing me to be your Savior and Lord. This new life, through me, continues on forever, throughout all eternity. So, you are, have been, and will forever be my door of entrance to the life you have secured for me to live with and for you. That is correct. For that, I am and will be eternally grateful. That is very good.

How else are you a door for me? I am a door of refreshment. I will lead you to still waters. I will make you to lie down in green pastures. As you live your life with and for me, I will revive, refresh, and restore your life. I will make you to be like a tree planted by a stream of water. Your life will be fresh and new and alive because I will be living and dwelling in you by my Spirit. What you do for me will prosper. My hand will be on. My favor will be with you. You will bear fruit for my kingdom. You will bring glory to my name. So, you are my door to a full and abundant life. That is correct. For that, I am and will be eternally grateful. That is very good.

How else are you a door for me? You live in a sin broken world. Life in this sin damaged and darkened world is not an easy one to live. In this world, I experienced pain and suffering and loss, so will you. At times the devil and his evil will come against you. I will protect you. I will be your refuge and strength. I will be your deliverer. In me, you will be able to withstand whatever the world throws against you. In me, you will overcome. In me, you will have victory. And one day, when your short life in this world is over, you will come to live forever in heaven with me. So, you are my door of protection. That is correct. For that, I am and will be eternally grateful. That is very good.

Lord, thank you for helping me to open the door to eternal life you have secured for me. You rescued me from a life without you. You feed and sustain my life as I live in an intimate relationship with you. You are protecting me from all the devil’s evil schemes. Amen

Key Question… When did you open the door and allow Jesus Christ to be your Savior and Lord?

Living It Out… Follow Christ as your Savior and Lord so you can live the abundant life, He has secured for you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will live an abundant life as you follow Christ as your Savior and Lord.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are living the abundant life Christ has secured for you.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you live the abundant life Christ has for you now and forever.

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

The Sacramental Life – Day 343 – John 10-7-10 – I Am The Door – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Unless The Lord Builds The House

Posted on November 27, 2021 by growingasadisciple

The Sacramental Life – Day 342 – Psalm 127-1-2 – Unless The Lord Builds – Growing As Disciples

Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. Psalm 127:1-2 (ESV)

Wasting Time

I don’t want to be wasting time. I don’t my life to be misspent on what will amount to nothing of eternal value. I don’t want to chase after all that this life offers. I don’t want to acquire what I cannot keep. I don’t want to labor in vain. What do you want? I want you to work in and through my life. I want you to mold and shape me. I want you to build me into the person you have called me to be. I want to live the life you have called me to live. Instead of chasing all that the world has to offer. I want to store up treasure in heaven with you. I want my life to shine brightly in the darkness of this world. I want to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. I want to live my life with and for you. I want to live a life that I will never regret. Those are all very good desires that you have within you.

How will you live out the desires that you have within you? First, I want to acknowledge that the desires I have within me come from you, of that, I am certain. You are correct. Second, I want to confess that I cannot go and do your will without your help. That is also correct. So, it could almost go without saying, which would be a mistake, that I will need to live and walk in an intimate relationship with you, if I want you to work in and through my life. It pleases me that you know this to be true. So, I will submit myself and my life to you. I will draw near to you. I will listen attentively to you. I will receive your instruction. I will follow your guidance. I will go wherever you guide me. I will do whatever you ask of me. My life will be in your hands. I will be at your service. How is that? That is perfect. Do this and you will never be wasting time. Do this and you will live a life without regrets. Do this and your life will accomplish my purposes and fulfill my plans. You will do what will amount to eternal value. You will be storing up treasure in heaven with me. This I will do. That will be very good. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, I know that my efforts alone will amount to nothing. I can accomplish nothing of eternal value without your help. I want to be fruitful in serving you. Work in and through me. Guard and guide the course of my life. I will rely on you rather than on myself. Amen

Key Question… Why will your own labors, without relying on the Lord, never amount to anything of eternal value?

Living It Out… Allow God to do His work in and through you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will do His work in and through you.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are allowing God to do His work in and through.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the Lord to do His work in and through your life.

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

The Sacramental Life – Day 342 – Psalm 127-1-2 – Unless The Lord Builds The House – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Have This Mind Among Yourselves

Posted on November 22, 2021 by growingasadisciple

The Sacramental Life – Day 341 – Philippians 2-5-11 – Have This Mind Among Yourselves – Growing As Disciples

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11 (ESV)

Your Mind

Your mind is like a battleground. How so? In this life, in this world, your mind is under attack. The world, the flesh, and the devil will always be trying to conform you to the patterns and practices and values of the world. If you are not careful, if you are not on guard, you will likely live a life that is not pleasing to me. If you are not watchful and vigilant, you will almost surely think, and speak, and act in ways that are not in alignment with my will. I understand. There is something of which I am supremely thankful. What’s that? You have set before me a clear example to follow. What example have I set before you? You humbled yourself. You took on the form of a servant. You did not assert your rights. You did not demand any privileges. You made it your goal to humbly and obediently, serve your Heavenly Father. You made it your mission to live as a servant of others. All your thoughts, and words, and actions were guided by living a life that was obedient to and in alignment with your Heavenly Father’s will. That is clearly and exactly the example I set before you to follow. Will you think like I thought? Will you speak like I spoke? Will you like I acted? Will you live your like patterned after mine? Yes Lord, I will humbly and obediently follow your example. I will live to serve you and others. Then you will live a life without regret. Then you will live a life that will bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. Then you will one day hear me say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”It will be to my joy and delight to hear you speaking those to me. Thank you, Lord, for giving me this life to live.

Lord, thank you for setting before me an example to follow. I will guard my thoughts, words, and actions. I will humbly take on the form of a servant. I will live to serve God. I will live to serve others. I will go where you guide me. I will do what you ask of me. Amen

Key Question… Why will you never regret following Christ’s example of humbly living to serve God and others?

Living It Out… Follow Christ’s example by living to serve God and others.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will never regret following Christ’s example of living to serve God and others.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are humbly living as a servant of God and others.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you have the mind of Christ and be a servant of others.

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

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That Was Then, This Is Now

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Jar Of Clay

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Not Forget

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Overwhelming Victory

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Time Of Need

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Endure Hardship

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The Door

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

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Wasting Time

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

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Your Mind

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

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