Category Archives: Wisdom

Brings Healing

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Wisdom - Proverbs 12:18 - Brings Healing - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Wisdom – Proverbs 12:18 – Brings Healing – Growing As Disciples

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)

Listen And Speak

How carefully are you monitoring the thoughts that you allow yourself to think? How well are you guarding the words that are coming out of your mouth? Those are two very good questions. I’m not sure that I am doing a very good job of monitoring my mind or guarding my mouth. Why is that? I know that I have been thinking and saying words that have not been pleasing to you. How so? I have thought and said words that have pierced others like a sword. My words have been cutting. My words have been critical. My words have been sarcastic. Those are not words that I like to hear. Are those words that you like to hear? Are those words that anyone likes to hear? No, they are not. Those kinds of words do damage that is difficult to repair. That’s true. 

What kind of words do you like to hear? I like to hear words of encouragement. I like to hear words of affirmation. I like to hear words that uplift my spirit and express confident hope in my future. I like it when others see positive things in me that I don’t even see in myself. I like it when other say words that spur me on to bigger and better things. What do these kinds of words do for you? These kinds of words bring healing to my entire being. These kinds of words unlock the potential that you have created in me to fulfill. These words help me to be and do all that you have in mind for me. When I hear these kinds of words I get up and get going to do your will. Would you like to be able to speak these kinds of words into the lives of others? Would you like your words to bring health and hope and healing into the lives of others? Would you like me to speak through you so that others will get up and get going to do my will? Yes Lord, I would.

How can I know your words? How can I know the words that will bring health and hope and healing into the lives of others? If you want to be able to speak these kinds of words into the lives of others you must learn to do two things well at the same time. What’s that? You must listen well to others and you must listen well to me. Listen to what others are saying to you. Listen to what others need to hear. Listen to what I am saying to you. Listen to what I want to give you to speak into the lives of others. As you listen to others and listen to me I will give you words to speak that will bring health and hope and healing. Will you do these two things well? Will you listen and speak well for me? Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, often I have hurried my thoughts and rushed my words. I have said reckless words that have pierced others like a sword. Forgive me. I want to think your thoughts and speak your words. Use my mind and mouth to speak words of healing to others. Amen

Key Question… How has the Lord used you to speak words that brought healing to another person?

Living It Out… Rely on the Lord to help you to think well thought out healing words to speak to others.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to think well thought out healing words to speak to others.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has used you to speak healing words to others.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you speak well thought out words that bring healing to others.

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

Wisdom – Proverbs 12-18 – Brings Healing – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Show It

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Wisdom - James 3:13 - Show It - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Wisdom – James 3:13 – Show It – Growing As Disciples

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13 (NIV)

Success?

I want to be wise and understanding. I want my life to demonstrate that I am both wise and understanding. Why do you want to be wise and understanding? What do you mean by asking me that? What is wise? What is understanding? How are you defining those terms? Why is it your desire and goal to be wise and understanding? I’m still not fully understanding where you are headed with your questions. Let’s take a step back. I will ask you another question. Go ahead, I’m listening. What possible reasons could a person have for wanting to be wise and understanding? A person might want to be wise and understanding so that they can be successful in life. I suppose you will now ask me what a successful life would look like. You are right about that. What would a successful life look like to you? What would a successful look like to someone else? Now, I’m starting to understand where you are headed with your questions. Someone might evaluate their success in life by how much they have acquired. They would think that their life is successful if they have acquired possessions, power and prestige in an abundance. They might think that their life has been successful if they have lived a life filled with comfort and pleasure. Their desire for wisdom and understanding would simply be tools on that path to their idea of success. That’s right. Is this how you view success? Is this why you want wisdom and understanding? No, it is not.

How do you define success? My life will be successful if I have come to know and do your will. My life will be successful if I have born an abundance of fruit for your kingdom and brought glory to your name. That is a very different definition of success. Yes, it is. Only my followers would ever hold on to that definition of success. That’s right. Loving, following and serving you is my desire and goal in life. So, it should be easy for you to now tell me why you want to have wisdom and understanding. I want to have wisdom and understanding so that I will be able to know and do your will. Wisdom and understanding from you, will guide me on the proper path in life. My life will succeed in bearing fruit for your kingdom and bringing glory to your name if I have your wisdom and understanding. Yes, it will. Without your wisdom and understanding I will be unable to know and do your will. That’s right. It is my prayer that I will have your wisdom and understanding so that I can live my life fully for you. That is a prayer that I will hear and answer.

Lord, I want to be wise and understanding. I want my life to be filled with your wisdom and understanding. Help me to do humble deeds that display wisdom as I follow and serve you. Use my life to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Amen

Key Question… Who has been a good role model for you by displaying wisdom through their actions?

Living It Out… Ask the Lord to show you what humble and wise deeds you can do for others as you follow and serve Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will lead you to do humble deeds for others that display true wisdom and understanding.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord is leading you to humbly and wisely serve others.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you do wise, humble and good deeds for others as you follow and serve the Lord.

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

Wisdom – James 3-13 – Show It – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

A Gentle Answer

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Wisdom - Proverbs 15:1 - A Gentle Answer - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Wisdom – Proverbs 15:1 – A Gentle Answer – Growing As Disciples

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 (NIV) 

Stirring Up Anger

You have an easy choice to make. What’s that? You can either turn away from wrath or stir up anger. Is that really an easy choice to make? What do you think? Well, it may be an easy choice to make away from the heat of a battle. During an argument or debate, it is a very difficult choice to make. Why is that? I like to win arguments and debates. I’ve noticed. Sometimes, I will go to great lengths to win an argument or debate. How so? In the heat of an argument or debate I will sometimes say things that I know I will deeply regret later. But, I will completely lose perspective. What do you mean by that? I will make winning an argument or debate my only goal. I will use words I shouldn’t have used. My words have done damage that is hard to repair. I will have said things that are difficult to retract. Whoever said, “sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” was an idiot. Words do hurt. Words do cause damage. Yes, they do.

Why must you win every argument and debate? That is a very good question. You don’t have to think twice about your answer, do you? No, I do not. It is my pride that drives me to want to win every argument and debate. That sounds and is pathetic, I know. Yes, it is. Can you lay down your pride? Can you humble yourself before me? Can you make better choices that will allow you to be my witness in the world? That is at issue here, isn’t it? Yes, it is. You cannot be filled with pride and driven to win every argument and debate and still be a bright and shinning witness for me in the world. You cannot stir up anger and bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. No one is drawn to stirred up anger. I cannot use a pride filled, angry, argumentative person. That is not who you want to be. That is not who you are. That is not the kind of life that I have called you to live. I get that. I want that. I know.

I want you to make some decisions in advance. Like what? Make serving me your goal. Choose to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. Set aside your old sinful desire to win every argument and debate. Walk away from wrath. Choose to not stir up anger. Have a higher purpose in mind. Allow me to work in and through your life. Shine brightly for me in the midst of all the wrath and anger that is in the world. Will you make these decisions so that you can serve me? Will you make these decisions so I can use you?  Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, without your help there is no way I will be able to answer anger with a soft answer. I would rather fight fire with fire. Give me the strength to be your witness by answering anger softly with the grace and mercy you provide. Amen

Key Question… How hard is it to repair relationships with other people once anger has been stirred up and enflamed?

Living It Out… Ask the Lord to help you to use words that turn away wrath rather than stir up anger.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will give you words to speak that will turn away wrath rather than stir up anger.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord used your words to turn away wrath.

Prayer To Bless Others… May your gentle words turn away wrath rather than stir up anger.

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

Wisdom – Proverbs 15-1 – A Gentle Answer – 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

Search Me

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Wisdom - Psalm 139:23-24 - Search Me - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Wisdom – Psalm 139:23-24 – Search Me – Growing As Disciples

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)

Examine Me 

You have my invitation. I welcome your examination. Go ahead and investigate my life. Put my life under your microscope. Take a long and close look at me. Know my heart. Test me. Know every one of my thoughts. Tell me what you find. You seem quite confident. I am very confident. I have nothing to fear. Why is that? Why are you so confident? Why do you have nothing to fear? I can tell you one thing that is for sure. What’s that? My confidence is not in myself, not for one minute, not for one second. If my confidence were in myself, it would be a scary thought for you to be examining my life. But, my confidence is in you and you alone. That’s very good. I know without a doubt that you love me. I know that I am your child. You are my Heavenly Father. I am sure that you will find things in my life that do not please you. I am sure that you will find thoughts, and words and deeds in and from me that you will want to change. I trust you. I want you to work in my life. I want you to change me. I know that you will do your good work in me. I know that you will mold and shape my life. I know that you will help me to do what is pleasing to you. You will change my heart. You will transform my mind. You will help me to know and do your will. You will help me to walk in your ways. You will lead me. You will guide me. You will direct me. You will help me to fulfill your purposes and plans. Yes, I will.

So, inviting you do take a close look at my life is an exciting thought. Really? Well, I can’t say that I don’t have some apprehension over your examination. Why is that? I know that the changes you will want to make in my life will not always be free and easy and comfortable. Sometimes your changes in my life have been painful. Sometimes your changes in my life have been like surgery. You will remove from my life what is not been pleasing to you. That can hurt. Yes, it can. But your examination and your surgery in my life will bring healing to me. You will make me able to live a life that is pleasing to you. Yes, I will.

Lord, investigate my life and show me if I am living in any way that is offensive to you. It is my desire to live in ways that please you in all that I think, say, and do. Help me to live fully for you and to bring glory to your name. Amen

Key Question… What has the Lord used to show you that you are living in ways that are offensive to Him?

Living It Out… Ask the Lord to show you if you are living in any way that is not pleasing to Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to live in ways that are pleasing to Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord is helping you to live in ways that please Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the Lord to search your life so He can show you how to live in ways that please Him.

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

Wisdom – Psalm 139-23-24 – Search Me – 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

Reckless Words

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Wisdom - Proverbs 12:18 - Reckless Words - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Wisdom – Proverbs 12:18 – Reckless Words – Growing As Disciples

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)

Fruitful Words 

What words are coming out of your mouth? Do you ask yourself, “Where did that come from? How could I have said that to someone? Those were hurtful words. I don’t want to be that kind of a person.” Yes Lord, I can see that you have been listening in on my words and my self-talk. Yes, I have. 

I want my words to be healing. I want to speak soothing words of comfort. I would like to be known as one who comforts, encourages and strengthens others with my words.

Never do I want to recklessly hurt others with my words. I know that the devil and all his evil use words that steal, kill, and destroy life. Forgive me when my words have harmed others.

Fill my heart and mind with your words. May my life overflow with words that bless others and lift them up. Help me to speak up for you. Put your words of your love and forgiveness in my mouth so that I can proclaim your good news.

Have you noticed that I have been changing your heart and mind? Yes, I have. How have I been doing that for you? As I have met with you in prayer you have been transforming me. Yes, I have been molding and shaping your life. I have been making you into the person that I want you to be. What have I been using to transform your mind and change your heart? You have been using your word. Yes, I have. You have been setting me free by the truth of your word. Yes, I have been planting my word in your heart and mind. What has my word been bearing in your life? Your word has been bearing fruit? Yes, and what words describe the kind of fruit that is coming out of your life? The fruit that you are bringing out of my life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Yes, exactly and that fruit has been giving you new words to speak haven’t they? Yes, they have.

I know that you are impatient. You never want to say the wrong words. You always want to bless others with your words. Yes, that is true. Let my work continue in you. I will continue to plant my word in you. You will continue to bear fruit for me. I will continue to transform your mind and change your heart. Trust me and do not become discouraged. I will never stop molding and shaping your life. You will speak words that will bless and encourage a multitude. Do you believe what I am saying to you? Yes Lord, I do without a doubt.

Lord, I have been shocked with the words that have come out of my mouth. Forgive me. Help me. Change my heart and transform my mind so that I can bear fruit for you by having wise and healing words come out of my mouth. Amen

Key Question… When has someone encouraged and built you up with wise and healing words that they spoke to you?

Living It Out… Allow the Lord to change your heart and transform your mind with His word so that you will be able to speak His words.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will give you wise and healing words with which to build others up and encourage them.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has used you to speak wise and healing words to others.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you speak words that bring healing.

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

Wisdom – Proverbs 12-18 – Reckless Words – 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 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

Keeps Silent

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Wisdom - Proverbs 17:28 - Keeps Silent - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Wisdom – Proverbs 17:28 – Keeps Silent – Growing As Disciples

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. Proverbs 17:28 (NIV) 

Wait To Speak

You think that you talk too much, don’t you? Yes, I certainly do. I can’t tell you how many times I have opened my mouth and said something that I regret. Why can’t you tell me? If I really knew how often, I suppose that I could tell you. But you already know all the regrettable things that I have ever said. Yes, I do.

Why do you want to talk to me about the foolish and regrettable things that I have said? Wouldn’t it be better to forget them and just move on? Do you really think so? No, not really. Why not? I regret opening my mouth and saying what I regret. Those regrets don’t just go away. No, they don’t. They nag at me constantly. Wouldn’t it be better if we talked about them? Yes, I suppose that it would be better.

What kinds of words have you regretted saying? I have mostly regretted proud, impatient, angry or judgmental words. I know that those words can hurt others and even damage me. Yes, they can. Does it seem to you that you say out loud most of the thoughts that come into your mind? Yes, it does. Worse than that, I say words that I haven’t really even thought about. That’s not good. It is pretty foolish, isn’t it? Yes, it is.

Would you like me to help you to be wise with the words that you speak? Yes, I would. How can you help me? I want you to slow down. There is no race to see how quickly you can respond with your words. The more quickly you speak, the more foolish your words will be. But slowing down will not be enough of a guard over the words of your mouth. What will be?

We are having a conversation right now, aren’t we? Yes, we are. Is there any reason we can’t continue this conversation throughout the seconds and minutes of your life? No, there is not. Do you think that talking with me throughout your day will change the words that come out of your mouth? I’m positive that it will. When you wait to speak, what will people think? They will think I am wise. When I give you the words to say, what will people know? They will know that I am wise. Why is that? They will hear words that you have given me to say. Yes, they will. Is that what you want? Do you want to wait to speak the words that I will give you, or do you want to rush to say your own words. I want to wait to speak the words that you will give to me. Is that your prayer? Yes, it is. I will hear and answer that prayer of yours.

Lord, I have been quick to speak and slow to listen. I have foolishly rushed to offer my opinion. Help me to remain silent and consider what you want me to think about a matter before I speak. Give me your wise words to say. Amen

Key Question… When have you opened up your mouth and said something that you really regretted?

Living It Out… Allow yourself time to be silent to carefully consider what the Lord wants you to think about before you speak up.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to know when to speak up and when to remain silent.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has helped you to wisely remain silent.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you listen to the Lord and carefully consider what He wants you to say before you speak.

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

Wisdom – Proverbs 17-28 – Keeps Silent – 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

Built His House On A Rock

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Wisdom - Built His House On The Rock - Matthew 7:24-27 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Wisdom – Built His House On The Rock – Matthew 7:24-27 – Growing As Disciples

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV)

Firm Foundation

Storms are certain in this life. They come to everyone. Sometimes you can see them coming from a great distance. At other times they will come when you least expect them and they will take you completely by surprise. Storms come in all different shapes and sizes. Something that seems so tame, safe and harmless can cause a great storm in your life. Sometimes your own careless, inattentive actions or lack of action can bring a storm upon you. Many storms just happen. You have no control over them and they aren’t your fault. No matter what the size, shape or cause of a storm, you can be certain that they will beat on your life. How will your life stand up under a heavy storm? Are you prepared to face them?

Would you like to know how to stand up under a heavy storm in life? Yes Lord, I would. Take a lesson from the expert builder. The most important part of his project is the foundation. If the foundation isn’t right, the rest of the structure won’t matter. The house can look magnificent in every detail but if the foundation is not secure, it will one day collapse like a house of cards when a storm beats against it. Would you like your life to have a secure foundation anchored in rock that will be able to withstand all the storms of life? Yes Lord, I definitely would like that.

I am the expert builder. My words are the ingredients of a secure foundation. My words are as hard as rock. You can anchor your life in me and my words. How do I do that Lord? There are two different ways to hear in life. One person hears my words and considers them to be interesting. They file my words away along with all the other words that they hear from the world. They pick and choose the words that they will put into practice based on their own thoughts, opinions, feelings, and desires. Usually my words end up a distant second place in their life, never to be put into practice. This person is building their life on the sand. Their life will collapse under a heavy storm. You don’t want that. No Lord, I don’t.

What does the other hearer do differently? The other hearer listens carefully to my words and puts them into practice. My words have final authority in their life. They don’t pick and choose what they like to hear and want to put into practice. Sometimes my word will be hard for them to hear. It will challenge their thoughts, words and actions. Often times my word will guide them to live in ways that are distinctly different than those in the world around them. Despite all the demand and challenges of my words, they are committed to following and obeying me no matter the cost to them personally. These followers of mine are building a secure foundation in me that will be able to withstand all the storms of life. Is that what you want? Will you put my words into practice in your life? Yes Lord, I will. Very good, follow me.

Lord, thank you that you are working in me, on and through me. Use your word to change my heart and transform my mind. I want my life to be built on you and your words. Construct my life according to your purposes and plans. Amen

Key Question…  How has knowing Jesus Christ and putting His word into practice been building the foundation of your life?

Living It Out…  Make every effort to hear and put Christ’s word into practice so that you can have a firm foundation in Him.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that Jesus Christ will securely build your life as you hear and put His words into practice.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how you are daily hearing and putting Christ’s word in practice.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you have a firm foundation in Christ as you hear His word and put it into practice.

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

Wisdom – Matthew 7-24-27 – Firm Foundation – 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                                                               http://www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Teach Us To Number Our Days

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Wisdom - Psalm 90:12 - Teach Us To Number Our Days - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Wisdom – Psalm 90:12 – Teach Us To Number Our Days – Growing As Disciples

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

Life Is Short

You have a very good prayer in your heart and on your mind today. Tell me what it is, say it aloud to me. Let yourself hear it, being asked, as a gift to you from me.

I am asking for a heart full of wisdom. I would like to be able to present my heart to you as a heart filled with wisdom. Yes, that’s very good. Is there a problem? Yes, as a matter of fact, there is. I can’t give you what I don’t have. What do you mean by that? I don’t have wisdom from within myself. Have I not been giving you wisdom as you have drawn near to me? Yes, you have and for that I cannot adequately express how grateful and thankful that I am. You have changed the entire course of my life as you have given wisdom to me. All my thoughts, desires, and pursuits have changed because you have changed my heart and transformed my mind. If I had reached the limit of the amount of wisdom that I was allowed to have, I would be fully and completely satisfied. Do you think that you are close to your limit? There is no chance of that. It’s very good that you know that. Never stop coming to me to ask for wisdom. I will never turn you away. It is my delight to give you wisdom.

Let’s talk about numbering your days. That would be great. Are you fully aware of the fact that your days on earth are numbered? I think so. But, you’re not sure? Maybe not. What would you do differently if you knew that tomorrow was your last day on earth?   I’d be more focused and urgent about getting done what you have given me to do for you. You would be more cautious about how you used your time? Yes, I would. You would make sure that you came to me to ask me how I wanted you to use your remaining time? That’s for certain. You wouldn’t waste large blocks of time doing what has very little importance? No, I would not. Your focus would be on accomplishing whatever would bear fruit for eternity? Yes, my focus would be much sharper on bearing fruit for you than it is now. What then are you learning about the wise use of your time? You are showing me that it is important that I don’t waste valuable time that you have given to me. Living, fully aware of the brevity of my life will help me to come to you to ask you how you want me to best use my time. Your instructions will help me to number, value, and fully use each day so that I can wisely use it for your kingdom and glory. Yes, that’s true and today I will give you a heart of wisdom.

Lord, I have wasted so much time and squandered so many days. Teach me to number my days so that I will wisely use the time that I have been given to serve you and bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom and glory.  Amen

Key Question…  What has the Lord shown you about how He would like you to wisely use the days you have been given?

Living It Out…   Ask the Lord to teach you to number your days so that you will wisely use your time to serve Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will show you how to wisely use your time and each day for His glory.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how you are seeking to live each day of your life for the glory of God.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you ask the Lord to teach you to number your days so you will wisely use the time you have been given.

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

Wisdom – Psalm 90-12 – Teach Us To Number Our Days – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Quick To Listen

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Wisdom - Quick To Listen - James 1:19-21 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Wisdom – Quick To Listen – James 1:19-21 – Growing As Disciples

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. James 1:19-21 (NIV)

 Like A Luxurious Garden

What are you quick to listen to? What and who has your attention? I’m not exactly sure what you mean. What thoughts occupy your mind? Who is speaking into your life? I would like to think that your thoughts occupy my thinking and that you are speaking into my life. Now you are beginning to understand my questions.

I want you to be quick to listen. You might ask “To what, do you want me to listen?” You already know the answer. Yes, I do. You want me to be quick to listen to you and your word. Yes, I do. How will I best be able to do that? Now, that is a very good question. You are like a garden. I want my word to be planted in you so that it will flourish and grow. You will never be able to live the righteous life I desire for you unless you are listening to my word. As you listen I will plant my word in you. You are right to ask how will you be able to be quick to listen to my word.

I will gladly answer that question for you. To listen you must listen. That sounds obvious doesn’t it? Yes, it does. You cant be speaking and listening attentively at the same time. I get it. Do you really? The more you speak the less you will be able to hear and listen to me. The one who speaks thinks he knows. The listener listens because he does not know. I want you to have the attitude of a humble listener. I want you to be hungry and eager to hear from me. I’m here to listen. Yes, you are and that is very good.

There are two things that will also hinder your ability to hear from me. They will try to prevent you from living the righteous life I have given you to live for me. What are they? The first one is anger. How well can you hear from me if you are angry about something? When I’m angry I can’t hear from you at all. Yes, that’s right. Will you set aside all your anger so that you can listen to me? Yes Lord, I will.

What is the second thing that will prevent me from hearing from you and living the righteous life you want me to live? This one is the direct opposite of the life I want you to live. I want you to get rid of anything that is morally filthy and evil. Take a close look. Do an inventory with me. Ask me to show you if there is anything in your life that displeases me. I will show you what must go. Together we will uproot what I don’t want planted in your life. Then in the new space available I will plant my word into your life so that my word will continue to grow and flourish in you. That’s what I want Lord. Yes, I know. I will make your life like a luxurious garden and you will flourish for me.

Lord, help me to remove anger, moral filth, and evil from my life so that I will be able to attentively listen to you. Plant your word in me and cause it to flourish and grow so that I will be like a luxurious garden bearing fruit for you.  Amen

Key Question…  When are you allowing the Lord to speak to you so that He can plant His word in your life?

Living It Out…  Rid your life of anger, moral filth and evil so that you can listen to the Lord and allow Him to plant His word in you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will plant His word in you and cause your life to grow and flourish for Him.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how the Lord is planting His word in your life and causing you to grow.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you put away anger, moral filth and evil so you can humbly listen to God and let Him plant His word in you.

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

Wisdom – James 1-19-21 – Quick To Listen – 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

Desires To See Many Good Days

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Wisdom - Psalm 34:12-14 - Desires To See Many Good Days - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Wisdom – Psalm 34:12-14 – Desires To See Many Good Days – Growing As Disciples

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:12-14 (NIV) 

Turn Around 

Turn around. What do you mean by saying, “Turn around?” Stop what you are doing. Make a course correction. Why is that? Do you want to love life and see many good days? Yes, of course, I want to love life and see many good days. What might prevent me from loving life and seeing many good days? You tell me. What have you not enjoyed in life? What has filled you with stress? What has given you anxiety? Being in conflict with others has robbed me of joy in life. Arguments have made my days less than good. What has drawn you into conflict? Often times my tongue has drawn me into conflict. Often times, I have said what did not need to be said. I have spoken up, when the better course would have been to remain silent. I don’t need to right every wrong. I don’t need to set every situation straight. Quite often, I have been mistaken. Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, in the midst of a battle, I have spoken less than the whole truth. That’s a clever way to say that. Do you mean to say that sometimes you have lied? Yes, I guess so. You guess so? No, I know so. That’s good. What’s good about that? You are willing to admit that you have made mistakes. You are acknowledging your sin. You are confessing your wrongs. Yes, I am. That’s a good step towards loving life and seeing good days.

So, your tongue has kept you from loving life and seeing good days, what else? Well, not only have I not spoken well, I have not done well. What do you mean by that? I have known the right thing to do and I have done the opposite. What does that sound like the definition of? I’m not sure what you mean. What would you call knowing the good you were to do and doing the opposite? I suppose I would call that sin. Yes, exactly. How have you felt when you have sinned with your actions? Just as bad as I have felt when I sinned with my words. What are you going to do about that? When I’m about to do what I know to be wrong I’m going to stop and turn around and head in the opposite direction. That will be very good. 

What will you pursue with both your words and your deeds? What will allow you to love life and see many good days? I will pursue peace with both my words and deeds. That will be very good. Then you will live the good and long life, I have called you to live.

Lord, I want to live a long life and see many good days. I don’t want my life to be filled with anxiety, stress and conflict. I that that these will shorten my life and ruin my days. Help me to speak words and take actions that will make for peace with others. Amen

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

Love – Psalm 34-12-14 – Desires To See Many Good Days – 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