Tag Archives: as we have opportunity

Not Grow Weary

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The Virtuous Life - Day 229 - Galatians 6-9-10 - Not Grow Weary - Growing As Disciples

The Virtuous Life – Day 229 – Galatians 6-9-10 – Not Grow Weary – Growing As Disciples

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.  So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV)

Weary Of Doing Good

I hate to admit it. I dislike it being true. I wish it were not so. I deeply regret that I am in this position. What are you talking about? You know what I am talking about better than I know what I am talking about. Yes, I do. Know this, when I ask you a question, it is not because I am lacking information. It is because I am wanting you to reflect more deeply on a topic. I want you to more fully consider your situation. I want us to engage in a deeper conversation. I understand. That is good. Now, tell me more about what you have on your mind and in your heart. I am weary and worn out. That may be an understatement. I feel like I am running on empty. I am in danger of growing so weary that I stop doing the good things you have given me to do for you. That is not good. Yes, I know.

How have you reached this state of weariness? How have you become so worn out? I can think of several reasons. I’m listening. I have not taken care of my body. I have become unbalanced. I have failed to make sure that I am getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising daily. I know you have given me this body. I can’t have another. If my body is not healthy, I have little chance of serving you well. That is true. Will you start taking care of your body so you will not grow weary in serving me? Yes, I will. That will be very good.

You have mentioned one cause of your being weary, can you think of another? Yes, I can. I am still listening. I have been giving out more than I have been taking in. What does that mean? I have not taken time to leave the noise and busyness of life to rest in your presence. I, unlike Mary, have failed to choose what is better. I know that you will revive and refresh and restore me as I draw near to you. I need to allow you to freshly fill me so I can abundantly and fruitfully serve others. Will you make it your daily practice to allow me to revive, refresh and restore you. Will you draw near to me? Will you come to rest in my presence? Yes, I will. That will be very good.

There is one more cause of your being weary and worn out, can you think of what that is? I have been incorrect in my thinking. I have been unrealistic in my expectations. How so? I failed to remember that sowing and reaping almost always occur in different seasons. I have allowed myself to become discouraged because I have not seen immediate results of my labor. That is not good. I know. Will you trust me? Will you leave the results and fruits of your labor up to me? Do you believe that I will help you to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name? Yes, I will. Yes, I do. That is very good.

Lord, I have allowed my life to be unbalanced. I have not taken good care of my body. I have become weary and worn out. Revive and refresh and restore me as I draw near to you. Help me to keep on doing all the good that you have given me to do for you. Amen

Key Question…  When has a lack of sleep, poor diet, and insufficient exercise caused you to grow weary serving the Lord?

Living It Out…  Withdraw from the noise and busyness of life to rest in the Lord’s presence so He can revive, refresh and restore you.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will revive, refresh, and restore you as you come to rest in His presence.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how you are continuing to do the good God has given you to do for Him.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you not grow weary in doing the good God has given you to do for Him.

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

The Virtuous Life – Day 229 – Galatians 6-9-10 – Not Grow Weary – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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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

The One Who Sows To Please The Spirit

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The Spirit Empowered Life - Day 132 - Galatians 6:7-10 - The One Who Sows To Please The Spirit - Growing As Disciples

The Spirit Empowered Life – Day 132 – Galatians 6:7-10 – The One Who Sows To Please The Spirit – Growing As Disciples

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.  The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:7-10 (NIV)

Sow What?

That is a very good question. What is a very good question? What will you sow in life? There are only two choices. What are my choices? You can sow to the Spirit or you can sow to the flesh. Another way of putting is you can sow to the Spirit, or you can sow to the sinful nature. Sowing to the Spirit will bring life and peace and joy. Sowing to the flesh or sinful nature will bring disaster, death, and destruction. Who would ever decide to sow to the flesh or sinful nature? You would be surprised. Many choose to live for what looks like the pleasure of the moment. Many live to please themselves. Many only pursue what this sin broken world has to offer. They chase after what will never satisfy. The seek what will never last. The pleasures of sin are but for moment. But as you know, the wage of sin is death, and that death is certain. I have no doubt about that. That’s good.

You used a good word in your question. What word was that? You used the word, choice. You must choose. If you want to sow to the Spirit, you must make that your choice. Choosing to sow to the Spirit is not a one and done choice. Your choice to sow to the Spirit must be a daily decision. Actually, it must be an ongoing moment by moment decision that you will continually make and affirm as you live a life that is pleasing to me. Why is that? This sin broken world will attempt to allure and entice you to live according to all its evil purposes, patterns, and passions. This sin broken world will attempt to entrap you into living a life that is not pleasing to me. This sin broken world’s goal is that you live to please yourself in ways that will guarantee that you will be ineffective and unfruitful for me. It is the desire of my heart to live a life that is pleasing to you that will bear a rich harvest for the Kingdom of God and bring glory to His name. That is a very good desire that you have within you. So, be on guard against sowing to the flesh or sinful nature. Don’t let anything feed evil in you. I will be on guard. I will not let anything feed evil in me. That’s good.

Keep on doing the good I give you to do. Keep on sowing to the Spirit. Live the life I have given you to live. Never give up. Never become weary and quit. I will not. One day you will reap a rich harvest because you have continued to sow to the Spirit. Of this, you can be certain. Thank you, Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit, I will not sow to the sinful nature. I will be on guard against thinking, speaking, or acting in ways that displease you. I will sow to please you. I will not grow weary in doing the good you give me to do for you. Help me to bear a rich kingdom harvest. Amen

Key Question…  How has your life born fruit for the Kingdom of God as you have sowed to please the Holy Spirit?

Living It Out…  Never grow weary in sowing to please the Holy Spirit by doing the good He gives you to do for Him.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that you will reap a rich harvest as you continue to sow to please the Holy Spirit.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how you are actively engaged in sowing to please the Holy Spirit.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you keep on sowing to please the Holy Spirit so you can reap a rich harvest for the Kingdom of God.

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

The Spirit Empowered Life – Day 132 – Galatians 6-7-10 – The One Who Sows To Please The Spirit – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

We Will Reap A Harvest

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 319 - Galatians 6:7-10 - We Will Reap A Harvest - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 319 – Galatians 6:7-10 – We Will Reap A Harvest – Growing As Disciples

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.  The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:7-10 (NIV)

A Rich Harvest

I want what you want. What do I want? Do you want to reap a rich harvest for my kingdom? Do you want to store up treasure in heaven with me? Do you one day want to hear me say, “Well done”? Yes of course I want to reap a rich harvest. I want to live a life that is pleasing to you. I certainly want to store up treasure in heaven with you. Nothing would please me more than to hear you say, “Well done”. With these desires in mind, there a few things that you must know. You have my full attention. What must I know? You must know that you will reap what you sow. And you have two choices before you. You can so to your sinful nature. Doing so will lead to destruction. Or you can sow to the Spirit. Sowing to please the Holy Spirit will bring life now and forever. Sowing to please the Holy Spirit will also bring a rich harvest for my kingdom. Well, I will sow to please the Holy Spirit.  I will do what is good and right and true. Never will I sow to the sinful nature. I will not do anything that would cause evil to grow in my life. I will separate myself from evil in all its forms. You will have my full attention. My heart and mind and life will be fully focused on you. I will seek to know and do your will. That is very good.

But there is more that you must know. I’m still listening. The road ahead will not be easy. I will ask you to do what is difficult and demanding. I will ask you to give your very best effort. You may grow weary. You may be tempted to give up and quit. Don’t do it. Come to me. Rest in me. Allow me to refresh and renew and revive you as you keep on serving me. That I will do. That will be very good. 

There is still more that you must know. You still have my attention. Don’t immediately expect a rich harvest for my kingdom. Sowing and reaping are always in different seasons. You may go long stretches without seeing the fruit of your labor. Don’t become discouraged. Don’t be depressed. Keep on relying on me to work in and through your life. Keep on abiding in me and remaining in my presence. I will keep on using you. One day, you can be very sure that you will reap a rich harvest for my kingdom, because you didn’t give up. I won’t give up. I won’t quit. I will keep on serving you until we meet face to face. That will be very good. Then you will hear me say, “Well done.” Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, I will not sow to the sinful nature. Instead, I will sow to what pleases the Holy Spirit. Strengthen me so that I will keep on doing all the good things you have given me to do for you. Help me, in due time, to reap a rich harvest for your kingdom and glory. Amen

Key Question…  Why is it important to keep in mind that sowing and reaping a harvest will always be in different seasons?

Living It Out…  Never give up and keeping on serving the Lord so that in due time you will reap a rich harvest.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that you will reap a rich harvest if you do not give up and keep on serving the Lord.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how you are not giving up and are continuing to serve the Lord.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you keep on doing the good you have been given to do, so in due time you will reap a rich harvest.

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

Promises – Day 319 – Galatians 6-7-10 – We Will Reap A Rich Harvest – 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

Let Us Not Become Weary

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 314 - Galatians 6:7-10 - Let Us Not Become Weary - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 314 – Galatians 6:7-10 – Let Us Not Become Weary – Growing As Disciples

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.  The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:7-10 (NIV)

Revive, Refresh, Restore

Well, I have been that, without a doubt. You have been what? I have been weary. I don’t mean I have been a little tired either. I have been completely exhausted. I have been so tired that I felt I could not take one more step forward. I am said to say that I have had thoughts about giving up doing the work you have given me to do for you. That’s not good. How have you reached such a condition? Do you think it gives me any pleasure to see you weary and worn out? Do you really think you can fruitfully serve me if you are completely exhausted? Obviously, not. But I’m not sure what I have been thinking. Somehow, my life has gotten out of balance. How so? I’m sure that I have not gotten enough rest and relaxation. My diet and exercise have been lacking as well. Keep in mind that if you do not take care of your body, you will not be able to fruitfully serve me. I see that now, quite clearly. That’s good.

Is that the only problem? Is failing to take care of your body the only reason why you have become weary and worn out? Surely not. What else then? Just as I have not taken good care of my body, I have not taken good care of my soul. How will you take care of your soul? I’m mentioned rest. There is more than one kind of rest. I don’t just need to rest from my labors. I need to rest in your presence. I need to come and sit at your feet. I need to withdraw to a quiet place, away from the noise and hurry and busyness of this life. I need to have moments, many moments, of solitude and silence with you. I need to wait in your presence so I can be revived and refreshed and restored. I need to rely on you to fill me fresh with your Holy Spirit. I need your power working in and through me so I can accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. Yes, you do. There is no doubt about that. You want to take care of my soul. Yes, I do. Yes, I will. Will you come now and rest in my presence? Will you allow me to revive and refresh and restore you? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I have been on the verge of growing weary and have had thoughts of giving up. Revive, refresh, and restore me. Fill me fresh with your Holy Spirit. Give me your power. Make me able to keep on doing good so I will be able to reap a rich harvest for you. Amen

Key Question…  Why is it critically important that you don’t grow weary and give up doing your work for the Lord?

Living It Out…  Don’t grow weary, but rather keep doing the good you have been given to do, so you will reap a rich harvest for God.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that you will one day reap a rich harvest for God if you do not grow weary and give up working for Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are continuing to do the good God has given you to do for Him.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you never grow weary in doing good so you will one day reap a rich harvest.

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

Promises – Day 314 – Galatians 6-7-10 – Let Us Not Become Weary – 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

Do Good To All People

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Therefore - Galatians 6:10 - Do Good To All People - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide- Therefore – Galatians 6:10 – Do Good To All People – Growing As Disciples

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

Your Example

I want to do what you have done. I want to live like you lived. I want to give like you gave. I want to love like you loved. I want to follow your example.

How did I live? You lived your life for others. Your focus was not on yourself. You did not live to satisfy your every want and desire and pleasure. You lived your life with a sense of mission and purpose. You lived your life to fulfill the will of Him who sent you. You knew and did all that your Father asked of you. You lived your life fully for Him. You lived your life completely for others. Your life was a living sacrifice. Yes, It was. You lived your life as an act of worship. Yes, I did.

How did I give? You gave your life fully. You gave yourself freely. You gave yourself completely. You gave yourself unconditionally. Not one person has ever deserved your mercy. Not one person could ever earn your forgiveness. Not one person could ever be worthy of your love. That did not matter to you. No, it did not. You gave yourself to those who were your enemies. You gave yourself to those who mistreated you. You gave yourself to those who rejected you. You gave yourself to those who despised you. You gave your life to those who hurt you. You never stopped giving. You never stopped loving. No, I did not. You gave yourself continually so that you would be able to reap a rich harvest for your Father. Yes, I did.

What did I do? You did what was necessary. You did what was needed. You kept on doing all the good that was ever asked of you. It was your joy to do your Father’s will. It was your joy to lay your life down as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. You broke down the wall that divided me from you. You forgave all my sins. You cleansed all my unrighteousness. You made my slate clean. You gave me a second chance. You gave me a fresh start. You became my Savior and Lord. You loved me when I was unlovable. Yes, I did.

What will you do? I will do whatever you ask of me. I will go wherever you guide me. I will do all the good that you give me to do for others. I will pour myself out in your service. I will live my life with and for you. It will be my joy to serve you. It is my hope to bear a rich harvest for you. I want to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. That is my dream. That is my desire. That is my prayer. That is very good. That is what I will do in and through you.

Lord, you have continually done good things for me. You loved me even when I was difficult to love. I have not deserved your love. Help me to love like you loved and give like you gave. Help me to do good things for others so I can reap a rich harvest for you. Amen

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

Therefore – Galatians 6-10 – Do Good To All People – 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