Tag Archives: discipleship blog

Like A Tree

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Be - Psalm 1:3 - Like A Tree - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Be – Psalm 1:3 – Like A Tree – Growing As Disciples

And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity]. Psalm 1:3 (AMP)

Fruit Bearing

Do you want to be like a tree that is planted by a stream of water? Do you want to be refreshed and revived and restored in your soul? Do you want to live a life that is lush and vibrant and fruitful? Do you want the work of your hands to prosper? Do you want to bear an abundance of fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name? Yes, I want my life to prosper. Yes, I want to live a life that is lush and vibrant and fruitful. Most of all, I want to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. How can all these things be true of my life? How can I live the life that you are calling me to live? Those are very good questions. It pleases me to hear you asking these questions.

If you want to live the life of fruitfulness that I am calling you to live you must do two things at the same time. Are you ready to hear what I have to say to you? Yes, you have my full attention. I am listening attentively to your every word. That’s good. First, you must remove yourself from evil of every kind. You must not allow yourself to hang around evil of any kind. Run from evil. I’m not sure what you mean. You know that there are places you should not go. You know that there are things you should not do. The world and all its evil is constantly trying to mold you into its pattern of values and practices. The world and all its evil will hinder you from living the life that I am calling you to live. The world and all its evil will deaden you to hearing my voice. You must guard what you allow yourself to hear so that you will be able to hear from me. Do you have some ideas of what influences you should eliminate from your life? Yes, I do. Keep a careful watch over what you allow to come into your life. I got it, what then, what’s next? Not next, but at the same time, feed your heart and mind and life and soul on my word. You will be putting evil on a starvation diet while you feast on my word. Meditate on my word day and night. When I say, “day and night” I am not exaggerating. Carry my word with you wherever you go. Have my word constantly in your heart and on your mind. As you do this, my word will change your heart and transform your mind. You will begin to think my thoughts. You will know my will and walk in my ways. You will do what is pleasing to me. I will bless the work of your hands. You will bear an abundance of fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. That’s what I want. That is what you will have as you starve evil and feast on my word.

Lord, I will separate myself from anything that might hinder me from living the life that you have called me to live for you. I will meditate on your word day and night so you can nourish my heart, mind, life and soul and make me abundantly fruitful for you. Amen

Key Question… How are you eliminating anything from your life that might hinder your fruitfulness for God?

Living It Out… Meditate on God’s word day and night so that you can live a life that bears fruit for God.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that meditating on God’s word will nourish your heart, mind, life and soul so you can bear fruit for God.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are meditating on God’s word day and night.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you meditate on God’s word day and night so He can refresh your life and make you fruitful for Him.

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

Be – Psalm 1-3 – Like A Tree – 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

New Self

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Ephesians 4:20-24- New Self - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Ephesians 4:20-24- New Self – Growing As Disciples

You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:20-24 (NIV)  

Made New 

I will put off my old life. I will leave behind all my old sinful patterns and practices. I will distance myself from evil of every kind. I will let nothing into my life that feeds deceitful desires. I will run from situations that are likely to tempt me. I separate myself from anyone that encourages the wrong thoughts, words and deeds to grow in me. This does not mean that I will not minister to those who do not know you. I will still pray for and serve those who have not yet come to you. I will reach out to those who appear to be far from you. That’s good. I do know that I will not be able to remove myself from this world. I will still live in this world that is filled with corruption. But, I will not allow myself to be of this world. I will not allow the world to conform me to its values, patterns and practices. These thoughts are all very good. You have already put off your old life when you turned your life over to me. Yes, I know, that is what I have done. I am affirming that this is what I will continue to do. That will be very good. 

Do you know what I will use to help you to keep on putting off your old life? Do you know the tool that I will use to continue to change your heart and transform your mind? Yes, I do. You will use your word to change my heart and transform my mind. How will I use my word to change your heart and transform your mind? As I meet with you in your word you will apply it to my life. As I let your word dwell in me richly, you will use your word to change my thoughts, words, and deeds. Your word will help me to think your thoughts, speak your words and do your deeds. Your word will help me to know your will and walk in your ways. Your word will enable me to stand against temptation and evil that is in this world. Yes, my word will do all these things in, for and through you. 

What will you do as you continue to put off your old life and let my word change your heart and transform your mind? I will put on the new life that you give me to live. How will do that? I will go where you guide me. I will do whatever you ask of me. I will be at your service. I will allow you to use me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. That will be very good.

Lord, help me to put off my old life and its’ way of thinking, speaking and acting. Use your word to change my heart and transform my mind. Give me new ways to think, speak and act. Help me to put on the new righteous life you have given me to live with you. Amen

Key Question… How do you think, speak and act differently now that you have put on your new self and life in Christ?

Living It Out… Put off your old self, be renewed in your mind, and put on the new life you have in Jesus Christ.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to put off the old self, be renewed in your mind, and put on the new self in Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have put off your old life and put on your new life in Christ.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you put off your old life, be renewed in your mind and put on your new life in Christ.

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

Identity – Ephesians 4-20-24 – New Self – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study

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

Diligent

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Be - 1 Timothy 4:15-16 - Diligent - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Be – 1 Timothy 4:15-16 – Diligent – Growing As Disciples

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1 Timothy 4:15-16 (NIV) 

Give Yourself 

What will you give yourself to in this life? What is an acceptable use of your time? What is worthy of your whole-hearted effort? How will you use the life that you have been given? What do you hope to accomplish? What do you want to achieve?  Where are you headed? Where will you go? What will you do? You have asked me a lot of questions. Do you think that I have the answers? Can I know the future? Can I see what is around the corner? Do I know what is coming next? Do, I have a road map that lays out each step of my life. Do I know what tomorrow will bring? No, I do not. You are the one who knows the answers to your questions. Yes, I do.

I would still like to try and answer some of your questions. Go ahead, I’m listening. I will give myself to following and serving you. Living my life with and for you is an acceptable use of my time. I will immerse myself in living the life that you have given me to live. I will love and follow and serve you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I will give myself fully to coming to know you. I will walk with you. I will talk with you. I will listen attentively to all that you have to say to me. I will go where you guide me. I will do whatever you ask of me. I will diligently use all the gifts and talents and abilities that you have given to me. I will apply myself fully to knowing and doing your will. It is my prayer that I will accomplish your purposes and fulfilled your plans. It is my prayer that you will use me as your bright and shinning witness in the world. This is where I will go. This is what I will do. I will follow you to where ever I am headed. You know the future. You have the plan. You know my next steps. You have all the answers. My life is completely in your hands. I will trust you. I will walk with you. I will rely on you. Lead me to where you want me to go. Give me what you want me to do. I will follow you. That is very good. 

Lord, thank you for giving me gifts, talents and abilities with which I can serve you. Help me to cultivate, develop and diligently use what you have given to me. I will immerse myself in following and serving you. Help me to be a witness for you in the world. Amen

Key Question… How are you cultivating the gifts, talents and abilities that the Lord has given you to use for Him?

Living It Out… Give yourself wholly to following and serving the Lord so that you are a fruitful witness for Him in the world.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord has giving you gifts, talents and abilities to you to be used by you to serve Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are using your gifts, talents and abilities to serve the Lord.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you diligently use the gifts, talents and abilities God has given you to serve Him as a witness in the world.

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

Be – 1 Timothy 4-15-16 – Diligent – 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

Now No Condemnation

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Therefore- Romans 8:1-2 - Now No Condemnation - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Therefore- Romans 8:1-2 – Now No Condemnation – Growing As Disciples

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 (NIV) 

Condemnation

You have been completely forgiven of all your sins. You have been fully cleansed of all your righteousness. Sin no longer has any power over your life. It will not rule and reign over you. It will not control your life. You have been completely set free to live a new life in me. You will now live your with and for me. This new is all so wonderful. Sometimes it is hard to take it all in. Sometimes it has been hard for me to fully believe and completely accept all that you have done for me. I want to talk to you about that.

Confessing your sins is important. There are two words that I want you to completely understand. The first word is conviction. When you do sin, my Holy Spirit working in you will make you uneasy about it.  You will know that you have done something wrong. You will know that you have gone against my will and my ways. Your appropriate response to being convicted by my Holy Spirit is to confess your sin. Be very specific about the sin that you are confessing. Don’t ask for some form of general forgiveness of your sins. Let me know what you have done. Let me know exactly why you are asking for my forgiveness. You will receive my forgiveness. You will know that you have dealt with what you have done. You will know that you have been forgiven of your sin. Your confession and your forgiveness will be a settled matter. If however, you ask for some form of general forgiveness for you for your sin you will not know that you have dealt with what you have done. It will be harder for you to know that you are forgiven. It will be harder for you to accept and receive my forgiveness. Do understand? Yes Lord, I understand.

I also want you to understand condemnation. You have been completely forgiven of all your sins. You are no longer under any condemnation. I paid the penalty for your sin. I cleansed you of all your unrighteousness. My righteousness is now counted as your righteousness. Sometimes you might feel condemnation for sins that you have already confessed and been forgiven and cleansed of. You might wonder if you are really forgiven of all your sin and cleansed of all your unrighteousness. This condemnation does not come from me. This condemnation is meant to steal, kill and destroy life. This condemnation comes from the devil. He wants you to doubt that you have been forgiven. He wants to discourage and defeat you. He wants to drag you back into your old life of sin. Do you understand that? Yes Lord, I understand. What then will you do? When I am convicted of my sin I will confess it to you. I will ask for and receive your forgiveness and cleansing. Yes, you will. I will keep on following you and living the life that you have called me to live. Yes, you will.

Lord, I will confess all my sins to you. Thank you for forgiving and freeing me from condemnation over every one of them. Your righteousness is now my righteousness. You have broken the power of sin over my life and set me free to live my life for you.  Amen

Key Question… How has confessing your specific sins to Christ helped you to accept and receive your forgiveness for them?

Living It Out… Confess your specific sins to Jesus Christ so that you can receive forgiveness and freedom over every one of them.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you have been forgiven of all your sins and no longer live under condemnation for them.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are now living in forgiveness and freedom in Jesus Christ.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you confess all your sins to the Lord and receive His forgiveness and freedom from condemnation.

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

Therefore – Romans 8-1-2 – Now No Condemnation – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guides

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

Any Man Builds

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - If - 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 - Any Man Builds - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – If – 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 – Any Man Builds – Growing As Disciples

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (NIV)

Testing Your Work

One day your life’s work will be tested. I will examine how you have spent the life that you have been given to live. We will have the opportunity to see the fruit that you have born for my kingdom and the glory that you have brought to my name. I’m looking forward to that day. You seem quite confident. Yes, I am very confident. My confidence is in you. If my confidence were in myself I would have absolutely none. Tell me more about your confidence in me. You are the foundation of my life. All that I think and say and do is founded on you. I want to think your thoughts. I want to speak your words. I want to do your deeds. In everyway I want you to be guided by you. I know that you will use my life according to your purpose and plans as I follow you. I can’t go wrong if I go where you lead me and do all that you ask of me. So, I am listening attentively to you. I don’t want to miss out on one word that you have to say to me. I am following you closely. I don’t want to run ahead or lag behind you. If I keep in step with you I will certainly know and do your will Yes, that’s right. That’s why I can say that I have confidence in you.

There is more that I want to say on this subject. Go ahead, I’m listening. I don’t have a mild desire to know you and do your will. My heart aches within me to know you and do your will. I have no other desire in my life that comes remotely close to wanting to know you and do your will. Nothing gives me more joy than to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. It is my constant prayer that you will use me according to your purposes and plans. I want to do everything that you have prepared for me to do for you. If I do lag behind, if I do run ahead, I asking that you will help me to get to exactly where you want me to be to do exactly what you want me to do for you. When we look back over my life I want to be surprised by the joy that we can share together. I don’t want to regret something that I left undone. So, it is my prayer that you will fully use me. Do you believe that I will hear and answer this prayer of yours? Yes Lord, I believe with certainty that you will fully use me so that I can bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Yes, I will hear and answer this prayer of yours.

Lord, you are the foundation of my life. I will follow, obey and serve you. I will go where you guide me. I will do all that you ask of me. Make my life’s work able to stand the test of time and bear abundant fruit for all eternity for your kingdom and glory. Amen 

Key Question… What of your life’s work will stand the test of time and bear fruit for all eternity?

Living It Out… Allow your life and work to be founded on Jesus Christ as you follow and obey and serve Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will ask you to do work for Him that will stand the test of time and bear fruit for all eternity.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group about the fruitful work that the Lord has asked you to do for Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May your life’s work be built on Jesus Christ and continue to directed by Him.

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

If – 1 Corinthians 3-10-15 – Any Man Builds – 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

You Want To Enjoy Life

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - If - 1 Peter 3:10-12 - You Want To Enjoy Life - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – If – 1 Peter 3:10-12 – You Want To Enjoy Life – Growing As Disciples

For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do well. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:10-12 (NLT)

Enjoy Life

I want you to be able to enjoy the life that I have given to you. That makes two of us. I want to enjoy the life that you have given to me. I also want you to see many good days. That sounds good to me as well. I especially want to be able to hear and answer your prayers as I watch over your life. I can’t imagine anything better than you hearing and answering my prayers as you watch over my life. Is there anything that I must do to enjoy life and see many good days? Is there anything that would make it so my prayers would not be heard and answered? It pleases me that you have asked these questions. Yes, there are several things you must do if you want to enjoy life and see good days. The quality of your life and the goodness of your days depend a lot on your own behavior. How so? What does my word say? If I want to enjoy life and see good days I will need to place a guard on the words that come out of my mouth. I must speak good words that will bless the lives of others. My words must also tell the whole and complete truth. Speaking evil and telling lies will rob me of joy and prevent me from enjoying my life and seeing many happy days. That’s exactly right. What else? I must turn away from every evil to do whatever is good in all my thoughts, words and deeds. In all my relationships I will need to seek and maintain peace. Nothing will rob my joy and ruin my days more quickly than living in continual conflict with others. You want me to be known as a peacemaker. Yes, I do. Thinking, speaking and doing evil will also hinder my prayers. Yes, it will. I want to live the life that you have called me to live. I want to do what pleases you. I want to know and do your will at all times. I will do all the good things that you have asked me to do for you as I turn away from every evil. That will be very good.

Lord, I know the life you have called me to live. You want me to turn away from every evil thought, word and deed. You want me to bless others with all I think, say and do. You want me to seek and maintain peace in all my relationships. This is what I will do. Amen

Key Question… How are you seeking and working to maintain peace in all your relationships?

Living It Out… Turn away from every evil thought, word, and deed so you can enjoy the good life God has given you to live for Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will bless your life as you do the good He has given you to do for Him.

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

Prayer To Bless Others… May you turn away from evil and do good so you will be able to enjoy life.

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

If – 1 Peter 3-10-12 – You Want To Enjoy Life – 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

Crown Of Life

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - James 1:12 - Crown Of Life - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – James 1:12 – Crown Of Life – Growing As Disciples

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (NIV)

Trials And Tests

How have you been able to persevere and withstand the trials and tests of life? I’m not sure how to answer that question. Why is that? I’m not sure if I really have persevered and withstood the trials and tests of life. How can you think and say that?  Am I wrong? Yes, you are wrong. You may not have passed all the trials and tests of life in a way that most benefited you. But, you are here right now talking to me. You haven’t run away. You haven’t abandoned your faith. You have held on to me through all the trials and tests that you have faced in life. I could have held on to you a little more tightly. I could have relied on you a little more completely. Yes, that is true. 

What has happened to you as you have taken a hold of my promises? Your promises have sustained and strengthened me. Your promises have given me hope. Your promises have given me joy even in the midst of trials and tests in life. Your promises have helped me to persevere and withstand whatever trail and test that has come my way. Most of all my love for you has grown as I have relied on you and your promises. Do these words of yours sound like someone that has not been persevering and withstanding the trials and tests of life? I guess not. Guess again. No, these are the words of a person who has been sustained and strengthened by you. Yes, that’s right.

Where have I been when you have been in the midst of the trials and tests in life? You have been right there with me in the middle of my trials and tests. It has taken a long time and many trials and tests for me to realize that I have never been alone. Maybe that has been the real test. Say more about that. Maybe my trials and tests have been meant to teach me to trust you. Maybe my trails and tests have been meant for me to rely on your strength. Maybe my trials and tests have been meant to develop my relationship with you. Maybe my trials and tests have been meant to cause me to look to you and the future I will have forever in heaven with you. That’s a lot of maybe, are you really that uncertain? No, I am certain that all my trials and tests have and were meant to accomplish all these purposes.

Do you wish that you wouldn’t have had so many trials and tests in life? That’s a difficult question to answer. Why is that? I have never been a fan of trials and tests. They have been painful for me to endure. But, if I had not gone through so many trials and tests I would trust and rely on you less. If I had not gone through so many trials and tests I wouldn’t know you like I do. If I had not gone through so many trials and tests I would not have my eyes so focused on my life forever in heaven with you. Most of all, if I hadn’t gone through so many trails and tests I might not love you as much as I do. You have been with me to help me through every trail and test in life. Yes, I have been.

Lord, I love you. I know you love me. I am certain that you will help me to persevere and withstand the trials and tests of life. Sustain and strengthen me as I joyfully hold on to you and your promises through trials and tests in life. Amen

Key Question… How has the Lord helped you to persevere under trials and stand the tests that they have presented to you?

Living It Out… Let your love for the Lord and the hope that you have in Him help you to withstand trials and tests in life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to persevere and withstand the trials and tests of life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has helped you to withstand the trials and tests of life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you love the Lord and hold on to Him as you joyfully go through the trials and tests of life.

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

Life – James 1-12 – Crown Of Life – 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

Many Parts, But One Body

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - 1 Corinthians 12:14-20 -Many Parts, But One Body - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – 1 Corinthians 12:14-20 -Many Parts, But One Body – Growing As Disciples

Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 1 Corinthians 12:14-20 (NIV)

Your Gifts

What spiritual gifts have I given to you? I can see the look on your face. What’s that? You like a deer caught in head lights. What do you mean by that? You look dumbfounded. You don’t have much of a clue about what are your spiritual gifts. Oh, you have same vague idea of what might be your spiritual gifts. But, you aren’t certain, that’s for sure. Have I got this right? Is what I am saying true? Yes, I have only a vague idea about what might be my spiritual gifts. That vague uncertainty about your spiritual gifts is troubling to you, isn’t it? Yes, I would like to know for certain what spiritual gifts you have given to me. That is a very good desire. 

Why would you like to know what spiritual gifts I have given to you? Does that sound like a dumb question to you? I’m certain that you do not ask dumb questions. No, it is a very good question. Why is that? I want to know how I can best serve you. I would like to better understand your call on my life. I would like greater clarity about where you want me to go and what you want me to do for you. If I am unclear about my spiritual gifts it is unlikely that I will cultivate, develop and fully use them. That’s true. I might even try to function in areas that are completely outside of my spiritual gifting. You have been there and done that. I might even desire and envy spiritual gifts that aren’t mine. There is no, “might” about that. I may waste quite a bit of time trying to do what you have not called or gifted me to do for you. There is no, “may” about that either. You have experienced a lot of frustration and wasted time and effort by not knowing and using your spiritual gifts, isn’t that true? That is completely true.

I want you to know and use your spiritual gifts. I want you to hear my call on your life. I want you to be able to go and do all that I ask of you. I don’t want you to waste your time and effort on something that I have not I have not called or gifted you to do for me. Does all of this come as a surprise to you? No, it does not. What is the problem then? Why are you unclear about your spiritual gifts and my calling on your life? I think there are three things I need to concentrate on and do. What’s that? I need to ask you about my spiritual gifts. I need to listen to what you say to me about my spiritual gifts. Then I need to step out in faith and use the spiritual gifts you have given to me. That’s a good plan. Oh, one more thing. What’s that? I need to stop envying other people and their spiritual gifts and be content to keep on using the spiritual gifts you have given to me. That’s a great idea.

Lord, sometimes I have desired and envied a spiritual gift that wasn’t mine. Sometimes, I have been afraid to step out in faith to use my spiritual gifts. Forgive me of both attitudes. Help me to fully discover and completely use the gifts you have given to me. Amen

Key Question… How have you been able to discover and use a spiritual gift that you have been given?

Living It Out… Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the spiritual gifts you have been given so He can use you in the body of Christ.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord has given you spiritual gifts to use so that His body will function together properly.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have discovered and used your gifts in the body of Christ.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you discover and use the spiritual gifts God has given to you.

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

Identity – 1 Corinthians 12-14-20 – Many Parts, But One Body – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

My People

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - If - 2 Chronicles 7:14 - My People - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – If – 2 Chronicles 7:14 – My People – Growing As Disciples

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

Turn

Would you like to live in a close and intimate relationship with me? Would you like me to forgive your sin and cleanse you of all your unrighteousness? Would you like my healing to come into your life? Do you want me to hear and answer your prayers? Yes, I want to live in a close and intimate relationship with you. Yes, I want you to forgive my sin and cleanse me of all my unrighteousness.  Yes, I want your healing to come into my life. Yes, I would like you to hear and answer my prayers. What must I do if I want all of this to be true in my life. That is a very good question. If you want all of this to be true you must turn in two different directions. What two directions must I turn?

You must turn away from evil if you want to live the life that I have called you to live. You must leave your wicked ways behind. You must separate yourself from your old way of thinking, speaking and acting. You must remove yourself from what was once so enticing. You must leave what was once so alluring. This all sounds very difficult, maybe even impossible. I’m not sure that I will have the strength to turn away from every evil. I don’t know that I can do what you are asking of me. I’m not finished yet. It will not be enough for you to turn away from evil. It will not be adequate for you to remove yourself from what was once so enticing and alluring. You are right to think that this would be impossible for you alone to accomplish. You certainly will not have the strength within yourself to turn away from every evil. But, so far, we have only talked about your turning in one direction. Once you have turned away from evil you must turn yourself toward me. I will make you able to turn away from every evil as you turn yourself toward me. As you turn and seek me with all your heart I will bring my healing into your life. I will forgive you of your sin. I will cleanse you of all your unrighteousness. I will make you able to live in a close and intimate relationship with me. Then I will hear and answer your prayers as you seek and follow me with all your heart. Is this what you want? Yes Lord, this is what I want. Will you turn away from evil and turn yourself toward me? Will you seek me with all your heart? Will you humble yourself so you can meet with me in prayer? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I am humbling myself before you so I can come to meet with you in prayer. I have turned away from evil so I can seek you with all my heart. Thank you for forgiving my sin, hearing my prayers and bringing your healing into my life. Amen

Key Question… How has humbling yourself made you ready to come to meet with God in prayer?

Living It Out… Humble yourself and turn from evil so that you can pray and seek the Lord with all your heart.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will forgive your sin and bring His healing into your life as you seek Him with all your heart.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have turned from evil to seek the Lord with all your heart.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you humble yourself, turn from evil and seek the Lord with all your heart.

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

If – 2 Chronicles 7-14 – My 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

We Don’t Give Up

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Therefore - 2 Corinthians 4:1 - We Don't Give Up- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Therefore – 2 Corinthians 4:1 – We Don’t Give Up- Growing As Disciples

God, with his mercy, gave us this work to do, so we don’t give up. 2 Corinthians 4:1 (NCV)

The Work 

There is something I want you to know. There is something that I want you to hear loud and clear. There is something that I want you to know and believe without a doubt. There is something rock solid that I want you to hold on to tightly. What’s that? What do you have to tell me? What do I need to know? What do I need to hold on to tightly? I’m listening. You have aroused my curiosity. You have my full attention. I have called you into ministry. I have given you work to do for me. My hand is on you. I will work in and through your life.

Do you know why it is so important for you to know that I have given you work to do for me? I’m not sure. Do you feel encouraged to know that I will work in and through your life? Yes, I do feel encouraged in knowing that you will work in and through my life. You will help me to accomplish your purposes and plans. Do you feel embolden to know that my hand is on you? Yes, I do feel confident in knowing you will empower me to do all that you ask of me. Does it give you hope and meaning and purpose in knowing that I have given you work to do for me? Yes, it does give me hope and meaning and purpose to knowing that that I have been given an assignment from you. I want you to hold on to all that I have said to you here and now. 

Why is it so important to hold on to all that you are saying to me here and now? I know that I need to hold on to every word that you have to say to me. Why will these words be especially important for me to hear? Oh, I think you can answer that question. Let me hear what you have to say. There is no doubt that I will grow weary. I am sure that I will wear out. I will grow tired. I will feel empty and useless. I will question your call. I will doubt my work. I will be tempted to quit. I will want to give up. It will be then that I will need to remember and hear again that you have called me into your service. I will need to remember and hear again that you will help me to keep on doing your work. Your hand will still be on me. You will be with me. You will revive, refresh and restore me. You will fill me up. You will refuel me You will keep on using me. Yes, I will. Hold on to me. Keep on doing the work that I have given you to do for me. Yes Lord, I will. 

Lord, I know how easy it is to let my life get out of balance. There have been many times I have not taken good care of myself. I need you to revive and refuel my life. Give me your wisdom and strength as I keep on serving you. Amen

Key Question… When have you known for certain that the Lord has given you work to do for Him?

Living It Out… Never give up on doing the work that the Lord has given you to do for Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will give you the strength to keep on doing the work He has given you to do for Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has strengthened you to keep on doing His work.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you never give up doing the work that God has given you to do for Him.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional study guide click here:

Therefore – 2 Corinthians 4-1 – We Don’t Give Up – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional 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