Tag Archives: discipleship devotional study guide

Of One Mind

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Be - 1 Peter 3:8 - Of One Mind - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Be – 1 Peter 3:8 – Of One Mind – Growing As Disciples

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 1 Peter 3:8 (NLT)

Humble Attitude

You don’t know it all. You don’t have it all. You are not independent. You are not self-sufficient. Life does not revolve around you. You are not to be self-centered. You are certainly not to be self-indulgent. You will do well to think about others. You will do well if you live your life with a humble attitude. I am calling to live your life with and for others. Be on guard about thinking too much about yourself. You will know that you are in treacherous territory when you are continually thinking all about your wants and needs and desires.

What is safe territory? How will I know if my thoughts are lining up with your thoughts? I already mentioned that I want you to live your life with a humble attitude. I heard that. How will living with a humble attitude play out in your life? I will listen more and talk less. I will meet with you in your word. I will allow your word to change my heart. I will allow your word to transform my mind. I will allow your word to guide my life. I will listen attentively to everything you want to say to me. I will also carefully consider whatever my brothers and sisters in the faith are saying to me. I know that you have placed in a body of believers so that I can both encourage others and be encouraged by them. I will seek counsel from my fellow brothers and sisters. I will listen to their advice. I will follow their directions. I will not be argumentative. I will seek to be in unity of thought with all your followers. I will seek to be a peacemaker so I can live in your peace. Even if I do disagree, I will not be disagreeable. I will be approachable. I will be open and tenderhearted. I will make time to listen to others. I will be sympathetic to others when they are going through difficulties in life. I will encourage others. I will pray for others. I will help carry the burdens that are too heavy for others to carry. I look to the interests of others above my own. Above all else, I will love others just like you loved me. I will give like you gave. I will serve like you served. I will go and do whatever you ask of me. I will be at your service every day of my life as I follow and serve you. That will be very good.

Lord, I have been proud. I have been argumentative. I have been self-centered. Forgive me. Help me to live a humble, tender hearted life in unity of thought and peaceful harmony with fellow believers. Help me to be kind, compassionate and loving toward others. Amen

Key Question… How is having a humble attitude helping you to live in peaceful harmony with others?

Living It Out… Live a humble tender hearted life of humble unity of thought and peaceful harmony with fellow believers.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will enable you to live in humble unity of thought and peaceful harmony with fellow believers.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are living in unity of thought and harmony with others.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you have unity of mind and live in brotherly love with your fellow believers.

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

Be – 1 Peter 3-8 – Of One Mind – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

You Are

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - If - Matthew 4:1-4 - You Are - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – If – Matthew 4:1-4 – You Are – Growing As Disciples

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Matthew 4:1-4 (NIV) 

On A Diet

What is your diet? What will feed and sustain you? What will feed your hunger and satisfy your thirst? There are a confusing number of different diet choices. It’s really hard to know what is a healthy or unhealthy diet. One day one diet is deemed as being a healthy choice. The next day or month or year that same diet is deemed to be very unhealthy. I have tried so many different diets. I’ve wanted to loose weight. I’ve wanted to gain muscle. I’ve wanted to lose fat. I’ve wanted to gain energy. I have no idea what diet will really sustain me. I’m not sure what diet will really feed my hunger and satisfy my thirst. There is one diet that is not usually being talked about. What diet is that?

How are you dieting on my word? I have never thought that the word “diet” and your word as something that goes together. When I think of dieting I’m usually thinking of eating less. When I think of dieting I’m usually thinking of something that I would put into my mouth. You can feed on my word. Yes, I know. You can feast on my word. You can never become too full of my word. There is nothing in my word that will ever be unhealthy for you. My word will feed and sustain you.

What will happen to you if you eat an unhealthy diet? If I eat an unhealthy diet I will get sick and become unhealthy. That is for sure. What will happen to you if you feast on a healthy diet of my word? Your word will feed my hunger. Your word will satisfy my thirst. Your word will mold and shape my life. Your word will guide and direct my path. Your word will change my heart. Your word will transform my mind. Your word will strengthen me and make me able to stand against evil that is in the world. Yes, it will. Your word will feed righteous and starve sinful desires within me. That’s right. Will you feast on a healthy diet of my word? Yes Lord, I will feast on a healthy diet of your word. That will be very good.

Lord, I will live on every word that comes from you. I will make it my daily practice to feast on your word. Thank you that you are changing my heart and transforming my mind by your word. Your word is making me able to stand against evil as I follow you. Amen

Key Question… What from God’s word has been helpful in making you able to stand against temptation?

Living It Out… Allow God to change your heart and transform your mind as you feast on daily diet of His word.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will sustain and strengthen you as you feast on a daily diet of His word.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are feasting on a daily diet of God’s word.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you live on God’s word so that you will be sustained, strengthened and made able to stand against evil.

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

If – Matthew 4-1-4 – You Are – 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

Imitators

Posted on by
Reply

 

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Be - 1 Corinthians 11:1 - Imitators - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Be – 1 Corinthians 11:1 – Imitators – Growing As Disciples

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV)

Imitation

I have never thought of imitation as being a positive word. There are very few people that I thought were worthy of imitation. I certainly have never been worthy of imitation. I wouldn’t even want someone to imitate me. Why is that? I know that I am a flawed individual. I am a sinner. I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed. Examples of my sins are not long ago, from some distant past. I am currently a sinner. Isn’t your attitude and confession of your sins worthy of imitating? You are not trying to hide your sin. You are not falsely claiming that you are not a sinner. You are not proudly pretending to be something you are not. No, I am not doing that. Yes, being willing to admit and confess my sins to you is a worthy example to follow. Yes, it is.

You can probably guess where we are going to go with this conversation. Yes, I think I know where we are headed. Where is that? You are going to point out other behaviors and attitudes within me that are worthy of imitation. Yes, I am. You have turned away from your old life. You are allowing me to use my word to change your heart and transform your mind. You are putting on the new life that I have given you to live. Is this something others can imitate? Yes, it is. Let’s keep going. You have set apart a time and a place to meet with me in my word. You are allowing my word to dwell in you richly. You are meditating on my word day and night. You are hiding my word deeply in your heart and mind and life. Is this something others can imitate? Yes, it is. You are drawing near to me as I draw near to you. You are resisting the devil and he is fleeing from you. You are allowing my Holy Spirit to take my word and use it to fight in you, with you and for you. Are these things that are worthy of imitation? Yes, they are. It is your passionate desire to know me. You want to walk in my ways. You want to go wherever I guide you. You want to do whatever I ask of you. Are these desires worthy of imitation? Yes, they are. You want to become like me. You want to serve like I served. You want to give like I gave. You want to love like I loved. What do you have to say about this goal? It is worthy of imitation. Yes, it is. Finally, the most important thing you want to accomplish with your life is to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. Are any life goals worthier of imitation than these? No, there are no life goals worthier of imitation than these. That’s right. Keep on living the life that I have given you to live and you will give others plenty to imitate. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I know that my life, on my own, is not worthy of imitation. Only as I draw near to you and imitate your life can I offer any kind of example that is worthy for others to follow. Use my life, help me to imitate you and be a worthy example others can follow. Amen

Key Question… Who have been role models in your life that have been worthy of your imitation?

Living It Out… Draw near to Jesus Christ so that others can imitate you imitating Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that as you draw near to the Lord you will be able to imitate Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how others have been able to imitate you imitating Jesus Christ.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you imitate Jesus Christ so that you can become like Him.

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

Be – 1 Corinthians 11-1 – Imitators – 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

Your Giving May Be In Secret

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - Matthew 6:3-4 - Your Giving May Be In Secret - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – Matthew 6:3-4 – Your Giving May Be In Secret – Growing As Disciples

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:3-4 (NIV)

I See

I see everything that you do. Nothing falls outside my notice. You don’t need to jump up and down or make a big show to secure my attention. I am watching over your life. You are my child. My hand is on you. I am guiding you to where I want you to go to do what I am asking you to do. I have a purpose and a plan for your life. Your future is in my hands. I have good works designed for you to do. How does all this sound to you? It sounds great. It will be my pleasure to do your will. I have great peace in knowing that you have designed ways for me to serve you. I want to serve you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I will follow you to where you lead me. I will do all that you ask of me. That is very good.

I want you to remember that you are serving me. How could I forget? I’m not sure what point you are making. All that you do for others in this life you will be doing for me. Do you know why it is important for you to hold on to that thought? No, I’m not really sure. Let me ask you a few questions. Go ahead. Has anyone ever asked too much of you? Has anyone ever asked you to give more than you wanted to give? Has anyone placed requests for your time, talent and resources that were beyond what you were willing to give? Have you ever had the overwhelming desire to be comfortable rather than inconvenienced? You know the answer to your questions. Yes, I have placed a limit on what I was willing to give. I don’t expect that you will say yes to every request that comes your way. I do expect that you will carefully consider if the request for help comes from me. Will you confer with me about every request for help that comes your way? Yes Lord, I will. Good, then you will know what I am asking you to do for me.  There is another very important point I want to make. What’s that? You are not working for applause and recognition from the world. Remember you are serving me. I will ask you to do many things quietly in ways that will go unnoticed. Don’t seek rewards and acknowledgement from the world. I will applaud all your efforts. I will see all that you have done for me. Your reward for all that you have done for me in this life will be given to you when you join me in heaven. Can you wait? I can hardly wait, but I will. It will be my pleasure to do whatever you ask of me. I will always remember that I am serving you. That will be very good. 

Heavenly Father, I don’t need to give to the needy so others can see my good deeds. I don’t need recognition from mankind. I want to serve you. That’s enough for me. Thank you, that one day you will reward me for doing what I have done in secret for you. Amen

Key Question… How are you watching and waiting for opportunities to secretly give to others in need?

Living It Out… Give secretly to the needy so that your Heavenly Father who sees in secret will one day reward you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your Heavenly Father will reward you for the ways in which you have secretly given to the needy.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group why you do not need to give to the needy in ways that others can see.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you give secretly to those in need so that your Heavenly Father who sees in secret will one day reward you.

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

So That – Matthew 6-3-4 – Your Giving May Be In Secret – 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

Posted on by
Reply
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

Key Question… How are you following Jesus Christ as your model of doing good things for all people?

Living It Out… Follow Jesus Christ as your role model of doing good things for others so you will be able to reap a rich harvest for Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will reap a rich harvest for God’s kingdom as you continually do good things for others.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are making every effort to do good things for others.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you continually do good things for others so you will reap a rich harvest for God.

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

Fruitful

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide- Be - John 15:4 - Fruitful - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide- Be – John 15:4 – Fruitful – Growing As Disciples

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. John 15:4 (NLT)  

With And For Me

Do you want to be able to bear fruit for my kingdom? Do you want to bring glory to my name? Yes, I want to bear fruit for your kingdom. Yes, I want to bring glory to your name. Who would say no to such questions? Who wouldn’t have those desires foremost in their heart and mind? You would be surprised. Many do not want to know me. Many have no desire to live in a relationship with me. Many will never come to rely on me. They will never know my will. They will never accomplish my purposes or fulfill my plans. They will live their live by themselves and for themselves. They will have no larger perspective or greater purpose than what they can dream up on their own. They will live lives that will accomplish nothing that will last. By last, do you mean, last for all eternity? Yes, that is exactly what I mean. Do you want to bear fruit that will last for all eternity? Yes, I do. You don’t even have to ask me, I desperately want to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. In every way and on every day, I want to live my life with and for you. That will be very good. I’m sure of that.

How can I be certain to bear fruit for eternity and bring glory to your name? That is a very good question. Do what you want to do. Do what I want to do? Yes, you have already told me that you want to live your life with and for me. That is what you want to do, isn’t it? Yes, it is. How will you live your life with and for me? I will come to you. I will draw near to you. I will listen to all that you want to say to me. I will listen to your instructions. I will follow you to wherever you lead me. I will do whatever you ask of me. Then you will certainly bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. I will do in and through you, what you could never do by yourself, with your own strength. You will know that I am with you to help you. You will know that my hand is on your life. You will know that I am working in and through your life. You will shine brightly in the world for me. I am so excited about living my life with and for you. Loving, following and serving you is a like the best of dreams coming true for me. Thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do in and through my life for your kingdom and glory. I am your servant. Use my life for according to your purposes and plans. Yes, that is exactly what I will do. 

Lord, I will abide in you. I will remain in your presence. I will rely on you. You are my source. You are my sustenance. Fill and refresh my life. Make me fruitful in your service. Help me to fulfill your purposes and accomplish your plans. I want to bear fruit for you. Amen

Key Question… What fruit has your life born as you have remained in Jesus Christ?

Living It Out… Remain in Jesus Christ so you can bear fruit for Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will bear fruit as you remain in Jesus Christ.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group what fruit your life has born as you have remained in Christ.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you remain in Christ so you can bear fruit for Him.

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

Be – John 15-4 – Fruitful – 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

Hears These Words

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Therefore - Matthew 7:24 - Hears These Words - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Therefore – Matthew 7:24 – Hears These Words – 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. Matthew 7:24 (NIV) 

Secure Foundation 

Would you like your life to be able to withstand the storms of life? Would you like a rock solid sure foundation that cannot be shaken? Yes, I want to be able to withstand the storms of life. Yes, I want a rock solid foundation that cannot be shaken. By now you have had plenty of experience at trying to build your life on what will not be able to withstand the storms of life. What do you mean by that? Have you felt strong and secure? Have you thought you had a life that could withstand the storms of life? Hasn’t what you thought was secure and strong and sure been swept away in one storm or another? Haven’t you come to know what is very shaky and quite unsecure? Now I know what you mean. Yes, I have tried to build my life on what would not hold up in a storm. I am an expert at doing that, I am sorry to say.

How can I have a life that will withstand the storms of life? How can I have a foundation that is strong and secure? You must do two things without fail. First, you must listen attentively to my word. Notice that I used the word, “attentively”. I did not say you must listen to my word casually or occasionally. You must hunger and thirst for my word. You must feast on my word. Notice that I did not say you must nibble on my word. I did not say you must sample my word here and there and now and then. No, you must let my word dwell in you richly. You must meditate on my word day and night. My word will feed you. My word will sustain you. My word will strengthen you. Do you understand what I am saying to you? Yes, I do. My heart and mind and life must be continually taking in your word. That’s right. You got that right.

What else must I do if I want my life to be built on a secure foundation? It is not enough to simply listen to my word. My word will not benefit your life by merely listening to it. My word will do nothing for you unless you put it into practice. After listening to my word, you must do what it says. My word will teach you. My word will train you. My word will guard and guide your life. My word will help you to know my will. My word will make you able to walk in my walks. Will you listen to my word and put it into practice? Yes, Lord, I will listen attentively to your word. Yes, Lord, I will put your word into practice as I follow and obey you. Then you will have a life that is built on a secure foundation.

Lord, I have tried to build my life on the shaky foundation of what I could either accomplish or acquire. The storms of life will quickly sweep these away. Instead I will now build my life on the secure foundation of daily hearing and putting your word into practice. Amen

Key Question… Why will God’s word be of no benefit to you if you do not put it into practice?

Living It Out… Build a solid foundation for your life by hearing and putting God’s word into practice.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your life will have a solid foundation when you hear and put God’s word into practice.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are allowing God’s word to be the foundation of your life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you hear God’s word and put it into practice.

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

Therefore – Matthew 7-24 – Hears These 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 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

Look Lustfully

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Character - Job 31:1 - Look Lustfully - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Character – Job 31:1 – Look Lustfully – Growing As Disciples

“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl. Job 31:1 (NIV)

Commitment

Do you want to live a life that is pleasing to me? Do you want to live the life that I have called you to live? Yes, I want to live a life that is pleasing to you. Yes, I want to live the life that you have called me to live. How can I live a life that is pleasing to you? How can I live the life that you have called me to live? Those are very good questions. You have heard my call. You have heard me calling you to come to me. Yes, I have heard your call. Yes, I have come to you. What did you need to do to respond to my call? What did you need to do to come to me? I needed to turn away from my old life to respond to your call and come to you. That’s right. You left your old life behind. You turned away from your sin. You said that you were going to follow me as your Savior and Lord. Yes, I did. I meant it. That is what I have done. Yes, you have left your old life of sin behind. Do you think leaving your old life of sin behind you is a one-time decision? I’m not sure. If leaving my old life of sin behind me is a one-time decision then it needs to be reaffirmed continually. What do you mean by that? I need to reaffirm moment by moment and day by day that I have left my old life of sin behind to love, follow and serve you as my Savior and Lord. That’s right.

Have you had any difficulty leaving your old life of sin behind you? Yes, I have had difficulty continually leaving my old life of sin behind me. I have made a commitment to not let anything into my life that will feed and sustain sin growing in me. That is very good. How has that worked out for you? It hasn’t been enough. Why is that? I cannot live the life that you have called me to live without your help. No, you cannot. How do you think I will make you able to live a life that is pleasing to me? You will change my heart. You will transform my mind. How will I do that? You will use your word to change my heart and transform my mind. Yes, I will. With a changed heart and transformed mind it will be my desire to do what is pleasing to you. Yes, it will. That is what you will do. That is the desire of my heart and my mind. That is very good.

Lord, I’m making a commitment before you right now. I will leave my old life of sin behind. I will allow you to use your word to change my heart and transform my mind. I will live the life that you have called me to live. I will go and do whatever you ask of me. Amen 

Key Question… How are you eliminating anything from your life that would feed improper thoughts, words or deeds?

Living It Out… Allow the Lord to use His word to change your heart and transform your mind so you will think, speak and do His will.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will change your heart and transform your mind so you will think, speak and do His will.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord is changing your heart and transforming your mind.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow God to change your heart and transform your mind so you can live the life He has for you.

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

Character – Job 31-1 – Look Lustfully – 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

All Those In Authority

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Prayer - 1 Timothy 2:1-4 - All Those In Authority - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Prayer – 1 Timothy 2:1-4 – All Those In Authority – Growing As Disciples

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone– for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)

First Of All

Those are three words that I want you to think about. What’s that? I want you to think about what is of first importance. I want you to think about what is worthy of being a priority in your life. I want you to consider what is of utmost importance. I want you to decide what you place “first of all” in your life. Do you know why I want you to think these thoughts? I need to prioritize what is most important in my life. If I don’t establish priorities, then I will most likely misspend my life on what is not a priority. Why is that? Life gets busy. Life is hectic. Life is full of demands that could pull me in a hundred different directions. Others might have a thousand different priorities that they would like to establish for my life. If I don’t establish priorities for my life, then others certainly will try to establish them for me. That’s right.

What do you want to be the priority of your life? I want to live in an intimate relationship with you. I want to live my life in constant dialogue with you. I want to talk to you about everything. I want to pray prayers that you have given me to pray. I want to pray prayers that are pleasing to you. I want to pray prayers that you will hear and answer. I want to pray prayers that will bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Those are very good desires. What will you do to live out those desires. I will establish prayer, “first of all”, as the priority of my life. That will be very good.

Do you have a prayer that you would like to pray right now? I would like to ask you to teach me how to pray. Teach me how to pray prayers of supplication. Teach me how to pray prayers of intercession. Teach me how to pray prayers of thanksgiving. Show me how I can pray for the leaders you have placed over my life. Help me to live a quiet, godly and holy life that is pleasing to you. Help me to pray prayers so that others will come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved. Those are the prayers that I want to pray right now. Those are prayers that I will hear and answer.

Key Question… What will happen when prayer becomes the priority of your life?

Living It Out… Make praying for others the priority of your life so you can live a godly and holy life that is pleasing to God.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that living a prayerful life will help you to live a godly and holy life that is pleasing to God.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how prayer has become the first priority of your life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you continually pray for others so that they will come to know and love God.

Lord, I have had different priorities in my life. Help me now, to make a life of prayer, the priority of my life. I am thankful for what you are already doing in me. But, fan the flame of desire in me to come and pray to you. Teach me how to faithfully pray for others. Amen

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

Prayer – 1 Timothy 2-1-4 – All Those In Authority – 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

What The Spirit Desires

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Mind - Romans 8:5 - What The Spirit Desires - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Mind – Romans 8:5 – What The Spirit Desires – Growing As Disciples

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. Romans 8:5 (NIV)

Mind Set

What do you set your mind on? What are you allowing yourself to think? What thoughts do you entertain in your mind? I’m not sure what you have in mind by asking me these questions. You have the ability to choose what you allow yourself to think. You can take authority over every one of your thoughts. You do not need to entertain every thought that comes into mind. It is no sin to have an improper or unhealthy thought come into your mind. It is a sin to entertain improper and unhealthy thoughts. You need to make a decision and choose what you will allow your mind to think.

How can I rid my mind of improper and unhealthy thoughts? My mind is filled with improper and unhealthy thoughts. My mind feels like a battleground. I don’t want to think improper and unhealthy thoughts.  I want the thoughts of my mind to be pleasing to you. I want to think your thoughts. You have taken a very important first step. You have told me that you want to think thoughts that are pleasing to me. You have said that you want to think my thoughts. You have made a decision about what you will set your mind on. That’s right.

If you want to think my thoughts you must know where you can find and hear and listen to my thoughts. Where do you suppose you will find my thoughts? I will find your thoughts in your word. That’s right. If you want to begin to think my thoughts what will you do? I will do several things. Like what? I will read your word. I will meditate on your word. I will memorize your word. I will let your word dwell in me richly. I will listen attentively to all that you have to say to me. I will allow your word to teach me. I will allow your word to train me. I will allow your word to guard and guide my life. That will be very good.

You were right. Your mind is a battleground. You cannot win the battle over your mind without my word doing its work in you. What work will your word do in my mind? My word will cleanse your mind. My word will strengthen your mind. My word will fill your mind. My word will push improper and unhealthy thoughts out of your mind. Then you will think my thoughts. Then you walk in my ways as you put my word into practice. Yes, I will. That is what I want.

Holy Spirit, help me to think thoughts you want me to think. With your power and help I will distance myself from whatever tempts me to think thoughts and feel desires of the sinful nature. I want you want. I want to live the life you have called me to live for you. Amen

Key Question… How has the Holy Spirit helped you to think according to His thoughts and desires?

Living It Out… Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to evaluate and change your thinking according to His thoughts and desires.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Holy Spirit will help you to set your mind on what He has given you to think.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Holy Spirit has helped you to set your mind on His thoughts.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you set your mind on what the Holy Spirit desires so you can live the life you have been called to live.

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

The Mind – Romans 8-5 – What The Spirit Desires – 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