Tag Archives: discipleship devotional study

Then He Opened Their Minds

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 320 - Luke 24:45-49 - Then He Opened Their Minds - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 320 – Luke 24:45-49 – Then He Opened Their Minds – Growing As Disciples

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.  He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  You are witnesses of these things.  I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:45-49 (NIV)

Opened Mind 

There is a big difference between having an “open mind” and having an “opened mind.” Really, how so? In the world someone who says, they have an “open mind” often means that they are willing to try anything no matter how vile and sinful it may be. They will likely, almost certainly, suffer great harm with that approach to life. They will live with deep regrets. They will experience a life that will, no doubt, be bruised and battered and broken. Their open-minded pursuit of pleasure with only lead them down a path of pain and suffering. So, in this regard, I want to have a closed mind. I only want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you. That is very good.

You mentioned that there was a difference between having an “open mind” and an “opened mind”? What did you mean by that? I want you to open my mind. I want you to open my mind so I can understand your word. I want to be able to know and do your will. I want to receive your instruction. I want to follow your guidance. So, that is my prayer. That is my desire. That is my request. Do you believe that I will open your mind so you can understand my word? Without a doubt, I know that you will make me able to understand your word. Yes, I will, you are correct. What will my word do for you? Your word will change the desires of my heart. Your word will transform the thoughts of my mind. Your word will guard and guide the course of my life. Yes, my word will do all these things for you.

What must you do with my word? I must follow and obey your word. It would be foolish and sinful to only hear your word. I must go where your word guides me and do what your word asks of me. I must keep in step with you and your word. I must not run ahead or lag behind your word. That is true. What do you know about my word? Where will my word guide you? What will my word give you to do? Your word will guide me into the world to be your witness. Your Holy Spirit will use your word to empower me to be a bold witness for you in the world. Will you do that for me? Will you be my witness in the world? Yes Lord, I will. It will be my joy to help others to come to know and love and follow and serve you. That will be very good.

Lord, only you can open my mind so I can understand your word. I will wait quietly and listen attentively to all that you have to say to me. Help me to follow and obey your word. I will go and do whatever you ask me. Help me to be your bold witness in the world. Amen

Key Question… How attentively are you hearing and following instructions from the Lord?

Living It Out… Allow the Lord to open your mind so that you can understand His word.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will open your mind so you can understand His word.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has opened your mind so you can understand His word.

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

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 320 – Luke 24-45-49 – Then He Opened Their Minds – 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

Takes Refuge In Him

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Blessing - Psalm 34:8 - Take Refuge In Him - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Blessing – Psalm 34:8 – Take Refuge In Him – Growing As Disciples

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.      Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

Taste And See

I’m not on a diet. I don’t want just a little sample. I don’t want a very small taste. I want to hunger for you. I want to thirst for you. I want to feast on your goodness. I want to drink fully of the life you are calling me to live with you. I want to be well feed and satisfied, but always hungry for more of you. I want to see all of your kindness, goodness, mercy and love. I want to know you. I want to love you. I want to follow you. I want to serve you. I want to take complete refuge in you. I want to draw near to you. I want to live in your presence. I will bow myself down before you. I will quiet myself at your feet. I will listen to every word you have to say to me. Let me hear your voice. Speak to me, I am listening. Revive me. Refresh me. Restore Me, Renew me. Do your work in me. Mold and shape me. Make and mold me. You are the potter. I am the clay. Without you, I am nothing. With you, I will have all that I have ever needed or wanted. Let me say this clearly, without any hesitation, I am yours. I am here and I am listening. Use me for your purposes. Help me to accomplish you plans. Let me be your instrument. Show me where you want me to go. Give me what you want me to do.

What if I don’t have anywhere for you to go? What if I have nothing for you to do? What will you do if I simply want you to sit here and taste and see my kindness, mercy and love? What will you do if I want you to be right here, right now to take refuge in me? Will you rush off? Will you make up your own mission? Will you give yourself your own task? Will you make yourself busy? Have you not been busy enough? Have you not done enough? Would it be too much to ask you to come and sit with me? Would it be too difficult for you to come and learn from me? Do you really want to taste and see my kindness, mercy and love? Yes Lord, that is the desire of my heart and mind and life. I could ask for nothing more. I could want nothing with stronger desire. Come to me. You will taste and see my goodness, as you take refuge in me. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, thank you for drawing me close to you in prayer and worship so I could taste and see your goodness. You have delivered and rescued me from out of fearful troubles.  You have blessed my life as I have taken refuge in you. Amen

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

Blessing – Psalm 34-8 – Takes Refuge In Him – 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

Seek – Find

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Rhythms - Jeremiah 29:13 - Seek-Find - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Rhythms – Jeremiah 29:13 – Seek-Find – Growing As Disciples

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

All My Heart

I know that I have not always sought you with all my heart. There have been many times when I have not sought you at all. I have gone and done my own thing. I have lived my own self-sufficient and self-reliant life. I have pursued my own plans. I have followed my own purposes. I have sought my own comfort and pleasure. I have lived a life, quite apart from you. How was that life? It was no life at all. Nothing I pursued could fill the emptiness inside of me. There was nowhere I could go or nothing I could do that would fill the void inside of me. Every pursuit, every accomplishment, every comfort and every pleasure left me feeling empty. But that isn’t half the story. What is the rest of the story? My self-centered and self-reliant life left me bruised and battered and broken. How so? I lived for myself. I enjoyed things. I used people. I lived a dark and sinful life. I walked on a path that led further and further away from you. At least that is what I thought. I’m glad you added that.

What happened to you? I reached rock bottom. I could take it no more. I wanted no more of my empty and meaningless life. I had enough. I felt like I was without hope in a dark and broken world. What did you do? I cried out to you. I asked you to show yourself to me. I say I asked. I really screamed. I would have heard you either way. Yes, but you heard the depth and pain with which I cried out to you. Yes, I did. I deserved nothing from you. No, you did not. Yet, you heard my cry. You answered my prayer. Yes, I did. You were with me even in the darkness of my empty life. Yes, I was. I was not so far away from you that I could not be found by you. No, you were not.

I have been following you now, for many years. Have I always sought you with all my heart? Have I ever sought you with all my heart? The answer to both questions is probably not. Yet, the desire to follow you with all my heart burns hot within me. Yes, it does. Well, I have this one request of you. What’s that? Fan the flame of my desire to seek you with all my heart. Make my desire to seek and know you burn white hot within me. I want to know you. I want to love you. I want to follow and serve you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I will hear and answer your prayer. You will seek me with all your heart. You will find me. You will know and love and follow and serve me with all your heart. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, thank you for your promises. Thank you for your word. Thank you for your faithfulness. I will seek you with all my heart. I know I will find you as I seek you with all my heart. You will help me to come to know you. You will help me to go and do your will. Amen

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

Rhythms – Jeremiah 29-13 – Seek – Find – 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

Earnestly Seek Him

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Prayer - Hebrews 11:6 - Earnestly Seek Him - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Prayer – Hebrews 11:6 – Earnestly Seek Him – Growing As Disciples

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

Pleasing God

Do you want to live a life that is pleasing to me? Yes, I want to live a life that is pleasing to you. The strongest desire of my heart is that I will live a life that is pleasing to you. There is nothing that I want more than to live a life that is pleasing to you. I have no greater pursuit in life than to live a life that is pleasing to you. How can I live a life that is pleasing to you? That is a very good question. That is a question to which you need a very clear answer that you understand completely. A vague answer to that question will not due. You must not leave that question until it has been fully answered and completely understood. How you answer that question will guide the entire course of your life. How you answer that question will determine the thoughts of your mind, words of your mouth, deeds of your life and prayers of your heart. You don’t want to come up with the wrong answer to that question. What is the answer to that question. You tell me.

I will give you my answer. I’m listening. If I want to please you I must believe that you exist. There is no possibility of pleasing you if I don’t believe that you exist. Who would try to please someone who did not exist? No one, I’m sure. It is not enough to simply say with my words, that I believe that you exist. I must demonstrate with my life that I believe that you exist. How so? I must earnestly seek you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I must come to rely on you rather than on myself. If I rely on myself that will be a sign that I don’t really believe that you exist. What else? I must believe that you reward those who earnestly seek you. How do I reward those who earnestly seek me? You hear and answer the prayers of those who earnestly seek you. What will you do if you believe that I exist and that I will reward those who earnestly seek me? I will meet with you in prayer. I will live my life in an ongoing dialogue of prayer with you. I will listen to you. I will follow your guidance. I will receive your instruction. What else? I will fervently make all my prayers know to you. I will believe that you will hear and answer all my prayers. That will be very good. You have answered well. Do these things and you will certainly live a life that is pleasing to me.

Heavenly Father, I do believe that you exist. I want to live a life that is fully pleasing to you. I will come to you. I will earnestly seek you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I know that you are God and that you will hear and answer my prayers. Amen

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

Hebrews 11-6 – Earnestly Seek Him – 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

But They Shouted

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Guidance - John 19:14-16 - But They Shouted - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Guidance – John 19:14-16 – But They Shouted – Growing As Disciples

It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour. “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews. But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” “Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. But They Shouted “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered. John 19:14-15 (NIV)

Voices

You will hear many different voices in life. You will see and hear things from a variety of sources. Not everything you hear and see will be healthy and helpful for you as one of my followers. Does that surprise you? No, it doesn’t, not at all. Why is that? This is a broken and sinful world. I’m surprised by your saying, not everything I hear and see will be healthy and helpful for me, as one of your followers. You could have said, most of what I hear and see will not be healthy and helpful to me as one of your followers. Yes, that’s right, I could have said that. That is true.

You will have a choice to make about what you hear and see and take into your heart and mind and life. How so? You will not always be able to divert your eyes or close your ears to the sights and sounds of the world.  But, you will be able to make a choice about what sights and sounds you take into your heart and mind and life. Can you say more? I’m not sure that I understand what you are saying. I will ask a few questions for you to consider. Go ahead, I’m listening. Will you listen to the sights and sounds and voices you hear from the world? Will you follow their direction? Will you receive their guidance? Will you follow the crowd by going where they are going? Will you follow the crowd by doing what they are doing? Will your life be guided by the thoughts and opinions and values of the world? No, it will not. That will be very good.

It is not enough to say that you will not follow the sights and sounds and voices of the world. Why not? You will never be able to keep that commitment by yourself, with your own strength. If you try, on your own, you will be overwhelmed by the thoughts and opinions and values of the world. Your statement of commitment is only half of what you must do. What else must I do? You must draw near to me. You must listen to my voice. When you draw near to me, I will draw near to you. My voice will guide and guard you. My voice will teach and train you. My voice will lead you to where I want you to go. My voice will give you what I want you to do. Will you choose to listen to my voice over the voices from the world? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I have allowed myself to hear and see things that have been unhealthy and unhelpful to my walk with you. Help me to remove that garbage from my life. Instead, I want to hear and see what you want me to receive as direction from you. Amen

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

Guidance – John 19-14-16 – But They Shouted – 4 Page Discipleship 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

Teaches Us

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Teach - Titus 2:11-14 - Teaches Us - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Teach – Titus 2:11-14 – Teaches Us – Growing As Disciples

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)  

Say “No”

That hasn’t been one of your favorite words. What’s that? You have never liked hearing or having to say the word “no”. What do you mean by that? No, places limits or boundaries on your thoughts, words, and deeds. “Yes” or “no” either denies or gives you permission to think, say or do something. How you respond to the words “yes” or “no” will determine if you will follow and obey me. I get it. There have been plenty of times I have known that “no” was the appropriate response to worldly enticements and ungodly living. You have wanted me to say “no” when I ended up saying “yes”. In those cases, I was not obeying you. I was not doing what was pleasing to you. I was living to please myself and fulfill ungodly pleasures and worldly desires. That’s right. I’m sorry about that. I ask for your forgiveness. You are forgiven. I want to follow and obey you. I want to live my life with and for you. In every way and on every day, I want to do what is pleasing to you. That is very good. 

I have a question. Go ahead, I’m listening. How will your grace teach me to say “no” to ungodliness and worldliness passions? There have been many times when I wanted to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions. I was weak and gave into to them. I said “yes” to ungodliness and worldly passion when I wanted to say “no” to them. It was like there was a “yes” and “no war raging in my heart and mind that I lost by saying “yes”. You have learned an important lesson. What’s that? You have learned where the battle is being fought. The battleground is in your heart and mind. My grace will change your heart and transform mind. I will give you brand new desires to feel and thoughts to think. How will you do that? My word will change your heart and transform your mind. My word is the tool that my grace will use to teach you to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions. But, you must meet with me in my classroom. Where is your classroom? When does my class with you meet? My classroom is my word. Your class meets when you come to meet with me in my word. As you let my word dwell in you richly your heart will be changed and your mind will be transformed. Will you meet with me? Will you allow my grace to use my word to change your heart and transform your mind? Yes, Lord, I will. Then you will be able to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions.

Lord, teach me to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions. Use your word to change my heart and transform my mind so I will be able to live a godly life in an ungodly world. Help to me to passionately serve you as I eagerly watch and wait for your return. Amen 

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

Teach – Titus 2-11-14 – Teaches Us – 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

Opened Their MInds

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Study - The Mind - Luke 24:45-49 - Opened Their Minds - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Study – The Mind – Luke 24:45-49 – Opened Their Minds – Growing As Disciples

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:45-49 (NIV) 

Stay 

That is a hard word for you to hear and obey. What word? The word, stay. You have a hard time staying in one place. You want to be on the move. You are restless. You are impatient. You like to keep busy. You know me. Yes, I know you. The question I want to ask you is, “Do you want to know me?” Yes, I want to know you. It is the desire of my heart to know you. It is the goal of my life to know you. I don’t want to know you just a little bit either. I want to know you intimately. I want to know your will and walk in your ways. I want to go and do whatever is pleasing to you. I want to live a life that accomplishes your purposes and fulfills your plans. That is very good. 

You will never know me intimately if you don’t learn to stay in my presence. You will never be able to go and do what I ask of you, if you do not wait for my instructions. Haven’t you raced off, in a hundred different directions, thinking that you were going to go and do my will? Yes, I have done that many times, probably far more than a hundred. You don’t want to know the actual number of times you haven’t waited for my instructions. Let me just say that your waiting to listen to my instructions is a rare event. Forgive me, for not waiting for your instructions. You are forgiven. But, there is far more than waiting for my instructions, that you have missed out on. What else have I missed out on? You have not waited to be clothed with my power to do what I have asked of you. It is not enough to know what I want you to do. You must also rely on my power to do what I have given you to do for me. How many times have you attempted to accomplish my purposes and fulfill my plans with your own strength? Far too often, I’m sure. That’s right. 

Will you stay and wait for my instructions? Will you rely on me to cloth you with my power to do what I ask of you? Yes Lord, I will wait for your instructions. I will rely on your power to help me to go and do your will. That will be very good. Then you will be a bold witness for me in the world. Then you will accomplish my purposes and fulfill my plans. I will speak through your life. I will use you to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name.

Lord, thank you for opening my mind to understand the Scriptures. Thank you for helping me to turn away from my old life and receive forgiveness and cleansing of all my sin. Use my life and give me your power to be a bold witness for you in the world. Amen

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

The Mind – Luke 24-45-49 – Opened Their Minds – 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

Will Be An Encouragement

Posted on by
Reply
Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - So That - Ephesians 4:29 - Will Be An Encouragement - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – So That – Ephesians 4:29 – Will Be An Encouragement – Growing As Disciples

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)

Everything You Say 

I want you to guard every word that comes out of your mouth. Your words will either build others up or tear them down. You words can be like a tool in my hand or they can be like a weapon that can do a world of evil. Before you speak ask, “Will my words be helpful or hurtful?” Ask, “Will my words build others up or tear them down?” Don’t let any unwholesome and foul words come out of your mouth. Your words can be like a gift that will encourage others in their walk of faith in me. Your words can change the course of a person’s life and their ultimate destiny. Do you hear what I am saying to you? Do you understand the power of your words? Yes Lord, I am listening to you. I understand the power of my words.

I want you to look for opportunities to build others up by encouraging them with your words. Go out of your way to bless others with the words that I will give you to speak. Take notice of others. Know what they need to hear. Invest yourself in their lives with your words. Speak your words according to what they need to hear and not according to what you think you need to say. Have you been encouraged by the words of another? Has someone ever said good and helpful words that built you up and encouraged you? Yes, you have encouraged me with your words. You have built me up with your words. Your words have changed the course of my life. Your words have directed my destiny. Can I speak through you? Can I use the words of your mouth? You can do all things. You can use me however you see fit. I want to use your mouth. I want to speak through you. I welcome you to speak through me. I want you to use my words to bless other people. That will be very good.

You will be blessed as I speak through. You will be blessed with the same words with which you bless others. As you encourage others you will be encouraged. As you build others up you will be built up. You may ask why is that. Why is that? You will know that I am using you. You will know that I am speaking through you. You will know that your words are bearing fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. Will you allow me to speak through you? Yes Lord, I will allow you to speak through me. That will be very good.

Lord, so often I have spoken words that are not good, helpful or encouraging. I have torn others and even myself down with my thoughts and words. Use the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart to encourage and build others up. Amen

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

So That – Ephesians 4-29 – Will Be An Encouragement – 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