Tag Archives: discipleship devotional

Do Not Be Proud

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 2 -Romans 12:16 - Do Not Be Proud - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 2 -Romans 12:16 – Do Not Be Proud – Growing As Disciples

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Romans 12:16 (NIV)

 Associate With Others 

I want to follow your example. I want to imitate your behavior. I want to do what you did. What did I do? What do you have on your heart and in your mind? You need to be a little more specific. I want to associate with others. I don’t want to associate with only those who are like me. I want to associate with those who are quite different than me. I want to live in relationship with a wide diversity of different kinds of people. Why is that? First of all, that is what you did. You lived in relationships with a wide diversity of kinds of people. Yes, I did. No one was beyond your love. You did not exclude anyone from your life. No, I did not. Secondly, I want to acknowledge a couple things. Like what? I don’t “know it all”. I don’t want to pridefully live as if I “know it all.” I can greatly benefit by the thoughts and opinions and perspectives of different kinds of people,  I should not be in the habit of excluding others from my life. No, you should not. I have a lot to learn. I can certainly benefit by allowing wise people to speak into my life. Yes, you can. What else do you want to acknowledge? I am not better than others. I am not above others. There is no one that is unworthy of my time. There is no one that is unworthy of my love. There is no one that is unworthy of my help. Why can you say that? I can say that because I know that you loved and gave your life for others. You lived and died for everyone. There is no one that has been excluded from your kindness, mercy and love. There is no one that has not been offered your salvation. You came into this world and took on the form of a servant. You let go of all of your rights and privileges. You counted others as better than yourself. You lived and died for everyone. Yes, I did.

That is what I want. I want to live like you lived. I want to give like you gave. I want to love like you loved. I want to serve like you served. For me to live in this way there will be no room for pride. There will be no room for conceit. There will be no room for disunity. No, there will not be room for any of these things. It is my prayer that you will make me to be  like you. Help me to be able to take on the form of a servant. Free me from pride and conceit. Help me to be willing to humbly associate with everyone. Bring a diversity of different types of people into my life. Help me to live as your servant in the world. Yes, I will. You can count on it. 

Lord, I have been proud. I have had a “know it all” attitude. I have thought I was better and wiser than others. Forgive me. Help me to follow your example. Help me to humbly live in relationship with others different than myself. Help me to fully serve others. Amen

Key Question… When have you been greatly harmed by having a “know it all” attitude?

Living It Out… Follow Christ’s example by being willing to associate yourself and live in relationship with others different than yourself.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you can follow Christ’s example and benefit by living in relationship with others different than yourself.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are considering others better than yourself.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you follow Christ’s example by associating with others different than yourself.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 2 – Romans 12-16 – Do Not Be Proud – 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

Knowing Christ My Lord

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 3 - Philippians 3:8 - Knowing Christ My Lord - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 3 – Philippians 3:8 – Knowing Christ My Lord – Growing As Disciples

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ Philippians 3:8 (NIV)

Garbage

I guess many of my thoughts, words and actions in life have been of no real value. You guess? Might that be an understatement? No, I’m not guessing. There is no doubt about it, I have chased after what will be of no lasting or eternal value. I have wasted time. I have expended energy. I have sought comfort. I have pursued pleasure. I have sought after awards and wanted recognition. I strained to hear compliments and been desirous of applause.  I acquired things and stored up treasure on earth. I have even misspent the gifts, talents and abilities that you have given. Should I say more? You and I both get the point. There is no need for you to say anymore. But, the point is that many of my efforts will end up being no more valuable than garbage. That’s true. That was true of your efforts. But, that is no longer true of you and your efforts. Not anymore, not any longer. Give thanks for that. Can you tell me more? I would be happy to tell you more.

You have learned valuable lessons. How so? Let me ask you a couple questions. I’m listening. Do you want to keep on living the life you have just described? Do you want to pursue all that this world has to offer? Do you want to continue to live for the moment? No, certainly not. You have a new outlook. You have a different prospective. Isn’t that true? Yes, that is absolutely true. Then you must agree that you have learned valuable lessons. I do agree. That’s good. 

Tell me about your new outlook. I want to hear about your new perspective. I want to keep my heart and mind and life focused on you. I want to listen your voice. I want to follow your guidance. I want to receive your direction. I want to stay on track and run the race that you have laid out before me. I want to fully live the life that you have called me to live. One day, I want to hear you say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Tell me more about that desire that is in you. I want to live a life that is pleasing to you. I want to go where you guide me. I want to do what you ask of me. I want to bear fruit for your kingdom. I want to bring glory to you name. I want to store up real treasure in heaven with you. That is what you want. That is what you desire. That is the prayer that is in your heart. That is what I will do in and through your life. Can you rejoice in that? My hand is on you. My favor is with you. I will hear and answer your prayers. I will give you what you are asking of me. Yes, I can and will rejoice in knowing that you will work in and through my life to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. That is very good. 

Lord, the world has had my attention. I have thought unimportant thoughts. I have valued what is of no eternal value. I have pursued what will amount to nothing. Help me now to come to know and love you. Nothing is of higher value or more important to me. Amen

Key Question… What did you once consider of great value and now think of it as being of no value at all?

Living It Out… Count everything of this life of no value compared to the surpassing value of knowing and loving Christ.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to come to know and love Him with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are seeking to know and love Christ above all else.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you count the things of this life as rubbish compared to knowing and loving Christ.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 3 – Philippians 3-8 – Knowing Christ My Lord – 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

Stumble In Many Ways

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 4 - James 3:2 - Stumble In Many Ways - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 4 – James 3:2 – Stumble In Many Ways – Growing As Disciples

We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. James 3:2 (NIV)

Stumble 

Isn’t that the truth. Isn’t what the truth? I stumble in many ways. I stumble in my thoughts. I stumble in my words. I stumble in my actions. I have probably invented brand new ways to stumble. Probably not. Well, I can’t tell you how frequently I have jumped to the wrong conclusions. I have thought and spoken and acted on false information far more times than I can count. Of course, information doesn’t need to be false in order for me to have thought and spoken and acted in ways that I deeply regret. Sometimes, I feel like a hopeless case. I must have the cleanest feet around, because I have stuck them in my mouth so often. You are not a hopeless case. I wish that I would be able to guard my thoughts and words and actions. I take no pleasure in living in conflict. I have no joy in the damage that my thoughts and words and actions have done. No, I’m sure that you don’t.  

Do you really want to think and speak and act wisely? Yes, I do. What might it take for you to be able to think and speak and act wisely? That is a very good question. I know that the wisdom to speak and think and act does not come naturally to me. No, it does not. I often feel powerless to think and speak and act wisely. And well you should feel that way. Really, why is that? You are powerless to think and speak and act wisely. You need my help. That I know. I don’t need a little bit of your help either. I desperately need all the help you will give to me. That is a good admission and confession on your part. It is very good for you to know that you desperately need my help. Now, you need to do two things. What two things? You need to ask for my help, and you need to allow me to help you.

I’m asking you to help me to think and speak and act wisely. How can I allow you to help me? If you became more like me, would you begin to think and speak and act more wisely? If you allowed me to change the thoughts of your mind, words of your mouth and actions of your life would you begin to think and speak and act more wisely? I would say an emphatic yes to both your questions. When and where and how do you think I will change you? You will change me in your presence. You will change me as I come to meet with you. You will use your word to change my heart, transform my mind and guide my life. Yes, I will. Will you draw near to me? Will you allow me to change you? Will you allow my word to dwell in you richly? Yes, I will. Then I will give you new thoughts to think, words to speak and actions to take. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, I can’t tell you how many times I have jumped to wrong conclusions. I have been unwise. I have thought and spoke and acted on false information. I need your help. Help me to know what is good and right and true as I humbly love, follow and serve you. Amen

Key Question… How is following Christ, seeking to become like Him, helping you to think what is good and right and true?

Living It Out… Humbly follow Christ and allow Him, by His Spirit, to help you to know what is good and right and true.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the following Christ will help you to think and speak and act in ways that are good, right and true.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are being careful to think and speak and act on what is true.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow Christ to guide you to think and speak and act in ways that are good and right and true.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 4 – James 3-2 – Stumble In Many Ways – 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

Evil Desire

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 6 - James 1:13-15 - Evil Desire - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 6 – James 1:13-15 – Evil Desire – Growing As Disciples

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:13-15 (NIV)

Dragged Away And Enticed 

Well, I certainly don’t want that. What don’t you want? I don’t want to be dragged away and enticed by evil desire. That’s good. What are you going to do about that? How will you protect yourself against being dragged away and enticed by evil desire? I thought you were the one that did all the protecting. Nice try. No, you have a role in your own protection. Let me think about that. Go ahead, think. Well, I do know when, where and how I am most likely to be tempted. I could make a firm decision to stay away from those times, places and circumstances that are most likely to tempt me. That is a good start. What else? I also know that there are things that feed temptation and evil desires to grow in me. I could also make a firm decision to eliminate anything from my life that feeds evil desire, that will try to drag me away and entice me to sin. That is very good as well. What else? I could make a commitment to turn and run from temptation when it first approaches me. Why would that be very good? Well, I have learned that temptation is a process. Yes, it is. It starts in the heart and mind and then continues on to action. Yes, it does. Once it is fully conceived it leads to death. I have had enough of that death. I want no more of that peace and joy destroying process to continue in my life. That’s good. Turning and running from temptation stops that process. Yes, it does. You have thought carefully about your role in resisting temptation. Would you like to learn how I will protect you from temptation? Yes, I would, that would be great.

How did I resist temptation? What helped me to resist temptation? You used God’s word to stand against temptation and resist evil. Yes, I did. The Holy Spirt will take God’s word and use it like a sword in your life. The Holy Spirit will use God’s word to fight in you, with you, for you and through you. The Holy Spirit will use God’s word to change your heart, transform your mind and protect your life. The Holy Spirit will use God’s word to help you stand against temptation and resist evil desires. How does that sound? That sounds great. Yes, it is.

Guess what. I have another role to play in my own protection? Yes, you do. What is that role? I must come to meet with you in your word. I must live in an intimate relationship with you. I must let your word dwell in me richly. Then my earthly and evil desires will be replaced by heavenly desires that come from you. Then I will not be dragged away and enticed by earthly and evil desires that are a part of this world. That’s true. Will you allow my word to dwell in your richly? Will you live in an intimate relationship with me? Will you allow me to give you desires that come from me? Yes Lord, I will. 

Lord, at one time my thoughts and desires were earthly, unspiritual and even evil. I was easily dragged away, enticed and tempted. Not any longer. Thank you for using your word to change my heart, transform my mind and make me able to resist temptation. Amen

Key Question… How are you distancing yourself from times, places and circumstances that might entice you to sin?

Living It Out… Keep your heart and mind and life focused on heavenly versus earthly and evil desires.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God’s word will change your heart, transform your mind and give new, heavenly desires.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord is changing your desires from earthly and evil to heavenly.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow God to use His word to change the desires of your heart and mind.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 6 – James 1-13-15 – Evil Desire – 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

Treasures In Heaven

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 23 - Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures In Heaven- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 23 – Matthew 6:19-21 – Treasures In Heaven- Growing As Disciples

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

Treasure In Heaven

I have definitely done that. You have definitely done what? I have tried to store up treasure on earth. I have attempted to pursue all that the world had to offer. I have sought comfort and pleasure. I have been caught in the grip of greed. I have allowed my mind to be manipulated by materialism. I have been allured by the continual desire for more. I have wanted the next latest and greatest thing that I have been told I needed to have and would be empty without. What a foolish waste of my time, talent and resources. The world and all that is in it offers a bunch of empty promises. I came into this world with nothing, I will leave this world with nothing. That is mostly, but not entirely true. What is true and what is not entirely true? You will take no material possessions and earthly treasures out of this world with you. That is true. I get that. That thought is now firmly fixed in my heart and mind. That is good, but that is not enough. What more do I need to know and do? You need to know what is not entirely true and then you need to act on it. What was not entirely true? You can store up treasure in heaven now, in this life. I need to know more about that. Yes, you do.

How can I store up treasure in heaven? Do you think it could be possible that I want to use you as a bold and bright witness in the world for me? Yes, I do. Might others be drawn to me because they have seen my love being demonstrated in and through your life? Yes, they might. Do you think it could be possible that there will be people in heaven because you have allowed me to work in and through your life? Yes, I do. I have given you gifts and talents, abilities and resources with which you can serve me. As you serve me, you will be storing up treasure in heaven. As you go where I guide you and do what I ask of you, you will be storing up in treasure in heaven. As you allow me to work in and through you, you will be storing up treasure in heaven. Do you hear what I am saying to you? Do you believe what I am saying to you? Yes Lord, I hear and believe what you are saying to me. Will you do the work I give you to do? Will you begin to store up treasure in heaven with me? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I have wasted my time, talents and resources trying to store up treasure on earth. What a foolish mistake. No more! Give me a ministry to others that will make me able to store up treasure in heaven with you. Help me to bear much fruit for your kingdom. Amen

Key Question… What kinds of treasures can be stored up in heaven with the Lord?

Living It Out… Allow the Lord to use you in ministry to others so you can store up treasure in heaven.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will give you a ministry that will help you to store up treasure in heaven.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are storing up treasure in heaven.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you store up treasure in heaven rather than on earth.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 23 – Matthew 6-19-21 – Treasures In Heaven – 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

Love Is

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 15 - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - Love Is - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 15 – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love Is – Growing As Disciples

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)

Love Looks Like

I have no doubt that this is what love looks like. I also have no doubt, whatsoever, that this is what you look like as well. I am equally sure that my life does not measure up to this description of love. Why is that? I’m not sure. I’m human. I am a sinner. Occasionally, I am some of these things in part. I am never all of these things in full, nor do I even come close to displaying a significant portion of these qualities all together at one time. I may be patient and proud. I may be kind and boastful. I may be truthful and angry. What is quite clear, is that, I desperately need your help. Why do you need my help? You want me to become like you. I want to become like you. I want to be able to demonstrate your love to the world. I want your love to flow through me. I want to love others just as you love me. I want others to see your love in me so that they will be drawn to you. I’m sure we have the same goals. We do have the same goals, don’t we? Yes, we do have the same goals. I want you to love others just as I love you. I want you to follow my example. I do want you to become like me. That’s good. Yes, it is very good.

Well, I know what will not work. I know what has not worked. What’s that? It will not work, it has not worked, for me to simply try harder to love others. I have tried that over and over year after year. My efforts have met with miserable failure. Yes, I have noticed. Let me ask you a question. Go ahead, I’m listening. Didn’t you say you wanted to become like me? Yes, I did. How will you become like me? I will become like you as I spend time with you. I will become like you as I draw near to you. I will become like you as I walk with you. I will become like you as I am in your presence. Yes, you will. As you become like me, what won’t you need to try harder to do? I will not need to try harder to love others because you will be changing me and making me more like you. Loving others will be the biproduct of you making me to be more like you. Now, you get it. Now, you understand. Yes, I do. That is very good.  

Lord, I have not loved others just as you have loved me. My love for others has been far from perfect. Forgive me. Help me. I want to love others like you love me. Develop in me the highest and best qualities of love. Help me demonstrate your love to the world. Amen

Key Question… How has the Lord provided you an example of how to love others?

Living It Out… Follow the Lord’s example by loving others just as He loves you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to love others just as He loves you.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord is making you able to love others.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you love others just as the Lord loves you.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 15 – 1 Corinthians 13-4-7 – Love Is – 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 Immeasurably More

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 36 - Ephesians 3:20-21 - Do Immeasurably More - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 36 – Ephesians 3:20-21 – Do Immeasurably More – Growing As Disciples

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV) 

Imagine That?

I have no doubt about that. You have no doubt about what? You have done in, for, and through me what I could have never thought of, or even imagined. Not in a million years could I have dreamed of being where my life is today. Where is your life today? My life is right here with you. I delight to be in your presence. I want to draw near to you. You have my full attention. My heart and mind and life are focused on you. I want to know you. It is my joy to think and speak and act in ways that please you. I want to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. I want to go where you guide me. I want to do whatever you ask of me. Could I have pictured myself as one of your followers? Could I have dreamed up the desire to be fully devoted to loving and following and serving you? Would your plans ever be more important than my plans?  Not, a chance. But that’s what I want. That is who I am. I am your child. I am your follower. You are my Savior and Lord. You are my God and King. You turned my life around. You changed my direction. You altered my course. There is no doubt that you have been at work in me. You have been molding and shaping my life. I am the work of your hands. You are making me into your masterpiece. Now, I want what you want. Yes, that is exactly the work I am doing in you, for you, and through you.

Do you have any idea of what I will do in you, for you, and through you, in the future? Do I have any idea of what I might look like in the future? Yes, you could rephrase my question in that way. Generally, yes, specifically no. That is an interesting answer, can you say more? Generally, I know that you will be making me to be more and more like you. You will help me to think your thoughts, speak your words and do your deeds. You will help me to know and do your will. Others will be drawn to you, because they will see you living and shining brightly through me. You want me to be a bold and bright witness for you in the world. Yes, I do. Is this what you want? Yes, it is. You have no idea of what I will specifically do in, and for, and through you? No, I do not. I do know one thing, however. What’s that? You will do in, and for, and through me, what I could never ask for, think or dream of, or even imagine. Why is that? Your thoughts and plans and ways, are far higher and far better than mine. Yes, they are. For that, I am grateful and thankful. That is very good.

Lord, thank you for working in, for, and through me. You have done far more than I could have ever asked for, thought or dreamed of, or even imagined. I have learned a lesson. I will no longer be timid, or reluctant to ask you to work in, for, or through me. Amen

Key Question… How are you relying on the Lord to do in, for and through you what you can’t do by yourself?

Living It Out… Rely on the Lord to work in, for, and through you for His Kingdom and glory.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will do in, for and through you what you could have not asked for or even imagined.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has powerfully worked in, for, and through you for His glory.

Prayer To Bless Others…May you allow God to do in and through you what you couldn’t ask for or even imagine.

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

Promises – Day 36 – Ephesians 3-20-21 – Do Immeasurably More – 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

Reap Generously

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 37 - 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - Reap Generously - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 37 – 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 – Reap Generously – Growing As Disciples

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.2 Corinthians 9:6-7

A Cheerful Giver 

That is what I want to be. What do you want to be? I want to be a cheerful giver. Why do you want to be a cheerful giver? I want to follow your example. I want to do what you did. I want to live the kind of life you lived. What did I do? What kind of life did I live? You gave of yourself freely and completely. You emptied yourself of all your rights and privileges. You left heaven to come into this broken and sinful world. You were determined to do the will of your Heavenly Father. You had a mission and purpose. You did what you came into this world to do. Which was? You died on the cross as payment for my sins. You made it so I could be forgiven of my sin and cleansed of all my unrighteousness. You secured a new life for me. You made it possible for me to love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. Now, it is my desire to live my life with and for you. It is my desire to love others just as you have loved me. Now, I want your light and love living in and shining through me so others can be drawn to you. I want to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. That will be very good. 

How will you bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name? How will my light and love be in you so that others will be drawn to me? I will use whatever you have given me to love and serve others. I will use all the gifts and talents and abilities and resources you have given me to sow generously the good news of the Gospel. I will tell others about the forgiveness and new life they can have in you.  I will not hold back. I will not retreat. I will not keep anything in reserve. I will pour myself out in your service. I will be a generous and cheerful giver as I live my life with and for you. What will happen, not immediately, but over time, as you continue to sow generously? I will reap a rich harvest for your kingdom and glory. I will have done what you asked me to do. I will have accomplished your mission and purposes for my life. Yes, you will, and that will be very good. Yes, it will. Thank you, Lord, for helping me to be a generous giver. 

Lord, often times I have made the mistake of holding on tightly to what I have been given. I know that you want me to be a cheerful giver. Help me to freely give to others. Help me to use what I have been given to sow generously so that I will reap generously. Amen

Key Question… Why should you not expect to immediately receive a harvest immediately after you have sown?

Living It Out… Make it your consistent practice to sow generously so that you will also reap generously.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will help you to reap a rich harvest when you sow generously with what you have been given.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has helped you to become a cheerful giver.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you sow generously so you will be able to reap generously.

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

Promises – Day 37 – 2 Corinthians 9-6-7 – Reap Generously – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

An Ever Present Help

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 39 - Psalm 46:1-3 - An Ever Present Help - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 39 – Psalm 46:1-3 – An Ever Present Help – Growing As Disciples

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah  Psalm 46:1-3

Help In Trouble

What do you fear? What makes you afraid? I fear failure more than anything. Sometime I am almost paralyzed by my fear of failure. It is no small thing. I can’t tell you how many times I haven’t moved forward on something because I was afraid that I might fail. You can tell me. It wouldn’t come as news to me. Yes, I know that fear of failure is a big issue in your life. It fills you with anxiety. Yes, it does.

Would you like to free of this fear of yours? Would you like to leave fear, worry and anxiety behind you? Yes, I would. Do you believe that I have the power to set you free? Yes Lord, I believe. If there is any doubt in me, then I also believe that you will help me with my unbelief. Yes, I will. Is there any reason why you might think that you are unworthy of my setting you free from fear, worry and anxiety? No, there is none. I know you are my Heavenly Father. I am your beloved child. You have already gone to great lengths to show me the depths of your love. Yes, I have. Is there any reason why you might think that I might be unable to set you free from fear, worry and anxiety. No, there is none. You have already set me free from sin. You broke the power of sin over my life and have enabled me to live a new life in you. Yes, I have. Being free from fear, worry and anxiety is part of the new life I want you to live. 

There is a battle going on related to your fear, worry and anxiety. Do you know where that battle is being fought? Yes, I do, the battle is being fought in my heart and mind. That is exactly right. Are you winning or losing the battle of fear, worry and anxiety that is going on in your mind? So far, I would say that I am losing. I’m glad that you said, “so far” because the battle isn’t over. It doesn’t work to tell yourself to just stop being fearful, worrisome, or anxious does it? No, it doesn’t. The more I tell myself to stop, the less able I am to stop. We have been through this together before related to another issue, isn’t that true? Yes, it is. You were in bondage to something else that you couldn’t stop isn’t that true? Yes, it is. Do you have any difficulty anymore with that issue that had so ensnared you? No, I don’t.

How have I set you free in the past? Your word has set me free. Your word has changed my heart and transformed my mind. Your word has cleansed my life. Your word has given me the strength to obey you. The Holy Spirit has used your word to fight in me, with me and for me. Just as my word has set you free in other areas so will it also set you free from fear, worry and anxiety. Does my word have anything to say about fear, worry and anxiety? Yes, it does. Feast on those words of mine. Take them into your heart and mind. Meditate on these words of mine day and night. Let them dwell in you richly. Let my word change your heart and transform your mind in regard to fear, worry and anxiety. Yes Lord, I will. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. I am your refuge and strength. I am here to help you. Rely on me. Yes Lord, I will. 

Lord, I have often relied on myself in fearful situations in life. What a mistake that has been. You are my refuge and strength. You are worthy of all my trust. I will rely on you to lead me through every fearful circumstance in life. Amen

Key Question… When have you asked God to help you when you were in a fearful situation?

Living It Out… Rely on God as your refuge and strength as you go through fearful situations in life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will be ever present with you to help to be fearless through fearful situations in life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has been your refuge and strength through a fearful situation.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you rely on God’s ever present help as you go through troubles in life.

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

Promises – Day 39 – Psalm 46 -1-3 – An Ever Present Help – 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

Refuge In Him

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 48 - Psalm 34:4-8 - Refuge In Him- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 48 – Psalm 34:4-8 – Refuge In Him- Growing As Disciples

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.  Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.  This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.  The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.  Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:4-8 (NIV)

Refuge In Me 

Will you take refuge in me? Will you seek me with all your heart and mind and soul and strength? Will you cry out to me? Will you make your needs known to me? Will you allow me to calm all your fears? Why would I not? What would hinder me from crying out to you? Why would I not make my needs known to you? Why would I not allow you to calm all my fears? Why would I not seek you with all that is within me? You tell me. You have answered my questions with your own questions? What answer do you have to give? I have an answer. My answer is the truth. But my answer is not a good one. The only reason I can see for not coming to rely on you completely is if I have chosen to rely on myself. Would that be a good choice? Prideful, self-reliance and stubborn, self-sufficiency are never good choices. Nothing could be more foolish. Nothing could be more unwise. Why is that? You stand ready to hear my prayers. You are ready, willing and able to meet my needs and deliver me from all my fears. Yes, I am. It is my joy to hear and answer your prayers. I delight in calming your fears. I will save you from your troubles. I will encamp around you. I will deliver you. Thank you, Lord. I will rely on you. I will place all my faith in you. You will hear my prayers. I will make my needs known to you. That will be very good.

What will happen to you as you draw near to me? What will you experience as you live in an intimate relationship with me? How will you be changed as you come to take refuge in me? I will come to know you. I will come to love you. I will come to follow and serve you. It will be my joy to live my life with and for you. You will make me radiant. Joy and hope and peace and love will show up on my face. Why is that? I will have tasted of your goodness. I will have known that your blessing has been on my life. I will have known that you have been with me to help me on every step I take in life. Yes, I will be with you. Yes, my blessing will be on you as you take refuge in me. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, thank you for answering me, when I seek you. Thank you for calming my fears as you save me from trouble. Help me to look to you and be radiant. Help me to taste and see your goodness; bless my life as I take refuge in you. Amen

Key Question… How has seeking the Lord allowed you to hear from Him in ways that calmed your fears?

Living It Out… Take refuge in the Lord so that the Lord will be able to bless your life.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your life will be blessed as you take refuge in the Lord.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how your fears have been calmed by taking refuge in the Lord.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the Lord to bless your life as you take refuge in Him.

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

Promises – Day 48 – Psalm 34-4-8 – 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