Tag Archives: discipleship devotional

Is Anything Too Hard?

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 289 - Genesis 18:13-14 - Is Anything Too Hard?- Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 289 – Genesis 18:13-14 – Is Anything Too Hard?- Growing As Disciples

Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son.”  Genesis 18:13-14 (NIV)  

A Good Question

That is a good question. What is a good question? Is anything too hard for you? Why is that a good question? It may not be a good question to ask. It is certainly a good question to consider. It is a good question for me to have answered in my heart and mind. I like where you are headed, say more. I need to have answered and resolved in my heart and mind that you can and will do the impossible in, for, and through me. I need to have faith to believe that you can and will do in, for and through me what only you can do. I need to know that you delight and desire to do in, for and through me what only you can do. Why do you suppose it is my desire and delight to do in, for and through you what only I can do? You want to show yourself to me. You want to reveal yourself to the world. You want people to turn their hearts and minds and lives toward you. You want people to leave their old lives of sin so that they can love, follow and serve you. Yes, I do. 

What has happened to you as I have done in, for and through you what only I could do? I have been encouraged. I have been lifted up. I have been strengthened. I have been revived and renewed and refreshed. My heart and mind and life have been filled with hope and joy and peace. Thanks, and praise to you have been on my lips. My faith in you has grown as I have relied on you to do what was impossible. I have been made able to bear fruit for your kingdom. I have been made able to bring glory to your name. I have been able to shine brightly for you, like a star in the universe. Yes, I have done all of these things in, for and through you.

What will you now do differently because you know that nothing is too hard for me? I will come to rely on you more fully. I will ask you to do in, for and through me what only you can do. My heart and mind and eyes will be open with expectancy to watch for and join you in the seemingly impossible work that you want to do in the world around me. That will be very good. 

Lord, I know nothing is too hard for you. To think or believe otherwise would be foolish. Help me to have faith to believe that nothing is too hard for you to do in, for, or through. I will come to ask you for your help. I will rely fully on you. My faith will be in you. Amen

Key Question…  How are you relying on the Lord to do in, for or through you what only He can do?

Living It Out…  Ask the Lord to do in, for, or through you what only He can do.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that nothing is too hard for the Lord to do in, for, or through you.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has shown you that nothing is too hard for Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you have faith to believe that nothing is too hard for the Lord to do in, for, or through you.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 289 – Genesis 18-13-14 – Is Anything Too Hard? – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

Whenever You Face Trials

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 12 - James 1:2-4 - Whenever You Face Trials - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 12 – James 1:2-4 – Whenever You Face Trials – Growing As Disciples

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Pure Joy

I don’t know about that. You don’t know about what? I’m not sure how to have pure joy when I’m going through trials. Why is that? I’m not sure I can or even want to have pure joy when I go through trials. You should know, I am no fan of trials. I don’t like trials. I like to avoid trials. I have no interest in going through trials. I do my best to leave a trial as soon as possible. Do you think I want you to be joyful for your trials? It sounds like it to me. Then you better listen a little more carefully. How so? There is a huge difference between being joyful in and through a trial and being joyful for a trial. Can you explain that to me? Yes, I can.

Let me ask you a few questions. I’m listening. Have you drawn closer to me as you have gone through trials? Have you felt my nearness as you have gone through trials? Has your life with me grown more intimate as you have held on to me through trials? Has your faith in me grown stronger as you have gone through trials? Have I strengthened you and made you able to persevere as you have gone through trials? Have you learned to call out to me and ask me for help as you have gone through trials? Have I heard and answered your prayers as you have gone through trials? Have I generously given you wisdom as you have gone through trials?  Yes, you have done all these things in and for me as I have gone through trials. Are you thankful for all that I have done in and for you as you have gone through trials? Yes, I am thankful. Yes, I am grateful. Would you even say that you are joyful for what I have done in and for you as you have gone through trials? Without, a doubt, I have joy in my heart because of all that you have done in and for me as I have gone through trials. Remember that. Have this joy in you as you go through trials. Now, I understand. That’s good. 

One more question. What’s that? If you could, would you trade all that I have done in and for you through trials for never having any trials in the first place? Not, for a second. Then you can have joy and give thanks in the midst of trials because you know that I will be continuing my good work in you. Yes, I can. Yes, I will. That is very good. 

Lord, I am no fan of trials. I have had a negative attitude toward them. Yet, I know that you can and do use trials for good in my life. Help me to persevere and grow stronger in my faith as I go through trials. Help me to rely on you for all I need in every trial. Amen

Key Question…  How has your faith grown stronger as you have gone through trials?

Living It Out…  Rely on the Lord to help you to persevere and grow stronger in your faith as you go through trails.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will be able to use trials to help you to grow stronger in your faith.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how your faith has grown stronger as you have gone through trials.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you rely on the Lord to strengthen your faith as you go through trials.

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

Day 12 – Becoming Like Christ – James 1-2-4 – Whenever You Face Trials – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Take Heart

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 333 - John 16:33 - Take Heart - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 333 – John 16:33 – Take Heart – Growing As Disciples

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)

Trouble

There is no doubt that this world is filled with trouble. I know that this is a sin broken world that no longer functions fully according to your design. People mistreat people. Nations rise against nations. Even the weather and climate of this world has gone haywire. Nothing in this world has been left untouched by sin. At one time I thought that because I am one of your followers, I might be exempt from all the pain and suffering in this life. What a silly thought that was. Why would I be exempt? You suffered in this world. I will suffer in this world. Now, I know without a doubt, that I am not exempt from all the pain and suffering that is in this life.

But I will not be discouraged or defeated or depressed by all the pain and suffering in this life. Why is that? I have hope in you. I can take courage in you. I can have peace in you. Why can you have hope and peace and courage in me? You have overcome the world. I will overcome the world because I am in you. You will give me the courage and hope and peace and strength to go through whatever I will face in life. You will be with me. You will help me. You will strengthen me. You will lift me up and carry me through life. Of that, I am certain. That is my experience. You have never left me alone. You have never abandoned me. No, I have not. No matter what you face in life, I have always been with you to help you. Thank you, Lord.

But I have a hope in you that goes far beyond this life. What hope do you have beyond this life? This world is not my true home. This life is temporary. This life is like a blink of the eyes or the snap of the fingers. I am quickly passing through this life. My real home is in heaven with you. Yes, it is. You have secured a place for me forever in heaven with you. There will be no pain or suffering or tears in heaven. The beauty of this life will not compare to the splendor of heaven. My future in heaven with you gives me hope and peace and courage in the midst of any trouble I will face in this world. That is very good. 

Lord, thank you that I am in you. My final, real and forever home is secure in heaven with you. Thank you that you have overcome the world. Help me to also overcome all the troubles in the world. I will take heart and be filled with your hope, peace and courage. Amen

Key Question… How is the Lord helping you to overcome, all the trouble in the world, because you are in Him?

Living It Out… Take heart, be of good courage and have peace because you are in Christ who has overcome the world.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will have peace, in the midst of troubling world, because you are in Christ.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how being in Christ has filled your life with courage and peace.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you take courage and be filled with peace because you are in Christ.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 333 – John 16-33 – Take Heart – 4 Page Discipleships Devotional Study Guide

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

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

Accept Instruction

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 9 - Proverbs 19:20 - Accept Instruction - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 9 – Proverbs 19:20 – Accept Instruction – Growing As Disciples

Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Proverbs 19:20 (NIV) 

Listen To Advice

I think I have learned my lesson. I hope I have learned my lesson. I pray that I have learned my lesson. What lesson are you talking about? I think and hope and pray that I have learned to listen to advice and accept instruction. Has this been a hard lesson for you to learn? You know the answer to that question. Nothing is hidden from you. That’s right. Yes, it has been a hard lesson for me to learn. Why is that? It is very hard for a “know it all” to listen to advice and accept instruction. Have you been something of a “know it all’? A little bit. Now, aren’t you funny? I have been far more than a little bit of a “know it all.” I have also thought that I am “almost never wrong.” That is a problem, isn’t it? Yes, it is a huge problem.

Tell me why it is a huge problem to be a “know it all” and an “almost never wrong” kind of person. First of all, I want to become like you. You want me to become like you. It is both your and my goal that I become like you. Proudly thinking that I “know it all or that I am “almost never wrong” is nothing like you. You were not filled with pride. You were filled with humility. If I am to become like you, I will need to trade in my pride for your humility. Yes, you will. That is absolutely true.

Why is it a foolish and dangerous mistake to give others the impression that you think you “know it all” and are “almost never wrong?” What are the consequences of these prideful attitudes? If others think I won’t listen to advice or accept instruction, then they won’t take the time or make the effort to tell me what I need to hear. They will let me go on my own way into the pain and trouble and suffering that could have been avoided. I will not be the beneficiary of the wisdom others would be willing to share with me. You won’t be able to speak into my life through the wisdom of the people around me. I will have no sounding boards. I will accept no feedback. My life could be heading for a train wreck without anyone to warn me, simply because my pride would not allow me to listen to advice or accept instruction. That’s true. 

I will tell you a little secret. What’s that? If you are unwilling to listen to others, you will also be unwilling to listen to me. The pride that will cause you to fail to listen to advice and accept instruction from others, will also prevent you from hearing and following and obeying me. Of that, I am positive. Will you humbly listen to advice and accept instruction from me and others? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I cannot tell you how often I have thought I knew it all. What a mistake. I have frequently given others the impression that I was unwilling to listen to advice and accept instruction. Another big mistake. Help me now to eagerly accept advice and instruction. Amen

Key Question… When have you been positive that the Lord spoke into your life through advice and instruction from others?

Living It Out… Eagerly accept and carefully listen to advice and instruction that the Lord wants to give to you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will often give you advice and instruction through people He brings into your life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has given you advice and instruction to follow.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you humbly listen to advice and accept instruction.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 9 – Proverbs 19-20 – Accept Instruction – 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

Serve Others

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 338 - 1 Peter 4:10-11 - Serve Others - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 338 – 1 Peter 4:10-11 – Serve Others – Growing As Disciples

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV)

Your Gifts 

Are you using all the gifts you have been given to serve others? Are you bearing fruit for my Kingdom and bringing glory to my name, as you faithfully use the spiritual gifts, I have given to you? Those are very good questions. I will tell you one thing for certain. What’s that? I don’t want to someday find out that I never used a gift that you had given to me. That would be really sad. That would be a tragedy. What will you do to make sure that does not happen? I will ask for your help. What help do you want from me? I want you to help me to discover and use all the spiritual gifts you have given to me. Is that it? No, I’m just getting warmed up. I want you to help me to refine and develop the gifts you have given to me. What do you mean by that? I know that the gifts you have given to me will not be fully developed unless I use them. I also know that as I use the gifts you have given to me, you will refine, grow and develop them in me, for your use. You will make me effective and fruitful in using the gifts you have given to me. You will not let the gifts you have given me go unused, underdeveloped and underutilized, as I go and do whatever you ask of me. I think that is the key. What is the key? Will I listen to your voice? Will I follow you? Will I go where you lead me and do what you ask of me? How would it be possible to not use the gifts you have given me if I am continually following and obeying you? It would not be possible. So, if I follow and obey you, I’m sure that I will have no worries about not utilizing the gifts you have given to me. What you ask of me will require me to use all the gifts you have given to me. That is correct. Keep your heart and mind and life focused on me. I will lead and guide you. I will accomplish my purposes and fulfill my plans in and through you. I will give you what I want you to do. As you serve me you will have no worries about failing to use all your spiritual gifts as you rely on me. Thank you, Heavenly Father. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me spiritual gifts with which I can serve others. Help me to discover and faithfully use all my spiritual gifts. Help me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name as I use all the gifts you have given to me. Amen

Key Question… What trial and error process have you go through on the way to discovering your spiritual gifts?

Living It Out… Use all your spiritual gifts to serve others so you can bear fruit for God’s kingdom and bring glory to His name.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will bear fruit for the kingdom of God and bring glory to His name as you use your spiritual gifts.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has helped you to use, refine and develop your spiritual gifts.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you use the gifts you have been given to serve others.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 338 – 1 Peter 4-10-11 – Serve Others – 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

Taste And See

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 33 - Psalm 34:4-8 - Taste And See - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 33 – Psalm 34:4-8 – Taste And See – 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)

Taste and See 

Do you want to taste and see? Do I want to taste and see what? Do you want to taste and see me? Yes, of course I want to taste and see you. Do you know that you will not taste and see me if your heart and mind and life is not focused on me? Why is that? You tell me. If I don’t take time to slow down to meet with you, I will never taste and see your goodness. I will not be able to live the life you have called me to live. I will not hear your voice. The noise of the world will be too loud. I will not follow your guidance. I will not receive your instructions. I will not notice your activity all around me. The frantic pace of life will obscure my vision. I will wander through life from one meaningless endeavor to another. My life will have no hope and meaning or purpose. I will miss your plan for my life. I will not accomplish your purposes or fulfill your plans. No, you would not. But, this will not be true of you, of that I am certain. I am glad to hear that.

How are you taking steps to taste and see my goodness? Every day, I meet with you in your word. Every day, I engage in an ongoing conversation with you. Every day, my heart and mind and life are focused on you. I am constantly thinking about how I can love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. It is my joy to do what is pleasing to you. You are guarding and guiding my life. You are leading me to where you want me to go. You are giving me what you want me to do. I am making my needs known to you. You are hearing and answering my prayers. You are saving me from out of my troubles. Your protection is making camp around me. I am taking refuge in you. You are making my life radiate with joy as I look to you. In sum, I am living in an intimate relationship with you. That is why and how you are tasting and seeing my goodness. Yes, I know. That is very good. Yes, it is. 

Lord, I will earnestly seek you. I will keep my heart, mind and life focused on you. I will call out to you and make my needs known to you. I will live my life in humble awe before you. Help me to taste and see your goodness. Fill my life with your joyful radiance. Amen

Key Question…  How has earnestly seeking the Lord delivered you from fears you have faced in life?

Living It Out…  Keep your heart and mind and life focused on the Lord so you will be to taste and see His goodness.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will help you to taste and see His goodness.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has helped you to see His goodness.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you continually come to the Lord to taste and see His goodness.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 33 – Psalm 34-4-8 – Taste And See – 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

Live In Harmony

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 354 - 1 Peter 3:8-9 - Live In Harmony - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 354 – 1 Peter 3:8-9 – Live In Harmony – Growing As Disciples

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.  Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV)  

What Would Love Do?

That is a very good question. What is a very good question? What would love do? Yes, that is a very good question. Do you have an answer for that question? Yes, I do. As your follower, I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I love you because you first loved me. Your love has changed my heart and transformed my mind. How so? All my thoughts and words and actions are now different because I love you. Now, I want to do what is good and right and pleasing to you. Before, I lived to do what was good and right and pleasing to me. I lived for my own interests. I was pridefully focused on myself. Now, I want to humbly follow and obey you because I love you. I’m not looking for what might be the minimum requirement of loving you either. That would be no expression of love at all. Now, I am constantly on the lookout for ways to express my love to you. So, the answer to the question of, “What would love do?” is anything and everything. There is nowhere I would not go, or nothing I would not do because I love you. That is a very good answer. 

What have I asked you to do for me? How do I want you to treat others? What am I asking you to do for others? You are asking me to love others deeply from my heart. You want me to be sympathetic and compassionate and loving to all. Say more about who is included in that word, “all”. You want me to love those who don’t love me. You want me to love everyone. Give me an example. If someone committed some evil against me or hurled some insult at me, you want me to bless them anyhow. In fact, you have called me to be a blessing to everyone around me. Yes, that is my calling on your life. What will you receive and inherit as you live as my blessing in the world? I will receive your blessing. Yes, you will. Will you love me? Will you love others? Will you follow and obey my two great commandments? Yes Lord, I will, with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. That will be very good. 

Lord, I will live in harmony with others. I will not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. Instead, I will be sympathetic, loving and compassionate to all. I will repay evil and insult with blessing. With your help, I will be a blessing so that I can inherit a blessing. Amen

Key Question…  Why will personal pride almost always get in the way of being able to live in harmony with others?

Living It Out…  Make every effort to live in harmony with others.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will help you to live in harmony with others.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has helped you to live in harmony with others.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you live in harmony with others.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 354 – 1 Peter 3-8-9 – Live In Harmony – 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

Then He Opened Their Minds

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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

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

Teach Me Your Ways

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 154 - Exodus 33:12-17 - Teach Me Your Ways - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 154 – Exodus 33:12-17 – Teach Me Your Ways – Growing As Disciples

Moses said to the LORD, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” And the LORD said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” Exodus 33:12-17 (NIV)

My Prayer

This is my prayer. What is your prayer? I want to know you. I want to walk in your ways. I want your presence to be with me. I want your favor to rest on me. I want you to make me able to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. I want to live a life that is pleasing to you. I want to glorify your name in all that I think, say and do. I want to be powerfully used by you so that I can bear abundant fruit for your kingdom. I know that none of this will be possible without your help. None of this will happen unless you hear and answer my prayers. Do you believe that I will hear and answer your prayers? Yes, I do. Do you believe that I will accomplish my purposes and fulfill my plans in and through you? Yes, I do. That is very good.

What must you do if you want me to accomplish all that you have asked of me? I must keep on coming to you. I must live a life that is reliant on you. I must live a life of prayer with you. I must live in an intimate relationship with you. I will meet with you in prayer. I will meet with you in your word. I will meet with you in worship. I will live a life that is fully devoted to you. This is the life that I want to live. This is the life that I desire. I want nothing more than to love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. Make me able to live this kind of life. Accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans in and through my life. Help me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Place your hand on me. Let your favor rest on me. I want what you want. I will go where you send me. I will do what you ask of me. My life is in your hands. Use me in your service. I will hear and answer your prayers. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, there is nothing I want more than to come to know you and find favor with you. It is my utmost desire to live in ways that please you and bring glory to your name. Help me to know and love and follow and serve you. Use my life completely in your service. Amen

Key Question… When have you known that the Lord was powerfully helping you to go and do His will?

Living It Out… Ask the Lord to teach you His ways so that you can come to know Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will teach you His ways so you can come to know Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has helped you to come to know Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you come to know and find favor with the Lord.

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

Day 154 – Becoming Like Christ – Exodus 33-12-17 – Teach Me Your 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

Close To The Brokenhearted

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 311 - Psalm 34:8 - Close To The Brokenhearted - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 311 – Psalm 34:8 – Close To The Brokenhearted – Growing As Disciples

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 (NIV) 

Crushed

Well, I have been that.  You have been what? I have been crushed. I have been brokenhearted. I have been filled with pain and suffering. I have experienced seemingly unending tears. It’s no fun, I will tell you that. I wouldn’t wish pain and suffering and crushing brokenness on anyone. But I know a couple things for certain. What’s that? Sin has broken this world. This life is not as you intended it. Nothing in this world has been left untouched by sin. No one will go through this life free of pain and suffering and crushing brokenness. You suffered. Why would I not suffer? You experienced pain. You went through what I would call, crushing brokenness. Why wouldn’t I as well? Doesn’t that sound quite discouraging and depressing and defeating to you? It might, except I also know something else as well. What’s that? You are with me. You will never leave me. You will never forsake me. No, I will not. For that, I am thankful. For that I am thankful. Your closeness to me gives me hope. So no, I am not discouraged or depressed or defeated. That is very good.

I have something to say that might sound a little weird. What’s that? I wouldn’t want to live a life that had no pain or suffering in it. I wouldn’t exchange the crushing brokenness I have experienced for a pain free life on easy street. You’re right, that does sound a little weird. Let me ask myself some questions. Go ahead, this sounds interesting. Would I know you as well if I had never gone through suffering? I don’t think so. Would I have come to rely on you as much as I do if I had never experienced setbacks? I’m sure not. Have I not drawn near to you and you to me in the deepest and darkest and most painful moments of my life? Without, a doubt. Have I not experienced deeper measures of your love as I have cried out to you in anguish? That is for certain. Would I know you as well as I do if everything about my life was easy and went perfectly? Not hardly, maybe not even at all. Do I sound weird now? No, not at all.  How about this? You have even made me able to comfort others with the comfort you have given to me. That’s great. On top of that, you have held on to me. You have always lifted me up. You have carried me. You have led me though life. You have kept me moving forward with you. So no, I would not trade the life I have lived with you, for any other kind of life, especially one that seemed to promise me no pain or suffering or setbacks or defeat. That’s very good. Keep on leading me Lord. Yes, I will.

Lord, I know this sin tainted world is filled with brokenness and suffering. I have experienced my share of pain. I am thankful you have been near to me when have I been brokenhearted. You have comforted and lifted me up and kept me moving forward with you. Amen

Key Question… What prayers have you prayed to the Lord when you were crushed and brokenhearted?

Living It Out… Draw near to the Lord and receive His comfort when you are crushed and brokenhearted.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord is close to you when you are crushed and brokenhearted.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has been close to you when you were brokenhearted.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you cry out to the Lord because He is close to you.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 311 – Psalm 34-18 – Close To The Brokenhearted – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional

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