Tag Archives: discipleship devotional

Learned A Lesson

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 314 - Proverbs 24:30-34 - Learned A Lesson - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 314 – Proverbs 24:30-34 – Learned A Lesson – Growing As Disciples

I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest– and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. Proverbs 24:30-34 (NIV)

School Is In Session

I guess school is in session. What do you mean by that? By that, I mean my eyes and ears are open. I’m watching. I’m listening. I want to see and hear all that you want to teach me. I am humbly setting myself before you. I am welcoming your teaching in my life.  And I have no doubts about your wanting to teach me. What do you think I will use to teach you? You will use all the circumstances of life to teach me. Nothing from all of life will be unavailable for your use. Like what? What have I used to teach you in the past? You have used failures to teach me. You have used successes to teach me. You have used everything between success and failure to teach me. You have used highs and lows to teach me. Actually, I have never known when a teachable moment will be before me. All I know is that I want to be fully attentive to you. I’m sure that you don’t want any teachable moment for me to go to waste. No, I don’t. Neither do I.

What attitude must you have if you are to be teachable? I must be humble above all else. Nothing will make me more unteachable than being filled with pride. Nothing will close my eyes and ears more tightly to you than thinking either that I “know it all” or I “am it all.”  But I want to say something else. What’s that? Even when I have been filled with pride you have been able to teach me. However, I would rather not be taught and learn under those circumstances. Why is that? The lessons are much more difficult and painful. If and when my heart has been as hard as stone, the lesson has had to be as strong as a diamond, so to speak. You have had to break through my pride to teach me. Which you have done so, at times, because you love and care for me. You don’t want me to remain as I am. You want to keep me moving forward with you. Yes, I do. 

What effort will you make to receive my instruction? I will not be lazy. I will not be complacent. Every day I will apply myself and give my full and best efforts to learning the lessons you are teaching me. I will not simply listen to your instruction. I will follow your guidance. I will go and do what you ask of me. Why will you give your all-out effort to me? I want to bear fruit for your kingdom. I want to bring glory to your name. I want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you. So, each day I will live as if school is in session, because it is. You are my teacher. I am your student. Yes, I am. Yes, you are. Let the learning begin. That will be very good.

Lord, I will keep my eyes and ears open so that I will be able to see and hear what you want to teach me. Teach me lessons that will give me wisdom. Give me good judgement. Guide the course of my life so I will be able to know and do what is pleasing to you. Amen

Key Question… When has the Lord used something you observed to teach you a lesson?

Living It Out… Keep your eyes and ears open so you will be able to see and hear what the Lord wants to teach you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will teach you lessons that will help you to know and do what is pleasing to Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has taught you a valuable lesson of lifelong importance.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you keep your eyes and ears open to the lessons the Lord wants to teach you.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 314 – Proverbs 24-30-34 – Learned A Lesson – 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

To Teach Us

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 313 - Romans 15:4 - To Teach Us - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 313 – Romans 15:4 – To Teach Us – Growing As Disciples

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 (NIV)  

Teach Me

That is what I want you to do. What do you want me to do? I want you to teach me. I will be your student. I am your follower. I will listen carefully to everything you have to say to me. I will accept your instruction. I will follow your guidance. I will put your word into practice. I will obey your commands. I will allow your word to form the thoughts of my mind, the words of my mouth and the deeds of my life. That will be very good.

When will class be in session? How will I hear and learn and receive all that you want to teach me? I would like to hear your thoughts on these questions. Your class will always be in session. You will use all the twists and turns and ups and downs of life to teach me. Nothing will be beyond your use, to instruct me. That is true. But your class will especially be in session when I come to meet with you in your word. There is not a day that I will not need to receive wisdom and guidance, encouragement and endurance, patience and strength, and much that comes from your word. That is also true.

When will you meet with me in my word? When will you listen attentively to my word? When will you receive all that I have to give you from my word? I will meet with you daily in your word. I will take your word deeply into my heart and mind and life. I will read and study your word. I will meditate on and memorize your word. I will pray and proclaim your word. Your word will be ever before me. In every way, on every day, I will take a hold of your word so that it takes a hold of me. That will be very good.

What do you expect that my word will do for you? Beyond, what I have already mentioned? Yes beyond, what you have already mentioned. I expect that your word will teach and train me to be able to hear and recognize your voice. I expect that your word will help me to come to know you intimately. I expect that your word will change my heart and transform my mind. I expect that your word will make me able to follow and obey you, to live the life that you have called me to live. Yes, my word will do all these things in you, for you and through you. Let my word dwell richly in you. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. Of that I have no doubt. Of that, I am certain.

Lord, I will take your word deeply into my heart and mind and life so I can receive all that you want to give to me. Give me endurance and encouragement and hope as I meet with you daily in your word. Teach and instruct me and guide my life with your word. Amen

Key Question… How have you received encouragement and been given hope from God’s word?

Living It Out… Take God’s word deeply into your heart and mind and life so you can receive all that He wants to give you.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will use His word to give you endurance, encouragement and hope.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has powerfully used His word in your life.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you receive endurance and encouragement from God’s word.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 313 – Romans 15-4 – To Teach 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

By Faith

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 312 - Hebrews 11:7- By Faith - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 312 – Hebrews 11:7- By Faith – Growing As Disciples

By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn’t see, and acted on what he was told. The result? His family was saved. His act of faith drew a sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the rightness of the believing world. As a result, Noah became intimate with God. Hebrews 11:7 (MSG)  

Great Faith

I know that you want to develop this in me. I know that you will require this of me. What will I develop in you? What will I require of you? You will develop great faith in me. You will require great faith of me. How do you know this to be true? This is what you have been doing in me. This is what started on the day I turned my life over to you. Little by little, and step by step, and day by day, you have been developing my faith in you. This is the journey I have been on as I walk through life with you. That is true. I want your faith in me to grow and develop.

What must you do if you want your faith to grow? What must you do if you want to have great faith?  What must you keep on doing if you want me to powerfully use you? I must keep on saying yes to you. I must keep on following you to where you lead me. I must keep on doing what you ask of me. Will it always be easy for you to say yes to me? Will you always completely understand what I am asking of you? Will you always know exactly where I am leading you? Ha, I would ask almost the opposite questions. Will it ever be easy to say yes to you? Will I ever completely understand what you are asking of me? Will I always know exactly where you are leading me? If every request of yours was easy, or if I always completely understand what you were asking of me, or if I always knew where you were leading me, where would the step of faith be? Where would my opportunity to rely more fully on you develop? How would my faith in your grow stronger? How would you develop great faith in me? So no, steps of faith will never be clear and easy and completely understandable. It pleases me that you come to understand this to be true.

I have more to say. I’m listening. We have not even talked about persistence over time in the face of ridicule and opposition. What do you want to say about persistence over time in the face of ridicule and opposition? It will be required. It is part of saying yes to you. It may be easy to say yes to you initially. But I can’t think of many significant assignments you have given to me that did not require me to keep on saying yes to you when the going got tough. How so? I have experienced ridicule and opposition and obstacles of every kind. Sometimes, the ridicule and opposition and obstacles has even come from what I would call “friendly fire”. In the face of all of this, I have had to keep on reaffirming that I will continue to do what you ask of me. I have and will keep on saying yes to you. That will be every good. Then I will keep on developing great faith in you. I will keep on using you for my purposes to fulfill my plans. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, I will say yes to you. I will go and do whatever you ask of me. I will keep on pressing on even when I face opposition and ridicule. I will not give up. I will not quit. I will keep on following and serving you with all the strength that you will give to me. Amen

Key Question… When has the Lord asked you to go and do something that required great faith?

Living It Out… Have faith in the Lord by going and doing whatever He asks of you even when you don’t fully understand why.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will ask you to go and do things for Him that will require great faith.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have been going and doing what the Lord has asked of you.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you have great faith to go and do whatever the Lord asks of you.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 312 – Hebrews 11-7 – By Faith – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

We Trust In The Name Of The Lord

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 310 - Psalm 20:7 - We Trust In The Name Of The Lord - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 310 – Psalm 20:7 – We Trust In The Name Of The Lord – Growing As Disciples

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7 (NIV)

My Trust

That is a good question. What is a good question? Where will I place my trust? That is the question that is on my mind. It is easy to say that I will place all my trust in you. It is another thing altogether to actually place all my trust in you. How do you know that? Many times, I have made the mistake of placing my trust in myself, someone else, or in something else. Tell me more about what you have trusted. I have trusted my own gifts and talents and abilities. I have trusted my own wisdom and power and strength. I have trusted my own money and resources. Was your trust well placed in these things? No, not at all. When it comes right down to it, I’m not all that gifted or talented or wise or strong. I don’t have all that much money or resources either. So, trusting in myself has not been wise. What else have you trusted? I have trusted other people. I may have a bleak view of things. But other people are even more untrustworthy than my trusting in myself. I’m not down on people. It just that, we are all flawed. We are all weak. We all take missteps. We all make mistakes. We all sin. To rely on someone else is no better and has frequently been worse than relying on myself. What else have you trusted? I have trusted in circumstances. I have blindly believed that everything would work out fine in the end. I guess that would be trusting in fate. How has that worked out for you? Not really well, trusting in circumstances is probably the most unreliable of all things to trust. Sometimes, things work out and sometimes they don’t. I can see why the question of who you are going to trust is on your mind.

Who would you like to trust? How would you like to live your life differently? Where do you want to place all your trust? I want to place my trust in you. I will place all my trust in you. That will be very good. What will be a sign to you that you are placing all your trust in me? I think the content of my prayers will tell me if I am or am not placing my trust in you. How so? If I am not praying and asking for your help, then I can’t possibly be placing my trust in you. If I am praying and continually asking for your help, then I won’t be relying on myself. The minute I stop praying and asking for your help will be a sign to me that I have started, once again, to place my trust in myself, someone else, or in something else other than you. So, I will keep on praying. I will keep on asking for your help. I will keep on relying on you. I will keep on placing all my trust in you. That will be very good. 

Lord, I don’t understand every difficult circumstance, significant obstacle, or tremendous battle in life. All I know is that you are worthy of my placing all my trust in you. You will be with me. You will help me to overcome. You will keep me moving forward with you. Amen

Key Question… How is placing your trust in the Lord helping you to overcome significant obstacles in life?

Living It Out… Place all your trust in the Lord rather than in someone or something other than Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord is worthy of your placing all your trust in Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are learning to place all your trust in the Lord.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you place all your trust in the Lord.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 310 – Psalm 20-7 – We Trust In The Name Of The 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

My Lost Sheep

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 309 - Luke 15:4-7 - My Lost Sheep - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 309 – Luke 15:4-7 – My Lost Sheep – Growing As Disciples

“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15:4-7 (NIV)

Join Me

Do you want to join me in what I am doing? Of course, I want to join you in what you are doing. What are you doing? How can I join you in what you are doing? You said yes to me without qualification. You offered to join me without knowing what I was doing. Yes, I did. Isn’t that the way it should be? Shouldn’t I be willing to go wherever you lead me to do whatever you ask of me? Shouldn’t I be willing to take steps of faith to leave the unknown to do what might be uncomfortable? Must I always know where I am going and what I am doing before I say yes to you? I don’t think so. That is not the way the life of faith is, of that I am sure. So, I have given you my unqualified yes. That is very good.

Where I am going and what I am doing should come as no secret or surprise to you. Why is that? I have always been going and doing the same thing. That seems unlikely to me. You would be incorrect in that line of thinking. You will change your thinking when I tell you where I am going and what I am doing. I’m listening with expectant anticipation. You have my full attention. I am going to seek and save the lost. I am wanting to find my bruised and battered and broken lost sheep. You are right, I am not at all surprised. Why is that? You have never stopped, nor will you ever stop looking for your lost sheep. How do you know this so well? I was once one of your lost sheep. I was bruised and battered and broken. I was wandering away on a path that led away from you. You would not let me go. You pursued me. You sought me out. You made it so I could turn my life around and begin to love and to follow and serve you. You rescued me from a life without you. You and all of heaven rejoiced on the day I gave my life to you. Yes, that is true.

Do you want to rejoice with me and with all of heaven? Do you want to join me in seeking to save the lost? Will you join me in what I am doing? Can I use you in helping me to seek and find my lost sheep? Can I use you to help others to come to know and love and follow and serve me? Yes Lord, you can use me to help find your lost sheep. I am at your disposal. I am ready for your use. That will be very good.

Lord, thank you for seeking and finding me, one of your lost sheep. You rescued me from a life without you. You pulled me off the path that led away from you. You rejoiced on the day I returned to you. Help me now, to join you in seeking and finding lost sheep. Amen

Key Question… How is the Lord asking you to join Him in seeking and finding His lost sheep?

Living It Out… Join the Lord in seeking and finding His lost sheep.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will have you join Him in seeking and finding His lost sheep.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have joined the Lord in seeking and finding His lost sheep.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you join the Lord in seeking and finding His lost sheep.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 309 – Luke 15-4-7- My Lost Sheep – 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

Hear The Word Of God

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 308 - Luke 11:28 - Hear The Word Of God - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 308 – Luke 11:28 – Hear The Word Of God – Growing As Disciples

He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28 (NIV) 

A Blessed Life

What must you do if you want my blessing to be on your life? That might seem like a difficult question. That might seem to be a question with an unknowable answer. Is it? Nothing could be further from the truth. You have made it quite simple and very obvious what I must do if I want your blessing to be on my life. For that, I am quite thankful. For that, I am exceptionally grateful. Let me hear your answer. If I want your blessing to be on my life I must hear and obey your word. That is correct.

So, what will you do to assure that you are both hearing and obeying my word? First, I will take your word deeply into my heart and mind and life. I will not casually hear your word. I will not occasionally hear your word. I will make hearing your word the utmost and highest priority of my life. Why would I not? Why would anyone not want to hear from you? Why wouldn’t hearing your voice speaking to me be the burning and passionate desire of my heart? Why wouldn’t hearing from you be far above all other possible hopes or dreams of mine? So, you really and truly and passionately want to hear from me? Yes, I do. That is why I have set aside a daily time and place to meet with you. Our time together is carved into my schedule. That is very good. Yes, it is.

What about obeying my word, how are you going about obeying my word? I have learned a secret. What’s that? You have been changing my heart and transforming my mind as I met with you in your word. Your word has been forming the thoughts of my mind, words of my mouth and the deeds of my life. Your word has been molding and shaping me. Your word has been guarding and guiding me. Your word has fought like a sword, in me, with me, for me and through me. Your word is making me able to stand against temptation and fight against evil. Your word has given me the desire to hear and know and do your will. Your word is guiding the entire course of my life. Your word has been given me the powerful desire and strong ability to obey you. Why is that? As I continue to meet with you in your word my love for you grows stronger every day. I hunger and thirst for you. I want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you. You have richly blessed my live by helping me to hear and obey you. You are my strength. You make me able to know and do your will. In that, I rejoice. In that, I give thanks. In that, I give you praise. Being able to hear and obey you has richly blessed my life. That is very good. Yes, it is.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your word. I will take your word deeply into my heart, mind and life. Every day I will meet with you in your word. I will obey your word. I will allow your word to form all my thoughts, words and actions. Guide my life by your word. Amen

Key Question… How are you making it your daily practice to hear and obey the word of God?

Living It Out… Make it your daily pattern and practice to hear and obey the word of God.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your life will be richly blessed as you hear and obey the word of God.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how your life has been blessed by hearing and obeying the word of God.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow your Heavenly Father to bless your life as you hear and obey His word.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 308 – Luke 11-28 – Hear The Word Of God – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

What Do You Want?

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ - Day 307 - Mark 10:51-52 - What Do You Want? - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 307 – Mark 10:51-52 – What Do You Want? – Growing As Disciples

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Mark 10:51-52 (NIV) 

What Do You Want? 

Are you really asking me that question? That would be a hard question to answer. Why is that? I don’t want to ask for just anything. I want to ask for what is critically important. Do you think that you can ask only so much of me? Do you think that you only have a set number of requests you can make of me? No, not really. But I do want to ask for what you have placed in my heart and mind as priorities. So, I could say that, “I want what you want”. If you said that, you would need to tell me what you think I want for you. I’d like to try to do that. Go ahead, I’m listening. You want me to live in an intimate relationship with you. You want me to listen to your voice. You want me to obey your commands. You want me to know and love and follow and serve you. You want me to go and do what you ask of me. You want me to bear fruit for your kingdom. You want me to bring glory to your name. You want me to humble myself as I live to serve others. You want me to shine brightly for you in the darkness of this world. You want me to lead others to you. You want me to go and make disciples. You want me to teach others what you have taught me. You want me to intercede in prayer for the needs of others. You want me to love like you loved. You want me to serve like you served. You want me to give like you gave. I realize that this list is rather random. But I know that you want all of these things for me. You want to do all these things in and through me. So, when you say, “What do I want?” I want all of these things to be true in my life. I want you to develop all of these qualities in me. Basically, I could sum all of these qualities up by simply saying, “I want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you.” I want or need nothing more or nothing less. I would be far beyond happy and grateful if you were to answer these requests of mine. Do you believe that I will hear and answer these prayers of yours? Yes Lord, I do. You can be sure that I will hear and answer these prayers of yours. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, I will bring my prayers before you. I will ask you for all that I need. I will be persistent in prayer. I will pray as you guide me. I will ask for not only my needs but also for the needs of others. Teach me to pray prayers that you will gladly hear and answer. Amen

Key Question… Why is it important to be very specific when you make prayer requests to the Lord?

Living It Out… Ask the Lord for what you want and need from Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will hear and answer your prayers.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has heard and answered your prayers.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you ask the Lord for what you want and need from Him.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 307 – Mark 10-51-52 – What Do You Want? 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

Have Mercy On Me

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 146 - Luke 8:9-14 - Have Mercy On Me - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 146 – Luke 8:9-14 – Have Mercy On Me – Growing As Disciples

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men–robbers, evildoers, adulterers–or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14 (NIV)

Humility

There is something that I have no confidence in whatsoever. What’s that? I have absolutely no confidence in my own righteousness. There are a few things of which I am completely certain. What’s that? I have sinned. I will sin. I am a sinner.  My righteousness is no better than filthy rags. My righteousness is about as desirable as old dirty, stinky clothes. It is quite obvious to me that I am no better than anyone else living on this planet. I have nothing to brag about. I have no reason to look down on anyone else. I am glad that you know these things.

What do you have confidence in? I have confidence in your forgiveness. I am certain that you will forgive my sin and cleanse my unrighteousness. I am sure that you have made me righteous in your sight. You have made it so I can draw near to you. You have made it possible for me to live in an intimate relationship with you. Yes, I have done all these things for you.

How will you live your life differently because you know that I have made you righteous? I will live in humility before you. I will freely confess my sins to you. I will live in humility with the rest of mankind. I will think and speak and act in ways that will humbly lead others to you. I will do for others what you have done for me. Like what? I will love like you loved. I will give like you gave. I will serve like you served. I will go and do whatever you ask of me so that others can come to know and love you. I will reach out to others so that they may also receive your forgiveness and cleansing. That will be very good.

Lord, I know that I am a sinner. I am no better than anyone else. I have nothing to brag about. It is you who has forgiven me. It is you who has cleansed me. It is you who has made me able to love and follow and serve you. Thank you for drawing me to you. Amen

Key Question… How are you making it your regular practice to confess your sins to God?

Living It Out… Live in humility before God as you regularly confess your sins to Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will exalt you as you live in humility before Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are living in humility before God.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you humbly confess your sins to the Lord.

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

Day 146 – Becoming Like Christ – Luke 18-9-14 – Have Mercy On Me – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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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

Train Yourself

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 143 - 1 Timothy 4:7-8 - Train Yourself - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 143 – 1 Timothy 4:7-8 – Train Yourself – Growing As Disciples

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)

Training

What are important elements of training? I’m not sure what you are asking of me. Think of physical training for a moment. What would be desirable elements of physical training? It would be important to develop a plan and consistently follow that plan. A hit or miss approach to physical training would not be good. Why is that? I would not receive much benefit from hit and miss training that was not consistent. To benefit from physical training, it would be very important to continue with it day in and day out. What else? Physical training, to be most effective would need to consider a variety of related elements. Such as? Diet and rest are a very important aspect of physical training. For my body to receive the greatest benefit I would need to develop a rhythm of exercise and rest along with a proper diet to feed my body. That’s true. I want you to engage in this kind of training for your body. Why is that? For you to be most vibrant, healthy and alive you will need to take care of your body. I understand.

But it is far more important that you take care of your spiritual life. It is of some value for you to engage in consistent physical training. It is of far more benefit for you to engage in spiritual training. Why is that? Do you want to live a godly life? Do you want to become more like me? Do you want to think godly thoughts, speak godly words and do godly deeds? Yes, I do, without a doubt. Then you must enter into spiritual training. How will I do that? You tell me. I will make a plan to meet with you every day in your word. I will make a plan every day to meet with you in prayer. I will put your word into practice. I will listen to your voice. I will go where you guide me. I will do what you ask of me. I will allow you to work in and through my life. I will continually be at your service. Does that sound like a plan? Yes, it does.

There is one thing you should know about having a plan. I think I know what you are going to say. What’s that? A plan is only good if it is followed day in and day out on a consistent ongoing basis. I must not grow weary. I must not become impatient. I must not give up. I may be the last one to notice my own progress. But you will help me every step of the way as I continue to follow and serve you. You will keep me going. You will help me to be strong. You will make me to be like you in all that I think, say and do. Yes, I will. 

Lord, I will engage in physical training to keep my body healthy. But far more importantly I will engage in daily and ongoing spiritual training so I can become more like you. Make me to be like you in all that I think, say and do, so I will bring glory to your name. Amen

Key Question… What elements of spiritual training are you engaged in on a consistent daily basis?

Living It Out… Engage in spiritual training on a daily basis so that you will become godlier in all you think, say and do?

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will make you to be more like Him as you engage in spiritual training.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are engaged in spiritual training on a daily basis.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you train yourself to be godly in all you think, say and do.

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

Day 143 – Becoming Like Christ – 1 Timothy 4-7-8 – Train Yourself – 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

Turn From Evil

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 142 - 1 Peter 3:10-12 - Turn From Evil - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 142 – 1 Peter 3:10-12 – Turn From Evil – Growing As Disciples

For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:10-12 (NIV)

A Good Day 

How would you describe that? How would I describe what? How would you describe a good day? That is an unusual question. Why is that? I could pick a hundred different things that might be part of a good day. Are there really that many possibilities? I’m not sure. Why don’t you try to describe just one good day? Maybe, your thoughts will become clearer as you think more deeply about this question. I could ask you other related questions that might help you. Go ahead, ask me, I’d like that. What would a good life look like? If you added up all your good days how would they end up equaling a good life? You’re right, those additional questions have helped me to think about my answer. My thoughts have become clearer. Let me hear your thoughts. A good day would be one that I lived with and for you. A good day would be one in which I walked intimately with you. A good day would be when I turned away from evil to do good. A good day would be when I kept my tongue from speaking any evil or deceitful speech. Most of importantly, good days would be when your eyes are on me and you are attentive to my prayers. Without all of these things, I could not call any day good. So, in conclusion, I would say that good days are one in which I have walked closely with you. Only these days can be added up to equal a good life that was well lived. You have answered my question well.

I have more to say. I’m listening. I want you to help me to live a life filled with good days. I don’t want to live any bad days. I want to continually turn away from evil to do good. I want to continually think good thoughts, speak good words and do good deeds. I want your eyes to be on me continually. I want you to always be attentive to my prayers. I know that you will help me to live these kinds of days and this kind of life. You will watch me. You will be with me. You will help me. You will give me prayers to prayer that you will certainly hear and answer. Yes, I will. This prayer of yours, to live good days and a good life, is one that I will certainly hear and answer. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, I will turn away from evil in all its forms. I will not think evil thoughts, speak evil words, or take evil actions. Instead, I will do all the good that you have called me to do for you. Help me to live the life you have called me to live. Hear and answer my prayers. Amen

Key Question… How has the Lord blessed your life because you have turned away from evil to do good?

Living It Out… Turn away from evil and do good so you can live a life that the Lord will bless.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will hear your prayers and bless your life as you turn away from evil to do good.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have turned away from evil to do good.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you turn away from evil to do good.

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 142 – 1 Peter 3-10-12 – Turn From Evil – 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