Tag Archives: Finally

Think About Such Things

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Mind - Think About Such Things - Philippians 4:8-9 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Mind – Think About Such Things – Philippians 4:8-9 – Growing As Disciples

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

Fix Your Thoughts

What do you think about? I think about a lot of things. Are there thoughts that you wish you would not think? Yes, there are quite a few thoughts that I wish I would not think. Like what? You know. Yes, I do but I would like you to tell me. Sometimes I have thoughts of fear and doubt. Sometimes I have thoughts of worry and rejection. Do you like thinking these thoughts? No, not at all. Do you know that you have the ability to choose what you will think about? It doesn’t seem like it. These thoughts just seem to pop into my head. I didn’t invite them into my mind. It is like they barge in without invitation. I know that it seems like you have no control over the thoughts of your mind but you really do. How is that?

Each day you make a multitude of decisions of what you want to think about. If your mind is weak you really have no control over what you’ll think about. But, you can train your mind.   Your mind can be strengthened. Just as your body can grow stronger by lifting weights so also your mind can be strengthened by what you think deeply about. But you will have to begin to make choices about what you subject your mind to. How do I do that? Think for a minute about all that you allow yourself to see and hear. Is all of it helpful? No, not at all. How many unhelpful, unhealthy and sinful things are you allowing yourself to hear and see? Quite a bit I guess. Those go directly into your mind and become your thoughts. Your thoughts become who you are and determine how you will live and act. Can you see how important it is to place a guard on what you think about? Yes, I can now.

I want you to do two things. What is that? First, cut it out. Cut out what? Cut out of your life all the sources of unhelpful, unhealthy and sinful material that is feeding your mind. If you have any confusion about what these might be, just ask me. Usually if you have to ask, you will have your answer even before you ask. But I don’t mind you asking me one bit. What else? This is the most important part. Without this second part, you will not be successful. So pay careful attention. Get ready to grab a hold of this thought. I’m ready. I want you to fill your mind with my word. I want you to take it in and meditate on it on a daily basis. Meditating on my word will be like weight lifting for your mind. My word will strengthen and transform your mind. This will be a process that will start now and continue throughout your entire life. So don’t expect immediate results. But don’t give up. Sooner than you can imagine, my word and my thoughts will change not only your thoughts but also the way that you live and act. In no time at all, people will begin to notice that you are a different person. You may be the last one to realize how much I have transformed your mind and changed your heart. But, a day will come when you will realize that many of the battles you once had in your mind are gone. Why is that? My word will have so filled and strengthened your mind that your thoughts are fixed on me and the life I want you to live. How does that sound? It sounds great. Are you ready to begin? Yes Lord, I am.

Lord, change my heart and transform my mind by your word. Help me to think and act according to your will. Train me to put into practice all I have heard, learned and received from you so that I will be able to live in your peace. Amen

Key Question… What feeds ungodly thoughts and how can you eliminate them from your life?

Living It Out…Allow God’s word to fill your heart and mind so that you will be able to put into practice all that He shows you.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that you will have God’s peace as you think and act according to His will.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how thinking and acting according to God’s will has brought you peace.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you think excellent, pure and praiseworthy thoughts so you can do God’s will and live in His peace.

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

The Mind – Philippians 4-8-9 – Think About Such Things – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                                               Copying not permitted                                                               http://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

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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

Think About Such Things

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Philippians 4:8-9 - Knowing God - Think About Such Things - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Philippians 4:8-9 – Knowing God – Think About Such Things – Growing As Disciples

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

Into Practice

Did you know that you have control over what you allow yourself to think? Did you know that you can make a choice about what you allow yourself to think? Do you know that what you allow yourself to think will have power over your life? Your thoughts are not only in your mind. Your thoughts will also be on your heart. Your thoughts will guide the course of your life. All your words and deeds begin in your mind. This is not real encouraging. Why is that? I don’t like all the thoughts that I think. I don’t want all my thoughts to become my words and actions. I don’t want all my words to guide the course of my life. There is more. What’s that? I feel powerless over my thoughts. I don’t feel like I have power to control my thought life. My mind feels like a battleground and I’m not winning the fight. You are right about one thing. What’s that? Your mind is a battleground and you will not win the fight without my help. Would you like my help? Yes, I would like your help. I desperately need your help. Yes, you do.

You have been allowing yourself to think the wrong thoughts. You have been letting your mind dwell on what is not good. I get that, what would you suggest? I want you to fill your mind with what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. They may not sound all that easy. It doesn’t. I’m not sure that I can identify thoughts and subjects that match up with all those words. This sounds like you would like me to think about what is perfect. That’s a very good place to start. What is perfect? What would have the power to instantly change your thinking to thoughts that please me? Your word is perfect. You are perfect. I could think about you. I could think about your word. I could think about all that you want to teach me. I could think about your will. I could think about doing what pleases you. Yes, that’s right.

Thinking about me and my word is not completely new to you. No, it is not. What has happened to you when you have turned your thoughts on to me and my word? I have been able to stop thinking thoughts that I don’t want to think. I have stopped thinking thoughts that are not pleasing to you. Your word has been like a brush scrubbing the crud out of my mind. As I have meditated on your word I have felt strengthened and able to reject thoughts that neither you nor I want me to think. As I have considered your word I have been made able to know and do your will. That’s right. Will you allow me to strengthen and cleanse your mind with my word? Will you allow my word to help you to know and do my will? Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I know I have been quite a gifted negative thinker. I can see the downside of every situation. That’s not what I want. That’s not what you want. I want to think your thoughts and do your will so I can know you and live in your peace.  Amen

Key Question… Why is there always an opportunity to think positively or negatively in the same set of circumstances?

Living It Out…  Allow God’s word to help you to think His thoughts and do His will so you can experience His peace.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that you will come to know God better and experience His peace as you think His thoughts and do His will.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has helped you to think His thoughts and do His will.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you think God’s thoughts and do His will so that you can live in His peace.

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

Knowing God – Philippians 4-8-9 – Think About Such Things – 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

Sword Of The Spirit Which Is The Word Of God

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The Spirit Empowered Life - Day 142 - Ephesians 6-10-18 - Sword Of The Spirit Which Is The Word Of God - Growing As Disciples

The Spirit Empowered Life – Day 142 – Ephesians 6-10-18 – Sword Of The Spirit Which Is The Word Of God – Growing As Disciples

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)                                                                                                  

A Sword

Do you want to have a sword that fights in you, with you, for you and through you? Do you want to be able to stand against the devil and his evil schemes? Do you want to be able to stand your ground when days of evil come against you? I am assuming that all my questions can be answered by a yes from you. You know me. You know my thoughts. You know my hopes and dreams and desires. You know the prayers of my heart. You know what I have been and will continue to ask of you. Yes, I know you better than you know yourself. So yes, is my emphatic answer to all your questions. That is very good.

What must I do if I want to have a sword that fights in me, with me, for me, and through me? What must I do to stand against the devil and his evil schemes? What must I do to be able to stand my ground when days of evil come against me? You know that you must put on the full armor of God. Yes, that I do know. Today, we are talking about one piece of that armor. We are talking about my word. You are correct in thinking that there is something that you must do with my word if you want the Holy Spirit to use my word like a sword to fight in you, with you, for you, and through you. Tell me what you think. Tell me what you know. I must hide your word in my heart if I want the Holy Spirit to use it like a sword in my life. I must meditate on your word day and night if I want it to be ready to be used to fight off the devil’s evil schemes. I must build my life on the solid foundation of your word if I want to be able to stand my ground when days of evil come against me. I must allow your word to guard and guide my life. Every thought of my mind must be taken captive and made obedient to you and your word. Then the Holy Spirit will be able to use your word like a sword in my life. You have answered well. Will you allow my word into your heart and mind and life in all these ways? Yes, I will. Then my Spirit will use my word like a sword in your life to fight in you, with you, for you and through you.

Holy Spirit, help me to put on the full armor of God. Make me able to withstand any attacks and evil schemes of the devil. Use God’s word like a sword to fight in me, with me, for me and through me. Make my faith like a shield that protects me from attack. Amen

Key Question…  How has the Holy Spirit used the word of God like a sword to fight in you, with you, and for you?

Living It Out…  Makes sure that you are putting on the full armor of God so you will be able to stand against the devil’s schemes.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that putting on the full armor of God will make you able to stand against the devil’s schemes.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how the Holy Spirit has used God’s word like a sword to fight for you.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May the Holy Spirit use God’s word like a sword to fight in you, with you, for you, and through you.

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

The Spirit Empowered Life – Day 142 – Ephesians 6-10-18 – Sword Of The Spirit – 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                                                                                    http://www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Meditate On These Things

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The Virtuous Life - Day 196 - Philippians 4:8-9 - Meditate On These Things - Growing As Disciples

The Virtuous Life – Day 196 – Philippians 4:8-9 – Meditate On These Things – Growing As Disciples

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.  The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 (NKJV)

My Thoughts

Can I really control my thoughts? Am I able to tell my mind what to think? Those are two very good questions. Why is that? Many do not believe that they can control the thoughts of their mind. Many do not think that they can tell their mind what to think. From these verses you should know that you can control your thoughts and choose what you will allow your mind to think. They key word I have used is the word, choose. What will you choose to think? Will what you choose to think eliminate and even push other thoughts and words out of your mind? Like, if I chose to think what is true, I won’t think about what is false. Exactly. Or, if I chose to think what is noble and just and pure, I will not think what is ignoble or unjust or impure. Or, if I think about what is lovely and of good report or virtuous or praiseworthy, I will not be thinking of their opposites. You got it. If you control your thoughts in this way you will be halfway on your way to living a life filled with the peace, I want to give to you. Halfway, what else must I do to receive the peace you want to give to me? Not only must you hear and meditate on my word if you want my peace, but you must also put my word into practice. What you have heard and learned and seen and received from me you must also put it in practice. Hearing and meditating alone, although a very good start, will not bring you my full measure of peace, without your putting my word into daily practice. Do you understand? Yes, I understand quite clearly. I do however want to make one more thing quite clear to you. Both hearing and doing my word go together. Hearing and meditating on my word will change your heart and transform your mind and guide your life. As you hear and meditate on my word, I will make you able to put it into practice. Hearing and meditating on my word will fill you with desire to do what is pleasing to me. When you hear and do my word, your life will be filled with my peace. That I will do. That will be very good.

Lord, I know that my mind is a battle ground. I also know that I can choose what I allow myself to think. I will choose to meditate on your word. I will think about what is virtuous and praiseworthy. I will put your word into practice so I can live in your peace. Amen 

Key Question…  What conditions, according to these verses, must be met for God’s peace to be with you?

Living It Out…  Meditate on and put God’s word into practice so you will be filled with the peace of God.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that you will be filled with peace as you meditate on and put God’s word into practice.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how meditating On God’s word is changing your heart and mind.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you meditate on what is virtuous and praiseworthy.

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

The Virtuous Life – Day 196 – Philippians 4-8-9 – Meditate On These Things – 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

Take Up The Whole Armor Of God

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Therefore - Ephesians 6:10-13 - Take Up The Whole Armor Of God - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Therefore – Ephesians 6:10-13 – Take Up The Whole Armor Of God – Growing As Disciples

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Ephesians 6:10-13 (ESV)

Stand And Fight

This world is a broken place. You know that. Yes, I do. This world is filled with sin and evil of every kind. You also know that. Yes, I do. You already know that you must stand and fight against evil that comes against you personally. Yes, I know that as well. What you do not know well yet is that I have called you to take a stand and fight against evil in the world. Now you have my full attention. Now, you are telling me something new. I’m not now telling you something new. You are now hearing me speak to you in ways that you have never heard me speaking to you before. I was speaking. You were not hearing and listening well to what I had to say to you.  In the past you have thought that your battles against evil were primarily personal and individual. You will still face those kinds of battles in life. Make no mistake about that. You will still need to be prayerful and watchful regarding your personal and individual battles with evil in the world as you follow and serve me. I will. That will be very good. 

Have you not noticed what makes you angry? Angry? How does my anger have anything to do with your calling me to fight evil in the world? Do I really have to answer that question for you? I think maybe I could answer that question. But, I really want to hear you answering it for me. It would help me. I would be greatly encouraged by hearing your answer. All right then, I will answer this question for you. You get angry when you see injustice in the world. You get angry when you see people being treated unfairly. You get angry when anyone is being abused and mistreated. That is your hot button. That is what gets you motivated. This is what drives you nuts. Look where I have led you. Look at how I have used you. You have wanted to right wrongs. You have wanted to come to the aid of those who have been unjustly and unfairly treated. You have wanted to help those who have been bruised and battered by life. Does any of this surprise you? No, not really, not at all. This is how I have created you. This is how I want to use you. This is how I will be using you in the future. Get ready to take a stand and fight. I will be with you to help you. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I know I will never be able to stand against the devil and his evil with my own strength. Thank you for your armor that will protect me from him. I will take on all the strength you give me. I will put on your armor so I can fight against evil in this world. Amen

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

Therefore – Ephesians 6-10-13 – Take Up The Whole Armor Of God – 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

Put On The Full Armor Of God

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Discipleship Study - Rhythms - Ephesians 6:10-13 - Put On The Full Armor Of God - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Study – Rhythms – Ephesians 6:10-13 – Put On The Full Armor Of God – Growing As Disciples

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV)

Your Stand

Do you want to be able to stand against the devil and all his evil? Do you want to be able to resist his tactics and schemes? Yes, I want to be able to stand against the devil and all his evil. Yes, I want to be able to resist his tactics and schemes? What must I do to resist him and stand against his evil? That is a very good question with several different answers. First, you must admit that you don’t have the strength and power to stand against the devil and all his evil. To rely on your own power and strength against him would be based on foolish pride and lead to your certain defeat. I have no doubt about that. I will not be relying on my own power and strength to stand against the devil. That’s a good start.

Next you must know that you will face struggles in life that are from the devil and all his evil. You will have battles that are not against flesh and blood but are against the devil and his evil that is in the world. You must be watchful. You must be vigilant. You must be on guard. The devil’s schemes and tactics are very deceptive and alluring. You must not allow yourself to fall into his traps. You must separate yourself from the devil and all his evil. Do not linger around temptation. Do not hang out with evil. Run away from evil of every kind.

Now let’s talk about the armor with which I will clothe you. You must put on all the armor that I have made for you. Every piece is of vital importance. Each piece of my armor will guard and protect you. My armor will protect your heart and your mind. My armor will guard the course of your life. My armor will direct your paths. My armor will guide your prayers. My armor will protect you from every one of the devil’s attacks. My armor will shield you from every evil. My armor will strengthen your faith. My armor will give you hope. My armor will make you able to engage in the battles that you will surely face in life. Each and every day you must wear the armor that I have made for you. Not one day will you be well suited without my armor. Will you wear my armor? Will you rely on my strength? Will you allow me to fight with you in the battles of life? Yes Lord, I will. Then you will be able to take your stand with me.

Lord, I cannot stand against the devil and all his evil under my own power and strength. Only you can make me able to stand against the devil’s tactics and schemes. Help me to put on your full armor so that I will be able to withstand his attacks. Amen

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

Rhythms – Ephesians 6-10-13 – Put On The Full Armor 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

Think – Do

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Rhythms - Philippians 4:8-9 - Think - Do - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Rhythms – Philippians 4:8-9 – Think – Do – Growing As Disciples

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

My Peace

I know that you are filled with anxiety. You have anxieties piled on top of anxieties. Would you like to live in my peace? Would you like to live a life that is free from anxiety? Yes, I would like to live in your peace. I would like to live a life that is free from anxiety. How can I be free from anxiety and live in your peace? That is a very good question.

If you would like to be free from anxiety and live in my peace you must do two things. I’m listening. First you must guard the thoughts that you allow your mind to think. I know that sounds impossible. I know that you are about to say that you cannot simply stop thinking thoughts. That thought did cross my mind. Your thought is incorrect. You can control the thoughts that you allow yourself to think. You can take control of your mind. How can I control the thoughts of my mind? To begin to control the thoughts of your mind you must eliminate from your life whatever feeds the unhealthy and unhelpful thoughts that you have been thinking. How will I do that? Take a close inventory of what is feeding the thoughts of your mind. Stop subjecting your mind to whatever is unhealthy and unhelpful. What is unhealthy and unhelpful for me? That should be easy for you to figure out. I get it. Once you have eliminated what feeds unhealthy and unhelpful thoughts you must then replace them with my thoughts. How will I do that? You tell me. I will let your word dwell in me richly. I will meditate on your word. I will memorize your word. I will pray your word. I will let your word fill my heart and mind and life. Yes, and then you will begin to think my thoughts. Then you will think thoughts that are pleasing to me. That is your first step toward living in my peace.

What is my next step toward living in your peace? Once you have begun to think my thoughts then you will live in my peace as you put all my words into practice. You will live in my peace as you put into practice all that you have learned or received or heard from me. Will you think my thoughts and put my words in practice as you follow me? Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, I know that my mind is a battle ground. I want to think thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Use your word to transform my mind. Help me to think your thoughts and do your deeds as I live in peace. Amen

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

Rhythms – Philippians 4-8-9 – Think – Do – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Aim For Perfection

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - The Mind - 2 Corinthians 13:11 - Aim For Perfection - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Mind – 2 Corinthians 13:11 – Aim For Perfection – Growing As Disciples

Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)

Aim 

What is your aim in life? What goal would you like to complete? What mission must you accomplish for you to consider your life to be a success? Fulfilling what purpose would give your life meaning? These are very important questions for me to consider. If I do not carefully consider these questions I might end up living an aimless life that would be without a goal to complete or a mission to accomplish. Without answering these questions, I might live a life without meaning and purpose. If I don’t take time to answer these questions I would have no way to evaluate if I am making any real progress in life. That’s right. Your answers to these questions will alter your course in life. Your answers to these questions will give you an aim, goal, purpose and mission in life.  

Do you have any answers to these questions? Yes, I do. My aim in life is to know and love you. There is nothing more that I want in life than to know and love you. Knowing and loving you will change me. If I come to know and love you, I will become like you. I will think like you think. I will do what you did. I will speak like you spoke. There is nothing about my life that will not be changed and transformed by knowing and loving you. Knowing you will change my heart. Knowing you will transform my mind. All my thoughts, words, and deeds will be completely different because I will have known and loved you. If I know and love you I will be able to know your will. If I know and love you I will be able to walk in your ways. If I know and love you my life will be filled with hope and meaning and purpose. I will want to go where you guide me. I will want to do all that you ask of me. I will not live my life for myself. I will live my life for you. I will live my life for others. Knowing and loving you will form every one of my thoughts. Knowing and loving you will guide every one of my words. Knowing and loving you will direct every one of my deeds. Knowing and loving you will make me into the person you have designed me to be. If I have known and loved you, I will become mature and complete in you. This is what I want. This is my aim. That is my goal. This is my mission in life. Knowing and loving you is my hope that gives me meaning and purpose in life. That is very good. You have answered my questions well. You will have what you desire as you love, follow and serve me.

Lord, it is my desire and aim to grow into complete maturity as your follower. I know that I have fallen far short of that goal. Holy Spirit, give me the strength and power to think, act and live in accordance with God’s word and will. Amen

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

The Mind – 2 Corinthians 13-11 – Aim For Perfection – 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