Tag Archives: however

Put Off – Put On

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Rhythms - Ephesians 4:20-24 - Put Off - Put On - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Rhythms – Ephesians 4:20-24 – Put Off – Put On – Growing As Disciples

You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:20-24 (NIV)

Made New

Would you like to be made new? Do you want to put on the new life that I have given you to live? Yes, of course I want to be made new. I certainly do want to put on the new life that you have given me to live. How do you think I will make you new? How do you think I will make you able to live the life that I have given you to live? I know that I will play a role in you making me new. I am certain I will have a part in putting on the new life you have given me to live. How so?

If I want to be made new and put on the new life I have in you then I will need to leave my old life behind. That’s what I thought I did when I came to know you. I turned away from my old life of sin. I asked for your forgiveness of all my sin and cleansing of all my unrighteousness. You became my Savior and Lord. Yes, I did. But, there was a problem wasn’t there? Yes, there was. I didn’t make a clean break with my old life of sin. At times I wanted a completely new life in you. At other times I was drawn back into the sinful patterns, practices and values of my old life. It was like I was trying to live in two different worlds at the same time. That will never work. No, it won’t.

Why do you think you were having such a hard time putting off your old life? I was trying to put off my old life by my own efforts. I would try harder and fail. I would try harder and harder and fail even more. I was very discouraged and defeated. That isn’t your story now, is it? No, it isn’t. What happened to you? You rescued me from all my trying and all my failing. Yes, I did. How did I do that? You showed me that you have a tool that will help me to put off my old life and put on the new life you have given me to live. What tool is that and how does it work? Your tool is your word. Your word is the tool that is changing my heart and transforming my mind.  Without your word working in me I would have never been able to put off my old life and put on the new life that you have given me to live. But, your word has been changing my heart. Your word has been transforming my mind. Yes, it is. Now, I’m not interested in my old life. Now all I want to do is put on the new life that you have given me to live. You have changed my desires. You changed my life. You are making me new every day as I meet with you in your word. Yes, I am.

Lord, I have put off my old life. I have left behind all its patterns, practices, and values. I am all yours. You are my Savior and Lord. I will follow you. Renew my mind. Change all my thoughts, words, and deeds. Help me to put on the new life that I have in you. Amen

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

Rhythms – Ephesians 4-20-24 – Put Off – Put On – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

What God Has Prepared

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 132 - 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 - What God Has Prepared - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 132 – 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 – What God Has Prepared – Growing As Disciples

However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”–  but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.                                              1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NIV)  

Prepared For You 

Do you know what I have prepared for you? Do you know what is coming next? Can you dream of or even imagine the life I have for you? No, I cannot, at least not with any degree of detail. What you have given to me, where you have led me and what you have done in and through me has largely been a complete surprise to me. Not everything I have done, am doing and will do in and through you is a complete surprise to you. There is much that I have, am, and will reveal to you. Tell me what you do know. You have been and will continue to change my heart, transform my mind and guide my life. This work in me began on the day I came to welcome you into my life as my Savior and Lord. On that day, your Holy Spirit came to live and dwell inside of me. On that day, little by little, and more and more, I began to be able to think your thoughts. speak your words and do your deeds. You have helped me to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you. Say more about that. As I have lived my life with and for you, you have helped me to come to know and love and follow and serve you. As I have walked through life with you, our relationship has grown more intimate. How so? I can hear your voice speaking to me. I can see your hand guiding me. I am following you to where you lead me. I am doing whatever you ask of me. As I have walked through life with you, I have become more like you. Your life lives in me. Your light shines through me. As I have walked through life with you, it has become my passionate desire to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. This has been your work in me. This work, of yours, in me will continue day by day until I come to live forever in heaven with you. Now that day will be amazing. What you have prepared for me then and there is far beyond my comprehensive. That will certainly be beyond what I could have asked for, dreamed of, or even imagined. Nothing of beauty from this earth will compare with the beauty of heaven and living with you there. That I am looking forward to with great expectation. In the meantime, I welcome your work in me. That is very good.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me far beyond what I could have ever asked for, dreamed of, or even imagined. You made it so I could love and follow and serve you. You have given me a completely new life to live both now and forever in heaven with you. Amen

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

Promises – Day 132 – 1 Corinthians 2-9-10 – What God Has Prepared – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Were Taught In Him

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 50 - Ephesians 4:20-24 - Were Taught In Him - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 50 – Ephesians 4:20-24 – Were Taught In Him – Growing As Disciples

You, however, did not come to know Christ that way.  Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.  You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds;  and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:20-24 (NIV)  

Been Taught

What have you been taught about your old life and your old self? My old life and old self are dead and gone. They no longer live. As of when, did your old life and old self die? On the day, I received a new life in you. Tell me more. What have I done for you? You broke the power of sin over my life. You made it so I can be forgiven of my sin and cleansed of my unrighteousness. My old sinful life, and my old selfish self, died on the cross with you. That is where, when, and how the power of sin was broken over my life. That is true. So, you have completely left your old life and old self behind when you received my salvation and allowed me to be your Savior and Lord? You are dead to sin and alive to me? Yes, that is true. So, you no longer have any difficulty with sinful thoughts, sinful words or sinful actions, is that correct? I would not say that. What would you say? I would say that my old life and old self try to live again. I’m glad that you know that to be true. But you have put off your old life and old self? Yes, that is true. What will help you to keep on continually putting off your old life and old self? What have I provided for you? You have given me your word. How will my word make you able to put off your old life and old self? Your word will change my heart. Your word will transform my mind. Your word will make me able to think your thoughts, speak your words, and do your deeds. Your word, and the power of your Holy Spirit, will fight in me, with me, for me and through me. Your word will guard and guide my life. Your word will make me able to resist temptation and fight against evil. Yes, my word and the power of my Holy Spirit will do all those things in, with, for and through you. What must you do with my word? If I want a changed heart and renewed mind, I must allow your word to dwell in me richly. That’s true. So, you have put off your old self, and are being renewed in your mind, what else must you do if you want to live a holy and righteous life in me? I must put on the new life I have in you. What does that mean? I must go where you guide me. I must do what you ask of me. I must live my life in an intimate relationship with you. Then I will be able to live the life that you have called me to live. That is true. Will you keep on putting off your old life and old self? Will you be renewed in your mind? Will you put on your new life in me? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, thank you for drawing me to you. You are now my Savior and Lord. I am dead to my old life. I have put off my old life and old self. Renew my mind with your word and the power of your Holy Spirit so I can live the new and righteous and holy life I have in you. Amen

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

Promises – Day 50 – Ephesians 4-20-24 – Were Taught In Him – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

Your Former Way

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Life - Ephesians 4:20-24 - Your Former Way - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – Ephesians 4:20-24 – Your Former Way – Growing As Disciples

You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:20-24 (NIV)

Your Former Way

What’s that over there? You know. Yes, I do. But I would like to hear you tell me what’s over there. Those are the stinky and dirty clothes of my old life. They no longer suit you do they? No, they do not. Why is that? You have given me a completely new life to live. So, you have taken off all those old clothes and thrown them away, is that right?  Yes, that’s right. You have no desire to put them back on and wear them again, is that right? That’s something that I would like to talk to you about.  Yes, I’m sure that you do. What’s on your mind? I know that this is hard to believe. Not really. But, I’m having a hard time. How so? At times, I want to put some of those old stinky and dirty clothes back on. Yes, I’ve noticed that. When are you having your greatest difficulty? I’m not sure what you mean? Are there any situations or circumstances that most tempt you to put those old stinky and dirty clothes back on? I’m still not sure how to answer that question. Have you made a clean break from your old manner of living? Are you allowing anything to feed the sinful desires, patterns and practices of your old life? I guess so. What you feed will grow. What you starve will die. If you really want to put on the new life I have for you then you will need to make a clean break with your old life. Now, I understand.

Let’s talk some more about a question I just asked you. What’s that? I asked what’s on your mind. Yes, you did. What’s on your mind is very important. How so? The world will continually bombard you with its patterns, practices, and values. You don’t want worldly thoughts on your mind. You will never be able to fully live the new life I have for you unless you allow my word to be on your mind. It is my word that will change your heart and transform your mind. When my word is in your heart and on your mind you will have no desire to put on those dirty and stinky clothes from your old life. I get it. Well, you understand what I am saying. You won’t really “get it” until you make meeting with me in my word an absolute priority in your life. Then you will have but one desire. What’s that? When you have put off the clothes of your old life and are allowing me to change your heart and renew your mind with my word, you will have a joy and passion to fully put on and live out the new life that I have given to you. Then you will want nothing else. Then the clothes of your old life will be really repulsive to you. Then you will only want to see and put on the new clothes that I have given you to wear as you live your life with and for me. That is what I want with all my heart! Yes, I can see that and so you will. 

Lord, thank you for the new life I have been given. I have left my old life and its practices behind me. Your word is changing my heart and transforming my mind. I’m excited to put on and live out the new life I have in you. Amen

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

Life – Ephesians 4-20-24 – Your Former Way – 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

New Self

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - Ephesians 4:20-24- New Self - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Ephesians 4:20-24- New Self – Growing As Disciples

You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:20-24 (NIV)  

Made New 

I will put off my old life. I will leave behind all my old sinful patterns and practices. I will distance myself from evil of every kind. I will let nothing into my life that feeds deceitful desires. I will run from situations that are likely to tempt me. I separate myself from anyone that encourages the wrong thoughts, words and deeds to grow in me. This does not mean that I will not minister to those who do not know you. I will still pray for and serve those who have not yet come to you. I will reach out to those who appear to be far from you. That’s good. I do know that I will not be able to remove myself from this world. I will still live in this world that is filled with corruption. But, I will not allow myself to be of this world. I will not allow the world to conform me to its values, patterns and practices. These thoughts are all very good. You have already put off your old life when you turned your life over to me. Yes, I know, that is what I have done. I am affirming that this is what I will continue to do. That will be very good. 

Do you know what I will use to help you to keep on putting off your old life? Do you know the tool that I will use to continue to change your heart and transform your mind? Yes, I do. You will use your word to change my heart and transform my mind. How will I use my word to change your heart and transform your mind? As I meet with you in your word you will apply it to my life. As I let your word dwell in me richly, you will use your word to change my thoughts, words, and deeds. Your word will help me to think your thoughts, speak your words and do your deeds. Your word will help me to know your will and walk in your ways. Your word will enable me to stand against temptation and evil that is in this world. Yes, my word will do all these things in, for and through you. 

What will you do as you continue to put off your old life and let my word change your heart and transform your mind? I will put on the new life that you give me to live. How will do that? I will go where you guide me. I will do whatever you ask of me. I will be at your service. I will allow you to use me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. That will be very good.

Lord, help me to put off my old life and its’ way of thinking, speaking and acting. Use your word to change my heart and transform my mind. Give me new ways to think, speak and act. Help me to put on the new righteous life you have given me to live with you. Amen

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

Identity – Ephesians 4-20-24 – New Self – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study

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

You Were Taught

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Knowing God - Ephesians 4:20-24 - You Were Taught - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Knowing God – Ephesians 4:20-24 – You Were Taught – Growing As Disciples

You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:20-24 (NIV)

 

Put Off, Renew, Put On

 

Do you want to be like me? Do you want to live the new life that I have given you to live? Do you want to live a righteous and holy life that is pleasing to me? Yes, I do want to be like you. I want to live the life that you have given me to live. I want to live a righteous and holy life that is pleasing to you. How can all that be possible? Is there something that I must do? That is a very good question. Yes, there is something that you must do.

When I called you to come to me, you left your old life to follow me. You turned away from your sins and asked me to forgive and cleanse you of all your unrighteousness. You said that you would follow me as your Savior and Lord. Is all of this true? Yes, that is all true. I have forgiven you of all your sins and cleansed you of all your unrighteous. I have given you a new life to live in me now and forever. I have been leading you through life as your Lord and Savior. You are my child. One day you will come to live forever in heaven with me. Then everything is all good. You think so? Well, maybe not. I’m not positive that I’m really living the life you have given me to live. You mentioned that there is something I must do if I want to live a life that is pleasing to you. Yes, I did. Would you like me go over what you must do if you want to live a righteous and holy life that is pleasing to me? Yes, I would.

Actually there are three things you must do if you want to live the life I have given you to live. You must first put off your old life. Your old life is like old dirty, stinky clothes. Once you have completely taken them off, don’t ever put them back on again. Make sure that you don’t let any remnants of your old life remain with you. Take a thorough inventory and get rid of whatever no longer suits you as one of my followers. Don’t ever go back and to try those smelly clothes on again. Do you understand all of this? Yes, I do. You will have temptations and battles against your old life of sin. As awful as it sounds, you will be tempted to put back on the dirty, stinky clothes of your old life. I will strengthen you in your battle against this temptation and sin. How will you do that? You will be part of what I will do in you. Here is what you must do next. You must let me change your heart and renew your mind with my word. How can I do that? You must feast on my word. You must allow my word to dwell in you richly. You must meditate on my word day and night. You must hide my word in your heart. As you do this I will be changing your heart and renewing your mind. As my word dwells in you richly you will be able to stand against temptation and sin. You will be able to leave the clothes of your old life behind. Do you believe what I am saying to you? Yes, I believe you. Why is that? I know that you already have been changing my heart and renewing my mind. Yes, that’s true. What else have I been doing in you? What else have I been teaching you? You have been teaching me how to put on the new life that you have given me to live. Yes, I have. That is what you will do next and keep on doing as I lead you through life.

Lord, thank you for making it possible for me to come to know you. You have taught me how to remove the stinky clothes of my old life. You are using your word to change my heart and renew my mind. You are helping me to put on the new life I have in you. Amen

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

Knowing God – Ephesians 4-20-24 – You Were Taught – 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