Tag Archives: humility

Deeds Done In Humility

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The Virtuous Life - Day 221 - James 3-13-18 - Deeds Done In Humility - Growing As Disciples

The Virtuous Life – Day 221 – James 3-13-18 – Deeds Done In Humility – Growing As Disciples

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.  But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.  Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.  For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.  But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-18 (NIV)  

Demonstrating Wisdom

What does wisdom look like? How will you know if you are thinking and speaking and acting wisely? How will you gauge if you are truly wise? When can you be very sure that wisdom is lacking? What will be the result and end product of your life if you are living wisely? Those are all good questions. Go ahead and answer them. I will start by describing what wisdom is not. That is a good place to start. Wisdom does not harbor bitter envy. Wisdom is not fueled by selfish ambition. Wisdom is not boastful, nor will it deny what is true. Anything that looks or sounds or acts like this is not heavenly wisdom, it is worldly wisdom, that is unspiritual and comes from the devil. Out of this kind of evil springs disorder, discord, disunity, and a host of evil practices. I want none of this so-called wisdom in my life. That’s good.

You have said enough about what is not. Describe what heavenly wisdom looks like. Heavenly wisdom is demonstrated by actions. It is not a lot of talk. A wise person’s life demonstrates wisdom by humbly doing good deeds. They live a life for others. They love like you loved. They give like you gave. They serve like you served. Heavenly wisdom loves peace. It is considerate and submissive. Heavenly wisdom is filled with mercy. It is impartial and sincere. If I am truly wise, I will be known as a peacemaker. If I am truly wise, my life will bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom. If I am truly wise, my life will bring glory to your name. Yes, you will. Do you want to live a life filled with heavenly wisdom? Yes, I do. That is the desire or my heart. That is how I will think and speak and act. That will be very good.

Lord, I know that I have often thought, or spoke, or acted unwisely. Forgive me. Help me to live a life of humbly doing good deeds for others. Develop in me all the character qualities that are part of being truly wise. For your glory, bear good fruit through my life. Amen

Key Question…  What character qualities are essential elements of living a life filled with wisdom?

Living It Out…  Demonstrate wisdom by humbly doing good deeds for others.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will help you to demonstrate wisdom by humbly doing good deeds for others.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how you are humbly doing good deeds for others.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May your life demonstrate wisdom by humbly doing good deeds for others.

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

The Virtuous Life – Day 221 – James 3-13-18 – Deeds Done In Humility – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Above All Clothe Yourself With Love

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The Compassionate Life - Day 258 - Colossians 3:12-14 - Above All Clothe Yourself With Love - Growing As Disciples

The Compassionate Life – Day 258 – Colossians 3:12-14 – Above All Clothe Yourself With Love – Growing As Disciples

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.  Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14 (NLT)

Clothed

How will you be clothed? What will you put on? What kind of life will you live since I chose you to be my child? I will live a life that is pleasing to you. I will seek to know and do your will all the days of my life. I will follow the example you set before me. It is my hope and desire, dream and plan to think and speak and act like you. I know it is your will that I become like you. Yes, that is my will for you. Yes, I want you to live a life that is pleasing to me. I want you to become like me in all you think, and say, and do. That is entirely correct.  

What are elements of clothing that you will put on? I will put-on tender-hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. I will always make allowances for the faults I see in others. I will always forgive others who offend me. Why is it especially important that you do these things? I have many faults. Sometimes, it is very difficult for me to see my own faults. Nevertheless, I know that they are many and glaring. Why I can so easily see others faults but not see my own is beyond me. So, I will make allowances for others that I hope that they will make for me. I also need forgiveness for when I offend others. Again, my need of forgiveness is not rare and unusual or infrequent. So, remembering my own need of forgiveness, and how you have freely forgiven me, has set before me a powerful reason and example why I need to forgive others readily and freely. How could I expect to receive forgiveness from others or from you if I lived an unforgiving life? You could have no hope or expectation of receiving what you were unwilling to give to others. But I am ready and willing and able to forgive. I am determined to do for others what you have done for me. That is very good.

How else will you be clothed? What else will you put on? I will put on love. I will allow the love you have for me to flow through me to others so that they will be drawn to you. And what will be the sign that you are truly putting on my love? I will be living in harmony with others. I will be a bold and bright witness for you in the world. I will be bearing fruit for your Kingdom and bringing glory to your name. I will be living the life you have called me to live. Yes, you will and that will be very good.

Lord, thank you for choosing me. I will remember that you have forgiven me so I can readily forgive others. Help me to make allowances for the faults I see in others that I cannot see in myself. Help me to put on love so I can live in harmony with others. Amen

Key Question…  When has remembering that the Lord forgave you helped you to forgive others?

Living It Out…  Clothe yourself with love so you will be able to live in harmony with others.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will help you to clothe yourself with love so you can live in harmony with others.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how you are making allowances for the faults you see in others.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you clothe yourself with love so you will live in harmony with others.

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

The Compassionate Life – Day 258 – Colossians 3-12-14 – Clothe Yourself With Love – 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

As God’s Chosen People

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Identity - As God's Chosen People - Colossians 3:12-14 - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – As God’s Chosen People – Colossians 3:12-14 – Growing As Disciples

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)

Clothe Yourself

I’m not sure what’s more frustrating, the people I have to put up with or my bad attitude I have in responding to them. I’m sure that others have felt that I’ve been quite a handful to deal with at times. Maybe they have thrown their arms up in disgust about my behavior. That’s for sure. Really, I thought I was a little better and maybe more perfect than others. You’re kidding me, aren’t you? Yes Lord, I know that I’m flawed. I am a sinner in need of your forgiveness. Thank you for freely forgiving me. I didn’t have to earn your forgiveness. Not that I could have anyhow. I didn’t have to show you that I was worthy of your forgiveness. When I confessed my sin you just gave your forgiveness to me. Why is it that I have trouble being as loving and gracious toward others?

It’s like my first instinct is to put on the wrong clothes that don’t go together. My clothing combinations have been like mixing plaids with stripes or checks with polka dots. I don’t recall you ever wearing polka dots. No, I haven’t, but you get the idea. Yes, I do, but I’d like you to say more about what you mean. Do you want some examples? Yes, I do.

Here are some of my clothing combinations that haven’t gone together at all. I’ve wanted to be merciful in all my actions. That’s very good. Well, as I have put on mercy, I have also worn judgment with it. I’ve found fault in others and been critical of their behavior. Those definitely don’t go together. I know it’s an ugly combination that clashes with each other.

I’ve also wanted to have a kind heart that guides how I feel and respond to others. But, along with kindness I have attempted to also wear anger, bitterness, and revenge. Those are impossible combinations. You can’t have kindness in your heart and wear those. I know, the ugliness of anger, bitterness, and revenge overpowers the beauty of kindness. Yes, they do.

I’ve wanted to have a humble mind that is patient and tolerant with others. That would look very good on you. Yes, I know. What have you tried to combine it with? I am embarrassed to say that I’ve attempted to wear humbleness with pride. Those are opposites that clash. Yes, I could see that when I tried wearing them both.

It looks to me like you need help with clothing yourself. Yes Lord, I do. Would you like my help? Yes Lord, I would. There is one piece of clothing that will help you to know how to dress properly. What is that? It is love. I want you to put on my love. With the same love with which I loved you, I want you to love others. That’s what I want Lord. I know that you do. Would you like my help? Yes Lord, I would. Then ask me to help you to put on love. That will put all your other clothes in perfect unity. Will you ask me for this help? Yes Lord, I am asking for your help right now.      

Lord, I know that with my own strength and ability I am not able to love and forgive just as you have loved and forgiven me. Help me to be clothed with your love so that I can love and forgive even those who have hurt me. Amen

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

Identity – Colossians 3-12-14 – As God’s Chosen People – 4 Discipleship Devotional Page 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

Clothe Yourself With Love

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 255- Colossians 3:12-14 - Clothe Yourself With Love - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 255- Colossians 3:12-14 – Clothe Yourself With Love – Growing As Disciples

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.  Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14 (NLT)

Clothe Yourself With Love 

I have called you. I have chosen you. You are my child. It is my plan that you will come to know and love and follow and serve me. It is my desire that you will think and speak, and act like me. I want you to follow my example. I want you to become like me. I want others to see my life being lived out in and through you. How does all this sound to you? Does it sound to you like a burdensome demand or does it sound to you like a welcome invitation? It sounds marvelous. It sounds wonderful. In no way does it sound like a burdensome demand to me. In every way it sounds like a welcome invitation that has become the desire of my heart. I want what you want. So, I will clothe myself with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. I will overlook and make allowances for faults in other people. I do so with the hope, but not the expectation, that they will overlook and make allowances for my faults, of which there are many. I will closely follow your example. I will quickly and willingly forgive others who have offended me. Hopefully, I will not allow myself to be offended in the first place. But if I am, I will forgive others just as you have forgiven me. I am saying I will do all these things with the knowledge that I will sometimes fall short of living the life you have called me to live. I am saying these things knowing that you will forgive me and help me to live the life you have called me to live. You will pick me up and keep me moving forward with you. You will keep on molding and shaping my life. You will keep on making me able to think and speak and act like you. You will keep on helping me to follow your example. Yes, I will. You can count on me. That I will do, and above all else, I will put on love so I can be bound together with others and live-in perfect harmony with them. That will be very good. Yes, it will. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, I will follow your example. I will think and speak and act like you. Help me to be tenderhearted, merciful, kind, humble, gentle, patient, and forgiving as I love, follow, and serve you. I will put on love so that I can live in perfect harmony with other people. Amen 

Key Question… How is clothing yourself with love making you able to live in perfect harmony with others?

Living It Out… Clothe yourself with love so you can live in perfect harmony with others.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to clothe yourself with love so you can live in perfect harmony with others.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are putting on love and living in harmony with others.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you clothe yourself with love so you can live in harmony with others.

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

Promises – Day 255 – Colossians 3-12-14 – Clothe Yourself With Love – 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

Bear With Each Other

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Becoming Like Christ - Day 16 - Colossians 3:12-14 - Bear With Each Other - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 16 – Colossians 3:12-14 – Bear With Each Other – Growing As Disciples

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)

Fully Clothed

That’s what I want. What’s that? I wanted to be fully clothed with your love. I want to be filled with compassion and kindness. I want to be gentle and patient. I want to live a life of humility. That’s good. But, I’m not there yet, that is for sure. It is very hard for me to bear with other’s weaknesses. It is not easy for me to overlook and let go of grievances. I want to forgive others as you have forgiven me. Above all else, I want to put on love. I want your love to flow through me. I want your love to live in me. I want to be able to live in perfect unity with others. That’s very good.

So, what are you asking of me? I want to be changed. I want to be different. I want to be like you. I want to live the life you are calling me to live. That is the most important starting point. Why is that? You desire to live the life that I am calling you to live. Not many have that desire. Not many want to be changed. Not many want to be different. Most are living, self-satisfied lives. They see weaknesses in others but none of their own. They hold on to anger and bitter grievances with others. Their lives are filled with disunity of every kind. So, your desire is very good. 

What has your desire to be like me caused you to do? I have drawn near to you in prayer. I have come to rely on you. I have come to be in your presence. I have continued to meet with you in your word. What has been happening to you as you have drawn near to me? Are you the same person? Can you be in my presence and remain unchanged? No, I cannot be in your presence and remain unchanged. No, I am not the same person that I was before I started meeting with you. Are you encouraged or are you discouraged? Are you learning to clothe yourself with my love? I am encouraged. I know that you are working in my life. You are helping me to fully clothe myself with your love. Yes, I am. Will you keep on allowing me to change you? Yes, I will. That will be very good. Day by day, I will continue to help you to keep on clothing yourself with my love. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, I want to love and forgive others as you love and forgive me. Help me to be fully clothed with your love. Help me to forgive and set aside every grievance I have with others. Help me to live in perfect unity with others so I can live as your child in this world. Amen

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

Becoming Like Christ – Day 16 – Colossians 3-12-14 – Bear With Each Other – 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