Tag Archives: spiritual formation study guide

According To His Purpose

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 295 - Romans 8:28 - According To His Purpose - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 295 – Romans 8:28 – According To His Purpose – Growing As Disciples

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28 (NIV)

God Works

I am at work all the time. I am at work in your life. I am working for your good. Do you know that? Yes, I believe that you are working in my life. Yes, I believe that you are working for my good. What about when things don’t seem to be going your way? What about when something terrible has happened in your life? Do you believe that I can bring about good even when something bad has happened in your life? I know that you are not the author of bad things that happen in my life. I know that you weep when I weep. Yes, I do. I know that you are close to me when I am brokenhearted. Yes, I am. I know that you will never leave me or forsake me. No, I will not. I know that you comfort and heal me when I am bruised and broken. Yes, I do. I believe that you can redeem anything by bringing good things out of bad things that have happened in my life. Yes, I can and yes, I will.  Sometimes, I have had no idea how you could possibly bring any good out of what has happened to me. Sometimes, I have felt all alone and wondered where you were when I was brokenhearted. My pain paralyzed me. I thought that I couldn’t possibly go on and move forward. I was too weary and worn out to take even one step. I cried out to you. I wasn’t sure that you had heard or answered my prayer. Nevertheless, I continued to trust in you. I knew that you loved me, and I loved you. I knew that you called me according to your purpose. I knew that you had a plan for my life even if I couldn’t see it. So, after some time, I once again moved forward. I began again to take one step at a time with you. It has only been after some time has passed that I have been able to look back and see the truth that you can and do bring good out of bad. You have healed every one of my hurts. You have comforted me in all my afflictions. I have never been alone. You have been with me all the time. When I could walk no further you have carried me. Through the pain of all my troubles my faith in you has grown. During all my heartache I have learned to trust and rely on you. Now I would not wish my pain on anyone else. Now I would not trade what I have gone through with you for anything else. You have shown me your love. You have revealed your purposes and plans to me. My life is in your hands. There is no place I would rather be. I am all yours. You are my Savior and my Lord. I will follow you to where you lead me to do what you ask of me. That is very good. I will lead you. I will guide you. I am with you now and forever.

Lord, I love you with all my heart and mind and soul. I am determined to live my life according to your purposes and plans. Thank you that you have brought good things even out of bad things that have happened in my life. Amen

Key Question…  How has God been able to bring about good even out of something bad that has happened in your life?

Living It Out…  Love God with all your heart and mind and soul and make it your priority to live your life according to purposes.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that God will bring good things even out of the bad things that happen in your life.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how God has brought good out of bad that has happened in your life.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you love God with all your heart and mind and soul as you live your life according to His purposes.

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

Promises – Day 295 – Romans 8-28 – According To His Purpose – 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

Refreshes Others Will Himself Be Refreshed

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 318 - Proverbs 11:24-25 - Refreshes Others Will Himself Be Refreshed - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 318 – Proverbs 11:24-25 – Refreshes Others Will Himself Be Refreshed – Growing As Disciples

One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Proverbs 11:24-25 (NIV)

Refreshed

Is that what you would like to be? Is what would I like to be? Would you like to be refreshed? Yes of course, I would like to be refreshed. How can I be refreshed? I want you to take note of something from nature. What’s that? Have you ever noticed a lake that is completely dead, with no life in it? Yes, I have noticed a dead lake before. What have you noticed about a dead lake? It has no outlet. Water flows into it but water does not flow out of it. There is no outlet. Yes, there is no outlet. Having no outlet is not healthy. Are we still talking about lakes? You are astute this morning. No, we are no longer talking lakes. We are talking about you. If you have no outlet, you will not live a healthy life.

Think of your life in this way. I have richly blessed your life. There is no doubt about that. What I have given to you is meant to be shared. What I have given to you must not be held tightly and greedily for yourself. You must not be like a dead lake that receives but has no outlet. My life and blessings are meant to flow in and out of your life. I intend to use you to refresh the lives of others. As you refresh the lives of others you will also be refreshed. If you do not refresh the lives of others, you will become dry and stagnant. You will not live the life that I intend for you to live. You will live a life of poverty. Oh, you may look wealthy to others. You may look like your life is overflowing with an abundance of wealth. But you, in reality, will have poverty in you, that a world full of money cannot solve. You will live like a spiritual pauper in your soul. You will not be storing up real treasure in heaven with me. You will not be accomplishing my purposes or fulfilling my plans. You will not be a tool in my hands. Do you understand? Yes, I understand. I will freely give what you have given to me. I will refresh the lives of others as you refresh me. I will be generous and give to others what you have given to me. I will allow you to use me to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. I will store up real treasure in heaven with you. That will be very good. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, help me refresh others with refreshment that comes from you. Give me a place. Secure me a ministry. Use me in your service. Work in and through me for your purposes. Help me whet the appetites of others for you. Refresh me also as I refresh others. Amen

Key Question…  When have you been refreshed as you refreshed the life of someone else?

Living It Out…  Find a way to refresh others regularly and continually, so you can also be refreshed.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will use you to refresh others as He also refreshes you.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how you have been refreshed as you refreshed others.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you refresh others so you yourself will be refreshed.

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

Promises – Day 318 – Proverbs 11-24-25 – Refreshes Others Will Himself Be Refreshed – 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

Controlled By The Spirit

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 317 - Romans 8:9-14 - Controlled By The Spirit - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 317 – Romans 8:9-14 – Controlled By The Spirit – Growing As Disciples

But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)  And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God.  The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.  Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.  For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.  For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans 8:9-14 (NLT)

Control

That is a very important word. That is a word that will determine the kind of life you will live not only now, but forever. What word are we talking about? We are talking about the word control. As in who or what has control of your life. Can you give me more to go on? Can you make things clearer? Certainly, I can and will. Thank you. As I usually do, I will ask you several questions. Go ahead, I’m listening. Is your life controlled by your sinful nature? Do you think and say and do what your sinful nature desires? Do you live for gratifying your flesh? Do you seek comfort and pleasure? Do you go out and do what feels good? Is your life controlled by sinful desires? There is no need for you to answer these questions now. I want you to think of the alternative. I want you to focus on the life that you have been called to live. So, I will ask you more questions. Again, you have my full attention. Are you controlled by the My Spirit living in you? Is it your desire to both know and do my will? Do you want to do what is good and right and pleasing to Me? Do you want to bear fruit for my kingdom? Do you want to bring glory to my name? Do you want to shine brightly for Me in the darkness of this world? Are you allowing the My Spirit to help you to put death the deeds of your sinful nature? Now, you may answer the questions that I have asked you. It is vitally important that you answer these questions today, tomorrow and every day of your life. I know why. Tell me. How I answer these questions will determine the course of my life now and forever. My destiny will be determined by what I let control my life. Being controlled by the sinful nature will lead to death now and forever. Following my sinful nature will lead me away from you now and forever. That is not my choice. That is not what I will do. I will not allow myself to be controlled by my sinful nature. Instead, I will allow myself to be controlled by your Spirit living in me. You will help me to put to death the deeds of my sinful nature. You will help me to live a real life now and forever. You will make it so I can one day live forever in heaven with you. Yes, I will. You have chosen well. You will live the life you have been called to live. Thank you, Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my sinful nature. I will allow myself to be controlled by you. Help me to put to death the deeds of my sinful nature. Help me to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you. Help me to fruitfully live as a child of God. Amen

Key Question…  How different is your life now that you are controlled by the Spirit of God living in you?

Living It Out…  Allow the Holy Spirit to help you to live a life controlled my Him rather than your sinful nature.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Holy Spirit will help you to put to death the deeds of your sinful nature.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how the Holy Spirit has helped you to put sinful deeds to death.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you allow your life to be controlled by the Holy Spirit who lives inside of you.

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

Promises – Day 317 – Romans 8-9-14 – Controlled By The Spirit – 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

Call To Me And I Will Answer You

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 316 - Jeremiah 33:3 - Call To Me And I Will Answer You - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 316 – Jeremiah 33:3 – Call To Me And I Will Answer You – Growing As Disciples

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV)

Call To Me

Do you need guidance? Do you need direction?  Do you need my help? Yes, of course I need your guidance and direction and help. That’s good. Why is that good? If you want and need my guidance and direction and help that should mean that you will stop relying on yourself. It will almost certainly mean that you have reached the end of your resources. You don’t know where else to turn. So, you will wholeheartedly cry out to me for my help. And that is good. Yes, it is good. I do have one thing to say, however. What’s that? I don’t cry out to you and ask for your help only when I am in trouble. You are not my last resort. In fact, I hope it is true for me to say that you are my first resort. Why is that true? It has become my daily pattern and practice to meet with you in prayer. Our time together, in prayer, does not occur only when I want or need something from you. Why do you want to meet daily with me in prayer? I meet with you in prayer because I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I meet with you in prayer because I want to know you. I meet with you in prayer because I want to live in an intimate relationship with you. I want to hear your voice. I want to follow you to where you lead me. I want to do what you ask me. I want to live the life that you have called me to live. I want to bear fruit for your kingdom. I want to bring glory to your name. I want to shine brightly for you like a star in the universe. I want to be a bold and bright witness for you in the world. These are the reasons why I am meeting with you daily in prayer. It pleases me to hear why you want to meet with me in prayer. You can be sure that I will hear and answer these desires that you have in your heart. You will live in an intimate relationship with me. You will walk with me through life. You will hear my voice guiding you. I will speak to you. I will show you what you do not know. You will live the life that I have called you to live. Thank you, Lord. You are so good and kind to me. I love you. 

Lord, I will make it my daily pattern and practice to meet with you in prayer. I will call on you and ask for your help. I will rely on your instruction. I will follow your direction. Teach me. Train me. Guide me. Help me to hear your voice. Show me what I don’t know. Amen

Key Question…  When has the Lord shown you hidden things you could not know as you have met with Him in prayer?

Living It Out…  Call on the Lord and meet with Him in prayer so He can show you what you do not know.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will hear and answer your prayers as you call on Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how it is your daily practice to meet with the Lord in prayer.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you call on the Lord and ask Him to show you what you do not know.

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

Promises – Day 316 – Jeremiah 33-3 – Call To Me And I Will Answer You – 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

Life To Those Who Find Them and Health

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 315 - Proverbs 4:20-23 - Life To Those Who Find Them And Health - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 315 – Proverbs 4:20-23 – Life To Those Who Find Them And Health – Growing As Disciples

My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.  Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;  for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body.  Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:20-23 (NIV)

Your Word

How will you pay attention to my word? How will you listen carefully to me? How will you make sure that my word is never out of your sight? How will you keep my word within your heart so that it is guarded from all the evil that is in the world? What will my word do for you as you pay attention and listen carefully to it? What kind of life can you expect to live if my word is never out of your sight and always in your heart? You have asked me a multitude of questions. I will start by saying that I will never let your word out of my sight and always have it in my heart. This is true because I will meet with you daily in your word. I will set aside a daily time and place to meet with you in your word. One might ask, “Why do I need to set aside a special time and place to meet with you in your word?” Life is busy. Life is noisy. Life is demanding. If I am to truly pay attention to your word, I need to make meeting with you in your word a priority. Not setting a time and place to meet with you in your word will make it almost certain that it will happen very infrequently. Is this your voice of experience? Yes, it is, despite my best intentions, I have gone great lengths of time without meeting with you in your word. I not talking days or weeks either, unfortunately, in the past, months can and have gone by without my meeting with you in your word. So, now I meet with you daily in your word. But that is not the only reason why I need a special time and place to meet with you in your word. If I am to listen carefully to you, I need to eliminate all distractions so I can clearly hear from you. I don’t want your word to go in one of my ears and go out the other. I want your word to deeply penetrate my heart. I want your word to never leave my sight. I want your word to do its work in me. What work will my word do in you? Your word will change my heart. Your word will transform my mind. All my thoughts and word and actions will be different as your word dwells richly in me. You word will give me a completely new life to live. Your word will guard and guide my life. Your word will protect me from evil in the world. Your word will give me life and health to my entire being as I hear and follow and obey you, as I live my life according to your word. Yes, my word will do all these things in you, for you, and through you. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, I will pay attention to your word. I will listen closely to your word. I will not let your word out of my sight. I will keep your word in my heart as I meet with you in it. Use your word to guard my heart. Use your word to bring life and health to my entire body. Amen

Key Question…  How has keeping God’s word in your heart, given you life and brought health to your entire body?

Living It Out…  Daily pay attention and listen closely to God’s word, never let it out of your sight and keep it in your heart.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that God’s word will give you life and health to your body as you keep it in your heart.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how you are always keeping God’s word in your heart.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you pay attention and listen closely to God’s word, keeping it before your eyes and in your heart.

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

Promises – Day 315 – Proverbs 4-20-23 – Life To Those Who Find Them and Health – 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

Let Us Not Become Weary

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 314 - Galatians 6:7-10 - Let Us Not Become Weary - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 314 – Galatians 6:7-10 – Let Us Not Become Weary – Growing As Disciples

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.  The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.   Let Us Not Become Weary Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:7-10 (NIV)

Revive, Refresh, Restore

Well, I have been that, without a doubt. You have been what? I have been weary. I don’t mean I have been a little tired either. I have been completely exhausted. I have been so tired that I felt I could not take one more step forward. I am said to say that I have had thoughts about giving up doing the work you have given me to do for you. That’s not good. How have you reached such a condition? Do you think it gives me any pleasure to see you weary and worn out? Do you really think you can fruitfully serve me if you are completely exhausted? Obviously, not. But I’m not sure what I have been thinking. Somehow, my life has gotten out of balance. How so? I’m sure that I have not gotten enough rest and relaxation. My diet and exercise have been lacking as well. Keep in mind that if you do not take care of your body, you will not be able to fruitfully serve me. I see that now, quite clearly. That’s good.

Is that the only problem? Is failing to take care of your body the only reason why you have become weary and worn out? Surely not. What else then? Just as I have not taken good care of my body, I have not taken good care of my soul. How will you take care of your soul? I’m mentioned rest. There is more than one kind of rest. I don’t just need to rest from my labors. I need to rest in your presence. I need to come and sit at your feet. I need to withdraw to a quiet place, away from the noise and hurry and busyness of this life. I need to have moments, many moments, of solitude and silence with you. I need to wait in your presence so I can be revived and refreshed and restored. I need to rely on you to fill me fresh with your Holy Spirit. I need your power working in and through me so I can accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. Yes, you do. There is no doubt about that. You want to take care of my soul. Yes, I do. Yes, I will. Will you come now and rest in my presence? Will you allow me to revive and refresh and restore you? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I have been on the verge of growing weary and have had thoughts of giving up. Revive, refresh, and restore me. Fill me fresh with your Holy Spirit. Give me your power. Make me able to keep on doing good so I will be able to reap a rich harvest for you. Amen

Key Question…  Why is it critically important that you don’t grow weary and give up doing your work for the Lord?

Living It Out…  Don’t grow weary, but rather keep doing the good you have been given to do, so you will reap a rich harvest for God.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that you will one day reap a rich harvest for God if you do not grow weary and give up working for Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are continuing to do the good God has given you to do for Him.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you never grow weary in doing good so you will one day reap a rich harvest.

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

Promises – Day 314 – Galatians 6-7-10 – Let Us Not Become Weary – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

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

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

Then You Will See Clearly

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 312 - Luke 6:41-42 - Then You Will See Clearly - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 312 – Luke 6:41-42 – Then You Will See Clearly – Growing As Disciples

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Luke 6:41-42 (NIV)

See Clearly

 That is what I want to be able to do. What do you want to be able to do? I want to be able to see clearly. And let me clear, I don’t want to see clearly so I can go around trying to fix others flaws and failings. Why do you want to see clearly? I want to see clearly so I can be the person you have called me to be. I want to see clearly so I can do what you have called me to do. I know that my own sin will hinder me from being and doing what is good and right and pleasing to you. That is true. What will help you to see clearly? How will you know what thoughts or words, or actions must be removed from your life so you can be and do who and what is pleasing to me? That is such a very good question. Why is it such a very good question? I have blind spots. Sometimes, maybe quite frequently, I have sins and flaws and failings that are obvious to everyone else but not to me. That is a difficult problem, isn’t it? I think so. You must have some ideas how to overcome this problem. What occurs to you? I know that your word and the power of your Holy Spirit will show me what needs to change, what needs to be removed from my life. That’s true. So, I will make it my daily practice to come into your presence, to draw near to you in your word. I will allow your Holy Spirit to use your word to mold and shape my life. That will be very good. You can be certain that my word will change your heart and transform your mind. My word will help you to think and speak and act in ways that are pleasing to me. What else? There is more? Yes, there is more. What else is there? You already mentioned that others see what you cannot see. Yes, I did. Will you allow fellow followers, fellow believers, to speak into your life? Will you welcome my using others to help you to be and do, who and what, is pleasing to me? Will you listen to my word? Will you listen to those I have speak into your life? Yes, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, I know I am in no way qualified to judge others. I also know it is not my job to go around trying to fix the flaws and failings in others. Even more importantly, I know I am a work in progress. Change my thoughts, words, and actions so they please you. Amen 

Key Question…  What are some recent changes you have made to your thinking, speaking, or acting?

Living It Out…  Allow the Lord to change any thoughts, words, and actions of yours that are not pleasing to Him.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will help you to see what needs to be changed in your thoughts, words, and actions.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has helped you to make changes in your life.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you live a godly life filled with prayers that the Lord will hear and answer.

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

Promises – Day 297 – Luke 6-41-42 – Then You Will See Clearly – 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

Bad Company Corrupts Good Character

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 311 - 1 Corinthians 15:33 - Bad Company Corrupts Good Character - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 311 – 1 Corinthians 15:33 – Bad Company Corrupts Good Character – Growing As Disciples

Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NLT)

Godly Character

Is that what you want? Is what do I want? Do you want to have godly character? Do you want to think and speak and act in ways that are pleasing to me? Do you want to live the life I have called you to live? To you want to be a bold and bright witness for me in the world? Do you want to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name? Yes, I want all of this to be true of me. I want you to use my life to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. I want to be able to know and do your will. Yes, I want to think and speak and act like you. I want to be able to know and do your will. At the end of my life, I want to have no regrets. I will want to know that I have been powerfully used by you. So, bearing fruit for your kingdom and bringing glory to your name is my highest goal. All of these desires will no doubt require that I have godly character. I will need to be the person you have called me to be. I will need to live the life you have called me to live. That is right. That is true. That is certain. How can I have godly character in me? That is a very good question with several related answers. I am listening. You have my full attention. First, you must live in an intimate relationship with me. You must draw near to me. You must meet with me in prayer. You must meet with me in worship. You must meet with me in my word. Will you draw near to me? Will you live in an intimate relationship with me? Yes Lord, I will. Next you must be very careful about who you allow into your close circle of friends. You must carefully guard those who will have an influence in your life. Without a doubt, it is true that, “bad company corrupts good character”. Will you distance yourself from bad company? Yes Lord, I will. Now be careful on this point, do not withdraw from people. I want you to reach out and minister to those who do not know me.  Do not expect that these people will have good and godly character because they won’t.  You can minister to people of all types of character without allowing them to have an evil influence in your life. I understand. That’s good. Finally, I want you to be regularly and consistently engaged in building godly character in others. Will you do that? Will you allow me to use you in this way? Yes Lord, I will. Then as you remain in my presence and allow me to use you to nurture and grow godly character, you will live a life of no regrets. You will be and do all that I ask of you. Thank you, Lord. 

Lord, often I have let bad company into my close circle of friends. What a foolish mistake that has been. I will no longer allow myself to be corrupted by bad company. Instead, I will allow you to use me to nurture and build godly character in the lives of others. Amen

Key Question…  How is God using you to nurture and build the godly character of another person?

Living It Out…  Allow God to use you to build godly character in others.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that the Lord will use you to build godly character in others.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how God has been using you to build godly character in others.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you allow God to use you to nurture and build good character in others.

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

Promises – Day 311 – 1 Corinthians 15-33 – Bad Company Corrupts Good Character – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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

Godly Way

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 309 - Jeremiah 6:16 - Godly Way - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 309 – Jeremiah 6:16 – Godly Way – Growing As Disciples

This is what the LORD says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’ Jeremiah 6:16 (NLT)

Stop At The Crossroads

That is a very good time to meet, don’t you think? When is a very good time to meet? When you are at the crossroads; when you aren’t sure which way to proceed; when you are stuck and stopped dead in your tracks. Why is that such a good time to meet? When else have I had your fullest and best attention? When have you listened more carefully to my voice? When have you come to rely on me more fully? When have you cried out and asked for my help with more desperation? You have a good point. Yes, I have a good point. At the crossroads, is a very good time to meet. But I want to make something very clear to you. What’s that? What you learn at the crossroads, I want you to take what you have learned into your daily, everyday life. I am not sure what you mean. I don’t want to meet with you occasionally when you come to a crossroads. I don’t want you to listen attentively to me, here and there and now and then. I don’t want you to rely on my help, as needed. What do you want from me? I want you to live in an intimate relationship with me every day of your life. I want you to receive my instructions. I want you to follow my guidance. I want you to depend on me. I want you to rely on me as we walk through life together. Do you understand? Do you want what I want? Do you want to walk through life with me? Do you want to follow me to where I lead you? Do you want to go and do what I ask of you? Do you want to think and speak and act in ways that are pleasing to me? Do you want to live a godly life that I can and will bless? Lord, I want everything that you want. I will live this life that you are calling me to live. I want to follow and serve you. I want to love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. You have filled me with desire to live in an intimate relationship with you. Guide me, I’m following. Counsel me, I’m listening. Help me, I am relying on you. That is very good.

Lord, I will stop and listen. I will look around and ask questions. All of this with the sole purpose of hearing from you. I want to think and speak and act in ways that are pleasing to you. I want to walk through life on the good and godly path with you leading me. Amen

Key Question…  When do you take time to stop, listen, look, and ask questions about the way God wants to direct you?

Living It Out…  Stop, listen, look around, and ask questions about the way God wants you to walk through life with Him.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that God will help you to walk in a godly way that is pleasing to Him.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how you are taking time to listen attentively to the Lord.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you stop and listen to the Lord so He can guide you on a godly path that is pleasing to Him.

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

Promises – Day 294 – Jeremiah 6-16 – Godly 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

Wait In Silence

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Promises - Day 310 - Psalm 62:5-8 - Wait In Silence - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 310 – Psalm 62:5-8 – Wait In Silence – Growing As Disciples

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.  He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.  On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.  Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah Psalm 62:5-8 (ESV)

Silent Before You

That does not come easy to me. What does not come easy to you? Being silent before you does not come easy to me. Why is that? I have a heart and mind and life that races at high speed. It seems like I am always on the run, with places to go and people to see and things to do. Even if I sit still, it is difficult for me to quiet myself completely before you. I think you are describing the old you, the way you once were. For many years now, you have been spending large amounts of time silently in my presence, is that not true? Yes, I guess that is true. What changed? Why are you now so different from how you once were? I got tired. I became weary. I began to see the foolishness of always being on the run. I came to realize that I would never be able to live in an intimate relationship with you if I could never be quiet before you. I came to see that I would never come to know you, or hear your voice, or receive your guidance or follow your instructions if I was never silent before you. I came to understand that I would never place all my faith and hope and trust in you if I wasn’t able to sit still with you. You would never truly be my rock or fortress or refuge if I did not quietly take shelter in your presence. In other words, I began to clearly see the true cost of always being on the run, with places to go and people to see and things to do. I knew that continuing in that way would lead me to live a life filled with deep regret. I would never be able to live the life that you have called me to live. Isn’t it amazing that you gained such understanding? How did you become so wise? Now, I know that you are asking me trick questions. How so? I can take no credit for gaining understanding or being wise. Why is that? I came to this understanding very slowly after quite a bit of foolish living. But that is only part of it, you alone have been my teacher. You alone have helped me to see the error of my ways. You alone deserve credit for making me able to sit silence with you. You have drawn me to yourself. You have allowed me to taste your goodness and kindness and mercy and love as I have rested in your presence. Now there is no place I would rather be or nothing I would rather do that sit in silence before you. That is very good. Yes, it is and for that I give you all my thanks and praise. All my faith and hope and trust are in you. You are my rock and fortress and refuge. Yes, I am.

Lord, I will carve out time to be silent before you. I will place all my faith and hope and trust in you. Speak to me as I wait in silence before you. Be my rock and fortress and refuge as I wait silently in your presence. Keep me from being shaken as I trust in you. Amen

Key Question…  How are you carving out time to be silent before the Lord so you can find rest in Him?

Living It Out…  Carve out time each day to be silent before the Lord so you can find rest in Him.

Seeing It Happen…  Have faith that you will find rest in the Lord as you are silent before Him.

Get Ready To Share…  Share with another person or your small group how being silent before the Lord has helped you to take refuge in Him.

Prayer To Bless Others…  May you be silent before the Lord so you can find rest in Him.

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

Promises – Day 310 – Psalm 62-5-8 – Wait In Silence – 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