“Effective stress management requires that we be healthy in mind and spirit, not just in our bodies.” Pg. 28
“The accelerated pace of modern living tends to rob us of natural recovery time. We have shortened the night with the invention of electricity and robbed ourselves of the natural recovery time provided by horse travel. To deal with stress, we need to find equivalent ‘rest’ times throughout our day. If we don’t design it into our lifestyles, it won’t happen.” Pg. 29
Adrenaline and Stress, Archibald Hart, Word.
“Henry Nelson Weiman, one of America’s noted philosophers, once said, ‘We ought to live each moment as if all Eternity converged upon it.’ I am not sure you can live with your wick turned up that high without burning up the wick, but you can practice what Jean-Pierre de Caussade called ‘the sacrament of the present moment.’” Pg. 86
Spiritual Preparation for Christian Leadership, E. Glenn Hinson. Upper Room Books
Here is a great reminder of God’s promise for the busy disciple…
28 "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest.
29 Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.
30 Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
Monday, February 23, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Living the Discipled Life
Years ago, I wrote a review of a book entitled "Choose the Life" by Bill Hull. Here is a portion of my review:
Somehow, someway, we (the North American Evangelical) have enabled a weakened church body to accept a way of faith to the exclusion of biblical discipleship. Hull does a good service to us by exposing and then challenging believers to not settle for anything less than obedience to the teachings of Christ—all of them. For many the Gospel has been presented as a buffet option, which a person can pick and choose what he or she desires.
He illustrates this error perfectly when he says, “In the US, the church continues to shrink in size, lacks relevancy because of moral duplicity, and preaches a gospel that produces more consumers of religious goods and services than disciples.” Pg. 11
It is true. We are all about giving choices, about consuming religious goods and services than we are about reproducing the life of Christ in us. The current emphasis seems to be on right doctrine, right belief rather than right actions or behavior (i.e., making disciples). Hull addresses this very thing when he states
A pathology of the American church has been to disconnect belief from behavior. People think that if you say the right words and believe the right things, you’ll receive your get-out-of-hell-free card, and that’s it. In the meantime they manage their sin until heaven. Jesus calls us not to sin management but to transformation, where we experience one breakthrough after another and do away with sin in our lives. We are called to follow Jesus and be transformed into his image…We are expected to take on that same character and thus influence the people around us the same way Jesus influenced others. In short, the gospel connects belief and behavior.” Pg. 19
Hull really challenged me to consider the reality of conversion (regeneration) in the lives of so many who use “cheap grace” to gain their fire insurance, but continue to live like nothing has happened inside. Several quotes caught my attention:
“The problem we face is a faith that doesn’t transform. We have taught a nondiscipleship Christianity, and in Scripture this Christianity does not exist.…We have made the test for salvation doctrinal rather than behavioral. We have ritualized salvation with walking the aisle, praying to receive Christ, or signing a doctrinal statement. The trouble with our evangelism is that we have made it so easy to enter the Christian life that we miss the repentance, commitment, and regeneration that provide the power to live the Christian life.” Pg. 23-24
“A gospel that speaks only of forgiveness of sins and getting into heaven is a partial gospel. The complete gospel says to repent of your sin, take up your cross daily, and follow Jesus.” Pg. 24
“Faith is real only when there is obedience.” Pg. 24
That's enough for us to chew on today.
Making a difference in the market place of life with you,
Denny Bates
Somehow, someway, we (the North American Evangelical) have enabled a weakened church body to accept a way of faith to the exclusion of biblical discipleship. Hull does a good service to us by exposing and then challenging believers to not settle for anything less than obedience to the teachings of Christ—all of them. For many the Gospel has been presented as a buffet option, which a person can pick and choose what he or she desires.
He illustrates this error perfectly when he says, “In the US, the church continues to shrink in size, lacks relevancy because of moral duplicity, and preaches a gospel that produces more consumers of religious goods and services than disciples.” Pg. 11
It is true. We are all about giving choices, about consuming religious goods and services than we are about reproducing the life of Christ in us. The current emphasis seems to be on right doctrine, right belief rather than right actions or behavior (i.e., making disciples). Hull addresses this very thing when he states
A pathology of the American church has been to disconnect belief from behavior. People think that if you say the right words and believe the right things, you’ll receive your get-out-of-hell-free card, and that’s it. In the meantime they manage their sin until heaven. Jesus calls us not to sin management but to transformation, where we experience one breakthrough after another and do away with sin in our lives. We are called to follow Jesus and be transformed into his image…We are expected to take on that same character and thus influence the people around us the same way Jesus influenced others. In short, the gospel connects belief and behavior.” Pg. 19
Hull really challenged me to consider the reality of conversion (regeneration) in the lives of so many who use “cheap grace” to gain their fire insurance, but continue to live like nothing has happened inside. Several quotes caught my attention:
“The problem we face is a faith that doesn’t transform. We have taught a nondiscipleship Christianity, and in Scripture this Christianity does not exist.…We have made the test for salvation doctrinal rather than behavioral. We have ritualized salvation with walking the aisle, praying to receive Christ, or signing a doctrinal statement. The trouble with our evangelism is that we have made it so easy to enter the Christian life that we miss the repentance, commitment, and regeneration that provide the power to live the Christian life.” Pg. 23-24
“A gospel that speaks only of forgiveness of sins and getting into heaven is a partial gospel. The complete gospel says to repent of your sin, take up your cross daily, and follow Jesus.” Pg. 24
“Faith is real only when there is obedience.” Pg. 24
That's enough for us to chew on today.
Making a difference in the market place of life with you,
Denny Bates
Saturday, February 7, 2009
The Fruit of Discipleship--Friendship
Check out one of my dear friends in the Lord; Kevin Smith, a man I had the pleasure of doing life together for a year as we learned what it meant to be a disciple of Jesus.
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #4--Core Value: Grace
Life Principles For Those Who Choose
To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Psalm 3:3 But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.
Core Value: Grace
Principle #4: The quality disciple deeply acknowledges and appreciates the Lord’s gracious care as the One who shields us as well as the One who gently lifts our head in order for us to see His face.
Application: The quality disciple deeply acknowledges and appreciates the Lord’s gracious care as the One who shields us as well as the One who gently lifts our head in order for us to see His face.
• The disciple of Jesus Christ knows Him as the LORD. He is God and has sovereign power over His people.
• It is the LORD who shields us, covers us, cares for us; He protects us from our enemies.
• When we are down and discouraged it is the Lord Jesus who gently lifts our countenance so that we might better see His face.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
How do I relate to Jesus? Do I consider Him as the LORD of my life?
Is there anything going on in my heart that needs His gracious lifting of my head?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You know me well. You are God! and I am not. Forgive me when I want to wrest away from You control of my life. Thank You for being my Lord, my God, my shield, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.
To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Psalm 3:3 But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.
Core Value: Grace
Principle #4: The quality disciple deeply acknowledges and appreciates the Lord’s gracious care as the One who shields us as well as the One who gently lifts our head in order for us to see His face.
Application: The quality disciple deeply acknowledges and appreciates the Lord’s gracious care as the One who shields us as well as the One who gently lifts our head in order for us to see His face.
• The disciple of Jesus Christ knows Him as the LORD. He is God and has sovereign power over His people.
• It is the LORD who shields us, covers us, cares for us; He protects us from our enemies.
• When we are down and discouraged it is the Lord Jesus who gently lifts our countenance so that we might better see His face.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
How do I relate to Jesus? Do I consider Him as the LORD of my life?
Is there anything going on in my heart that needs His gracious lifting of my head?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You know me well. You are God! and I am not. Forgive me when I want to wrest away from You control of my life. Thank You for being my Lord, my God, my shield, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #3--Core Value: Worship & Service
Life Principles For Those Who Choose
To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Psalm 2:11 Worship the LORD with reverence And rejoice with trembling. (NASB95)
Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. (NIV)
Core Value: Worship & Service
Principle #3: The quality disciple chooses a way of life that is driven by a passionate worship of God that expresses itself in humble service to Him.
Application: The quality disciple chooses a way of life that is driven by a passionate worship of God that expresses itself in humble service to Him.
• The disciple of Jesus Christ does not compartmentalize his or her worship and service to God. Instead, worship and service is all consuming.
• We must worship and serve God as He desires—to do so with a holy reverence and acute awareness of who He is (Almighty God)…and who we are (sinners, saved by grace).
• It is humility that helps us to better appreciate and live out the discipled life, as one who desires to follow Jesus Christ.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
How do I really know that I am worshiping God in a way that pleases Him?
Is my life being defined as personal selfishness or by sacrificial service?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, what a mighty and awesome God You are! May my worship never be watered down to a religious habit. Instead, may my relationship with You be grounded in my worship and service to You.
To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Psalm 2:11 Worship the LORD with reverence And rejoice with trembling. (NASB95)
Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. (NIV)
Core Value: Worship & Service
Principle #3: The quality disciple chooses a way of life that is driven by a passionate worship of God that expresses itself in humble service to Him.
Application: The quality disciple chooses a way of life that is driven by a passionate worship of God that expresses itself in humble service to Him.
• The disciple of Jesus Christ does not compartmentalize his or her worship and service to God. Instead, worship and service is all consuming.
• We must worship and serve God as He desires—to do so with a holy reverence and acute awareness of who He is (Almighty God)…and who we are (sinners, saved by grace).
• It is humility that helps us to better appreciate and live out the discipled life, as one who desires to follow Jesus Christ.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
How do I really know that I am worshiping God in a way that pleases Him?
Is my life being defined as personal selfishness or by sacrificial service?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, what a mighty and awesome God You are! May my worship never be watered down to a religious habit. Instead, may my relationship with You be grounded in my worship and service to You.
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #2--Core Value: Bible Study
Life Principles For Those Who Choose
To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Psalm 1:2-3 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.
Core Value: Bible Study
Principle #2: The quality disciple places great value in spending quality time in God’s Word.
Application:
The quality disciple places great value in spending quality time in God’s Word.
• For the disciple, Bible study should never be a drudgery, an activity done out of a legalistic obligation. Spending time in God’s Word should be a delight!
• Bible study is not limited to a one-time event but has a residual effect upon the entire day—meditating on it both night and day.
• The fruit of having an ongoing experience with the Bible is spiritual growth and a prosperous life.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Does the time I spend in the Word of God give me delight?
Is it my habit to read my Bible for information’s sake or to reflect upon what I read and see how I can apply it to my life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may I always have a hunger, a longing for Your Word. May I not only look at Bible study as a necessary spiritual discipline but also see it as a way to grow in my relationship with You, becoming closer to You.
To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Psalm 1:2-3 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.
Core Value: Bible Study
Principle #2: The quality disciple places great value in spending quality time in God’s Word.
Application:
The quality disciple places great value in spending quality time in God’s Word.
• For the disciple, Bible study should never be a drudgery, an activity done out of a legalistic obligation. Spending time in God’s Word should be a delight!
• Bible study is not limited to a one-time event but has a residual effect upon the entire day—meditating on it both night and day.
• The fruit of having an ongoing experience with the Bible is spiritual growth and a prosperous life.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Does the time I spend in the Word of God give me delight?
Is it my habit to read my Bible for information’s sake or to reflect upon what I read and see how I can apply it to my life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may I always have a hunger, a longing for Your Word. May I not only look at Bible study as a necessary spiritual discipline but also see it as a way to grow in my relationship with You, becoming closer to You.
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #1--Core Value: Community
Life Principles For Those Who Choose
To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Psalm 1:1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
Core Value: Community
Principle #1: The disciple is intentional with his or her associations—seeking to fellowship with those who are with Christ.
Application: The quality disciple places great value in being a part of a biblical community of other disciples.
• They refuse to walk in the counsel of the wicked. Instead, they seek out those who are godly and wise.
• They refuse to stand in the path of sinners. Instead, they surround themselves with those who are seeking a right relationship with Jesus Christ.
• They refuse to sit in the seat of scoffers. Instead, they keep themselves from those who poison the well with doubt and unbelief and seek out those who believe God.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Who are the people I trust the most with my life?
Am I experiencing “blessing” with the company I keep?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for allowing me to be a member of the body of Christ. Continue to guide me into the kind of relationships with other disciples that will strengthen my relationship with You.
To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Psalm 1:1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
Core Value: Community
Principle #1: The disciple is intentional with his or her associations—seeking to fellowship with those who are with Christ.
Application: The quality disciple places great value in being a part of a biblical community of other disciples.
• They refuse to walk in the counsel of the wicked. Instead, they seek out those who are godly and wise.
• They refuse to stand in the path of sinners. Instead, they surround themselves with those who are seeking a right relationship with Jesus Christ.
• They refuse to sit in the seat of scoffers. Instead, they keep themselves from those who poison the well with doubt and unbelief and seek out those who believe God.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Who are the people I trust the most with my life?
Am I experiencing “blessing” with the company I keep?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for allowing me to be a member of the body of Christ. Continue to guide me into the kind of relationships with other disciples that will strengthen my relationship with You.
Psalms of Discipleship--Introduction to a New Way of Doing Devotions
Would You Like To Start Your New Year With A Fresh Look At God’s Word?
Over the years as I have studied, observed, and personally experienced spiritual growth, I have come to the right conclusion that one of the key catalysts to a believer’s spiritual growth is not just Bible study for the sake of information, but the kind of Bible study that leads the believer to reflect upon what is being read. Some call it a “quite time.” Others call it “personal devotions.” Call it what you will, but I call it an “essential spiritual practice” if one desires authentic and measurable spiritual growth.
Each week over the course of 2009 you are invited to spend some time reading and reflecting upon “Psalms of Discipleship,” a simple, easy to use, devotional experience. By spending five minutes or fifty five minutes on the weekly devotion, you will enhance your spiritual growth.
How does it work?
Part 1: The Scripture, the Core Value, and the Principle
Read the passage and reflect upon it, asking God to speak to your heart. He so desires to talk to you. Please give Him time, and listen.
Then, in the second column there is a specific core value of discipleship associated with this scripture. As we take this spiritual journey through the Psalms, we will discover together the seven core values that mark the life of the one who is following Jesus as His disciple. They are grace, worship, Bible study, prayer, community, service, and evangelism. Each week, we will all be challenged with this question: Is this core value woven into the fabric of my life?
In the third column is a brief, to the point, biblical principle based upon the passage from Psalms that the disciple of Jesus Christ seeks to adapt to his or her life.
Part 2: The Application, the Time to Reflect and Respond, the Prayer of Response
The Application is simple and straightforward. This will help you unpack the meaning of this passage and how it applies to your life. Don’t rush through it, but carefully, prayerfully, think through each point.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder is when you may wish to find some quality time in your day to think through these thought-provoking questions. As with the application, do not rush through these questions, but give yourself time to dialogue with God on what you are thinking.
The Prayer at the end we offer for you helps you summarize your thoughts. You may use our prayer as a point of beginning. Feel free to add to it.
Over the years as I have studied, observed, and personally experienced spiritual growth, I have come to the right conclusion that one of the key catalysts to a believer’s spiritual growth is not just Bible study for the sake of information, but the kind of Bible study that leads the believer to reflect upon what is being read. Some call it a “quite time.” Others call it “personal devotions.” Call it what you will, but I call it an “essential spiritual practice” if one desires authentic and measurable spiritual growth.
Each week over the course of 2009 you are invited to spend some time reading and reflecting upon “Psalms of Discipleship,” a simple, easy to use, devotional experience. By spending five minutes or fifty five minutes on the weekly devotion, you will enhance your spiritual growth.
How does it work?
Part 1: The Scripture, the Core Value, and the Principle
Read the passage and reflect upon it, asking God to speak to your heart. He so desires to talk to you. Please give Him time, and listen.
Then, in the second column there is a specific core value of discipleship associated with this scripture. As we take this spiritual journey through the Psalms, we will discover together the seven core values that mark the life of the one who is following Jesus as His disciple. They are grace, worship, Bible study, prayer, community, service, and evangelism. Each week, we will all be challenged with this question: Is this core value woven into the fabric of my life?
In the third column is a brief, to the point, biblical principle based upon the passage from Psalms that the disciple of Jesus Christ seeks to adapt to his or her life.
Part 2: The Application, the Time to Reflect and Respond, the Prayer of Response
The Application is simple and straightforward. This will help you unpack the meaning of this passage and how it applies to your life. Don’t rush through it, but carefully, prayerfully, think through each point.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder is when you may wish to find some quality time in your day to think through these thought-provoking questions. As with the application, do not rush through these questions, but give yourself time to dialogue with God on what you are thinking.
The Prayer at the end we offer for you helps you summarize your thoughts. You may use our prayer as a point of beginning. Feel free to add to it.
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