Friday, December 31, 2010

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 52--December 31, 2010--Prayer

Hello my dear friends! Within hours from now, many greetings will be shared by people from all over the world with these familiar words: "Happy New Year!"

I always find it to be useful to take some personal "inventory" time at the end of each year and see where I stand. For me, 2010 has been a year of challenges and growth (paradoxes, for sure. But they sure do seem to go together, hand in hand). As I survey the land of my life, I have been blessed in so many ways. God loves me. My wife loves me. My children love me. And many trusted friends love me. This is all true, even though I have so far to go in my spiritual life (Note: Grace allows us not to be perfect, but grants us permission to grow). For example, I tend to neglect frequent times of intimate prayer with a ready excuse in hand: I'm "too busy" or "too distracted" or perhaps even worse, "too self-reliant" to pray.

Over the course of the year, and especially over the past two weeks, I have made a fresh commitment to prayer. I hope you will do the same too as we all grow closer to the Lord in 2011.

I am praying for you. Thanks for praying for me.

Lets talk again soon; like next year.

Happy New Year!

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #52

Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life

Key Scripture: 7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice, And be gracious to me and answer me. 8 When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, O LORD, I shall seek." 9 Do not hide Your face from me, Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation! Psalm 27:7-9

Core Value: Prayer

The gift of prayer is a wonderful resource . . . if the disciple of Jesus is willing to use it. We know it is there. We know of its benefit to the believer. And we know prayer is what our Lord desires us to do, on a frequent basis. And yet, for many of us, we find it difficult, seeming nearly impossible, to develop a healthy habit of meaningful prayer. Why is this? Perhaps, it is due to what Donald Whitney describes as “an impersonal requirement”:

“Don’t think of prayer as an impersonal requirement. Realize that it is a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, with all authority and with all love, who expects us to pray.” (Pg. 67) Whitney, Donald S. 1991. Spiritual disciplines for the Christian life. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.

Has prayer become another religious “duty” that we simply check off of our so-called spirituality list and then move on to more of the same: an empty and unfulfilling relationship with the Lord? There are many things that we can do on our own that will give the illusion that we are something that we are not. A life marked by the power of prayer, biblical prayer, is not one of them. By God’s grace, may He renew our focus upon the One who desires to have an ongoing, intimate relationship with us.

The Psalmist has a lot to say about the intimacy and necessity of prayer. He reminds us that the God of the Universe desires to hear the voice of His child. He desires to answer prayers that are offered according to His perfect will. He has promised to walk with us, no matter how challenging are our circumstances. Our responsibility is to keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) and talk to and listen to Him.

Principle #52 & Personal Application: The Quality disciple has a laser-like focus to keep the face of the Lord in clear view.

When I seek the Lord, face to face:

• I am reminded of His desire to hear my voice.

• I am reminded of His desire to answer me.

• I am reminded of His desire to be kind to me and not to turn away from me in anger.

• I am reminded of His desire not to abandon or forsake me but to comfort me with His presence.

• I am reminded of His desire to be the God of my salvation!

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What kinds of things do I need to do for the following year that will help me keep my focus upon the Lord?

When I make an effort to seek the face of the Lord, what kind of impact does it make upon my life?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may this coming year be one of a renewed intimacy with You. May prayer not become a trite thing that I do, but a transforming way of life. When I seek Your face, may You impress upon my heart the beauty of Your face.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism


Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.

P.S.
It has been a joy to walk with you this year, studying and applying the life lessons of the Psalms. As I plan for next year, it would be helpful for me to get some feedback from you. If you click on the survey link below, it will take less than 5 minutes of your time.

Growing with you,

Denny


http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HYVLPS6

Monday, December 27, 2010

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 51--December 27, 2010--Prayer


Hello my dear friends! I hope that your Christmas Day celebration gave you ample opportunity to enjoy rich times of fellowship with those you love the most as well as time to reflect upon the One who loves you most.

Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a great way to summarize the year as well as look to next year as a spiritual goal: on a frequent basis, to ask the Lord to "examine me, try me; test my mind and my heart."

May each one of us learn in a fresh way how to be honest with God.

Learning with you,

Denny



Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #51

Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life

Key Scripture: Examine me, O LORD, and try me; Test my mind and my heart. Psalm 26:2

Core Value: Prayer

“Are you honest with God?” This is the question that cuts through any kind of “religious” spirit and goes to the heart of what is true or what is just a spiritual mirage. The prayer of the Psalmist was one of honesty and a pure desire to become “real” with God. Note the clear directions the Psalmist gave to the Lord: “Examine me . . . try me . . . test my mind . . . and my heart.”

No holding back here in an attempt to be seen as something he was not. In essence, the Psalmist was asking God for restoration, a fresh and healthy relationship with his God. It is tempting to ignore what we need from God: to give Him permission to inspect our mind and heart. Over time, we may drift and adapt and live life without God’s supernatural redemptive power.

In the book, “The Rest of God” by Mark Buchanan, he offers a unique perspective on how challenging it is to open one’s life to God’s review.

“A curious thing about restoration is that it doesn’t need doing. Strictly speaking, life carries on without it. Restoration is an invasion of sorts. It’s fixing something that’s broken, but broken so long it’s almost mended . . . Restoration meddles with what [we’ve] learned to handle, removes what [we’ve] learned to live with, bestows what [we’ve] learned to live without. Replacements have been found already, thank you all the same.” Pg. 150

May we never become satisfied with the “status quo.” May the Lord give us the grace we need to prayerfully ask Him to inspect us, from the inside out.

Principle #51 & Personal Application: The Quality disciple of Jesus Christ invites an honest and transparent assessment of what one thinks and feels inside.

It is by prayer that the disciple of Jesus Christ:

• Can become “real” with God. “Examine me, O Lord.” This coming year I can be honest to God.

• Can welcome an honest assessment from the Lord. “Try me.” This coming year I can be willing to take the risk that God knows what is best for me.

• Can trust the Lord’s probing of what is at one’s inner core. “Test my mind and my heart.” This coming year I can peel away the onion of my life and see what is most important to me.

• Can embrace the One who came into the world as a baby but is now our risen Savior. “Christ in us, the hope of glory.” This coming year I can renew my commitment to live my life for Him.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

Do I find it easy or challenging to be real with God? Why?

What kinds of things do I conceal in my mind and heart that are not in alignment with God’s Word?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I give You permission to check me out—on the inside. Please examine me, O Lord. Please try me and test my mind and heart…and then, Lord, please overwhelm me with Your grace as You form my mind into the mind of Christ; as You create in me a clean heart; as You once again, renew my focus to live for You.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism


Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.

www.dennybates.com

Friday, December 24, 2010

A Christmas Card From the Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm

Hello my dear friends. A warm greeting to you this Christmas Eve. I will be sending you the next Psalms of Discipleship devotion on December 26 from Psalm 26:2. Its a great reminder of how we can be "real" with God.

Each one of you has been, for me, a very special Christmas Gift. Thanks for joining me in this inspiring journey through the Psalms in 2010. The Lord willing, 2011 will be another year of joyful discovery for all of us.

Below is a "Christmas Card" from the Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm. May the message from this "card" give all of us a fresh understanding of how much God loves and cares for us.

O Come, Let Us Adore Him!

Denny


A Christmas Card From the Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm

Because I am your Shepherd, you have everything that you will ever need (vs. 1).

I let you rest in green meadows and I lead you beside quiet, peaceful streams (vs. 2).

I keep on giving My life and My strength to you. I guide you along the right paths, helping you to bring honor to My name (vs. 3).

Even when you walk through the dark valley of death, you will not be afraid because I am close beside you. I am leading you, guarding you, guiding you, protecting you, comforting you, all the way (vs. 4).

I prepare a table before you in the presence of your enemies, those who do not have your best interests in mind. I honor you by anointing your head with oil (symbolic of My Spirit) and I fill your cup (your capacity to enjoy life) to overflowing with blessings that come from Me (vs. 5).

Surely, My goodness and unfailing love and kindness will pursue you all of the days of your life and you will live with Me in My Home, forever (vs. 6).

Merry Christmas,

The Good Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm


[Adapted from the New Living Translation and the Living Bible]

www.dennybates.com

Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

The Hope of the Perfect Christmas



I.            INTRO: LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS

When I ask to you to frame in the picture of your own mind, the “Perfect Christmas,” what images flood your mind?

  • Is it a white Christmas?
  • Is it getting everything you asked for?
  • Is it being together with family and close friends?
  • Is it like Courier and Ives? In a one-horse open sleigh?

Searching for the “Perfect Christmas?” The harder we try, the harder it seems to get


II.            SEVERAL QUESTIONS, SEVERAL GOOD QUESTIONS COME TO MIND:

A.            When life hands you an impossible circumstance, WHAT do you do…WHERE do you turn for help…WHAT do you NEED?

B.            When life hands you an impossible circumstance, WHAT do you do?
            1.            Some panic—and overreact
            2.            Some are paralyzed—and do nothing but seek shelter in a cave
            3.            Some press on and persevere—seeking to move on as best they can

C.            When life hands you an impossible circumstance, WHERE do you turn for help?
            1.            Some look inside for answers—as if we have all the answers
            2.            Some look outside to the world—as if a final answer awaits those who seek spiritual help in a secular avenue
            3.            Some look up for help in some system of religion—in hope of some resolution and relief from the pain

D.            When life hands you an impossible circumstance, WHAT do you need? I suggest there are at least four things…
            1.            You need Good counsel
            2.            You need Strength
            3.            You need Stability
            4.            You need Peace of mind

E.            When life hands you an impossible circumstance, to WHOM should we trust to give us what we need?

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us! He'll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. Isaiah 9:6 (MSG)


III.            IT IS JESUS CHRIST WHO GIVES US WHAT WE NEED

            A.            We need good counsel. He is our WONDERFUL (or AMAZING) COUNSELOR—No one can give counsel, good advice like Him.


Psalms 16:7 (NIV)
I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.

Psalms 32:8 (NIV)
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

            B.            We need strength. He is our MIGHTY (or STRONG) GOD—There is no one as strong, as mighty as He


Psalms 18:16-18 (NIV)
16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. 17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. 18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support.

Psalms 68:28 (NIV)
28 Summon your power, O God; show us your strength, O God, as you have done before.

            C.            We need stability. He is our EVERLASTING (or ETERNAL) FATHER—He will always be our Father and He will never forsake us—ever!


2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

            D.            We need peace of mind. He is our PRINCE OF PEACE (or WHOLENESS)—Only He can calm the troubled waters of our restless soul.


Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Colossians 1:19-20 (NIV)
19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

CONCLUSION:

1.            When life hands you an impossible circumstance, He is your hope

2.            When life hands you an impossible circumstance, He is your COUNSELOR

3.            When life hands you an impossible circumstance, He is your STRENGTH

4.            When life hands you an impossible circumstance, He is your STABILITY

5.            When life hands you an impossible circumstance, He is your PEACE

6.            He is the ANSWER to your deepest need when life hands you an impossible circumstance

7.            Jesus Christ is the HOPE OF A PERFECT CHRISTMAS—for you, and for me.

8.            And this HOPE can be yours IF YOU TRUST HIM AND BELIEVE WHAT HE DID ON THE CROSS WAS ENOUGH TO PAY FOR YOUR SIN DEBT.

16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 (NIV) 

9.            Jesus Christ is the HOPE OF THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Merry Christmas!

Denny
12/22/2010

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 50--December 18, 2010--Prayer

Hello my dear friends! My earnest hope and prayer for each of us is that the Christ of Christmas is filling our hearts with worship of Him. This week's Psalms of Discipleship is a wonderful reminder of how much our Lord desires to have a relationship with His people. He wants us to "fear" Him and to take His instruction in the way we should choose.

O Come Let Us Adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Merry Christmas,

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #50

Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life

Key Scripture: Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose.
Psalm 25:12

Core Value: Prayer

“What should I do?” “Where should I go?” “Who should I marry?” “How will I know what to do and when to do it?” These are examples of the kinds of questions a disciple of Jesus may wrestle with on life’s journey of faith. All good questions, for sure. Here is the good news: the pressure is off! We do not have to resolve these kinds of questions on our own. Listen carefully to the counsel of the Psalmist:

“Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose.”

Receiving supernatural direction for life is simply a matter of cause and effect: If we fear the Lord (give Him reverence, respect, hold Him in awe), then He will instruct us in the way we should choose. Note: He will not turn us into mindless robots. We still must make a choice to obey and walk it out in faith.

It is through the means of prayer we discover that “answered” prayer is more than getting what we want from God. Prayer is only a means to an end; that we might get to know the Lord better as we dialogue with Him. Getting direction from Him is best accomplished when we have a growing relationship with Him. Richard Foster adds this important contribution to the importance of relationship when he writes,

“Slowly, almost imperceptibly, there is a shift in our center of gravity. We pass thinking of God as part of our life to the realization that we are part of His life.” (Pg. 15) Foster, Richard. 1992. Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home. San Francisco, CA: HarperSanFrancisco.

May each one of us who are disciples of Jesus come to a fresh realization that we are an important part of God’s life. He wants to have a relationship with His children. Because of His desire and our need for relationship, may we take every life choice we face before His Throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:16)

Principle #50 & Personal Application: The Quality disciple of Jesus Christ cultivates a disciplined habit: every life choice that is made is bathed in prayer.

When we fear (greatly respect and honor) the Lord . . .

• It will have a significant impact on how we pray.

• We will be so close to hearing His heart that we are willing to seek His will, and not our own.

• We will have a blessed assurance that the path we choose will be the correct decision.

• We gain a fresh perspective of why God sent His Son to our world: to provide a way for us to experience eternal life. This is the wonderful story of Christmas. God made a choice…so must we.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What does my life look like as a disciple of Jesus Christ? Do I live my life in fear of the Lord; do I greatly respect and honor Him?

How do I know for sure that the life choices I make are at the center of God’s will for me?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, teach me how to fear God in the right way. Teach me how to respect and honor You. May my life be marked by a life of prayer that governs the choices I make. May I never seek my way as a replacement for Your way. May I be the kind of disciple who knows Your heart so well that I instinctively follow Your instruction on the way I should choose.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism


Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 49--December 11, 2010--Grace

Hello, my dear friends. As we enter the midpoint of the season of Advent, it is important to remind ourselves, in the midst of a very busy time of the year, of this very important question: why did God send His Son to earth in the form of a baby?

It was not to give us a reason to support our materialistic ways and spend ourselves into debt.

It was not so we would be consumed with busy activities that distract our focus away from Jesus.

It was not to fill our lives with "good cheer" once a year in December.

Jesus came to live among us, as a sinless man, die on the cross and three days later live again that we might have an advocate before a Holy Father. Jesus came so we might experience forgiveness of our sins, forever.

Merry Christmas,

Denny


P.S. Looking for a fresh approach to Christmas and the Advent Season? Allow me to suggest "Christmas Meditations of Worship" to you. This serves as a great personal or group study. The book is available in both print and ebook formats.

In writing this Christmas devotional, I adapted four devotionals on worship from the book Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace (Please note: if you purchased Growing in Grace and desire to purchase Christmas Meditations, the worship devotionals are identical). I've added to each Psalm on worship selected Christmas scriptures, personal applications, classic carols, and serving exercises that will direct our heart to the Lord during this busy time of the year.

You can purchase your copy of Christmas Meditations of Worship in Florence by visiting National Hardware's Christmas Shop and Aroma Underground Coffee Shop or online by visiting this link:

http://www.dennybates.com/Home/Advent.html




Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #49

Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life

Key Scripture: Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; According to Your lovingkindness remember me, For Your goodness' sake, O LORD. Psalm 25:7

Core Value: Grace

Somewhere along the way, many of those who claim to be followers of Jesus, have been poisoned by the false belief that God demands perfection from us. “If we really love Him, we will not sin.” Theologically, we might push back on that statement. But what we really believe in our core and how we live out the Christian journey will ultimately tell the truth about us. We can become more spiritual than God, refusing to forgive ourselves, when God has already done so.

Dallas Willard reminds us that a life of grace is not defined by how many right answers about the Bible we possess.

“The narrow gate is not, as so often assumed, doctrinal correctness. The narrow gate is obedience—and the confidence in Jesus necessary to it. We can see that it is not doctrinal correctness because many people who cannot even understand the correct doctrines nevertheless place their full faith in him. Moreover, we find many people who seem to be very correct doctrinally but have hearts full of hatred and unforgiveness.” Pg. 275

“So life in the kingdom is not just a matter of not doing what is wrong. The apprentices of Jesus are primarily occupied with the positive good that can be done during their days ‘under the sun’ and the positive strengths and virtues that they develop in themselves as they grow toward ‘the kingdom prepared for them from the foundations of the world’ (Matt. 25:34).” Pg. 284-285

Willard, Dallas. 1998. The divine conspiracy: rediscovering our hidden life in God. San Francisco, CA: HarperSanFrancisco.

Because He loves us and has forgiven us through His work on the Cross, we can forgive ourselves too.

Principle #49 & Personal Application: The Quality disciple of Jesus Christ celebrates the incredible gift of forgiveness—past, present and future.

We were given an incredible gift of grace . . .

• When Jesus Christ forgave the sins in our past, present, and future. [Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions]

• When we were shown the lovingkindness of the Lord. [According to Your lovingkindness remember me]

• When our feeble prayers were directed to a good God. [For Your goodness' sake, O LORD]

• When God became flesh (the incarnation) and entered our neighborhood. Immanuel, God with us.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

Is there anything I have done in my past where I have not forgiven myself? What is the secret to experiencing God’s forgiveness of my sin?

Is my view of God as an unforgiving tyrant who is just waiting to punish me for my sin or do I see God as a loving heavenly Father who wants to set me free from my guilt and shame?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, it is because of Your grace and Your grace alone that I can approach You and plead my case. Lord, I beseech You: please do not remember the sins of my youth or my many transgressions (and help me to do the same). Lord, according to Your lovingkindess remember me for Your goodness’ sake.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism


Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 48--December 4, 2010--Bible Study

Hello Dear Friends, We are in the midst of the busiest time of the year. Like it or not, we are pulled into the culture of Christmas rush. But there is a way each one of us can find a pocket of quiet, a place of solitude, and keep our focus on the meaning of Christmas. We can do so by spending time in God's Word.

This week's Psalms of Discipleship is a reminder that Bible study is not for just getting all of the right answers in preparation for the next Bible trivia game. It is about having a growing love relationship with Jesus.

May each one of us find those pockets of time where worship of Jesus can take place.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room....including ours.

Denny


P.S. Looking for a fresh approach to Christmas and the Advent Season? Allow me to suggest "Christmas Meditations of Worship" to you. This serves as a great personal or group study. The book is available in both print and ebook formats.

In writing this Christmas devotional, I adapted four devotionals on worship from the book Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace (Please note: if you purchased Growing in Grace and desire to purchase Christmas Meditations, the worship devotionals are identical). I've added to each Psalm on worship selected Christmas scriptures, personal applications, classic carols, and serving exercises that will direct our heart to the Lord during this busy time of the year.

You can purchase your copy of Christmas Meditations of Worship in Florence by visiting National Hardware's Christmas Shop and Aroma Underground Coffee Shop or online by visiting this link:

http://www.dennybates.com/Home/Advent.html



Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #48

Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life

Key Scripture: 4 Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. 5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day. Psalm 24:4-5

Core Value: Bible Study

As disciples of Jesus Christ we do not have to be left guessing of what His will is for our life. The Psalmist has turned this need into a prayer for knowledge; but not knowledge only, but also a passionate request for a deeper relationship with God. Many a believer has misplaced the use of the Scriptures to one’s spiritual growth. Yes, we must be devoted students of God’s Word and read it and personally apply it. But, we must desire above all a growing relationship with the God of the Bible. Scot McKnight underscores this when he writes,

What is my relationship to the God of the Bible? Our relationship is not so much with the Bible but with the God of the Bible. There’s a difference that makes a big difference. Pg. 84

There is more to the Bible than its subject matter. In fact, the dynamic involved is earth-shattering and ought to revolutionize how we approach the Bible. It is . . . the relational approach. So, let me build a relational approach to the Bible, one that finds resonance with the delightful obedience of the psalmist, one that sees God’s words as personal words . . . The relational approach turns the Bible from facts-only to facts-that-lead-to-engagement with the God of the Bible. Pg. 87

McKnight, Scot. 2008. The blue parakeet: rethinking how you read the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

May we all desire to know The Lord more and more, each and every day.

Principle #48 & Personal Application: The Quality disciple of Jesus Christ is teachable and knows the true story of Christmas is found in the Bible.

• It is because of the story of Christmas (the birth of Christ) that we can know His ways. Jesus came to reveal God to us. This is called the incarnation.

• It is because of the story of Christmas (the birth of Christ) that we can learn His paths. Jesus came to give us direction that will lead to spending eternity with Him. This is called the narrow way.

• It is because of the story of Christmas (the birth of Christ) that we can be led in His truth and be taught. Jesus came to reveal truth to us. This is called His Word.

• It is because of the story of Christmas (the birth of Christ) that we can have a relationship with the God of our salvation. Jesus was well worth the wait!

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What commitments do I need to make in order to keep my focus on Jesus this Christmas?

Jesus is the God of my salvation. How will this fact impact my life during the Christmas season?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, as I contemplate the Advent of Your first coming, please keep reminding me of why You came. May I know Your ways; may I learn Your paths; may I be led in Your truth and may I rejoice in a fresh expression of worship of You as the God of my salvation.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism


Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 47--December 1, 2010--Grace

Hello my dear friends. It is a joy to greet you on this first day of December. Our time together is a few days later than I planned (just goes to show again how my plans are subject to His). I deeply appreciate the prayer support offered before the Good Shepherd's Throne on my behalf during the Thanksgiving weekend. I am so grateful to share with you a good report concerning my health during my hospital stay. To God be the glory!

This week's Psalms of Discipleship completes our look at the 23rd Psalm. It is a great reminder that we have been given a wonderful set of personal "friends" who will lead us all the way to our eternal home with our Lord.

May we all be encouraged this Christmas season to remember His goodness and lovingkindness. They are following us today.

Being pursued by a loving Lord,

Denny


P.S. Looking for a fresh approach to Christmas and the Advent Season? Allow me to suggest "Christmas Meditations of Worship" to you. This serves as a great personal or group study. The book is available in both print and ebook formats.

In writing this Christmas devotional, I adapted four devotionals on worship from the book Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace (Please note: if you purchased Growing in Grace and desire to purchase Christmas Meditations, the worship devotionals are identical). I've added to each Psalm on worship selected Christmas scriptures, personal applications, classic carols, and serving exercises that will direct our heart to the Lord during this busy time of the year.

You can purchase your copy of Christmas Meditations of Worship in Florence by visiting National Hardware's Christmas Shop or online by visiting this link:

http://www.dennybates.com/Home/Advent.html




Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #47

Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life

Key Scripture: Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6

Core Value: Grace

Life is uncertain. There are certain times in the disciple’s journey that times of transition and change can be down right scary. Try as we might to appear to be in control, in reality, we are not. When we sense we are losing our grip on control, fear is not far behind as it seeks to invade our heart. We race ahead, seeking to outrace our rapidly beating heart.

Sometimes, during the course of our journey, we run to a place where fear rules: the cliffs of uncertainty that drain into the pit of unbelief. God knows of this place too (Psalm 139:7-12). It is where He seeks to meet us with His “posse” of goodness and lovingkindness that are continually at work to round us up and lead us to an eternal life with Him.

In his book, Choose the Life, Bill Hull suggests:

“There is a myth afoot that says as I grow spiritually I become less needy and less dependent, and after a certain discipleship regime I will have it together. Discipleship is a lifelong process, and I will be extremely needy until that wonderful moment I am completely and eternally changed. In fact the more I become like Jesus, the more I am dependent on him.” Pg. 180

We who follow Jesus will always be in need of His goodness and lovingkindness. And when they have completed their task with us, we will be at home, forever in His presence.

Principle #47 & Personal Application: The Quality disciple of Jesus Christ cannot escape from the pursuit of God’s goodness and lovingkindness as they shadow him or her all the way to the house of the Lord.

What kind of grace is it that one cannot escape?

• The kind of grace that sends out in pursuit goodness and lovingkindness for the disciple of Jesus Christ.

• The kind of grace that never stops pursuing us every day of our lives.

• The kind of grace that will be our heavenly escort as we are ushered into and dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What kinds of feelings well up in my heart when I ponder God’s goodness and lovingkindness in my life?

Have I ever contemplated what it is going to be like when the Lord calls me home to live with Him forever?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, my faith is sure in knowing that You have sent goodness and lovingkindness after me, to pursue me, to shadow me, to escort me as I walk with You in this life. And when my life on this earth is over and done, I will come into Your glorious presence and live in Your house forever. May my heart always rejoice in Your grace. Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything that I need—both now and into eternity.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism


Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 46--November 20, 2010--Grace

Hello my dear friends! A few questions for us to consider: when you feel under siege and surrounded by the enemies of your soul, how do you cope? How do you survive? How do you thrive in the midst of challenging circumstances?

Psalm 23:5 gives us a wonderful word picture of God's grace as He not only intervenes in a supernatural way, but does so in an abundant way.

No matter what you may be facing today, it gives the Lord great pleasure to care for you in ways that only He can do.

Together, by grace, and through faith, lets take our place at the table. We have been given a front row seat to see our God at work.

Sitting with you too,

Denny


P.S. Looking for a fresh approach to Christmas and the Advent Season? Allow me to suggest "Christmas Meditations of Worship" to you. This serves as a great personal or group study.

In writing this Christmas devotional, I adapted four devotionals on worship from the book Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace (Please note: if you purchased Growing in Grace and desire to purchase Christmas Meditations, the worship devotionals are identical). I've added to each Psalm on worship selected Christmas scriptures, personal applications, classic carols, and serving exercises that will direct our heart to the Lord during this busy time of the year.

The first Sunday in Advent is November 28th! You can purchase your copy of Christmas Meditations of Worship by visiting this link:

http://www.dennybates.com/Home/Advent.html

Print edition is only $10.00, includes shipping and handling.

eBook edition for download is $6.95



Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #46

Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life

Key Scripture: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Psalm 23:5

Core Value: Grace

Wouldn’t it be nice if just being a “good” Christian meant having a life of ease and pleasure? Wouldn’t it be great if everyone got along and there would be no conflict? Wouldn’t it be . . . completely unrealistic?

The message of the Cross declares a completely different view of life. By definition, the Cross is a symbol of suffering and death. We are told to take up our cross, deny our self and follow Jesus. One of the beautiful truths from the Scriptures are the promises made to the believer who is undergoing difficult circumstances. In the midst of our trouble, the Lord is with us in a very special way. It all begins with having a personal, growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Michael Wilkins offers this perspective:

“When Jesus called men and women to follow him, he offered a personal relationship with himself, not simply an alternative lifestyle or different religious practices or a new social organization . . . Discipleship means the beginning of a new life in intimate fellowship with a living Master and Savior.” Pg. 355
Wilkins, Michael J. 1992. Following the Master: discipleship in the steps of Jesus. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

The grace of God (having an intimate fellowship with Lord) allows us not only to survive, but also thrive in the midst of extraordinary circumstances.

Principle #46 & Personal Application: The Quality disciple of Jesus Christ is the recipient of the most extraordinary care in the most extraordinary of circumstances

• The grace of God is given to the disciple of Jesus Christ, no matter how difficult the circumstances appear to be.

• The grace of God is given to the disciple of Jesus Christ, poured out upon us as He anoints us with His grace.

• The grace of God is given to the disciple of Jesus Christ, with an abundance that overflows our life.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

Can I recall a time when Jesus “prepared a table before me in the presence of my enemies?” What did I learn about His faithfulness to me?

Am I experiencing an overflow life of grace where my cup is overflowing? What is the secret to having a life where one’s cup does overflow . . . continually?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are well aware of the spiritual battles I am fighting today. The battle is intense and at times (sometimes) I want to give up and give in to the enemy of my soul. Yet, Your great promise to me is that You will prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You will anoint my head with oil. You will see that my cup will not be able to contain itself, but will overflow with your blessed grace. Lord may I be drenched with Your grace as I sit in peace at this table You are preparing before me.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism


Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 45--November 13, 2010--Grace

Hello my dear friends. I hope that you are in a good place today, a place where you sense God's comfort and care for you. The Psalmist causes us to stop and ponder a very important point: what are we to do, how are we to feel, when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death?

I pray that today each one of us would gain a fresh appreciation of how much the Shepherd of the Psalms loves and cares for us. May you sense His comfort and care for you.

No one ever cared for us, like Jesus.

Denny

Note: Thanks to all of you who have purchased your copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. The first printing run is almost sold out. If you are local to Florence SC, there are a few copies for sale at National Hardware on East Palmetto Street in the Christmas Shop. Online, you can order your copy for only $15.99 (a $4 savings!). If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, follow this link to my website,

http://bit.ly/c83ofY


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #45

Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life

Key Scripture: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Core Value: Grace

What is it that really scares us? Is it being misunderstood or being isolated and alone? Does the thought of failing health cause us to fear? Or does the worry of not having enough money set aside to take care of present and future needs cause us to panic? Does the fear of the unknown paralyze us from making any plans for the future? When confronted with a somewhat ominous journey through the valley of the shadow of death, what is the disciple of Jesus to do?

When the dark clouds seem to overwhelm us, we must walk in faith.

In his book, The shape of faith to come: spiritual formation and the future of discipleship, Brad Waggoner writes about the kind of faith that is needed for the disciple:

“Faith is often confused with a general sense of optimism or a vague sense that things will work out in the end. But this is not equivalent to biblical faith, which is rooted in the conviction that God is in full control of all things and that He has a purpose in every situation.” Pg. 183

“Exercising faith requires that we run in such a way that we win—that is, win in doing the will of God and running with a faith that abandons any option but God’s.” Pg. 188

God is in control . . . and we are not. Walking in His perfect will is always our best choice. These two gifts (grace and faith) from the Lord allow us walk through any challenges that come our way with His joy, His comfort, and His peace.

Principle #45 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ has the most incredible sense of God’s comfort and care.

• We have been given great grace that sustains us in the most challenging of times. Everyone, sometime, will have to walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

• We have been given great grace that comforts us when horrible fear abounds. Everyone, sometime, if we have faith, will experience a marvelous sense of peace even when evil seeks to overwhelm and conquer us.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What kinds of feelings do I experience when I go through my own valley of the shadow of death?

How has God’s rod and staff been a comfort to me?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am so grateful for Your great grace that richly abounds in my life when I am going through the valley of the shadow of death. I am comforted knowing that evil, though powerful and foreboding at times, cannot steal my peace. I feel safe as I sense the care of Your protection. In spite of my own harried circumstances, I am comforted by Your rod and staff. May I always look to You as the Good Shepherd who gives a grace that is sustaining and comforting.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism


Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 44--November 6, 2010--Grace

Hello my dear friends.....greetings to you this day. Here is a question for you to consider: how is your soul doing? As I journey with the Lord I have experienced life's ups and downs. And along the way my soul has become dry, damaged, and depleted of vibrancy. How about you?

Today's Psalms of Discipleship gives great encouragement to folks like us. The Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm is more than willing and able to repair what has been damaged. He does restore my soul.

Restored and being restored, day by day, moment by moment,

Denny


PS. Thanks to all of you who have purchased your copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. The first printing run is almost sold out. Order your copy now of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace for only $15.99 (a $4 savings!). If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, follow this link to my website,

http://bit.ly/c83ofY


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #44

Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life

Key Scripture: He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Psalm 23:3

Core Value: Grace

The term “dead men walking” can describe the person who is only a shell of themselves: existing, surviving, but hardly experiencing a full and vibrant life. Anyone who has walked with the Lord for any amount of time can testify that life can be hard, challenging, and at times, down right exhausting. One’s soul does become battered, damaged, and severely fatigued. And that is what happens on “good” days. Fortunately, there is One who not only “gets” what we are going through, He desires to help. What we cannot do (restoration of the soul), the Shepherd does. This is called grace.

Cloud and Townsend offer their helpful perspective on the human need for grace and for the need to be heard (by those in our community and by God):

“To grow, we need things that we do not have and cannot provide, and we need to have a source of those things who looks favorably upon us and who does things for us for our own good.” Pg. 67

“As Hebrews 4:16 says, ‘Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.’ Grace teaches us that God is inclined to help us in our failure and that he sees our inability as part of reality and he is not mad at our weakness. In fact, he calls it a ‘blessed’ state, our being unable to do what we need to do (Matt. 5:3; 2 Cor. 12:9-10).” Pg. 69

“Jesus knows about our suffering through his own experience . . . Jesus put himself in a unique position by his suffering. If anyone can say about our situation, ‘I’ve been there,’ it is he.” Pg. 90

“One of the most important aspects to growth in our suffering is that we need to know that we are understood. This is what provides empathy for us. We cannot grow if we are all alone emotionally. Life is too difficult. But if we know that someone truly understands, we know that we are not alone with our feelings and thoughts, and we gain encouragement to persevere in our growth. We need to know that we are ‘heard’—on a human level from each other, and on a divine level from God . . .” Pg. 92

Cloud, Henry and Townsend, John. 2001. How people grow: what the Bible reveals about personal growth. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Experiencing soul fatigue? The Lord will restore your soul.

Principle #44 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ has an on-going testimony of receiving divine restoration and perfect guidance.

• It is only the grace of God that can restore the human soul. How does He restore us? He, and only He, can repair, restore, and redeem a damaged soul by His awesome healing power.

• It is only the grace of God that can guide the disciple of Jesus Christ in the paths of righteousness. How does He guide us? He does it like a Shepherd, a Good Shepherd who leads, guides, protects, provides, comforts and makes a way for us on the righteous paths of life.

• It is only the grace of God that blesses us and gives Him the glory—all of it. Why does He bless us? He does it for His name’s sake. It gives the Lord great joy to reveal His name to us as Jehovah Shalom—the Lord is our Peace; as El Shaddai, the All Sufficient One; as Jehovah Rapha, the Lord our Healer.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What is it that has damaged my soul? What do I need (i.e., healing, renewal, encouragement) the Lord to do that will restore my soul?

As I read my Bible, where in God’s Word has He been speaking to me and what has He been saying that is giving me the Lord’s guidance of my life?

In the Bible, there are many names given to God. Which ones have been the most meaningful to me this past month?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You and only You can restore my soul. I have been wounded by sin and need Your healing touch in my life. May I always be teachable so that when I am guided by You, I will find myself on paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism


Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 43--October 30, 2010--Grace

Hello my dear friends.....a warm, heart-felt greeting to each one of you. Allow me to pose these probing questions to you: how hard do you have to work at becoming spiritual enough? how much is enough until you think the Lord is pleased with you? when is it okay to get off of the spinning wheel and rest?

These are all good questions for any follower of Jesus to ask....and then discover the answers that will set us free from a performance-based Christianity.

May we all experience the provision of His green pastures and His quiet waters.

Denny

PS. Thanks to all of you who have purchased your copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. The first printing run is almost sold out. Order your copy now of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace for only $15.99 (a $4 savings!). If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace. For more information, follow this link to my website,

http://bit.ly/c83ofY

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #43

Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life

Key Scripture: He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. Psalm 23:2

Core Value: Grace

One of the negative tenets of our western culture is the mistaken belief that we must work harder than God in taking care of our spiritual needs. We think if we pray more, study more, fast more, share more, and serve more, we will become more “spiritual.” Well, the Pharisees did that too and we know where that got them. Yes, there is a place for the believer to work on spiritual disciplines; but they are only the means to an end. The end goal for the disciple of Jesus is to have a closer relationship with Him and this goal is only fulfilled when we take the pathway of grace.

In his book, Follow me: experience the loving leadership of Jesus, Jan David Hettinga writes:

“Grace, the supernatural forgiving love and transforming power of God, is released through the deliberate act of giving up the kingdom of self. Giving up is not a ‘work.’ It is a cessation of resistance. It is the losing wrestler surrendering to the winner. God repeatedly makes it clear that He resists the proud (those who are full of their own egoism) but gladly gives grace to the humble (Psalm 18:27, James 4:6-10, 1 Peter 5:5-6). The faucet that turns on the pipeline of saving grace is the voluntary choice of humility. This is the heart of repentance. The event of salvation then immediately becomes the process of humble obedience. And enabling grace keeps on flowing.” Pg. 141-142

“Submission is an event, and then a lifetime process. Once we start kingdom living, we must keep submitting our wills to our King. That’s what repentance means—turning from our way to God’s way, as a lifestyle. When we stop repenting we start regressing. The reason this happens seems elusive but it isn’t. When we stop humbling ourselves, we shut off the free flow of the supernatural ability that God calls grace.” Pg. 182

The Shepherd wants us to lie down our will and submit to His. The Lord seeks to lead us away from chaos and turmoil into a place of inner rest. May God give us the heart to accept His grace as we rest in His abundant provision and restful peace.

Principle #43 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ experiences the blessing of abundant provision and restful peace when one submits one’s will to God.

• Grace allows the disciple to experience God’s best

• Grace moves the human heart to stop fighting for “my way” and to lie down into His green pastures of rich and abundant provision

• Grace moves the human heart to stop fighting for “my way” and to allow Him to lead me beside His quiet waters of peace and security

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I have to choose between my way and God’s way, what is the “tipping point” (the reason for my decision) for me when I choose between one and the other?

When is the last time I’ve experienced the Lord’s green pastures and quiet waters?

What practical things do I need to do in order to make green pastures and quiet waters a normal part of my Christian life?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I so want your way and not mine. Pour out Your grace upon me and help me to lie down in Your green pastures of blessing. Pour out Your grace upon me and lead me beside those still, peaceful waters where I feel safe and secure in Your love.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism


Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 42--October 23, 2010--Grace

Who is taking care of you?

Hello my dear friends! This is an important question for each one of us to consider. Often, because of the circumstances of life, we find ourselves taking care of a lot of people. We are taking care of our kids, taking care of our friends, taking care of our customers, taking care of people who often drain us of our emotional, spiritual, and physical energy. At the end of the day, we are spent.

Again, the question: who is taking care of you?

In this week's Psalms of Discipleship, David helps us focus upon the One who desires to take care of us in a way no one else can do. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, the Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm not only knows what we need, but is the only One who can provide it.

May we all come to have a fresh experience of His care,

Denny

PS. Free shipping and handling for a limited time (October 14-October 31). Order your copy now of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace for only $15.99 (a $4 savings!). If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace. For more information, follow this link to my website,

http://bit.ly/c83ofY

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #42

Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life

Key Scripture: The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1 [NASB95] or “Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything that I need.” [The Living Bible]

Core Value: Grace

Do we really know what it means to have God, the Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm, take care of us? The prevailing view in our culture demands that each one of us be independent, self-providing, self-protecting. . . . self, self, self. How well has that strategy done for you? After the Fall in the Garden, there became a seismic paradigm shift on the role mankind began to assume. Instead of God serving as the catalyst for life, we reversed the roles. In their classic book on spiritual growth, “How People Grow,” Cloud and Townsend offer this insight:

Here are the roles as God created them [the first statement refers to "God" and the second statement refers to "Mankind"]: Pg. 35

God is the Source/We depend on God

God is the Creator/We are the creation and cannot exist unto ourselves

God has control of the world/We have control of ourselves

God was the judge of life/ We are to experience life

God designed life and its rules/We obey the rules and live the life God designed

Here is a snapshot of how the roles changed after the Fall [the first statement is "The Desire" and the second statement is "The Result"]: Pg. 36

We are the Source/We depend on ourselves

We are the Creator/We exist unto ourselves

We have control of the world/We try to control our world and each other, losing control of ourselves

We become the judge of life/We judge ourselves and each other and cease to be able to experience ourselves and each other

We design life and the rules/We live any way we want to


May each one of us long for the care of the Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm.

Principle #42 & Personal Application: The quality disciple lacks for nothing because the Lord has provided everything that is needed.

• It is grace that allows me to know that the Lord is my shepherd.

• It is grace that allows me to know that the Lord provides all of my needs.

• It is grace that allows me to know that worry and anxiety have no place in my heart because “the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!” Psalms 23:1 (TLB)

Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes. Isaiah 40:11 (NASB95)

I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus. Since I found in Him a friend so strong and true; I would tell you how he changed my life completely, He did something that no other friend could do.

CHORUS: No one ever cared for me like Jesus, There’s no other friend so kind as He; No one else could take the sin and darkness from me, O’, how much He cared for me. (Written by Charles Weigle)

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What does it really mean for me to have Jesus, the Great Shepherd, care for me?

What types of things do I let Him care of for me and what kinds of things do I not allow Him to take care of for me?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, far too many times I seek to be my own shepherd. Today, I want You to be my Shepherd. Please, O Lord, take care of me.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism


Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 41--October 17, 2010--Evangelism

Hello dear friends! I trust that all of you have experienced a refreshing weekend. This weekend my wife, Trish, and I celebrated 25 years of marriage. What a blessing she has been to me over the years as we seek to follow more closely the Shepherd of the Psalms.

This week we are going to take a look at Psalm 22:27 and the benefit of becoming attractional to those who are still looking for the Lord of the Harvest. May we all gain a fresh understanding of how the gospel, at work in our lives, can make all the difference in the world, literally.

May His love be seen in us,

Denny

PS. Free shipping and handling for a limited time (October 14-October 31). Order your copy now of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace for only $15.99 (a $4 savings!). If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, my newest book is now available for purchase. For more information, follow this link to my website,

http://bit.ly/c83ofY

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #41

Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life

Key Scripture: All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, And all the families of the nations will worship before You. Psalm 22:27

Core Value: Evangelism

As a believer, is your life “attractional?” In other words, does your life attract the people who have yet to experience the saving power of the gospel? As disciples of Jesus, we must seek to think like Him, to act like Him, to love like Him. In her foundational book on evangelism, Rebecca Pippert offers this clear and convincing challenge to those who desire to follow Jesus:

“If we are to be followers of Jesus, his values must permeate our values. We need to be concerned more with how our lives reflect his love, his holiness, his obedience, than with the latest witnessing techniques. When we live as Jesus did, in his power and with his presence, seekers will be drawn to us. Evangelism will not be a dreaded task to be ticked off every Wednesday. Rather, sharing Jesus will become a true delight and evangelism will become a lifestyle.” (Pg. 102) Pippert, Rebecca Manley. 1979. Out of the salt shaker and into the world. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Has evangelism become a “religious duty (a dreaded task)” or has it become a lifestyle for you? May our own love for the Lord of the Harvest give us the kind of lifestyle that will attract others to love and follow Him.

Principle #41 & Personal Application: The quality disciple has a heart for the Lord of the Harvest.

• The Lord of the Harvest will have an impact upon the whole world as people will remember Him and turn to Him.

• The Lord of the Harvest will be the sole recipient of worship from all of the families of nations.

• The Lord of the Harvest seeks out laborers who will join Him for the great harvest of souls who need Jesus Christ.

36 Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then He said* to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 "Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest." Matthew 9:36-38 (NASB95)

"Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. John 4:35 (NASB95)

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

Who is in my immediate circle of family and friends who are lost without Christ?

What kinds of practical things can I begin to do that will allow me to share the Gospel in a way that will be clear and convincing to my lost family and friends?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the Lord of the Harvest. You have already told me that the fields are white unto harvest and that the laborers are few. Please Lord, add me to Your team of laborers and thrust me into Your harvest. May many souls come to know You because of the power of Your Gospel that is at work within me.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism


Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 40--October 9, 2010--Worship

Are you prone to worship the Lord before, during, or after the crisis? Or does it depend upon how you are "feeling?"

Hello dear friends. I hope you are doing well today. We all go through challenging times. Some trials seem to be more difficult than others. And yet, whatever we go through, there is one consistent thing that is true: we are called to worship the Lord. This week the psalmist gives us a fresh perspective of our need to have a heart of worship. May we all discover the joy of worshiping the Shepherd of the Psalms.

Asking for a heart of worship,

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #40

Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life

Key Scripture: Be exalted, O LORD, in Your strength; We will sing and praise Your power. Psalm 21:13

Core Value: Worship

Many of us who seek to follow Jesus Christ frequently experience the negative results of a hurried pace of life and fail to experience the intimacy of knowing Him. Our religious habits have trained us to know all of the right answers but we often lack the discipline (or faith) to apply what we know to be true. We all need to take a deep, cleansing breath and learn the art of being still before the Lord. Worship is the healing balm to a life that is overstretched and overwhelmed by the cares of this world.

When our world is rocked by chaos, crisis, and change, what are we to do? Do we go into panic mode and forget our great God or do we apply His grace as we worship the Lord and place our trust in Him?

Pastor and writer Mark Batterson shared this nugget of truth at the Catalyst Leadership Conference: “It is hard to be still . . . and just stand there and trust the Lord.”

The psalmist said it this way:
"Cease striving [or be still] and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 (NASB95)

Grace allows us to be still, to cease striving and worship Him.

Principle #40 & Personal Application: The quality disciple has a heart to worship the One who is exalted and worthy of praise.

What does it mean to have a heart of worship?

• A heart of worship is set upon an exalted God

• A heart of worship is set upon a God who is strong

• A heart of worship is set upon a God who evokes singing and praise to the One who has all power

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I set my heart upon the Lord, what kinds of emotions usually fill my mind?

What kinds of spiritual disciplines (for example: prayer, Bible study, fasting, journaling, solitude, etc.) help me to focus upon the Lord and worship Him?

What does it mean for me to exalt the Lord in His strength while I sing and praise His power?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, often I am weak and failing. I need Your mercy and grace in abundance. Worship of You is my catalyst to spiritual growth. May my worship of You be empowered by Your strength and power. In faith, I will sing and praise Your power.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism


Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.

I spent the week blogging from Atlanta and reporting on what I experienced with the leadership sights and sounds of CATALYST2010. If you are interested in learning what today's leaders are saying, I'd like to invite you visit my other blog, Quality Leadership Consultants, and learn with me from leaders who are leading other leaders.
Click on this link

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PS. Thanks to all of you who have ordered your copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, my newest book is now available for purchase. For more information, follow this link to the Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace facebook page.

http://bit.ly/9j2Nsp

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 39--October 2, 2010--Community & Prayer

Hello my dear friends! I pray that all is well with you today and that you are experiencing the joy of walking with the Shepherd of the Psalms. This week we are going to examine two of the core values of the discipled life: community and prayer. They are a great combination, as we will soon discover.

My prayer for us this week is that the Lord will show us, in a fresh way, the value of belonging to a group of people (community) that seeks to talk to the Lord (prayer) on a consistent basis.

May the Lord answer us in the day we call,

Denny

PS. Thanks to all of you who have ordered your copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, my newest book is now available for purchase. For more information, follow this link to the Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace facebook page.

http://bit.ly/9j2Nsp


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #39

Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life

Key Scripture: Save, O LORD; May the King answer us in the day we call. Psalm 20:9

Core Value: Community & Prayer

When is the last time you attended a prayer meeting where you sensed a special visitation from the Lord? You came to this meeting with a full heart—with an almost desperate expectation— that, unless God intervened, the burden would continue to crush your soul. And then, during the course of the meeting, joy invaded your heart and peace flooded your soul. God had met with you and your group. In biblical community, there is a comfort provided where you can draw upon others for strength. Together, the group can call out to the Lord and appeal to Him for His help. Yes, there are certain times when we need solitude and must enter the prayer closet alone. But there are also times when we are called to pray and do life together with other believers. We all need to belong to a community.

Bill Hull does a good job of explaining the benefit for community when he writes,

“Character is shaped in community.” Pg. 96

“I have come to believe that the primary and exclusive work of the church is spiritual transformation. That is about a change in which our character is being transformed into the image of Christ. And that character is formed in community, not in isolation. It is formed in the friction of living with others in covenant and then being tested in isolation. We lead out of our character even more than our skills.” Pg. 129

“As the African proverb tells us, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Pg. 107 Bill Hull, Choose the Life

So, are you going fast . . . alone? Or have you decided to become a part of community and go far together?

Principle #39 & Personal Application: The quality disciple longs to experience the power of corporate prayer.

• There is supernatural power when a group of believers cry out for His great salvation

• There is supernatural power when a group of believers fully expect the King to answer us in the day we call

• There is supernatural power when a group of believers meet to pray together

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 (NASB95)

19 "Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. 20 "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." Matthew 18:19-20 (NASB95)

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16 (NASB95)

And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31 (NASB95)

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I pray with others, what is my expectation?

When I pray with others, has my experience been typically fulfilling or empty?

Who would I consider to be my “prayer partners”?

When is the last time I prayed with my prayer partners?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me be faithful in prayer; especially with other believers.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism


Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #38--September 25, 2010--Worship

Hello dear friends! This week's Psalms of Discipleship comes with a sobering reminder of how easy it can be to wander away from the Lord. No, I'm not referring to "losing" one's salvation; but I am making the case that we sure can lose our intimacy with Him when our worship of Him becomes compromised. It is a slippery slope of how our worship becomes focused upon other things and other people instead of the Lord. The Bible calls this idolatry or false worship.

The Psalmist reminds us of the choice we all must make often: will we trust in the things we can see or in a God we must see by faith? May we all discover a new passion to give Him our worship; the worship that is due Him.

Seeking to forsake my idols and instead fall in love with Him.

Denny


PS. Thanks to all of you who have ordered your copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, my newest book is now available for purchase. For more information, follow this link to the Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace facebook page.

http://bit.ly/9j2Nsp

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #38

Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life

Key Scripture: Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God. Psalm 20:7

Core Value: Worship

No matter what kind of a culture one lives in, there will always be the inner pull to place one’s trust in what one can see and touch. Even if we profess to be “Christians,” we can be tempted into subtle forms of “idolatry.” Years ago, as a horrific typhoon ripped through the Philippines, a photographer captured on film an image that illustrates perfectly what some people try to do: “save their idols.” Four men, drenched with a mud-soaked rain, were heroically trying to prevent the destruction of a statue of Buddha, made of stone. In fact, this was the caption: “saving Buddha.” This a true, but sad story. But before we scoff at their foolishness, how many of our own idols have we tried to save? Idols? Us? Is that even possible? Whenever we place our trust in something or someone else besides the Lord, we have stepped into the slippery slope of idolatry. Why would we want to seek to save something that cannot even save itself?

9 How foolish are those who manufacture idols. These prized objects are really worthless. The people who worship idols don’t know this, so they are all put to shame. 10 Who but a fool would make his own god— an idol that cannot help him one bit? 11 All who worship idols will be disgraced along with all these craftsmen—mere humans— who claim they can make a god. They may all stand together, but they will stand in terror and shame. Isaiah 44:9-11 (NLT)

May the Lord save us from the idols of our own making.

Principle #38 & Personal Application: The quality disciple does not worship anything or anyone other than Jesus Christ.

• There are some who brag about what they have and wind up worshiping it

• There are some who brag about who they know and wind up worshiping them

• But there are some, those who are followers of Jesus Christ, who brag in the name of the One who is the Lord our God and wind up worshiping Him

The temptation to compromise and cheat our worship of God is constantly pounding upon the human heart. We have been taught by the world that it is all about us. We expect to have things the way we want them to be. We are frequently being pulled down as we seek to satisfy the cries of our fleshly desires. What are we—those who have been called to worship the Lord our God and serve Him only—to do? We are to have a consuming passion for Him.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. Matthew 16:24-25

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

Have I allowed anything (my job, my material possessions, my time, my favorite hobby) to occupy the throne of my heart and replace the Kingship of Jesus?

Have I allowed anyone (my spouse, my family, my friends, my spiritual leader, my favorite sports star, my favorite musician, myself) to occupy the throne of my heart and replace the Kingship of Jesus?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, on more than one occasion, I have allowed my heart to become overcome in a spiritual coup d'état. Forgive me when I put things and people above You. I would much rather put my abiding trust in the name of the Lord my God.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism

Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 37--September 18, 2010--Prayer

Hello my dear friends!

In this week's Psalms of Discipleship we are going to take a look at one of the great promises given by the Lord to His people who have found themselves in trouble. No matter where you are today and what you are going through, I'm going to direct you to the One who holds the key. I am not going to promise you a speedy end to your troubles, but I can confidently share with you this fact: The Lord knows where you are; He knows what you are feeling; and He knows what you want Him to do about it.

Let the dialogue of prayer between you and Him begin.

On the journey with you,

Denny

PS. Thanks to all of you who have ordered your copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, my newest book is now available for purchase. For more information, follow this link to the Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace facebook page.

http://bit.ly/9j2Nsp

[Note: when you order, be sure you fully complete the pay pal order form, especially your shipping address information. thanks!]


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #37

Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life

Key Scripture: May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high! Psalm 20:1

Core Value: Prayer

What is the purpose of prayer? Is prayer a “wish list” we deliver to God with the strict expectation that God will answer us with what we want—the complete satisfaction of our will? Or is Biblical prayer much more than a tool that makes us feel better when our circumstances are difficult?

In his book “Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home,” Richard Foster offers these valuable insights on the familiar struggle between God’s will and our own:

“To applaud the will of God, to do the will of God, even to fight for the will of God is not difficult . . . until it comes at cross-purposes with our will. Then the lines are drawn, the debate begins, and the self-deception takes over. But in the school of Gethsemane we learn that ‘my will, my way, my good, must yield to higher authority.” Pg. 50

“Struggle is important because the Prayer of Relinquishment is Christian prayer and not fatalism. We do not resign ourselves to fate . . . We are not locked into a preset, determinist future. Ours is an open, not a closed universe. We are ‘co-laborers with God,’ as the Apostle Paul put it—working with God to determine the outcome of events. Therefore our prayer efforts are a genuine give and take, a true dialogue with God—and a true struggle.” Pg. 50-51

“The fact that God speaks to us is no guarantee that we hear or understand correctly.” Pg. 51

“The Prayer of Relinquishment is a bona fide letting go, but it is a release with hope. We have no fatalistic resignation. We are buoyed up by a confident trust in the character of God. Even when all we see are the tangled threads on the backside of life’s tapestry, we know that God is good and is out to do us good always. That gives us hope to believe that we are the winners, regardless of what we are being called upon to relinquish. God is inviting us deeper in and higher up. There is training in righteousness, transforming power, new joys, deeper intimacy.” Pg. 52

“Relinquishment brings us to a priceless treasure: the crucifixion of the will.” Pg. 53

Yes, God will answer us in our time of trouble. And yes, He will deliver us in a way that gives Him the most glory. But prayer is much more than something that gets us out of trouble. In other words, prayer is a struggle that is well worth embracing. We discover that the process of prayer is far more important than getting the answers for which we were hoping. For it is through prayer we are allowed to gain a more intimate knowledge of the heart of God and of His abundant love for us.

Principle #37 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ fully expects God to answer prayer His way and in His time in the crucible of crisis.

• The believer can take comfort when our prayers are directed to the Lord

• The believer can take comfort that the Lord will answer us in the day of trouble

• The believer can take comfort in the Lord’s ability to deliver us because of His great name

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When is the last time that I can remember, where the Lord answered my prayer during a crisis?

The next time I find myself in the crucible of crisis, what kinds of things do I need to remember?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, just because I have chosen to follow You does not exempt me from having to experience trials; in fact, it seems that since I have chosen to follow You, the trials have increased, not decreased. Nevertheless, I thank You that during my day of trouble You will answer me and deliver me because of Your great Name.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism

Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 36--September 11, 2010--Worship

Twitter....Facebook.....Texting....Email.....Instant Messaging....Skype......Blogging....and the old-fashioned, but very useful, face to face meeting over a cup of coffee. Words, words, words. We live in a day and time where our capacity to communicate has never been better. Or is it?

Hello my dear friends. It is true. Modern technology has provided us with multiple platforms to use words. And yet, with all of these new ways to communicate, are we listening and talking any better than we were before?

This week's Psalms of Discipleship focus is upon the use of words (those that are spoken and those that are just inner thoughts) and how they can be used to worship the Lord and please Him.

The fresh challenge before each one of us is this: do the words we use please the Lord? It is my prayer that His Words would become our words and words of worship to Him.

Seeking to improve my worship of Him by using the right kinds of words,

Denny

PS. Thanks to all of you who have ordered your copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, my newest book is now available for purchase. For more information, follow this link to the Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace facebook page.

http://bit.ly/9j2Nsp


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #36

Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life

Key Scripture: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Core Value: Worship

Worship can be an inward experience as well as an outward expression of the heart. Our worship of God can take on different kinds of forms. One form of worship is words. Words have meaning. Words are the windows that reveal what we seek to communicate. Words help us offer our worship to the Lord. The constant challenge for each disciple of Jesus is to make certain the words one is using (those that are spoken and those that are only thought) are acceptable to the Lord.

Here are some questions that must be posed to the quality disciple: “does what I say aloud match what I am pondering upon in the deep recesses of my mind? Or have I succumbed to a life where what I say and think no longer has credibility?”

When we make a commitment to have His words become our words, our worship of Him impacts every area of our life. Remember, worship is not just limited to what we do on a Sunday morning with other believers. Worship is a lifestyle. Brad Waggoner says this:

“You know when you are around a leader who spends time meditating and reflecting on God’s Word. During the times in my life when I am consistently in God’s Word, it comes out my pores. You cannot keep it contained. It bleeds out into your thinking and into your conversations.” Pg. 70 (Waggoner, Brad J. 2008. The shape of faith to come: spiritual formation and the future of discipleship. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group.)

Michael Wilkins says,

“Abiding in Jesus’ words does not mean perpetual Bible study. Rather, it means to know and to live in what Jesus says about life. Instead of listening to the world’s values, disciples must listen to what Jesus says.” Pg. 357 (Wilkins, Michael J. 1992. Following the Master: discipleship in the steps of Jesus. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)

In other words, we listen to His Word, we think about it, and then we say it out loud.

Principle #36 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ experiences an authentic worship that is both verbal and non-verbal.

Using words that are acceptable to the Lord will help us worship the Lord in the way He desires:

• Authentic worship is personal as we “let” or open our life to the person and influence of Jesus Christ

• Authentic worship is spoken via the words of our mouth

• Authentic worship occurs in the deep recesses of our heart, meditating upon the greatness of our God

• Authentic worship is acceptable in the sight of the One who alone is worthy of our worship

• Authentic worship is directed to the Lord, our rock and our Redeemer

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What is it like for me to experience a conversation with God or with others after I have marinated my heart in God’s Word?

How can my words become a catalyst for worship?

What do I spend most of my waking hours thinking about within the recesses of my heart?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, like the psalmist, I too desire this to be true of me: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism

Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.