Greetings from wet and cold South Carolina! It is a joy to greet you again, and for those who are new to the group, a warm WELCOME to you!
The Core Value of Principle #4 is GRACE. Don't all us us need a fresh look at the grace of God?
Before you begin to reflect upon this week's principle from Psalms of Discipleship, remember these simple suggestions:
1. Do not rush through the experience, but seek to listen to what the Lord is saying to you.
2. Try reading the Scripture SLOWLY, taking the time to allow every word to sink into your heart.
3. Ask the Lord to speak to your heart in a fresh and meaningful way.
4. What you learn, pass on to others. It will be such an encouragement to all of the friends in your circle of influence.
May the Lord give us the grace to fully appreciate the front row seat He has given as we experience the wonder of His love for us.
Finding joy in the journey,
Denny
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. Psalm 3:3
Core Value: Grace
Grace is the foundational core value of a disciple’s life. When the Christian life is viewed through the prism of God’s grace, God is viewed in a brand new way.
"People do not grow until they shift from a natural human view of God to a real, biblical view of God. The first aspect of that shift has to be the shift from a God of law to the God of grace. People must discover that God is for them and not against them. This is what it means to have a God of grace . . . One of the biggest obstacles to growth is our view of God. If we are going to grow in relation to God, then we must know who God is and what he is really like" (How People Grow by Cloud & Townsend 2001, 66).
For the Christian who is experiencing the grace of God and learning how to integrate it on a consistent basis, there is a renewed sense of relief and feelings of safety. God is for them and not a threat to them. Grace is the essential core value that helps the disciple appreciate the gravity of how desperately needy we are of the Savior. Fortunately for us, God knows. God knows that we need the kind of grace that makes us completely dependent upon Him.
Principle #4 & Personal Application: The quality disciple deeply acknowledges and appreciates the gracious care of the Lord. He is the One who shields us and 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 as LORD? Is there anything that I have failed to yield control over to Him?
Is there anything going on in my life (a heaviness of my heart) that needs lifting by the Lord?
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.
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, January 30, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Principle #3--Psalms of Discipleship
Before you begin to reflect upon this week's principle from Psalms of Discipleship, remember these simple suggestions:
1. Do not rush through the experience, but seek to listen to what the Lord is saying to you.
2. Ask the Lord to speak to your heart in a fresh and meaningful way.
3. What you learn, pass on to others. It will be such an encouragement to them.
All of us lead busy lives. May the Lord give us the grace to slow the rapid pace in our heart so we may hear Him clearly.
Keep on pressing on!
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #3
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture:
Worship the LORD with reverence And rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2:11 (NASB95)
Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2:11 (NIV)
Core Value: Worship & Service
God is worthy of our worship and service because He is God and He has made everything. The human heart that has been filled with the presence of Christ has no other choice but to worship and serve the One who made everything. He and He alone is worthy of our worship and service. Worship of and service to God is such a privilege.
The quality disciple is moved by the fact that the same God who made heaven, earth, the sea, and the springs of water, made him or her too. Just think; the One who created EVERYTHING large and small, took the time not to just create mankind. He also took the time to send a REDEEMER who would save us from our sins.
Such a God should have our unending worship and service! God has no interest in us giving Him half-hearted worship and service. For the person who has yet to experience unhindered worship of and service to God, he or she will never gain God’s best for them. True worship and service is much more than a ritual—it is a relationship with the Lord God Almighty.
Principle #3 & Personal 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.
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.
1. Do not rush through the experience, but seek to listen to what the Lord is saying to you.
2. Ask the Lord to speak to your heart in a fresh and meaningful way.
3. What you learn, pass on to others. It will be such an encouragement to them.
All of us lead busy lives. May the Lord give us the grace to slow the rapid pace in our heart so we may hear Him clearly.
Keep on pressing on!
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #3
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture:
Worship the LORD with reverence And rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2:11 (NASB95)
Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2:11 (NIV)
Core Value: Worship & Service
God is worthy of our worship and service because He is God and He has made everything. The human heart that has been filled with the presence of Christ has no other choice but to worship and serve the One who made everything. He and He alone is worthy of our worship and service. Worship of and service to God is such a privilege.
The quality disciple is moved by the fact that the same God who made heaven, earth, the sea, and the springs of water, made him or her too. Just think; the One who created EVERYTHING large and small, took the time not to just create mankind. He also took the time to send a REDEEMER who would save us from our sins.
Such a God should have our unending worship and service! God has no interest in us giving Him half-hearted worship and service. For the person who has yet to experience unhindered worship of and service to God, he or she will never gain God’s best for them. True worship and service is much more than a ritual—it is a relationship with the Lord God Almighty.
Principle #3 & Personal 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.
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, January 16, 2010
Principle #2--Psalms of Discipleship
Before you begin to reflect upon this week's principle from Psalms of Discipleship, remember these simple suggestions:
1. Do not rush through the experience, but seek to taste every word from Psalm 1:2-3. "Taste and see that the Lord is good."
2. Ask the Lord to speak to your heart.
3. What you learn pass on to others.
Life is much with many of us today. May the Lord give us the grace to slow the rapid pace in our heart so we may hear Him clearly.
Keep on pressing on!
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #2
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 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. Psalm 1:2-3
Core Value: Bible Study
Every believer needs to spend quality time in God’s Word. Systematic study, expository study, devotional study, thematic study should be a part of every believer’s Christian experience. If a believer is committed to reading and studying his or her Bible every day, spiritual growth will come. But it is important to note: the goal of Bible study is not just about collecting “Bible trivia.” Bible study or Bible “reading” must lead to change, not just to be adorned with more intellectual information.
Principle #2 & Personal Application: The quality disciple places great value in spending quality time in God’s Word.
• 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?
What one thing can I do today that will enrich my reading of the Bible?
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.
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.
1. Do not rush through the experience, but seek to taste every word from Psalm 1:2-3. "Taste and see that the Lord is good."
2. Ask the Lord to speak to your heart.
3. What you learn pass on to others.
Life is much with many of us today. May the Lord give us the grace to slow the rapid pace in our heart so we may hear Him clearly.
Keep on pressing on!
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #2
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 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. Psalm 1:2-3
Core Value: Bible Study
Every believer needs to spend quality time in God’s Word. Systematic study, expository study, devotional study, thematic study should be a part of every believer’s Christian experience. If a believer is committed to reading and studying his or her Bible every day, spiritual growth will come. But it is important to note: the goal of Bible study is not just about collecting “Bible trivia.” Bible study or Bible “reading” must lead to change, not just to be adorned with more intellectual information.
Principle #2 & Personal Application: The quality disciple places great value in spending quality time in God’s Word.
• 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?
What one thing can I do today that will enrich my reading of the Bible?
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.
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, January 9, 2010
Principle #1--Psalms of Discipleship
Key Scripture: 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 Psalm 1:1
Core Value: Community
Connecting in community is not an option if one wishes to grow in faith and in relationship. The answer for a meaningful relationship and spiritual growth is not isolation nor a program steeped in religious rituals. What really matters in Christian spiritual formation is the relationship with other believers. “Ironically, one problem we often see in the Christian community is that people get more into religion and less into the connectedness the Bible prescribes, with the result that they get sicker” (How People Grow: Cloud & Townsend 2001, 123). It was the great writer and thinker John Donne who stated these timeless words: “No man is an island unto himself.” This simply means that it is crucial for a believer who wishes to grow spiritually to have frequent times of fellowship with other like-minded believers. In addition to times of corporate worship, time must be spent in a smaller group setting in order to build lasting, meaningful relationships. There is a great need for a healthy community of believers who are committed to building authentic relationships.
Principle #1 & Personal Application: The quality disciple places great value in being a part of a biblical community of other disciples.
The quality disciple:
• Refuses to walk in the counsel of the wicked; instead, seeking out those who are godly and wise.
• Refuses to stand in the path of sinners; instead, surrounding themselves with those who are seeking a right relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Refuses to sit in the seat of scoffers; instead, keeping themselves from those who poison the heart with doubt and unbelief and seeking out those who believe God.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Who are the people I trust the most with my life?
In what ways am I blessed 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.
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.
Core Value: Community
Connecting in community is not an option if one wishes to grow in faith and in relationship. The answer for a meaningful relationship and spiritual growth is not isolation nor a program steeped in religious rituals. What really matters in Christian spiritual formation is the relationship with other believers. “Ironically, one problem we often see in the Christian community is that people get more into religion and less into the connectedness the Bible prescribes, with the result that they get sicker” (How People Grow: Cloud & Townsend 2001, 123). It was the great writer and thinker John Donne who stated these timeless words: “No man is an island unto himself.” This simply means that it is crucial for a believer who wishes to grow spiritually to have frequent times of fellowship with other like-minded believers. In addition to times of corporate worship, time must be spent in a smaller group setting in order to build lasting, meaningful relationships. There is a great need for a healthy community of believers who are committed to building authentic relationships.
Principle #1 & Personal Application: The quality disciple places great value in being a part of a biblical community of other disciples.
The quality disciple:
• Refuses to walk in the counsel of the wicked; instead, seeking out those who are godly and wise.
• Refuses to stand in the path of sinners; instead, surrounding themselves with those who are seeking a right relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Refuses to sit in the seat of scoffers; instead, keeping themselves from those who poison the heart with doubt and unbelief and seeking out those who believe God.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Who are the people I trust the most with my life?
In what ways am I blessed 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.
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.
Psalms of Discipleship--Welcome & Introduction
Would You Like To Start Your Year With A Fresh Look At God’s Word?
Many have wondered what it means to experience spiritual growth. Over the years I have studied, observed, and personally experienced spiritual growth. I have come to the 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 “quiet time.” Others call it “personal devotions.” Call it what you will, but it is an essential spiritual practice if one desires authentic and measurable spiritual growth.
Each week over the course of fifty-two weeks you are invited to spend some time reading and reflecting upon “Psalms of Discipleship,” a simple, easy to use, devotional help. By spending five minutes or fifty-five minutes on the weekly devotion, you will be afforded the opportunity to enhance your spiritual growth.
How does it work?
Part 1: The Scripture, the Core Value, and the Principle
Each week in your mailbox you will discover a key scripture from a Psalm, written out for you. 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, 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 essential core values that mark the life of the one who is following Jesus as His disciple. Those core values are grace, worship, Bible study, prayer, community, service, and evangelism. Each week, we will be challenged with this question: Is this core value being woven into the fabric of my life?
Third, there is a brief biblical principle based upon the passage from Psalms that the disciple of Jesus Christ seeks to apply to his or her life.
Part 2: The Application, the Time to Reflect and Respond, the Prayer of Response
The Application—Simple and straightforward, this will help you unpack the meaning of this passage and its application to your life. Don’t rush through it; carefully, prayerfully and deliberately think through each point.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder—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 about what you are thinking.
The Prayer—This section serves as a tool to help you summarize your thoughts. You may use this prayer as a starting point. Feel free to add to it.
Ready to Refresh Your Devotional Life?
Some final suggestions on how you can use this tool:
1. Do not rush to complete the task. Attempt to slow life down so you can enjoy your spiritual journey. Seek to place the core value and principle at the forefront of your mind.
2. Try to memorize the weekly Psalm—chew on it, think on it, obey it.
I am honored that so many friends from “Facebook” have become a part of this group. Together, let us live the discipled life encouraging each other, teaching each other, praying for each other and being forever changed by His abundant grace.
Are you ready to begin this journey? Be sure to check your inbox for Principle #1. It’s coming soon and I would invite you to post your comments about what the Lord is teaching you. May the Lord allow us to all live as quality disciples of Jesus.
“Spiritual growth is not automatic. It takes an intentional commitment. You must want to grow, decide to grow, make an effort to grow, and persist in growing. Discipleship—the process of becoming like Christ—always begins with a decision. Jesus calls us, and we respond: ‘Come, be my disciple,’ Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.’” The Purpose-Driven Life; pg. 179 (Warren, 2002)
The most valuable thing the Pslams do for me is to express that same delight in God which made David dance. - C.S. Lewis
Remember: a quality disciple makes a quality life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Denny Bates is the husband of Trish and the father of Andrew and Corrie. A graduate of Francis Marion College [B.S.], Columbia Graduate School of Bible and Missions [MDiv], he is working through his doctoral dissertation on leadership [DMin]. A teacher, life coach, mentor, disciplemaker, and writer, Denny has served as the Discipleship Pastor at the Church at Sandhurst since 2001. Previous to this, he spent seven years as an associate writer for a publisher of Bible commentary. By God’s grace, he seeks to “Press on!” http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com
Many have wondered what it means to experience spiritual growth. Over the years I have studied, observed, and personally experienced spiritual growth. I have come to the 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 “quiet time.” Others call it “personal devotions.” Call it what you will, but it is an essential spiritual practice if one desires authentic and measurable spiritual growth.
Each week over the course of fifty-two weeks you are invited to spend some time reading and reflecting upon “Psalms of Discipleship,” a simple, easy to use, devotional help. By spending five minutes or fifty-five minutes on the weekly devotion, you will be afforded the opportunity to enhance your spiritual growth.
How does it work?
Part 1: The Scripture, the Core Value, and the Principle
Each week in your mailbox you will discover a key scripture from a Psalm, written out for you. 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, 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 essential core values that mark the life of the one who is following Jesus as His disciple. Those core values are grace, worship, Bible study, prayer, community, service, and evangelism. Each week, we will be challenged with this question: Is this core value being woven into the fabric of my life?
Third, there is a brief biblical principle based upon the passage from Psalms that the disciple of Jesus Christ seeks to apply to his or her life.
Part 2: The Application, the Time to Reflect and Respond, the Prayer of Response
The Application—Simple and straightforward, this will help you unpack the meaning of this passage and its application to your life. Don’t rush through it; carefully, prayerfully and deliberately think through each point.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder—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 about what you are thinking.
The Prayer—This section serves as a tool to help you summarize your thoughts. You may use this prayer as a starting point. Feel free to add to it.
Ready to Refresh Your Devotional Life?
Some final suggestions on how you can use this tool:
1. Do not rush to complete the task. Attempt to slow life down so you can enjoy your spiritual journey. Seek to place the core value and principle at the forefront of your mind.
2. Try to memorize the weekly Psalm—chew on it, think on it, obey it.
I am honored that so many friends from “Facebook” have become a part of this group. Together, let us live the discipled life encouraging each other, teaching each other, praying for each other and being forever changed by His abundant grace.
Are you ready to begin this journey? Be sure to check your inbox for Principle #1. It’s coming soon and I would invite you to post your comments about what the Lord is teaching you. May the Lord allow us to all live as quality disciples of Jesus.
“Spiritual growth is not automatic. It takes an intentional commitment. You must want to grow, decide to grow, make an effort to grow, and persist in growing. Discipleship—the process of becoming like Christ—always begins with a decision. Jesus calls us, and we respond: ‘Come, be my disciple,’ Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.’” The Purpose-Driven Life; pg. 179 (Warren, 2002)
The most valuable thing the Pslams do for me is to express that same delight in God which made David dance. - C.S. Lewis
Remember: a quality disciple makes a quality life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Denny Bates is the husband of Trish and the father of Andrew and Corrie. A graduate of Francis Marion College [B.S.], Columbia Graduate School of Bible and Missions [MDiv], he is working through his doctoral dissertation on leadership [DMin]. A teacher, life coach, mentor, disciplemaker, and writer, Denny has served as the Discipleship Pastor at the Church at Sandhurst since 2001. Previous to this, he spent seven years as an associate writer for a publisher of Bible commentary. By God’s grace, he seeks to “Press on!” http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com
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