Principle #4--Psalms of Discipleship

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



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