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
No comments:
Post a Comment