Saturday, May 29, 2010

Principle #21--Psalms of Discipleship--May 29, 2010

Warm greetings to each one of you, my friends!

Has there ever been a time in your life where your circumstances seemed impossible to overcome and you wanted to just give up, give in, give to God your official "resignation" from the battle and surrender and quit?

I assume that most of us, if not all of us, have become so discouraged with the weight of life's burdens, that we either take matters into our own hands and quickly discover we are ill-equipped to solve it; or we wait for the Lord to do something....and we wait....and we wait...and we wait some more; thinking out loud, "Lord have you forgotten about me and what I am going through?"

That, my friends, is a great and honest question. We are not alone; even the Psalmist wondered the same thing too. It is a question that our Lord does not shy away from answering in this week's Psalms of Discipleship.

Learning (and waiting) on the journey with you,

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #21

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

Key Scripture: 1 How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? 2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? 3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death, 4 And my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," And my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken. Psalm 13:1-4

Core Value: Prayer

Why are we to pray? Christians are to pray because God has told them to do it. But in addition, God knows how much each believer needs to have a life bathed in prayer. Prayer is the conduit to one receiving answers to one’s prayers. One must have confidence, not in what one is asking for, but confidence in the God one is asking to help (1 Jn. 5:14-15). The battle before the disciple is a serious one. Oswald Sanders reminds us that, “We are engaged in a relentless spiritual warfare that knows no truce. Our foes are unseen and intangible, but they are powerful. Against them only spiritual weapons will prevail . . . The fulcrum on which defeat or victory turns is our ability to pray aright and make intelligent use of our weapons. Jesus nowhere envisages His church in retreat” (Spiritual Discipleship 1994, p. 108).

God wants to answer the prayers of His children! One’s prayer requests do not have to be a “wish list” for God to examine and forget about. The promise is sure: the disciple can have confidence in approaching God and ask Him for anything according to His will. He will hear the disciple’s request and He will also give the disciple what they need. As one takes the step and mentors a person in prayer, it is important that one’s confidence in God’s ability to hear and answer prayers is conveyed to this person. The making of a quality disciple always is framed by confidence in God’s wonderful promises revealed in His perfect Word.

Principle #21 & Personal Application: The quality disciple will pray, even though the circumstances of life are crushing.

• There is a commitment to pray even when it seems God has forgotten us.

• There is a commitment to pray even when there is great sorrow in our heart.

• There is a commitment to pray even when it seems the enemy is winning.

• There is a commitment to pray even when it seems the enemy is gloating.

• There is a commitment to pray knowing that unless God answers our prayer, we will perish.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

How do I convince myself to pray when it seems all hope is lost?

What is my approach to prayer when I am not getting an answer fast enough?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You have promised to never leave me or forsake me. You have promised me Your presence—even when I can’t “see” You or “feel” You. May I not become impatient with You when my life circumstances are crushing me. May those same circumstances instead deepen my prayer 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.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Principle #20--Psalms of Discipleship--May 21, 2010

Hello my dear friends, to those who love God's Word.

This week's Psalms of Discipleship is a day early.....I am taking a sabbath weekend to recharge the batteries. Thanks for praying for me. Its a good time to change the channel of life and relax.

I was reminded today that there are many in the world who do not have the Word of God in their own tongue. In many parts of the world illiteracy is rampant and so the great stories of the Bible have to be told in an oral fashion. Because of the great poverty in many communities, torn out pages of the Bible are put to memory and then passed on to the next eager disciple. And yet, in our culture, we have access to the Bible--in a variety of translations; in a variety of formats; in a variety of places where one can be purchased: in bookstores, super stores, as well as software and even via the internet (and if you are a super-savy geek, you can even load the Bible on your cell phone).

It is my hope that I can stimulate our thinking on how blessed we are to have a Bible that we can read and even understand. May each one of not just approach the reading of God's Word as an empty task but as a devoted love-relationship with the God of the Bible.

May you have a restful weekend as you abide in Jesus and allow His Word to abide in you (John 15:7).

Lets talk again soon.

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #20

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

Key Scripture: The words of the LORD are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times. Psalm 12:6

Core Value: Bible Study

It is essential to understand why a proper understanding and practical application of grace and worship is critical when it comes to the core value of Bible study. Without grace and worship, Bible study becomes nothing more than a religious duty rather than a relational joy. Scot McKnight undergirds this need for a relationship when he writes in The Blue Parakeet, “If we are invited to love God by reading the Bible as God’s communication with us, then a relational approach to the Bible invites us to listen to God (the person) speak in the Bible and engage God as we listen (pg. 89). . . . A relational approach believes our relationship to the Bible is transformed into a relationship with the God who speaks to us in and through the Bible” (pg. 90).

Principle #20 & Personal Application: The quality disciple has a high regard for the Word of God.

• The Bible, all of it, is trustworthy and true. There are no mistakes or errors. It is perfect in all its parts.

The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Psalms 19:7 (NASB95)

• The Bible, all of it, has been given as God’s Word to us. It is God’s way of helping us grow in our faith.

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB95)

• The Bible, all of it, has stood the test of time and is eternal. All other books will come and go, but God’s Word stands forever.

The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8 (NASB95)

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

How do I know for sure that my Bible translation is trustworthy and true?

Why is it important for me to give God’s Word primacy in every area of my life: at home, at work, in my neighborhood, in my world?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, may I never take Your Word for granted. Men and women have sacrificed so much that I might have the Bible in a language I can read. May every language group in the world be given access to Your Word in their “heart language.”

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, May 15, 2010

Principle #19--Psalms of Discipleship--May 15, 2010

Hello to you, each one of my friends.

We live in a "generic" world today. In my case, and maybe it is true with you, the brand name prescription drug has been substituted with a "generic" replacement. I've been told that it is the same as the original and just as good, just cheaper. O.K . . . I can live with that kind of deal.

But on a far more serious subject, some of us have settled for a generic kind of worship. It still is something we do; it might even make us feel better; but it is not authentic. Yes, a generic worship is cheaper and does not cost us as much; but overall, it is not the real thing.

In this week's Psalms of Discipleship, we are going to explore the depths of an authentic face-to-face worship of God and what that may look like for the quality disciple of Jesus.

May we all grow in our worship of the King.

Pressing on with you,

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #19

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

Key Scripture: For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; The upright will behold His face. Psalm 11:7

Core Value: Worship

Do we have a proper understanding of what it really means to worship God? Is our worship based upon our feelings and surrounding ambiance or is it much deeper than what is on the surface? There are far too many professing Christians who struggle with what it means to worship God. In his book “Growing True Disciples” George Barna says,

“For most people, worship implies attending a church service that includes music and preaching. An underlying issue that must ultimately be resolved is that widespread ignorance among born-again adults regarding the meaning of worship. When we asked people to describe the meaning of worship, 42 percent of all adult believers were unable to provide a substantive or reasonable reply. Among the believers who gave a substantive answer, many gave answers like ‘attending church’ or listening to the sermon.’ In total, 58 percent gave us a reasonable response. . . . Few individuals deny the importance of worship, but relatively few understand what it means or have a passion to engage God through worship.” Pg. 59

I believe the Scriptures teach us that worship is a sacrifice and all about God and His glory.

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Romans 12:1 (NASB95)

Principle #19 & Personal Application: The quality disciple has a high and exalted view of Almighty God.

• Biblical worship has its focus upon the character of God—He is righteous

• Biblical worship has its focus upon the pleasure of God—He loves righteousness

• Biblical worship has its focus upon the face of God—He desires worship that is personal and intentional

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

In what way does the righteousness of God impact how I live my life?

According to the teaching of Scripture, what makes me “upright” in the Lord’s eyes?

What does it look like when I behold His face? What am I seeing and experiencing?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You are the Righteous One! There is no One like You. Your very nature is one of righteousness. You love it; You demonstrate it; You challenge me to love it too. The longer I gaze at Your face, the more I become like You. May I live in such a way that my character is impacted by Your righteousness, that I would come to love Your righteousness, and that I would seek Your face continually as I worship 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, May 8, 2010

Principle #18--Psalms of Discipleship--May 8, 2010

Hello my friends......Heart-felt greetings to each one of you today!

If you are like me, I depend on things to work when I need them to work--like my air conditioner in my Ford Explorer. Over time, we have lived with a love-hate relationship. When the AC is working on a hot day, I am pleased, very pleased with the outcome. But when, for no apparent reason at all, the AC starts blowing out hot, very hot air, (which never happens on a moderately cooler day) I sweat it out until either I get home or the cold air returns during my trip. Its a mystery.....hmmmmm.

In a way, my fickle Ford makes for a good illustration on what we can depend upon. We can depend upon the Lord. Our prayer life should be something we can depend on when we need it, when life gets "hot" and we need to keep our cool. If prayer depends upon us alone, we are not going to find much relief. But if we can deepen our relationship with the Lord, our prayer life will be the very thing that will keep us cool--even when it gets hot.

May we all experience the soothing coolness of His grace this week.

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #18

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

Key Scripture: O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear Psalm 10:17

Core Value: Prayer

Where are we to pray? From the Scriptures shown below, the believer is given at least four examples of where they are to pray. One is to pray in secret (Mt. 6:5-6). One is to pray at home (Acts 12:12). One is to pray in public, for example in a church (Acts 3:1). One is to pray with a small group of other believers (Mt. 18:19-20).

The Christian life is portable, meaning that we are not bound to express our faith in only “religious” places. A disciple’s prayer life can be taken beyond the church building and into the streets—wherever one goes—where prayer can do the most good. Training a disciple to feel comfortable praying anywhere God leads them is a key part of spiritual growth. How does one do this? It is done by living it out before others with one’s own life and example. It is imperative that leaders set the tone when it comes to prayer. This is especially true as it pertains to discipleship.

“When it comes to prayer, leaders set the tone. What is important to them becomes important to the people. Prayer begins in the leader’s private prayer closet. Then it moves out to the people of God. Spiritual leaders must teach about prayer, model prayer, and lead others to pray. There is no right way to do this; there are many right ways. Leaders must choose a strategy and follow it.” (The Shape of Faith To Come. Waggoner 2008, 223)

Principle #18 & Personal Application: The quality disciple knows the Lord—is intimately acquainted with Jesus—and is known by Him.

When we live a prayerful life:

• Our deepest desires are intimately expressed to the Lord

• Humility is formed in our character, helping us to live out what we believe

• Our hearts are strengthened to persevere when everything around seeks to overwhelm and defeat us

• We have the ear, the focused attention, of the Lord of the Universe who intently listens to the heart cry of His people

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What kinds of practical things can I do that will enhance my knowledge of the Lord?

When my heart is weak and my faith is down, how does my prayer time with the Lord encourage me?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You that You hear the heart and desire of the humble. I am grateful that through prayer You will strengthen my heart. I am so thankful that You have both the time and the personal interest in me to listen to the concerns of my heart. Teach me, help me, encourage me, to enrich my prayer life. I do want to know You better than I do. I want the kind of Christian experience where prayer is not just another thing to do, but a way of life.

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, May 1, 2010

Principle #17--Psalms of Discipleship--May 1, 2010

Hello my friends.....warm greetings to you.

No doubt, many of us have experienced the kind of stressful circumstances that force us into a pinching vise with no seeming relief to come any time soon. Life is often that way; isn't it? Often through no fault of our own, trouble is forced upon us. What is the disciple of Jesus Christ to do? Many panic and seek to solve their impossible circumstances on their own. However, there are others who will not fight their own battles alone, but will lean towards the Lord and place their trust in Him.

This is the week; this is the day; this is the time to surrender our futile attempts to work our power over our challenging circumstances. Instead, by faith, we will embrace His grace that will keep us close to Him.

Learning to surrender to a life marked by His grace,

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #17

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

Key Scripture: 9 The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble; 10 And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:9-10

Core Value: Grace

A Grace-Driven life is the key to a deeper relationship with the Lord. The success of discipleship is when the experience becomes personal, sort of an “ah ha” moment, when it all begins to make sense. One goes far beyond the actual mechanics of discipleship into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Dallas Willard says this well as he writes, “As a disciple of Jesus I am with him, by choice and by grace, learning from him how to live in the kingdom of God . . . I am not necessarily learning to do everything he did, but I am learning how to do everything I do in the manner that he did all that he did . . . For a disciple of Jesus is not necessarily one devoted to doing specifically religious things as that is usually understood. To repeat, I am learning from Jesus how to lead my life, my whole life, my real life” (The Divine Conspiracy, 283).

I agree with Willard. Discipleship is all about relationship and a genuine love for Jesus Christ. It is a humble desire to learn about Him and to know and then practice His ways. A disciple of Jesus Christ seeks to give away one’s life, their whole life, away to Him and His care. When a person’s love for Jesus grows, then discipleship is well on the way to being described as a success.

Principle #17 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ has the confident assurance that there is a safe place in Him.

• The grace of God provides a stronghold: a place of protection for the oppressed believer, for the believer who is experiencing times of trouble

• The grace of God allows the believer to know the name of God

• The grace of God allows the believer to put their trust in Him

• The grace of God allows the believer to have the kind of authentic relationship with a faithful Lord who does not forsake those who seek Him

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I feel oppressed by my circumstances, what has been my typical response? Do I place my trust in myself, in others, or in the Lord?

As I think about my relationship with the Lord, why is it important for me to know His name?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, what a marvelous provision of grace You have given to me. How blessed I am to have a Lord who provides a stronghold, a place of safety and comfort, when I am oppressed and feeling troubled. How blessed I am to have a Lord who has revealed Himself to me and invites me to place my trust in Him. How blessed I am to know that You will never forsake me. How blessed…I…am.

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.