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.
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