Hello my dear friends! A few questions for us to consider: when you feel under siege and surrounded by the enemies of your soul, how do you cope? How do you survive? How do you thrive in the midst of challenging circumstances?
Psalm 23:5 gives us a wonderful word picture of God's grace as He not only intervenes in a supernatural way, but does so in an abundant way.
No matter what you may be facing today, it gives the Lord great pleasure to care for you in ways that only He can do.
Together, by grace, and through faith, lets take our place at the table. We have been given a front row seat to see our God at work.
Sitting with you too,
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.
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.
The first Sunday in Advent is November 28th! You can purchase your copy of Christmas Meditations of Worship by visiting this link:
http://www.dennybates.com/Home/Advent.html
Print edition is only $10.00, includes shipping and handling.
eBook edition for download is $6.95
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #46
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Psalm 23:5
Core Value: Grace
Wouldn’t it be nice if just being a “good” Christian meant having a life of ease and pleasure? Wouldn’t it be great if everyone got along and there would be no conflict? Wouldn’t it be . . . completely unrealistic?
The message of the Cross declares a completely different view of life. By definition, the Cross is a symbol of suffering and death. We are told to take up our cross, deny our self and follow Jesus. One of the beautiful truths from the Scriptures are the promises made to the believer who is undergoing difficult circumstances. In the midst of our trouble, the Lord is with us in a very special way. It all begins with having a personal, growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Michael Wilkins offers this perspective:
“When Jesus called men and women to follow him, he offered a personal relationship with himself, not simply an alternative lifestyle or different religious practices or a new social organization . . . Discipleship means the beginning of a new life in intimate fellowship with a living Master and Savior.” Pg. 355
Wilkins, Michael J. 1992. Following the Master: discipleship in the steps of Jesus. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
The grace of God (having an intimate fellowship with Lord) allows us not only to survive, but also thrive in the midst of extraordinary circumstances.
Principle #46 & Personal Application: The Quality disciple of Jesus Christ is the recipient of the most extraordinary care in the most extraordinary of circumstances
• The grace of God is given to the disciple of Jesus Christ, no matter how difficult the circumstances appear to be.
• The grace of God is given to the disciple of Jesus Christ, poured out upon us as He anoints us with His grace.
• The grace of God is given to the disciple of Jesus Christ, with an abundance that overflows our life.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Can I recall a time when Jesus “prepared a table before me in the presence of my enemies?” What did I learn about His faithfulness to me?
Am I experiencing an overflow life of grace where my cup is overflowing? What is the secret to having a life where one’s cup does overflow . . . continually?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are well aware of the spiritual battles I am fighting today. The battle is intense and at times (sometimes) I want to give up and give in to the enemy of my soul. Yet, Your great promise to me is that You will prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You will anoint my head with oil. You will see that my cup will not be able to contain itself, but will overflow with your blessed grace. Lord may I be drenched with Your grace as I sit in peace at this table You are preparing before me.
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, November 20, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 45--November 13, 2010--Grace
Hello my dear friends. I hope that you are in a good place today, a place where you sense God's comfort and care for you. The Psalmist causes us to stop and ponder a very important point: what are we to do, how are we to feel, when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death?
I pray that today each one of us would gain a fresh appreciation of how much the Shepherd of the Psalms loves and cares for us. May you sense His comfort and care for you.
No one ever cared for us, like Jesus.
Denny
Note: Thanks to all of you who have purchased your copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. The first printing run is almost sold out. If you are local to Florence SC, there are a few copies for sale at National Hardware on East Palmetto Street in the Christmas Shop. Online, you can order your copy for only $15.99 (a $4 savings!). If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, follow this link to my website,
http://bit.ly/c83ofY
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #45
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
Core Value: Grace
What is it that really scares us? Is it being misunderstood or being isolated and alone? Does the thought of failing health cause us to fear? Or does the worry of not having enough money set aside to take care of present and future needs cause us to panic? Does the fear of the unknown paralyze us from making any plans for the future? When confronted with a somewhat ominous journey through the valley of the shadow of death, what is the disciple of Jesus to do?
When the dark clouds seem to overwhelm us, we must walk in faith.
In his book, The shape of faith to come: spiritual formation and the future of discipleship, Brad Waggoner writes about the kind of faith that is needed for the disciple:
“Faith is often confused with a general sense of optimism or a vague sense that things will work out in the end. But this is not equivalent to biblical faith, which is rooted in the conviction that God is in full control of all things and that He has a purpose in every situation.” Pg. 183
“Exercising faith requires that we run in such a way that we win—that is, win in doing the will of God and running with a faith that abandons any option but God’s.” Pg. 188
God is in control . . . and we are not. Walking in His perfect will is always our best choice. These two gifts (grace and faith) from the Lord allow us walk through any challenges that come our way with His joy, His comfort, and His peace.
Principle #45 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ has the most incredible sense of God’s comfort and care.
• We have been given great grace that sustains us in the most challenging of times. Everyone, sometime, will have to walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
• We have been given great grace that comforts us when horrible fear abounds. Everyone, sometime, if we have faith, will experience a marvelous sense of peace even when evil seeks to overwhelm and conquer us.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What kinds of feelings do I experience when I go through my own valley of the shadow of death?
How has God’s rod and staff been a comfort to me?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am so grateful for Your great grace that richly abounds in my life when I am going through the valley of the shadow of death. I am comforted knowing that evil, though powerful and foreboding at times, cannot steal my peace. I feel safe as I sense the care of Your protection. In spite of my own harried circumstances, I am comforted by Your rod and staff. May I always look to You as the Good Shepherd who gives a grace that is sustaining and comforting.
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.
I pray that today each one of us would gain a fresh appreciation of how much the Shepherd of the Psalms loves and cares for us. May you sense His comfort and care for you.
No one ever cared for us, like Jesus.
Denny
Note: Thanks to all of you who have purchased your copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. The first printing run is almost sold out. If you are local to Florence SC, there are a few copies for sale at National Hardware on East Palmetto Street in the Christmas Shop. Online, you can order your copy for only $15.99 (a $4 savings!). If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, follow this link to my website,
http://bit.ly/c83ofY
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #45
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
Core Value: Grace
What is it that really scares us? Is it being misunderstood or being isolated and alone? Does the thought of failing health cause us to fear? Or does the worry of not having enough money set aside to take care of present and future needs cause us to panic? Does the fear of the unknown paralyze us from making any plans for the future? When confronted with a somewhat ominous journey through the valley of the shadow of death, what is the disciple of Jesus to do?
When the dark clouds seem to overwhelm us, we must walk in faith.
In his book, The shape of faith to come: spiritual formation and the future of discipleship, Brad Waggoner writes about the kind of faith that is needed for the disciple:
“Faith is often confused with a general sense of optimism or a vague sense that things will work out in the end. But this is not equivalent to biblical faith, which is rooted in the conviction that God is in full control of all things and that He has a purpose in every situation.” Pg. 183
“Exercising faith requires that we run in such a way that we win—that is, win in doing the will of God and running with a faith that abandons any option but God’s.” Pg. 188
God is in control . . . and we are not. Walking in His perfect will is always our best choice. These two gifts (grace and faith) from the Lord allow us walk through any challenges that come our way with His joy, His comfort, and His peace.
Principle #45 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ has the most incredible sense of God’s comfort and care.
• We have been given great grace that sustains us in the most challenging of times. Everyone, sometime, will have to walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
• We have been given great grace that comforts us when horrible fear abounds. Everyone, sometime, if we have faith, will experience a marvelous sense of peace even when evil seeks to overwhelm and conquer us.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What kinds of feelings do I experience when I go through my own valley of the shadow of death?
How has God’s rod and staff been a comfort to me?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am so grateful for Your great grace that richly abounds in my life when I am going through the valley of the shadow of death. I am comforted knowing that evil, though powerful and foreboding at times, cannot steal my peace. I feel safe as I sense the care of Your protection. In spite of my own harried circumstances, I am comforted by Your rod and staff. May I always look to You as the Good Shepherd who gives a grace that is sustaining and comforting.
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, November 6, 2010
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 44--November 6, 2010--Grace
Hello my dear friends.....greetings to you this day. Here is a question for you to consider: how is your soul doing? As I journey with the Lord I have experienced life's ups and downs. And along the way my soul has become dry, damaged, and depleted of vibrancy. How about you?
Today's Psalms of Discipleship gives great encouragement to folks like us. The Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm is more than willing and able to repair what has been damaged. He does restore my soul.
Restored and being restored, day by day, moment by moment,
Denny
PS. Thanks to all of you who have purchased your copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. The first printing run is almost sold out. Order your copy now of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace for only $15.99 (a $4 savings!). If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, follow this link to my website,
http://bit.ly/c83ofY
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #44
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Psalm 23:3
Core Value: Grace
The term “dead men walking” can describe the person who is only a shell of themselves: existing, surviving, but hardly experiencing a full and vibrant life. Anyone who has walked with the Lord for any amount of time can testify that life can be hard, challenging, and at times, down right exhausting. One’s soul does become battered, damaged, and severely fatigued. And that is what happens on “good” days. Fortunately, there is One who not only “gets” what we are going through, He desires to help. What we cannot do (restoration of the soul), the Shepherd does. This is called grace.
Cloud and Townsend offer their helpful perspective on the human need for grace and for the need to be heard (by those in our community and by God):
“To grow, we need things that we do not have and cannot provide, and we need to have a source of those things who looks favorably upon us and who does things for us for our own good.” Pg. 67
“As Hebrews 4:16 says, ‘Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.’ Grace teaches us that God is inclined to help us in our failure and that he sees our inability as part of reality and he is not mad at our weakness. In fact, he calls it a ‘blessed’ state, our being unable to do what we need to do (Matt. 5:3; 2 Cor. 12:9-10).” Pg. 69
“Jesus knows about our suffering through his own experience . . . Jesus put himself in a unique position by his suffering. If anyone can say about our situation, ‘I’ve been there,’ it is he.” Pg. 90
“One of the most important aspects to growth in our suffering is that we need to know that we are understood. This is what provides empathy for us. We cannot grow if we are all alone emotionally. Life is too difficult. But if we know that someone truly understands, we know that we are not alone with our feelings and thoughts, and we gain encouragement to persevere in our growth. We need to know that we are ‘heard’—on a human level from each other, and on a divine level from God . . .” Pg. 92
Cloud, Henry and Townsend, John. 2001. How people grow: what the Bible reveals about personal growth. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Experiencing soul fatigue? The Lord will restore your soul.
Principle #44 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ has an on-going testimony of receiving divine restoration and perfect guidance.
• It is only the grace of God that can restore the human soul. How does He restore us? He, and only He, can repair, restore, and redeem a damaged soul by His awesome healing power.
• It is only the grace of God that can guide the disciple of Jesus Christ in the paths of righteousness. How does He guide us? He does it like a Shepherd, a Good Shepherd who leads, guides, protects, provides, comforts and makes a way for us on the righteous paths of life.
• It is only the grace of God that blesses us and gives Him the glory—all of it. Why does He bless us? He does it for His name’s sake. It gives the Lord great joy to reveal His name to us as Jehovah Shalom—the Lord is our Peace; as El Shaddai, the All Sufficient One; as Jehovah Rapha, the Lord our Healer.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What is it that has damaged my soul? What do I need (i.e., healing, renewal, encouragement) the Lord to do that will restore my soul?
As I read my Bible, where in God’s Word has He been speaking to me and what has He been saying that is giving me the Lord’s guidance of my life?
In the Bible, there are many names given to God. Which ones have been the most meaningful to me this past month?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You and only You can restore my soul. I have been wounded by sin and need Your healing touch in my life. May I always be teachable so that when I am guided by You, I will find myself on paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake.
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.
Today's Psalms of Discipleship gives great encouragement to folks like us. The Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm is more than willing and able to repair what has been damaged. He does restore my soul.
Restored and being restored, day by day, moment by moment,
Denny
PS. Thanks to all of you who have purchased your copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. The first printing run is almost sold out. Order your copy now of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace for only $15.99 (a $4 savings!). If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, follow this link to my website,
http://bit.ly/c83ofY
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #44
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Psalm 23:3
Core Value: Grace
The term “dead men walking” can describe the person who is only a shell of themselves: existing, surviving, but hardly experiencing a full and vibrant life. Anyone who has walked with the Lord for any amount of time can testify that life can be hard, challenging, and at times, down right exhausting. One’s soul does become battered, damaged, and severely fatigued. And that is what happens on “good” days. Fortunately, there is One who not only “gets” what we are going through, He desires to help. What we cannot do (restoration of the soul), the Shepherd does. This is called grace.
Cloud and Townsend offer their helpful perspective on the human need for grace and for the need to be heard (by those in our community and by God):
“To grow, we need things that we do not have and cannot provide, and we need to have a source of those things who looks favorably upon us and who does things for us for our own good.” Pg. 67
“As Hebrews 4:16 says, ‘Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.’ Grace teaches us that God is inclined to help us in our failure and that he sees our inability as part of reality and he is not mad at our weakness. In fact, he calls it a ‘blessed’ state, our being unable to do what we need to do (Matt. 5:3; 2 Cor. 12:9-10).” Pg. 69
“Jesus knows about our suffering through his own experience . . . Jesus put himself in a unique position by his suffering. If anyone can say about our situation, ‘I’ve been there,’ it is he.” Pg. 90
“One of the most important aspects to growth in our suffering is that we need to know that we are understood. This is what provides empathy for us. We cannot grow if we are all alone emotionally. Life is too difficult. But if we know that someone truly understands, we know that we are not alone with our feelings and thoughts, and we gain encouragement to persevere in our growth. We need to know that we are ‘heard’—on a human level from each other, and on a divine level from God . . .” Pg. 92
Cloud, Henry and Townsend, John. 2001. How people grow: what the Bible reveals about personal growth. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Experiencing soul fatigue? The Lord will restore your soul.
Principle #44 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ has an on-going testimony of receiving divine restoration and perfect guidance.
• It is only the grace of God that can restore the human soul. How does He restore us? He, and only He, can repair, restore, and redeem a damaged soul by His awesome healing power.
• It is only the grace of God that can guide the disciple of Jesus Christ in the paths of righteousness. How does He guide us? He does it like a Shepherd, a Good Shepherd who leads, guides, protects, provides, comforts and makes a way for us on the righteous paths of life.
• It is only the grace of God that blesses us and gives Him the glory—all of it. Why does He bless us? He does it for His name’s sake. It gives the Lord great joy to reveal His name to us as Jehovah Shalom—the Lord is our Peace; as El Shaddai, the All Sufficient One; as Jehovah Rapha, the Lord our Healer.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What is it that has damaged my soul? What do I need (i.e., healing, renewal, encouragement) the Lord to do that will restore my soul?
As I read my Bible, where in God’s Word has He been speaking to me and what has He been saying that is giving me the Lord’s guidance of my life?
In the Bible, there are many names given to God. Which ones have been the most meaningful to me this past month?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You and only You can restore my soul. I have been wounded by sin and need Your healing touch in my life. May I always be teachable so that when I am guided by You, I will find myself on paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake.
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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