Hello my dear friends! As we begin a new year of Psalms of Discipleship, our first core value is "GRACE." It's a good place to begin our journey in 2011. There is always a temptation to have this "Christian life thing" so figured out we drift away from trusting the Lord to trusting in ourselves or others. Grace reminds us of this universal truth: getting what we do not deserve, unmerited favor. This grace comes in real handy, especially when life presents us with unique opportunities to trust the Lord.
Learning to live in grace,
Denny
Note: Looking for a way to enhance your devotional life in 2011? Allow me to suggest purchasing a copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. 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 where you can download a free sample at,
http://www.dennybates.com/Home/PODGIG.html
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #1
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 13 I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:13-14
Core Value: Grace
Life is hard. Sometimes, it can be really hard. When difficult times come our way, what can we, the disciple of Jesus, do? We always have a choice. We can choose to place our trust in people or we can choose to place our trust in the Lord. God has a way of orchestrating our circumstances so we will see the wisdom in drawing near to Him and to trust in His unchanging character. Author Dave Harvey explains this well in his book, Rescuing Ambition, when he writes,
"Our faith doesn't create prosperity, healings, and breakthroughs. Our faith focuses fervently on God . . . Our faith stands on the unchanging character of God. Biblical faith confidently—even ambitiously—asks God to act according to his promises. True faith then accepts the answer. Our faith stands on the unchanging character of God." (Pg. 85)
“Drawing near to God . . . is not like climbing a endless spiral of steps toward some unknown destination. Drawing near to God is a life of fellowship with a Person, a life of overwhelming wonder that puts everything else into perspective.” (Pg. 86)
It is the grace of God that allows us to have the kind of intimate relationship with Jesus where we can place our full trust in Him, even when life is hard.
Principle #1 & Personal Application: The Quality disciple has been given the capacity to endure any challenge in this life because of the abundant grace of God.
There is great comfort in knowing that God’s grace . . .
• Will protect us from despair and utter hopelessness.
• Will grant us the faith we need to experience the goodness of the Lord.
• Will provide us the courage to wait for the Lord as He brings glory to Himself and good to us.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Have I ever experienced the Lord’s goodness while undergoing a stressful time in my life? What life lessons did I learn?
What difficult circumstances am I in today that causes me to wait on the Lord?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, it is true about me: I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would have seen the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Help me wait for You Lord. And as I wait for You, may I gain strength from You and may my heart be transformed from a heart of fear to a heart of great courage.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2011 All rights reserved.
www.dennybates.com
P.S.
It has been a joy to walk with you this past year, studying and applying the life lessons of the Psalms. As I plan for this year, it would be helpful for me to get some feedback from you. If you click on the survey link below, it will take less than 5 minutes of your time. If you have responded already, THANKS!
Growing with you,
Denny
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HYVLPS6
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