Hello my dear friends! I want you to consider this question, a very important one: when you are faced with a situation where you feel very weak and anxious, what is your initial response? Is it panic . . . or is it prayer; and if it is prayer, what are you requesting the Lord to do?
This week's Psalm reminds us not only to pray to the One who can do something about our need but also gives us clear instructions on what we should be requesting of the Lord.
What is being offered to us, His disciples, is a wonderful transaction: our weakness for His strength; our anxiety and fear for His peace.
Overwhelmed by His goodness,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #7
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace. Psalm 29:11
Core Value: Prayer
There are times in the life of the disciple of Jesus where one’s present circumstances seem to be overwhelming and hopeless. Be it one’s means of employment, a fractured relationship, a loss of health, or a strong temptation that is baiting us to do wrong; we need more life-sustaining resources than what we can muster up. We need a strength that goes beyond ourselves. We need a peace that will last beyond the present crisis. We need the Lord. We need to pray the truth of God’s Word and ignore the lies of the one who is our adversary. Thankfully, through prayer, we can look to Him and to His promises given to His people: The Lord will give strength to His people. The Lord will bless His people with peace. The Lord will. Will we trust Him to do so?
Principle #7 & Personal Application: The quality disciple looks only to the Lord for strength and peace.
• Prayer is the path of provision where we can exchange our weaknesses for His strength.
• Prayer is the path of provision where we can exchange our anxieties and fears for His peace.
• Prayer is the path of provision where we can experience a changed life, empowered by His strength, blessed with His peace.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I feel spiritually weak and out of strength, how do I glean strength from the Lord?
Are there any circumstances I am facing which cause me to become nervous to the point of panic? How do I appropriate the peace of God when I am anything but peaceful?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your promise to me is precious. You will give me Your infinite strength in exchange for my weaknesses. You will bless me with Your lasting peace in place of my anxiety and fear. You give me the grace to live a life of wholeness. When so many people are lacking in strength and are overcome with fear, You give me Your strength and Your peace and I am made whole in You.
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
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/
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
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