Hello my dear friends! I pray that all of you are doing well. Some of you live in parts of the American South where there has been tragic loss of life and property in the past week. My thoughts and prayers have been with you.
This week's Psalms of Discipleship is about community and how we live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We live in a world where there are very few "absolutes" any more. Well, one thing we need to be sure of is that we "absolutely" understand the Gospel.
Learning with you,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #16
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: O magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34:3
Core Value: Community
What does it mean to live out the gospel? What does it mean for the disciple of Jesus to have the gospel at the core of one’s being? The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most powerful, the greatest news the world has ever heard. And yet, the “good news” has been modified into a sometimes sterile, non-impacting, way of life. In fact, for many, the meaning of the gospel has been seized and turned into something that is a counterfeit. In his book, “Counterfeit Gospels: Rediscovering the Good News in a World of False Hope,” Trevin Wax suggests,
“What if the biggest danger to the church of Jesus Christ is not blatant heresy, the moral failures of church leaders, persecution, the rise of Islam or the loss of our rights? What if the biggest threat is counterfeit gospels within the church, ways of thinking and speaking about the good news that lead to a gradual drift from the truth of Scripture?”
This begs the question: what is the gospel? The gospel is the story of good news of how God had a plan, as evidenced in the Scriptures. The message of the Bible tells the story of four great themes: Creation, the Fall, Redemption, and Restoration.
The focal point of the story is Jesus Christ and the proclamation of His sinless and perfect life. In His life, He was the Lamb of God who willingly sacrificed His life for the sin of mankind. As the Lamb who died, He also rose from the grave as the Victor, the resurrected Savior. He now sits at the right hand of His Father, triumphant and glorious. And He is coming again! But the gospel does not end here.
The gospel is lived out in a community called the Church. It is the body that God has birthed to be the visible image of the Kingdom of God and His gospel. It is through community that God’s story is told to a needy world. It is through community that the focal point of God’s story, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is not only communicated verbally, but also communicated by the evidence of transformed lives. It is through community where discipleship takes place and spiritual growth occurs.
The gospel is alive and well. Are we living it out well?
Principle #16 & Personal Application: The quality disciple desires to experience spiritual growth with other members of the Body of Christ.
• A group of Christian believers will experience spiritual growth when there is a desire for magnifying the Lord, instead of magnifying another person or program.
• A group of Christian believers will experience spiritual growth when there is a desire for unity of worship, when Jesus Christ is exalted and His name is made great among the people.
• A group of Christian believers will experience spiritual growth when their group is known for their love for the Lord and for their love of people.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Am I a member of a group where Jesus is magnified and exalted?
What does it feel like to be a part of a group where Jesus is magnified and exalted?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may I find in the fellowship of other like-minded believers a passionate desire to magnify and glorify You in everything that we say and do. May I grow closer to You as I grow closer to those who love and follow 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/
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 15--April 23, 2011--Worship
Hello my dear friends!
got life? Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life."
I write to you this Easter weekend with a full heart of gratitude for a Savior who gave His all for us. It is a time to worship Him, to praise Him, to live for Him. For this much is true: because He died and rose again, we are able to worship, praise and live for Him. Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a reminder to each of us that our worship is not just limited to Christian holidays like Easter and Christmas. The psalmist said, "I will bless the Lord at all times."
May each one of use this Easter weekend as a time to recommit our love and worship to the One who gave His life for us.
Because He lives,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #15
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul will make its boast in the LORD; The humble will hear it and rejoice. Psalm 34:1-2
Core Value: Worship
Good Friday. Do we really understand the significance of this day in history? Friday, for many, has been tagged with the letters, TGIF, “Thank God It’s Friday.” Well, for the believer, we say yes and amen to that proclamation! However, we amend it ever so slightly and say TGFGF: “Thank God For Good Friday.”
Why is Good Friday so good? It is good because Jesus surrendered His will to the will of His Father. It is good because Jesus paid a debt that we could never pay. It is good because eternal death is no longer the only destiny for sinners. It is good because Jesus said that He is the resurrection and the life. It is good because He is the way, the truth, and the life. Good Friday is good because it takes what is so ugly and hideous (the torture, the shame and death of an innocent man) and makes possible the way of eternal life with our Risen Savior.
The classic hymn written by Robert Lowry gives us a wonderful reminder of why we worship Jesus Christ this holy weekend:
1. Low in the grave He lay,
Jesus my Savior,
Waiting the coming day,
Jesus my Lord!
Refrain:
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!
2. Vainly they watch His bed,
Jesus my Savior;
Vainly they seal the dead,
Jesus my Lord!
3. Death cannot keep its Prey,
Jesus my Savior;
He tore the bars away,
Jesus my Lord!
He is risen. He is risen, indeed!
Principle #15 & Personal Application: The quality disciple desires an authentic worship of God that is not skin-deep but all consuming.
• The disciple who desires an authentic worship of God wants to bless the Lord at all times.
• The disciple who desires an authentic worship of God will have a continuous stream of praise for the Lord in one’s mouth.
• The disciple who desires an authentic worship of God will brag on God, pointing out to others who will listen (the humble), of the Lord’s greatness and goodness, resulting in a spirit of rejoicing.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Is my praise and worship of the Lord a consistent habit or is it an occasional task?
What can I do today that will enhance my life that will cause me to experience a deep and authentic worship of God?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I do not want to play the “church” game where I just go through the motions while my heart is far from You. May my life line up with Your Word. By grace, may I bless the Lord at all times. May Your praise be continually in my mouth. May my soul make its boast in the Lord; and may the humble who are in my circle of influence rejoice because of my worship of 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.
Looking for a Bible study on friendship? Check out this spiritual growth resource by clicking on the link below:
http://www.dennybates.com/Home/FriendshipBook.html
www.dennybates.com
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/
got life? Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life."
I write to you this Easter weekend with a full heart of gratitude for a Savior who gave His all for us. It is a time to worship Him, to praise Him, to live for Him. For this much is true: because He died and rose again, we are able to worship, praise and live for Him. Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a reminder to each of us that our worship is not just limited to Christian holidays like Easter and Christmas. The psalmist said, "I will bless the Lord at all times."
May each one of use this Easter weekend as a time to recommit our love and worship to the One who gave His life for us.
Because He lives,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #15
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul will make its boast in the LORD; The humble will hear it and rejoice. Psalm 34:1-2
Core Value: Worship
Good Friday. Do we really understand the significance of this day in history? Friday, for many, has been tagged with the letters, TGIF, “Thank God It’s Friday.” Well, for the believer, we say yes and amen to that proclamation! However, we amend it ever so slightly and say TGFGF: “Thank God For Good Friday.”
Why is Good Friday so good? It is good because Jesus surrendered His will to the will of His Father. It is good because Jesus paid a debt that we could never pay. It is good because eternal death is no longer the only destiny for sinners. It is good because Jesus said that He is the resurrection and the life. It is good because He is the way, the truth, and the life. Good Friday is good because it takes what is so ugly and hideous (the torture, the shame and death of an innocent man) and makes possible the way of eternal life with our Risen Savior.
The classic hymn written by Robert Lowry gives us a wonderful reminder of why we worship Jesus Christ this holy weekend:
1. Low in the grave He lay,
Jesus my Savior,
Waiting the coming day,
Jesus my Lord!
Refrain:
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!
2. Vainly they watch His bed,
Jesus my Savior;
Vainly they seal the dead,
Jesus my Lord!
3. Death cannot keep its Prey,
Jesus my Savior;
He tore the bars away,
Jesus my Lord!
He is risen. He is risen, indeed!
Principle #15 & Personal Application: The quality disciple desires an authentic worship of God that is not skin-deep but all consuming.
• The disciple who desires an authentic worship of God wants to bless the Lord at all times.
• The disciple who desires an authentic worship of God will have a continuous stream of praise for the Lord in one’s mouth.
• The disciple who desires an authentic worship of God will brag on God, pointing out to others who will listen (the humble), of the Lord’s greatness and goodness, resulting in a spirit of rejoicing.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Is my praise and worship of the Lord a consistent habit or is it an occasional task?
What can I do today that will enhance my life that will cause me to experience a deep and authentic worship of God?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I do not want to play the “church” game where I just go through the motions while my heart is far from You. May my life line up with Your Word. By grace, may I bless the Lord at all times. May Your praise be continually in my mouth. May my soul make its boast in the Lord; and may the humble who are in my circle of influence rejoice because of my worship of 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.
Looking for a Bible study on friendship? Check out this spiritual growth resource by clicking on the link below:
http://www.dennybates.com/Home/FriendshipBook.html
www.dennybates.com
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 14--April 16, 2011--Worship
Hello my dear friends! As I write today, storm clouds are coming my way (the weather-related kind). The history of this storm is an ominous one, leaving in its wake tragic death and massive property destruction. There is a principle here that transitions very well into the spiritual lesson department for the believer.
Each one of us have faced the kinds of storms of life that caused us great hurt and harm. And yet, here we are. Still here. Still living. Still trusting in the goodness of God.
The Psalmist was quite familiar with storms too. The lesson he leaves behind is his testimony of worship. May his words of worship encourage us during our current storm and our fight to survive, or, for sure, when the next storm comes our way.
"Sonny" skies are coming,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #14
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 20 Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart rejoices in Him, Because we trust in His holy name. 22 Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us, According as we have hoped in You. Psalm 33:20-22
Core Value: Worship
“Hurry up and wait.” For many disciples, this is the slogan that defines one’s relationship with the Lord. The pace of life is hurried, harried, and stressed out to the max. We know God loves us, but we are too busy to rest in His love. We know He has a plan for us, but we are too distracted to slow down and find out what His plan for us is for today. We know we need to have a growing relationship with Him, but our busyness has contributed to the loss of our first love. Consequently, we have become content with a lukewarm status quo, slowly drifting away from the One who loves us so.
The act of worship is the great accelerator, the dynamic catalyst, to help us slow down the “rat race” of the Christian life and place our focus, love and devotion upon the Lord. When we offer God our worship, we are getting our eyes (and heart) off of us and off our circumstances. The heart that worships God is a heart that experiences God’s hope, God’s help, and God’s mercy. As we learn to wait for the Lord, we will be living in His strength, not ours (Isaiah 40:28-31).
Principle #14 & Personal Application: The quality disciple chooses to hope in the Lord and to worship Him, setting aside all distractions.
• As we worship and wait for the Lord, we place our hope in Him. He is our help and shield.
• As we worship the Lord and rejoice in Him, we place our hope in Him. We trust in His holy name.
• As we worship the Lord and experience His lovingkindness, we place our hope in Him. We are embraced by His mercy and place all hope in the Lord.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Where to I typically place my hope: in myself, in the hands of others, in the world, or in the Lord?
What would my life look like if I spent more time worshiping the Lord instead of worrying about the things I cannot control?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, my soul does wait for You. You, O Lord, are my help and shield of protection. May my heart always rejoice in You as I trust in Your holy name. May Your lovingkindness be upon me as I hope in You. May my worship always be centered in the truth that my hope, my only hope, is 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/
Each one of us have faced the kinds of storms of life that caused us great hurt and harm. And yet, here we are. Still here. Still living. Still trusting in the goodness of God.
The Psalmist was quite familiar with storms too. The lesson he leaves behind is his testimony of worship. May his words of worship encourage us during our current storm and our fight to survive, or, for sure, when the next storm comes our way.
"Sonny" skies are coming,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #14
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 20 Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart rejoices in Him, Because we trust in His holy name. 22 Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us, According as we have hoped in You. Psalm 33:20-22
Core Value: Worship
“Hurry up and wait.” For many disciples, this is the slogan that defines one’s relationship with the Lord. The pace of life is hurried, harried, and stressed out to the max. We know God loves us, but we are too busy to rest in His love. We know He has a plan for us, but we are too distracted to slow down and find out what His plan for us is for today. We know we need to have a growing relationship with Him, but our busyness has contributed to the loss of our first love. Consequently, we have become content with a lukewarm status quo, slowly drifting away from the One who loves us so.
The act of worship is the great accelerator, the dynamic catalyst, to help us slow down the “rat race” of the Christian life and place our focus, love and devotion upon the Lord. When we offer God our worship, we are getting our eyes (and heart) off of us and off our circumstances. The heart that worships God is a heart that experiences God’s hope, God’s help, and God’s mercy. As we learn to wait for the Lord, we will be living in His strength, not ours (Isaiah 40:28-31).
Principle #14 & Personal Application: The quality disciple chooses to hope in the Lord and to worship Him, setting aside all distractions.
• As we worship and wait for the Lord, we place our hope in Him. He is our help and shield.
• As we worship the Lord and rejoice in Him, we place our hope in Him. We trust in His holy name.
• As we worship the Lord and experience His lovingkindness, we place our hope in Him. We are embraced by His mercy and place all hope in the Lord.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Where to I typically place my hope: in myself, in the hands of others, in the world, or in the Lord?
What would my life look like if I spent more time worshiping the Lord instead of worrying about the things I cannot control?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, my soul does wait for You. You, O Lord, are my help and shield of protection. May my heart always rejoice in You as I trust in Your holy name. May Your lovingkindness be upon me as I hope in You. May my worship always be centered in the truth that my hope, my only hope, is 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/
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 13--April 9, 2011--Bible Study
Hello my dear friends! Allow me to pose this question: Do you own your Bible and does it own you? An odd question, perhaps, but hear me out on this one.
No doubt, many of us own more than one copy of the Bible, probably in a variety of different translations, in various formats (computer, smart phone, study Bible, hard back, leather back, paper back, etc.). It has been said that there has never been a time in history where the Word of God has been made so available to so many people. And yet, our culture continues to race towards a secularized world view, where in many cases, the Western Church blends in, becoming just like the fallen world Christ came to rescue.
We are living in a time of great biblical famine. How can this be? Perhaps, we have failed to allow the Bible to own us: doing what it says and how it says we, as disciples of Jesus, should live.
Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a reminder of the great qualities the Word of God possesses: His Word is true, powerful, and eternal. May we live our lives like we really believe it is true.
Learning how to live it out with you,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #13
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 4 For the word of the LORD is upright, And all His work is done in faithfulness.
6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host.
11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation. Psalm 33:4, 6, 11
Core Value: Bible Study
For the disciple of Jesus Christ, the Bible is to be the ultimate authority for living the Christian life. Some have called the Bible “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.” Others have called it the “Manufacturer’s Handbook.” Whatever one chooses to call it, we must pledge our allegiance to the God of the Scriptures. We live in a day and time where God’s authority not only is being openly questioned, but aggressively challenged by those who refuse to submit to absolute truth. And please note: we are not saying we are to read and then submit to the teachings of Scripture only. We are to prayerfully read the Scriptures in the audience of the One who perfectly inspired every jot (letter) and tittle (stroke) [Matthew 5:18], every word and thought, every theme and principle. Authentic Bible reading and study must be done in relationship with Jesus. Meaningful Bible study is always founded upon our love for the Lord.
Consequently, spiritual transformation comes as we believe, obey and apply God’s Word to our heart.
Principle #13 & Personal Application: The quality disciple has a high regard for the authority of, the power of, and the eternal nature of the Word of God.
• The Word of God is true: We can trust it completely (vs. 4).
• The Word of God is powerful: We are in awe of it entirely (vs. 6).
• The Word of God is eternal. We can count on it forever (vs. 11).
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I read and study my Bible, do I trust it completely; especially when it instructs me to do something that makes me very uncomfortable in doing (like turning the other cheek; like forgiving those who hurt me; like giving grace to those who do not deserve it)?
What is the last thing that God has spoken to me from His Word that caused me to grow closer to Him?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your Word is true. I can trust it completely. Your Word is powerful. May I always be in awe of its message to my heart. Your word is eternal. While the writings of famous men come and go, Your Word will last forever. May I forever be touched and drawn closer to You by its eternal message.
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/
No doubt, many of us own more than one copy of the Bible, probably in a variety of different translations, in various formats (computer, smart phone, study Bible, hard back, leather back, paper back, etc.). It has been said that there has never been a time in history where the Word of God has been made so available to so many people. And yet, our culture continues to race towards a secularized world view, where in many cases, the Western Church blends in, becoming just like the fallen world Christ came to rescue.
We are living in a time of great biblical famine. How can this be? Perhaps, we have failed to allow the Bible to own us: doing what it says and how it says we, as disciples of Jesus, should live.
Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a reminder of the great qualities the Word of God possesses: His Word is true, powerful, and eternal. May we live our lives like we really believe it is true.
Learning how to live it out with you,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #13
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 4 For the word of the LORD is upright, And all His work is done in faithfulness.
6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host.
11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation. Psalm 33:4, 6, 11
Core Value: Bible Study
For the disciple of Jesus Christ, the Bible is to be the ultimate authority for living the Christian life. Some have called the Bible “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.” Others have called it the “Manufacturer’s Handbook.” Whatever one chooses to call it, we must pledge our allegiance to the God of the Scriptures. We live in a day and time where God’s authority not only is being openly questioned, but aggressively challenged by those who refuse to submit to absolute truth. And please note: we are not saying we are to read and then submit to the teachings of Scripture only. We are to prayerfully read the Scriptures in the audience of the One who perfectly inspired every jot (letter) and tittle (stroke) [Matthew 5:18], every word and thought, every theme and principle. Authentic Bible reading and study must be done in relationship with Jesus. Meaningful Bible study is always founded upon our love for the Lord.
Consequently, spiritual transformation comes as we believe, obey and apply God’s Word to our heart.
Principle #13 & Personal Application: The quality disciple has a high regard for the authority of, the power of, and the eternal nature of the Word of God.
• The Word of God is true: We can trust it completely (vs. 4).
• The Word of God is powerful: We are in awe of it entirely (vs. 6).
• The Word of God is eternal. We can count on it forever (vs. 11).
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I read and study my Bible, do I trust it completely; especially when it instructs me to do something that makes me very uncomfortable in doing (like turning the other cheek; like forgiving those who hurt me; like giving grace to those who do not deserve it)?
What is the last thing that God has spoken to me from His Word that caused me to grow closer to Him?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your Word is true. I can trust it completely. Your Word is powerful. May I always be in awe of its message to my heart. Your word is eternal. While the writings of famous men come and go, Your Word will last forever. May I forever be touched and drawn closer to You by its eternal message.
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/
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 12--April 2, 2011--Prayer
Hello my dear friends! Have you ever been on a journey and found the map you had was useless? Perhaps you had a state map, but you were trying to navigate in a large city where only the main roads were listed, leaving you to guess where the next turn would take you. Would it not be better to have someone with you who knew every turn, every street, every place you needed to go? This is what the Good Shepherd desires to do for you. He is our Guide, our Protector, our Instructor, our Counselor. This is the great lesson of Psalm 32: Jesus is all we need to navigate the challenges of this life.
Learning to trust Him,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #12
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 6 Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him. 7 You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah. 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Psalm 32:6-8
Core Value: Prayer
Perhaps you are familiar with the phrase, “Don’t get the cart before the horse.” Even as believers, it is an easy thing to do. When we find ourselves in a jam, in a really challenging circumstance, it is tempting to return to our default setting and place the weight of trust upon our limited ability to rescue ourselves. Yes, we do need rescuing. But, ironically, sometimes, we ignore the answer: the power of the Gospel. Is there a practical solution that will address the challenges of life for the believer?
I believe the solution is a proper understanding of “Provision and Obligation.” It means that for every obligation that God requires of His children, there is ALWAYS a provision from Him that allows us to do our part. For example, in this Psalm we see our “obligation” is to “pray to You” (vs. 6). We are to pray. That’s all. There is nothing there about us fixing our problems, of trying to deliver ourselves in our own strength.
On the other hand, notice what God has promised to provide: “He will be found . . . He protects us from the flood . . . He provides for us a hiding place . . . He preserves us from trouble . . . He surrounds us with songs of deliverance . . . He will instruct us and teach us in the way we should go . . . He will counsel us with His eye upon us.” Is it clear yet? His provision (grace) allows us to do our part (obedience: we believe and approach Him in faith). He always does His part. Will we do ours?
Principle #12 & Personal Application: The quality disciple finds refuge, instruction, and counsel in the Lord during life’s difficult challenges.
There are many great nuggets of truth that we can observe:
• The blessing: He will be found. The godly disciple of Jesus Christ is called to pray to the Lord.
• The blessing: He will be found, even during times of danger.
• The blessing: Our prayer is turned into praise for what He will do. He is our hiding place; He preserves us from trouble; He surrounds us with songs of deliverance; He will instruct us and teach us in the way we should go; He will counsel us with His eye upon us.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
There is a relationship between prayer and what God does because of it. When am I most prone to pray—during times of crisis or when everything is calm around me?
When I am praying, do I sense His protection and presence?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, what a blessing it is to me that You want me to be godly and come pray to You. I thank You that You can be found as You invite me to come into Your presence, using Your Name. Your promises of protection, refuge, and utter joy gives great comfort to me. Your promise to teach me, guide me, and counsel me are priceless.
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/
Learning to trust Him,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #12
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 6 Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him. 7 You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah. 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Psalm 32:6-8
Core Value: Prayer
Perhaps you are familiar with the phrase, “Don’t get the cart before the horse.” Even as believers, it is an easy thing to do. When we find ourselves in a jam, in a really challenging circumstance, it is tempting to return to our default setting and place the weight of trust upon our limited ability to rescue ourselves. Yes, we do need rescuing. But, ironically, sometimes, we ignore the answer: the power of the Gospel. Is there a practical solution that will address the challenges of life for the believer?
I believe the solution is a proper understanding of “Provision and Obligation.” It means that for every obligation that God requires of His children, there is ALWAYS a provision from Him that allows us to do our part. For example, in this Psalm we see our “obligation” is to “pray to You” (vs. 6). We are to pray. That’s all. There is nothing there about us fixing our problems, of trying to deliver ourselves in our own strength.
On the other hand, notice what God has promised to provide: “He will be found . . . He protects us from the flood . . . He provides for us a hiding place . . . He preserves us from trouble . . . He surrounds us with songs of deliverance . . . He will instruct us and teach us in the way we should go . . . He will counsel us with His eye upon us.” Is it clear yet? His provision (grace) allows us to do our part (obedience: we believe and approach Him in faith). He always does His part. Will we do ours?
Principle #12 & Personal Application: The quality disciple finds refuge, instruction, and counsel in the Lord during life’s difficult challenges.
There are many great nuggets of truth that we can observe:
• The blessing: He will be found. The godly disciple of Jesus Christ is called to pray to the Lord.
• The blessing: He will be found, even during times of danger.
• The blessing: Our prayer is turned into praise for what He will do. He is our hiding place; He preserves us from trouble; He surrounds us with songs of deliverance; He will instruct us and teach us in the way we should go; He will counsel us with His eye upon us.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
There is a relationship between prayer and what God does because of it. When am I most prone to pray—during times of crisis or when everything is calm around me?
When I am praying, do I sense His protection and presence?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, what a blessing it is to me that You want me to be godly and come pray to You. I thank You that You can be found as You invite me to come into Your presence, using Your Name. Your promises of protection, refuge, and utter joy gives great comfort to me. Your promise to teach me, guide me, and counsel me are priceless.
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.
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http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/
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