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.
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