Hello my dear friends! Warm greetings to you. As I write today, I am reminded of how busy life can become for all of us. Busy is not always bad if we are busy doing the activities the Lord has entrusted to us for the day. The danger for busy people is a subtle one. We can be doing all of the right things but become so busy doing "the Lord's work" that we become consumed by the task and neglect the One who assigned the task to us. The lesson from today's Psalms of Discipleship hits the mark: we need to cease striving, to be still, to "be" and get to know Jesus better. May He turn our busyness into a deeper love for Him.
Learning with you,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #42
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10
Core Value: Worship
“Cease striving.” Okay, good advice from the Psalmist, but how? How does one who is swallowed up in a culture that promotes rat race living cease striving? One translation uses the term “be still.” No matter how you translate it, it still means to quit what you are doing and become engaged to who God is and embrace what He is doing. But again, how?
The secret lies behind our heart and our willingness to worship Him. Note the progression: (1) cease striving. Slow it down. Be okay with the fact that God loves you, no matter what you do or do not do for Him. Then, (2) Know that He is God. Enjoy Him, embrace Him, exalt Him. Worship is the key for allowing us to cease striving, to quit trying so hard to impress Him and to know Him in the most intimate of ways. We need to take deep, cleansing breaths filled with worship for the One who has made Himself known through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Once we create a habit of being still before the Lord, then we can join in with the other followers of Jesus and exalt Him among the nations all over the earth.
Principle #42 & Personal Application: The quality disciple is learning how “to be” and earnestly seeking to know and experience the Lord through worship.
• We need to cease striving. True worship occurs when we stop trying to impress God with our busyness and begin to rest and enjoy His presence.
• We need to know that He is God. True worship occurs when we seek to know Him (know His character, know His ways, know His heart).
• We need to join the rest of creation and exalt Him. True worship occurs when we join together in unison with creation and exalt and praise His name.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What kinds of activities keep me striving and not resting in the Lord?
If a non-believer asked me to introduce the Lord to them, what would I tell them about the Savior?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You know how busy I can be—especially when it comes to doing things in Your name. Forgive me for the times when I equate busyness with godliness. Help me learn to love and serve You according to Your daily agenda for my life. This is the desire of my heart: to cease striving, to be still and to know You better today.
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 some practical tools on how to live the discipled life? Check out my website!
www.dennybates.com
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #41--Grace--October 22, 2011
Hello my dear friends! Greetings to you.
Everyone has problems (even the spiritual people do too). Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a grace-driven reminder that no matter how big our problems might be, God is much bigger. One of the keys to the experiencing the victorious Christian life is gaining the right perspective. When my problems become bigger than God, I have demeaned Him and reduced Him to my level. However, when I see my God is bigger than my problems, I have not only brought glory to Him but have taken that healthy step of faith that will help me walk through the problems. My view of God will be enhanced and I will be reminded that He is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Resting in His big promises even as I face my small problems,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #41
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3
Core Value: Grace
How big is your problem? How big is your God? Herein lies two important questions that each disciple of Jesus must not only honestly ask, but also answer truthfully. When one goes through a personal life crisis, it may seem to be a problem that has no answer and no prospects of a good outcome. Be it a health problem, a career problem, or a relationship problem, we have all faced challenging circumstances that severely test our faith. We go into the problem knowing that God has an answer for everything. And yet, when we are fighting to keep our wits, we may doubt if He has an answer for our problem. . . this time.
Here is a lesson that we need to be constantly reminded of: it is much easier to study about and to know God’s character and His promises before the storm hits, so that when life becomes hard we know what we believe no matter what may come our way.
This is the same kind of faith the Apostle Paul experienced when he said, “…for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him…” 2 Tim 1:12
The quality disciple is able to trust Jesus with everything, knowing “He’s got the whole world in His hands.” That would include our world (with all our problems) too.
Principle #41 & Personal Application: The quality disciple lives in God’s protective care and experiences His comfort and perfect peace.
• It is by the grace of God we can find a safe refuge and strength when we are in trouble.
• It is by the grace of God we can resist the urge to panic and be overcome by a terrifying fear that would seek to overwhelm us.
• It is by the grace of God we can live in God’s care and experience His comfort and perfect peace.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What kind of refuge and strength does the Lord provide to me?
What kinds of things cause me to fear? How can this passage of Scripture encourage me when I become afraid?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are my refuge and my strength. You are my very present help when I am in trouble. Because of Your greatness and Your grace, I will not fear when my circumstances seek to fill my heart with doubt and unbelief. By faith, may I keep my eyes upon 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/
Everyone has problems (even the spiritual people do too). Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a grace-driven reminder that no matter how big our problems might be, God is much bigger. One of the keys to the experiencing the victorious Christian life is gaining the right perspective. When my problems become bigger than God, I have demeaned Him and reduced Him to my level. However, when I see my God is bigger than my problems, I have not only brought glory to Him but have taken that healthy step of faith that will help me walk through the problems. My view of God will be enhanced and I will be reminded that He is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Resting in His big promises even as I face my small problems,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #41
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3
Core Value: Grace
How big is your problem? How big is your God? Herein lies two important questions that each disciple of Jesus must not only honestly ask, but also answer truthfully. When one goes through a personal life crisis, it may seem to be a problem that has no answer and no prospects of a good outcome. Be it a health problem, a career problem, or a relationship problem, we have all faced challenging circumstances that severely test our faith. We go into the problem knowing that God has an answer for everything. And yet, when we are fighting to keep our wits, we may doubt if He has an answer for our problem. . . this time.
Here is a lesson that we need to be constantly reminded of: it is much easier to study about and to know God’s character and His promises before the storm hits, so that when life becomes hard we know what we believe no matter what may come our way.
This is the same kind of faith the Apostle Paul experienced when he said, “…for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him…” 2 Tim 1:12
The quality disciple is able to trust Jesus with everything, knowing “He’s got the whole world in His hands.” That would include our world (with all our problems) too.
Principle #41 & Personal Application: The quality disciple lives in God’s protective care and experiences His comfort and perfect peace.
• It is by the grace of God we can find a safe refuge and strength when we are in trouble.
• It is by the grace of God we can resist the urge to panic and be overcome by a terrifying fear that would seek to overwhelm us.
• It is by the grace of God we can live in God’s care and experience His comfort and perfect peace.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What kind of refuge and strength does the Lord provide to me?
What kinds of things cause me to fear? How can this passage of Scripture encourage me when I become afraid?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are my refuge and my strength. You are my very present help when I am in trouble. Because of Your greatness and Your grace, I will not fear when my circumstances seek to fill my heart with doubt and unbelief. By faith, may I keep my eyes upon 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, October 15, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #40--Worship--October 15, 2011
Hello dear friends! Allow me to pose a question: what motivates you to worship God? Lets ask it another way: what do you expect to happen when you worship God?
Worship is a very intimate experience. Or, it should be. If worship is only a hallow act, it will leave us empty. However, if our worship for God is driven by love for Him we will be filled with His joy.
In this week's Psalms of Discipleship we are given an example of what happens to the human heart that has been touched by God's love: worship occurs. May that be our theme as well.
Learning with you,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #40
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 1 My heart overflows with a good theme; I address my verses to the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. 2 You are fairer than the sons of men; Grace is poured upon Your lips; Therefore God has blessed You forever. Psalm 45:1-2
Core Value: Worship
Worship is not only something we do, but it is a lifestyle too. Worship is not just singing some songs about Jesus, but a choice to live life through the grid of submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Biblical worship is not a legalistic, regimented duty we perform in hopes that God will love us more. Biblical worship is a heart-felt response to God’s great love for us. We worship Him because of Who He is and for all that He has done for us.
Principle #40 & Personal Application: The quality disciple has a full heart with an overflowing love for Jesus; becoming overwhelmed by His beauty.
• A full heart for the Lord overflows with a good theme. There is an unquenchable desire to share with Him carefully crafted words of gratitude.
• A full heart for the Lord testifies of the uniqueness of Christ. There is a complete devotion to the Son of God.
• A full heart for the Lord is humbled by the grace of God. There is an acceptance, by faith, which we believe that Jesus Christ has done everything we need through His work on the cross.
It is the gospel, the good news, which prompts our heart to worship Him.
[We are] fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 (NASB95)
Or more simply put,
Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. Hebrews 12:2 (MSG)
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What can I begin to do that will enhance my worship and devotion to Jesus?
If I were to write a “love letter” to the Lord Jesus, what would I want to communicate to Him?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are beautiful to me. May You give me a heart that is full and overflowing with thoughts and words that will best express my love for You. May I always keep my devotion fixed upon You and not slip into the trap of loving others more than I love you. Thank You for the grace that comes from Your lips to my heart. Thank You for Your completed work on the Cross.
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/
Looking for practical and easy to devotional book and personal journal based upon the Psalms? Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace may be a book for you! Click on the link for a free sample. Available in both print and ebook formats.
http://www.dennybates.com/Home/PODGIG.html
Worship is a very intimate experience. Or, it should be. If worship is only a hallow act, it will leave us empty. However, if our worship for God is driven by love for Him we will be filled with His joy.
In this week's Psalms of Discipleship we are given an example of what happens to the human heart that has been touched by God's love: worship occurs. May that be our theme as well.
Learning with you,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #40
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 1 My heart overflows with a good theme; I address my verses to the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. 2 You are fairer than the sons of men; Grace is poured upon Your lips; Therefore God has blessed You forever. Psalm 45:1-2
Core Value: Worship
Worship is not only something we do, but it is a lifestyle too. Worship is not just singing some songs about Jesus, but a choice to live life through the grid of submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Biblical worship is not a legalistic, regimented duty we perform in hopes that God will love us more. Biblical worship is a heart-felt response to God’s great love for us. We worship Him because of Who He is and for all that He has done for us.
Principle #40 & Personal Application: The quality disciple has a full heart with an overflowing love for Jesus; becoming overwhelmed by His beauty.
• A full heart for the Lord overflows with a good theme. There is an unquenchable desire to share with Him carefully crafted words of gratitude.
• A full heart for the Lord testifies of the uniqueness of Christ. There is a complete devotion to the Son of God.
• A full heart for the Lord is humbled by the grace of God. There is an acceptance, by faith, which we believe that Jesus Christ has done everything we need through His work on the cross.
It is the gospel, the good news, which prompts our heart to worship Him.
[We are] fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 (NASB95)
Or more simply put,
Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. Hebrews 12:2 (MSG)
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What can I begin to do that will enhance my worship and devotion to Jesus?
If I were to write a “love letter” to the Lord Jesus, what would I want to communicate to Him?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are beautiful to me. May You give me a heart that is full and overflowing with thoughts and words that will best express my love for You. May I always keep my devotion fixed upon You and not slip into the trap of loving others more than I love you. Thank You for the grace that comes from Your lips to my heart. Thank You for Your completed work on the Cross.
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/
Looking for practical and easy to devotional book and personal journal based upon the Psalms? Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace may be a book for you! Click on the link for a free sample. Available in both print and ebook formats.
http://www.dennybates.com/Home/PODGIG.html
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #39--Grace--October 8, 2011
Hello my friends! I have just returned from the Catalyst Leadership Conference in Atlanta with a full heart and a tired body. All that I experienced can be best described as drinking from a fire hydrant. I'm still processing what I have heard, but one quote I will share with you as it pertains to this week's Psalms of Discipleship. "We can become tired doing the wrong things instead of doing the things God puts before us to do." In other words, we often work in our own strength, wasting our energy, doing the things that wear us out to the point where we find ourselves not having the energy to do the things that God is directing us to do. The bottom line? We face the ongoing challenge of living by works or by grace.
Learning with you,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #39
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 4 You are my King, O God; Command victories [or salvation] for Jacob. 5 Through You we will push back our adversaries; Through Your name we will trample down those who rise up against us. 6 For I will not trust in my bow, Nor will my sword save me. 7 But You have saved us from our adversaries, And You have put to shame those who hate us. 8 In God we have boasted all day long, And we will give thanks to Your name forever. Selah. 9 Yet You have rejected us and brought us to dishonor, And do not go out with our armies. Psalm 44:4-9
Core Value: Grace
There are two ways that people seek to live out the Christian life. One way is to try as hard as one can to appear spiritual. This means we pray more, study more, and serve more in the attempt to make God like us more. This leads to an obvious question: how much is enough in order to gain God’s favor? The second way, the biblical way, is to pray more, study more, and serve more as a response to God’s great love for us. This is the path of a grace-driven life. Consider this wonderful, freeing truth: Before we do one thing for God, we have already experienced His favor because of the finished work of Christ.
A note of background here: Psalm 44 is a wonderful contrast between grace (unmerited favor) and works (or performance). When we live by grace (God does it all) we experience an outcome we do not deserve. When we deviate from grace and live by works (We do it all) we experience an outcome we do deserve. In the context of this Psalm, all is going well until verse 9. May we not repeat the mistakes of our spiritual forefathers.
Principle #39 & Personal Application: The quality disciple must live by grace and not by works or grace will become spoiled.
• It is by grace that we are saved.
• It is by grace that we are victorious in the Lord.
• It is by grace that we realize our own efforts (our bow and sword) will not save us.
• It is by grace that we can give thanks to the name of the Lord forever.
• It is by works that we reject God’s grace and suffer the results of our choice.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
In what ways have I noticed the grace of God strengthening my relationships with family and friends?
How can I guard myself from poisoning grace with my desire to take matters into my own hands?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am so grateful for Your grace. It has not only saved my soul, but has also empowered me to live the Christian life as Your disciple. May I never trust in my own bow and sword. May I always boast in Your ability to take care of my every need.
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 practical and easy to devotional book and personal journal based upon the Psalms? Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace may be a book for you! Click on the link for a free sample. Available in both print and ebook formats. http://www.dennybates.com/Home/PODGIG.html
www.dennybates.com
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/
Learning with you,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #39
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 4 You are my King, O God; Command victories [or salvation] for Jacob. 5 Through You we will push back our adversaries; Through Your name we will trample down those who rise up against us. 6 For I will not trust in my bow, Nor will my sword save me. 7 But You have saved us from our adversaries, And You have put to shame those who hate us. 8 In God we have boasted all day long, And we will give thanks to Your name forever. Selah. 9 Yet You have rejected us and brought us to dishonor, And do not go out with our armies. Psalm 44:4-9
Core Value: Grace
There are two ways that people seek to live out the Christian life. One way is to try as hard as one can to appear spiritual. This means we pray more, study more, and serve more in the attempt to make God like us more. This leads to an obvious question: how much is enough in order to gain God’s favor? The second way, the biblical way, is to pray more, study more, and serve more as a response to God’s great love for us. This is the path of a grace-driven life. Consider this wonderful, freeing truth: Before we do one thing for God, we have already experienced His favor because of the finished work of Christ.
A note of background here: Psalm 44 is a wonderful contrast between grace (unmerited favor) and works (or performance). When we live by grace (God does it all) we experience an outcome we do not deserve. When we deviate from grace and live by works (We do it all) we experience an outcome we do deserve. In the context of this Psalm, all is going well until verse 9. May we not repeat the mistakes of our spiritual forefathers.
Principle #39 & Personal Application: The quality disciple must live by grace and not by works or grace will become spoiled.
• It is by grace that we are saved.
• It is by grace that we are victorious in the Lord.
• It is by grace that we realize our own efforts (our bow and sword) will not save us.
• It is by grace that we can give thanks to the name of the Lord forever.
• It is by works that we reject God’s grace and suffer the results of our choice.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
In what ways have I noticed the grace of God strengthening my relationships with family and friends?
How can I guard myself from poisoning grace with my desire to take matters into my own hands?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am so grateful for Your grace. It has not only saved my soul, but has also empowered me to live the Christian life as Your disciple. May I never trust in my own bow and sword. May I always boast in Your ability to take care of my every need.
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 practical and easy to devotional book and personal journal based upon the Psalms? Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace may be a book for you! Click on the link for a free sample. Available in both print and ebook formats. http://www.dennybates.com/Home/PODGIG.html
www.dennybates.com
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #38--Bible Study--October 1, 2011
Warm greetings to you dear friends! We live in an age where a plethora of information is at our finger tips. Got a question? Google it! Need a coupon to go shopping? Download it and print it. Need life direction? hmmmmmm......... Now, that's a good question. In this week's Psalms of Discipleship, we are going to be reminded of the wonderful resource that will give us all of the direction we need as we walk with Jesus.
On the journey with you,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #38
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 3 O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill And to Your dwelling places. 4 Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; And upon the lyre I shall praise You, O God, my God. Psalm 43:3-4
Core Value: Bible Study
Every one of us is on a journey. For every journey, there is a beginning point and a destination. Usually, the most excitement comes not at the beginning or end, but during the trip. In more philosophical terms, it is called the “Process.” And it is during the process that we have the opportunity to find out what we are really made of. This is especially true and underscored when adjustments have to be made during our journey. The test is this: are we willing and able to “adjust and go” when plan A has to yield to plan B, or do we ignore the newest travel updates, stick to our plans, much to our own harm?
Lets illustrate: We have seen old-fashioned road maps (typically, once you unfold them, they are never the same again) go the way of the eight-track player. Now, even our cell phones have the capacity to lead us to our destination. Simply type in the address of where you want to go, and presto! The GPS does the rest as this lady with the flat personality in the phone we have never met tells us where to go, twists and turns and all. If we trust that voice we cannot see, our chances are very good that we will reach our destination. Ignoring the voice, or somehow not being able to hear the voice clearly, usually leads to anywhere we do not want to go.
It is by spending time in the Bible where we can discern His plan for our lives. Listen often and listen carefully and we will find our way.
Principle #38 & Personal Application: The quality disciple finds direction for life by following the life-changing truths of Scripture.
• A commitment to study the Bible may result in finding direction for life: The life-changing characteristics of the Bible are light and truth.
• A commitment to study the Bible may result in one’s experiencing a deeper, more intimate relationship with the God of the Bible.
• A commitment to study the Bible may result in an overwhelming sense of gratitude that is expressed in joyous praise and worship to the God of the Bible.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What recent example can I recall where I sensed a leading of the Lord for direction after reading my Bible?
What can I do to increase my awareness of where to look in the Scriptures in order to address the concerns of my heart?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You so much for Your Word. It truly is a Guide to my life. May I always look to Your Word for light and truth. May Your Word always cause me to gain a closer relationship with You. And may the time I spend in Your Word not result in only more biblical facts that I store that have no meaning to me, but may what I read and study cause me to worship You with joyous praise.
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 practical and easy to devotional book and personal journal based upon the Psalms? Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace may be a book for you! Click on the link for a free sample. Available in both print and ebook formats. http://www.dennybates.com/Home/PODGIG.html
www.dennybates.com
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/
On the journey with you,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #38
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 3 O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill And to Your dwelling places. 4 Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; And upon the lyre I shall praise You, O God, my God. Psalm 43:3-4
Core Value: Bible Study
Every one of us is on a journey. For every journey, there is a beginning point and a destination. Usually, the most excitement comes not at the beginning or end, but during the trip. In more philosophical terms, it is called the “Process.” And it is during the process that we have the opportunity to find out what we are really made of. This is especially true and underscored when adjustments have to be made during our journey. The test is this: are we willing and able to “adjust and go” when plan A has to yield to plan B, or do we ignore the newest travel updates, stick to our plans, much to our own harm?
Lets illustrate: We have seen old-fashioned road maps (typically, once you unfold them, they are never the same again) go the way of the eight-track player. Now, even our cell phones have the capacity to lead us to our destination. Simply type in the address of where you want to go, and presto! The GPS does the rest as this lady with the flat personality in the phone we have never met tells us where to go, twists and turns and all. If we trust that voice we cannot see, our chances are very good that we will reach our destination. Ignoring the voice, or somehow not being able to hear the voice clearly, usually leads to anywhere we do not want to go.
It is by spending time in the Bible where we can discern His plan for our lives. Listen often and listen carefully and we will find our way.
Principle #38 & Personal Application: The quality disciple finds direction for life by following the life-changing truths of Scripture.
• A commitment to study the Bible may result in finding direction for life: The life-changing characteristics of the Bible are light and truth.
• A commitment to study the Bible may result in one’s experiencing a deeper, more intimate relationship with the God of the Bible.
• A commitment to study the Bible may result in an overwhelming sense of gratitude that is expressed in joyous praise and worship to the God of the Bible.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What recent example can I recall where I sensed a leading of the Lord for direction after reading my Bible?
What can I do to increase my awareness of where to look in the Scriptures in order to address the concerns of my heart?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You so much for Your Word. It truly is a Guide to my life. May I always look to Your Word for light and truth. May Your Word always cause me to gain a closer relationship with You. And may the time I spend in Your Word not result in only more biblical facts that I store that have no meaning to me, but may what I read and study cause me to worship You with joyous praise.
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 practical and easy to devotional book and personal journal based upon the Psalms? Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace may be a book for you! Click on the link for a free sample. Available in both print and ebook formats. http://www.dennybates.com/Home/PODGIG.html
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