Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #50--Grace--December 24, 2011

Hello my dear friends. Warm Christmas greetings to you on this Christmas Eve. For some of us, this time of the year is an emotional challenge for a variety of reasons: perhaps we have lost a job and can no longer afford to join in the materialistic aspect of Christmas OR perhaps we have lost a loved one or even our own health. For some, Christmas is just not the same as it used to be: it has lost it's innocence and has almost become just another day on the calendar.

Years ago as I was finishing my shift as a toy department manager, I stood in the cold before getting into my car. Another 12 hour day during that Christmas rush had taken its toll upon me. In my heart, this thought came to mind: "in a few years or less, most of the toys I had sold to my customers would find their way into the county landfill, consumed and disposed of."

I began to worship the Lord and thank Him for not consuming and disposing of me. He considers me and He considers you to be a priceless gift. And one day, He is coming again. Until then, may each one of us experience a renewed sense of His great love for us this Christmas season.

This Christmas Song, "Jesus Christ is Coming Again," came to me during my ride home. I'd like to share it with you. It is set to familiar tune of "Santa Clause is Coming to Town."

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, (2x)

Jesus Christ is coming again (repeat)

He knows your every desire

He knows what's on your heart

He knows what will give you joy

And His love will never depart

Oh Ha le ha le luia

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, (2x)

Jesus Christ is coming (repeat 3x)

Again



Maranatha (Come quickly, Lord Jesus) and Merry Christmas to you,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #50

Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life

Key Scripture: Purify me with hyssop (*), and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

* "Hyssop" was a shrub with hairy stems that could be dipped into liquid, and the priests used hyssop to sprinkle blood or water on people needing ceremonial cleansing (Lev. 14:4, 6; Num. 19:6, 18; see Ex. 12:22). Today's believers find their cleansing in the work Jesus accomplished on the cross (1 John 1:5-10; Heb. 10:19-25). Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament - The Bible Exposition Commentary – Wisdom and Poetry.

Core Value: Grace

The great need of sinners is to be cleansed from the filth of a dirty life marred by the effects of sin. The great hope for sinners is the promise of forgiveness. The great message of the Gospel is the power of the blood of Jesus Christ. This is a message that rings true any time of the year, but especially during Advent and Christmas where we celebrate God’s great love for us, revealed to us, when He sent His Son, His one and only son to come and live among us and to die for our sins. Immanuel, God with us, by faith is now Christ in us, the hope of glory!

Merry Christmas!

Principle #50 & Personal Application: The quality disciple experiences spiritual renewal; made clean by the blood of Christ.

As the great hymn writer reminds us, “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

• Grace is the cleansing agent that purifies the soul stained with sin.

• Grace is the means where the disciple is not only washed, but “shall be whiter than snow.”

• Grace is God’s gift to the sin problem. This is the only antidote that will keep us spiritually alive: the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What is it in my life that the Lord needs to clean up in my heart?

When I read from God’s Word, what are some of the Scriptures He has used in the past that “cleanse” me? (Make a list of these and refer back to them often. For example, see 1 John 1:9; Romans 5:8-9; Hebrews 4:12-16, etc.)

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for purifying me with Your blood. By Your grace, I am clean before You. May I walk in the knowledge of Your love and forgiveness. May I never take for granted what You did on the Cross for me. May I ever give You unending thanksgiving and praise. Alleluia! Your blood avails for me!

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/

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