Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #51--Grace--December 31, 2011

Hello my dear friends! As we come to the end of another year, its a convenient time to reflect upon the experiences that impacted us this year; both the good and the not so good. In every day, and in every experience, the Lord was with us. One of the most profound things He has done is the work He has done in our heart. Today's Psalms of Discipleship gives us a front row seat into the thoughts of David as He asked God for a great miracle: a brand new heart.

A new heart, every day, all year long. What a gift for each one of us to look forward to in the coming new year.

Happy New Year!

Denny



Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #51

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

Key Scripture: 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Psalm 51:10-11

Core Value: Grace

Planned obsolescence. We buy it. We use it. We break it. We dispose of it and begin the whole cycle again until we die. Those of us who are old enough remember the quality that went into the electrical fan that sat on a table keeping us cool. Our sole responsibility was to inject lightweight oil into the motor on occasion that not only guaranteed the long life of the appliance but also meant we could spend our hard-earned money on other things.

The human heart is the epitome of planned obsolescence. It breaks all the time and needs to be constantly replaced. The disciple’s heart comes with an extended lifetime warranty of sorts. Unlike the fans that kept on working after many years of use, the human heart is different. Because of sin (which rusts us away), our heart is always in need of repair. Those who have given their heart to Jesus have the promise of a replacement heart that is clean. It is a miracle every time it happens.

In a word, it is grace. May we learn to echo the prayer of David when he requested, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.”

Principle #51 & Personal Application: A quality disciple requests a miracle every day: the creation of a clean heart from the Lord.

• It is a miracle of grace when God can “create” (literally make something out of nothing) in me a clean heart.

• It is a miracle of grace when God renews a steadfast spirit within me.

• It is a miracle of grace when God does not cast me away from His presence.

• It is a miracle of grace when God does not take His Holy Spirit from me.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What does it feel like, what descriptive words come to mind, when God removes the plaque of sin that has sickened my heart?

Am I more prone to allow guilt to keep me from enjoying the presence of the Lord or do I live like the shed blood of Jesus has set me free?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the miracle of a clean heart. You are the Great Physician and only You can heal the sin-sickened heart. Thank You for the miracle of renewing in me a steadfast spirit. Thank You that I will always be a child of Yours and You will never cast me aside and take away Your precious Holy Spirit from 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/

Why A One Year Journey With The Shepherd May Be A Great Resource For You!

You are invited to spend some time reading and reflecting upon “Psalms of Discipleship: A One Year Journey With The Shepherd,” a simple, easy to use, devotional experience. By spending five minutes or fifty-five minutes on the weekly devotion and Bible study, you will be afforded the opportunity to enhance your spiritual growth. This unique devotional consists of fifty-two practical lessons designed for small group or individual study.

Now available in print and eBook formats. See http://www.dennybates.com/Home/OneYearJourney.html

for how you can purchase your copy today!

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/

Looking for a tool that will help encourage you to experience a more meaningful and disciplined devotional life in 2012?

Check out this free sample of A One Year Journey With The Shepherd.

Click on this link for your FREE preview:

http://bit.ly/sXCkYL

Available for purchase on Monday, December 19 via www.dennybates.com

.

What you get with your purchase of this Bible study and devotional book is 52 weeks of practical and easy to use exercises that will help draw you into a deeper relationship with the Shepherd of the Psalms.

Print version is $15.99 (includes shipping and handling). Ebook format (works on your computer and ipad) is $9.99.

For print orders of fifteen books or more, contact me for a quantity discount at dennybates@gmail.com

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #49--Grace--December 18, 2011

Hello my dear friends. This time of the year is always a wonderful reminder of how much God loves us. He sent His Son into the world so that the world might be saved through Him (John 3:17). Today's Psalms of Discipleship offers great hope to the ones who have blown it; have sinned; have missed the mark. That circumstance would apply to all of us. Because of grace, we are forgiven and made clean. Merry Christmas to you!

Jesus is not only the reason for the season, He is the reason for every season of our lives.


Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #49

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

Key Scripture: 1 Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity And cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, And my sin is ever before me. 4 Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, So that You are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge. Psalm 51:1-4

Core Value: Grace

A fresh snow is a wonderful contrast to what it often hides. I recall a December trip I made to visit some friends who are serving the Lord in Kiev Ukraine. While parts of the land were breathtaking, other parts of the surroundings (and people) were still recovering from the harsh conditions of living under the Soviet rule for so many years. The landscape was barren, dirty, and unsightly. And then it snowed, covering up the ugly with a beautiful curtain of white snow. After a while, after the snow was shoveled and trampled upon, what lied beneath was seen again.

In some ways this is like our lives. We are a sinful people. We are dirty and unsightly. And we are in need of grace; the kind of grace that washes whiter than snow; the kind of grace that covers us with the cleansing blood of Jesus; the kind of grace that forgives us of our sin. Lord, may Your grace and love snow on us. Grant us a blizzard!

Principle #49 & Personal Application: The quality disciple experiences the cleansing power of forgiven sin.

• Grace allows the believer to experience the gracious lovingkindness of God.

• Grace allows the believer to be the recipient of the greatness of a compassionate God who has the power to blot out “my” transgressions.

• Grace allows the believer to be thoroughly washed and cleansed from iniquity and sin.

• Grace allows the believer to “own” one’s own sin, refusing to blame others but accepting full responsibility for spiritual failure.

• Grace allows the believer to realize that sin is personal and it is against God.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I sin, how quick am I to keep short accounts with God and confess my sin to Him?

When is the last time that I have experienced the feeling of being thoroughly washed and cleansed of the residue of guilt from my sin?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are gracious and kind to me. Thank You that according to the greatness of Your compassion, You blot out my transgressions. Thank You for washing me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleansing me from my sin. Help me to keep short accounts with You and “own” my sin. Help me to remember that my sin is personal and it does cut Your heart and cause You pain.

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 tool that will help encourage you to experience a more meaningful and disciplined devotional life in 2012?

Check out this free sample of A One Year Journey With The Shepherd.

Click on this link for your FREE preview:

http://bit.ly/sXCkYL

Available for purchase on Monday, December 19 via www.dennybates.com.

What you get with your purchase of this Bible study and devotional book is 52 weeks of practical and easy to use exercises that will help draw you into a deeper relationship with the Shepherd of the Psalms.

Print version is $15.99 (includes shipping and handling). Ebook format (works on your computer and ipad) is $9.99.

For print orders of fifteen books or more, contact me for a quantity discount at dennybates@gmail.com

www.dennybates.com
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/

The Hope of the Perfect Christmas

Hello dear friends. As we continue to celebrate the season of Advent, here are a few thoughts for us to consider as we look for the perfect Christmas.

O Come Let Us Adore Him!

Denny


I. INTRO: LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS


When I ask to you to frame in the picture of your own mind, the “Perfect Christmas,” what images flood your mind?

Is it a white Christmas? Is it getting everything you asked for? Is it being together with family and close friends? Is it like Courier and Ives? In a one-horse open sleigh?

Searching for the “Perfect Christmas?” The harder we try, the harder it seems to get


II. SEVERAL QUESTIONS, SEVERAL GOOD QUESTIONS COME TO MIND:

A. When life hands you an impossible circumstance, WHAT do you do…WHERE do you turn for help…WHAT do you NEED?

B. When life hands you an impossible circumstance, WHAT do you do?

1. Some panic—and overreact

2. Some are paralyzed—and do nothing but seek shelter in a cave

3. Some press on and persevere—seeking to move on as best they can

C. When life hands you an impossible circumstance, WHERE do you turn for help?

1. Some look inside for answers—as if we have all the answers

2. Some look outside to the world—as if a final answer awaits those who seek spiritual help in a secular avenue

3. Some look up for help in some system of religion—in hope of some resolution and relief from the pain

D. When life hands you an impossible circumstance, WHAT do you need? I suggest there are at least four things…

1. You need Good counsel

2. You need Strength

3. You need Stability

4. You need Peace of mind

E. When life hands you an impossible circumstance, to WHOM should we trust to give us what we need?

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us! He'll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. Isaiah 9:6 (MSG)

III. IT IS JESUS CHRIST WHO GIVES US WHAT WE NEED

A. We need good counsel. He is our WONDERFUL (or AMAZING) COUNSELOR—No one can give counsel, good advice like Him.

Psalms 16:7 (NIV)

I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.

Psalms 32:8 (NIV)

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

B. We need strength. He is our MIGHTY (or STRONG) GOD—There is no one as strong, as mighty as He

Psalms 18:16-18 (NIV)

16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. 17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. 18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support.

Psalms 68:28 (NIV)

28 Summon your power, O God; show us your strength, O God, as you have done before.


C. We need stability. He is our EVERLASTING (or ETERNAL) FATHER—He will always be our Father and He will never forsake us—ever!

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

D. We need peace of mind. He is our PRINCE OF PEACE (or WHOLENESS)—Only He can calm the troubled waters of our restless soul.

Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Colossians 1:19-20 (NIV)

19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

CONCLUSION:

1. When life hands you an impossible circumstance, He is your hope

2. When life hands you an impossible circumstance, He is your COUNSELOR

3. When life hands you an impossible circumstance, He is your STRENGTH

4. When life hands you an impossible circumstance, He is your STABILITY

5. When life hands you an impossible circumstance, He is your PEACE

6. He is the ANSWER to your deepest need when life hands you an impossible circumstance

7. Jesus Christ is the HOPE OF A PERFECT CHRISTMAS—for you, and for me.

8. And this HOPE can be yours IF YOU TRUST HIM AND BELIEVE WHAT HE DID ON THE CROSS WAS ENOUGH TO PAY FOR YOUR SIN DEBT.

16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 (NIV)

9. Jesus Christ is the HOPE OF THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Merry Christmas!

Denny

12/14/2011

What is Advent?

Advent is a spiritual season of preparation before Christmas celebrated by many Christians. In Western Christianity, the season of Advent begins on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas Day, or the Sunday which falls closest to November 30, and lasts through Christmas Eve, or December 24.

Advent is a period of spiritual preparation in which many Christians make themselves ready for the coming, or birth of the Lord, Jesus Christ. During this time, Christians observe a season of prayer, fasting and repentance, followed by anticipation, hope and joy. Many Christians celebrate Advent not only by thanking God for Christ's first coming to Earth as a baby, but also for his presence among us today through the Holy Spirit, and in preparation and anticipation of his final coming at the end of time. [Source: About.com]

Ready or Not! Here comes the Christmas Rush!!! Need some encouragement on how to set in place a heart of worship and thanksgiving this holiday season? Check out a resource called "Christmas Meditations of Worship: Four Weeks of Advent. A Season of Worship and Celebration." This four week, interactive study is a great tool for individual and group study. "Christmas Meditations of Worship: Four Weeks of Advent.

A Season of Worship and Celebration."

Sights. Smells. Sounds. Sales.

For many people, Christmas is nothing more than a materialistic exercise in futility. The hectic pace of the holiday season often depletes more than it fills, and the craziness of the season is normalized, causing many believers to settle for a “Christ-less” Christmas. Reflection upon the first Advent is the first step towards regaining the reason believers celebrate Christmas: worship of Jesus Christ. You are invited to back away from the edge of Christmas season sanity and begin a four-week journey of reading, reflection, prayer, journaling, singing and serving that will give you the merriest Christmas of all.

Available in print ($10.00 includes shipping) and e-book ($5.00 pdf download) formats. Click this link to begin placing your order: http://www.dennybates.com/Home/Advent.html

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #48--Prayer--December 10, 2011

Hello my dear friends! When you get in a jam and find yourself in trouble what can you do? For those who are disciples of Jesus, He provides to us a "life line" that always connects and always helps those who call upon Him. As we continue to experience Advent this season, its a great time to remember that we have access to the One who is called Immanuel, God with us. He is our lifeline. These clever pop lyrics remind us of this great truth:

Operator
Information
Give me Jesus on the line
Operator
Information
I'd like to speak to a friend of mine
Oh prayer is the number
Faith is the exchange
Heaven is the street
And Jesus is his name
Operator
Information
Please give me Jesus on the line

In His grip,

Denny


Need some encouragement on how to set in place a heart of worship and thanksgiving this holiday season? At the end of today's devotion is a link to a resource called "Christmas Meditations of Worship: Four Weeks of Advent. A Season of Worship and Celebration."

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #48

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

Key Scripture: Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me." Psalm 50:15

Core Value: Prayer

Anyone remember the television game show, “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” As the questions to the contestant became more challenging and the risk to reward increased with each cash prize, a “life line” was offered. This last resort was used when the contestant was stumped and needed the help of a friend who would answer the phone (hopefully) and would have the correct answer (maybe). I never kept score on how many times the person on the phone was able to help, but I do know that not every call proved helpful. This is not the case for the believer who uses his or her lifeline to Jesus. He not only answers on time, but also is always helpful to anyone who calls upon His name.

Principle #48 & Personal Application: The quality disciple practices the kind of prayer that not only brings personal deliverance but honors God too.

• We are to pray when we are in trouble.

• We are to pray with expectancy that God will answer us and rescue us.

• We are to pray and give honor to the One who not only hears our prayers, but answers them too.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When you are experiencing a “day of trouble” how certain are you that the Lord will listen to you?

In what ways can you honor the Lord after He has answered your prayer?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may I always call upon You in the day of trouble. Forgive me when the tough times come my way and I look to myself or others for deliverance. I take comfort in Your promise that You will rescue me in my day of trouble. May I always give You honor and 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.

"Christmas Meditations of Worship: Four Weeks of Advent. A Season of Worship and Celebration."

Sights. Smells. Sounds. Sales.

For many people, Christmas is nothing more than a materialistic exercise in futility. The hectic pace of the holiday season often depletes more than it fills, and the craziness of the season is normalized, causing many believers to settle for a “Christ-less” Christmas.

Reflection upon the first Advent is the first step towards regaining the reason believers celebrate Christmas: worship of Jesus Christ. You are invited to back away from the edge of Christmas season sanity and begin a four-week journey of reading, reflection, prayer, journaling, singing and serving that will give you the merriest Christmas of all.

Available in print ($10.00 includes shipping) and e-book ($5.00 pdf download) formats. Click this link to begin placing your order:

http://www.dennybates.com/Home/Advent.html

Also available at these fine retailers. Please give them your business!

Aroma Underground (Best coffee and ambiance in town)
Locals, in the Piggly Wiggly Shopping Center on 2nd Loop Road (Great burgers and bbq)

www.dennybates.com
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #47--Worship--December 3, 2011

Warm greetings to you, my dear friends! Today we are going to spend our time pondering the greatness of our God. Sometimes, a busy lifestyle can dilute our view (and even need) of God. You probably know what I mean when I say it is easy to slip into an auto-pilot mode in my relationship with the Lord. I want to enjoy His presence, but not always want to focus upon Him. The Psalmist reminds us of how awesome our God is. As we celebrate the month of Advent, today's Psalms of Discipleship is a great reminder of how great our Savior really is: He is awesome!

Our God is an awesome God!

Denny

Need some encouragement on how to set in place a heart of worship and thanksgiving this holiday season? At the end of today's devotion is a link to a resource called "Christmas Meditations of Worship: Four Weeks of Advent. A Season of Worship and Celebration."

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #47

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

Key Scripture: 1 The Mighty One, God, the LORD, has spoken, And summoned the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. 2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shone forth. 3 May our God come and not keep silence; Fire devours before Him, And it is very tempestuous around Him. Psalm 50:1-3

Core Value: Worship

How awesome is your God? Not how awesome is his God or her God nor their God, but your God? Do you only know God by His reputation in the lives of your family or peers? Has your view of God been limited to somewhat familiar Bible stories that occurred a long, long time ago? Or have you experienced the reality of His power in your life? One of life’s saddest testimonies is to live a life where one is so close to experiencing God, but remains so far away. One of the great dangers that disciples of Jesus face is to get so used to worshiping an abstract God that religious ritual replaces a vibrant relationship with the Lover of our soul, and we fail to notice the difference.

How do we keep the fire for a passionate love for God blazing? The first step is to adjust our view of God. We must see Him as a holy and majestic God! And when we do, everything we do changes: the way we understand grace, the way in which we worship, the way we crave God’s Word, the way we pray, the way we become engaged in community, the way we serve, and the way we share our faith with those who need to be introduced to Jesus.

Principle #47 & Personal Application: The quality disciple has a big view of a holy and majestic God.

• We worship a God who is the Mighty One, God, the Lord.

• We worship a God who is majestic over all the earth.

• We worship a God who is the perfect example of beauty.

• We worship a God who cuts a path of holiness, making His presence known.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

Is my view of God one that is high and lifted up, where He has sovereign power or is He more on my level, unwilling (or unable) to handle my big problems?

Do I typically worship God for what He can do for me or do I worship God for who He is?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the Mighty One, God, the Lord, and You have spoken. Help me to listen. You are majestic over all the earth. Your sovereignty rules over Your creation. You are perfect in beauty. There is no one like You. You are holy. You are awesome. You are good. And . . . You love 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.

"Christmas Meditations of Worship: Four Weeks of Advent. A Season of Worship and Celebration."

Sights. Smells. Sounds. Sales.

For many people, Christmas is nothing more than a materialistic exercise in futility. The hectic pace of the holiday season often depletes more than it fills, and the craziness of the season is normalized, causing many believers to settle for a “Christ-less” Christmas.

Reflection upon the first Advent is the first step towards regaining the reason believers celebrate Christmas: worship of Jesus Christ. You are invited to back away from the edge of Christmas season sanity and begin a four-week journey of reading, reflection, prayer, journaling, singing and serving that will give you the merriest Christmas of all.

Available in print ($10.00 includes shipping) and e-book ($5.00 pdf download) formats. Click this link to begin placing your order:

http://www.dennybates.com/Home/Advent.html

Also available at these fine retailers. Please give them your business!

Aroma Underground (Best coffee and ambiance in town)
Locals (Great burgers and bbq)

www.dennybates.com
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/