Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #14 (Worship). April 14, 2012

Hello my dear friends! Worship of Jesus is to be a very intimate experience. Some of our best worship experiences are not always in a church service with hundreds (or even thousands) of other believers. Instead, we may often experience a deeper worship while taking that walk in the park, when driving alone in our car during a long trip, or even when we are alone with our thoughts in our favorite chair. Today's Psalms of Discipleship reminds us that our worship must become deeply personal before we attend the next corporate worship service.

Does any of this resonate with you? I'd love to hear your feedback.

Learning to worship the Lord as an audience of One,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #14

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

Key Scripture: But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, For You have been my stronghold And a refuge in the day of my distress. Psalm 59:16

Core Value: Worship

Worship is a very personal experience. Yes, there are times when it is appropriate to worship with other believers. When corporate worship is focused upon Jesus and His glory and is not distracted by those who those who either intentionally or unintentionally draw attention to them, corporate worship can be a good thing, a very good thing to do. However, unless we are able to worship our God in a personal way and learn how to be alone with Him, our corporate offerings of worship can be shallow, lacking any depth of an authentic worship experience.

The Psalmist gives a very practical testimony: “But as for me.” May that be our response also. “But as for me, may I sing of Your strength, of Your lovingkindness, and of Your protection.”

Principle #14 & Personal Application: Quality disciples have a heart that sings of the Lord’s strength, His lovingkindness, and His protection.

In this Psalm, David’s enemies have surrounded him on every side. His foes desired to crush and humiliate him. What can we learn from his experience? Even though our enemies may surround us, like David, we can offer to the Lord a heart of worship:

• We can sing and worship Him for His strength

• We can joyfully sing of His lovingkindness (mercy) in the morning

• We can worship Him for His protection: “For You have been my stronghold And a refuge in the day of my distress”

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I feel overwhelmed by the enemies of my soul, what do I need to do?

Is there a heart of worship inside of me? What do I need to do in order to cultivate the kind of trust that will help me get through the difficult challenges of life?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You so much for being with me during my times of troubles. My enemies are great, but You are greater! Remind me to offer my worship to You. Help me to sing of Your strength. Help me to sing of Your lovingkindness (Your mercy) in the morning, and help me worship You for Your great protection to me.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism

Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2012 All rights reserved.

Are you interested in going deeper in your walk with Jesus? Check out my website for a list of resources that will help you become "A Quality Disciple."

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