Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #28 (Evangelism). July 28, 2012

Hello my dear friends! Do you realize that our lives are a platform for God's glory and the medium He uses for sharing the Gospel, the Good News of His love for the world? Do you realize that it is not about us, but about Him? Do you realize that His blessing to us is just not about making us feel good about ourselves, but a way He uses to cause a hunger and thirst in the lives of those who have yet to experience His love and forgiveness?

In this week's Psalms of Discipleship we learn that His blessings upon us is simply advertising of His love and goodness to the world.

Blessed for the sake of others,

Denny Bates


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #28

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

Key Scripture: 1 God be gracious to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us— Selah. 2 That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations. 3 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; For You will judge the peoples with uprightness And guide the nations on the earth. Selah. Psalm 67:1-4

Core Value: Evangelism

There is a phrase we use in my part of the world that says, “The proof is in the pudding.” In other words, the quality of something is uncertain until it has been tested directly. In this case, actions speak louder than words. How do we know that God is gracious to us and blesses us? We know it to be true because it is something that we have personally experienced. And when disciples of Jesus live like God is gracious to them and blesses them, it becomes the platform God uses to draw those who are outside the family of God into a relationship with His Son.

Principle #28 & Personal Application: Quality disciples know that one who is blessed by the Lord becomes a visual example of God’s glory and goodness to the lost.

We are blessed by the Lord . . .

• in abundance: God be gracious to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us— Selah.

• for a reason greater than ourselves: That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations.

• for the praise and glory of Jesus: Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You.

• so we, along with the nations, may follow Him with gladness and joy: Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; For You will judge the peoples with uprightness And guide the nations on the earth. Selah.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

To those who know me, and do not know Jesus, find my life (what I say and what I do) to be an inviting example for them to seek Jesus more closely?

What has to happen in my life in order for my testimony to inspire others to trust in and praise the Lord?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I worship You for being gracious to me and blessing me. Your face does shine upon me, moving me to declare Your salvation to those who have yet to hear of the Good News. May I always praise You, along with all believers from every nation, with gladness and joy.

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


Are you looking for a fresh Bible study that will pay off in the marketplace, in your church, and in your family? If you live in the Florence area, check this out!

The Quality Disciple Presents . . .

“The Power-Broker’s Guide To The Kingdom:

Four Striking Examples Of How To Leverage Power In The Right Way”

Example Number One: Joseph

Facilitated and taught by Dr. Denny Bates

Four Practical Lessons . . . Four Nights . . . For You

When: August 8, 15, 22, 29 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Where: First Reliance Bank Learning Center/West Palmetto Street

Cost for Downloadable Workbook (pdf) and Course: $20.00

STUDY OUTLINE:
Example #1, Joseph: “The Use Of Power At Work: Power In The Hands Of Joseph—A Powerbroker Who Felt Its Abuse And Then Later, When Given The Occasion, Used It Wisely”

Part #1: “The Life Of Joseph: A Career That Impacted And Saved The World” (Genesis 37:1-36)

Part #2 “Promotion Comes From The Lord ” (Genesis, Chapter 39:1-6a)

Part #3 “Where Is It Written That Life Is Fair?” (Genesis, Chapter 39:7-23)

Part #4 “Learning To Be A Blessing In The Midst Of Adversity” (Genesis, Chapter 40:1-23)

Two Essential Quotes

Leadership is a stewardship. It is temporary…and you’re accountable. ~ Andy Stanley

What happens when God has made you the most powerful person in the room? What are you going to with this power? How you respond determines who you will be. This helps establish who you are. ~ Andy Stanley (See John 13)

These two quotes have made quite the impression on me. Those who have tasted from the nectar of leadership have been given the privilege of having “power” over others. It might be as simple as a parent having power over a child or a CEO having the power to hire and fire, to bless or to curse any employees who are at their mercy. Power is a gift, not a right, and certainly never an entitlement. The true test of the Christian believer is how he or she stewards their power.

This focused study of the life of Joseph, The Powerbroker’s Guide To The Kingdom, provides practical life lessons on how power can be used is the right way . . . and in the wrong way too. Of all the important lessons we learn, may we get this one right. Not just for our sake, but especially for the sake of those who can either be helped or hurt by our power.

I hope you will join me for this practical study on biblical leadership in the learning center of First Reliance Bank. Space is limited. Please confirm your attendance today by inboxing me on facebook or via my email listed below.

Dr. Denny Bates
dennybates@gmail.com