Our goal is simple: to follow the instructions of Jesus Christ and go and make disciples. Remember, a quality disciple makes up a quality life. The Discipled Life: We need to study it, practice it, and teach it. "For Ezra had set his heart TO STUDY the Law of the Lord, and TO DO IT and TO TEACH his statutes and rules in Israel." Ezra 7:10
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Psalms of Discipleship, Principle #11 (Grace) March 24, 2012
Hello
my dear friends! Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a wonderful reminder
that we do not have to take this journey of faith alone. The beauty of
the Christian life is having the grace that allows us to direct access
to the power we need to "live life well" as His disciples. The grace
given is free. Our responsibility: We must learn how to apply it.
Do you "Live Life Well"? I'm learning with you.
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #11
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises! Psalm 57:7
Core Value: Grace
There is a lot to be said for good footing. Be it a long hike over
rugged terrain or an athlete trying to make an athletic move, good
footing is the key between success and failure. One slip on a rocky
hillside and the outcome can be a scratched leg or worse. A loss of
footing by the running back when making a cut in the grass can mean the
difference between a game-breaking play or a loss of yards.
When it comes to disciples of Jesus, we need to be sure of the steps of
faith we are taking: are our steps grounded in the confidence we have in
our faith or are our steps of faith grounded in the very character of
God? Our way is the way of works and is completely dependent upon us.
God’s way is the way of grace and is completely dependent upon God. His
grace allows us to walk with a steadfast heart.
Principle #11 & Personal Application: Quality disciples have been given a steadfast, confident heart from the Lord.
• It is because of grace that the believer’s heart is steadfast and confident
• It is because of grace that the believer can respond in a song of worship
• It is because of grace that the believer can experience a heart that is made strong and kept strong, forever
Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on
earth. | My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God
remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalm 73:25-26
(NLT)
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What does it “feel” like when the burdens of this life are undergirded by a strong heart?
Can I recall a time when I wanted to burst out in song after experiencing God’s grace in my life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, it is because of You that my heart is steadfast and
confident. It is because of You that Your grace comes to me in abundance
when life presents me with burdens that seek to weigh me down. It is
because of You that my heart can only have one response: to sing praises
to You.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2012 All rights reserved.
Looking for some discipleship resources on how you can better grow as a disciple of Jesus? Check out these links!
www.dennybates.com
http://
Labels:
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Saturday, March 17, 2012
Psalms of Discipleship (Worship) Principle #10. March 17, 2012
Hello
my dear friends! Living in a world of big problems can be somewhat
discouraging UNLESS we continually look to the One who is bigger than
any of our problems. This is what worship does for the disciple of
Jesus: when we keep our focus upon Him, "the things of earth will grow
strangely dim; in the light of His glory and grace."
May we all turn our eyes upon Jesus today and worship Him.
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #10
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth. Psalm 57:5
Core Value: Worship
On a clear night one can look up into the sky and see the brightness of
Venus and Mars. And that’s not all. The fullness of the Moon and the
supporting cast of countless stars provide the backdrop for God’s glory.
The more we gaze at the heavens, the smaller we become. And that’s
good. Once we come to the place where we believe God is bigger than our
problems, greater than all of our wisdom, and more powerful than anyone
or anything, we become ready to worship Him and Him alone.
This is what worship does for God and for us: For Him, He receives the
glory that He deserves. For us, we get to partner with creation and give
praise and worship to Him.
The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Psalm 19:1
Principle #10 & Personal Application: Quality disciples worship a big, awesome God.
• God is the God of heaven: Even the heavens cannot contain our God
• God is the God of earth: Even His glory is above all the earth
• God is our God: Even we, those who love and follow Him, can worship and adore the God of heaven and earth
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What kinds of emotions fill my heart when I realize that God is exalted above the heavens?
How does knowing about the glory of God impact the way I choose to live my life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, by faith, You have filled my heart with a profound sense
of wonder and awe of Your infinite greatness. May I always remember that
You are exalted above the heavens. May I always recall that Your glory
is above all the earth.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2012 All rights reserved.
www.dennybates.com
http://
Need some encouragement in your devotional life this year? Check out this resource from Something New Christian Publishers!
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.
http://www.dennybates.com/
Labels:
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worship
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Psalms of Discipleship (Grace) Principle #9, March 10, 2012
Hello
dear friends! I pray that all of you growing in your love for the Lord
Jesus. This week's Psalms of Discipleship underscores just how important
grace is when it comes to our spiritual vision. Without grace, all we
see is a whole lot of legalism, works, and a wrong view of God. Grace
allows us the best seat in the house. May we all enjoy the show.
In Christ,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #9
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 1 Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, For my
soul takes refuge in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will take
refuge Until destruction passes by. 2 I will cry to God Most High, To
God who accomplishes all things for me. 3 He will send from heaven and
save me; He reproaches him who tramples upon me. Selah. God will send
forth His lovingkindness and His truth. Psalm 57:1-3
Core Value: Grace
One way to look at the grace of God is to have a front row seat to the
best show in town. From where we sit, no one is in the way to distract
us, no one is in our line of sight. Contrast that view from having a
seat at the back, behind a pillar, behind a person who has big hair. We
hear what is going on and how the crowd is responding, but we can’t see a
thing. Where we sit has huge implications in living the Christian life.
The seat that the Lord provides us is free, undeserved, and is always
the best seat in the house. It is all because of grace. This is what it
means to be “in Christ”: (note the phrase “in Him)
2 Grace to
you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed
be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with
every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He
chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be
holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption
as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention
of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely
bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His
blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His
grace 8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He made
known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention
which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration suitable to
the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in
Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him 11 also we
have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His
purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the
end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise
of His glory. 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of
truth, the gospel of your salvation -having also believed, you were
sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a
pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own
possession, to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:2-14
How is the view from where you are sitting?
Principle #9 & Personal Application: Quality disciples are keenly aware of the need to run to God and take refuge in Him.
• Grace allows us to see God as a gracious God (vs. 1a)
• Grace allows us to find a safe place in God (vs. 1b)
• Grace allows us cry out to a Most High God who is working for our good (vs. 2)
• Grace allows us to trust Him for protection from those who are foes (vs. 3a)
• Grace allows us to be the recipients of His lovingkindess and His truth (vs. 3b)
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
How has God been gracious to me?
What does it mean for me to take refuge in the Lord?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, O my God, I thank You that it is in Your holy character to
be gracious to me. My soul does take refuge in You. In the shadow of
Your protective wings, I hide in them. I cry out to You, my God Most
High. You are the One who accomplishes all things for me. You send from
heaven my deliverance and protection from those who are my foes. You
send to me Your lovingkindness and truth.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2012 All rights reserved.
A One Year Journey With The Shepherd is now in its second printing. Thanks for your support!
It is now available in print and eBook formats. See http://www.dennybates.com/
Great spiritual resource for your IPad or computer!
What others are saying about A One Year Journey With The Shepherd:
“Denny hit a home run in Psalms of Discipleship, his sincerity in
writing brings you into an atmosphere of worship and learning.” Jeff
Hoffart. Upper Level Manager, Business Consultant
“I am
consumed with excitement and a fresh love for the Lord after reading A
One Year Journey With The Shepherd!!! . . . The personal application
sections are thought provoking, and attainable. I believe they are
challenging in a way that creates a desire, instead of being out of
reach for the growing believer.” Ericka Miller, MA Clinical Counseling
www.dennybates.com
http://
Labels:
grace,
legalism,
perfectionism,
performance,
position in Christ,
works
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Psalms of Discipleship (Grace) Principle #8, March 4, 2012
Hello
my dear friends! I'm one day late this week with Psalms of Discipleship
due to my son's wedding this past weekend. It has been rather surreal:
the entire experience went by so fast and so slow at the same time, if
you know what I mean. Time and time again, I was reminded of how blessed
I am, a man who has been forever changed by the abundant provision of
God's grace. Remember, grace is getting something we don't deserve. For
me, grace is expressed in a wife who loves me just as I am, adult
children who respect me as a dad and consider me to be their friend, and
now, a new daughter in law who loves me too.
Today's Psalms of
Discipleship will be an encouragement to you as a wonderful reminder of
what grace can do for the person who needs to saved.
Saved, and I love to proclaim it!
Denny
PS. I've just received a new shipment of my latest devotional book: A
One Year Journey With The Shepherd. See the information below on how you
can purchase your copy today!
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #8
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: For You have delivered my soul from death, Indeed my
feet from stumbling, So that I may walk before God In the light of the
living. Psalm 56:13
Core Value: Grace
It’s good to be
saved. Saved from a life of no direction or purpose, saved from a life
marked with no hope, saved from a life of darkness and spiritual death.
It's good to be saved.
It’s good to be saved for a life where Jesus is our Good Shepherd and
He will lead us wherever we need to go. It’s good to be saved for a life
where hope and joy spring forth no matter how challenging our
circumstances might become. It’s good to be saved for a life where God’s
light focuses like a beam and wherever we walk, the testimony of God’s
saving grace is seen in us and through us loud and clear.
It’s good to be saved. It’s good to be saved, saved by grace.
Principle #8 & Personal Application: Quality disciples rejoice in
all that Jesus has done on the Cross, empowering them to walk before
God’s life-giving light. God’s grace allows the believer . . .
• To have one’s soul delivered from death
• To keep one’s feet from stumbling
• To walk (or live) with assurance and safety before God’s life-giving light
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
How has the grace of the Gospel impacted the way I live before the Lord?
I need to think back over the events of my life and ponder these words:
“I may walk before God In the light of the living.” Can I think of an
example where I sensed God’s life-giving light (in facing temptation,
etc.)
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, how I thank and praise You for
delivering my soul from death. Without Your intervention on the Cross,
my feet would always stumble and I would never be able to live or walk
before You in Your life-giving light.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2012 All rights reserved.
What others are saying about A One Year Journey With The Shepherd:
“Denny hit a home run in Psalms of Discipleship, his sincerity in
writing brings you into an atmosphere of worship and learning.” Jeff
Hoffart. Upper Level Manager, Business Consultant
“I am
consumed with excitement and a fresh love for the Lord after reading A
One Year Journey With The Shepherd!!! . . . The personal application
sections are thought provoking, and attainable. I believe they are
challenging in a way that creates a desire, instead of being out of
reach for the growing believer.” Ericka Miller, MA Clinical Counseling
Now available in print and eBook formats. See http://www.dennybates.com/
www.dennybates.com
http://
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