Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #42 (Evangelism) November 24, 2012

Hello my dear friends! There is always a cause and effect in life. For example, if I am walking close to the Lord the effect will be a positive influence on those who are near to me. This is the message of today's Psalms of Discipleship: Not only is the nearness of God my good, it is also good for others too.

Perfect submission, all is at rest;
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with his goodness, lost in his love.

When we are near to God, we find ourselves lost in His love.

Forever lost,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #42

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

Key Scripture: But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:28

Core Value: Evangelism

There is a huge difference between having a religion and a having relationship with Jesus. A religion will help you keep the rules of what to do and what not to do, of what to believe and what not to believe. A relationship with Jesus will help you achieve all of that and so much more. A relationship with Jesus causes you to love because He has unconditionally loved you. A relationship helps you to believe in Him because He believes in you.

People can become an expert in religion and still miss out on eternal life with Jesus. The years come and go, the nations of the earth rise and fall, but one thing remains the same: Jesus is the only way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). Sometimes, you may be the only witness of Jesus’ love that others see. The closer you get to Him, you will become more fully aware of His goodness. The closer you get to Him, the burden to share His love with the lost will consume your life.

Principle #42 & Personal Application: Quality disciples seek to grow closer to the Lord, and as a result, gives a personal testimony of the Lord’s great power.

• Our relationship with the Lord is a personal one: “But as for me”

• Our relationship with the Lord is an intimate experience: “the nearness of God is my good”

• Our relationship with the Lord is a strategic choice: “I have made the Lord GOD my refuge”

• Our relationship with the Lord is the platform from which we share our faith: “That I may tell of all Your works”

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

In what ways have I discovered that the nearness of God is my good?

What has the Lord done in and through me that would be an encouragement for others to know?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, but as for me, the nearness of God is my good. By Your grace, I choose to make the Lord GOD my refuge and not trust in my own strength. May I give a faithful testimony to others of Your great works that have impacted my life.

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/

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Black Friday has come and gone. Now, are you ready to refocus? Are you ready . . . for Advent?

Advent begins soon! Get your devotional copy today. Ebook version is only $5.00. For more information, click on the link:

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Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #41 (Grace). November 17, 2012

Hello dear friends,

When grace is all we've got, grace is all we need. As I get older, I become more aware every day how important grace is to the disciple of Jesus. This week I am turning 56 (where, Oh where, does the time go). Some scholars believe the number 5 has special significance. They call it the number of grace. Other scholars believe that the number 6 is the number of man. If this is true, then I am a "grace man."

Living by grace,

 

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #41

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

Key Scripture: 25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26

Core Value: Grace

There are times in life when a person comes to the end of their rope. Some call it “wits end.” Others call it the last straw. The disciple of Jesus calls it all sufficient grace. Notice that in all cases, the circumstances are the same. The difference? Perspective. When we look for answers and relief in all the wrong places, we will be forever frustrated. When we look to the Lord, we find everything that we need.

Like the Psalmist, our flesh and our heart may fail, but God is the strength of our heart and our portion forever.

Principle #41 & Personal Application: Quality disciples look to the Lord as the ultimate source of strength and provision.

• We look to the Lord as our best and only choice: “Whom have I in heaven but You?”

• We look to the Lord as our one and only desire: “And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.”

• We look to the Lord as weak and fragile individuals: “My flesh and my heart may fail,”

• We look to the Lord as the One who is the strength of our heart and our portion forever

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

Are there any competing relationships or things that are diluting my relationship with the Lord?

What does it mean that God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, whom do I have in heaven but You? And besides You may I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

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/

It's beginning to look a lot like . . . Advent!

Advent begins in just a few weeks! Get your devotional copy of Christmas Meditations of Worship today. Ebook or print version.

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Psalms of Discipleship (Worship) Principle #40. November 3, 2012

Hello my dear friends,

Got problems? We all do. Got lots of questions? You bet. Got answers? Sometimes. Got Jesus? We do if we are His disciples. Today's Psalms of Discipleship reminds us that worship is the key to overcoming insurmountable problems.

What are you focused upon today? Your Problems or Your Savior?

Learning with you,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #40

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

Key Scripture: 17 May his name endure forever; May his name increase as long as the sun shines; And let men bless themselves by him; Let all nations call him blessed. 18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who alone works wonders. 19 And blessed be His glorious name forever; And may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen. Psalm 72:17-19

Core Value: Worship

When we fix our attention on our problems, we can become stuck in them. No doubt, there are plenty of challenging problems that fill our lives. No doubt, we often have more questions than answers that come to mind. But there is no doubt that when we focus our faith upon the great name of our great God, our heart is lifted up, our joy overflows, and our insurmountable problems are placed at the feet of Jesus.

When we worship Jesus it means we are taking the steps of faith to fix our eyes upon Him instead of our problems.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace

Principle #40 & Personal Application: Quality disciples keep a sharp focus upon the Lord’s great works and His glorious name.

• We worship the Lord for His enduring name: “May his name endure forever; May his name increase as long as the sun shines.”

• We worship the Lord for His blessing upon us: “And let men bless themselves by him; Let all nations call him blessed.”

• We worship the Lord for His amazing works: “Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who alone works wonders. ”

• We worship the Lord for His glorious name: “And blessed be His glorious name forever.”

• We worship the Lord for His sovereign glory over the whole earth: “And may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen. ”

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

As I read and meditate upon this passage of Scripture what kinds of thoughts are crossing my mind?

How can I apply the truths of this passage upon the challenges I am facing today?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I praise You for Your enduring Name. May Your name be known among every tribe, nation, and ethic group around the world. I praise You for Your blessing upon my life. I marvel at the amazing works of Your hands. I bless You Lord Jesus and bless Your glorious name forever. May the whole earth be filled with Your glory. Amen, and Amen.

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/

PS. If you live within driving distance to Columbia International University, I'd like to invite you to join us for a one day seminar and prayer retreat on November 17. Click on the link below for more information on "Changing Places: Understanding the Process of Transition"

http://www.dennybates.com/#!changing-places/c184w