Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #6 (Prayer) February 15, 2013

Hello dear friends! Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a reminder that no matter how we feel on given day, God's Word is true, and God's character is unchanging, and God' love and care for us is perfect.

Learning with you, by the grace of God,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #6

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

Key Scripture: O God, do not remain quiet; Do not be silent and, O God, do not be still. Psalm 83:1

*Background note: From the Psalmist's view, it appears that God is either unaware or unconcerned that His enemies are threatening His people. Out of desperation, He cries out to God, "Please get involved . . . now."

Core Value: Prayer

Do I really matter? Do I have value? Does anyone care . . . even God? These types of questions are familiar to many disciples who follow Jesus. Sure, we know the “right” answers to our questions but sometimes it “feels” like we don’t matter, we don’t have value (especially when we compare ourselves to others), and sometimes we “believe” that no one really cares about us, including God.

So, what is a disciple of Jesus to do with all of these matters of the heart? We can believe the lie or we can respond just like the Psalmist did: He got real with God. He wasn’t going to be passive any longer and become the victim without a spiritual fight. He was going to engage his God with a brand new intensity. Do not remain quiet. Do not be silent, and do not be still. Or in other words, “Please get involved . . . now.”

Principle #6 & Personal Application: Quality disciples cry out to the Lord in the face of intimidating enemies.

• When we are faced with adversity we look to a God who has the desire to intervene on our behalf

• When we are faced with adversity we look to a God who has the power to help deliver us from our enemies

• When we are faced with adversity we look to a God who has the whole world in His hands

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I feel unsafe what assurances can I find from my Bible that will grant me peace of mind?

How do I know, really know, that God will protect me from the enemies of my soul?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may I always trust You, even when I cannot sense Your presence, even when it seems I feel surrounded and outnumbered by my foes.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…

Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism

Dr. Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2013 All rights reserved.

You can learn how to live as a Quality Disciple and a DiscipleMaker4Jesus by visiting my website at www.dennybates.com and my teaching blog at http://www.dennybates.com/#!blog/c1a4e