Warm greetings to you dear friends! We live in an age where a plethora of information is at our finger tips. Got a question? Google it! Need a coupon to go shopping? Download it and print it. Need life direction? hmmmmmm......... Now, that's a good question. In this week's Psalms of Discipleship, we are going to be reminded of the wonderful resource that will give us all of the direction we need as we walk with Jesus.
On the journey with you,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #38
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 3 O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill And to Your dwelling places. 4 Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; And upon the lyre I shall praise You, O God, my God. Psalm 43:3-4
Core Value: Bible Study
Every one of us is on a journey. For every journey, there is a beginning point and a destination. Usually, the most excitement comes not at the beginning or end, but during the trip. In more philosophical terms, it is called the “Process.” And it is during the process that we have the opportunity to find out what we are really made of. This is especially true and underscored when adjustments have to be made during our journey. The test is this: are we willing and able to “adjust and go” when plan A has to yield to plan B, or do we ignore the newest travel updates, stick to our plans, much to our own harm?
Lets illustrate: We have seen old-fashioned road maps (typically, once you unfold them, they are never the same again) go the way of the eight-track player. Now, even our cell phones have the capacity to lead us to our destination. Simply type in the address of where you want to go, and presto! The GPS does the rest as this lady with the flat personality in the phone we have never met tells us where to go, twists and turns and all. If we trust that voice we cannot see, our chances are very good that we will reach our destination. Ignoring the voice, or somehow not being able to hear the voice clearly, usually leads to anywhere we do not want to go.
It is by spending time in the Bible where we can discern His plan for our lives. Listen often and listen carefully and we will find our way.
Principle #38 & Personal Application: The quality disciple finds direction for life by following the life-changing truths of Scripture.
• A commitment to study the Bible may result in finding direction for life: The life-changing characteristics of the Bible are light and truth.
• A commitment to study the Bible may result in one’s experiencing a deeper, more intimate relationship with the God of the Bible.
• A commitment to study the Bible may result in an overwhelming sense of gratitude that is expressed in joyous praise and worship to the God of the Bible.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What recent example can I recall where I sensed a leading of the Lord for direction after reading my Bible?
What can I do to increase my awareness of where to look in the Scriptures in order to address the concerns of my heart?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You so much for Your Word. It truly is a Guide to my life. May I always look to Your Word for light and truth. May Your Word always cause me to gain a closer relationship with You. And may the time I spend in Your Word not result in only more biblical facts that I store that have no meaning to me, but may what I read and study cause me to worship You with joyous praise.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2011 All rights reserved.
Looking for practical and easy to devotional book and personal journal based upon the Psalms? Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace may be a book for you! Click on the link for a free sample. Available in both print and ebook formats. http://www.dennybates.com/Home/PODGIG.html
www.dennybates.com
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/
Showing posts with label Bible Study. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible Study. Show all posts
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #30--Bible Study--August 6, 2011
Warm greetings to you, my dear friends! Today we are going to discuss a topic that, for some, may be a struggle: learning how to gain a better handle on Bible study. For these, it has become a legalistic ritual. For others of you, you have found the mother lode of spiritual growth and continue to strike it rich. The psalmist gives us his perspective. May we learn and apply what he experienced.
Learning with you,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #30 (Bible Study)
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8
Core Value: Bible Study
My way, or His way? My will, or His? This is the cosmic game of tug of war that every disciple of Jesus participates in everyday. One of the great resources the disciple of Jesus has to draw from is the Word of God. We need to study it, meditate upon it, and obey it. And yet, there is an important consideration for why we need to do this: it is not so we can become experts at Bible trivia. It is not so we can fill ourselves with knowledge, for knowledge’s sake. We approach God’s Word, through grace, because we want to know Him in a far deeper way, to embrace a more intimate relationship that will cause us to become more like Jesus.
There are at least two ways in which believers approach Bible study. One way is the way of the Pharisee. They know a lot, but are dead on the inside. Words like “should” and “must” constantly haunt the spiritual Pharisee. Bible study or a “quiet time” is done out of guilt or pride and is completely void of joy. It is this kind of legalism which drives them to performance, seeking not to only impress others who are watching, but ironically, even trying to please God in a sort of twisted way.
There is a far better way to approach Bible study. It is the way of grace. Grace draws us closer to Him. We come to learn a lot about the ways of the Lord, and a deeper knowledge of Him makes us alive on the inside. Words like “may” and “can” fill our hearts with a passion to know Him more and gives us a deep appreciation that God would reveal Himself to us on such an intimate level. Bible study or a “quiet time” is done as a “delight” as we experience a joy in His presence that only He can give (Ps. 16:11).
It is this kind of grace-driven life that draws us into a life where our imperfections are covered by the blood of Christ and where we find acceptance by Him and by those who love Him too.
Principle #30 & Personal Application: The quality disciple is so consumed by the Word of God that it becomes the only grid for how life is lived.
• Bible study, done for the right reasons, will produce a right desire: “I delight to do Your will, O my God.”
• Bible study, done in the right way, will produce a right reason to gain more knowledge of His Law: not to know more about Him, but to know Him better.
• Bible study, done with the goal of a right life, will produce a right course for life because of God’s Word that “is within my heart.”
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I read my Bible and come across a verse that challenges me to submit and obey, how do I usually respond to it?
What is my plan this week to place more of God’s Word within my heart?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may I always find delight in doing Your will. I confess, I often want my way but grant me the grace to want Your way more today than I did yesterday and even more tomorrow. May I make a fresh commitment today to place more of Your Word within my heart.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2011 All rights reserved.
Looking for a Bible study this summer for you and your small group? Check out this link on how you can download Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace and make it available to your small group for FREE!
http://bit.ly/lwpzNU
www.dennybates.com
http://thequalitydisciple.blog spot.com/
Learning with you,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #30 (Bible Study)
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8
Core Value: Bible Study
My way, or His way? My will, or His? This is the cosmic game of tug of war that every disciple of Jesus participates in everyday. One of the great resources the disciple of Jesus has to draw from is the Word of God. We need to study it, meditate upon it, and obey it. And yet, there is an important consideration for why we need to do this: it is not so we can become experts at Bible trivia. It is not so we can fill ourselves with knowledge, for knowledge’s sake. We approach God’s Word, through grace, because we want to know Him in a far deeper way, to embrace a more intimate relationship that will cause us to become more like Jesus.
There are at least two ways in which believers approach Bible study. One way is the way of the Pharisee. They know a lot, but are dead on the inside. Words like “should” and “must” constantly haunt the spiritual Pharisee. Bible study or a “quiet time” is done out of guilt or pride and is completely void of joy. It is this kind of legalism which drives them to performance, seeking not to only impress others who are watching, but ironically, even trying to please God in a sort of twisted way.
There is a far better way to approach Bible study. It is the way of grace. Grace draws us closer to Him. We come to learn a lot about the ways of the Lord, and a deeper knowledge of Him makes us alive on the inside. Words like “may” and “can” fill our hearts with a passion to know Him more and gives us a deep appreciation that God would reveal Himself to us on such an intimate level. Bible study or a “quiet time” is done as a “delight” as we experience a joy in His presence that only He can give (Ps. 16:11).
It is this kind of grace-driven life that draws us into a life where our imperfections are covered by the blood of Christ and where we find acceptance by Him and by those who love Him too.
Principle #30 & Personal Application: The quality disciple is so consumed by the Word of God that it becomes the only grid for how life is lived.
• Bible study, done for the right reasons, will produce a right desire: “I delight to do Your will, O my God.”
• Bible study, done in the right way, will produce a right reason to gain more knowledge of His Law: not to know more about Him, but to know Him better.
• Bible study, done with the goal of a right life, will produce a right course for life because of God’s Word that “is within my heart.”
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I read my Bible and come across a verse that challenges me to submit and obey, how do I usually respond to it?
What is my plan this week to place more of God’s Word within my heart?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may I always find delight in doing Your will. I confess, I often want my way but grant me the grace to want Your way more today than I did yesterday and even more tomorrow. May I make a fresh commitment today to place more of Your Word within my heart.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2011 All rights reserved.
Looking for a Bible study this summer for you and your small group? Check out this link on how you can download Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace and make it available to your small group for FREE!
http://bit.ly/lwpzNU
www.dennybates.com
http://thequalitydisciple.blog spot.com/
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #23--Bible Study--June 18, 2011
Hello dear friends! "Got wisdom?" This is today's topic and how we can get all of the wisdom we need in order to live as a quality disciple of Jesus. In our seeking of "it" we need to make certain we are pursuing the right kind of wisdom and not filling our lives with toxic wisdom that will poison us, quenching us in our faith.
May we all be wise, for His glory.
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—(Bible Study) Principle #23, June 18, 2011
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, And his tongue speaks justice. 31 The law of his God is in his heart; His steps do not slip. Psalm 37:30-31
Core Value: Bible Study
If there were one quality that every disciple of Jesus needs in order to navigate the uncertainties of this life, it would be wisdom. Wisdom comes in a variety of ways: there is “earthly” wisdom, which is totally insufficient for our eternal purposes. Then, there is wisdom from “above” which is “pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17 ESV). This kind of wisdom is a defining characteristic that we should strive to possess.
And how does one obtain this kind of wisdom and become wise? We find our answers from the Word of God. The Scriptures teach:
• Wisdom will come to those who fear the Lord (have an awesome respect for the Lord) and have a humble, teachable spirit (Proverbs 1:1-7).
• Wisdom will come to those who submit their life under the authority of God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:15-17).
• Wisdom will come to those who surround themselves with other wise people (Proverbs 13:20).
Need to become wiser? There are those who seek to look and act wise and there are those who are truly wise. Will you just look the part or will you be wise? Former basketball coach John Wooden reminds us of this truth: “Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.”
Get wisdom . . . now.
Principle #23 & Personal Application: The quality disciple has learned to seamlessly integrate the truths of God’s Word into the everyday affairs of one’s life.
• The believer who is grounded in God’s Word will know what to say and how to say it: “The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom”
• The believer who is grounded in God’s Word will know the difference between right and wrong: “And his tongue speaks justice”
• The believer who is grounded in God’s Word will know what to do and when to do it: “The law of his God is in his heart; His steps do not slip”
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What kinds of things come out of my mouth after I have spent time reading God’s Word?
How can I take what I know about the Bible and make it a vital part of who I am?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your promise to me is that my mouth will utter wisdom. I confess to You: my earthly wisdom is grossly insufficient. May the wisdom I utter always be Your wisdom. Lord Jesus, Your promise to me is that my tongue will speak justice. May I always live for what is right and oppose what is wrong. Lord Jesus, Your promise to me is that when the law of my God is in my heart, my steps do not slip. May I always live my life in such a way that my life choices are based upon the truths of Your Word.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2011 All rights reserved.
FROM MY BOOKSTORE!
Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace is now available in eBook for only $7.99 per download (a 50% savings). Great idea for your computer, iPad or Kindle!
Learn how you can photocopy up to 10 free copies of this eBook for your discipleship ministry. http://bit.ly/lwpzNU
www.dennybates.com
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/
http://www.dennybates.com/
www.dennybates.com
May we all be wise, for His glory.
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—(Bible Study) Principle #23, June 18, 2011
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, And his tongue speaks justice. 31 The law of his God is in his heart; His steps do not slip. Psalm 37:30-31
Core Value: Bible Study
If there were one quality that every disciple of Jesus needs in order to navigate the uncertainties of this life, it would be wisdom. Wisdom comes in a variety of ways: there is “earthly” wisdom, which is totally insufficient for our eternal purposes. Then, there is wisdom from “above” which is “pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17 ESV). This kind of wisdom is a defining characteristic that we should strive to possess.
And how does one obtain this kind of wisdom and become wise? We find our answers from the Word of God. The Scriptures teach:
• Wisdom will come to those who fear the Lord (have an awesome respect for the Lord) and have a humble, teachable spirit (Proverbs 1:1-7).
• Wisdom will come to those who submit their life under the authority of God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:15-17).
• Wisdom will come to those who surround themselves with other wise people (Proverbs 13:20).
Need to become wiser? There are those who seek to look and act wise and there are those who are truly wise. Will you just look the part or will you be wise? Former basketball coach John Wooden reminds us of this truth: “Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.”
Get wisdom . . . now.
Principle #23 & Personal Application: The quality disciple has learned to seamlessly integrate the truths of God’s Word into the everyday affairs of one’s life.
• The believer who is grounded in God’s Word will know what to say and how to say it: “The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom”
• The believer who is grounded in God’s Word will know the difference between right and wrong: “And his tongue speaks justice”
• The believer who is grounded in God’s Word will know what to do and when to do it: “The law of his God is in his heart; His steps do not slip”
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What kinds of things come out of my mouth after I have spent time reading God’s Word?
How can I take what I know about the Bible and make it a vital part of who I am?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your promise to me is that my mouth will utter wisdom. I confess to You: my earthly wisdom is grossly insufficient. May the wisdom I utter always be Your wisdom. Lord Jesus, Your promise to me is that my tongue will speak justice. May I always live for what is right and oppose what is wrong. Lord Jesus, Your promise to me is that when the law of my God is in my heart, my steps do not slip. May I always live my life in such a way that my life choices are based upon the truths of Your Word.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2011 All rights reserved.
FROM MY BOOKSTORE!
Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace is now available in eBook for only $7.99 per download (a 50% savings). Great idea for your computer, iPad or Kindle!
Learn how you can photocopy up to 10 free copies of this eBook for your discipleship ministry. http://bit.ly/lwpzNU
www.dennybates.com
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/
http://www.dennybates.com/
www.dennybates.com
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