Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #50--Grace--December 24, 2011

Hello my dear friends. Warm Christmas greetings to you on this Christmas Eve. For some of us, this time of the year is an emotional challenge for a variety of reasons: perhaps we have lost a job and can no longer afford to join in the materialistic aspect of Christmas OR perhaps we have lost a loved one or even our own health. For some, Christmas is just not the same as it used to be: it has lost it's innocence and has almost become just another day on the calendar.

Years ago as I was finishing my shift as a toy department manager, I stood in the cold before getting into my car. Another 12 hour day during that Christmas rush had taken its toll upon me. In my heart, this thought came to mind: "in a few years or less, most of the toys I had sold to my customers would find their way into the county landfill, consumed and disposed of."

I began to worship the Lord and thank Him for not consuming and disposing of me. He considers me and He considers you to be a priceless gift. And one day, He is coming again. Until then, may each one of us experience a renewed sense of His great love for us this Christmas season.

This Christmas Song, "Jesus Christ is Coming Again," came to me during my ride home. I'd like to share it with you. It is set to familiar tune of "Santa Clause is Coming to Town."

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, (2x)

Jesus Christ is coming again (repeat)

He knows your every desire

He knows what's on your heart

He knows what will give you joy

And His love will never depart

Oh Ha le ha le luia

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, (2x)

Jesus Christ is coming (repeat 3x)

Again



Maranatha (Come quickly, Lord Jesus) and Merry Christmas to you,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #50

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

Key Scripture: Purify me with hyssop (*), and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

* "Hyssop" was a shrub with hairy stems that could be dipped into liquid, and the priests used hyssop to sprinkle blood or water on people needing ceremonial cleansing (Lev. 14:4, 6; Num. 19:6, 18; see Ex. 12:22). Today's believers find their cleansing in the work Jesus accomplished on the cross (1 John 1:5-10; Heb. 10:19-25). Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament - The Bible Exposition Commentary – Wisdom and Poetry.

Core Value: Grace

The great need of sinners is to be cleansed from the filth of a dirty life marred by the effects of sin. The great hope for sinners is the promise of forgiveness. The great message of the Gospel is the power of the blood of Jesus Christ. This is a message that rings true any time of the year, but especially during Advent and Christmas where we celebrate God’s great love for us, revealed to us, when He sent His Son, His one and only son to come and live among us and to die for our sins. Immanuel, God with us, by faith is now Christ in us, the hope of glory!

Merry Christmas!

Principle #50 & Personal Application: The quality disciple experiences spiritual renewal; made clean by the blood of Christ.

As the great hymn writer reminds us, “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

• Grace is the cleansing agent that purifies the soul stained with sin.

• Grace is the means where the disciple is not only washed, but “shall be whiter than snow.”

• Grace is God’s gift to the sin problem. This is the only antidote that will keep us spiritually alive: the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What is it in my life that the Lord needs to clean up in my heart?

When I read from God’s Word, what are some of the Scriptures He has used in the past that “cleanse” me? (Make a list of these and refer back to them often. For example, see 1 John 1:9; Romans 5:8-9; Hebrews 4:12-16, etc.)

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for purifying me with Your blood. By Your grace, I am clean before You. May I walk in the knowledge of Your love and forgiveness. May I never take for granted what You did on the Cross for me. May I ever give You unending thanksgiving and praise. Alleluia! Your blood avails for me!

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.

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

Looking for a tool that will help encourage you to experience a more meaningful and disciplined devotional life in 2012?

Check out this free sample of A One Year Journey With The Shepherd.

Click on this link for your FREE preview:

http://bit.ly/sXCkYL

Available for purchase on Monday, December 19 via www.dennybates.com

.

What you get with your purchase of this Bible study and devotional book is 52 weeks of practical and easy to use exercises that will help draw you into a deeper relationship with the Shepherd of the Psalms.

Print version is $15.99 (includes shipping and handling). Ebook format (works on your computer and ipad) is $9.99.

For print orders of fifteen books or more, contact me for a quantity discount at dennybates@gmail.com

The Hope of the Perfect Christmas

Hello dear friends. As we continue to celebrate the season of Advent, here are a few thoughts for us to consider as we look for the perfect Christmas.

O Come Let Us Adore Him!

Denny


I. INTRO: LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS


When I ask to you to frame in the picture of your own mind, the “Perfect Christmas,” what images flood your mind?

Is it a white Christmas? Is it getting everything you asked for? Is it being together with family and close friends? Is it like Courier and Ives? In a one-horse open sleigh?

Searching for the “Perfect Christmas?” The harder we try, the harder it seems to get


II. SEVERAL QUESTIONS, SEVERAL GOOD QUESTIONS COME TO MIND:

A. When life hands you an impossible circumstance, WHAT do you do…WHERE do you turn for help…WHAT do you NEED?

B. When life hands you an impossible circumstance, WHAT do you do?

1. Some panic—and overreact

2. Some are paralyzed—and do nothing but seek shelter in a cave

3. Some press on and persevere—seeking to move on as best they can

C. When life hands you an impossible circumstance, WHERE do you turn for help?

1. Some look inside for answers—as if we have all the answers

2. Some look outside to the world—as if a final answer awaits those who seek spiritual help in a secular avenue

3. Some look up for help in some system of religion—in hope of some resolution and relief from the pain

D. When life hands you an impossible circumstance, WHAT do you need? I suggest there are at least four things…

1. You need Good counsel

2. You need Strength

3. You need Stability

4. You need Peace of mind

E. When life hands you an impossible circumstance, to WHOM should we trust to give us what we need?

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us! He'll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. Isaiah 9:6 (MSG)

III. IT IS JESUS CHRIST WHO GIVES US WHAT WE NEED

A. We need good counsel. He is our WONDERFUL (or AMAZING) COUNSELOR—No one can give counsel, good advice like Him.

Psalms 16:7 (NIV)

I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.

Psalms 32:8 (NIV)

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

B. We need strength. He is our MIGHTY (or STRONG) GOD—There is no one as strong, as mighty as He

Psalms 18:16-18 (NIV)

16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. 17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. 18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support.

Psalms 68:28 (NIV)

28 Summon your power, O God; show us your strength, O God, as you have done before.


C. We need stability. He is our EVERLASTING (or ETERNAL) FATHER—He will always be our Father and He will never forsake us—ever!

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

D. We need peace of mind. He is our PRINCE OF PEACE (or WHOLENESS)—Only He can calm the troubled waters of our restless soul.

Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Colossians 1:19-20 (NIV)

19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

CONCLUSION:

1. When life hands you an impossible circumstance, He is your hope

2. When life hands you an impossible circumstance, He is your COUNSELOR

3. When life hands you an impossible circumstance, He is your STRENGTH

4. When life hands you an impossible circumstance, He is your STABILITY

5. When life hands you an impossible circumstance, He is your PEACE

6. He is the ANSWER to your deepest need when life hands you an impossible circumstance

7. Jesus Christ is the HOPE OF A PERFECT CHRISTMAS—for you, and for me.

8. And this HOPE can be yours IF YOU TRUST HIM AND BELIEVE WHAT HE DID ON THE CROSS WAS ENOUGH TO PAY FOR YOUR SIN DEBT.

16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 (NIV)

9. Jesus Christ is the HOPE OF THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Merry Christmas!

Denny

12/14/2011

What is Advent?

Advent is a spiritual season of preparation before Christmas celebrated by many Christians. In Western Christianity, the season of Advent begins on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas Day, or the Sunday which falls closest to November 30, and lasts through Christmas Eve, or December 24.

Advent is a period of spiritual preparation in which many Christians make themselves ready for the coming, or birth of the Lord, Jesus Christ. During this time, Christians observe a season of prayer, fasting and repentance, followed by anticipation, hope and joy. Many Christians celebrate Advent not only by thanking God for Christ's first coming to Earth as a baby, but also for his presence among us today through the Holy Spirit, and in preparation and anticipation of his final coming at the end of time. [Source: About.com]

Ready or Not! Here comes the Christmas Rush!!! Need some encouragement on how to set in place a heart of worship and thanksgiving this holiday season? Check out a resource called "Christmas Meditations of Worship: Four Weeks of Advent. A Season of Worship and Celebration." This four week, interactive study is a great tool for individual and group study. "Christmas Meditations of Worship: Four Weeks of Advent.

A Season of Worship and Celebration."

Sights. Smells. Sounds. Sales.

For many people, Christmas is nothing more than a materialistic exercise in futility. The hectic pace of the holiday season often depletes more than it fills, and the craziness of the season is normalized, causing many believers to settle for a “Christ-less” Christmas. Reflection upon the first Advent is the first step towards regaining the reason believers celebrate Christmas: worship of Jesus Christ. You are invited to back away from the edge of Christmas season sanity and begin a four-week journey of reading, reflection, prayer, journaling, singing and serving that will give you the merriest Christmas of all.

Available in print ($10.00 includes shipping) and e-book ($5.00 pdf download) formats. Click this link to begin placing your order: http://www.dennybates.com/Home/Advent.html

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #45--Worship--November 19, 2011

Hello my dear friends! As we approach the holiday season, we will be exposed to busier than usual schedules, messages from the media that do not mention Christ, and an inner pressure to conform to the materialism that defines Christmas. What better time of the year than to "reboot" our inner life and once again consider how great is our God. This is the message of today's Psalms of Discipleship: the majestic greatness of the Lord.

Jesus so adores us. O come let us adore Him!

Denny


Need some encouragement on how to set in place a heart of worship and thanksgiving this holiday season? At the end of today's devotion is a link to a resource called "Christmas Meditations of Worship: Four Weeks of Advent. A Season of Worship and Celebration."

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #45

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

Key Scripture: 9 We have thought on Your lovingkindness, O God, In the midst of Your temple. 10 As is Your name, O God, So is Your praise to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness. Psalm 48:9-10

Core Value: Worship

Is God great? Sure He is. But is He greater than our biggest problems? Therein lies the great challenge. Do we live like God is great or do we accept a mediocre faith that never experiences the supernatural work of daily grace that grows our faith to believe God for “greater things?” Do we pray great prayers to a great God expecting great blessing or do we live in spiritual defeat? How does one gain a greater view of a great God? We look to His Word and observe what it says about Him. We think about His lovingkindness (His mercy), just as the Psalmist did.

Principle #45 & Personal Application: The quality disciple is overwhelmed by the majestic greatness of God.

• The quality disciple experiences God’s unfailing love. “We have thought on Your lovingkindness, O God, In the midst of Your temple.”

• The quality disciple experiences God’s unending praise. “As is Your name, O God, So is Your praise to the ends of the earth.”

• The quality disciple experiences God’s perfect power and righteousness. “Your right hand is full of righteousness.”

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

Have I ever taken the time to think, ponder, contemplate, how much God really does love me?

What are some of the things that I can praise God for today?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the reminder to take the time to consider how much You do love me. May I keep my mind on Your lovingkindness, Your unfailing love for me. Fill my heart with praise for You that I may join in with all of creation’s choir who worship You. Finally, I worship You for Your great power and Your perfect righteousness. Lord, there is no one like You.

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.

Ready or Not! Here comes the Christmas Rush!!!

Need some encouragement on how to set in place a heart of worship and thanksgiving this holiday season? Check out a resource called "Christmas Meditations of Worship: Four Weeks of Advent. A Season of Worship and Celebration." This four week, interactive study is a great tool for individual and group study.

"Christmas Meditations of Worship: Four Weeks of Advent. A Season of Worship and Celebration."

Sights. Smells. Sounds. Sales.

For many people, Christmas is nothing more than a materialistic exercise in futility. The hectic pace of the holiday season often depletes more than it fills, and the craziness of the season is normalized, causing many believers to settle for a “Christ-less” Christmas.

Reflection upon the first Advent is the first step towards regaining the reason believers celebrate Christmas: worship of Jesus Christ. You are invited to back away from the edge of Christmas season sanity and begin a four-week journey of reading, reflection, prayer, journaling, singing and serving that will give you the merriest Christmas of all.

Available in print ($10.00 includes shipping) and e-book ($5.00 pdf download) formats. Click this link to begin placing your order:

http://www.dennybates.com/Home/Advent.html

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