Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #37 (Evangelism) March 31, 2014

Hello my dear friends! After a lengthy break of writing Psalms of Discipleship, I'm back :)

Today's Psalms of Discipleship gives us a peek into the heart of the Psalmist as he celebrates the Greatness of His Awesome God. The best kind of evangelism is when we are living like God is Great in our lives.

Learning to live in His Greatness,

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #37

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

Key Scripture: 7 Let the sea roar and all it contains, The world and those who dwell in it. 8 Let the rivers clap their hands; Let the mountains sing together for joy 9 Before the LORD; for He is coming to judge the earth; He will judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with equity. Psalm 98:7-9

Core Value: Evangelism

Awesome. Glorious. Wonderful. Mighty. Amazing. Magnificent. These are the kinds of words the disciple of Jesus uses when seeking to describe the kind of God he or she follows. When our life is filled with challenges that often suspend disbelief, we need to have a relationship with our Great God who is Awesome, Glorious, Wonderful, Mighty, Amazing, and Magnificent.

What is it that will attract the person without Christ to fall in love with and follow Him? Surely not in us proclaiming a god who is less than awesome, inglorious, not wonderful at all, weak instead of mighty, un-amazing, and who falls way short of being magnificent.

The role of the follow of Jesus is very clear: we need to tell the world who God says He is and what He is like. We need to proclaim the awesome power and great love of God to those who have yet to surrender their hearts to Him.

Principle #37 & Personal Application: Quality disciples enthusiastically proclaim the awesome power and great love of God.

• Our great God is praised by the roaring sea

• Our great God is praised by the mighty rivers and the majestic mountains

• Our great God is praised by you and by me

• Our great God is coming back again for you and for me

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

In what way does creation remind me of God’s greatness?

How does my focus upon God’s power help me share His love with the lost?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may the sea and rivers and mountains never out-praise me in my worship of You. May I live my life in a way where those without a relationship with You will come to know of Your great love for them.


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://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com
 
Dr. Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2014 All rights reserved.

Psalms of Discipleship Principle #35 (Evangelism) December 29, 2013

Hello dear friends,

Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a good reminder on how important it is for us to keep our focus upon the Lord's character. When we do so, it changes us. When we are changed by Him, we are a much more effective witness for Him.

Learning with you,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #35

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

Key Scripture: 1 O Sing to the LORD a new song, For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him. 2 The LORD has made known His salvation; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations. 3 He has remembered His lovingkindness and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Psalm 98:1-3

Core Value: Evangelism

From my perspective there is a lot of talking going on: talking about politics, talking about the economy, talking about the latest cultural fads, and a whole lot of talking about religion. But in the midst of all of this talking, is anyone connecting? There never has been a greater opportunity to connect the message of the Gospel (the Good News) to a world in desperate need of a clear path to supernatural peace.

We can debate the issues of right and wrong, good and bad, and left and right. We can even “win” the argument but lose the soul. The greatest impact for life change within the person who has yet to personally experience the love and forgiveness of God is made when we direct their focus upon the character of God. Our witness has to begin within our own heart first. We can experience the kind of life where we know that God is great, victorious, saving, righteous, and good. And by our experience, we can tell others too.

Principle #35 & Personal Application: Quality disciples speak and sing of the Lord’s mighty power and of His infinite goodness.

• Our God is a great God: He has done wonderful things

• Our God is a victorious God: His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him

• Our God is a saving God: The Lord has made known His salvation to the ends of the earth

• Our God is a righteous God: He has declared and revealed His perfect character to the nations

• Our God is a good God: He has remembered His lovingkindness (mercy) and faithfulness to us.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

In what ways does this passage of Scripture help me articulate my witness to the lost?

As I reflect upon the great truths of these verses, which one resonates the most within my heart? Why?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are a great God who has done wonderful things for me. You are a victorious God, helping me live a victorious life. You are a saving God. Thank You for saving me. You are a righteous God. I rest in Your righteousness as I approach the Father’s Throne. You are a good God, always showing me infinite mercy and faithfulness.

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://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/

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

Now available on Amazon in both Kindle and Paperback formats, my newest book on Leadership! Living Above The Fray

This is a great resource for anyone who is in business or ministry

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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/

When You Give To Something New, You Are Making An Investment In Discipleship Training And Leadership Development. Click on the link below for more information on DiscipleMakers4Jesus. Your prayer and financial investment is deeply appreciated!

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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 #28 (Evangelism). July 28, 2012

Hello my dear friends! Do you realize that our lives are a platform for God's glory and the medium He uses for sharing the Gospel, the Good News of His love for the world? Do you realize that it is not about us, but about Him? Do you realize that His blessing to us is just not about making us feel good about ourselves, but a way He uses to cause a hunger and thirst in the lives of those who have yet to experience His love and forgiveness?

In this week's Psalms of Discipleship we learn that His blessings upon us is simply advertising of His love and goodness to the world.

Blessed for the sake of others,

Denny Bates


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #28

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

Key Scripture: 1 God be gracious to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us— Selah. 2 That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations. 3 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; For You will judge the peoples with uprightness And guide the nations on the earth. Selah. Psalm 67:1-4

Core Value: Evangelism

There is a phrase we use in my part of the world that says, “The proof is in the pudding.” In other words, the quality of something is uncertain until it has been tested directly. In this case, actions speak louder than words. How do we know that God is gracious to us and blesses us? We know it to be true because it is something that we have personally experienced. And when disciples of Jesus live like God is gracious to them and blesses them, it becomes the platform God uses to draw those who are outside the family of God into a relationship with His Son.

Principle #28 & Personal Application: Quality disciples know that one who is blessed by the Lord becomes a visual example of God’s glory and goodness to the lost.

We are blessed by the Lord . . .

• in abundance: God be gracious to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us— Selah.

• for a reason greater than ourselves: That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations.

• for the praise and glory of Jesus: Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You.

• so we, along with the nations, may follow Him with gladness and joy: Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; For You will judge the peoples with uprightness And guide the nations on the earth. Selah.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

To those who know me, and do not know Jesus, find my life (what I say and what I do) to be an inviting example for them to seek Jesus more closely?

What has to happen in my life in order for my testimony to inspire others to trust in and praise the Lord?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I worship You for being gracious to me and blessing me. Your face does shine upon me, moving me to declare Your salvation to those who have yet to hear of the Good News. May I always praise You, along with all believers from every nation, with gladness and joy.

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/


Are you looking for a fresh Bible study that will pay off in the marketplace, in your church, and in your family? If you live in the Florence area, check this out!

The Quality Disciple Presents . . .

“The Power-Broker’s Guide To The Kingdom:

Four Striking Examples Of How To Leverage Power In The Right Way”

Example Number One: Joseph

Facilitated and taught by Dr. Denny Bates

Four Practical Lessons . . . Four Nights . . . For You

When: August 8, 15, 22, 29 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Where: First Reliance Bank Learning Center/West Palmetto Street

Cost for Downloadable Workbook (pdf) and Course: $20.00

STUDY OUTLINE:
Example #1, Joseph: “The Use Of Power At Work: Power In The Hands Of Joseph—A Powerbroker Who Felt Its Abuse And Then Later, When Given The Occasion, Used It Wisely”

Part #1: “The Life Of Joseph: A Career That Impacted And Saved The World” (Genesis 37:1-36)

Part #2 “Promotion Comes From The Lord ” (Genesis, Chapter 39:1-6a)

Part #3 “Where Is It Written That Life Is Fair?” (Genesis, Chapter 39:7-23)

Part #4 “Learning To Be A Blessing In The Midst Of Adversity” (Genesis, Chapter 40:1-23)

Two Essential Quotes

Leadership is a stewardship. It is temporary…and you’re accountable. ~ Andy Stanley

What happens when God has made you the most powerful person in the room? What are you going to with this power? How you respond determines who you will be. This helps establish who you are. ~ Andy Stanley (See John 13)

These two quotes have made quite the impression on me. Those who have tasted from the nectar of leadership have been given the privilege of having “power” over others. It might be as simple as a parent having power over a child or a CEO having the power to hire and fire, to bless or to curse any employees who are at their mercy. Power is a gift, not a right, and certainly never an entitlement. The true test of the Christian believer is how he or she stewards their power.

This focused study of the life of Joseph, The Powerbroker’s Guide To The Kingdom, provides practical life lessons on how power can be used is the right way . . . and in the wrong way too. Of all the important lessons we learn, may we get this one right. Not just for our sake, but especially for the sake of those who can either be helped or hurt by our power.

I hope you will join me for this practical study on biblical leadership in the learning center of First Reliance Bank. Space is limited. Please confirm your attendance today by inboxing me on facebook or via my email listed below.

Dr. Denny Bates
dennybates@gmail.com