Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #5 (Community) February 10, 2013

Hello my dear friends, today's Psalms of Discipleship is a sobering reminder of the responsibility the Lord gives to the disciple to be salt and light in our society. We have not been given the option to ignore the needs around us and pass them on to the government to take care of the needs. Instead, the first line of care belongs to the church.

Learning with you,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #5

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

Key Scripture: 1 God takes His stand in His own congregation; He judges in the midst of the rulers. 2 How long will you judge unjustly And show partiality to the wicked? Selah. 3 Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute. 4 Rescue the weak and needy; Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked. Psalm 82:1-4

Core Value: Community

We live in a day and time where the powerful are protected and the vulnerable people in our community (the homeless, the working poor, the single mother, the unplanned baby who is aborted, etc.) are overlooked at best, at worse, they are targeted as a “problem” and treated with disdain. It is important to note from this passage of Scripture that God is not talking to non-believers. He is addressing His pointed concern to His own congregation, to His own people.

Yes, it is important that we have people in our governments who are advocates for the vulnerable, but the greatest responsibility for the care of people does not rest entirely upon the government, but upon the people of God. Jesus was pretty clear on what He expected His disciples to do:

34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 (NLT)

Principle #5 & Personal Application: Quality disciples seek to protect and serve even the most vulnerable in society.

• The believer will not show favor to the affluent and influential at the expense of the downtrodden

• The believer will be an advocate to the weak and fatherless, to the afflicted and destitute

• The believer will be a rescuer to the weak and needy, delivering them out of the hand of the wicked

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

Is it more common for me to show favoritism to those whom society deems as “acceptable” or am I more willing to align myself with the disadvantaged? Why?

What is God leading me to do in order to speak on behalf of the powerless?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, in my weakness, in my great need, You came to me. How then can I not reach out to others who are weak and needy? Grant me the grace and the courage to do the right thing, all of the time.

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.

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

If you are in the Florence area, you are invited to attend a one day seminar, "How to Study the Bible and Apply it to Your Life" Click on this link for more information:

http://how2studythebible.eventbrite.com/#

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #13 (Prayer). April 7, 2012

Hello my dear friends! As we celebrate Resurrection weekend, its a good time to remind ourselves that Jesus defeated our greatest enemy, death, when He went to the cross, died, and rose again on the third day. Today's Psalms of Discipleship gives a unique perspective on how to handle the other enemies that harass us.

He is Risen. He is Risen, Indeed!

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #13

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

Key Scripture: Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me. Psalm 59:1

Core Value: Prayer

One of the great challenges that disciples of Jesus face is how deal with an enemy, in the right way. No matter how spiritual a person might be, there will always be enemies who will harass and oppose us. Now, here is the hard thing to swallow: sometimes it appears that even another member of the Body of Christ acts like an enemy to us. Instead of calling down fire from heaven upon them, what are we supposed to do?

Here is what Jesus suggests is the proper response (Luke 6:27-28): We are to . . .

• Love our enemies

• Do good to those who hate us

• Bless those who curse us

• Pray for those who mistreat us

Impossible? Yes. But with God’s help, it’s entirely possible. Resting in grace and being fueled by prayer is the only way to overcome the power of our enemies.

Principle #13 & Personal Application: Quality disciples look to the Lord during times of spiritual danger.

During times of spiritual danger, the believer . . .

• Can pray and ask God for deliverance: Deliver me from my enemies, O my God

• Can pray for a place of protection: Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me

• Can pray and look to the Lord with faith knowing that the Good Shepherd cares for His sheep.

9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. John 10:9-11 (NLT)

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

The disciple of Jesus has many enemies. What kinds of enemies are stalking me that require the Lord’s deliverance?

When do I feel the safest, the most secure from my enemies? What kind of actions can I take that will remind me of God’s protection over my life?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your promise to protect me from my enemies. All praise to You for setting me securely on high away from those who rise up against me. My heart can rest in knowing that You are the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep.

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.

Are you interested in going deeper in your walk with Jesus? Check out my website for a list of resources that will help you become "A Quality Disciple."

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

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/

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #43--Worship--November 5, 2011

Hello my dear friends! We are quickly entering into a season on the calendar that even non-believers understand: the need to give thanks. To give thanks! How much more so should believers in Jesus Christ be in tune with thanking God and giving Him glory. The Psalmist reminds us that worship is not an non-committal act of going through the motions. Biblical worship should consume all our energy with an enthusiastic worship.

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." This four week, interactive study is a great tool for individual and group study.

Learning with you,

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #43

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

Key Scripture: 1 O clap your hands, all peoples; Shout to God with the voice of joy. 2 For the LORD Most High is to be feared, A great King over all the earth. Psalm 47:1-2

Core Value: Worship

Worship fatigue. Do you experience it? Its symptoms are a callus heart, a mundane life, and a defeated surrender to a hollow religious experience (and calling it Christianity). Worship fatigue is the logical outcome when the most important relationship we have in the Christian faith (our love affair with Jesus) is replaced with meaningless rituals that are kept solely due to a legalistic duty, not out of love. Worship fatigue can become fatal to one’s spiritual life unless it is quickly discovered and remedied.

What is the only known antidote for worship fatigue? We surrender to Jesus. We worship Jesus by faith and in obedience and express a passionate love for the living Lord Jesus Christ. For once we know Him, really know Him, and experience Him, really experience Him, and love Him, really love Him, our worship for Him will consume us entirely (our hands and our voice), all of us. This timeless principle rings true: An energetic worship of Jesus will produce an energetic faith.

Principle #43 & Personal Application: The quality disciple practices an energetic worship of God.

• We can worship the Lord with our hands.
• We can worship the Lord with our voice of joy.
• We can worship the Lord with a reverent fear of Him.

1. Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise.

2. Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

3. Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.

4. Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.

5. Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee

Take My Life and Let It Be | Frances R. Havergal

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What realistic steps can I begin to take that will enhance my worship of God?

What kinds of things I can shout out to God about today?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, this day I choose to renew my worship of You. I choose to become more energetic, more expressive of my love for You. Take my life, my hands, my voice, my treasures, my will, my love and use them as an offering of worship directed to 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.

"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/

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #31--Grace--August 13, 2011

Hello my dear friends, I pray that each one of you are experiencing the Lord's abundant love and compassion upon you today. All around us are lonely people, very lonely people who need to experience God's unconditional love. If we have tasted of that great love, then surely we need to look for opportunities to give it away. This is the theme of today's Psalms of Discipleship: the value of experiencing unconditional love, and then giving it away.

Loved by the Good Shepherd,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #31

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

Key Scripture: You, O LORD, will not withhold Your compassion from me; Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me. Psalm 40:11

Core Value: Grace

Do you really know how to give love away . . . with no strings attached?

In the world’s economy, love always comes with a very important condition: “you be nice to me, and I’ll be nice to you. You do things my way and I will like you. However, if you ever do something or say something I do not like, I will withhold my love from you.” That’s how it is for many Christians. Love becomes a powerful leverage, to either reward or to punish. Withheld love. It happens between parents and children, between friends, and yes, even between us and God. If our children disappoint us, we are tempted not to love them fully. If our friends fail us, we snatch back our love. And if God does not act like we want Him to act, we chose to hold Him hostage using withheld love as the bargaining chip. “Lord, if you do things my way, then I will reward you by loving you more.” It’s common. It’s easy to do. And it’s wrong on so many levels.

Fortunately, we are not without hope. God does not hold a grudge. Through grace, the Good Shepherd gives His love and compassion to us. His grace allows us to love and to be loved, unconditionally. Remember, grace is getting something we do not deserve. Grace is unmerited favor. Grace is free and grace is good for us. And when we begin to understand and live in a way where grace is highly valued, we can become advocates for the kind of love that changes the world, and yes, even us.

We love, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

Principle #31 & Personal Application: The quality disciple has a view of God who is compassionate and sustains His people with love and truth.

• Grace helps us see God as He really is: He is compassionate to His people.

• Grace allows us to experience His wonderful mercy: His mercy preserves us.

• Grace grounds us in His absolute truth: His truth gives us reason for not having to fear.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

How would I describe my view of my heavenly Father: as a compassionate Father or an over-demanding tyrant?

What does it mean that the Lord will continually preserve me with His lovingkindness and His truth?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, how I thank You for not withholding Your compassion from me. How I thank You for continually preserving me with Your lovingkindess (mercy) and Your truth. May I always live in Your grace and may I always be sure to not withhold compassion from others. May I always be merciful and an advocate for truth.

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.blog​ spot.com/