Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #40 (Prayer) June 20, 2014

Hello my dear friends! Have you ever "forgotten" that we serve a supernatural God who answers our prayers in a supernatural way. This psalm is a good reminder of how God works in and through us.

Learning with you,

Denny



Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #40

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

Key Scripture:
6 Moses and Aaron were among His priests, And Samuel was among those who called on His name; They called upon the LORD, and He answered them. 7 He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud; They kept His testimonies, And the statute that He gave them. 8 O LORD our God, Thou didst answer them; Thou wast a forgiving God to them, And yet an avenger of their evil deeds   Psalm 99:6-8

Core Value: Prayer

“It’s impossible!” is what many of us feel when our circumstances skew our perspective of how big God really is in our lives. Many kinds of fears cause us to back up from crossing the finish line of victory. Fears like . . .

•    I’m not good enough

•    I’m never going to reach my dreams

•    I’m always being overlooked and no one will give me a chance

When we believe that our prayers are directed towards a supernatural God who responds in supernatural ways we will never be the same again. Impossibilities are simply God’s platform to show off His glory. May He show off His glory in and through each one of us.

1 O LORD, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me.
2 Many are saying of my soul, "There is no deliverance for him in God." Selah.
3 But Thou, O LORD, art a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.
4 I was crying to the LORD with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah. Psalm 3:1-4 (NASB77)

Principle #40 & Personal Application: Quality disciples call upon a supernatural God who responds in supernatural ways.

•    We call upon a God who is The Lord of our lives

•    We call upon a God who answers us in supernatural ways

•    We call upon a God who offers us supernatural forgiveness instead of his awful wrath

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I pray to God how keenly aware am I of His desire to listen to my requests?

When is the last time I experienced a supernatural response to my prayers?

Prayer:
    Lord Jesus, when I call upon Your Name may my heart be aware of Your great power and love for me. Help me have great faith to believe You for supernatural responses to my prayers. May Your mercy and forgiveness flood my heart when my sin besets me.

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 #22 (Prayer). June 16, 2013

Hello my dear friends! Today's Psalms of Discipleship reveals the heart of our Great God. He does care, really care, for you and for me. It is a Psalm of deliverance, a Psalm of what it means to have an intimate relationship with Jesus, a Psalm of the power of prayer, and a Psalm of promise and hope.

A witness to His great promises,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #22

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

Key Scripture: 14 "Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. 15 "He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 16 "With a long life I will satisfy him And let him see My salvation." Psalm 91:14-16

Core Value: Prayer

This passage of Scripture is quite personal. In June of 1998, I had this Psalm written on an index card and kept it in my shirt pocket, often reflecting upon it throughout the day. On July 2, I had a massive heart attack. During the aftermath, it was touch and go: either it was going to be graduation day and I would finally meet Jesus face to face, or He would extend my life on this earth. After my heart attack my wife found the index card on my dresser and she began to claim the wonderful promises mentioned in these verses. By no means are these promises a “formula” for getting what we want. Instead, the promises of God are based upon the relationship we have with Him, trusting Him for the outcome that will bring Him the greatest glory.

In His mercy, He delivered me. In His mercy, He answered and rescued me. In His mercy, He has added almost 15 years to my life. In His mercy, He will be there for you too.

Principle #22 & Personal Application: Quality disciples love and know the Lord and communicate with Him too.

• We pray because we love the Lord. Because we love the Lord, He desires to deliver us.

• We pray because we know His name. Because we know His name, He desires to set us securely on high.

• We pray because when we are in trouble we know that we can call upon Him. Because we call upon Him, He will answer us and rescue us and honor us.

• Because the Lord is our Shepherd, our Refuge, Our Mighty God, He will satisfy us with a long life and allow us to see His salvation.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I pray (especially when I am in trouble or burdened) do I do so out of a heart of love and worship or is my motive to relieve my discomfort?

There are many promises in this passage of Scripture for the disciple of Jesus. Which one resonates with me?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may I always have a heart that is full of love for You. May I become fully acquainted with knowing Your name. Thank You for delivering me from the things that are harmful to my walk with You. Thank You for the provision of prayer where I can cry out to You and receive Your protection. Thank You for showing me Your great Salvation.

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

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #21 (Prayer). June 9, 2013

Hello my dear friends! Prayer is the lifeline God has given to us. In today's Psalms of Discipleship we see an example of how our confession is so important when we are surrounded by our enemies.

Learning to pray,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #21

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

Key Scripture: 1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!" 3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper And from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. Psalm 91:1-4

Core Value: Prayer

Prayer offered up in the name of Jesus is one of the believer’s most essential spiritual tools. When you are surrounded by a host of your enemies, its important to make sure you have a reliable connection to the Lord. Perhaps you may remember these lyrics popularized by The Manhattan Transfer:

Operator
Information
Give me Jesus on the line
Operator
Information
I'd like to speak to a friend of mine
Oh prayer is the number
Faith is the exchange
Heaven is the street
And Jesus is his name
Operator
Information
Please give me Jesus on the line
By Russell Jones, Chad Hugo, and Pharrell Williams

His help is only a call away.

I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:3

Principle #21 & Personal Application: Quality disciples experience the awesome wonder of praying to a powerful God.

• We experience His power as we dwell in the shelter of the Most High, abiding in the shadow of the Almighty (vs. 1)

• We experience His power as we confess to Him that He is our refuge and fortress (vs. 2)

• We experience His power as we trust in Him to deliver us and protect us (vs. 3-4)

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

In a very practical way, what does it mean to dwell in the shelter of the Most High?

When trouble comes my way, how have I seen the Lord become my refuge and fortress?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, it is by Your grace that I can dwell in the shelter of the Most High. By grace, I can abide and live in the shadow of the Almighty. By faith I can declare that You are my Refuge and my Fortress, my God in whom I trust.

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.

Got your copy of A One Year Journey With The Shepherd yet? Only $19.99. Free shipping in the USA. Click on this link for more information.

Dr. Denny Bates | Leading with Quality in Mind | A One Year Journey With The Shepherd

www.dennybates.com

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #17 (Prayer) May 13, 2013

Hello dear friends! Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a fresh and timely reminder of how practical prayer really is for those of us who are tied up in knots.

Learning with you,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #17

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

Key Scripture: 1 O LORD, the God of my salvation, I have cried out by day and in the night before You. 2 Let my prayer come before You; Incline Your ear to my cry! Psalm 88:1-2

Core Value: Prayer

Knots. Everyone has had them, one time or another. Knots in a drop cord; knots in a shoestring, and sometimes, even knots in a stomach. It’s the knots in the stomach that really get our attention when life becomes much with us. Worry hovers over us. Anxiety seeks to plant its toxic tentacles into our mind. And the knots come, often in bunches. What is a believer to do? When the knots come, we can go to the One who loosens our knots. The procedure is called prayer. The recipient of our prayers is Jesus.

Principle #17 & Personal Application: Quality disciples make prayer the first resort when facing life’s challenges.

• When we pray, we pray to the Lord, the God of our salvation

• When we pray, we pray both day and night

• When we pray, we pray with the expectation that He will hear us and respond

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I pray, am I usually more concerned about what I need or am I more focused upon Who I need it from?

When is the last time I really connected with the Lord in prayer? What was the experience like?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I thank You that You are the God of my salvation. By faith, I will cry out to You both day and night. May my prayer come before You. May You turn Your ear to me and hear my cry.

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

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #13 (Prayer). Apirl 6, 2013

Hello my dear friends! On occasion, we can find ourselves facing impossible circumstances. These impossible events can either become stepping stones to an even greater faith or the stones that cause even deeper wounds. By God's grace I am learning to cast my cares upon Him, especially the ones that are impossible.

Growing with you,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #13

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

Key Scripture: 1 Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy. 2 Preserve my soul, for I am a godly man; O You my God, save Your servant who trusts in You. 3 Be gracious to me, O Lord, For to You I cry all day long. 4 Make glad the soul of Your servant, For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 5 For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You. 6 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; And give heed to the voice of my supplications! 7 In the day of my trouble I shall call upon You, For You will answer me. Psalm 86:1-7

Core Value: Prayer

"This one is going to take a miracle!” Have you ever allowed these words to enter your heart and come out of your mouth? Perhaps you were facing a financial crisis or were emotionally reeling from a severely wounded relationship that had crashed and burned right in front of you. Maybe you had lost your way and had no clue on how to get to where you needed to go. All that you knew was your hope for a good outcome was running on fumes and at any time you were ready to give in and give up in your “day of trouble.” When we are in trouble, there is no better time to offer up our impossible circumstances with impossible prayers to the God who makes all things possible.

Principle #13 & Personal Application: Quality disciples present their impossible needs to the only One who can answer impossible prayers.

• We pray impossible prayers when we are afflicted and needy

• We pray impossible prayers to a God we cannot see but by faith we know He is listening

• We pray impossible prayers when our circumstances are far greater than our ability to fix them

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What impossible prayer am I asking from the Lord?

Has it been my habit to pray prayers that I can answer or have I been praying prayers that will take a miracle?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You that when I pray, You hear my heart: the words that are spoken as well as the secret cries stored away in the depths of my soul. No matter my circumstance, You have promised to answer me.

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

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #7 (Worship). February 24, 2013

Hello my dear friends. Today's Psalms of Discipleship reminds us of the value of worship as we grow in our love for Jesus. A life that is bound to a meaningless ritual will leave us empty, but a life that is bound to a meaningful relationship with Jesus will fill us with His presence. The question before us today is direct and to the point: do I endure Him or do I enjoy Him?

Learning with you,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #7

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

Key Scripture: 1 How lovely are Your dwelling places, O LORD of hosts! 2 My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the LORD; My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. Psalm 84:1-2

Core Value: Worship

Biblical worship of Jesus is never a passive exercise. It is energetic; it is on purpose; it is passionate. There are at least two kinds of Christians. There are some who “endure” God. They show up when they have too, pray when they need too, and give when they can afford too. For them, their faith is nothing more than a religious duty, void of any intimate relationship with their Creator.

On the other hand, there is the Christian who “enjoys” God. When they show up, they fully expect God to be there too. They rightfully anticipate the blessing of His presence to pour over their heart. These kinds of Christians see prayer as an interactive dialogue. They take Him at His word when He says to come boldly into His presence and cast all of their burdens upon Him because they know that He cares for them. Disciples of Jesus live to give knowing that they have been given the privilege of being a steward of His Kingdom resources.

Enduring or Enjoying: which one best describes your experience?

Principle #7 & Personal Application: Quality disciples have a passionate love for the Lord Jesus.

• They will long to be in His presence

• They will sing for joy

• They will experience the living God

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

Is my love for the Lord based upon what He can do for me or is it based upon a love relationship?

What would it look like in my life if my soul made it a habit to be passionate about my love for the Lord?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may my heart always be filled with a passionate love for You. May my soul ever long and yearn for Your courts. By faith, my heart and my flesh will sing for joy to the living God.

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

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

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #2 (Prayer). January 19, 2013

Hello my dear friends, grace to you.

In this edition of Psalms of Discipleship we are going to look at an "obvious" solution to our greatest need. But sometimes, even with the most committed disciple of Jesus, we can put more faith in our ability to "fix" our problems than to place our entire trust in Jesus to fix us.

Learning as I go,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #2

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

Key Scripture: O God, restore us And cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved. (See also vs. 7 and 19) Psalm 80:3

Core Value: Prayer

Have you ever come to the end of yourself? It seems that everything you have attempted to do in order to “fix” your problem has crashed and burned. Out of the ashes of another failed attempt to fix the unfixable, do you often return to the very same way of doing things that will give you the very same outcome again?

Here is the illusion: sometimes we believe we are the answer to our removing our trials (and maybe, sometimes this is absolutely true). But there are some personal challenges that require us to look beyond ourselves. Some people look to man’s wisdom. Others look to false gods. The disciple of Jesus looks to the God of grace, the One who restores us, the One who shines His face upon us, the One who saves us.

Principle #2 & Personal Application: Quality disciples learn to keep short accounts with God through humility and brokenness.

• The person who keeps short accounts with God looks to the Lord for restoration and the forgiveness of sin

• The person who keeps short accounts with God is graced with the warmth and kindness of His love

• The person who keeps short accounts with God experiences the beauty of God’s salvation everyday

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

How does a prayer of repentance help me see God’s love for me more clearly?

What does it mean to have God’s face shine upon me?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may I always keep short accounts with You. Without Your restoration, I am doomed to spiritual ruin. May Your face always shine upon me. May Your great salvation never be taken for granted by me.

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/

Helping lovers of Jesus make disciples for Him is the heart of my ministry. If you would like more information on how you can partner with DiscipleMakers4Jesus and Something New Ministries, click on this link.

http://www.dennybates.com/#!give/c1ya0

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #1 (Prayer). January 5, 2013

Hello my dear friends and a very happy new year to you! Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a good lesson to remind us once again that there is power in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It does what we cannot do. Save us and forgive us.

He is mighty to save.

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #1

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

Key Scripture: Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; And deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name's sake. Psalm 79:9

Core Value: Prayer

There are some things we can fix, and there are some things that we cannot fix. The problem comes when we spend energy trying to fix the things we cannot fix and ignore the things we need to fix.

For example, we can fix our eyes on the unseen by having faith
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV)

We are to fix our eyes on His ways
I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. Psalm 119:15 (ESV)

We are to stay focused upon the right things
25 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. Proverbs 4:25-27 (NLT)

What we cannot fix is our own sin problem through works or trying to be better or to work harder. This is the message of the Gospel, the Good News: Only Jesus can deliver us and forgive us of our sins.

Principle #1 & Personal Application: Quality disciples look to Immanuel, God with us, for the cleansing power of His blood that not only delivers the sinner from the penalty of sin, but also forgives them of their sin.

• It is because of Jesus and His love for us that He is the God of our salvation

• It is because of Jesus and His great name that He is our deliverer

• It is because of Jesus and His shed blood that He is the forgiver and cleanser of our sins

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

--> In what ways does the fact that Jesus is the God of my salvation cause me to live in obedience to Him?
 
Are there any sins that have entangled me where I need His deliverance and forgiveness?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me, I pray; O God of my salvation. For the glory of Your name, deliver me from destructive habits and forgive me of my sins, for Your name’s sake.

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/

Are you looking for a helpful resource that will guide your spiritual growth in 2013? I'd like to recommend this book, "A One Year Journey With The Shepherd." Now in e-book and printed versions.

http://www.dennybates.com/#!a-one-year-journey-with-the-shepherd/c6pu

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #46 (Prayer) December 23, 2012

Hello my dear friends! One of the great messages that come from the Christmas season is hope. When everything was so dark, Jesus, the Light of the World, became one of us and that changed everything.

May this Christmas be a time of remembering of how God has blessed you with the love of Jesus.

Merry Christmas,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #46

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

Key Scripture: 11 I shall remember the deeds of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. 12 I will meditate on all Your work And muse on Your deeds. 13 Your way, O God, is holy; What god is great like our God? Psalm 77:11-12

Core Value: Prayer

There are many of us who use the end of the year as an exercise of review and meaningful reflection. We itemize “the good stuff” as well as the things that have challenged us. Some things we may ponder might cause us to experience inner joy; some memories, perhaps pain.

The Psalmist gives us a spiritual path towards embracing a healthy perspective: taking control of what we think. Good thinking always leads to a good image.

Principle #46 & Personal Application: Quality disciples use prayer as a way to move from depression to devotion.

• When we pray we need to remember what the Lord has done for us: I shall remember the deeds of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.

• When we pray we need to meditate on His works: I will meditate on all Your work And muse on Your deeds.

• When we pray we need to exalt His greatness and character: Your way, O God, is holy; What god is great like our God?

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I become discouraged how can the principles described in this psalm encourage me?

The greater I view God, the greater my faith becomes. In what ways does God need to be great in my life?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to always remember Your deeds and wonders. May I meditate and prayerfully contemplate on what You have done in my life. There is no one like You, for Your way, O God is holy. You are great, greater than any false god. And You are great to me.

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/

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #45 (Prayer). December 14, 2012

Hello my dear friends! Have you ever faced a time in your life where your prayers seemed to rise no further than the ceiling and bounce right back at you? Have you ever prayed so much and after praying you actually felt worse than better? Chances are, we have all experienced these kind of feelings on our journey. Here is today's comfort: the Psalmist did too. After all of his praying, he confessed in a most transparent way: "My soul refused to be comforted."

As you continue to celebrate Advent this year, may this be a season of comfort for your soul.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #45

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

Key Scripture: 1 My voice rises to God, and I will cry aloud; My voice rises to God, and He will hear me. 2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; In the night my hand was stretched out without weariness; My soul refused to be comforted. Psalm 77:1-2

Core Value: Prayer

How long do you pray before it’s time to give up and do something different? Great question. Seldom, an easy answer. Do you pray until you get the answer you want or do you pray until the Lord leads you to pray in another direction? Do you pray in faith or are your prayers measured by “success?”

Again, great questions and challenging answers. Perhaps, prayer is not about getting what you want from God but it serves as a vehicle in which God gets from you what He wants.

Maybe its about surrender and submission. Maybe what He wants from you is patience and faith. Maybe the trouble you are facing is nothing more than God’s way of getting your attention.

Maybe the practice of prayer is the bridge to connecting to a God who cannot be seen but desires to be trusted, even when prayer does not seem to be “working.”

Principle #45 & Personal Application: Quality disciples cry out to the Lord during times of trouble, even when it seems that God is not listening.

Note: the Psalmist speaks for many of us as he experiences the feelings of discouragement to disappointment to deliverance. In this portion of the Psalm, he shares about his concern that in spite of his prayers, he still is without comfort. Faith in God (in His character and in His Word), not faith in our circumstances or even in our prayers is the key to trusting in the Lord.

• In times of crisis we raise our voice to the Lord

• In times of crisis we expect God to hear us

• In times of crisis we seek the Lord, even during the darkest of times and even if we do not receive instant relief

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

Have I ever prayed to the Lord where I felt no different inside my heart?

What reasons come to mind on why God delays in answering some of my prayers?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may I always trust You, even when I do not see a change in my circumstances.

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/

Dr. Denny Bates | Leading with Quality in Mind

www.dennybates.com

Consultant/Ministry/Resources for leaders

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #39 (Grace). October 20, 2012

Hello my dear friends! One of the greatest challenges for the disciple of Jesus is to admit need . . . to oneself, to others, and sometimes even to God. Contrary to popular belief, being in need is not a sign of weakness but a fact of life. Jesus not only meets our every need, He is our greatest need.

I need Him every hour. You do too.

Denny



Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #39

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

Key Scripture: 12 For he will deliver the needy when he cries for help, The afflicted also, and him who has no helper. 13 He will have compassion on the poor and needy, And the lives of the needy he will save. 14 He will rescue their life from oppression and violence, And their blood will be precious in his sight; Psalm 72:12-14

Core Value: Grace

How needy are you today? We live in a culture where being in need is seen as a weakness. It takes courage to admit need. It takes a measure of humility to come to the place where it feels safe to be real enough to accept help. Spiritual pride says, “no thanks. I’ve got it.” Spiritual humility says, “thanks for offering. I’ll take it.”

What do you need to do with your needs? Give them, all of them, to Jesus.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NLT)

Principle #39 & Personal Application: Quality disciples need rescuing by the only One who can save.

Note: This is a Messianic prophecy that points to Jesus Christ, the Righteous King.

Application:

The quality disciple needs rescuing by the only One who can save.

• There is no one like Jesus: Only Jesus can rescue the needy and afflicted when they cry for help (vs. 12).

• There is no one like Jesus: Only Jesus can offer the kind of compassion for the poor and needy that will transform their lives (vs. 13).

• There is no one like Jesus: Only Jesus can grant His peace to those who are in places of oppression and violent conflict (vs. 14).

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I am going through a difficult circumstance, how does the grace of God help me cope?

What can I learn from Jesus’ example on how He relates to the needy, afflicted, and the poor?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, May I have Your heart, Your passion, for those who are in desperate need of rescue by You. May I have Your ears so I can be in tune with the cries of those who are hurting. May I have Your hands so I can touch the needy with Your love. And may I have Your feet that will lead me down the path of service done in Your name.

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/

Looking for an easy way to boost your devotional life? Add Psalms of Discipleship: A One Year Journey With the Shepherd to your library. Now in ebook format.

http://www.dennybates.com/#!A%20One%20Year%20Journey%20With%20The%20Shepherd/c6pu

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #37 (Grace) October 6, 2012

Hello my dear friends! Today's Psalms of Discipleship addresses one of our greatest needs: hope. Hope is what fuels us to keep on pressing on. Hope is what gets us out of bed on a rainy Monday morning. And hope is what helps us keep the right perspective when life's circumstances are not going our way. May we learn the secret to life: to fix our hope on the Lord.

Resting in Jesus,

Denny Bates


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #37

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

Key Scripture: 5 For You are my hope; O Lord GOD, You are my confidence from my youth. 6 By You I have been sustained from my birth; You are He who took me from my mother's womb; My praise is continually of You. 7 I have become a marvel to many, For You are my strong refuge. Psalm 71:5-7

Core Value: Grace

Has there ever been a time in your life when you were without hope? Perhaps you were experiencing a severe famine of a depleted bank account or maybe you were in the middle of a perfect storm of crushing circumstances that left you weary and hopeless?

Here is an important life principle that disciples of Jesus must not only know about, but practice it too. We must quit hoping in others, we must quit hoping that our problems will go away. We even must quit hoping in ourselves. We must place our hope in the Lord.

Principle #37 & Personal Application: Quality disciples have a hope that is fixed upon the Lord.

When we hope in the Lord . . .

• We place our confidence in Him: “You are my confidence from my youth”

• We give our unending praise to Him: “My praise is continually of You”

• We become an encouragement to others: “I have become a marvel to many”

• We find our strong refuge in Him: “For You are my strong refuge”

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What has been going on in my life where I have been able to place my hope in the Lord?

Can I think of a circumstance where others were encouraged by my faith in the Lord?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are my hope, O Lord, my God. You are my confidence. By Your grace You have sustained me from my birth. My praise shall be continually of You. Because of Your grace at work in my life, I have become a marvel to many as I have found safety in You, my strong refuge.

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/

Looking for a way to jump start your devotional life? Try Psalms of Discipleship: A One Year Journey with the Shepherd. Click on this link for how you can order your copy today (Print or pdf ebook).

http://www.dennybates.com/#!a-one-year-journey-with-the-shepherd/c6pu

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #36 (Prayer). September 29, 2012

Hello my dear friends! Have you ever run out of your own hope? You have hoped, and hoped, and hoped for it seems a long, long time and remain unsatisfied. What is the key? The psalmist shows us the power of hope is not in hope itself, but in Whom we place our hope.

Resting in the One who gives us hope,

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #36

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

Key Scripture: 1 In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed. 2 In Your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; Incline Your ear to me and save me. 3 Be to me a rock of habitation to which I may continually come; You have given commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress. 4 Rescue me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, Out of the grasp of the wrongdoer and ruthless man, Psalm 71:1-4

Core Value: Prayer

It is has been said that hope is not a strategy, but it is a great thing to have in hand. Sometimes we can hope for better circumstances, we can hope for “enough” faith to gain the victory, we can have hope in hope and never have enough equity built up in our hope account. So what is the answer for the disciple of Jesus? The answer is we need to have our hope fixed upon the character of the Lord. Here are a few examples of hope that is well placed:

Be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:24 (HCSB)

I put my hope in You, LORD; You will answer, Lord my God. Psalm 38:15 (HCSB)

5 Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5 (HCSB)

Sustain me according to Thy word, that I may live; And do not let me be ashamed of my hope. Psalm 119:116 (NASB77)

I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope. Psalm 130:5 (NASB77)

Principle #36 & Personal Application: Quality disciples, with great confidence in the Lord, cry out to their Deliverer for help.

• The prayer of faith is founded upon safe refuge in the Lord: “In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed.”

• The prayer of faith is founded upon the Lord’s righteousness and great salvation: “In Your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; Incline Your ear to me and save me.”

• The prayer of faith is founded upon the Lord’s faithfulness and trustworthiness: “Be to me a rock of habitation to which I may continually come; You have given commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress.”

• The prayer of faith is founded upon the Lord’s ability to rescue and deliver completely: “Rescue me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, Out of the grasp of the wrongdoer and ruthless man”

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I am feeling overwhelmed by discouragement, fear, or doubt, how may this passage of Scripture bring comfort to me?

What steps do I need to take in order to pray more and worry less?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may I always live like I am completely dependent upon You. In You I can find refuge and be safe. In You I focus my prayers upon the One who is righteous and true. In You I can rest upon Your faithfulness and trustworthiness. In You I trust to rescue and deliver me completely.

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/

What does a Disciple-Making Ministry look like? It looks like . . .

SOMETHING NEW

"Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past;
Behold, I will do something new . . .” Isaiah 43:18, 19a

MISSION STATEMENT

Something New exists to challenge believers in Jesus to experience a lifetime commitment to spiritual growth, and to empower disciples of Jesus Christ to multiply His life in all of the world. This remarkable journey of faith begins in our Jerusalem: in our home and in the marketplace where we work and play.

CORE VALUES

We value the Grace of God. It is free, undeserved, and deeply appreciated. Being recipients of the gift of grace, we desire to give it away to others who do not deserve it.

We value the worship of God. Worship is not only singing songs. Biblical worship includes a sacrifice, a submission of our will to His (Genesis 22).

We value the Word of God. We believe the Bible, revealed in 66 books, is God's truth. It is perfect and is meant to be read by believers on a regular basis. The goal of Bible reading, and even Bible study, is not the collection of more theological trivia. The goal is to experience the truth and then make the personal application that leads to personal transformation.

We value connecting with God through prayer. We believe that prayer is not a monologue, but a dialogue with God. We believe God has provided the way for us to make known to Him, not only our needs, but also our love and adoration of Him through prayer.

We value community with other believers through authentic relationships. We believe that no one can effectively live the victorious Christian life alone. We believe the "one anothers" of the Bible can only be practiced and lived with power and credibility in the presence of other believers. We value creating a safe place where we can be honest with ourselves, with each other and with God.

We value using our spiritual gifts by serving others. We believe that the spiritual and natural gifts we each have, are given by God and to be freely shared with those who are in need of our gifts.

We value living out our faith by sharing with others the love of Jesus. We believe that the Gospel Of Jesus Christ is not only Good News but is the greatest story ever told. We desire to share this love by whatever means we have.

We value growing disciples who are making other disciples for Jesus!

Wish to learn more about Something New? In box me on Facebook.

 

Psalms of Discipleship (Prayer) Principle #35. September 22, 2012

Hello my dear friends,

One of the great blessings of the Psalms is the transparency we observe from the psalmists who are in trouble. They are in trouble. They are real. And they pray. Good reminders for every disciple who follows Jesus.

In His grip,

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #35

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

Key Scripture: 1 O God, hasten to deliver me; O LORD, hasten to my help! 2 Let those be ashamed and humiliated Who seek my life; Let those be turned back and dishonored Who delight in my hurt. 3 Let those be turned back because of their shame Who say, "Aha, aha!" 4 Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And let those who love Your salvation say continually, "Let God be magnified." 5 But I am afflicted and needy; Hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay. Psalm 70:1-5

Core Value: Prayer

Prayer offered during times of great duress is our connection between hopeless and hopeful. One of the wonderful aspects of the Bible is we are shown, time and time again, the inner thoughts of those who are facing impossible, gut-wrenching circumstances. And time and time again, the Saints of God are helped by the Hand of God in order to live out the Purpose of God.

Principle #35 & Personal Application: Quality disciples, because of grace, can turn to the Lord in times of great trials and experience His help.

• When we pray, we pray with a sense of urgency and expectation (vs. 1)

• When we pray, we pray for protection from those who wish to attack us (vs. 2-3)

• When we pray, we pray with a heart of worship and thankfulness (vs. 4)

• When we pray, we pray honestly and to the point: Lord, help me (vs. 5)

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I feel I am under attack, how do I usually respond: with prayer or with panic?

How can a heart of worship help me to trust in Christ more?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when I need help, help me to keep my eyes upon You. May I always look to You as my Helper and Deliverer.

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/

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #33 (Prayer). September 8, 2012

Hello my dear friends! Why do we pray? Is it to simply "get" things from God and have Him at our beckoned call, or is there a greater purpose in prayer? Prayer, biblical prayer, is more than having a punch list where we check off our prayer requests. Prayer is all about intimacy between the Creator and His creation. It is not a monologue. It is a dialogue. Prayer is the "air" we breathe when we come into His presence. In today's Psalms of Discipleship we discover a man who is facing impossible circumstances. In response, he turns to the only One who has the power (and love) to help.

Praying to a Great God who answers great prayers,

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #33

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

Key Scripture: 13 But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD, at an acceptable time; O God, in the greatness of Your lovingkindness, Answer me with Your saving truth. 14 Deliver me from the mire and do not let me sink; May I be delivered from my foes and from the deep waters. 15 May the flood of water not overflow me Nor the deep swallow me up, Nor the pit shut its mouth on me. 16 Answer me, O LORD, for Your lovingkindness is good; According to the greatness of Your compassion, turn to me, Psalm 69:13-16

Core Value: Prayer

Is your faith founded upon having life go well with you by extending to you pleasant circumstances? Is your faith in your ability to have enough faith in you? Or is your faith centered on the character of God? Is your faith directed to the One who has the power to transform you and your impossible circumstances? These are all great questions of process. For the Psalmist, he directed his prayer to the Lord. Note this: the more he talked about prayer AND prayed, the greater his testimony of faith became.

The same can be true of you as well. Look at your impossible circumstances and then look to the One who not only can work in your circumstances but who also can accomplish an even greater work . . . in you.

Principle #33 & Personal Application: Quality disciples offer their prayer for deliverance based not upon their circumstances, but upon the unchanging character of God.

• The prayer of faith is directed to the Lord.

• The prayer of faith is founded upon the greatness of the Lord’s lovingkindness.

• The prayer of faith is offered during the direst of circumstances where only God can deliver.

• The prayer of faith rests upon the kindness and compassion of the Lord.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I am facing seemingly impossible circumstances, how does prayer help me trust the Lord more?

As I take time and mediate upon God’s character, what are some of His qualities that come to mind?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may I always direct my prayers to You. May I always keep Your promises before me and may I always consider Your character when I am put to the test. May I always remember that I alone cannot deliver myself from my circumstances and that only You can help me.

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/

http://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/dennybates

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #32 (Prayer). September 1, 2012

Hello my dear friends! Have you ever been in a situation where the only thing you can do is . . . PRAY? Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a wonderful illustration of what desperate believers in Jesus can do: We can pray to the One who makes all of the difference in the world.

Desperate for Jesus,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #32

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

Key Scripture: 1 Save me, O God, For the waters have threatened my life. 2 I have sunk in deep mire, and there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and a flood overflows me. 3 I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched; My eyes fail while I wait for my God. 4 Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; Those who would destroy me are powerful, being wrongfully my enemies; What I did not steal, I then have to restore. Psalm 69:1-4

Core Value: Prayer

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt so overwhelmed with stress that you had a hard time breathing normally? Have you ever faced a circumstance where you felt alone and very vulnerable? Have you ever been on the verge of losing all hope? If you have answered anyone of these questions with a YES, then it confirms that you are a normal disciple of Jesus. Some would refuse to admit any inkling of fear and being out of control. Those folks live in an unreal world.

Fortunately, for us, the Psalmist was real with his feelings. Writing from his own struggles, he offers us a glimmer into his life by committing his great challenges with great prayer to a great God. Are you going through great problems? Take them to a great God. When will you begin?

Principle #32 & Personal Application: Quality disciples realize when persecution comes their way, prayer is the tool that draws them closer to the Lord.

This is the testimony of the psalmist whose enemies had no mercy upon him. When our enemies attack us, we can relate to his experience.

• We can pray while the waters or persecution flood us: Save me, O God, For the waters have threatened my life.

• We can pray when it feels like we are sinking: I have sunk in deep mire, and there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and a flood overflows me.

• We can pray when we are weary and parched: I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched; My eyes fail while I wait for my God.

• We can pray when others hate us and wish for our ruin: Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; Those who would destroy me are powerful, being wrongfully my enemies; What I did not steal, I then have to restore.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

How does Jesus, in me, allow me to face personal attacks?

What steps can I begin to take that will sharpen my ability to pray when I feel threatened by my enemies?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for drawing me close to You when it seems I am about to drown in the deep waters of persecution. May I always turn to You when trouble comes my way.

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.

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

 

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #27 (Prayer). July 21, 2012

Hello my dear friends! We live in a very CONNECTED world. Email, text, twitter, facebook, tv, radio, cell phones and the list goes on. We have been trained to stay connected. If we lose connection we may feel somewhat lost on what in the world is going on around us. This is especially true when it comes to prayer. Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a vivid contrast between just talking and connecting. May we all learn the discipline of connecting to the Lord in prayer.

Connected to Him,

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #27

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

Key Scripture: 17 I cried to Him with my mouth, And He was extolled with my tongue. 18 If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear; 19 But certainly God has heard; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer. 20 Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer Nor His lovingkindness from me. Psalm 66:17-20

Core Value: Prayer

There is a great difference between talking and connecting. People may talk a lot but never be heard. There are some who think the best way to communicate is to use a lot of words linked with an intensity of volume (i.e., yelling). Others think the best way to communicate is to speak using fancy words that only are understood by the speaker.

The Psalmist understood the key to connecting with the Lord in prayer was the condition of his heart. A wicked heart (a heart that has been poisoned by sin) cuts off all communication. On the other hand, a heart that is right with God makes the connection between creation and the Creator.

Is there anything standing in your way from connecting with the Lord?

Principle #27 & Personal Application: Quality disciples offer prayer upon the basis of grace that cleanses the heart and the tongue.

• Prayer offered under the basis of grace is a vocal expression of worship and praise: I cried to Him with my mouth, And He was extolled with my tongue

• Prayer is quenched when there is sin in our heart: If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear

• Prayer is liberating when we know that God hears our prayers: But certainly God has heard; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer

• Prayer, undergirded by His grace, made possible by the completed work of His Son, is the means given that we may be received with open arms and come into His presence: Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer Nor His lovingkindness from me

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

Is there anything in my heart that is quenching my communication with the Lord?

How can a better understanding of grace empower my prayer life?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for providing a perfect way for me to communicate with You. May my heart learn how to keep short accounts with You, freely accepting Your offer to forgive me and cleanse me of my sin. May I learn to turn to You, knowing that it is Your desire to hear my prayers. Thank You for not turning away from me or withholding Your lovingkindness from me.

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/

Postscript:

I am genuinely excited for the opportunity of doing things that I have only dreamed about previously. By God’s grace I hope to build a leadership coaching and speaking business and impact the market place for Jesus. My business is a RELATIONSHIP business, so as you pray for me ask the Lord for KEY contacts that will lead me to KEY people in KEY organizations. In your own circle of influence, do you know anyone who desires to grow in leadership? I’d love to meet them.

In order to gain a better understanding of what I am offering, you can check out my website at http://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/dennybates

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #24 (Worship). June 30, 2012

Hello dear friends! Warm, very warm, no, really it's HOT greetings from sunny South Carolina! This week's devotion reminds us of what happens when we choose to focus upon the character of God: we are reminded of His goodness and His greatness. As we live in uncertain times, its good to know that His goodness and greatness remains the same.

Worship Him!

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #24

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

Key Scripture: 4 How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You To dwell in Your courts. We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple. 5 By awesome deeds You answer us in righteousness, O God of our salvation, You who are the trust of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest sea; 6 Who establishes the mountains by His strength, Being girded with might; 7 Who stills the roaring of the seas, The roaring of their waves, And the tumult of the peoples. 8 They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy. Psalm 65:4-8

Core Value: Worship

Do you remember praying this simple prayer as a child? “God is good. God is great. Let us thank Him for our food. Amen.” For me, as I folded my little hands and closed my eyes, it was a memorized prayer that became a routine part of my every meal. After awhile the words I was praying lost their impact upon me. This sweet prayer became a religious duty instead of a heartfelt prayer of gratitude and thanksgiving. This familiar example is one of many I share on how easy it is for the believer to lose the magnitude of what we are saying out loud. In this case, GOD IS GOOD. GOD IS GREAT. WE SHOULD THANK HIM FOR EVERYTHING HE PROVIDES to us.

This is what the Psalmist does in this portion of Scripture. As He describes the goodness and greatness of God, he becomes overwhelmed with waves of worship. The more He talks about the goodness and greatness of God, the more his heart fills up and the more he has share about the goodness and greatness of God. This is what happens when we set our focus upon the character of God: we become personally acquainted with His goodness and greatness, filling our hearts with expressions of worship.

Principle #24 & Personal Application: Quality disciples are blessed as they worship a great, awesome, and mighty God.

• We worship God because of His drawing us, by grace, into His presence.

• We worship God because of His awesome deeds.

• We worship God because of His majestic power and glory.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I begin to set my focus upon the Lord and His power, what kinds of thoughts come to my mind?

What kind of things can I do that will help me worship God for who He is?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are a mighty and glorious Savior. You invite me into Your presence. You satisfy my soul. You are the God of all creation and I am in awe of You. And powerful and mighty You are, You love me; You value me; You call me Your very own.

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/

Postscript:

I am genuinely excited for the opportunity of doing things that I have only dreamed about previously. By God’s grace I hope to build a leadership coaching and speaking business and impact the market place for Jesus. My business is a RELATIONSHIP business, so as you pray for me ask the Lord for KEY contacts that will lead me to KEY people in KEY organizations. In your own circle of influence, do you know anyone who desires to grow in leadership? I’d love to meet them.

In order to gain a better understanding of what I am offering, you can check out my website at

http://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/dennybates

In today's picture are two of my mentors. Everyone needs one. Who is yours?