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 #22 (Grace) June 9, 2012

Hello my dear friends! Have you ever felt like you were grasping onto the last straw and when it breaks (and it most likely will) you will fall into an abyss of hopelessness and despair? If that resonates with you, you are not alone. Many believers today are facing challenging circumstances with frayed relationships, uncertain financial times, and an unending assault upon the truth. What is a disciple of Jesus to do? We can look to the example of the Psalmist and refocus our mind upon the Good Shepherd of the Psalms.

Clinging to Him,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #22

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

Key Scripture: 6 When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, 7 For You have been my help, And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy. 8 My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:6-8

Core Value: Grace

One of the greatest challenges that face the disciple of Jesus is the battle that lies in the mind. It is in the mind where spiritual battles are either won or lost. There is always the constant tension to believe the truth and live it out or to embrace the lie and be bound up in it.

The best way, the only way, to win the battle for the mind is to focus it upon the Lord. This does not come easily. It takes a strong will. It requires a choice. But when we do make the choice to focus our thoughts upon the Lord, the truth of His promise becomes crystal clear: We see that He is our help. We will have a song of joy. And we will cling to Him as He holds us up.

Principle #22 & Personal Application: Quality disciples experience the mysterious tension of doing their part as God does His.

• Disciples of Jesus are to keep their focus upon the Lord: “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches”

• Disciples of Jesus are to remember the faithfulness of God: “For You have been my help”

• Disciples of Jesus are to experience His presence and respond with joy: “And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy”

• Disciples of Jesus do their part and Jesus does His: “My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me”

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What kinds of spiritual disciplines (habits) I can practice that will cultivate a more focused meditation upon the Lord?

What circumstance am I facing today where I sense my soul is clinging to the Lord? How does this Scripture describe God’s part in helping me cope with my circumstance?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may You always remind me of Your faithfulness to me. Help me remember those sweet times of when I experienced Your touch. May I always remember that You have been my help, even during the dark times. May I always be comforted by Your presence as I sing for joy to You. And may I remember to do my part (cling to You, by grace) as I behold Your keeping power of Your right hand.

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