Hello
my dear friends! I hope you are finding the joy of the Lord to be your
strength today. His joy is the juice that fuels our soul when we become
weary in the journey. I've had a week like that. I'm walking through the
churned up waters of career transition but here is what I have
discovered to be true: I can trust in Him at all times. I can pour out
my heart before Him. He is a refuge for me. . . . and if you are a
disciple of Jesus, the same rings true with you too.
Learning to abide in His presence and care,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #20
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:8
Core Value: Prayer
What comes first? Is it the chicken or the egg?
This saying has puzzled many for a long, long time. In the final
analysis, does it really matter? Both the chicken and the egg are
forever intertwined. Next question: what comes first? prayer to the Lord
or trust in the Lord? In order for us to have meaningful times of
prayer to the Lord, we must trust in Him too. And in order for us to
place our trust in Him, we need to be about the business of prayer. Both
trust and prayer are essential for the disciple of Jesus.
Wherever one starts, prayer and trust lead to the same destination: a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus.
Principle #20 & Personal Application: Quality disciples trust in the Lord at all times.
• Prayer is the way we can place our trust in the Lord. “Trust in Him at all times, O people.”
• Prayer is the way we can make a full commitment to the Lord. “Pour out your heart before Him.”
• Prayer is the way where we can find that safe place that is found only in the Lord. “God is a refuge for us. Selah.”
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What kinds of promises does this verse have for the person who feels anxious?
If I really applied the truths behind this scripture, how would it impact the way I pray?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, by Your grace, help me to place my trust in You at all
times. May I have the freedom to pour out my heart before You. Thank You
that in You I can find a refuge, a place of safety.
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 way to grow in your leadership skills? I'd love to have that conversation with you.
As a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Teacher and Speaker, I can offer you
workshops, seminars, keynote speaking, and coaching, aiding your
personal and professional growth through study and practical application
of John’s proven leadership methods. Working together, I will move you
and/or your team or organization in the desired direction to reach your
goals.
For more information on how I can help you go to the next level, check out this website!
http://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/dennybates
Hello
my dear friends! I trust that your soul is resting in the bosom of its
greatest lover: the Lord Jesus. We live in a day and time where the
distractions to our spiritual growth is challenged by lots of noise and
chaotic circumstances. It is natural to be anxious, to be fearful, to be
doubtful in the world in which we live. Because of grace, we can live a
super-natural life that will free our soul from the things that seek to
enslave our soul. The psalmist addresses the goal for the soul of the
disciple of Jesus. May His grace grant us peace as we learn to teach our
soul to "wait in silence" for God.
Learning with you,
Denny
P.S. Last week I took a week's vacation to restore my soul. For the
most part, it worked. Now, back to writing. This week's Psalms of
Discipleship includes TWO devotions (last week and this week). Thanks to
all of you who take time to read Psalms of Discipleship and respond in
faith to what the Lord impresses you to do as you follow the Shepherd of
the Psalms.
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #18
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 1 My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my
salvation. 2 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall
not be greatly shaken. Psalm 62:1-2
Core Value: Grace
There comes a desperate time in the life journey of the disciple of
Jesus that enough is enough. For some, it seems that the harder we work
for those pockets of solitude, the harder the work becomes. For some of
us, an inner chaos within the soul has become the spiritual drug of
choice. If rest, a quiet silence in the soul stared us in the face, we
might not know what to do with it.
This is where grace comes
in. Rightly applied, grace allows us to do something we cannot do in our
own strength: to wait in silence for God only. Grace allows us to
trust, to wait, to be filled with hope and to be empowered by His
strength.
Principle #18 & Personal Application: Quality disciples seek to rest in the finished work of Christ.
• Grace allows a weary soul to wait in silence for God only. Grace
helps us take a deep breath and rest in Him. “My soul waits in silence
for God only.”
• Grace allows a weary soul to experience God’s
salvation. Grace points us to the source of our salvation. “From Him is
my salvation.”
• Grace allows a weary soul to confess God as
one’s Rock and one’s salvation. Grace fills our heart with the uplifting
truth that God is our rock and our salvation. “He only is my rock and
my salvation.”
• Grace allows a weary soul to find in God a
stronghold, a place of security. Grace leads us to His protection. “My
stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.”
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When my life becomes rushed and filled with anxiety, what kinds of promises can I glean from this Psalm?
According to this passage of Scripture, how does a proper understanding
of grace help me to live my life as a quality disciple of Jesus?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I thank You that my soul can wait in silence for God and
for Him alone. I thank You that You are the source of my salvation, and
no other. I thank You for being my rock and my salvation. I am grateful
to You that because You are my stronghold, I will not be greatly shaken.
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.
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #19
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 5 My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is
from Him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall
not be shaken. 7 On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my
strength, my refuge is in God. Psalm 62:5-7
Core Value: Grace
Here it is again: the theme of waiting in silence for God only. Those
of us who are disciples of Jesus know most of the “right” answers but
may find the practical application of the truth to be a constant
frustration. In this case, the right answer is to have a soul that is
not a slave to chaotic circumstances. It is to have a soul that is well
trained and not allow anyone or anything to dampen its focus upon God
and Him alone. This sounds wonderful, but how?
Once again,
grace is the key that gives our soul its proper maintenance. Grace opens
up the eyes of the soul to behold the Lord’s gracious provision for us.
Because of grace we see hope, we see the Rock of our salvation and our
strength, we see our Stronghold who keeps us from being shaken, we see
our Refuge. The better we can see through the lens of grace, the easier
it becomes to have our soul wait in silence for God only.
Principle #19 & Personal Application: Quality disciples have learned
the art of soul care by slowing down the hectic pace of life and
finding the spiritual rhythms of life.
• Grace applied allows us to slow down the hurry of the heart and lets the soul wait in silence for God only.
• Grace applied allows us to experience hope from the Lord.
• Grace applied allows us to experience God as our rock and our salvation.
• Grace applied allows us to experience God as our stronghold, the rock of our strength, and our refuge.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I feel hurried in my soul, what can I do to slow down and rest in God?
According to the Psalm, what characteristics of God can I meditate on when I feel uneasy and restless?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, by faith and by Your grace, may my soul rest in silence
for You. My hope is from You. You only are my rock and my salvation. You
are my stronghold and I will never be shaken. On You my salvation and
my glory rest. You are the rock of my strength. My refuge is in You.
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 way to grow in your leadership skills? I'd love
to have that conversation with you. For more information on how I can
help you go to the next level, check out this website!
http://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/dennybates
Hello
my dear friends! Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a timely reminder of
how important the choices are that we make every day. Good choices most
always lead to a good outcome. Poor choices usually produce the kind of
result that leads to regret.
Do you feel any kind of undue
pressure to make good choices all of the time? Perhaps, the grace of God
will help you do the best you can and then leave the results to His
Sovereign love and care for you.
Growing in grace,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #17
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 3 For You have been a refuge for me, A tower of strength
against the enemy. 4 Let me dwell in Your tent forever; Let me take
refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah. Psalm 61:3-4
Core Value: Grace
Choices. We make them (or don’t make them) every day. Some of the
choices we make are founded upon a solid confidence that we are making
the right choice at the right time and in the right way. These are the
choices of confidence or courage.
On the other hand we may
make choices that are based upon a paralyzing fear: “What if it is the
wrong choice? What if I cannot control the consequences of my choice?
What if . . .” These are the choices of doubt and fear. The person who
has cultivated a habit of making choices based upon fear have set in
motion a way of life where is no protection and no peace. Consequently,
this person becomes a victim of their choices.
In contrast,
because of grace that is applied, the Quality Disciple of Jesus chooses
to throw his or her full weight upon the Lord’s ability (and promise) to
care for them.
Principle #17 & Personal Application: Quality disciples find a safe refuge in the Lord.
Because of the grace of God, the disciple can experience the Lord’s protection and care, and say . . .
• The Lord has been a refuge for me.
• The Lord has been a tower of strength against the enemy.
• The Lord allows me to dwell in His tent forever.
• The Lord allows me to take refuge in the shelter of His wings.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What does it “feel” like when I sense the Lord’s protection upon my
life? What kinds of emotions fill my heart when I feel safe?
How does the grace of God remind me of the love of God?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are a refuge for me. You are a tower of strength
against the enemies of my soul. My heart cry is that You will allow me
to dwell in Your tent forever. My desire is that You will allow me to
take refuge and find protection and care in the shelter of Your wings.
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 way to grow in your leadership skills? I'd love
to have that conversation with you. For more information on how I can
help you go to the next level, check out this website!
Hello
my dear friends! Do you ever feel stuck no matter how hard you are
trying to get "unstuck" and move into a new-found freedom? People are
stuck in challenging careers, stuck in habitual sin, stuck in harmful
relationships. Today's Psalms of Discipleship addresses what we are to
do when we are stuck. We are to pray.
Stuck to Him,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #16
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 1 Hear my cry, O God; Give heed to my prayer. 2 From the
end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the
rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:1-2
Core Value: Prayer
Do you ever feel “stuck?” No matter how hard to you try to change your
circumstances, no matter how much you read your Bible, and no matter how
many hours you pray, it may seem that you are no further down the path
of progress than you were when you first sensed the need to change. Far
too many times disciples of Jesus hoist the white flag of surrender and
give up on God right before a prayer breakthrough invades our
challenging situation. When we come to the place I call, “Wits Inn,” it
is where we come to the end of our resources and begin to tap into His.
The Psalmist was weary, but not too weary to give up on prayer.
May His grace lead us to the rock that is higher, much “higher than I.”
We all need to get a front row seat in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14). For
when we get stuck there, we gain a much better view of the world around
us.
Principle #16 & Personal Application: Quality
disciples believe that the ear of God is within reach, no matter how
difficult life may be.
• Prayer is the resource we use when our hearts are full and we cry out to God.
• Prayer is the resource we use when we need an answer from God.
• Prayer is the resource we use when we come to the end of our rope.
• Prayer is the resource we use when we need a higher perspective.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
According to this passage of Scripture, what promises can I rest in when I come to the end of my rope?
Am I willing to be led by the Good Shepherd? Am I willing to follow Him “to the rock that is higher than I”?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I thank You for allowing me to cry out to You when my
heart is full. Thank You for giving heed to my prayer. When I am at the
ends of the earth (at the end of my rope) and feel like passing out, I
rest in Your goodness to lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
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/
This week's featured resource!
One of my favorite books of the Bible is the Book of Psalms. For me, it
is a never-ending wellspring of inspiration and encouragement. If you
are a lover of the Psalms too, check out this link to A One Year Journey
With The Shepherd and order your copy today. Now available in e-book
format for only $9.99!
Why A One Year Journey With The Shepherd May Be A Great Resource For You!
You are invited to spend some time reading and reflecting upon “Psalms
of Discipleship: A One Year Journey With The Shepherd,” a simple, easy
to use, devotional experience. By spending five minutes or fifty-five
minutes on the weekly devotion and Bible study, you will be afforded the
opportunity to enhance your spiritual growth. This unique devotional
consists of fifty-two practical lessons designed for small group or
individual study.
http://www.dennybates.com/Home/OneYearJourney.html
Hello
my dear friends! Warm, grace-driven greetings to each of you. Like you,
I am always grateful for grace. When it is rightly applied it draws us
closer to the Lord in prayer. This week's Psalms of Discipleship is a
wonderful illustration of the tension we experience between spiritual
victory and spiritual defeat. In order to consistently win this battle,
we need to learn the art of surrender . . . to the Lord.
The lyrics of this classic hymn remind us that surrender is always a choice.
All to Jesus I surrender;
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
Refrain:
I surrender all,
I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power;
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!
Learning to surrender,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #15
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 11 O give us help against the adversary, For deliverance
by man is in vain. 12 Through God we shall do valiantly, And it is He
who will tread down our adversaries. Psalm 60:11-12
Core Value: Prayer
One of the greatest challenges that disciples of Jesus face is a strong
tendency of misplaced trust. We tend to trust in the “tangible” (what
is seen) instead of the tried and true (often unseen). We often default
to our own strength and even the strength of others instead of resting
in the strength of our God. We look to other people and other things to
deliver us from trouble instead of fixing our gaze upon the only One who
can deliver us. There are many life principles that we can learn and
apply from the Psalmist. This principle is critical: before we can win,
we must surrender to the Lord.
Principle #15 & Personal
Application: Quality disciples live in the on-going tension between
spiritual defeat and spiritual victory, knowing only a complete
surrender to God will produce a great victory.
Some background:
In this psalm David has responded in prayer after his nation has been
attacked by the Edomites who inflicted great damage. This temporary
setback is a lesson in perseverance and in prayer. For the disciple of
Jesus there are many spiritual battles that must be fought, and some of
these we will lose. The key is to learn from defeat and set out to win
the next victory. This is done when we believe and turn to God. After a
defeat . . .
• We need to cry out to God for help against our adversary.
• The worst place we can place our trust is in other people.
• We need to believe that through God we will do valiantly (mighty things).
• We need to yield our will to His will for it is God, and only God, who will defeat our foes.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I lose a spiritual battle what kind of steps do I take in order to fight another day?
The Bible teaches that “Through God we shall do valiantly, And it is He
who will tread down our adversaries.” There is a part for me to play
and there is a part that only God can play. What is my role and what is
His promise to me?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, remind me to cry
out to You when I find myself on the losing end of a spiritual battle. I
look to You for help against my adversary. I know that looking to other
people instead of You will never produce a good outcome for me. I thank
You that through You I will do mighty things as I testify of Your
deliverance of 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.
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/
This week's featured resource!
One of my favorite books of the Bible is the Book of Psalms. For me, it
is a never-ending wellspring of inspiration and encouragement. If you
are a lover of the Psalms too, check out this link to A One Year Journey
With The Shepherd and order your copy today. Now available in e-book
format for only $9.99!
Why A One Year Journey With The Shepherd May Be A Great Resource For You!
You are invited to spend some time reading and reflecting upon “Psalms
of Discipleship: A One Year Journey With The Shepherd,” a simple, easy
to use, devotional experience. By spending five minutes or fifty-five
minutes on the weekly devotion and Bible study, you will be afforded the
opportunity to enhance your spiritual growth. This unique devotional
consists of fifty-two practical lessons designed for small group or
individual study.
http://www.dennybates.com/Home/OneYearJourney.html
Hello
my dear friends! Worship of Jesus is to be a very intimate experience.
Some of our best worship experiences are not always in a church service
with hundreds (or even thousands) of other believers. Instead, we may
often experience a deeper worship while taking that walk in the park,
when driving alone in our car during a long trip, or even when we are
alone with our thoughts in our favorite chair. Today's Psalms of
Discipleship reminds us that our worship must become deeply personal
before we attend the next corporate worship service.
Does any of this resonate with you? I'd love to hear your feedback.
Learning to worship the Lord as an audience of One,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #14
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; Yes, I
shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, For You have
been my stronghold And a refuge in the day of my distress. Psalm 59:16
Core Value: Worship
Worship is a very personal experience. Yes, there are times when it is
appropriate to worship with other believers. When corporate worship is
focused upon Jesus and His glory and is not distracted by those who
those who either intentionally or unintentionally draw attention to
them, corporate worship can be a good thing, a very good thing to do.
However, unless we are able to worship our God in a personal way and
learn how to be alone with Him, our corporate offerings of worship can
be shallow, lacking any depth of an authentic worship experience.
The Psalmist gives a very practical testimony: “But as for me.” May
that be our response also. “But as for me, may I sing of Your strength,
of Your lovingkindness, and of Your protection.”
Principle #14
& Personal Application: Quality disciples have a heart that sings of
the Lord’s strength, His lovingkindness, and His protection.
In this Psalm, David’s enemies have surrounded him on every side. His
foes desired to crush and humiliate him. What can we learn from his
experience? Even though our enemies may surround us, like David, we can
offer to the Lord a heart of worship:
• We can sing and worship Him for His strength
• We can joyfully sing of His lovingkindness (mercy) in the morning
• We can worship Him for His protection: “For You have been my stronghold And a refuge in the day of my distress”
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I feel overwhelmed by the enemies of my soul, what do I need to do?
Is there a heart of worship inside of me? What do I need to do in order
to cultivate the kind of trust that will help me get through the
difficult challenges of life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank
You so much for being with me during my times of troubles. My enemies
are great, but You are greater! Remind me to offer my worship to You.
Help me to sing of Your strength. Help me to sing of Your lovingkindness
(Your mercy) in the morning, and help me worship You for Your great
protection 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.
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/
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/
