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

Hello dear friends,

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

Learning with you,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #35

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

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

Core Value: Evangelism

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

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

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

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

You can learn how to live as a Quality Disciple and a DiscipleMaker4Jesus by visiting my website at www.dennybates.com and my teaching blog at http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/

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

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Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #34 (Worship) October 27, 2013

Hello dear friends! We are bombarded every day with messages that hinder our need to have a closer relationship with Jesus. Often these competing messages can be very subtle and yet cause severe damage to our spiritual growth.

In today's Psalms of Discipleship the Psalmist reminds us of how great our God really is. He is the LORD Most High over all the earth. And because of grace, He is our Lord.

Learning to worship Him,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #34

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

Key Scripture: 9 For Thou art the LORD Most High over all the earth; Thou art exalted far above all gods. Psalm 97:9

Core Value: Worship

We live in a time where there is intense competition for our attention. Those who are experts in marketing research claim that we are exposed to hundreds and even thousands of visual and audio messages every day. The “winner” in this marketing blast is the one who persuades us to use their product or services. The influence of intentional marketing works.

In a similar way, the influence of false gods, idols, works all to well. The false gods broadcast messages of consumerism, pride, greed, jealousy, and wrong priorities, (just to name a few). They send thousands of unsolicited messages our way every day. “Pick me. Choose me. Follow me. Desire me . . . not Him.” For the disciple of Jesus, we must resist their message. Our call, our confession must be “for You are the LORD Most High over all the earth. You are exalted far above all gods, even our own idols.”

May we learn to tune out the wrong messages and carefully listen to the message of His great love for us and follow Him.

Principle #34 & Personal Application: Quality disciples bend their knee to the LORD Most High.

• We confess that Jesus is the LORD

• We confess that Jesus is the LORD Most High over all the earth

• We confess that Jesus is the LORD, far exalted above all gods

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I fix my eyes upon Jesus I am more prone to worship Him. What can I worship and praise Him for today?

What does it mean in my life for the LORD Most High to be exalted far above all gods? What “gods” in life seek to compete against Him for my love and devotion?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, It is my confession that You are the LORD Most High over all the earth, even the false gods who seek to draw my love and affection away from You. May my worship be upon You and upon You alone.

You can learn how to live as a Quality Disciple and a DiscipleMaker4Jesus by visiting my website at www.dennybates.com and my teaching blog at http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/

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

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #33 (Worship) October 5, 2013

Hello my dear friends!

Today's Psalms of Discipleship declare the greatness of our God. The heavens declare His righteousness. Everyone on earth has seen His glory and everyone is expected to worship Him only. A Great God requires a great worship.

Learning to worship Jesus greatly,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #33

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

Key Scripture: 6 The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples have seen His glory. 7 Let all those be ashamed who serve graven images, Who boast themselves of idols; Worship Him, all you gods. Psalm 97:6-7

Core Value: Worship

We live in a world where “tolerance” has become the new agenda, the new world-view. In the Christian life there are some negotiables and there are some non-negotiables.

It is true that a disciple of Jesus needs to be a person of tolerance on non-moral issues such as the mode of baptism (immersion vs. sprinkling). However, there is no room for any kind of tolerance when it comes to Who is deserving of our worship. It is Jesus and Jesus only.

He will not tolerate a divided heart.

Principle #33 & Personal Application: Quality disciples align themselves with those who worship the One True God

• The heavens declare His righteousness. So do we

• All the people have seen his glory, including us

• Everyone must worship Him and Him alone. So must we

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What comes to my mind when I think about declaring His righteousness?

What are some of the idols in my life that seek to keep God off of the throne of my heart?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may I always give You glory as I tell others of Your righteousness. May my heart always be devoted to You and to You alone.

You can learn how to live as a Quality Disciple and a DiscipleMaker4Jesus by visiting my website at www.dennybates.com and my teaching blog at http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/

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

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #32 (Worship). September 22, 2013

Hello my dear friends! One of the distinguishing marks of the disciple of Jesus is a heart that is set apart to worship God. We want our way, often. When we want His, we are saying to Him: "Take my heart all of it and have Your way with me."

Because He reigns over all, He reigns over our heart too.

Learning to bend my will to His,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #32

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

Key Scripture: The LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice; Let the many islands be glad. Psalm 97:1

Core Value: Worship

God is in charge, and we are not. This is a true statement, but we often act in ways that seek to keep us in control. How do you know if you have a heart of worship? The true heart of worship is an obedient heart, a surrendered heart, a heart that is completely His.

Principle #32 & Personal Application: Quality disciples worship a God who transcends all racial, cultural and political boundaries.

• Jesus is Lord of every person, no matter the color of one’s own skin

• Jesus is Lord of every culture, no matter the preference we choose

• Jesus is Lord of every nation, no matter where in the world it might be

• Jesus is Lord of all

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What does it mean for me to have the Lord reign over my life?

Have I ever worshiped with another believer who was “different” than me?

What can I learn from other members of the body of Christ that will enhance my worship of God?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am thankful that You reign. You reign over people from every race. You reign over every culture. You reign over every tribe and nation. You reign over 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 #31 (Evangelism) September 7, 2013

Hello my dear friends! In this Psalms of Discipleship we are reminded of the honor it is to be His ambassador, a representative of His Kingdom. In gaining a proper view of Who He is, we are able to represent Him well to those who have yet to experience His love and great salvation.

Enjoying His love and passing it on,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #31

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

Key Scripture: 9 Worship the LORD in holy attire; Tremble before Him, all the earth. 10 Say among the nations, " The LORD reigns; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity." Psalm 96:9-10

Core Value: Evangelism

One of the great joys and privileges of being a follower of Jesus is the opportunity to partner with Him. The King has given to us His Kingdom assignment: to worship Him, to give Him all glory, and to make disciples of Jesus who make disciples for Him.

He has given for us all of the resources we need to serve Him well. He has given us His grace and power. He has given us His love. He has given us the Gospel. He has given us Himself. He has given His very best. So must we.

Principle #31 & Personal Application: Quality disciples proclaim the Lord’s love, power and glory to the nations.

• When we share the Lord we are to give Him worship

• When we share the Lord we are to tell others of His great power

• When we share the Lord we are to testify of His righteous judgment

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What does it mean when I worship the Lord in holy attire?

In what way does my view of God impact the way I share about Him to the lost?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, as I live in Your presence I am charged to do at least three things: I will worship You in holy attire; I will tremble before You and I will say to the nations that You reign. May I be used by You to tell others of Your great love, power, and glory.

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 #30 (Worship). August 31, 2013

Hello my dear friends!

In this week's Psalms of Discipleship we are going to learn how to give thanks and why it is good for us to give thanks to the Lord. Its another great reminder of all He has done for us.

Learning with you,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #30

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

Key Scripture: 7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name; Bring an offering, and come into His courts. Psalm 96:7-8

Core Value: Worship

Throughout the Psalms the disciple of Jesus is exhorted to give thanks (Ps. 44:8; 57:9; 75:1; 100:4, etc.). Have you ever considered why? It is good to give thanks to the Lord because it reminds us of all He has done for us. It is good to give thanks because it moves our mentality of independence from the Lord to dependence upon the Lord. It is good to give thanks because it fills our hearts with praise and adoration of Him.

Principle #30 & Personal Application: Quality disciples, by faith and through grace, give their lives to the Lord as an act of worship.

• We give our worship to the Lord together

• We give our acknowledgement to the Lord that He is deserving of all glory and strength

• We give to the Lord the glory of His name

• We bring an offering (ourselves) as we enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise (Psalm 100:4)

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What kind of worship environment helps me to focus upon the Lord?

When I consider giving the Lord glory and strength, what am I doing? What are some of the Names of God that have special meaning to me?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for allowing me to return to You what belongs to You: my praise and worship of You and Your glorious name. May I always ascribe to You all glory and strength. May I always be a part of a community of worshipers who praise and glorify You.

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

Do you have a spiritual life plan? Everyone needs one. Click on this link for more information:

http://www.dennybates.com/#!my-spiritual-life-goals/c17n7

Psalms of Discipleship (Worship) Principle #29. August 18, 2013

Hello my dear friends. Much love to you. Today's Psalms of Discipleship reminds us of the great value of making good choices to worship. To create a lifestyle of worship it requires a daily decision to take the right path.

On the path with you,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #29

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

Key Scripture: 4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens. Psalm 96:4-5

Core Value: Worship

Life is filled with choices. Sometimes we make good ones and sometimes we experience the consequences of bad decisions. For the disciple of Jesus it is critically important to make good choices when it comes to our worship of Him. The best way to cultivate a lifestyle of worship is to be consistent. It is best done when we make daily habits (or choices) to worship God. A life filled good choices makes all the difference in the world.

Poet Robert Frost said it well:

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Principle #29 & Personal Application: Quality disciples love a great God with a great worship.

• We love a great God and greatly praise Him

• We love a great God who is greater than any idol in our life

• We love a great God who is a great and mighty Creator

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

In what ways does the Lord make Himself great in my life?

Are there any idols in my heart that hinder my worship of the Lord?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I love, worship, and adore You. You are a Great God and deserve my greatest praise. There is no one like You. May my heart always be filled with fidelity for You. May no idol, within or outside of me, ever steal my devotion for You.

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