Our goal is simple: to follow the instructions of Jesus Christ and go and make disciples. Remember, a quality disciple makes up a quality life. The Discipled Life: We need to study it, practice it, and teach it. "For Ezra had set his heart TO STUDY the Law of the Lord, and TO DO IT and TO TEACH his statutes and rules in Israel." Ezra 7:10
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Sunday, December 29, 2013
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://
Dr. Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2013 All rights reserved.
Now available on Amazon in both Kindle and Paperback formats, my newest book on Leadership! Living Above The Fray
This is a great resource for anyone who is in business or ministry
Check it out at the link below
http://www.dennybates.com/
Sunday, October 27, 2013
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://
Dr. Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2013 All rights reserved.
Labels:
adoration,
false worship,
humility,
idolatry,
worship
Saturday, October 5, 2013
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://
Dr. Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2013 All rights reserved.
Labels:
false worship,
glory of God,
righteousness,
worship
Sunday, September 22, 2013
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
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/
Saturday, September 7, 2013
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
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/
Labels:
evangelism,
glory of God,
kingdom of God,
sharing,
worship
Saturday, August 31, 2013
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
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/
Do you have a spiritual life plan? Everyone needs one. Click on this link for more information:
http://www.dennybates.com/
Labels:
ascribe,
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glory of God,
names of God,
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