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
Hello my dear friends! Do you realize that our lives are a platform for God's glory and the medium He uses for sharing the Gospel, the Good News of His love for the world? Do you realize that it is not about us, but about Him? Do you realize that His blessing to us is just not about making us feel good about ourselves, but a way He uses to cause a hunger and thirst in the lives of those who have yet to experience His love and forgiveness?
In this week's Psalms of Discipleship we learn that His blessings upon us is simply advertising of His love and goodness to the world.
Blessed for the sake of others,
Denny Bates
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #28
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 1 God be gracious to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us— Selah. 2 That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations. 3 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; For You will judge the peoples with uprightness And guide the nations on the earth. Selah. Psalm 67:1-4
Core Value: Evangelism
There is a phrase we use in my part of the world that says, “The proof is in the pudding.” In other words, the quality of something is uncertain until it has been tested directly. In this case, actions speak louder than words. How do we know that God is gracious to us and blesses us? We know it to be true because it is something that we have personally experienced. And when disciples of Jesus live like God is gracious to them and blesses them, it becomes the platform God uses to draw those who are outside the family of God into a relationship with His Son.
Principle #28 & Personal Application: Quality disciples know that one who is blessed by the Lord becomes a visual example of God’s glory and goodness to the lost.
We are blessed by the Lord . . .
• in abundance: God be gracious to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us— Selah.
• for a reason greater than ourselves: That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations.
• for the praise and glory of Jesus: Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You.
• so we, along with the nations, may follow Him with gladness and joy: Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; For You will judge the peoples with uprightness And guide the nations on the earth. Selah.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
To those who know me, and do not know Jesus, find my life (what I say and what I do) to be an inviting example for them to seek Jesus more closely?
What has to happen in my life in order for my testimony to inspire others to trust in and praise the Lord?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I worship You for being gracious to me and blessing me. Your face does shine upon me, moving me to declare Your salvation to those who have yet to hear of the Good News. May I always praise You, along with all believers from every nation, with gladness and joy.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are… Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Are you looking for a fresh Bible study that will pay off in the marketplace, in your church, and in your family? If you live in the Florence area, check this out!
The Quality Disciple Presents . . .
“The Power-Broker’s Guide To The Kingdom:
Four Striking Examples Of How To Leverage Power In The Right Way”
Example Number One: Joseph
Facilitated and taught by Dr. Denny Bates
Four Practical Lessons . . . Four Nights . . . For You
When: August 8, 15, 22, 29 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Where: First Reliance Bank Learning Center/West Palmetto Street
Cost for Downloadable Workbook (pdf) and Course: $20.00
STUDY OUTLINE:
Example #1, Joseph: “The Use Of Power At Work: Power In The Hands Of Joseph—A Powerbroker Who Felt Its Abuse And Then Later, When Given The Occasion, Used It Wisely”
Part #1: “The Life Of Joseph: A Career That Impacted And Saved The World” (Genesis 37:1-36)
Part #2 “Promotion Comes From The Lord ” (Genesis, Chapter 39:1-6a)
Part #3 “Where Is It Written That Life Is Fair?” (Genesis, Chapter 39:7-23)
Part #4 “Learning To Be A Blessing In The Midst Of Adversity” (Genesis, Chapter 40:1-23)
Two Essential Quotes
Leadership is a stewardship. It is temporary…and you’re accountable. ~ Andy Stanley
What happens when God has made you the most powerful person in the room? What are you going to with this power? How you respond determines who you will be. This helps establish who you are. ~ Andy Stanley (See John 13)
These two quotes have made quite the impression on me. Those who have tasted from the nectar of leadership have been given the privilege of having “power” over others. It might be as simple as a parent having power over a child or a CEO having the power to hire and fire, to bless or to curse any employees who are at their mercy. Power is a gift, not a right, and certainly never an entitlement. The true test of the Christian believer is how he or she stewards their power.
This focused study of the life of Joseph, The Powerbroker’s Guide To The Kingdom, provides practical life lessons on how power can be used is the right way . . . and in the wrong way too. Of all the important lessons we learn, may we get this one right. Not just for our sake, but especially for the sake of those who can either be helped or hurt by our power.
I hope you will join me for this practical study on biblical leadership in the learning center of First Reliance Bank. Space is limited. Please confirm your attendance today by inboxing me on facebook or via my email listed below.
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
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.
Hello my dear friends, have you ever considered your life to be a trophy of God's grace? If you are a disciple of Jesus, think about it: He has created you, loved you, and saved you all for His glory. And He has given you the greatest platform of all: to be a witness to others who so desperately need to know that there is a loving God who loves them too. If you don't let them know, then who will?
I love to tell the story,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #26
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: Come and hear, all who fear God, And I will tell of what He has done for my soul. Psalm 66:16
Core Value: Evangelism
What if you had been entrusted with an idea that would change the world, but kept it to yourself? What if you had discovered the secret to overcoming cancer but failed to communicate it to those who are sick? What if you had the kind of news that would grant others incredible peace of mind, but chose to let them find out for themselves? What if you have experienced God’s amazing and saving grace, but did not think it was important enough to share it with those who need to hear about a personal God who does very personal things in the lives of His children? What if.
Your life is to be an example of how great God really is and you have been granted the wonderful opportunity to brag on Him. This is the testimony of the Psalmist: “Come one, come all. Let me tell you all that He has done for me. And if He did it for me, He will do it for you too!”
Principle #26 & Personal Application: Quality disciples willingly give a passionate, personal testimony of God at work.
Because of what Jesus has done for us . . .
• We want others to know what we know: Come and hear
• We want others to know how great, mighty and awesome our God is: all who fear God
• We want others to know of what God has done for us: And I will tell of what He has done for my soul
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What is my testimony? What have I seen God do in my life where I can “brag” on Him to those who are searching for His love and forgiveness?
Who in my circle of influence needs to hear my story of redemption? Who are my lost friends and family that I need to add to my prayer list?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me a story of grace. Thank You for reaching out to me so that I may reach out to others and share Your love with them. May I always invite the lost to “come and hear” what You have done in my life.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are… Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
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.
Hello
my dear friends! If you are like me, the days of summer tend to wear me
down if I spend too much time outside in this record heat. Many of us
today are facing heated days that are way beyond our comfort zone. The
more uncomfortable we become, the less focused we become. Life is like
that for the disciple of Jesus, isn't it? It does not take much for us
to lose our focus when our circumstances change. Some of us take our
eyes off of Jesus and onto ourselves and our circumstances. And in
effect, we misplace our worship of Him.
Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a wonderful admonition to set our hearts on our great Savior and worship Him!
Learning with you,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #25
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 1 Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; 2 Sing the glory
of His name; Make His praise glorious. 3 Say to God, "How awesome are
Your works! Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will
give feigned obedience to You. 4 "All the earth will worship You, And
will sing praises to You; They will sing praises to Your name." Selah.
Psalm 66:1-4
Core Value: Worship
It has been said that
a rut is a grave with both ends kicked out. For some disciples of
Jesus, our worship has become a rut. Our memories of what was once a
dynamic love relationship with Jesus has slipped away into a lukewarm
existence. Yes, we love Him, but the feelings have long gone away.
What has happened? Perhaps we have lost our “first love” and have
replaced it with a religious “duty” where we only go through the
motions. What is the answer to returning to a worship of God that has
deep meaning? We must fix our eyes upon Jesus. And when we do, we will
leave behind the rut of ho-hum and take a step of faith towards a
passionate, joyous relationship with Him.
I am reminded of this great gospel song that perfectly describes the process:
[If you] Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And [then] the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.
Principle #25 & Personal Application: Quality disciples have a
heart full of joyous praise and worship for an awesome and glorious God.
• Our worship is to be exuberant: “Shout joyfully to God, all the
earth; Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious” (vs. 1-2)
• Our worship is to be focused upon God’s awesome works and great
power: “Say to God, "How awesome are Your works! Because of the
greatness of Your power Your enemies will give feigned obedience to
You.” (vs. 3)
• Our worship is to be joined in chorus with the
whole world: “All the earth will worship You, And will sing praises to
You; They will sing praises to Your name” (vs. 4)
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
How does the command “shout joyfully to God” impact the way I worship the Lord? What does it mean to make His praise glorious?
As I reflect upon this passage of Scripture, what kinds of things come to my mind when I consider His awesome works in my life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, by faith fill my heart with worship for You. I shout
joyfully to You. I sing the glory of Your name. By grace, I make Your
praise glorious. In thanksgiving, I focus my heart upon Your awesome
works and great power. In obedience, I join my voice with every other
believer on the earth and sing praises to Your name.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are… Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
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
