Cast Sheep? It Can Happen To Anyone Of Us. Psalms of Discipleship Bonus. February 18, 2013

This is a note written by my friend, Byron Matthews (Makayla’s Dad). Many of us have been lifting up this precious little girl for a few weeks now. May the Lord continue to touch and heal her body. If you want to follow her journey, check out this link:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/makaylamatthews

"From a shepherd’s view, I learned that real sheep have an odd condition. They find themselves many times when they cannot get up. They call it a “cast sheep”. For some reason, a sheep when they lay down can get their center of gravity too far over and roll over on their backs, leaving them unable to actually get back on their feet. This horrifying position can actually kill them if they are not helped back. Even when they are healthy, they can lie down in lush grasses and find a hole that rolls them too far over. How terrifying it is when one moment you are completely satisfied, and the next you are on your back and have no way to regain control. You are helpless. You can’t help yourself."

Byron is correct. Sometimes, life just happens. We can’t help ourselves. We need a Shepherd, a Good One. His name is Jesus. We need to place our confidence and trust in Him.

Here is a reminder of what He has promised to do and a reminder of what we must do.

This is what the Lord will do: He has promised to care for us:

23 The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. 25 Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread. Psalm 37:23-25 (NLT)

This is what we must do: We need to place our confidence in God:

12 Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence. 1 Corinthians 10:12 (MSG)

Learning to trust with you,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #37 (Grace) October 6, 2012

Hello my dear friends! Today's Psalms of Discipleship addresses one of our greatest needs: hope. Hope is what fuels us to keep on pressing on. Hope is what gets us out of bed on a rainy Monday morning. And hope is what helps us keep the right perspective when life's circumstances are not going our way. May we learn the secret to life: to fix our hope on the Lord.

Resting in Jesus,

Denny Bates


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #37

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

Key Scripture: 5 For You are my hope; O Lord GOD, You are my confidence from my youth. 6 By You I have been sustained from my birth; You are He who took me from my mother's womb; My praise is continually of You. 7 I have become a marvel to many, For You are my strong refuge. Psalm 71:5-7

Core Value: Grace

Has there ever been a time in your life when you were without hope? Perhaps you were experiencing a severe famine of a depleted bank account or maybe you were in the middle of a perfect storm of crushing circumstances that left you weary and hopeless?

Here is an important life principle that disciples of Jesus must not only know about, but practice it too. We must quit hoping in others, we must quit hoping that our problems will go away. We even must quit hoping in ourselves. We must place our hope in the Lord.

Principle #37 & Personal Application: Quality disciples have a hope that is fixed upon the Lord.

When we hope in the Lord . . .

• We place our confidence in Him: “You are my confidence from my youth”

• We give our unending praise to Him: “My praise is continually of You”

• We become an encouragement to others: “I have become a marvel to many”

• We find our strong refuge in Him: “For You are my strong refuge”

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What has been going on in my life where I have been able to place my hope in the Lord?

Can I think of a circumstance where others were encouraged by my faith in the Lord?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are my hope, O Lord, my God. You are my confidence. By Your grace You have sustained me from my birth. My praise shall be continually of You. Because of Your grace at work in my life, I have become a marvel to many as I have found safety in You, my strong refuge.

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/

Looking for a way to jump start your devotional life? Try Psalms of Discipleship: A One Year Journey with the Shepherd. Click on this link for how you can order your copy today (Print or pdf ebook).

http://www.dennybates.com/#!a-one-year-journey-with-the-shepherd/c6pu

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #36 (Prayer). September 29, 2012

Hello my dear friends! Have you ever run out of your own hope? You have hoped, and hoped, and hoped for it seems a long, long time and remain unsatisfied. What is the key? The psalmist shows us the power of hope is not in hope itself, but in Whom we place our hope.

Resting in the One who gives us hope,

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #36

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

Key Scripture: 1 In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed. 2 In Your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; Incline Your ear to me and save me. 3 Be to me a rock of habitation to which I may continually come; You have given commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress. 4 Rescue me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, Out of the grasp of the wrongdoer and ruthless man, Psalm 71:1-4

Core Value: Prayer

It is has been said that hope is not a strategy, but it is a great thing to have in hand. Sometimes we can hope for better circumstances, we can hope for “enough” faith to gain the victory, we can have hope in hope and never have enough equity built up in our hope account. So what is the answer for the disciple of Jesus? The answer is we need to have our hope fixed upon the character of the Lord. Here are a few examples of hope that is well placed:

Be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:24 (HCSB)

I put my hope in You, LORD; You will answer, Lord my God. Psalm 38:15 (HCSB)

5 Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5 (HCSB)

Sustain me according to Thy word, that I may live; And do not let me be ashamed of my hope. Psalm 119:116 (NASB77)

I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope. Psalm 130:5 (NASB77)

Principle #36 & Personal Application: Quality disciples, with great confidence in the Lord, cry out to their Deliverer for help.

• The prayer of faith is founded upon safe refuge in the Lord: “In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed.”

• The prayer of faith is founded upon the Lord’s righteousness and great salvation: “In Your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; Incline Your ear to me and save me.”

• The prayer of faith is founded upon the Lord’s faithfulness and trustworthiness: “Be to me a rock of habitation to which I may continually come; You have given commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress.”

• The prayer of faith is founded upon the Lord’s ability to rescue and deliver completely: “Rescue me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, Out of the grasp of the wrongdoer and ruthless man”

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I am feeling overwhelmed by discouragement, fear, or doubt, how may this passage of Scripture bring comfort to me?

What steps do I need to take in order to pray more and worry less?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may I always live like I am completely dependent upon You. In You I can find refuge and be safe. In You I focus my prayers upon the One who is righteous and true. In You I can rest upon Your faithfulness and trustworthiness. In You I trust to rescue and deliver me completely.

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/

What does a Disciple-Making Ministry look like? It looks like . . .

SOMETHING NEW

"Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past;
Behold, I will do something new . . .” Isaiah 43:18, 19a

MISSION STATEMENT

Something New exists to challenge believers in Jesus to experience a lifetime commitment to spiritual growth, and to empower disciples of Jesus Christ to multiply His life in all of the world. This remarkable journey of faith begins in our Jerusalem: in our home and in the marketplace where we work and play.

CORE VALUES

We value the Grace of God. It is free, undeserved, and deeply appreciated. Being recipients of the gift of grace, we desire to give it away to others who do not deserve it.

We value the worship of God. Worship is not only singing songs. Biblical worship includes a sacrifice, a submission of our will to His (Genesis 22).

We value the Word of God. We believe the Bible, revealed in 66 books, is God's truth. It is perfect and is meant to be read by believers on a regular basis. The goal of Bible reading, and even Bible study, is not the collection of more theological trivia. The goal is to experience the truth and then make the personal application that leads to personal transformation.

We value connecting with God through prayer. We believe that prayer is not a monologue, but a dialogue with God. We believe God has provided the way for us to make known to Him, not only our needs, but also our love and adoration of Him through prayer.

We value community with other believers through authentic relationships. We believe that no one can effectively live the victorious Christian life alone. We believe the "one anothers" of the Bible can only be practiced and lived with power and credibility in the presence of other believers. We value creating a safe place where we can be honest with ourselves, with each other and with God.

We value using our spiritual gifts by serving others. We believe that the spiritual and natural gifts we each have, are given by God and to be freely shared with those who are in need of our gifts.

We value living out our faith by sharing with others the love of Jesus. We believe that the Gospel Of Jesus Christ is not only Good News but is the greatest story ever told. We desire to share this love by whatever means we have.

We value growing disciples who are making other disciples for Jesus!

Wish to learn more about Something New? In box me on Facebook.

 

Psalms of Discipleship (Grace) Principle #17. May 5, 2012

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!

http://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/dennybates

Psalms of Discipleship, Principle #11 (Grace) March 24, 2012

Hello my dear friends! Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a wonderful reminder that we do not have to take this journey of faith alone. The beauty of the Christian life is having the grace that allows us to direct access to the power we need to "live life well" as His disciples. The grace given is free. Our responsibility: We must learn how to apply it.

Do you "Live Life Well"? I'm learning with you.

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #11

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

Key Scripture: My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises! Psalm 57:7

Core Value: Grace

There is a lot to be said for good footing. Be it a long hike over rugged terrain or an athlete trying to make an athletic move, good footing is the key between success and failure. One slip on a rocky hillside and the outcome can be a scratched leg or worse. A loss of footing by the running back when making a cut in the grass can mean the difference between a game-breaking play or a loss of yards.

When it comes to disciples of Jesus, we need to be sure of the steps of faith we are taking: are our steps grounded in the confidence we have in our faith or are our steps of faith grounded in the very character of God? Our way is the way of works and is completely dependent upon us. God’s way is the way of grace and is completely dependent upon God. His grace allows us to walk with a steadfast heart.

Principle #11 & Personal Application: Quality disciples have been given a steadfast, confident heart from the Lord.

• It is because of grace that the believer’s heart is steadfast and confident

• It is because of grace that the believer can respond in a song of worship

• It is because of grace that the believer can experience a heart that is made strong and kept strong, forever

Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. | My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalm 73:25-26 (NLT)

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What does it “feel” like when the burdens of this life are undergirded by a strong heart?

Can I recall a time when I wanted to burst out in song after experiencing God’s grace in my life?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, it is because of You that my heart is steadfast and confident. It is because of You that Your grace comes to me in abundance when life presents me with burdens that seek to weigh me down. It is because of You that my heart can only have one response: to sing praises to 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.

Looking for some discipleship resources on how you can better grow as a disciple of Jesus? Check out these links!

www.dennybates.com
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/