Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #20 (Grace). June 1, 2013

Hello my dear friends! Are you living in the favor of God? Today's Psalms of Discipleship describes a way of life that every disciple of Jesus desires: to live in the FOG, in the Favor of God.

Because of amazing grace,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #20

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

Key Scripture: Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17

Core Value: Grace

Years ago I was on a flight from Northern California to the Philippines. As the plane taxied down the runway, the pilot waited . . . and waited . . . and waited for clearance from the tower to take off. On that night, he never got permission to take off. Instead, he turned the plane around and went back to the terminal. Why? Too much fog.

I recently became aware of a term that caught my attention. “Living in the FOG.” Living in the Favor Of God means that I am fully engaged in the grace of God. Living in the favor of God means that I have discovered a way of life where I am receiving far more than I deserve.

On that night in Northern California, it was not safe to proceed because of the fog. For the disciple of Jesus, living in the FOG is not only safe, but also essential.

Principle #20 & Personal Application: Quality disciples delight in having the Lord’s favor and constant encouragement.

• It is because of grace that the favor of the Lord is upon us

• It is because of grace that the Lord will confirm the work of our hands

• It is because of grace that that we are affirmed and encouraged by Him

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

As I examine my life, what specific examples can I recall where the favor of the Lord has been upon me?

In what areas of my life do I need some encouragement from the Lord (i.e., relationships, career, ministry, etc.)?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may the favor of the Lord my God be upon me. Thank You for Your constant encouragement as I live 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.

Looking for a way to enrich your devotional life? May I suggest this resource: A One Year Journey With The Shepherd

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

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 #37--Prayer--September 25, 2011

Hello dear friends. I trust all of you are resting in the Lord's great love for you. This week we are going to take a look at a wonderful conversation within the soul of the Psalmist. May his words be an encouragement to any of us who are in despair.

Grace and peace,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #37

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

Key Scripture: Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. Psalm 42:11

Core Value: Prayer

Soul talk is good for the soul. What is “soul talk?” It is those conversations I have in my head and heart that no one hears but me and God. It is a moment of complete frankness and transparent candor on how I feel about what is going on in my life with the only One who “gets it” and can do something about it. A healthy conversation within the soul always includes two components: the problem and the best solution to my problem. In this case, the Psalmist states the problem is one of despair, of depression. Fortunately, he had a problem that had a solution and directed it towards the One who is our glory and the One who lifts our head (Ps. 3:3).

Principle #37 & Personal Application: The quality disciple practices the kind of faith that is centered upon hope in God.

• The prayers of the quality disciple are offered in faith, even when one’s circumstances are difficult: We pray in faith even when we our soul is in despair and we are deeply disturbed.

• The prayers of the quality disciple are centered upon hope in God. Our hope is not in our “faith” nor is our hope in our ability to improve our circumstances. Our hope must be in God.

• The prayers of the quality disciple that are offered in faith impact one’s attitude. Even when we are down, the Lord will gladden our heart.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I become down and discouraged, how does my hope in God’s ability to help me usually play itself out?

How focused are my prayers when hard times come my way?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when I become down and in despair and it seems that there will be no end to my discouragement, please remind me of Your promise to me: You will grace my heart with hope in You. You will grant me the faith to trust You and worship You for the times when I will praise You—during the storms and after them too. May I experience a gladdened heart (a heart that has been lifted up and refreshed) so that my life may be seen by others as another testimony of Your great faithfulness 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 © 2011 All rights reserved.

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