Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #10 (Grace). March 17, 2013

Hello my dear friends! Today's Psalms of Discipleship addresses the theme of what happens when the power of God's forgiveness impacts the life of the disciple of Jesus. As the hymn writer says, "Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it; Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb."

Redeemed,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #10

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

Key Scripture: 2 You forgave the iniquity of Your people; You covered all their sin. Selah. 3 You withdrew all Your fury; You turned away from Your burning anger. 4 Restore us, O God of our salvation, And cause Your indignation toward us to cease. Psalm 85:2-4

Core Value: Grace

Restoration. What a wonderful word! Restoration is the process of repairing or renovating a work of art. Over time, deterioration sets in. What was once a brand new painting, it ages while losing its original luster. The paint fades and the canvas cracks. And over the course of time it is overlooked for fresher works of art. In the opinion of many, it has become damaged goods and no longer pleasant to the eye. It ceases to be useful, or so it would seem.

Restoration is not only a wonderful word, it is a marvelous action of a loving and kind God who delights in restoring what is broken and damaged by sin. Listen to the Everlasting Words of the One who Restores:

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)

14 and my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I'll be there ready for you: I'll listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (MSG)

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:12 (ESV)

6 David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it: 7 “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. 8 Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin.” Romans 4:6-8 (NLT)

5 This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. 6 So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. 7 But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7 (NLT)

Principle #10 & Personal Application: Quality disciples are free to receive God’s unconditional love expressed in a radical forgiveness.

• We are free to receive God’s unconditional love because Jesus forgives us and covers our sin

• We are free to receive God’s unconditional love because He has turned His anger away from us

• We are free to receive God’s unconditional love because He has restored us

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

In what ways can I express my gratitude to God for His unconditional love for me?

Grace is something that can never be earned or repaid. But because of grace I can be thankful. For what can I be thankful?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for forgiving me. Your blood has not only covered my sin but has cleansed me too. Thank You for taking the penalty of sin and death upon Yourself and for withdrawing Your fury and burning anger from me. Thank You for restoring me with Your great salvation.

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 #2 (Prayer). January 19, 2013

Hello my dear friends, grace to you.

In this edition of Psalms of Discipleship we are going to look at an "obvious" solution to our greatest need. But sometimes, even with the most committed disciple of Jesus, we can put more faith in our ability to "fix" our problems than to place our entire trust in Jesus to fix us.

Learning as I go,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #2

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

Key Scripture: O God, restore us And cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved. (See also vs. 7 and 19) Psalm 80:3

Core Value: Prayer

Have you ever come to the end of yourself? It seems that everything you have attempted to do in order to “fix” your problem has crashed and burned. Out of the ashes of another failed attempt to fix the unfixable, do you often return to the very same way of doing things that will give you the very same outcome again?

Here is the illusion: sometimes we believe we are the answer to our removing our trials (and maybe, sometimes this is absolutely true). But there are some personal challenges that require us to look beyond ourselves. Some people look to man’s wisdom. Others look to false gods. The disciple of Jesus looks to the God of grace, the One who restores us, the One who shines His face upon us, the One who saves us.

Principle #2 & Personal Application: Quality disciples learn to keep short accounts with God through humility and brokenness.

• The person who keeps short accounts with God looks to the Lord for restoration and the forgiveness of sin

• The person who keeps short accounts with God is graced with the warmth and kindness of His love

• The person who keeps short accounts with God experiences the beauty of God’s salvation everyday

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

How does a prayer of repentance help me see God’s love for me more clearly?

What does it mean to have God’s face shine upon me?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may I always keep short accounts with You. Without Your restoration, I am doomed to spiritual ruin. May Your face always shine upon me. May Your great salvation never be taken for granted by 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.

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

Helping lovers of Jesus make disciples for Him is the heart of my ministry. If you would like more information on how you can partner with DiscipleMakers4Jesus and Something New Ministries, click on this link.

http://www.dennybates.com/#!give/c1ya0

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #1 (Prayer). January 5, 2013

Hello my dear friends and a very happy new year to you! Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a good lesson to remind us once again that there is power in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It does what we cannot do. Save us and forgive us.

He is mighty to save.

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #1

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

Key Scripture: Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; And deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name's sake. Psalm 79:9

Core Value: Prayer

There are some things we can fix, and there are some things that we cannot fix. The problem comes when we spend energy trying to fix the things we cannot fix and ignore the things we need to fix.

For example, we can fix our eyes on the unseen by having faith
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV)

We are to fix our eyes on His ways
I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. Psalm 119:15 (ESV)

We are to stay focused upon the right things
25 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. Proverbs 4:25-27 (NLT)

What we cannot fix is our own sin problem through works or trying to be better or to work harder. This is the message of the Gospel, the Good News: Only Jesus can deliver us and forgive us of our sins.

Principle #1 & Personal Application: Quality disciples look to Immanuel, God with us, for the cleansing power of His blood that not only delivers the sinner from the penalty of sin, but also forgives them of their sin.

• It is because of Jesus and His love for us that He is the God of our salvation

• It is because of Jesus and His great name that He is our deliverer

• It is because of Jesus and His shed blood that He is the forgiver and cleanser of our sins

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

--> In what ways does the fact that Jesus is the God of my salvation cause me to live in obedience to Him?
 
Are there any sins that have entangled me where I need His deliverance and forgiveness?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me, I pray; O God of my salvation. For the glory of Your name, deliver me from destructive habits and forgive me of my sins, for Your name’s sake.

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.

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

Are you looking for a helpful resource that will guide your spiritual growth in 2013? I'd like to recommend this book, "A One Year Journey With The Shepherd." Now in e-book and printed versions.

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

Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #13 (Prayer). April 7, 2012

Hello my dear friends! As we celebrate Resurrection weekend, its a good time to remind ourselves that Jesus defeated our greatest enemy, death, when He went to the cross, died, and rose again on the third day. Today's Psalms of Discipleship gives a unique perspective on how to handle the other enemies that harass us.

He is Risen. He is Risen, Indeed!

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #13

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

Key Scripture: Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me. Psalm 59:1

Core Value: Prayer

One of the great challenges that disciples of Jesus face is how deal with an enemy, in the right way. No matter how spiritual a person might be, there will always be enemies who will harass and oppose us. Now, here is the hard thing to swallow: sometimes it appears that even another member of the Body of Christ acts like an enemy to us. Instead of calling down fire from heaven upon them, what are we supposed to do?

Here is what Jesus suggests is the proper response (Luke 6:27-28): We are to . . .

• Love our enemies

• Do good to those who hate us

• Bless those who curse us

• Pray for those who mistreat us

Impossible? Yes. But with God’s help, it’s entirely possible. Resting in grace and being fueled by prayer is the only way to overcome the power of our enemies.

Principle #13 & Personal Application: Quality disciples look to the Lord during times of spiritual danger.

During times of spiritual danger, the believer . . .

• Can pray and ask God for deliverance: Deliver me from my enemies, O my God

• Can pray for a place of protection: Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me

• Can pray and look to the Lord with faith knowing that the Good Shepherd cares for His sheep.

9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. John 10:9-11 (NLT)

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

The disciple of Jesus has many enemies. What kinds of enemies are stalking me that require the Lord’s deliverance?

When do I feel the safest, the most secure from my enemies? What kind of actions can I take that will remind me of God’s protection over my life?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your promise to protect me from my enemies. All praise to You for setting me securely on high away from those who rise up against me. My heart can rest in knowing that You are the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep.

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.

Are you interested in going deeper in your walk with Jesus? Check out my website for a list of resources that will help you become "A Quality Disciple."

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

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #1--Grace--January 14, 2012

Hello dear friends! My prayer for you and for me this year is for the God of grace to convince us more than ever before that...

His grace frees us to love Him more,

His grace helps us to serve Him better,

His grace gives us permission not to be perfect,

His grace prompts us to love and accept others who are in desperate need of His grace too.

This week's Psalms of Discipleship underscores our addiction to grace.


From one grace junkie to another,

Denny



Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #1

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

Key Scripture: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. Psalm 51:17

Core Value: Grace

Forgiven? Really? Just like that? Yes. Really. Just like that. It is grace that causes the broken to be blessed. It causes the rejected to be redeemed. Grace causes the humble to be helped. It is grace that causes the sinner to be saved. No one is perfect. No one ever gets it right all of the time. Fortunately for the disciple of Jesus, the grace of Jesus is perfect. His grace does set us free all of the time.

The words of this old hymn illustrate the great truth of grace, perfectly.

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt! Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured, there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold, threaten the soul with infinite loss; grace that is greater, yes, grace untold, points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide. What can avail to wash it away? Look! There is flowing a crimson tide, brighter than snow you may be today.

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace, freely bestowed on all who believe! You that are longing to see his face, will you this moment his grace receive?

Refrain: Grace, grace, God's grace, grace that will pardon and cleanse within; grace, grace, God's grace, grace that is greater than all our sin!

Principle #1 & Personal Application: Quality disciples know that, because of grace, God desires a heart that has been broken because of sin. Grace frees us from the need to perform a futile religious act that has no power to appease a Holy God.

• The sacrifices that God wants from His children are not those religious sacrifices that come from our flesh, from our own vain imaginations. Instead, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.”

• The Lord wastes no experience in the life of the disciple—even when we have failed the Lord and sinned against Him. Because of grace, we can experience “a broken and contrite heart.”

• The person who is “in grace” is broken-hearted by sin. A person who is exposed to God’s grace will be quick to confess one’s sin. Why? Because of the personal relationship that exists between the disciple and one’s God.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I sin, when I miss the mark, how quick am I to keep short accounts with God and confess my sins to Him?

Have I ever tried to cover my sin with a religious exercise that never changed my heart?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, how truly grateful I am that in spite of my shortcomings, Your love for me remains steadfast and true. By the power of Your Holy Spirit and through Your grace, may I resist the temptation to cover my sin with religious exercises that have no power to change my heart. Instead, may I always remember that what pleases You the most is a broken spirit and a broken and contrite heart. You will never despise these.

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.

Why A One Year Journey With The Shepherd May Be A Great Resource For You!

You are invited to spend some time reading and reflecting upon “Psalms of Discipleship: A One Year Journey With The Shepherd,” a simple, easy to use, devotional experience. By spending five minutes or fifty-five minutes on the weekly devotion and Bible study, you will be afforded the opportunity to enhance your spiritual growth. This unique devotional consists of fifty-two practical lessons designed for small group or individual study.

Now available in print and eBook formats. See http://www.dennybates.com/Home/OneYearJourney.html for how you can purchase your copy today!

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

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #50--Grace--December 24, 2011

Hello my dear friends. Warm Christmas greetings to you on this Christmas Eve. For some of us, this time of the year is an emotional challenge for a variety of reasons: perhaps we have lost a job and can no longer afford to join in the materialistic aspect of Christmas OR perhaps we have lost a loved one or even our own health. For some, Christmas is just not the same as it used to be: it has lost it's innocence and has almost become just another day on the calendar.

Years ago as I was finishing my shift as a toy department manager, I stood in the cold before getting into my car. Another 12 hour day during that Christmas rush had taken its toll upon me. In my heart, this thought came to mind: "in a few years or less, most of the toys I had sold to my customers would find their way into the county landfill, consumed and disposed of."

I began to worship the Lord and thank Him for not consuming and disposing of me. He considers me and He considers you to be a priceless gift. And one day, He is coming again. Until then, may each one of us experience a renewed sense of His great love for us this Christmas season.

This Christmas Song, "Jesus Christ is Coming Again," came to me during my ride home. I'd like to share it with you. It is set to familiar tune of "Santa Clause is Coming to Town."

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, (2x)

Jesus Christ is coming again (repeat)

He knows your every desire

He knows what's on your heart

He knows what will give you joy

And His love will never depart

Oh Ha le ha le luia

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, (2x)

Jesus Christ is coming (repeat 3x)

Again



Maranatha (Come quickly, Lord Jesus) and Merry Christmas to you,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #50

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

Key Scripture: Purify me with hyssop (*), and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

* "Hyssop" was a shrub with hairy stems that could be dipped into liquid, and the priests used hyssop to sprinkle blood or water on people needing ceremonial cleansing (Lev. 14:4, 6; Num. 19:6, 18; see Ex. 12:22). Today's believers find their cleansing in the work Jesus accomplished on the cross (1 John 1:5-10; Heb. 10:19-25). Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament - The Bible Exposition Commentary – Wisdom and Poetry.

Core Value: Grace

The great need of sinners is to be cleansed from the filth of a dirty life marred by the effects of sin. The great hope for sinners is the promise of forgiveness. The great message of the Gospel is the power of the blood of Jesus Christ. This is a message that rings true any time of the year, but especially during Advent and Christmas where we celebrate God’s great love for us, revealed to us, when He sent His Son, His one and only son to come and live among us and to die for our sins. Immanuel, God with us, by faith is now Christ in us, the hope of glory!

Merry Christmas!

Principle #50 & Personal Application: The quality disciple experiences spiritual renewal; made clean by the blood of Christ.

As the great hymn writer reminds us, “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

• Grace is the cleansing agent that purifies the soul stained with sin.

• Grace is the means where the disciple is not only washed, but “shall be whiter than snow.”

• Grace is God’s gift to the sin problem. This is the only antidote that will keep us spiritually alive: the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What is it in my life that the Lord needs to clean up in my heart?

When I read from God’s Word, what are some of the Scriptures He has used in the past that “cleanse” me? (Make a list of these and refer back to them often. For example, see 1 John 1:9; Romans 5:8-9; Hebrews 4:12-16, etc.)

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for purifying me with Your blood. By Your grace, I am clean before You. May I walk in the knowledge of Your love and forgiveness. May I never take for granted what You did on the Cross for me. May I ever give You unending thanksgiving and praise. Alleluia! Your blood avails for 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/

Looking for a tool that will help encourage you to experience a more meaningful and disciplined devotional life in 2012?

Check out this free sample of A One Year Journey With The Shepherd.

Click on this link for your FREE preview:

http://bit.ly/sXCkYL

Available for purchase on Monday, December 19 via www.dennybates.com

.

What you get with your purchase of this Bible study and devotional book is 52 weeks of practical and easy to use exercises that will help draw you into a deeper relationship with the Shepherd of the Psalms.

Print version is $15.99 (includes shipping and handling). Ebook format (works on your computer and ipad) is $9.99.

For print orders of fifteen books or more, contact me for a quantity discount at dennybates@gmail.com

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #49--Grace--December 18, 2011

Hello my dear friends. This time of the year is always a wonderful reminder of how much God loves us. He sent His Son into the world so that the world might be saved through Him (John 3:17). Today's Psalms of Discipleship offers great hope to the ones who have blown it; have sinned; have missed the mark. That circumstance would apply to all of us. Because of grace, we are forgiven and made clean. Merry Christmas to you!

Jesus is not only the reason for the season, He is the reason for every season of our lives.


Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #49

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

Key Scripture: 1 Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity And cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, And my sin is ever before me. 4 Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, So that You are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge. Psalm 51:1-4

Core Value: Grace

A fresh snow is a wonderful contrast to what it often hides. I recall a December trip I made to visit some friends who are serving the Lord in Kiev Ukraine. While parts of the land were breathtaking, other parts of the surroundings (and people) were still recovering from the harsh conditions of living under the Soviet rule for so many years. The landscape was barren, dirty, and unsightly. And then it snowed, covering up the ugly with a beautiful curtain of white snow. After a while, after the snow was shoveled and trampled upon, what lied beneath was seen again.

In some ways this is like our lives. We are a sinful people. We are dirty and unsightly. And we are in need of grace; the kind of grace that washes whiter than snow; the kind of grace that covers us with the cleansing blood of Jesus; the kind of grace that forgives us of our sin. Lord, may Your grace and love snow on us. Grant us a blizzard!

Principle #49 & Personal Application: The quality disciple experiences the cleansing power of forgiven sin.

• Grace allows the believer to experience the gracious lovingkindness of God.

• Grace allows the believer to be the recipient of the greatness of a compassionate God who has the power to blot out “my” transgressions.

• Grace allows the believer to be thoroughly washed and cleansed from iniquity and sin.

• Grace allows the believer to “own” one’s own sin, refusing to blame others but accepting full responsibility for spiritual failure.

• Grace allows the believer to realize that sin is personal and it is against God.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I sin, how quick am I to keep short accounts with God and confess my sin to Him?

When is the last time that I have experienced the feeling of being thoroughly washed and cleansed of the residue of guilt from my sin?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are gracious and kind to me. Thank You that according to the greatness of Your compassion, You blot out my transgressions. Thank You for washing me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleansing me from my sin. Help me to keep short accounts with You and “own” my sin. Help me to remember that my sin is personal and it does cut Your heart and cause You pain.

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.

Looking for a tool that will help encourage you to experience a more meaningful and disciplined devotional life in 2012?

Check out this free sample of A One Year Journey With The Shepherd.

Click on this link for your FREE preview:

http://bit.ly/sXCkYL

Available for purchase on Monday, December 19 via www.dennybates.com.

What you get with your purchase of this Bible study and devotional book is 52 weeks of practical and easy to use exercises that will help draw you into a deeper relationship with the Shepherd of the Psalms.

Print version is $15.99 (includes shipping and handling). Ebook format (works on your computer and ipad) is $9.99.

For print orders of fifteen books or more, contact me for a quantity discount at dennybates@gmail.com

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