Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #25 (Grace). July 13, 2013

Hello my dear friends,

Today's Psalms of Discipleship gives comfort to the person who feels surrounded by his or her enemies. Some disciples of Jesus default to fear when the battle is near. Other disciples follow the example of the Psalmist and trust in the Lord.

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: 16 Who will stand up for me against evildoers? Who will take his stand for me against those who do wickedness? 17 If the LORD had not been my help, My soul would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence. 18 If I should say, "My foot has slipped," Your lovingkindness, O LORD, will hold me up. 19 When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul. Psalm 94:16-19

Core Value: Grace

Have you ever felt you were surrounded by someone or something that was opposing you at every turn? Have you ever experienced the feeling of being outnumbered by your foes? Have you ever considered throwing up the white flag of surrender during the heat of battle and just giving up? One of the great struggles the disciple of Jesus faces is the struggle of confrontation. Sometimes it can be demonic. Sometimes, the battle lies within. And there are other times where the opposition comes in the form of other people, perhaps even from other Christians.

It is important to note the strategy the Psalmist took. First, he posed the logical question: “Who will stand up for me?” Second, he offers the best solution to his circumstances: He assigns the credit (the glory) to the One who has a history of delivering him and comforting him.

What lesson can we learn from his example? It is okay to raise the question of “who will stand up for me?” Perhaps the enemy is Satan, or the thoughts within, or even in the appearance of another person. It is also okay to confess that Jesus is our defense.

Principle #25 & Personal Application: Quality disciples look to the Lord for help when enemies seek to overwhelm and destroy.

• We can take comfort in the fact that the Lord will stand up for us against evildoers

• We can take comfort in the fact that the Lord is our help

• We can take comfort in the fact that the Lord’s lovingkindness (mercy) will hold us up

• We can take comfort in the fact that the Lord will console us and comfort our soul.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

How does the grace of God help me not be overcome by worry and anxiety?

Because the Lord has given me grace, what comfort does He offer me when my “foot has slipped?”

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am grateful that You will stand up for me against evildoers who do evil things to me. I am thankful for Your presence in my life. Without Your presence I would be lost and forsaken forever. And when I do stumble and fall, You are there to pick me up and pour out Your mercy upon me. And just when I cling the edge of despair, You are there to comfort me and delight my soul.

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 #19 (Worship). May 25, 2013

Hello my dear friends! Every now and then we may face challenging circumstances that seek to overwhelm us, even to the point of giving up. Or even worse, convincing ourselves that our problems are far greater than God's ability to fix them. We may never "believe" this but many of us practice what we really believe.

Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a wonderful reminder of how great God really is . . . to me . . . and to you!

Overwhelmed by His great love,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #19

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

Key Scripture: 5 The heavens will praise Your wonders, O LORD; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones. 6 For who in the skies is comparable to the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty is like the LORD, 7 A God greatly feared in the council of the holy ones, And awesome above all those who are around Him? 8 O LORD God of hosts, who is like You, O mighty LORD? Your faithfulness also surrounds You. 9 You rule the swelling of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them. Psalm 89:5-9

Core Value: Worship

It is pretty safe to say that if our problems begin to look bigger than our God we are well on the way to spiritual defeat. We never intend to worship our problems, do we? Or do we? In the rawest of terms, false worship occurs when someone or something becomes greater than one’s focus upon God. One of the best ways to keep our problems and faith challenges in the right perspective is to set our eyes on the One who is great and greatly to be praised.

This Gospel chorus sums it up very well:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

Principle #19 & Personal Application: Quality disciples have a high respect for a great and awesome God.

• A heart of worship will experience a God who is greater than anyone’s problems

• A heart of worship will experience a God who is greater than His creation

• A heart of worship will experience a God who is greater than anyone

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What steps do I need to take that will enhance my worship of the Lord?

The Lord is a high and mighty Savior who is awesome, great, and faithful. What have I experienced in the past few weeks that has drawn my heart closer to Him?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, the heavens do declare Your glory and praise. You are a faithful God who is always faithful to me. May I always remember to keep my heart turned towards You and worship You as a great and mighty Lord.

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 #14 (Worship). April 14, 2013

Hello my dear friends! Everyone has problems, sometimes, even GREAT ones. The blessing for the disciple of Jesus is that in spite of our great problems, we have an even GREATER God. In today's Psalms of Discipleship, the Psalmist is filled with a heart of worship as he praises His great God.

He is greatly to be praised!

Learning to worship Him, better,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #14

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

Key Scripture: 8 There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord, Nor are there any works like Yours. 9 All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And they shall glorify Your name. 10 For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God. Psalm 86:8-10

Core Value: Worship

Allow me to pose this personal question to you: are your problems greater than your God? Before you respond with the “right” answer, give full pause before answering the question honestly. There are some believers who focus more upon the greatness of their problem instead of setting their heart upon the impeccable character and the incredible ways of our Great God.

Here is what I have come to realize: no matter how great is my problem; He can be greatly trusted to help me through it. The key to experiencing the greatness of God while undergoing a great problem is to worship Him greatly. A great God is worthy of great worship!

Principle #14 & Personal Application: Quality disciples are diverse members of a worldwide body of believers who worship Jesus and glorify His Name.

• Who is like the Lord? No one

• Who has works like His? No one

• Who will come and worship and glorify Him? Everyone

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What can I do today that will help me set my heart upon the Lord and worship Him?

What kinds of “great and wondrous deeds” has the Lord done in my life recently?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, there is no one like You among the gods. O Lord, nor are there any works like Yours. One day from every nation, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. What a glorious time that will be where You will receive the worship due to Your great Name and to Your wondrous deeds. You and You alone are God.

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 #43 (Worship). December 2, 2012

Hello my dear friends! How BIG is your God? Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a wonderful reminder that no matter how big your problems might appear to be, your God is much BIGGER. The lesson? If we do not worship Him, we will be overwhelmed by our small problems.

Learning to worship Him, in a BIG way,

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #43

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

Key Scripture: 12 Yet God is my king from of old, Who works deeds of deliverance in the midst of the earth. 13 You divided the sea by Your strength; You broke the heads of the sea monsters in the waters. 14 You crushed the heads of Leviathan; You gave him as food for the creatures of the wilderness. 15 You broke open springs and torrents; You dried up ever-flowing streams. 16 Yours is the day, Yours also is the night; You have prepared the light and the sun. 17 You have established all the boundaries of the earth; You have made summer and winter. Psalm 74:12-17

Core Value: Worship

Have you ever felt like that some of your biggest problems might be bigger than God’s ability to help you? Most of us would never allow the thought to even cross our mind. But perhaps, in a fleeting moment of being real, we have at least considered the possibility. Sure, we know that God is at work in others, but in us? Hmmmm.

The Psalmist chooses not to focus upon his big problems but sets his testimony upon the greatness of his great God. This is what worship of Jesus will do for the disciple: it changes our perspective from one of hopeless desperation to firm faith.

Principle #43 & Personal Application: Quality disciples worship a great and awesome God.

God has a history of doing great and awesome acts, all for His great glory.

• He works deeds of deliverance

• He rules the sea that He created

• He created day and night

• He established all the boundaries of the earth

• He has set in place the seasons of summer and winter

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I consider the works of the Lord, what kinds of worshipful thoughts come to my mind?

Because God is great and mighty, what effect does that have upon my prayers?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are my King who works deeds of deliverance in my life everyday. I worship You for Your great power and sovereignty over the earth and over me. May I always keep a high view of who You are (Almighty God) and who I am (a child of the King).

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 . . .

· A ministry that focuses upon making Quality disciples for Jesus.

· A ministry that encourages believers to connect in community and experience the discipled life.

· A ministry that seeks to help other believers learn how to live the discipled life by offering seminars, workshops, keynote speaking and interactive coaching.

· A ministry where investments are not made in buildings, but in building lives.

Psalms of Discipleship is a ministry of Something New and is set up for tax-deductible contributions at this time. If you would like to make a financial investment in my discipleship ministry and the Lord leads you to do so, you can direct your gift to Something New Ministries. Not only will you receive a tax credit for your generous gift, you will be investing in something that has deep meaning for you—changed lives. Your financial gift will be deeply appreciated at this time. Click on this link for more information:

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

Psalms of Discipleship (Worship) Principle #40. November 3, 2012

Hello my dear friends,

Got problems? We all do. Got lots of questions? You bet. Got answers? Sometimes. Got Jesus? We do if we are His disciples. Today's Psalms of Discipleship reminds us that worship is the key to overcoming insurmountable problems.

What are you focused upon today? Your Problems or Your Savior?

Learning with you,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #40

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

Key Scripture: 17 May his name endure forever; May his name increase as long as the sun shines; And let men bless themselves by him; Let all nations call him blessed. 18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who alone works wonders. 19 And blessed be His glorious name forever; And may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen. Psalm 72:17-19

Core Value: Worship

When we fix our attention on our problems, we can become stuck in them. No doubt, there are plenty of challenging problems that fill our lives. No doubt, we often have more questions than answers that come to mind. But there is no doubt that when we focus our faith upon the great name of our great God, our heart is lifted up, our joy overflows, and our insurmountable problems are placed at the feet of Jesus.

When we worship Jesus it means we are taking the steps of faith to fix our eyes upon Him instead of our problems.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace

Principle #40 & Personal Application: Quality disciples keep a sharp focus upon the Lord’s great works and His glorious name.

• We worship the Lord for His enduring name: “May his name endure forever; May his name increase as long as the sun shines.”

• We worship the Lord for His blessing upon us: “And let men bless themselves by him; Let all nations call him blessed.”

• We worship the Lord for His amazing works: “Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who alone works wonders. ”

• We worship the Lord for His glorious name: “And blessed be His glorious name forever.”

• We worship the Lord for His sovereign glory over the whole earth: “And may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen. ”

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

As I read and meditate upon this passage of Scripture what kinds of thoughts are crossing my mind?

How can I apply the truths of this passage upon the challenges I am facing today?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I praise You for Your enduring Name. May Your name be known among every tribe, nation, and ethic group around the world. I praise You for Your blessing upon my life. I marvel at the amazing works of Your hands. I bless You Lord Jesus and bless Your glorious name forever. May the whole earth be filled with Your glory. Amen, and Amen.

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/

PS. If you live within driving distance to Columbia International University, I'd like to invite you to join us for a one day seminar and prayer retreat on November 17. Click on the link below for more information on "Changing Places: Understanding the Process of Transition"

http://www.dennybates.com/#!changing-places/c184w

Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #41--Grace--October 22, 2011

Hello my dear friends! Greetings to you.

Everyone has problems (even the spiritual people do too). Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a grace-driven reminder that no matter how big our problems might be, God is much bigger. One of the keys to the experiencing the victorious Christian life is gaining the right perspective. When my problems become bigger than God, I have demeaned Him and reduced Him to my level. However, when I see my God is bigger than my problems, I have not only brought glory to Him but have taken that healthy step of faith that will help me walk through the problems. My view of God will be enhanced and I will be reminded that He is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Resting in His big promises even as I face my small problems,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #41

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

Key Scripture: 1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3

Core Value: Grace

How big is your problem? How big is your God? Herein lies two important questions that each disciple of Jesus must not only honestly ask, but also answer truthfully. When one goes through a personal life crisis, it may seem to be a problem that has no answer and no prospects of a good outcome. Be it a health problem, a career problem, or a relationship problem, we have all faced challenging circumstances that severely test our faith. We go into the problem knowing that God has an answer for everything. And yet, when we are fighting to keep our wits, we may doubt if He has an answer for our problem. . . this time.

Here is a lesson that we need to be constantly reminded of: it is much easier to study about and to know God’s character and His promises before the storm hits, so that when life becomes hard we know what we believe no matter what may come our way.

This is the same kind of faith the Apostle Paul experienced when he said, “…for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him…” 2 Tim 1:12

The quality disciple is able to trust Jesus with everything, knowing “He’s got the whole world in His hands.” That would include our world (with all our problems) too.

Principle #41 & Personal Application: The quality disciple lives in God’s protective care and experiences His comfort and perfect peace.

• It is by the grace of God we can find a safe refuge and strength when we are in trouble.

• It is by the grace of God we can resist the urge to panic and be overcome by a terrifying fear that would seek to overwhelm us.

• It is by the grace of God we can live in God’s care and experience His comfort and perfect peace.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

What kind of refuge and strength does the Lord provide to me?

What kinds of things cause me to fear? How can this passage of Scripture encourage me when I become afraid?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are my refuge and my strength. You are my very present help when I am in trouble. Because of Your greatness and Your grace, I will not fear when my circumstances seek to fill my heart with doubt and unbelief. By faith, may I keep my eyes upon You.

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/