Psalms of Discipleship Principle #35 (Evangelism) December 29, 2013

Hello dear friends,

Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a good reminder on how important it is for us to keep our focus upon the Lord's character. When we do so, it changes us. When we are changed by Him, we are a much more effective witness for Him.

Learning with you,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #35

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

Key Scripture: 1 O Sing to the LORD a new song, For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him. 2 The LORD has made known His salvation; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations. 3 He has remembered His lovingkindness and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Psalm 98:1-3

Core Value: Evangelism

From my perspective there is a lot of talking going on: talking about politics, talking about the economy, talking about the latest cultural fads, and a whole lot of talking about religion. But in the midst of all of this talking, is anyone connecting? There never has been a greater opportunity to connect the message of the Gospel (the Good News) to a world in desperate need of a clear path to supernatural peace.

We can debate the issues of right and wrong, good and bad, and left and right. We can even “win” the argument but lose the soul. The greatest impact for life change within the person who has yet to personally experience the love and forgiveness of God is made when we direct their focus upon the character of God. Our witness has to begin within our own heart first. We can experience the kind of life where we know that God is great, victorious, saving, righteous, and good. And by our experience, we can tell others too.

Principle #35 & Personal Application: Quality disciples speak and sing of the Lord’s mighty power and of His infinite goodness.

• Our God is a great God: He has done wonderful things

• Our God is a victorious God: His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him

• Our God is a saving God: The Lord has made known His salvation to the ends of the earth

• Our God is a righteous God: He has declared and revealed His perfect character to the nations

• Our God is a good God: He has remembered His lovingkindness (mercy) and faithfulness to us.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

In what ways does this passage of Scripture help me articulate my witness to the lost?

As I reflect upon the great truths of these verses, which one resonates the most within my heart? Why?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are a great God who has done wonderful things for me. You are a victorious God, helping me live a victorious life. You are a saving God. Thank You for saving me. You are a righteous God. I rest in Your righteousness as I approach the Father’s Throne. You are a good God, always showing me infinite mercy and faithfulness.

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://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/

Dr. Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2013 All rights reserved.

Now available on Amazon in both Kindle and Paperback formats, my newest book on Leadership! Living Above The Fray

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Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #28 (Worship) August 11, 2013

Hello my dear friends. 

Today's Psalms of Discipleship reminds of us the sharp contrast between being entertained by others and entertaining the Lord. May we all learn the importance of presenting our lives to an audience of One.

Learning with you,

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #28

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

Key Scripture: 1 Sing to the LORD a new song; Sing to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. 3 Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. Psalm 96:1-3

Core Value: Worship

We live in an entertainment culture. We want to be entertained. This, in itself, is not necessarily a bad thing. Entertainment can fill our emotional tanks. The problem is when this legitimate activity bleeds into our worship of God. Instead of being entertained by others, we need to entertain the Lord. He needs to be the focal point in our concert of One.

Here is the personal inventory question regarding worship each disciple must ponder: do I want Jesus and others to entertain me or do I want to entertain Him?

Principle #28 & Personal Application: Quality disciples sing to the Lord as they daily proclaim of His great salvation and tell of His glory and wonderful deeds to everyone.

• We worship when we sing to the Lord and bless His name

• We worship when we proclaim good tidings of His great salvation every day

• We worship when we tell of His glory among the nations

• We worship when we tell of His wonderful deeds to everyone

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

Biblical worship is an energetic, enthusiastic, engaged lifestyle. What kind of worship environment is most conducive to my worship of God? (For example, is it solitude; with a large group; lots of music; outdoors; indoors, etc.)

What kinds of thoughts fill my heart when I am worshipping the Lord?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I sing to You a new song. I praise You for I do not sing alone. There are many others who are filling the earth with praise songs for You. As I sing, I bless Your holy Name and proclaim the good tidings of Your great salvation every day. By faith, I will tell everyone I know about Your glory and the great deeds You have done for 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.

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 #22 (Prayer). June 16, 2013

Hello my dear friends! Today's Psalms of Discipleship reveals the heart of our Great God. He does care, really care, for you and for me. It is a Psalm of deliverance, a Psalm of what it means to have an intimate relationship with Jesus, a Psalm of the power of prayer, and a Psalm of promise and hope.

A witness to His great promises,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #22

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

Key Scripture: 14 "Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. 15 "He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 16 "With a long life I will satisfy him And let him see My salvation." Psalm 91:14-16

Core Value: Prayer

This passage of Scripture is quite personal. In June of 1998, I had this Psalm written on an index card and kept it in my shirt pocket, often reflecting upon it throughout the day. On July 2, I had a massive heart attack. During the aftermath, it was touch and go: either it was going to be graduation day and I would finally meet Jesus face to face, or He would extend my life on this earth. After my heart attack my wife found the index card on my dresser and she began to claim the wonderful promises mentioned in these verses. By no means are these promises a “formula” for getting what we want. Instead, the promises of God are based upon the relationship we have with Him, trusting Him for the outcome that will bring Him the greatest glory.

In His mercy, He delivered me. In His mercy, He answered and rescued me. In His mercy, He has added almost 15 years to my life. In His mercy, He will be there for you too.

Principle #22 & Personal Application: Quality disciples love and know the Lord and communicate with Him too.

• We pray because we love the Lord. Because we love the Lord, He desires to deliver us.

• We pray because we know His name. Because we know His name, He desires to set us securely on high.

• We pray because when we are in trouble we know that we can call upon Him. Because we call upon Him, He will answer us and rescue us and honor us.

• Because the Lord is our Shepherd, our Refuge, Our Mighty God, He will satisfy us with a long life and allow us to see His salvation.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I pray (especially when I am in trouble or burdened) do I do so out of a heart of love and worship or is my motive to relieve my discomfort?

There are many promises in this passage of Scripture for the disciple of Jesus. Which one resonates with me?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may I always have a heart that is full of love for You. May I become fully acquainted with knowing Your name. Thank You for delivering me from the things that are harmful to my walk with You. Thank You for the provision of prayer where I can cry out to You and receive Your protection. Thank You for showing me 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 #15 (Grace) April 21, 2013

Hello my dear friends! Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a reminder of how powerful the grace of God is for the disciple of Jesus. It not only saves us but it also empowers us to experience the abundant life of Jesus.

Living in Amazing Grace,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #15

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

Key Scripture: 11 Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. 12 I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And will glorify Your name forever. 13 For Your lovingkindness toward me is great, And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. Psalm 86:11-13

Core Value: Grace

Every disciple needs a frequent reality check: without the grace of Jesus we have no destination other than hell, eternal separation from the love of God (John 14:6). This is true: when God takes the initiative, we are able to respond by taking positive steps. Because of His grace we are able to walk in His truth. When we are walking in truth there is an even deeper awareness of how great He is. A heart that has been infused with grace responds in thanksgiving and worship. Grace not only keeps us out of hell, it empowers us to experience an abundant life in Him.

Principle #15 & Personal Application: Quality disciples have both a teachable and thankful heart.

• By His grace we are able to learn His way and walk in His truth

• By His grace we are able to fear His name and give thanks to Him with an entire heart

• By His grace we are able to embrace His lovingkindness (mercy) and avoid having to spend eternity without Him

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

From my perspective, how is my life impacted when I walk in the Lord’s truth?

In what ways can I cultivate and enhance a thankful heart?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am asking You to teach me Your way as I make a fresh commitment to walk in Your truth. May I always have a great respect for the greatness of Your name. By grace, help me to offer thanks to You with a humble and thankful heart. Thank You for pouring out Your love and mercy upon me and delivering my soul from a Christ-less eternity.

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 #12 (Evangelism). March 31, 2013

Hello dear friends! I write this edition of Psalms of Discipleship to you on Easter morning. As disciples of Jesus we know that the resurrection of our Lord gives meaning to EVERYTHING we believe and practice. The resurrection is a stark reminder that our lives do not belong to us but to Him. Because He lives, we do also. And because He lives in us, we need to be about the business of reaching out to those who have yet to embrace the Good News that Jesus loves them too.

He is Risen. He is Risen Indeed!

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #12

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

Key Scripture: 9 Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land. 10 Lovingkindness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Psalm 85:9-10

Core Value: Evangelism

For the disciple of Jesus, salvation occurs every day. No, I am not referring to having a daily “born again” experience. Once we receive God’s gift of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice for our sins, His Spirit seals us for the day of redemption. We are saved, forever. What I am suggesting is that there is also a salvation that is a daily sanctification where Jesus saves us from ourselves every day. Scripture refers to this as “working out our salvation.”

Here is where many people outside of the family of God miss it: this kind of work is to occur after the beginning of eternal life takes place, not before. There are some who think they can work themselves into a state of salvation by being good enough, being right enough, being disciplined enough, or being worthy enough to make it to heaven. It is called the way of works and this way will never allow a person to have a saving relationship with the One who is called the Way, the Truth, and the Life. On the other hand, as a result of responding to His grace and experiencing what the Bible describes as saving faith, there are others who embrace the teachings of Jesus and begin to work out their salvation—day by day.

Here is the take-a-way. Saved people, those who have experienced new life in Jesus and who are growing in their relationship with Him, seek to reach out to those who are still trying to work themselves to heaven.

Principle #12 & Personal Application: Quality disciples know how to share the precious message of the Gospel with those who are in need of His salvation.

• The good news is that His salvation is near to those who fear (greatly respect) Him. So, whoever calls upon the Name of the Lord will be saved.

• The good news is that His lovingkindness and truth have met together. So, we have a salvation not based upon a myth and legalism but a salvation based upon love and truth.

• The good news is that righteousness and peace have kissed each other. So, we who are saved have been given right standing before a Holy and Righteous God finding a peace that only comes from knowing Jesus.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

Who in my inner circle of family and friends need to hear the Gospel from my lips?

Why is the peace of Christ so intimately related to my salvation?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, because of Your love and grace to me I have experienced Your salvation. Continue to hold me near to You. I praise You for Your lovingkindness and truth: they have met together. I thank You that You have allowed righteousness and peace to have kissed each other, granting me right standing and peace with 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.

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 #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 (Evangelism) Principle #38. October 13, 2012

Hello my dear friends! Are you a good story teller? Before you answer too quickly, remember that every disciple of Jesus has the opportunity to tell the greatest story ever told. Yes, God the Father did send His Son into the world and die on the cross for our sins and was resurrected on the third day. And yes, He did send His Holy Spirit to empower us. And yes, we are a part of the greatest story ever told. Its our redemptive story too. In today's Psalms of Discipleship, the Psalmist gives his perspective of why his story is so powerful. It's because of our Great God.

Sharing the Greatest Story ever told with you,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #38

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

Key Scripture: 14 But as for me, I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more. 15 My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness And of Your salvation all day long; For I do not know the sum of them. 16 I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone. 17 O God, You have taught me from my youth, And I still declare Your wondrous deeds. 18 And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come. Psalm 71:14-18

Core Value: Evangelism

Everyone who is a disciple of Jesus has a story, a unique personal account, of how the love of Jesus invaded their heart and made all things new. Every redemptive story has two parts: part 1 is where we were and part 2 is where we are now. Before Jesus showed His love to us, we were lost. After His love overwhelmed us and embraced us, we were saved (for example, John 3:16). It’s that simple. And because our story is that simple we can share a simple Gospel with those who are still experiencing stories that are stuck in part one.

Who needs to hear your story, your redemptive story, today?

Principle #38 & Personal Application: Quality disciples tell others about God’s great love and His glorious salvation.

• We tell of a God who gives us hope and a desire for endless praise

• We tell of a God who is righteous

• We tell of a God who saves

• We tell of a God does great deeds

• We tell of a God who will never forsake us

• We tell of a God who gives us the power to declare His strength and power to those who have yet to hear the gospel

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

Does the need to share my faith depend upon how I feel about me or how I feel about the Lord?

A great God offers a great salvation to a people in great need. When I share my faith, what kind of words do I typically use to describe the gospel?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, because of Your grace You have given me hope that causes me to have endless praise for You. I praise You for Your righteousness and for Your great salvation. I praise You for Your great deeds and thank You for Your faithfulness to never forsake me. May I be faithful in sharing the Gospel with those who are apart from Your family.

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 in need of a personal life coach and a leadership specialist? Make certain you get a Quality one. For more information check out my website at

www.dennybates.com

http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/

Psalms of Discipleship (Grace) Principles #18 & #19. May 19, 2012

Hello my dear friends! I trust that your soul is resting in the bosom of its greatest lover: the Lord Jesus. We live in a day and time where the distractions to our spiritual growth is challenged by lots of noise and chaotic circumstances. It is natural to be anxious, to be fearful, to be doubtful in the world in which we live. Because of grace, we can live a super-natural life that will free our soul from the things that seek to enslave our soul. The psalmist addresses the goal for the soul of the disciple of Jesus. May His grace grant us peace as we learn to teach our soul to "wait in silence" for God.

Learning with you,

Denny

P.S. Last week I took a week's vacation to restore my soul. For the most part, it worked. Now, back to writing. This week's Psalms of Discipleship includes TWO devotions (last week and this week). Thanks to all of you who take time to read Psalms of Discipleship and respond in faith to what the Lord impresses you to do as you follow the Shepherd of the Psalms.

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #18

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

Key Scripture: 1 My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. 2 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

Core Value: Grace

There comes a desperate time in the life journey of the disciple of Jesus that enough is enough. For some, it seems that the harder we work for those pockets of solitude, the harder the work becomes. For some of us, an inner chaos within the soul has become the spiritual drug of choice. If rest, a quiet silence in the soul stared us in the face, we might not know what to do with it.

This is where grace comes in. Rightly applied, grace allows us to do something we cannot do in our own strength: to wait in silence for God only. Grace allows us to trust, to wait, to be filled with hope and to be empowered by His strength.

Principle #18 & Personal Application: Quality disciples seek to rest in the finished work of Christ.

• Grace allows a weary soul to wait in silence for God only. Grace helps us take a deep breath and rest in Him. “My soul waits in silence for God only.”

• Grace allows a weary soul to experience God’s salvation. Grace points us to the source of our salvation. “From Him is my salvation.”

• Grace allows a weary soul to confess God as one’s Rock and one’s salvation. Grace fills our heart with the uplifting truth that God is our rock and our salvation. “He only is my rock and my salvation.”

• Grace allows a weary soul to find in God a stronghold, a place of security. Grace leads us to His protection. “My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.”

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When my life becomes rushed and filled with anxiety, what kinds of promises can I glean from this Psalm?

According to this passage of Scripture, how does a proper understanding of grace help me to live my life as a quality disciple of Jesus?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I thank You that my soul can wait in silence for God and for Him alone. I thank You that You are the source of my salvation, and no other. I thank You for being my rock and my salvation. I am grateful to You that because You are my stronghold, I will not be greatly shaken.

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.

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #19

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

Key Scripture: 5 My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. 7 On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Psalm 62:5-7

Core Value: Grace

Here it is again: the theme of waiting in silence for God only. Those of us who are disciples of Jesus know most of the “right” answers but may find the practical application of the truth to be a constant frustration. In this case, the right answer is to have a soul that is not a slave to chaotic circumstances. It is to have a soul that is well trained and not allow anyone or anything to dampen its focus upon God and Him alone. This sounds wonderful, but how?

Once again, grace is the key that gives our soul its proper maintenance. Grace opens up the eyes of the soul to behold the Lord’s gracious provision for us. Because of grace we see hope, we see the Rock of our salvation and our strength, we see our Stronghold who keeps us from being shaken, we see our Refuge. The better we can see through the lens of grace, the easier it becomes to have our soul wait in silence for God only.

Principle #19 & Personal Application: Quality disciples have learned the art of soul care by slowing down the hectic pace of life and finding the spiritual rhythms of life.

• Grace applied allows us to slow down the hurry of the heart and lets the soul wait in silence for God only.

• Grace applied allows us to experience hope from the Lord.

• Grace applied allows us to experience God as our rock and our salvation.

• Grace applied allows us to experience God as our stronghold, the rock of our strength, and our refuge.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I feel hurried in my soul, what can I do to slow down and rest in God?

According to the Psalm, what characteristics of God can I meditate on when I feel uneasy and restless?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, by faith and by Your grace, may my soul rest in silence for You. My hope is from You. You only are my rock and my salvation. You are my stronghold and I will never be shaken. On You my salvation and my glory rest. You are the rock of my strength. My refuge is in 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.

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 (Grace) Principle #8, March 4, 2012

Hello my dear friends! I'm one day late this week with Psalms of Discipleship due to my son's wedding this past weekend. It has been rather surreal: the entire experience went by so fast and so slow at the same time, if you know what I mean. Time and time again, I was reminded of how blessed I am, a man who has been forever changed by the abundant provision of God's grace. Remember, grace is getting something we don't deserve. For me, grace is expressed in a wife who loves me just as I am, adult children who respect me as a dad and consider me to be their friend, and now, a new daughter in law who loves me too.

Today's Psalms of Discipleship will be an encouragement to you as a wonderful reminder of what grace can do for the person who needs to saved.

Saved, and I love to proclaim it!

Denny

PS. I've just received a new shipment of my latest devotional book: A One Year Journey With The Shepherd. See the information below on how you can purchase your copy today!



Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #8

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

Key Scripture: For You have delivered my soul from death, Indeed my feet from stumbling, So that I may walk before God In the light of the living. Psalm 56:13

Core Value: Grace

It’s good to be saved. Saved from a life of no direction or purpose, saved from a life marked with no hope, saved from a life of darkness and spiritual death.

It's good to be saved.

It’s good to be saved for a life where Jesus is our Good Shepherd and He will lead us wherever we need to go. It’s good to be saved for a life where hope and joy spring forth no matter how challenging our circumstances might become. It’s good to be saved for a life where God’s light focuses like a beam and wherever we walk, the testimony of God’s saving grace is seen in us and through us loud and clear.

It’s good to be saved. It’s good to be saved, saved by grace.

Principle #8 & Personal Application: Quality disciples rejoice in all that Jesus has done on the Cross, empowering them to walk before God’s life-giving light. God’s grace allows the believer . . .

• To have one’s soul delivered from death

• To keep one’s feet from stumbling

• To walk (or live) with assurance and safety before God’s life-giving light

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

How has the grace of the Gospel impacted the way I live before the Lord?

I need to think back over the events of my life and ponder these words: “I may walk before God In the light of the living.” Can I think of an example where I sensed God’s life-giving light (in facing temptation, etc.)

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, how I thank and praise You for delivering my soul from death. Without Your intervention on the Cross, my feet would always stumble and I would never be able to live or walk before You in Your life-giving light.

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.


What others are saying about A One Year Journey With The Shepherd:

“Denny hit a home run in Psalms of Discipleship, his sincerity in writing brings you into an atmosphere of worship and learning.” Jeff Hoffart. Upper Level Manager, Business Consultant

“I am consumed with excitement and a fresh love for the Lord after reading A One Year Journey With The Shepherd!!! . . . The personal application sections are thought provoking, and attainable. I believe they are challenging in a way that creates a desire, instead of being out of reach for the growing believer.” Ericka Miller, MA Clinical Counseling

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

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