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 (Prayer) Principle #35. September 22, 2012

Hello my dear friends,

One of the great blessings of the Psalms is the transparency we observe from the psalmists who are in trouble. They are in trouble. They are real. And they pray. Good reminders for every disciple who follows Jesus.

In His grip,

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #35

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

Key Scripture: 1 O God, hasten to deliver me; O LORD, hasten to my help! 2 Let those be ashamed and humiliated Who seek my life; Let those be turned back and dishonored Who delight in my hurt. 3 Let those be turned back because of their shame Who say, "Aha, aha!" 4 Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And let those who love Your salvation say continually, "Let God be magnified." 5 But I am afflicted and needy; Hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay. Psalm 70:1-5

Core Value: Prayer

Prayer offered during times of great duress is our connection between hopeless and hopeful. One of the wonderful aspects of the Bible is we are shown, time and time again, the inner thoughts of those who are facing impossible, gut-wrenching circumstances. And time and time again, the Saints of God are helped by the Hand of God in order to live out the Purpose of God.

Principle #35 & Personal Application: Quality disciples, because of grace, can turn to the Lord in times of great trials and experience His help.

• When we pray, we pray with a sense of urgency and expectation (vs. 1)

• When we pray, we pray for protection from those who wish to attack us (vs. 2-3)

• When we pray, we pray with a heart of worship and thankfulness (vs. 4)

• When we pray, we pray honestly and to the point: Lord, help me (vs. 5)

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I feel I am under attack, how do I usually respond: with prayer or with panic?

How can a heart of worship help me to trust in Christ more?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when I need help, help me to keep my eyes upon You. May I always look to You as my Helper and Deliverer.

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/