Well, good morning to all! Today, I awaken to sunshine and the very real possibility of "warmer" temperatures than what we have been experiencing in South Carolina.
I pray that all is well with you today. This week's Psalm of Discipleship addresses two core values of the disciple's life: grace and prayer. As you read the key scripture, may I suggest you read it word for word, taking proper time to digest every word in the verse. And as you do so, keep this question in the front of your mind: Lord, what are you saying to me?
This week, may His grace warm your heart, may your times of prayer be rich as you grow closer to the Lord.
Keep on pressing on!
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #7
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: But know that the LORD has set apart the godly man [and woman] for Himself; The LORD hears when I call to Him. Psalm 4:3
Core Value: Grace & Prayer
It is the grace of God that allows the believer to grow deeper in relationship with the Lord. We can seek to improve our prayer life; to study the Bible on a regular basis; and to even fast and deny ourselves pleasure. But without the grace of God, all of it is for naught. Grace is given to the believer not just for one’s personal gratification. Grace is also a gift to the community of believers. Grace for the believer is to be shared by the believer to the believer. Grace is to be modeled. We all are to be trophies of His grace. The great challenge for every disciple is to become so marinated with the grace of God that we live a transformed life. It is a life we cannot “will” to do in our own strength, but a life where we lay down our will and live for His.
Principle #7 & Personal Application: The quality disciple is blessed because they are personally experiencing God’s grace and authentic prayer. Because of grace, we (the disciple of Jesus) can pray to the Lord who hears us. The disciple of Jesus Christ can become a disciple because of what God has done through the finished work of Christ. Through grace, we have been placed “in Christ.” Through grace, we can communicate with the Lord through prayer.
• Because of His Word to us, His sure promise to us, we can know that the Lord has set apart the godly man (and woman) for Himself. Disciples of Jesus Christ belong to Him!
• Because disciples of Jesus Christ belong to Him, we have been given access to Him through prayer.
• “The Lord hears.” What an amazing promise: to think that the sovereign God and Lord of the universe, the King of Glory, would not only hear the cry of our heart, but also loves and cares for us.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What kind of lifestyle is the Lord calling me to live since He has set apart the godly man (and woman) for Himself?
When is the last time that I have cried out to the Lord?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am in awe of You. Thank You for loving me, for setting me apart, for choosing me to be one of Your children. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, teach me to pray; please help me to develop a more intimate, more authentic relationship with You.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #6--February 13, 2010
Good morning to all of you my friends from snowy South Carolina (now, there is a paradox for you--snow and South in the same sentence).
As I awaken to a fresh snowfall, my memories take me back a few years ago and my winter visit to Ukraine. There is a great contrast between barren and dirty landscape and a fresh snowfall. The snow in Ukraine covered the unappealing with its beauty. This is what God does for His children.
"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool. Isaiah 1:18 (NASB95)
All of this is possible because of RELATIONSHIP. We can take great joy in knowing that He pursues us; He loves us; He wants us to know Him better. In this week's Psalms of Discipleship, the core value is Prayer. As we will soon learn, prayer is much more than a list we give to God. Prayer is founded upon a relationship with the Lord.
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #6
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1
Core Value: Prayer
Andrew Murray suggests that the prayer life of the believer is not about getting things from God, but a much more meaningful and relational experience than the Lord serving as some kind of cosmic bellhop for us. “Prayer is not merely coming to God to ask something of Him. It is, above all, fellowship with God and being brought under the power of His holiness and love, until He takes possession of us and stamps our entire nature with the lowliness of Christ, which is the secret of true worship” (Living A Prayerful Life, 1983, pg. 46). One’s prayer life must be more than just a vain ritual that has no meaning to it. Prayer, biblical prayer, must be deeply personal.
Principle #6 & Personal Application: The quality disciple fully expects God to answer prayer.
• This kind of dynamic prayer life is not founded upon a variety of man-made methods (works), but is founded upon having a vibrant relationship with the Lord Jesus (grace).
• It is because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ that the disciple can have a relationship with the One who does answer prayer.
• When the burdens of this world seek to crush us, Jesus Christ is the One who relieves us in our distress. Sometimes, He even chooses to remove that which is causing us distress. Always, He is with us in our distress.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I pray why do I expect God to answer me?
What kind of distress (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) am I facing this week? In what ways has the Lord been at work in me during this time?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, please remind me to come to You—first—when I am undergoing times of distress. Forgive me for the times when I seek to rescue myself using my own strength and wit. Grant me the faith to trust You with my life. May I truly believe that You will be gracious to me and hear my prayer.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
As I awaken to a fresh snowfall, my memories take me back a few years ago and my winter visit to Ukraine. There is a great contrast between barren and dirty landscape and a fresh snowfall. The snow in Ukraine covered the unappealing with its beauty. This is what God does for His children.
"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool. Isaiah 1:18 (NASB95)
All of this is possible because of RELATIONSHIP. We can take great joy in knowing that He pursues us; He loves us; He wants us to know Him better. In this week's Psalms of Discipleship, the core value is Prayer. As we will soon learn, prayer is much more than a list we give to God. Prayer is founded upon a relationship with the Lord.
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #6
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1
Core Value: Prayer
Andrew Murray suggests that the prayer life of the believer is not about getting things from God, but a much more meaningful and relational experience than the Lord serving as some kind of cosmic bellhop for us. “Prayer is not merely coming to God to ask something of Him. It is, above all, fellowship with God and being brought under the power of His holiness and love, until He takes possession of us and stamps our entire nature with the lowliness of Christ, which is the secret of true worship” (Living A Prayerful Life, 1983, pg. 46). One’s prayer life must be more than just a vain ritual that has no meaning to it. Prayer, biblical prayer, must be deeply personal.
Principle #6 & Personal Application: The quality disciple fully expects God to answer prayer.
• This kind of dynamic prayer life is not founded upon a variety of man-made methods (works), but is founded upon having a vibrant relationship with the Lord Jesus (grace).
• It is because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ that the disciple can have a relationship with the One who does answer prayer.
• When the burdens of this world seek to crush us, Jesus Christ is the One who relieves us in our distress. Sometimes, He even chooses to remove that which is causing us distress. Always, He is with us in our distress.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I pray why do I expect God to answer me?
What kind of distress (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) am I facing this week? In what ways has the Lord been at work in me during this time?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, please remind me to come to You—first—when I am undergoing times of distress. Forgive me for the times when I seek to rescue myself using my own strength and wit. Grant me the faith to trust You with my life. May I truly believe that You will be gracious to me and hear my prayer.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Principle #5--Psalms of Discipleship
Hello again my friends!
Trust that all of you are doing well and are finding joy in your journey with the Lord. Having an effective prayer life is an important core value of the disciple of Jesus. I am sure that you are like me--knowing that prayer is important, but often allow many "good" things to get in the way of being consistent in prayer. This week's psalm is a great reminder of the beauty of prayer: we so desperately need to talk with Him and He so desires to talk with us.
May the Lord help us be good listeners and conversationalists this week.
Keep on pressing on!
Denny
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: I was crying to the LORD with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah. Psalm 3:4
Core Value: Prayer
It is through prayer that we have the opportunity to breathe in heaven’s air. Prayer is a time of communion. It is meant to be a dialogue, not simply a monologue. Prayer is the power for the believer’s life that enhances spiritual growth. Prayer, simply put, is having a conversation with God. Prayer is a time to listen to the Lord’s small, still voice; it is a passionate articulation of what is on our mind; it is the most intimate time of sharing the concerns of our life; and it is the deep cry of the human heart directed toward God.
Prayer then, is a dialogue, not a monologue where only one voice is heard. “To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah” (Psalm 3:4 NIV) and further illustrated by the psalmist: “Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy” (Psalm 130:1-2 NIV).
Prayer is not a sterile communication system. Instead, prayer with God is all about cultivating an ongoing love relationship.
Principle #5 & Personal Application: The disciple of Jesus Christ experiences an intimate and interactive dialogue with God as he or she prays.
• The person who follows Jesus Christ knows the One who wants to hear the cry of our heart.
• Because there is a personal relationship between Jesus and the disciple, prayer is more than just a futile exercise. Instead, prayer becomes the very language of intimacy.
• Prayer is not a monologue. Prayer is a dialogue. How wonderful it is when the disciple pauses to listen and hear from God. Selah (chew on this—ponder it, think about it, meditate on it).
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Can I sense any difference in the intensity of my prayer, not only when I pray to God in my mind, but also use my voice to speak out loud to Him?
What do I need to improve upon in my life in order to better listen to God when He speaks to me?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, it is such a blessing to me that You not only want me to talk to You about my life, but You also want to talk to me about Your life. May our conversations always help me become more like You.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
Trust that all of you are doing well and are finding joy in your journey with the Lord. Having an effective prayer life is an important core value of the disciple of Jesus. I am sure that you are like me--knowing that prayer is important, but often allow many "good" things to get in the way of being consistent in prayer. This week's psalm is a great reminder of the beauty of prayer: we so desperately need to talk with Him and He so desires to talk with us.
May the Lord help us be good listeners and conversationalists this week.
Keep on pressing on!
Denny
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: I was crying to the LORD with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah. Psalm 3:4
Core Value: Prayer
It is through prayer that we have the opportunity to breathe in heaven’s air. Prayer is a time of communion. It is meant to be a dialogue, not simply a monologue. Prayer is the power for the believer’s life that enhances spiritual growth. Prayer, simply put, is having a conversation with God. Prayer is a time to listen to the Lord’s small, still voice; it is a passionate articulation of what is on our mind; it is the most intimate time of sharing the concerns of our life; and it is the deep cry of the human heart directed toward God.
Prayer then, is a dialogue, not a monologue where only one voice is heard. “To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah” (Psalm 3:4 NIV) and further illustrated by the psalmist: “Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy” (Psalm 130:1-2 NIV).
Prayer is not a sterile communication system. Instead, prayer with God is all about cultivating an ongoing love relationship.
Principle #5 & Personal Application: The disciple of Jesus Christ experiences an intimate and interactive dialogue with God as he or she prays.
• The person who follows Jesus Christ knows the One who wants to hear the cry of our heart.
• Because there is a personal relationship between Jesus and the disciple, prayer is more than just a futile exercise. Instead, prayer becomes the very language of intimacy.
• Prayer is not a monologue. Prayer is a dialogue. How wonderful it is when the disciple pauses to listen and hear from God. Selah (chew on this—ponder it, think about it, meditate on it).
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Can I sense any difference in the intensity of my prayer, not only when I pray to God in my mind, but also use my voice to speak out loud to Him?
What do I need to improve upon in my life in order to better listen to God when He speaks to me?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, it is such a blessing to me that You not only want me to talk to You about my life, but You also want to talk to me about Your life. May our conversations always help me become more like You.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Principle #4--Psalms of Discipleship
Greetings from wet and cold South Carolina! It is a joy to greet you again, and for those who are new to the group, a warm WELCOME to you!
The Core Value of Principle #4 is GRACE. Don't all us us need a fresh look at the grace of God?
Before you begin to reflect upon this week's principle from Psalms of Discipleship, remember these simple suggestions:
1. Do not rush through the experience, but seek to listen to what the Lord is saying to you.
2. Try reading the Scripture SLOWLY, taking the time to allow every word to sink into your heart.
3. Ask the Lord to speak to your heart in a fresh and meaningful way.
4. What you learn, pass on to others. It will be such an encouragement to all of the friends in your circle of influence.
May the Lord give us the grace to fully appreciate the front row seat He has given as we experience the wonder of His love for us.
Finding joy in the journey,
Denny
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. Psalm 3:3
Core Value: Grace
Grace is the foundational core value of a disciple’s life. When the Christian life is viewed through the prism of God’s grace, God is viewed in a brand new way.
"People do not grow until they shift from a natural human view of God to a real, biblical view of God. The first aspect of that shift has to be the shift from a God of law to the God of grace. People must discover that God is for them and not against them. This is what it means to have a God of grace . . . One of the biggest obstacles to growth is our view of God. If we are going to grow in relation to God, then we must know who God is and what he is really like" (How People Grow by Cloud & Townsend 2001, 66).
For the Christian who is experiencing the grace of God and learning how to integrate it on a consistent basis, there is a renewed sense of relief and feelings of safety. God is for them and not a threat to them. Grace is the essential core value that helps the disciple appreciate the gravity of how desperately needy we are of the Savior. Fortunately for us, God knows. God knows that we need the kind of grace that makes us completely dependent upon Him.
Principle #4 & Personal Application: The quality disciple deeply acknowledges and appreciates the gracious care of the Lord. He is the One who shields us and who gently lifts our head in order for us to see His face.
• The disciple of Jesus Christ knows Him as the LORD. He is God and has sovereign power over His people.
• It is the LORD who shields us, covers us, cares for us; He protects us from our enemies.
• When we are down and discouraged it is the Lord Jesus who gently lifts our countenance so that we might better see His face.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
How do I relate to Jesus as LORD? Is there anything that I have failed to yield control over to Him?
Is there anything going on in my life (a heaviness of my heart) that needs lifting by the Lord?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You know me well. You are God and I am not. Forgive me when I want to wrest away from You control of my life. Thank You for being my Lord, my God, my shield, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
The Core Value of Principle #4 is GRACE. Don't all us us need a fresh look at the grace of God?
Before you begin to reflect upon this week's principle from Psalms of Discipleship, remember these simple suggestions:
1. Do not rush through the experience, but seek to listen to what the Lord is saying to you.
2. Try reading the Scripture SLOWLY, taking the time to allow every word to sink into your heart.
3. Ask the Lord to speak to your heart in a fresh and meaningful way.
4. What you learn, pass on to others. It will be such an encouragement to all of the friends in your circle of influence.
May the Lord give us the grace to fully appreciate the front row seat He has given as we experience the wonder of His love for us.
Finding joy in the journey,
Denny
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. Psalm 3:3
Core Value: Grace
Grace is the foundational core value of a disciple’s life. When the Christian life is viewed through the prism of God’s grace, God is viewed in a brand new way.
"People do not grow until they shift from a natural human view of God to a real, biblical view of God. The first aspect of that shift has to be the shift from a God of law to the God of grace. People must discover that God is for them and not against them. This is what it means to have a God of grace . . . One of the biggest obstacles to growth is our view of God. If we are going to grow in relation to God, then we must know who God is and what he is really like" (How People Grow by Cloud & Townsend 2001, 66).
For the Christian who is experiencing the grace of God and learning how to integrate it on a consistent basis, there is a renewed sense of relief and feelings of safety. God is for them and not a threat to them. Grace is the essential core value that helps the disciple appreciate the gravity of how desperately needy we are of the Savior. Fortunately for us, God knows. God knows that we need the kind of grace that makes us completely dependent upon Him.
Principle #4 & Personal Application: The quality disciple deeply acknowledges and appreciates the gracious care of the Lord. He is the One who shields us and who gently lifts our head in order for us to see His face.
• The disciple of Jesus Christ knows Him as the LORD. He is God and has sovereign power over His people.
• It is the LORD who shields us, covers us, cares for us; He protects us from our enemies.
• When we are down and discouraged it is the Lord Jesus who gently lifts our countenance so that we might better see His face.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
How do I relate to Jesus as LORD? Is there anything that I have failed to yield control over to Him?
Is there anything going on in my life (a heaviness of my heart) that needs lifting by the Lord?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You know me well. You are God and I am not. Forgive me when I want to wrest away from You control of my life. Thank You for being my Lord, my God, my shield, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Principle #3--Psalms of Discipleship
Before you begin to reflect upon this week's principle from Psalms of Discipleship, remember these simple suggestions:
1. Do not rush through the experience, but seek to listen to what the Lord is saying to you.
2. Ask the Lord to speak to your heart in a fresh and meaningful way.
3. What you learn, pass on to others. It will be such an encouragement to them.
All of us lead busy lives. May the Lord give us the grace to slow the rapid pace in our heart so we may hear Him clearly.
Keep on pressing on!
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #3
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture:
Worship the LORD with reverence And rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2:11 (NASB95)
Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2:11 (NIV)
Core Value: Worship & Service
God is worthy of our worship and service because He is God and He has made everything. The human heart that has been filled with the presence of Christ has no other choice but to worship and serve the One who made everything. He and He alone is worthy of our worship and service. Worship of and service to God is such a privilege.
The quality disciple is moved by the fact that the same God who made heaven, earth, the sea, and the springs of water, made him or her too. Just think; the One who created EVERYTHING large and small, took the time not to just create mankind. He also took the time to send a REDEEMER who would save us from our sins.
Such a God should have our unending worship and service! God has no interest in us giving Him half-hearted worship and service. For the person who has yet to experience unhindered worship of and service to God, he or she will never gain God’s best for them. True worship and service is much more than a ritual—it is a relationship with the Lord God Almighty.
Principle #3 & Personal Application: The quality disciple chooses a way of life that is driven by a passionate worship of God that expresses itself in humble service to Him.
• The disciple of Jesus Christ does not compartmentalize his or her worship and service to God. Instead, worship and service is all consuming.
• We must worship and serve God as He desires—to do so with a holy reverence and acute awareness of who He is (Almighty God)…and who we are (sinners, saved by grace).
• It is humility that helps us to better appreciate and live out the discipled life, as one who desires to follow Jesus Christ.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
How do I really know that I am worshiping God in a way that pleases Him?
Is my life being defined as personal selfishness or by sacrificial service?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, what a mighty and awesome God You are! May my worship never be watered down to a religious habit. Instead, may my relationship with You be grounded in my worship and service to You.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
1. Do not rush through the experience, but seek to listen to what the Lord is saying to you.
2. Ask the Lord to speak to your heart in a fresh and meaningful way.
3. What you learn, pass on to others. It will be such an encouragement to them.
All of us lead busy lives. May the Lord give us the grace to slow the rapid pace in our heart so we may hear Him clearly.
Keep on pressing on!
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #3
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture:
Worship the LORD with reverence And rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2:11 (NASB95)
Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2:11 (NIV)
Core Value: Worship & Service
God is worthy of our worship and service because He is God and He has made everything. The human heart that has been filled with the presence of Christ has no other choice but to worship and serve the One who made everything. He and He alone is worthy of our worship and service. Worship of and service to God is such a privilege.
The quality disciple is moved by the fact that the same God who made heaven, earth, the sea, and the springs of water, made him or her too. Just think; the One who created EVERYTHING large and small, took the time not to just create mankind. He also took the time to send a REDEEMER who would save us from our sins.
Such a God should have our unending worship and service! God has no interest in us giving Him half-hearted worship and service. For the person who has yet to experience unhindered worship of and service to God, he or she will never gain God’s best for them. True worship and service is much more than a ritual—it is a relationship with the Lord God Almighty.
Principle #3 & Personal Application: The quality disciple chooses a way of life that is driven by a passionate worship of God that expresses itself in humble service to Him.
• The disciple of Jesus Christ does not compartmentalize his or her worship and service to God. Instead, worship and service is all consuming.
• We must worship and serve God as He desires—to do so with a holy reverence and acute awareness of who He is (Almighty God)…and who we are (sinners, saved by grace).
• It is humility that helps us to better appreciate and live out the discipled life, as one who desires to follow Jesus Christ.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
How do I really know that I am worshiping God in a way that pleases Him?
Is my life being defined as personal selfishness or by sacrificial service?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, what a mighty and awesome God You are! May my worship never be watered down to a religious habit. Instead, may my relationship with You be grounded in my worship and service to You.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Principle #2--Psalms of Discipleship
Before you begin to reflect upon this week's principle from Psalms of Discipleship, remember these simple suggestions:
1. Do not rush through the experience, but seek to taste every word from Psalm 1:2-3. "Taste and see that the Lord is good."
2. Ask the Lord to speak to your heart.
3. What you learn pass on to others.
Life is much with many of us today. May the Lord give us the grace to slow the rapid pace in our heart so we may hear Him clearly.
Keep on pressing on!
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #2
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:2-3
Core Value: Bible Study
Every believer needs to spend quality time in God’s Word. Systematic study, expository study, devotional study, thematic study should be a part of every believer’s Christian experience. If a believer is committed to reading and studying his or her Bible every day, spiritual growth will come. But it is important to note: the goal of Bible study is not just about collecting “Bible trivia.” Bible study or Bible “reading” must lead to change, not just to be adorned with more intellectual information.
Principle #2 & Personal Application: The quality disciple places great value in spending quality time in God’s Word.
• Bible study should never be a drudgery, an activity done out of a legalistic obligation. Spending time in God’s Word should be a delight!
• Bible study is not limited to a one-time event but has a residual effect upon the entire day—meditating on it both night and day.
• The fruit of having an ongoing experience with the Bible is spiritual growth and a prosperous life.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Does the time I spend in the Word of God give me delight?
Is it my habit to read my Bible for information’s sake or to reflect upon what I read and see how I can apply it to my life?
What one thing can I do today that will enrich my reading of the Bible?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may I always have a hunger, a longing for Your Word. May I not only look at Bible study as a necessary spiritual discipline but also see it as a way to grow in my relationship with You, becoming closer to You.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
1. Do not rush through the experience, but seek to taste every word from Psalm 1:2-3. "Taste and see that the Lord is good."
2. Ask the Lord to speak to your heart.
3. What you learn pass on to others.
Life is much with many of us today. May the Lord give us the grace to slow the rapid pace in our heart so we may hear Him clearly.
Keep on pressing on!
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #2
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:2-3
Core Value: Bible Study
Every believer needs to spend quality time in God’s Word. Systematic study, expository study, devotional study, thematic study should be a part of every believer’s Christian experience. If a believer is committed to reading and studying his or her Bible every day, spiritual growth will come. But it is important to note: the goal of Bible study is not just about collecting “Bible trivia.” Bible study or Bible “reading” must lead to change, not just to be adorned with more intellectual information.
Principle #2 & Personal Application: The quality disciple places great value in spending quality time in God’s Word.
• Bible study should never be a drudgery, an activity done out of a legalistic obligation. Spending time in God’s Word should be a delight!
• Bible study is not limited to a one-time event but has a residual effect upon the entire day—meditating on it both night and day.
• The fruit of having an ongoing experience with the Bible is spiritual growth and a prosperous life.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Does the time I spend in the Word of God give me delight?
Is it my habit to read my Bible for information’s sake or to reflect upon what I read and see how I can apply it to my life?
What one thing can I do today that will enrich my reading of the Bible?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may I always have a hunger, a longing for Your Word. May I not only look at Bible study as a necessary spiritual discipline but also see it as a way to grow in my relationship with You, becoming closer to You.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Principle #1--Psalms of Discipleship
Key Scripture: How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers Psalm 1:1
Core Value: Community
Connecting in community is not an option if one wishes to grow in faith and in relationship. The answer for a meaningful relationship and spiritual growth is not isolation nor a program steeped in religious rituals. What really matters in Christian spiritual formation is the relationship with other believers. “Ironically, one problem we often see in the Christian community is that people get more into religion and less into the connectedness the Bible prescribes, with the result that they get sicker” (How People Grow: Cloud & Townsend 2001, 123). It was the great writer and thinker John Donne who stated these timeless words: “No man is an island unto himself.” This simply means that it is crucial for a believer who wishes to grow spiritually to have frequent times of fellowship with other like-minded believers. In addition to times of corporate worship, time must be spent in a smaller group setting in order to build lasting, meaningful relationships. There is a great need for a healthy community of believers who are committed to building authentic relationships.
Principle #1 & Personal Application: The quality disciple places great value in being a part of a biblical community of other disciples.
The quality disciple:
• Refuses to walk in the counsel of the wicked; instead, seeking out those who are godly and wise.
• Refuses to stand in the path of sinners; instead, surrounding themselves with those who are seeking a right relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Refuses to sit in the seat of scoffers; instead, keeping themselves from those who poison the heart with doubt and unbelief and seeking out those who believe God.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Who are the people I trust the most with my life?
In what ways am I blessed with the company I keep?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for allowing me to be a member of the body of Christ. Continue to guide me into the kind of relationships with other disciples that will strengthen my relationship with You.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
Core Value: Community
Connecting in community is not an option if one wishes to grow in faith and in relationship. The answer for a meaningful relationship and spiritual growth is not isolation nor a program steeped in religious rituals. What really matters in Christian spiritual formation is the relationship with other believers. “Ironically, one problem we often see in the Christian community is that people get more into religion and less into the connectedness the Bible prescribes, with the result that they get sicker” (How People Grow: Cloud & Townsend 2001, 123). It was the great writer and thinker John Donne who stated these timeless words: “No man is an island unto himself.” This simply means that it is crucial for a believer who wishes to grow spiritually to have frequent times of fellowship with other like-minded believers. In addition to times of corporate worship, time must be spent in a smaller group setting in order to build lasting, meaningful relationships. There is a great need for a healthy community of believers who are committed to building authentic relationships.
Principle #1 & Personal Application: The quality disciple places great value in being a part of a biblical community of other disciples.
The quality disciple:
• Refuses to walk in the counsel of the wicked; instead, seeking out those who are godly and wise.
• Refuses to stand in the path of sinners; instead, surrounding themselves with those who are seeking a right relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Refuses to sit in the seat of scoffers; instead, keeping themselves from those who poison the heart with doubt and unbelief and seeking out those who believe God.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Who are the people I trust the most with my life?
In what ways am I blessed with the company I keep?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for allowing me to be a member of the body of Christ. Continue to guide me into the kind of relationships with other disciples that will strengthen my relationship with You.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
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