Warm greetings to you my friends,
For many of us life comes fast, quick, and sometimes hard. On the path of our life journey, the pace can become so rapid that we miss the wonder of what it means to follow Jesus Christ. You have most likely heard the expression, "the rat race." Think about this. Who would want to win the kind of race where we become physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted; and at the end of our life, have nothing to show except for what the world places supreme value upon: material possessions, fame, and as the record shows, I took the blows and "I did it my way" (thanks, Frank Sinatra). Really, is this the best way?
There is a far better way. It is the way of worship. May the Lord grant us a heart to experience the awe and wonder of knowing Jesus Christ and follow Him.
Amazed by His wonder,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #14
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: O LORD, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth, Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens! Psalm 8:1
Core Value: Worship
Worship that focuses upon the Lord will lead us to an even greater depth of love. That we can even love God, others, or even ourselves is because He took the initiative first (this is called “grace”) and loved us (Rom. 5:8; 1 Jn. 4:19-21). The point of discipleship is not the creation of another church program that occupies the time of already busy believers. The point of discipleship is not even about doing all of the spiritual exercises well and knowing all of the Bible trivia answers. Discipleship is all about love.
This “Great Command” to love and worship God (Mark 12:30) is the very foundation of the Christian life, and consequently, living out the discipled life as the Bible teaches. Everything we do is measured by the way we love God, the way we love our neighbors, the way we love our self. In other words, the command to love God completely and to love our neighbor as we love our self is an expectation for everyone who claims the name of Christ. Biblical discipleship is an all or nothing proposition. Far too many have watered down the kind of love commitment Jesus wants His followers to embrace.
Principle #14 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ is overwhelmed with awe and wonder of who God is.
• There is a worship that is personal: the Lord is my Lord
• There is a worship that is corporate: the Lord is our Lord
• There is a worship that celebrates the majesty of His name: there is no name like His name
• There is a worship that helps me focus upon the greatness and magnificence of God: there is no one like my great and mighty Lord
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What do I need to do in order to expand my view of God’s greatness and majesty?
Every disciple has a distinctive worship personality. What is my pathway or “style” of worship? Do I best respond in my worship of Jesus Christ when (1) I commune with God in nature; (2) I am alone in solitude, reading, reflecting, praying; (3) I am in a “worship” service with many other believers; (4) I am surrounded by a wide array of appealing sights, smells, and sounds that stimulate; (5) I am with a small group of other disciples of Christ; (6) I am serving others by using the gifts God has given me? (This thought inspired by Gary Thomas in “Sacred Pathways”; Zondervan)
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, there is no one like You. You are the Lord, my Lord, our Lord. Your name is majestic. When I say Your name out loud, worship for You rises up in my soul. Your greatness is everywhere on the earth and in the heavens above. May I never lose my sense of awe and wonder for who You are.
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, April 10, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
“THE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN DAVID AND GOD—A FRIENDSHIP THAT ENDURED HEARTBREAK AND FAILURE”
When you’re down and troubled And you need a helping hand And nothing, whoa nothing is going right. Close your eyes and think of me And soon I will be there To brighten up even your darkest nights. You just call out my name, And you know wherever I am I’ll come running, oh yeah baby To see you again.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall, All you have to do is call And I’ll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah. You’ve got a friend.
—Carol King
9Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 11Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Eccles. 4:9-12
Introduction:
Have you ever had a friend who broke your heart? Someone who really disappointed you? This is what happened between God and David. You remember it was David who was a “man after God’s own heart.” And yet, David—King of Israel, a friend of God—broke his communion with God with his premeditated sin with Bathsheba and Uriah. There are many relationships that are so fractured by moral failure, that they can never be repaired. Most stories, like David’s, conclude in the destruction of a friendship. As we will see from the record of the Scriptures, the friendship between David and God endured heartbreak and moral failure. It is a story that should give every believer who has messed up great hope in the redemption that comes from God. God offers us a friendship founded upon His grace, mercy and forgiveness. Let’s ask the Lord to grant us special insight as we study about the friendship between David and God. “Lord, You know our frame, of how fragile we are, how prone we are to break fellowship with you. But it is our heart to cultivate the kind of friendship with You that when we do fall short of what You expect, we will grow even deeper in our love for You. Amen.
Outline:
A. The Bible Record
B. Qualities That Made This Friendship Special
C. Unique Challenges This Friendship Faced
D. Practical Lessons From This Friendship That I Can Apply To My Life
E. Exercise In Friendship
F. Final Questions To Ponder
G. Conclusion
A. The Bible Record:
1. The Chain Of Eight Events That Broke God’s Heart: How David Displeased The Lord And Harmed The Friendship
1) David Remained in Jerusalem when kings go off to war (2 Sam. 11:1)
2) David Saw a woman bathing (2 Sam. 11:2)
3) David Sent someone to find out about her (2 Sam. 11:3)
4) David Knew Bathsheba was a married woman (2 Sam. 11:3)
5) David Sinned when he slept with her (2 Sam. 11:4)
6) David Deceived her husband, Uriah (2 Sam. 11:6-14)
7) David Murdered Uriah (2 Sam. 11:15-17)
8) David Married Uriah’s widow, Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11:27)
11:1In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. 2One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, 3and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, "Isn't this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" 4Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (She had purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then she went back home. 5The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, "I am pregnant." 6So David sent this word to Joab: "Send me Uriah the Hittite." And Joab sent him to David. 7When Uriah came to him, David asked him how Joab was, how the soldiers were and how the war was going. 8Then David said to Uriah, "Go down to your house and wash your feet." So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king was sent after him. 9But Uriah slept at the entrance to the palace with all his master's servants and did not go down to his house. 10When David was told, "Uriah did not go home," he asked him, "Haven't you just come from a distance? Why didn't you go home?" 11Uriah said to David, "The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents, and my master Joab and my lord's men are camped in the open fields. How could I go to my house to eat and drink and lie with my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!" 12Then David said to him, "Stay here one more day, and tomorrow I will send you back." So Uriah remained in Jerusalem that day and the next. 13At David's invitation, he ate and drank with him, and David made him drunk. But in the evening Uriah went out to sleep on his mat among his master's servants; he did not go home. 14In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. 15In it he wrote, "Put Uriah in the front line where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die." 16So while Joab had the city under siege, he put Uriah at a place where he knew the strongest defenders were. 17When the men of the city came out and fought against Joab, some of the men in David's army fell; moreover, Uriah the Hittite died. 18Joab sent David a full account of the battle. 19He instructed the messenger: "When you have finished giving the king this account of the battle, 20the king's anger may flare up, and he may ask you, 'Why did you get so close to the city to fight? Didn't you know they would shoot arrows from the wall? 21Who killed Abimelech son of Jerub-Besheth? Didn't a woman throw an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died in Thebez? Why did you get so close to the wall?' If he asks you this, then say to him, 'Also, your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead.' " 22The messenger set out, and when he arrived he told David everything Joab had sent him to say. 23The messenger said to David, "The men overpowered us and came out against us in the open, but we drove them back to the entrance to the city gate. 24Then the archers shot arrows at your servants from the wall, and some of the king's men died. Moreover, your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead." 25David told the messenger, "Say this to Joab: 'Don't let this upset you; the sword devours one as well as another. Press the attack against the city and destroy it.' Say this to encourage Joab." 26When Uriah's wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. 27After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the LORD. 2 Samuel 11:1-27
Questions To Ponder:
If you could have given David any advice, what would your counsel be?
In your opinion, why didn’t God intervene during any of these tragic events? What does that tell you about God’s character and man’s free will?
2. The Aftermath Of David’s Sin: The Way A Friendship Can Be Restored
1) David Was Empathetic with the person mentioned in Nathan’s story (2 Sam. 12:1-6)
2) David Was Exposed for what he did (2 Sam. 12:7-9)
3) David Was Judged for what he did (2 Sam. 12:10-12)
4) David Was Sorry for what he did (2 Sam. 12:13-25; Ps. 51)
12:1The LORD sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, "There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. 2The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, 3but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him. 4"Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him." 5David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, "As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! 6He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity." 7Then Nathan said to David, "You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8I gave your master's house to you, and your master's wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. 9Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.' 11"This is what the LORD says: 'Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. 12You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.' " 13Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD."Nathan replied, "The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. 14But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt, the son born to you will die." 15After Nathan had gone home, the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill. 16David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground. 17The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them. 18On the seventh day the child died. David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, "While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate." 19David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. "Is the child dead?" he asked."Yes," they replied, "he is dead." 20Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate. 21His servants asked him, "Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!" 22He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' 23But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me." 24Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The LORD loved him; 25and because the LORD loved him, he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah. 2 Samuel 12:1-25
51:1 For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. 14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar. Psalm 51:1-19
Questions To Ponder:
Why did David have such compassion for the person in the story who owned the stolen lamb?
What can you learn about taking responsibility for your actions from David’s response to Nathan?
B. The Qualities That Made This Friendship Special:
1. There was a relationship that was established from David’s youth as a shepherd boy.
He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; Psalm 78:70
2. There was the calling to be the king of God’s people.
In the past, even while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the LORD your God said to you, 'You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.' " 1 Chron. 11:2
3. There was the testimony of the New Testament Scriptures that spoke of David’s special relationship with God:
22After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.' 23"From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised. Acts 13:22-23
"For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed. Acts 13:36
Questions To Ponder:
As you think about David’s life, what hope does it give you about being useful to God when you make a mistake of judgment?
What qualities were in David’s life that made him a “man after God’s own heart?”
C. The Unique Challenges This Friendship Faced:
1. As one of God’s choice leaders, David willfully sinned, breaking fellowship with God and incurring God’s judgment upon him.
2. David’s sin went from bad (adultery with Bathsheba) to worse (murder of Uriah & the death of his new born son).
3. Would David have the passion to make things right with God again?
D. The Practical Lessons From This Friendship That I Can Apply To My Life:
1. David Remained in Jerusalem when kings go off to war: (2 Sam. 11:1) I need to make sure that I do not find myself in the wrong place at the wrong time.
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Cor. 10:13
2. David Saw a woman bathing (2 Sam. 11:2): I need to guard my eyes when temptation comes my way.
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. Proverbs 28:26
3. David Sent someone to find out about her (2 Sam. 11:3): I need to deny my curiosity and keep my mind focused upon whatever is right.
Avoid every kind of evil. 1 Thes. 5:22
4. David Knew Bathsheba was a married woman (2 Sam. 11:3):
I need to keep my heart from rationalizing a sin.
7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:7-8
5. David Sinned when he slept with her (2 Sam. 11:4): I need to never become so callus in my heart that I allow myself to enjoy the rotten fruit of sin.
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 1 Cor. 6:9
6. David Deceived her husband, Uriah (2 Sam. 11:6-14): I need to walk in the truth, to live in the light.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
7. David Murdered Uriah (2 Sam. 11:15-17): I need to stay far away from plots that destroy the lives of others.
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. Matthew 15:19
8. David Married Uriah’s widow, Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11:27): I need to never accept the reward for my sin.
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13
And when I do sin and harm my friendship with God, I need to learn from David’s experience:
9. David Was Empathetic with the person mentioned in Nathan’s story (2 Sam. 12:1-6): I need to be empathetic with anyone who has been hurt.
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8
10. David Was Exposed for what he did (2 Sam. 12:7-9): I need to open my life to the Lord’s righteous light.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24
11. David Was Judged for what he did (2 Sam. 12:10-12): I need to accept the Lord’s discipline for my actions.
because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Proverbs 3:12
12. David Was Sorry for what he did (2 Sam. 12:13-25; Ps. 51):
I need to be truly sorry, to repent when I have sinned against God.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
E. An Exercise In Friendship:
One of the greatest gifts you can give any friendship is to be able to say “I’m sorry” when you offend. Is there anyone in your circle of friends who need to hear those words from you today?
F. Final Questions To Ponder:
Am I keeping short accounts with God?
Am I guarding my heart in order to protect my friendship with God?
G. CONCLUSION
David was one of the greatest characters in the Bible. And even as great as he was, he still was willing to throw away his friendship with God for a fleeting moment of sensual pleasure. It’s a lesson to every believer: there is nothing worth experiencing if it means harming my friendship with God.
Respond and Reflect: Worship / Season of Prayer
INSTANT IMPACT THOUGHTS FOR YOUR JOURNAL
From this session, the truth that impacted me the most was…
Growing A Little Bit Deeper…
What three things can I do in order to better protect my testimony?
When I feel like I am about to give in to sexual temptation, who can I call upon for protection?
Is there any brokenness in any of your relationships that need to be restored?
The Disciple’s Prayer (Write your own)
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall, All you have to do is call And I’ll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah. You’ve got a friend.
—Carol King
9Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 11Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Eccles. 4:9-12
Introduction:
Have you ever had a friend who broke your heart? Someone who really disappointed you? This is what happened between God and David. You remember it was David who was a “man after God’s own heart.” And yet, David—King of Israel, a friend of God—broke his communion with God with his premeditated sin with Bathsheba and Uriah. There are many relationships that are so fractured by moral failure, that they can never be repaired. Most stories, like David’s, conclude in the destruction of a friendship. As we will see from the record of the Scriptures, the friendship between David and God endured heartbreak and moral failure. It is a story that should give every believer who has messed up great hope in the redemption that comes from God. God offers us a friendship founded upon His grace, mercy and forgiveness. Let’s ask the Lord to grant us special insight as we study about the friendship between David and God. “Lord, You know our frame, of how fragile we are, how prone we are to break fellowship with you. But it is our heart to cultivate the kind of friendship with You that when we do fall short of what You expect, we will grow even deeper in our love for You. Amen.
Outline:
A. The Bible Record
B. Qualities That Made This Friendship Special
C. Unique Challenges This Friendship Faced
D. Practical Lessons From This Friendship That I Can Apply To My Life
E. Exercise In Friendship
F. Final Questions To Ponder
G. Conclusion
A. The Bible Record:
1. The Chain Of Eight Events That Broke God’s Heart: How David Displeased The Lord And Harmed The Friendship
1) David Remained in Jerusalem when kings go off to war (2 Sam. 11:1)
2) David Saw a woman bathing (2 Sam. 11:2)
3) David Sent someone to find out about her (2 Sam. 11:3)
4) David Knew Bathsheba was a married woman (2 Sam. 11:3)
5) David Sinned when he slept with her (2 Sam. 11:4)
6) David Deceived her husband, Uriah (2 Sam. 11:6-14)
7) David Murdered Uriah (2 Sam. 11:15-17)
8) David Married Uriah’s widow, Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11:27)
11:1In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. 2One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, 3and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, "Isn't this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" 4Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (She had purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then she went back home. 5The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, "I am pregnant." 6So David sent this word to Joab: "Send me Uriah the Hittite." And Joab sent him to David. 7When Uriah came to him, David asked him how Joab was, how the soldiers were and how the war was going. 8Then David said to Uriah, "Go down to your house and wash your feet." So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king was sent after him. 9But Uriah slept at the entrance to the palace with all his master's servants and did not go down to his house. 10When David was told, "Uriah did not go home," he asked him, "Haven't you just come from a distance? Why didn't you go home?" 11Uriah said to David, "The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents, and my master Joab and my lord's men are camped in the open fields. How could I go to my house to eat and drink and lie with my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!" 12Then David said to him, "Stay here one more day, and tomorrow I will send you back." So Uriah remained in Jerusalem that day and the next. 13At David's invitation, he ate and drank with him, and David made him drunk. But in the evening Uriah went out to sleep on his mat among his master's servants; he did not go home. 14In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. 15In it he wrote, "Put Uriah in the front line where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die." 16So while Joab had the city under siege, he put Uriah at a place where he knew the strongest defenders were. 17When the men of the city came out and fought against Joab, some of the men in David's army fell; moreover, Uriah the Hittite died. 18Joab sent David a full account of the battle. 19He instructed the messenger: "When you have finished giving the king this account of the battle, 20the king's anger may flare up, and he may ask you, 'Why did you get so close to the city to fight? Didn't you know they would shoot arrows from the wall? 21Who killed Abimelech son of Jerub-Besheth? Didn't a woman throw an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died in Thebez? Why did you get so close to the wall?' If he asks you this, then say to him, 'Also, your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead.' " 22The messenger set out, and when he arrived he told David everything Joab had sent him to say. 23The messenger said to David, "The men overpowered us and came out against us in the open, but we drove them back to the entrance to the city gate. 24Then the archers shot arrows at your servants from the wall, and some of the king's men died. Moreover, your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead." 25David told the messenger, "Say this to Joab: 'Don't let this upset you; the sword devours one as well as another. Press the attack against the city and destroy it.' Say this to encourage Joab." 26When Uriah's wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. 27After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the LORD. 2 Samuel 11:1-27
Questions To Ponder:
If you could have given David any advice, what would your counsel be?
In your opinion, why didn’t God intervene during any of these tragic events? What does that tell you about God’s character and man’s free will?
2. The Aftermath Of David’s Sin: The Way A Friendship Can Be Restored
1) David Was Empathetic with the person mentioned in Nathan’s story (2 Sam. 12:1-6)
2) David Was Exposed for what he did (2 Sam. 12:7-9)
3) David Was Judged for what he did (2 Sam. 12:10-12)
4) David Was Sorry for what he did (2 Sam. 12:13-25; Ps. 51)
12:1The LORD sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, "There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. 2The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, 3but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him. 4"Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him." 5David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, "As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! 6He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity." 7Then Nathan said to David, "You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8I gave your master's house to you, and your master's wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. 9Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.' 11"This is what the LORD says: 'Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. 12You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.' " 13Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD."Nathan replied, "The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. 14But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt, the son born to you will die." 15After Nathan had gone home, the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill. 16David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground. 17The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them. 18On the seventh day the child died. David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, "While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate." 19David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. "Is the child dead?" he asked."Yes," they replied, "he is dead." 20Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate. 21His servants asked him, "Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!" 22He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' 23But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me." 24Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The LORD loved him; 25and because the LORD loved him, he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah. 2 Samuel 12:1-25
51:1 For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. 14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar. Psalm 51:1-19
Questions To Ponder:
Why did David have such compassion for the person in the story who owned the stolen lamb?
What can you learn about taking responsibility for your actions from David’s response to Nathan?
B. The Qualities That Made This Friendship Special:
1. There was a relationship that was established from David’s youth as a shepherd boy.
He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; Psalm 78:70
2. There was the calling to be the king of God’s people.
In the past, even while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the LORD your God said to you, 'You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.' " 1 Chron. 11:2
3. There was the testimony of the New Testament Scriptures that spoke of David’s special relationship with God:
22After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.' 23"From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised. Acts 13:22-23
"For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed. Acts 13:36
Questions To Ponder:
As you think about David’s life, what hope does it give you about being useful to God when you make a mistake of judgment?
What qualities were in David’s life that made him a “man after God’s own heart?”
C. The Unique Challenges This Friendship Faced:
1. As one of God’s choice leaders, David willfully sinned, breaking fellowship with God and incurring God’s judgment upon him.
2. David’s sin went from bad (adultery with Bathsheba) to worse (murder of Uriah & the death of his new born son).
3. Would David have the passion to make things right with God again?
D. The Practical Lessons From This Friendship That I Can Apply To My Life:
1. David Remained in Jerusalem when kings go off to war: (2 Sam. 11:1) I need to make sure that I do not find myself in the wrong place at the wrong time.
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Cor. 10:13
2. David Saw a woman bathing (2 Sam. 11:2): I need to guard my eyes when temptation comes my way.
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. Proverbs 28:26
3. David Sent someone to find out about her (2 Sam. 11:3): I need to deny my curiosity and keep my mind focused upon whatever is right.
Avoid every kind of evil. 1 Thes. 5:22
4. David Knew Bathsheba was a married woman (2 Sam. 11:3):
I need to keep my heart from rationalizing a sin.
7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:7-8
5. David Sinned when he slept with her (2 Sam. 11:4): I need to never become so callus in my heart that I allow myself to enjoy the rotten fruit of sin.
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 1 Cor. 6:9
6. David Deceived her husband, Uriah (2 Sam. 11:6-14): I need to walk in the truth, to live in the light.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
7. David Murdered Uriah (2 Sam. 11:15-17): I need to stay far away from plots that destroy the lives of others.
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. Matthew 15:19
8. David Married Uriah’s widow, Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11:27): I need to never accept the reward for my sin.
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13
And when I do sin and harm my friendship with God, I need to learn from David’s experience:
9. David Was Empathetic with the person mentioned in Nathan’s story (2 Sam. 12:1-6): I need to be empathetic with anyone who has been hurt.
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8
10. David Was Exposed for what he did (2 Sam. 12:7-9): I need to open my life to the Lord’s righteous light.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24
11. David Was Judged for what he did (2 Sam. 12:10-12): I need to accept the Lord’s discipline for my actions.
because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Proverbs 3:12
12. David Was Sorry for what he did (2 Sam. 12:13-25; Ps. 51):
I need to be truly sorry, to repent when I have sinned against God.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
E. An Exercise In Friendship:
One of the greatest gifts you can give any friendship is to be able to say “I’m sorry” when you offend. Is there anyone in your circle of friends who need to hear those words from you today?
F. Final Questions To Ponder:
Am I keeping short accounts with God?
Am I guarding my heart in order to protect my friendship with God?
G. CONCLUSION
David was one of the greatest characters in the Bible. And even as great as he was, he still was willing to throw away his friendship with God for a fleeting moment of sensual pleasure. It’s a lesson to every believer: there is nothing worth experiencing if it means harming my friendship with God.
Respond and Reflect: Worship / Season of Prayer
INSTANT IMPACT THOUGHTS FOR YOUR JOURNAL
From this session, the truth that impacted me the most was…
Growing A Little Bit Deeper…
What three things can I do in order to better protect my testimony?
When I feel like I am about to give in to sexual temptation, who can I call upon for protection?
Is there any brokenness in any of your relationships that need to be restored?
The Disciple’s Prayer (Write your own)
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Principle #12--Psalms of Discipleship
Warm "prayerful" greetings to you my friends! A quick glance at today's headlines gives further proof we are ill-equipped to make this journey of faith alone. We need Some One who will care for us, who will encourage us, who will offer us a safe refuge during the storms of this life. This is today's good news: we have direct access to the One who meets our every need (Hebrews 4:16). His name is Jesus and He can be accessed through prayer. May we cry out to Him and fall into His loving arms.
Praying for you; thanks for praying for me,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #12
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: O LORD my God, in You I have taken refuge; Save me from all those who pursue me, and deliver me, Psalm 7:1
Core Value: Prayer
When are we to pray? The Bible says that God’s people are to pray without ceasing, to pray always—night and day (1 Thess. 3:10; 1 Tim. 5:5; Acts 10:2; 1 Thess. 5:17). One of the biggest challenges to hurdle in the area of developing a dynamic prayer life is to understand that prayer is just like breathing; without it one may die spiritually. There is the great need to pray night and day, to pray regularly, to pray continually. It takes an effort to pray. The quality disciple is more than willing to invest one’s time in something that will produce eternal results. It all boils down to a choice of the will—will the disciple pray?
And, are we praying enough? Richard Foster makes an excellent point about the frequency of prayer in the believer’s life. He believes that Christians tend to pray more than one thinks: “Countless people, you see, pray far more than they know. Often they have such a ‘stained-glass’ image of prayer that they fail to recognize what they are experiencing as prayer and so condemn themselves for not praying.”
Self-condemnation = spiritual defeat. Grace richly applied in prayer = spiritual victory!
Principle #12 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ knows that prayer offered in Jesus’ name will lead him or her to put trust in the One who is our Refuge.
• When we are surrounded by our enemies, we need to remember our relationship with “O LORD my God.”
• When our circumstances are bleak and all hope seems lost, we need to remember where we take refuge; in the name of the LORD our God.
• When we take refuge in the LORD we find ourselves in a place of great strength, protection, and safety. This is the wonderful promise of Scripture: The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10 (NASB95)
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I sense spiritual danger, how do I find my way into the safe place the Lord provides?
What will make my prayer life effective when there is a war of challenging circumstances raging around me?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are my Refuge, my Protector, my Shield, my Defender, my Deliverer, and my Guard. May it be said of me that when my enemies seek to drive me away from what I know to be true, I would take refuge and put my trust in the One who is the lover of my soul.
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.
Praying for you; thanks for praying for me,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #12
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: O LORD my God, in You I have taken refuge; Save me from all those who pursue me, and deliver me, Psalm 7:1
Core Value: Prayer
When are we to pray? The Bible says that God’s people are to pray without ceasing, to pray always—night and day (1 Thess. 3:10; 1 Tim. 5:5; Acts 10:2; 1 Thess. 5:17). One of the biggest challenges to hurdle in the area of developing a dynamic prayer life is to understand that prayer is just like breathing; without it one may die spiritually. There is the great need to pray night and day, to pray regularly, to pray continually. It takes an effort to pray. The quality disciple is more than willing to invest one’s time in something that will produce eternal results. It all boils down to a choice of the will—will the disciple pray?
And, are we praying enough? Richard Foster makes an excellent point about the frequency of prayer in the believer’s life. He believes that Christians tend to pray more than one thinks: “Countless people, you see, pray far more than they know. Often they have such a ‘stained-glass’ image of prayer that they fail to recognize what they are experiencing as prayer and so condemn themselves for not praying.”
Self-condemnation = spiritual defeat. Grace richly applied in prayer = spiritual victory!
Principle #12 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ knows that prayer offered in Jesus’ name will lead him or her to put trust in the One who is our Refuge.
• When we are surrounded by our enemies, we need to remember our relationship with “O LORD my God.”
• When our circumstances are bleak and all hope seems lost, we need to remember where we take refuge; in the name of the LORD our God.
• When we take refuge in the LORD we find ourselves in a place of great strength, protection, and safety. This is the wonderful promise of Scripture: The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10 (NASB95)
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I sense spiritual danger, how do I find my way into the safe place the Lord provides?
What will make my prayer life effective when there is a war of challenging circumstances raging around me?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are my Refuge, my Protector, my Shield, my Defender, my Deliverer, and my Guard. May it be said of me that when my enemies seek to drive me away from what I know to be true, I would take refuge and put my trust in the One who is the lover of my soul.
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, March 20, 2010
Principle #11--Psalms of Discipleship
"Is anyone listening to me?"
Have you ever felt lost in the white noise of life around you? Have you ever felt that you were failing to connect with those who are closest to you?
A warm greeting to you, my friends. Today's Psalms of Discipleship addresses this great human need; the need to be heard. One thing we can be certain of today: the Lord not only hears us when we pray, but He also is focused upon the cry of our heart. May we all be encouraged this week as we contemplate upon the blessing of praying to Him.
Praying for you; thanks for praying for me,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #11
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: The LORD has heard my supplication, The LORD receives my prayer. Psalm 6:9
Core Value: Prayer
Who is to pray? Every believer is to pray. No one is exempt from the joy and responsibility of having a dialogue with God. God, the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe, has requested the presence of His children (Heb. 4:15-16). It is through prayer that the believer can approach the throne of grace and receive mercy and find grace to help us in one’s time of need. A quality disciple understands the unique privilege that God has given. The benefit of the discipline of prayer is that it will help the disciple grow spiritually. A disciple who is trained to pray will become a mover and shaker in one’s generation.
Principle #11 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ not only prays to the Lord, but he or she also knows that God hears them too.
• The Lord not only hears our prayer, but receives it, accepts it, captures it and treasures this intimate conversation with the Creator God and His creation.
• The Lord has an ear to hear even the whispered cries for help from the deepest and darkest parts of our soul.
• The Lord takes delight in having a conversation with His disciples.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I pray, how confident am I in my heart that He is interested in listening to me?
What kinds of prayer requests are heavy on my heart today?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, what an amazing thing it is that You not only hear my prayer (imperfect as it may be), but You receive my prayer; You do not ignore me and turn me away. Please remind me to trust You with the concerns of my heart, both great and small; for You, O Lord, intimately care for me.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
Have you ever felt lost in the white noise of life around you? Have you ever felt that you were failing to connect with those who are closest to you?
A warm greeting to you, my friends. Today's Psalms of Discipleship addresses this great human need; the need to be heard. One thing we can be certain of today: the Lord not only hears us when we pray, but He also is focused upon the cry of our heart. May we all be encouraged this week as we contemplate upon the blessing of praying to Him.
Praying for you; thanks for praying for me,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #11
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: The LORD has heard my supplication, The LORD receives my prayer. Psalm 6:9
Core Value: Prayer
Who is to pray? Every believer is to pray. No one is exempt from the joy and responsibility of having a dialogue with God. God, the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe, has requested the presence of His children (Heb. 4:15-16). It is through prayer that the believer can approach the throne of grace and receive mercy and find grace to help us in one’s time of need. A quality disciple understands the unique privilege that God has given. The benefit of the discipline of prayer is that it will help the disciple grow spiritually. A disciple who is trained to pray will become a mover and shaker in one’s generation.
Principle #11 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ not only prays to the Lord, but he or she also knows that God hears them too.
• The Lord not only hears our prayer, but receives it, accepts it, captures it and treasures this intimate conversation with the Creator God and His creation.
• The Lord has an ear to hear even the whispered cries for help from the deepest and darkest parts of our soul.
• The Lord takes delight in having a conversation with His disciples.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I pray, how confident am I in my heart that He is interested in listening to me?
What kinds of prayer requests are heavy on my heart today?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, what an amazing thing it is that You not only hear my prayer (imperfect as it may be), but You receive my prayer; You do not ignore me and turn me away. Please remind me to trust You with the concerns of my heart, both great and small; for You, O Lord, intimately care for me.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Principle #10--Psalms of Discipleship
Warmest greetings to you my friends! How blessed each one of us are today. Jesus loves us--no matter our circumstance, no matter how well we perform, no matter at all. This is good news. In this week's Psalms of Discipleship, the psalmist reminds us why we can be glad. The Lord is in control and we are not. This is why grace and worship are such gifts to the disciple. May each one of us this week gain a fresh appreciation for the grace of God and our worship of Him.
Finding refuge in Him,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #10
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 11 But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You. 12 For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield. Psalm 5:11-12
Core Value: Grace and Worship
Grace and worship are forever coupled together. Because of grace, we can worship God in a way that pleases Him. Because of worship, we gain an even deeper appreciation for His grace. When the believer learns how to worship God and then do so in love and obedience, spiritual growth will occur. James MacDonald says it well. One needs to have the right view of God when he writes, “A. W. Tozer rightly observed that what you think about God is the most important thing about you. It’s true whether you realize it or not: your entire life revolves around your view of God” (Downpour. 2006, pg. 49).
Principle #10 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ is so moved by the grace of God that he or she has a heart of worship that gushes unbridled joy in adoration and praise.
• It is God’s grace that causes a disciple to worship because a safe refuge can be found in the Lord. We are glad.
• It is God’s grace that causes a disciple to worship because the song of joy has no end. We are filled.
• It is God’s grace that causes a disciple to worship because they personally experience the blessings promised to the righteous man and woman. We are blessed.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I feel threatened and ill at ease, how do I find my refuge in the Lord?
When I am depressed, what promises does God provide me according to this Psalm?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, there are certainly times during my spiritual journey where I feel a bit wayward and detached from You. Thank You for the reminder from Your Word that You have promised me a refuge, a personal gladness, a song of joy, and the blessing that comes according to the impartation of Your righteousness in my life. You do surround me with favor as with a shield.
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.
Finding refuge in Him,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #10
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 11 But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You. 12 For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield. Psalm 5:11-12
Core Value: Grace and Worship
Grace and worship are forever coupled together. Because of grace, we can worship God in a way that pleases Him. Because of worship, we gain an even deeper appreciation for His grace. When the believer learns how to worship God and then do so in love and obedience, spiritual growth will occur. James MacDonald says it well. One needs to have the right view of God when he writes, “A. W. Tozer rightly observed that what you think about God is the most important thing about you. It’s true whether you realize it or not: your entire life revolves around your view of God” (Downpour. 2006, pg. 49).
Principle #10 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ is so moved by the grace of God that he or she has a heart of worship that gushes unbridled joy in adoration and praise.
• It is God’s grace that causes a disciple to worship because a safe refuge can be found in the Lord. We are glad.
• It is God’s grace that causes a disciple to worship because the song of joy has no end. We are filled.
• It is God’s grace that causes a disciple to worship because they personally experience the blessings promised to the righteous man and woman. We are blessed.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I feel threatened and ill at ease, how do I find my refuge in the Lord?
When I am depressed, what promises does God provide me according to this Psalm?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, there are certainly times during my spiritual journey where I feel a bit wayward and detached from You. Thank You for the reminder from Your Word that You have promised me a refuge, a personal gladness, a song of joy, and the blessing that comes according to the impartation of Your righteousness in my life. You do surround me with favor as with a shield.
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.
Principle #9--Psalms of Discipleship
True, biblical worship is never about us; but always about Him.
Hello my friends. Greetings to you again.
I was thinking out loud earlier today and pondered why I do what I do. For example, do I serve others so they will like me more? Do I l attend church in order to be seen by others? Do I love the Lord because He first loved me or do I love Him in order to get Him to bless me more?
Motives....Motives...Motives....Why do we do what we do? Why do we worship the Lord, really?
This week's Psalm of Discipleship explores what it means to worship God. I believe that all of us will agree that worship of God is a life time commitment and great joy. May our worship be pleasing to the Lord this week.
Keep on pressing on!
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #9
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: But as for me, by Your abundant lovingkindness I will enter Your house, At Your holy temple I will bow in reverence for You. Psalm 5:7
Core Value: Worship
“Few individuals deny the importance of worship, but relatively few understand what it means or have a passion to engage God through worship” (George Barna). What does it really mean to “worship” God? The general meaning of the word “worship” is pregnant with meaning. To worship means that we are to bow down, to give reverence to, to adore, to pay homage to. In the New Testament, the English word worship comes from the Greek word, proskuneo. It is where we get the English word, “prostrate.” In the Old Testament, there are two primary meanings of the word worship. One meaning implies a devoted servant. The other meaning suggests a bowing down to. Combined, the Old Testament concept is more than a ritual or an academic exercise—it is a vibrant story of God coming down and telling His people how He wanted to be approached; how He wanted to be worshiped. William Temple illustrates what it means to worship God when he said, “To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God.”
Principle #9 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ has a keen and reverent respect for the Lord.
A heart that seeks to worship God:
• Is aware of the Lord’s abundant lovingkindness.
• Will do so in a holy temple. (The disciple is His Temple; see 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20)
• Will be Christ-centered and not man-centered.
• Will bow down and be reverent to Him.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I seek to worship the Lord am I often distracted by other people around me, beside me, in front of me?
What can I do to make my worship of God not a hollow and ritualistic obligation, but an authentic and meaningful way of life?
Is my heart in the right condition; where it is a holy temple, a place where a proper worship of God can take place?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I so desire that my worship of You count for something more than just an emotional feeling and superficial high that flames out when the moment fades. I want to know You more, to love You more, to worship You more; and to worship You in the way it pleases 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.
Hello my friends. Greetings to you again.
I was thinking out loud earlier today and pondered why I do what I do. For example, do I serve others so they will like me more? Do I l attend church in order to be seen by others? Do I love the Lord because He first loved me or do I love Him in order to get Him to bless me more?
Motives....Motives...Motives....Why do we do what we do? Why do we worship the Lord, really?
This week's Psalm of Discipleship explores what it means to worship God. I believe that all of us will agree that worship of God is a life time commitment and great joy. May our worship be pleasing to the Lord this week.
Keep on pressing on!
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #9
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: But as for me, by Your abundant lovingkindness I will enter Your house, At Your holy temple I will bow in reverence for You. Psalm 5:7
Core Value: Worship
“Few individuals deny the importance of worship, but relatively few understand what it means or have a passion to engage God through worship” (George Barna). What does it really mean to “worship” God? The general meaning of the word “worship” is pregnant with meaning. To worship means that we are to bow down, to give reverence to, to adore, to pay homage to. In the New Testament, the English word worship comes from the Greek word, proskuneo. It is where we get the English word, “prostrate.” In the Old Testament, there are two primary meanings of the word worship. One meaning implies a devoted servant. The other meaning suggests a bowing down to. Combined, the Old Testament concept is more than a ritual or an academic exercise—it is a vibrant story of God coming down and telling His people how He wanted to be approached; how He wanted to be worshiped. William Temple illustrates what it means to worship God when he said, “To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God.”
Principle #9 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ has a keen and reverent respect for the Lord.
A heart that seeks to worship God:
• Is aware of the Lord’s abundant lovingkindness.
• Will do so in a holy temple. (The disciple is His Temple; see 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20)
• Will be Christ-centered and not man-centered.
• Will bow down and be reverent to Him.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I seek to worship the Lord am I often distracted by other people around me, beside me, in front of me?
What can I do to make my worship of God not a hollow and ritualistic obligation, but an authentic and meaningful way of life?
Is my heart in the right condition; where it is a holy temple, a place where a proper worship of God can take place?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I so desire that my worship of You count for something more than just an emotional feeling and superficial high that flames out when the moment fades. I want to know You more, to love You more, to worship You more; and to worship You in the way it pleases 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 27, 2010
Principle #8--Psalms of Discipleship
A good day to all of you, my friends! I pray that you are well and are experiencing a fresh expression of God's great love for you today. This week's principle addresses the kind of life where prayer becomes the habit rather than the occasional desperate plea. We find in this Psalm that the kind of prayer that God wants us to experience is based upon having an intimate relationship with Him. May all of us grow closer to the Lord this week...as we pray.
Praying for you,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #8
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, Consider my groaning. 2 Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, For to You I pray. 3 In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch. Psalm 5:1-3
Core Value: Prayer
Prayer is what Henri Nouwen suggests to be, “a great adventure.” This great passion that lies in the heart of the quality disciple to pray is best learned . . . by praying. In Christian bookstores today are a multitude of books dedicated to the subject of prayer. There is no lack of materials concerning the subject of prayer. But in spite of all the “how to” books, none of those books will pray for the disciple. From the heart of each believer must come the willingness to go beyond the theory behind prayer and to begin praying. Sometimes one needs to just take “baby steps” when one wants to renew one’s commitment to pray. Small successes go a long way with the person who wants to develop a deeper prayer life. A quality disciple will become a man or woman of prayer.
Principle #8 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ has a dynamic life, marked by the spiritual discipline of prayer and a firm expectation that God is at work.
• A life of prayer goes beyond the superficial. Instead, the disciple offers to the Lord a prayer that uses words (both spoken and unspoken), passionate groaning, as he or she cries for help.
• A life of prayer is God-centered and not me-centered. The disciple directs his or her prayer to the Lord, to “my King and my God. For to You I pray.”
• A life of prayer is driven by spiritual discipline: “In the morning I will order my prayer to You.” The disciple is willing to make a sacrifice of time.
• A life of prayer is given the privilege of having a front row seat as we “eagerly watch” how God is going to work through our prayers to Him.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I pray, what is my expectation of the Lord? Is the foundation of my prayer life God-centered or me-centered?
What one thing can I do this week that will enhance my prayer life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You offer great comfort to those who pray to You—knowing that You not only hear the deepest concerns of my heart but You also are working for Your glory and for my good. May my prayer life to You become mature as I learn to trust You more.
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.
Praying for you,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #8
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, Consider my groaning. 2 Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, For to You I pray. 3 In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch. Psalm 5:1-3
Core Value: Prayer
Prayer is what Henri Nouwen suggests to be, “a great adventure.” This great passion that lies in the heart of the quality disciple to pray is best learned . . . by praying. In Christian bookstores today are a multitude of books dedicated to the subject of prayer. There is no lack of materials concerning the subject of prayer. But in spite of all the “how to” books, none of those books will pray for the disciple. From the heart of each believer must come the willingness to go beyond the theory behind prayer and to begin praying. Sometimes one needs to just take “baby steps” when one wants to renew one’s commitment to pray. Small successes go a long way with the person who wants to develop a deeper prayer life. A quality disciple will become a man or woman of prayer.
Principle #8 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ has a dynamic life, marked by the spiritual discipline of prayer and a firm expectation that God is at work.
• A life of prayer goes beyond the superficial. Instead, the disciple offers to the Lord a prayer that uses words (both spoken and unspoken), passionate groaning, as he or she cries for help.
• A life of prayer is God-centered and not me-centered. The disciple directs his or her prayer to the Lord, to “my King and my God. For to You I pray.”
• A life of prayer is driven by spiritual discipline: “In the morning I will order my prayer to You.” The disciple is willing to make a sacrifice of time.
• A life of prayer is given the privilege of having a front row seat as we “eagerly watch” how God is going to work through our prayers to Him.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I pray, what is my expectation of the Lord? Is the foundation of my prayer life God-centered or me-centered?
What one thing can I do this week that will enhance my prayer life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You offer great comfort to those who pray to You—knowing that You not only hear the deepest concerns of my heart but You also are working for Your glory and for my good. May my prayer life to You become mature as I learn to trust You more.
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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