Hello my dear friends! Have you ever experienced a season of your life where you felt alone, really alone? The kind of loneliness where it seemed no one cared about what you were feeling? Do the words "cut off," "separated," "excluded" have any special meaning for you? What is a disciple of Jesus to do (and think) when one's circumstances become overwhelming and is a fast-track to discouragement and even depression?
We must learn to worship Jesus. Worship will not make the problems of life go away, but it will give us the tools we need to take the next step towards a greater intimacy and dependence upon God. The Psalmist knew all about the troubles we face and he chose to worship Him. So must we.
Learning how to worship when life is hard,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #5
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him. Psalm 28:7
Core Value: Worship
An old Gospel hymn reminds us of this wonderful truth: “No one ever cared for me, like Jesus.” This song written by Charles Weigle came out of a season of his life that was filled with deep depression. Rejected by his wife, he felt forgotten and very alone. From his perspective, no one cared for him. To Weigle, it seemed that the burdens of life were impossible to resolve and a hopeless despair was to become his intimate partner for the rest of his life. And then, in the midst of his pain, the Lord began to stir his heart with the message of grace and of God’s love for him. As a result, adoration and worship filled his heart, culminating in these familiar words of his journey and his testimony of God’s goodness:
I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus,
Since I found in Him a friend so strong and true;
I would tell you how He changed my life completely,
He did something that no other friend could do.
No one ever cared for me like Jesus,
There’s no other friend so kind as He;
No one else could take the sin and darkness from me,
O how much He cared for me.
Are you in a spiritual funk today? Your worship of the Lord will help you take your eyes off of your circumstances and place them on the One who cares, who really cares, for you.
Principle #5 & Personal Application: The quality disciple has discovered the secret of living the victorious Christian life is a robust worship of the Lord.
A robust worship of the Lord will lead . . .
• To an inner strength and strong sense of divine protection: “The LORD is my strength and my shield”
• To a deeper trust in the plan Jesus Christ has for us: “My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped”
• To a life that is marked with thanksgiving: “Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him”
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What one thing can I do in my life that will enhance my worship of the Lord?
How is my worship of the Lord linked to my ability to trust Him for those things that lie beyond my own control?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may I never be satisfied with a luke-warm worship of You. Help me come to realize the great value that is mine when I make it a habit to offer to You a robust worship. For then, and only then, will I come to experience what it means for You to be my strength and shield; what it means to trust You with my whole heart; what it means to be helped by You; what it means to have a life marked by thanksgiving.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2011 All rights reserved.
www.dennybates.com
Note: Looking for a way to enhance your devotional life in 2011? Allow me to suggest purchasing a copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. You can order your copy for only $15.99 (a $4 savings!). If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, follow this link to my website where you can download a FREE SAMPLE at,
http://www.dennybates.com/Home/PODGIG.html
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 4--January 29, 2011--Prayer
Hello my dear friends! Allow me to pose some questions for your consideration that are often hidden deep within the recesses of the heart: Have you ever felt like no one understood what you were going through? Have you ever sensed a lack of focus upon your need to be heard when you were in desperate need of a listening ear? People have and will fail us. Jesus never will. This is the lesson of today's Psalms of Discipleship: God is listening. Are we talking to Him?
Learning to be a better communicator,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #4
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: Blessed be the LORD, Because He has heard the voice of my supplication. Psalm 28:6
Core Value: Prayer
“Is anyone listening to me?” God is. The disciple of Jesus can take comfort in knowing that He is intimately acquainted with the chaos of life that is called “mine.” Prayer is that lifeline, that mode of communication that sustains the weary believer. All of this is true . . . and yet . . . many of us fail to live like it is. Because of our frailty of faith, often is the battle to believe what we know is true: God does care for us. He does hear the cry of our heart as we pray to Him. We need Him. We need to recognize our hunger for Him. Rich Buhler underscores this truth:
“Spiritual hungers are no less natural than physical or emotional hungers, no less designed by God and no less important to recognize and to nurture. In fact, in my view, they are more important because they address the deepest part of us, and they are of eternal significance. These hungers include the need to know God, to be loved by him, to love him, to be touched by his power, to know what his purpose is for our lives. We may try to ignore or combat these spiritual hungers or hide them, but they are always there.” (Pg. 151) Buhler, Rich. 1991. New choices, new boundaries. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Only Jesus can satisfy the hungry soul. When we begin to doubt, to worry and fret, we need to be reminded of the blessed assurance that Jesus is mine.
Principle #4 & Personal Application: The quality disciple has the blessed assurance that Jesus is mine!
“Perfect submission—all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest; Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love. This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long.” [Fanny J. Crosby]
• We are blessed because of the Lord: He knows and loves us. “Blessed be the LORD”
• We are blessed because of the Lord: He hears us. “He has heard the voice of my supplication”
• We are blessed because of the Lord: He has filled us with His goodness and has lost us in His love.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Have I ever experienced what it means to be filled with His goodness and be lost in His love?
What would my life look like if I made a fresh commitment to enhance my relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I do want to bless You for You O Lord are worthy of all my praise and devotion. There are so many things that come to my mind for why I desire to bless You. On this occasion I bless You for showing Your love to me by hearing the voice of my supplication. You know me . . . You love me
. . . You listen to me.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2011 All rights reserved.
www.dennybates.com
Note: Looking for a way to enhance your devotional life in 2011? Allow me to suggest purchasing a copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. You can order your copy for only $15.99 (a $4 savings!). If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, follow this link to my website where you can download a FREE SAMPLE at,
http://www.dennybates.com/Home/PODGIG.html
Learning to be a better communicator,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #4
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: Blessed be the LORD, Because He has heard the voice of my supplication. Psalm 28:6
Core Value: Prayer
“Is anyone listening to me?” God is. The disciple of Jesus can take comfort in knowing that He is intimately acquainted with the chaos of life that is called “mine.” Prayer is that lifeline, that mode of communication that sustains the weary believer. All of this is true . . . and yet . . . many of us fail to live like it is. Because of our frailty of faith, often is the battle to believe what we know is true: God does care for us. He does hear the cry of our heart as we pray to Him. We need Him. We need to recognize our hunger for Him. Rich Buhler underscores this truth:
“Spiritual hungers are no less natural than physical or emotional hungers, no less designed by God and no less important to recognize and to nurture. In fact, in my view, they are more important because they address the deepest part of us, and they are of eternal significance. These hungers include the need to know God, to be loved by him, to love him, to be touched by his power, to know what his purpose is for our lives. We may try to ignore or combat these spiritual hungers or hide them, but they are always there.” (Pg. 151) Buhler, Rich. 1991. New choices, new boundaries. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Only Jesus can satisfy the hungry soul. When we begin to doubt, to worry and fret, we need to be reminded of the blessed assurance that Jesus is mine.
Principle #4 & Personal Application: The quality disciple has the blessed assurance that Jesus is mine!
“Perfect submission—all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest; Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love. This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long.” [Fanny J. Crosby]
• We are blessed because of the Lord: He knows and loves us. “Blessed be the LORD”
• We are blessed because of the Lord: He hears us. “He has heard the voice of my supplication”
• We are blessed because of the Lord: He has filled us with His goodness and has lost us in His love.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Have I ever experienced what it means to be filled with His goodness and be lost in His love?
What would my life look like if I made a fresh commitment to enhance my relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I do want to bless You for You O Lord are worthy of all my praise and devotion. There are so many things that come to my mind for why I desire to bless You. On this occasion I bless You for showing Your love to me by hearing the voice of my supplication. You know me . . . You love me
. . . You listen to me.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2011 All rights reserved.
www.dennybates.com
Note: Looking for a way to enhance your devotional life in 2011? Allow me to suggest purchasing a copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. You can order your copy for only $15.99 (a $4 savings!). If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, follow this link to my website where you can download a FREE SAMPLE at,
http://www.dennybates.com/Home/PODGIG.html
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 3--January 22, 2011--Worship
Hello my dear friends....greetings to each one of you. Have you ever given much thought to "ambition?" What is it in life that makes you passionate? Are you often passionate about the Lord . . . or are you in a cycle of selfish ambition where it is all about you? This seems to be a familiar struggle and awkward tension for many disciples of Jesus. We all want to do the right thing but are easily distracted by the cares and pleasures of this world. Today the Psalmist reminds us of the great need and value of surrendering our way for His. It is the way of worship.
Learning with you,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #3
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to You for help, When I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary. Psalm 28:2
Core Value: Worship
Ambition. We all have some. Some, more than others. There are some who practice godly ambition and others who have selfish ambition. Everyone has experienced the rush of life where one’s own strengths seem to satisfy the present need of the moment. Amazed that we have kept our balance, we set out on new adventures, trusting in what “worked” before, human wit and wisdom. Our success, accomplished in our own strength, breeds even more confidence in self and less in God. The scary thing about this way to success is how quickly the path of deception leads us away from our dependence upon God.
The Lord wants to transform us. He wants us to change. He is more interested in changing who we are. What is the cure, the reliable antidote, to overcoming this spiritual sickness that depends upon self and not upon God? There is a place in the disciple’s life of sweet surrender where our will bends and yields to His will. We must approach God for Who He is, not for what He can do for us. Dave Harvey explains,
“As we cooperate with God’s work, what delights us is no longer indulged ambition, or even ambitions for God, but God himself.” (Rescuing Ambition. 2010. Crossway: Wheaton, IL: Pg. 79)
Having an ambition to know God, intimately: this is called worship. As we love and serve the Lord, it must be our ambition to worship Him.
Principle #3 & Personal Application: The quality disciple is driven by a passionate desire for a surrendered life that is consumed by worship for God.
A life that is surrendered to God is characterized by . . .
• A worship that offers the most intimate of prayer requests to the One who knows us the best.
• A worship that cries out to God for help.
• A worship that surrenders our will for His.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Do I trust the Lord enough to be honest with Him and share the most intimate desires of my life to Him?
When do I find it the most difficult to surrender my will (my own desires and selfish ambition) and embrace the Lord’s will for me?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am so grateful that You not only want to hear the voice of my supplications but You already know what they are. As I worship You I thank You that I can cry to You for help. As I worship You I do so with humility, thanksgiving, and great reverence as I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary and surrender my will, my life 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 © 2011 All rights reserved.
www.dennybates.com
Note: Looking for a way to enhance your devotional life in 2011? Allow me to suggest purchasing a copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. You can order your copy for only $15.99 (a $4 savings!). If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, follow this link to my website where you can download a FREE SAMPLE at,
http://www.dennybates.com/Home/PODGIG.html
Learning with you,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #3
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to You for help, When I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary. Psalm 28:2
Core Value: Worship
Ambition. We all have some. Some, more than others. There are some who practice godly ambition and others who have selfish ambition. Everyone has experienced the rush of life where one’s own strengths seem to satisfy the present need of the moment. Amazed that we have kept our balance, we set out on new adventures, trusting in what “worked” before, human wit and wisdom. Our success, accomplished in our own strength, breeds even more confidence in self and less in God. The scary thing about this way to success is how quickly the path of deception leads us away from our dependence upon God.
The Lord wants to transform us. He wants us to change. He is more interested in changing who we are. What is the cure, the reliable antidote, to overcoming this spiritual sickness that depends upon self and not upon God? There is a place in the disciple’s life of sweet surrender where our will bends and yields to His will. We must approach God for Who He is, not for what He can do for us. Dave Harvey explains,
“As we cooperate with God’s work, what delights us is no longer indulged ambition, or even ambitions for God, but God himself.” (Rescuing Ambition. 2010. Crossway: Wheaton, IL: Pg. 79)
Having an ambition to know God, intimately: this is called worship. As we love and serve the Lord, it must be our ambition to worship Him.
Principle #3 & Personal Application: The quality disciple is driven by a passionate desire for a surrendered life that is consumed by worship for God.
A life that is surrendered to God is characterized by . . .
• A worship that offers the most intimate of prayer requests to the One who knows us the best.
• A worship that cries out to God for help.
• A worship that surrenders our will for His.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Do I trust the Lord enough to be honest with Him and share the most intimate desires of my life to Him?
When do I find it the most difficult to surrender my will (my own desires and selfish ambition) and embrace the Lord’s will for me?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am so grateful that You not only want to hear the voice of my supplications but You already know what they are. As I worship You I thank You that I can cry to You for help. As I worship You I do so with humility, thanksgiving, and great reverence as I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary and surrender my will, my life 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 © 2011 All rights reserved.
www.dennybates.com
Note: Looking for a way to enhance your devotional life in 2011? Allow me to suggest purchasing a copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. You can order your copy for only $15.99 (a $4 savings!). If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, follow this link to my website where you can download a FREE SAMPLE at,
http://www.dennybates.com/Home/PODGIG.html
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 2--January 15, 2011--Prayer
Hello my dear friends! Allow me to pose this question for us to ponder: How desperate do we have to become before we pray? Sometimes, prayer becomes the last resort after everything else we have tried has crashed and burned.
One would think that we would "get it" by now, but if you are like me, I often default to my own works and human strength. One of my spiritual goals this year is to reset the default setting in my spiritual life where I pray first and then allow His Spirit to talk to me and lead me. The Psalmist has much to say to us concerning this important topic. I'd love for you to join me in this journey.
Praying for you. Thanks for praying for me.
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #2--Prayer
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: To You, O LORD, I call; My rock, do not be deaf to me, For if You are silent to me, I will become like those who go down to the pit. Psalm 28:1
Core Value: Prayer
For many believers, the nature of prayer often becomes a last resort when we can accomplish nothing more in our own wisdom, wit, and works. It is a comforting thought that God knows this about us too, and still accepts and answers our desperate prayers. Having a works mentality drives us even further away from the comfort that awaits those who put their trust in the Lord. Grace, however, (God's solution to our need) no matter how desperate our situation, opens wide the door to His Throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:16). Chip Ingram reminds us of this great truth about “great prayers.”
“Not only are great prayers deeply personal, they are also birthed in brokenness. When we come to God with a sense of bankruptcy, knowing we’re in a desperate situation and have no resources to get ourselves out of it, God pays special attention. Brokenness will cause us to pour out our heart to God rather than trying to find the right words or the most persuasive arguments to present to him.” Pg. 103. Ingram, Chip. 2007. Good to great in God’s eyes: 10 practices great Christians have in common. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.
Desperate times require desperate measures that call for desperate prayers. How desperate are you in your need for Him?
Principle #2 & Personal Application: The quality disciple understands the serious nature of desperate prayer.
• Those who pray desperate prayers direct them to a SACRED place: “To You, O LORD, I call”
• Those who pray desperate prayers direct them to a SECURE place: “My rock”
• Those who pray desperate prayers direct them to a SAVING place: “do not be deaf to me, For if You are silent to me, I will become like those who go down to the pit.”
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I typically pray, are my prayers based upon my own desire for comfort or are they driven by my own desperate need to know Christ better and to trust Him entirely?
Is Jesus Christ my safety net in my spiritual journey or do I put more trust in what I can do to control my life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You know my heart’s desire is to trust You so much that my prayers will be desperate; having no other choice but You. By Your grace, help me to direct my desperate prayers to a sacred place; help me to direct my desperate prayers to a secure place; and help me to direct my desperate prayers to a saving place where You and You alone are my salvation.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2011 All rights reserved.
www.dennybates.com
Note: Looking for a way to enhance your devotional life in 2011? Allow me to suggest purchasing a copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. You can order your copy for only $15.99 (a $4 savings!). If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, follow this link to my website where you can download a free sample at,
http://www.dennybates.com/Home/PODGIG.html
P.S.
It has been a joy to walk with you this past year, studying and applying the life lessons of the Psalms. As I plan for this year, it would be helpful for me to get some feedback from you. If you click on the survey link below, it will take less than 5 minutes of your time. If you have responded already, THANKS!
Growing with you,
Denny
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HYVLPS6
One would think that we would "get it" by now, but if you are like me, I often default to my own works and human strength. One of my spiritual goals this year is to reset the default setting in my spiritual life where I pray first and then allow His Spirit to talk to me and lead me. The Psalmist has much to say to us concerning this important topic. I'd love for you to join me in this journey.
Praying for you. Thanks for praying for me.
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #2--Prayer
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: To You, O LORD, I call; My rock, do not be deaf to me, For if You are silent to me, I will become like those who go down to the pit. Psalm 28:1
Core Value: Prayer
For many believers, the nature of prayer often becomes a last resort when we can accomplish nothing more in our own wisdom, wit, and works. It is a comforting thought that God knows this about us too, and still accepts and answers our desperate prayers. Having a works mentality drives us even further away from the comfort that awaits those who put their trust in the Lord. Grace, however, (God's solution to our need) no matter how desperate our situation, opens wide the door to His Throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:16). Chip Ingram reminds us of this great truth about “great prayers.”
“Not only are great prayers deeply personal, they are also birthed in brokenness. When we come to God with a sense of bankruptcy, knowing we’re in a desperate situation and have no resources to get ourselves out of it, God pays special attention. Brokenness will cause us to pour out our heart to God rather than trying to find the right words or the most persuasive arguments to present to him.” Pg. 103. Ingram, Chip. 2007. Good to great in God’s eyes: 10 practices great Christians have in common. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.
Desperate times require desperate measures that call for desperate prayers. How desperate are you in your need for Him?
Principle #2 & Personal Application: The quality disciple understands the serious nature of desperate prayer.
• Those who pray desperate prayers direct them to a SACRED place: “To You, O LORD, I call”
• Those who pray desperate prayers direct them to a SECURE place: “My rock”
• Those who pray desperate prayers direct them to a SAVING place: “do not be deaf to me, For if You are silent to me, I will become like those who go down to the pit.”
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I typically pray, are my prayers based upon my own desire for comfort or are they driven by my own desperate need to know Christ better and to trust Him entirely?
Is Jesus Christ my safety net in my spiritual journey or do I put more trust in what I can do to control my life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You know my heart’s desire is to trust You so much that my prayers will be desperate; having no other choice but You. By Your grace, help me to direct my desperate prayers to a sacred place; help me to direct my desperate prayers to a secure place; and help me to direct my desperate prayers to a saving place where You and You alone are my salvation.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2011 All rights reserved.
www.dennybates.com
Note: Looking for a way to enhance your devotional life in 2011? Allow me to suggest purchasing a copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. You can order your copy for only $15.99 (a $4 savings!). If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, follow this link to my website where you can download a free sample at,
http://www.dennybates.com/Home/PODGIG.html
P.S.
It has been a joy to walk with you this past year, studying and applying the life lessons of the Psalms. As I plan for this year, it would be helpful for me to get some feedback from you. If you click on the survey link below, it will take less than 5 minutes of your time. If you have responded already, THANKS!
Growing with you,
Denny
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HYVLPS6
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship--Vol. 2--Principle # 1--January 8, 2011--Grace
Hello my dear friends! As we begin a new year of Psalms of Discipleship, our first core value is "GRACE." It's a good place to begin our journey in 2011. There is always a temptation to have this "Christian life thing" so figured out we drift away from trusting the Lord to trusting in ourselves or others. Grace reminds us of this universal truth: getting what we do not deserve, unmerited favor. This grace comes in real handy, especially when life presents us with unique opportunities to trust the Lord.
Learning to live in grace,
Denny
Note: Looking for a way to enhance your devotional life in 2011? Allow me to suggest purchasing a copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. You can order your copy for only $15.99 (a $4 savings!). If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, follow this link to my website where you can download a free sample at,
http://www.dennybates.com/Home/PODGIG.html
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #1
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 13 I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:13-14
Core Value: Grace
Life is hard. Sometimes, it can be really hard. When difficult times come our way, what can we, the disciple of Jesus, do? We always have a choice. We can choose to place our trust in people or we can choose to place our trust in the Lord. God has a way of orchestrating our circumstances so we will see the wisdom in drawing near to Him and to trust in His unchanging character. Author Dave Harvey explains this well in his book, Rescuing Ambition, when he writes,
"Our faith doesn't create prosperity, healings, and breakthroughs. Our faith focuses fervently on God . . . Our faith stands on the unchanging character of God. Biblical faith confidently—even ambitiously—asks God to act according to his promises. True faith then accepts the answer. Our faith stands on the unchanging character of God." (Pg. 85)
“Drawing near to God . . . is not like climbing a endless spiral of steps toward some unknown destination. Drawing near to God is a life of fellowship with a Person, a life of overwhelming wonder that puts everything else into perspective.” (Pg. 86)
It is the grace of God that allows us to have the kind of intimate relationship with Jesus where we can place our full trust in Him, even when life is hard.
Principle #1 & Personal Application: The Quality disciple has been given the capacity to endure any challenge in this life because of the abundant grace of God.
There is great comfort in knowing that God’s grace . . .
• Will protect us from despair and utter hopelessness.
• Will grant us the faith we need to experience the goodness of the Lord.
• Will provide us the courage to wait for the Lord as He brings glory to Himself and good to us.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Have I ever experienced the Lord’s goodness while undergoing a stressful time in my life? What life lessons did I learn?
What difficult circumstances am I in today that causes me to wait on the Lord?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, it is true about me: I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would have seen the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Help me wait for You Lord. And as I wait for You, may I gain strength from You and may my heart be transformed from a heart of fear to a heart of great courage.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2011 All rights reserved.
www.dennybates.com
P.S.
It has been a joy to walk with you this past year, studying and applying the life lessons of the Psalms. As I plan for this year, it would be helpful for me to get some feedback from you. If you click on the survey link below, it will take less than 5 minutes of your time. If you have responded already, THANKS!
Growing with you,
Denny
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HYVLPS6
Learning to live in grace,
Denny
Note: Looking for a way to enhance your devotional life in 2011? Allow me to suggest purchasing a copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. You can order your copy for only $15.99 (a $4 savings!). If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, follow this link to my website where you can download a free sample at,
http://www.dennybates.com/Home/PODGIG.html
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #1
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 13 I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:13-14
Core Value: Grace
Life is hard. Sometimes, it can be really hard. When difficult times come our way, what can we, the disciple of Jesus, do? We always have a choice. We can choose to place our trust in people or we can choose to place our trust in the Lord. God has a way of orchestrating our circumstances so we will see the wisdom in drawing near to Him and to trust in His unchanging character. Author Dave Harvey explains this well in his book, Rescuing Ambition, when he writes,
"Our faith doesn't create prosperity, healings, and breakthroughs. Our faith focuses fervently on God . . . Our faith stands on the unchanging character of God. Biblical faith confidently—even ambitiously—asks God to act according to his promises. True faith then accepts the answer. Our faith stands on the unchanging character of God." (Pg. 85)
“Drawing near to God . . . is not like climbing a endless spiral of steps toward some unknown destination. Drawing near to God is a life of fellowship with a Person, a life of overwhelming wonder that puts everything else into perspective.” (Pg. 86)
It is the grace of God that allows us to have the kind of intimate relationship with Jesus where we can place our full trust in Him, even when life is hard.
Principle #1 & Personal Application: The Quality disciple has been given the capacity to endure any challenge in this life because of the abundant grace of God.
There is great comfort in knowing that God’s grace . . .
• Will protect us from despair and utter hopelessness.
• Will grant us the faith we need to experience the goodness of the Lord.
• Will provide us the courage to wait for the Lord as He brings glory to Himself and good to us.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Have I ever experienced the Lord’s goodness while undergoing a stressful time in my life? What life lessons did I learn?
What difficult circumstances am I in today that causes me to wait on the Lord?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, it is true about me: I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would have seen the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Help me wait for You Lord. And as I wait for You, may I gain strength from You and may my heart be transformed from a heart of fear to a heart of great courage.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2011 All rights reserved.
www.dennybates.com
P.S.
It has been a joy to walk with you this past year, studying and applying the life lessons of the Psalms. As I plan for this year, it would be helpful for me to get some feedback from you. If you click on the survey link below, it will take less than 5 minutes of your time. If you have responded already, THANKS!
Growing with you,
Denny
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HYVLPS6
Friday, December 31, 2010
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 52--December 31, 2010--Prayer
Hello my dear friends! Within hours from now, many greetings will be shared by people from all over the world with these familiar words: "Happy New Year!"
I always find it to be useful to take some personal "inventory" time at the end of each year and see where I stand. For me, 2010 has been a year of challenges and growth (paradoxes, for sure. But they sure do seem to go together, hand in hand). As I survey the land of my life, I have been blessed in so many ways. God loves me. My wife loves me. My children love me. And many trusted friends love me. This is all true, even though I have so far to go in my spiritual life (Note: Grace allows us not to be perfect, but grants us permission to grow). For example, I tend to neglect frequent times of intimate prayer with a ready excuse in hand: I'm "too busy" or "too distracted" or perhaps even worse, "too self-reliant" to pray.
Over the course of the year, and especially over the past two weeks, I have made a fresh commitment to prayer. I hope you will do the same too as we all grow closer to the Lord in 2011.
I am praying for you. Thanks for praying for me.
Lets talk again soon; like next year.
Happy New Year!
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #52
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice, And be gracious to me and answer me. 8 When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, O LORD, I shall seek." 9 Do not hide Your face from me, Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation! Psalm 27:7-9
Core Value: Prayer
The gift of prayer is a wonderful resource . . . if the disciple of Jesus is willing to use it. We know it is there. We know of its benefit to the believer. And we know prayer is what our Lord desires us to do, on a frequent basis. And yet, for many of us, we find it difficult, seeming nearly impossible, to develop a healthy habit of meaningful prayer. Why is this? Perhaps, it is due to what Donald Whitney describes as “an impersonal requirement”:
“Don’t think of prayer as an impersonal requirement. Realize that it is a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, with all authority and with all love, who expects us to pray.” (Pg. 67) Whitney, Donald S. 1991. Spiritual disciplines for the Christian life. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
Has prayer become another religious “duty” that we simply check off of our so-called spirituality list and then move on to more of the same: an empty and unfulfilling relationship with the Lord? There are many things that we can do on our own that will give the illusion that we are something that we are not. A life marked by the power of prayer, biblical prayer, is not one of them. By God’s grace, may He renew our focus upon the One who desires to have an ongoing, intimate relationship with us.
The Psalmist has a lot to say about the intimacy and necessity of prayer. He reminds us that the God of the Universe desires to hear the voice of His child. He desires to answer prayers that are offered according to His perfect will. He has promised to walk with us, no matter how challenging are our circumstances. Our responsibility is to keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) and talk to and listen to Him.
Principle #52 & Personal Application: The Quality disciple has a laser-like focus to keep the face of the Lord in clear view.
When I seek the Lord, face to face:
• I am reminded of His desire to hear my voice.
• I am reminded of His desire to answer me.
• I am reminded of His desire to be kind to me and not to turn away from me in anger.
• I am reminded of His desire not to abandon or forsake me but to comfort me with His presence.
• I am reminded of His desire to be the God of my salvation!
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What kinds of things do I need to do for the following year that will help me keep my focus upon the Lord?
When I make an effort to seek the face of the Lord, what kind of impact does it make upon my life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may this coming year be one of a renewed intimacy with You. May prayer not become a trite thing that I do, but a transforming way of life. When I seek Your face, may You impress upon my heart the beauty of Your face.
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.
P.S.
It has been a joy to walk with you this year, studying and applying the life lessons of the Psalms. As I plan for next year, it would be helpful for me to get some feedback from you. If you click on the survey link below, it will take less than 5 minutes of your time.
Growing with you,
Denny
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HYVLPS6
I always find it to be useful to take some personal "inventory" time at the end of each year and see where I stand. For me, 2010 has been a year of challenges and growth (paradoxes, for sure. But they sure do seem to go together, hand in hand). As I survey the land of my life, I have been blessed in so many ways. God loves me. My wife loves me. My children love me. And many trusted friends love me. This is all true, even though I have so far to go in my spiritual life (Note: Grace allows us not to be perfect, but grants us permission to grow). For example, I tend to neglect frequent times of intimate prayer with a ready excuse in hand: I'm "too busy" or "too distracted" or perhaps even worse, "too self-reliant" to pray.
Over the course of the year, and especially over the past two weeks, I have made a fresh commitment to prayer. I hope you will do the same too as we all grow closer to the Lord in 2011.
I am praying for you. Thanks for praying for me.
Lets talk again soon; like next year.
Happy New Year!
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #52
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice, And be gracious to me and answer me. 8 When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, O LORD, I shall seek." 9 Do not hide Your face from me, Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation! Psalm 27:7-9
Core Value: Prayer
The gift of prayer is a wonderful resource . . . if the disciple of Jesus is willing to use it. We know it is there. We know of its benefit to the believer. And we know prayer is what our Lord desires us to do, on a frequent basis. And yet, for many of us, we find it difficult, seeming nearly impossible, to develop a healthy habit of meaningful prayer. Why is this? Perhaps, it is due to what Donald Whitney describes as “an impersonal requirement”:
“Don’t think of prayer as an impersonal requirement. Realize that it is a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, with all authority and with all love, who expects us to pray.” (Pg. 67) Whitney, Donald S. 1991. Spiritual disciplines for the Christian life. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
Has prayer become another religious “duty” that we simply check off of our so-called spirituality list and then move on to more of the same: an empty and unfulfilling relationship with the Lord? There are many things that we can do on our own that will give the illusion that we are something that we are not. A life marked by the power of prayer, biblical prayer, is not one of them. By God’s grace, may He renew our focus upon the One who desires to have an ongoing, intimate relationship with us.
The Psalmist has a lot to say about the intimacy and necessity of prayer. He reminds us that the God of the Universe desires to hear the voice of His child. He desires to answer prayers that are offered according to His perfect will. He has promised to walk with us, no matter how challenging are our circumstances. Our responsibility is to keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) and talk to and listen to Him.
Principle #52 & Personal Application: The Quality disciple has a laser-like focus to keep the face of the Lord in clear view.
When I seek the Lord, face to face:
• I am reminded of His desire to hear my voice.
• I am reminded of His desire to answer me.
• I am reminded of His desire to be kind to me and not to turn away from me in anger.
• I am reminded of His desire not to abandon or forsake me but to comfort me with His presence.
• I am reminded of His desire to be the God of my salvation!
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What kinds of things do I need to do for the following year that will help me keep my focus upon the Lord?
When I make an effort to seek the face of the Lord, what kind of impact does it make upon my life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may this coming year be one of a renewed intimacy with You. May prayer not become a trite thing that I do, but a transforming way of life. When I seek Your face, may You impress upon my heart the beauty of Your face.
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.
P.S.
It has been a joy to walk with you this year, studying and applying the life lessons of the Psalms. As I plan for next year, it would be helpful for me to get some feedback from you. If you click on the survey link below, it will take less than 5 minutes of your time.
Growing with you,
Denny
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HYVLPS6
Monday, December 27, 2010
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 51--December 27, 2010--Prayer
Hello my dear friends! I hope that your Christmas Day celebration gave you ample opportunity to enjoy rich times of fellowship with those you love the most as well as time to reflect upon the One who loves you most.
Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a great way to summarize the year as well as look to next year as a spiritual goal: on a frequent basis, to ask the Lord to "examine me, try me; test my mind and my heart."
May each one of us learn in a fresh way how to be honest with God.
Learning with you,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #51
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: Examine me, O LORD, and try me; Test my mind and my heart. Psalm 26:2
Core Value: Prayer
“Are you honest with God?” This is the question that cuts through any kind of “religious” spirit and goes to the heart of what is true or what is just a spiritual mirage. The prayer of the Psalmist was one of honesty and a pure desire to become “real” with God. Note the clear directions the Psalmist gave to the Lord: “Examine me . . . try me . . . test my mind . . . and my heart.”
No holding back here in an attempt to be seen as something he was not. In essence, the Psalmist was asking God for restoration, a fresh and healthy relationship with his God. It is tempting to ignore what we need from God: to give Him permission to inspect our mind and heart. Over time, we may drift and adapt and live life without God’s supernatural redemptive power.
In the book, “The Rest of God” by Mark Buchanan, he offers a unique perspective on how challenging it is to open one’s life to God’s review.
“A curious thing about restoration is that it doesn’t need doing. Strictly speaking, life carries on without it. Restoration is an invasion of sorts. It’s fixing something that’s broken, but broken so long it’s almost mended . . . Restoration meddles with what [we’ve] learned to handle, removes what [we’ve] learned to live with, bestows what [we’ve] learned to live without. Replacements have been found already, thank you all the same.” Pg. 150
May we never become satisfied with the “status quo.” May the Lord give us the grace we need to prayerfully ask Him to inspect us, from the inside out.
Principle #51 & Personal Application: The Quality disciple of Jesus Christ invites an honest and transparent assessment of what one thinks and feels inside.
It is by prayer that the disciple of Jesus Christ:
• Can become “real” with God. “Examine me, O Lord.” This coming year I can be honest to God.
• Can welcome an honest assessment from the Lord. “Try me.” This coming year I can be willing to take the risk that God knows what is best for me.
• Can trust the Lord’s probing of what is at one’s inner core. “Test my mind and my heart.” This coming year I can peel away the onion of my life and see what is most important to me.
• Can embrace the One who came into the world as a baby but is now our risen Savior. “Christ in us, the hope of glory.” This coming year I can renew my commitment to live my life for Him.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Do I find it easy or challenging to be real with God? Why?
What kinds of things do I conceal in my mind and heart that are not in alignment with God’s Word?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I give You permission to check me out—on the inside. Please examine me, O Lord. Please try me and test my mind and heart…and then, Lord, please overwhelm me with Your grace as You form my mind into the mind of Christ; as You create in me a clean heart; as You once again, renew my focus to live for 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.
www.dennybates.com
Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a great way to summarize the year as well as look to next year as a spiritual goal: on a frequent basis, to ask the Lord to "examine me, try me; test my mind and my heart."
May each one of us learn in a fresh way how to be honest with God.
Learning with you,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #51
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: Examine me, O LORD, and try me; Test my mind and my heart. Psalm 26:2
Core Value: Prayer
“Are you honest with God?” This is the question that cuts through any kind of “religious” spirit and goes to the heart of what is true or what is just a spiritual mirage. The prayer of the Psalmist was one of honesty and a pure desire to become “real” with God. Note the clear directions the Psalmist gave to the Lord: “Examine me . . . try me . . . test my mind . . . and my heart.”
No holding back here in an attempt to be seen as something he was not. In essence, the Psalmist was asking God for restoration, a fresh and healthy relationship with his God. It is tempting to ignore what we need from God: to give Him permission to inspect our mind and heart. Over time, we may drift and adapt and live life without God’s supernatural redemptive power.
In the book, “The Rest of God” by Mark Buchanan, he offers a unique perspective on how challenging it is to open one’s life to God’s review.
“A curious thing about restoration is that it doesn’t need doing. Strictly speaking, life carries on without it. Restoration is an invasion of sorts. It’s fixing something that’s broken, but broken so long it’s almost mended . . . Restoration meddles with what [we’ve] learned to handle, removes what [we’ve] learned to live with, bestows what [we’ve] learned to live without. Replacements have been found already, thank you all the same.” Pg. 150
May we never become satisfied with the “status quo.” May the Lord give us the grace we need to prayerfully ask Him to inspect us, from the inside out.
Principle #51 & Personal Application: The Quality disciple of Jesus Christ invites an honest and transparent assessment of what one thinks and feels inside.
It is by prayer that the disciple of Jesus Christ:
• Can become “real” with God. “Examine me, O Lord.” This coming year I can be honest to God.
• Can welcome an honest assessment from the Lord. “Try me.” This coming year I can be willing to take the risk that God knows what is best for me.
• Can trust the Lord’s probing of what is at one’s inner core. “Test my mind and my heart.” This coming year I can peel away the onion of my life and see what is most important to me.
• Can embrace the One who came into the world as a baby but is now our risen Savior. “Christ in us, the hope of glory.” This coming year I can renew my commitment to live my life for Him.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Do I find it easy or challenging to be real with God? Why?
What kinds of things do I conceal in my mind and heart that are not in alignment with God’s Word?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I give You permission to check me out—on the inside. Please examine me, O Lord. Please try me and test my mind and heart…and then, Lord, please overwhelm me with Your grace as You form my mind into the mind of Christ; as You create in me a clean heart; as You once again, renew my focus to live for 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.
www.dennybates.com
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