Hello my dear friends! I want you to consider this question, a very important one: when you are faced with a situation where you feel very weak and anxious, what is your initial response? Is it panic . . . or is it prayer; and if it is prayer, what are you requesting the Lord to do?
This week's Psalm reminds us not only to pray to the One who can do something about our need but also gives us clear instructions on what we should be requesting of the Lord.
What is being offered to us, His disciples, is a wonderful transaction: our weakness for His strength; our anxiety and fear for His peace.
Overwhelmed by His goodness,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #7
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace. Psalm 29:11
Core Value: Prayer
There are times in the life of the disciple of Jesus where one’s present circumstances seem to be overwhelming and hopeless. Be it one’s means of employment, a fractured relationship, a loss of health, or a strong temptation that is baiting us to do wrong; we need more life-sustaining resources than what we can muster up. We need a strength that goes beyond ourselves. We need a peace that will last beyond the present crisis. We need the Lord. We need to pray the truth of God’s Word and ignore the lies of the one who is our adversary. Thankfully, through prayer, we can look to Him and to His promises given to His people: The Lord will give strength to His people. The Lord will bless His people with peace. The Lord will. Will we trust Him to do so?
Principle #7 & Personal Application: The quality disciple looks only to the Lord for strength and peace.
• Prayer is the path of provision where we can exchange our weaknesses for His strength.
• Prayer is the path of provision where we can exchange our anxieties and fears for His peace.
• Prayer is the path of provision where we can experience a changed life, empowered by His strength, blessed with His peace.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I feel spiritually weak and out of strength, how do I glean strength from the Lord?
Are there any circumstances I am facing which cause me to become nervous to the point of panic? How do I appropriate the peace of God when I am anything but peaceful?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your promise to me is precious. You will give me Your infinite strength in exchange for my weaknesses. You will bless me with Your lasting peace in place of my anxiety and fear. You give me the grace to live a life of wholeness. When so many people are lacking in strength and are overcome with fear, You give me Your strength and Your peace and I am made whole in You.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2011 All rights reserved.
www.dennybates.com
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.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 19, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 6--February 12, 2011--Worship
Hello my dear friends....allow me to pose this probing question: do you ever feel like your problems are bigger than God? Of course, the "right" answer is there is no problem we have that is bigger than God. But, in the deep recesses of our heart, do we always believe it to be true; that God can take care of our biggest problems?
Going back to the Word of God is always a great reminder of who God is and what He can do for us. Today's Psalm is a declaration of His greatness and His worth to be praised and worshiped.
There is a saying I heard years ago that rings true: "Praise (or worship) breaks the back of the mood monster." May He give us the grace to worship Him in the midst of our problems and break the back of the mood monster.
Learning to worship Him,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #6
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 1 Ascribe to the LORD, O sons of the mighty, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in holy array. (See also verses 3-11) Psalm 29:1-2
Core Value: Worship
All of us have faced big problems: a relationship that has meant so much to us over the years has gone south and looks beyond repair; our personal income has been squeezed where we are frequently experiencing more month than money; the constant pounding of a familiar temptation to give in and compromise our Christian testimony has weakened us into near surrender. Our problems look so big. We are discouraged. We are desperate. We are right where we need to be: dependent upon the Lord. The good news (the Gospel) is that our God is much bigger than our problems. We need to become “preoccupied with God.”
Donald Whitney offers a clear perspective of the power, the impact and beauty of worship:
“Worship is the God-centered focus and response of the inner man; it is being preoccupied with God. So no matter what you are saying or singing or doing at any moment, you are worshiping God only when you are focused on Him and thinking of Him. But whenever you do focus on the infinite worth of God, you will respond in worship as surely as the moon reflects the sun.” Pg. 88-89
“Worship is a Spiritual Discipline insofar as it is both an end and a means. The worship of God is an end in itself because worship, as we’ve defined it, is to focus on and respond to God. There is no higher goal than focusing on and responding to God. But worship is also a means in the sense that it is a means to Godliness. The more we truly worship God, the more we become like Him.” Pg. 94-95
“The act of worship without actual worship is a miserable, hypocritical experience. So if worship wearies you, you aren’t really worshiping.” Pg. 96. Whitney, Donald S. 1991. Spiritual disciplines for the Christian life. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
Principle #6 & Personal Application: The quality disciple gives to the Lord all glory, strength, and honor—all of the time.
With the backdrop of a majestic storm, David exhorts not only angels (sons of the mighty) to acknowledge God’s awesome greatness, but this same exhortation applies to those who are a disciple of Jesus. Even during the storms of our lives . . .
• We must give to the Lord and acknowledge His glory and strength. It is a worship that gives perspective on how great God is and how small we are.
• We must give to the Lord the glory due to His name. It is a worship that focuses upon what belongs to God and to Him alone—His glory.
• We must worship the Lord in holy array. It is a worship that transcends, what can be for many, a stale and meaningless religious ritual into an authentic and transformational relationship with Him.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What are the catalysts that trigger my awareness of God’s awesome power?
What kinds of things can I begin to practice that will assist me in experiencing a deeper worship of God?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, it is by Your grace that I can even offer worship to You. So by grace, I ascribe, I give, I acknowledge glory and strength to You. In grace, I ascribe the glory that is due to Your beautiful name. In grace, I worship You not in a half-hearted way, but worship You and honor You in holy array.
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
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.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
Going back to the Word of God is always a great reminder of who God is and what He can do for us. Today's Psalm is a declaration of His greatness and His worth to be praised and worshiped.
There is a saying I heard years ago that rings true: "Praise (or worship) breaks the back of the mood monster." May He give us the grace to worship Him in the midst of our problems and break the back of the mood monster.
Learning to worship Him,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #6
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 1 Ascribe to the LORD, O sons of the mighty, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in holy array. (See also verses 3-11) Psalm 29:1-2
Core Value: Worship
All of us have faced big problems: a relationship that has meant so much to us over the years has gone south and looks beyond repair; our personal income has been squeezed where we are frequently experiencing more month than money; the constant pounding of a familiar temptation to give in and compromise our Christian testimony has weakened us into near surrender. Our problems look so big. We are discouraged. We are desperate. We are right where we need to be: dependent upon the Lord. The good news (the Gospel) is that our God is much bigger than our problems. We need to become “preoccupied with God.”
Donald Whitney offers a clear perspective of the power, the impact and beauty of worship:
“Worship is the God-centered focus and response of the inner man; it is being preoccupied with God. So no matter what you are saying or singing or doing at any moment, you are worshiping God only when you are focused on Him and thinking of Him. But whenever you do focus on the infinite worth of God, you will respond in worship as surely as the moon reflects the sun.” Pg. 88-89
“Worship is a Spiritual Discipline insofar as it is both an end and a means. The worship of God is an end in itself because worship, as we’ve defined it, is to focus on and respond to God. There is no higher goal than focusing on and responding to God. But worship is also a means in the sense that it is a means to Godliness. The more we truly worship God, the more we become like Him.” Pg. 94-95
“The act of worship without actual worship is a miserable, hypocritical experience. So if worship wearies you, you aren’t really worshiping.” Pg. 96. Whitney, Donald S. 1991. Spiritual disciplines for the Christian life. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
Principle #6 & Personal Application: The quality disciple gives to the Lord all glory, strength, and honor—all of the time.
With the backdrop of a majestic storm, David exhorts not only angels (sons of the mighty) to acknowledge God’s awesome greatness, but this same exhortation applies to those who are a disciple of Jesus. Even during the storms of our lives . . .
• We must give to the Lord and acknowledge His glory and strength. It is a worship that gives perspective on how great God is and how small we are.
• We must give to the Lord the glory due to His name. It is a worship that focuses upon what belongs to God and to Him alone—His glory.
• We must worship the Lord in holy array. It is a worship that transcends, what can be for many, a stale and meaningless religious ritual into an authentic and transformational relationship with Him.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What are the catalysts that trigger my awareness of God’s awesome power?
What kinds of things can I begin to practice that will assist me in experiencing a deeper worship of God?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, it is by Your grace that I can even offer worship to You. So by grace, I ascribe, I give, I acknowledge glory and strength to You. In grace, I ascribe the glory that is due to Your beautiful name. In grace, I worship You not in a half-hearted way, but worship You and honor You in holy array.
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
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.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
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 5--February 5, 2011--Worship
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
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, 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
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