Hello my dear friends! A few questions for us to consider: when you feel under siege and surrounded by the enemies of your soul, how do you cope? How do you survive? How do you thrive in the midst of challenging circumstances?
Psalm 23:5 gives us a wonderful word picture of God's grace as He not only intervenes in a supernatural way, but does so in an abundant way.
No matter what you may be facing today, it gives the Lord great pleasure to care for you in ways that only He can do.
Together, by grace, and through faith, lets take our place at the table. We have been given a front row seat to see our God at work.
Sitting with you too,
Denny
P.S. Looking for a fresh approach to Christmas and the Advent Season? Allow me to suggest "Christmas Meditations of Worship" to you. This serves as a great personal or group study.
In writing this Christmas devotional, I adapted four devotionals on worship from the book Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace (Please note: if you purchased Growing in Grace and desire to purchase Christmas Meditations, the worship devotionals are identical). I've added to each Psalm on worship selected Christmas scriptures, personal applications, classic carols, and serving exercises that will direct our heart to the Lord during this busy time of the year.
The first Sunday in Advent is November 28th! You can purchase your copy of Christmas Meditations of Worship by visiting this link:
http://www.dennybates.com/Home/Advent.html
Print edition is only $10.00, includes shipping and handling.
eBook edition for download is $6.95
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #46
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Psalm 23:5
Core Value: Grace
Wouldn’t it be nice if just being a “good” Christian meant having a life of ease and pleasure? Wouldn’t it be great if everyone got along and there would be no conflict? Wouldn’t it be . . . completely unrealistic?
The message of the Cross declares a completely different view of life. By definition, the Cross is a symbol of suffering and death. We are told to take up our cross, deny our self and follow Jesus. One of the beautiful truths from the Scriptures are the promises made to the believer who is undergoing difficult circumstances. In the midst of our trouble, the Lord is with us in a very special way. It all begins with having a personal, growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Michael Wilkins offers this perspective:
“When Jesus called men and women to follow him, he offered a personal relationship with himself, not simply an alternative lifestyle or different religious practices or a new social organization . . . Discipleship means the beginning of a new life in intimate fellowship with a living Master and Savior.” Pg. 355
Wilkins, Michael J. 1992. Following the Master: discipleship in the steps of Jesus. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
The grace of God (having an intimate fellowship with Lord) allows us not only to survive, but also thrive in the midst of extraordinary circumstances.
Principle #46 & Personal Application: The Quality disciple of Jesus Christ is the recipient of the most extraordinary care in the most extraordinary of circumstances
• The grace of God is given to the disciple of Jesus Christ, no matter how difficult the circumstances appear to be.
• The grace of God is given to the disciple of Jesus Christ, poured out upon us as He anoints us with His grace.
• The grace of God is given to the disciple of Jesus Christ, with an abundance that overflows our life.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Can I recall a time when Jesus “prepared a table before me in the presence of my enemies?” What did I learn about His faithfulness to me?
Am I experiencing an overflow life of grace where my cup is overflowing? What is the secret to having a life where one’s cup does overflow . . . continually?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are well aware of the spiritual battles I am fighting today. The battle is intense and at times (sometimes) I want to give up and give in to the enemy of my soul. Yet, Your great promise to me is that You will prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You will anoint my head with oil. You will see that my cup will not be able to contain itself, but will overflow with your blessed grace. Lord may I be drenched with Your grace as I sit in peace at this table You are preparing before me.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 45--November 13, 2010--Grace
Hello my dear friends. I hope that you are in a good place today, a place where you sense God's comfort and care for you. The Psalmist causes us to stop and ponder a very important point: what are we to do, how are we to feel, when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death?
I pray that today each one of us would gain a fresh appreciation of how much the Shepherd of the Psalms loves and cares for us. May you sense His comfort and care for you.
No one ever cared for us, like Jesus.
Denny
Note: Thanks to all of you who have purchased your copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. The first printing run is almost sold out. If you are local to Florence SC, there are a few copies for sale at National Hardware on East Palmetto Street in the Christmas Shop. Online, 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,
http://bit.ly/c83ofY
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #45
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
Core Value: Grace
What is it that really scares us? Is it being misunderstood or being isolated and alone? Does the thought of failing health cause us to fear? Or does the worry of not having enough money set aside to take care of present and future needs cause us to panic? Does the fear of the unknown paralyze us from making any plans for the future? When confronted with a somewhat ominous journey through the valley of the shadow of death, what is the disciple of Jesus to do?
When the dark clouds seem to overwhelm us, we must walk in faith.
In his book, The shape of faith to come: spiritual formation and the future of discipleship, Brad Waggoner writes about the kind of faith that is needed for the disciple:
“Faith is often confused with a general sense of optimism or a vague sense that things will work out in the end. But this is not equivalent to biblical faith, which is rooted in the conviction that God is in full control of all things and that He has a purpose in every situation.” Pg. 183
“Exercising faith requires that we run in such a way that we win—that is, win in doing the will of God and running with a faith that abandons any option but God’s.” Pg. 188
God is in control . . . and we are not. Walking in His perfect will is always our best choice. These two gifts (grace and faith) from the Lord allow us walk through any challenges that come our way with His joy, His comfort, and His peace.
Principle #45 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ has the most incredible sense of God’s comfort and care.
• We have been given great grace that sustains us in the most challenging of times. Everyone, sometime, will have to walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
• We have been given great grace that comforts us when horrible fear abounds. Everyone, sometime, if we have faith, will experience a marvelous sense of peace even when evil seeks to overwhelm and conquer us.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What kinds of feelings do I experience when I go through my own valley of the shadow of death?
How has God’s rod and staff been a comfort to me?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am so grateful for Your great grace that richly abounds in my life when I am going through the valley of the shadow of death. I am comforted knowing that evil, though powerful and foreboding at times, cannot steal my peace. I feel safe as I sense the care of Your protection. In spite of my own harried circumstances, I am comforted by Your rod and staff. May I always look to You as the Good Shepherd who gives a grace that is sustaining and comforting.
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.
I pray that today each one of us would gain a fresh appreciation of how much the Shepherd of the Psalms loves and cares for us. May you sense His comfort and care for you.
No one ever cared for us, like Jesus.
Denny
Note: Thanks to all of you who have purchased your copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. The first printing run is almost sold out. If you are local to Florence SC, there are a few copies for sale at National Hardware on East Palmetto Street in the Christmas Shop. Online, 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,
http://bit.ly/c83ofY
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #45
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
Core Value: Grace
What is it that really scares us? Is it being misunderstood or being isolated and alone? Does the thought of failing health cause us to fear? Or does the worry of not having enough money set aside to take care of present and future needs cause us to panic? Does the fear of the unknown paralyze us from making any plans for the future? When confronted with a somewhat ominous journey through the valley of the shadow of death, what is the disciple of Jesus to do?
When the dark clouds seem to overwhelm us, we must walk in faith.
In his book, The shape of faith to come: spiritual formation and the future of discipleship, Brad Waggoner writes about the kind of faith that is needed for the disciple:
“Faith is often confused with a general sense of optimism or a vague sense that things will work out in the end. But this is not equivalent to biblical faith, which is rooted in the conviction that God is in full control of all things and that He has a purpose in every situation.” Pg. 183
“Exercising faith requires that we run in such a way that we win—that is, win in doing the will of God and running with a faith that abandons any option but God’s.” Pg. 188
God is in control . . . and we are not. Walking in His perfect will is always our best choice. These two gifts (grace and faith) from the Lord allow us walk through any challenges that come our way with His joy, His comfort, and His peace.
Principle #45 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ has the most incredible sense of God’s comfort and care.
• We have been given great grace that sustains us in the most challenging of times. Everyone, sometime, will have to walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
• We have been given great grace that comforts us when horrible fear abounds. Everyone, sometime, if we have faith, will experience a marvelous sense of peace even when evil seeks to overwhelm and conquer us.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What kinds of feelings do I experience when I go through my own valley of the shadow of death?
How has God’s rod and staff been a comfort to me?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am so grateful for Your great grace that richly abounds in my life when I am going through the valley of the shadow of death. I am comforted knowing that evil, though powerful and foreboding at times, cannot steal my peace. I feel safe as I sense the care of Your protection. In spite of my own harried circumstances, I am comforted by Your rod and staff. May I always look to You as the Good Shepherd who gives a grace that is sustaining and comforting.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 44--November 6, 2010--Grace
Hello my dear friends.....greetings to you this day. Here is a question for you to consider: how is your soul doing? As I journey with the Lord I have experienced life's ups and downs. And along the way my soul has become dry, damaged, and depleted of vibrancy. How about you?
Today's Psalms of Discipleship gives great encouragement to folks like us. The Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm is more than willing and able to repair what has been damaged. He does restore my soul.
Restored and being restored, day by day, moment by moment,
Denny
PS. Thanks to all of you who have purchased your copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. The first printing run is almost sold out. Order your copy now of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace 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,
http://bit.ly/c83ofY
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #44
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Psalm 23:3
Core Value: Grace
The term “dead men walking” can describe the person who is only a shell of themselves: existing, surviving, but hardly experiencing a full and vibrant life. Anyone who has walked with the Lord for any amount of time can testify that life can be hard, challenging, and at times, down right exhausting. One’s soul does become battered, damaged, and severely fatigued. And that is what happens on “good” days. Fortunately, there is One who not only “gets” what we are going through, He desires to help. What we cannot do (restoration of the soul), the Shepherd does. This is called grace.
Cloud and Townsend offer their helpful perspective on the human need for grace and for the need to be heard (by those in our community and by God):
“To grow, we need things that we do not have and cannot provide, and we need to have a source of those things who looks favorably upon us and who does things for us for our own good.” Pg. 67
“As Hebrews 4:16 says, ‘Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.’ Grace teaches us that God is inclined to help us in our failure and that he sees our inability as part of reality and he is not mad at our weakness. In fact, he calls it a ‘blessed’ state, our being unable to do what we need to do (Matt. 5:3; 2 Cor. 12:9-10).” Pg. 69
“Jesus knows about our suffering through his own experience . . . Jesus put himself in a unique position by his suffering. If anyone can say about our situation, ‘I’ve been there,’ it is he.” Pg. 90
“One of the most important aspects to growth in our suffering is that we need to know that we are understood. This is what provides empathy for us. We cannot grow if we are all alone emotionally. Life is too difficult. But if we know that someone truly understands, we know that we are not alone with our feelings and thoughts, and we gain encouragement to persevere in our growth. We need to know that we are ‘heard’—on a human level from each other, and on a divine level from God . . .” Pg. 92
Cloud, Henry and Townsend, John. 2001. How people grow: what the Bible reveals about personal growth. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Experiencing soul fatigue? The Lord will restore your soul.
Principle #44 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ has an on-going testimony of receiving divine restoration and perfect guidance.
• It is only the grace of God that can restore the human soul. How does He restore us? He, and only He, can repair, restore, and redeem a damaged soul by His awesome healing power.
• It is only the grace of God that can guide the disciple of Jesus Christ in the paths of righteousness. How does He guide us? He does it like a Shepherd, a Good Shepherd who leads, guides, protects, provides, comforts and makes a way for us on the righteous paths of life.
• It is only the grace of God that blesses us and gives Him the glory—all of it. Why does He bless us? He does it for His name’s sake. It gives the Lord great joy to reveal His name to us as Jehovah Shalom—the Lord is our Peace; as El Shaddai, the All Sufficient One; as Jehovah Rapha, the Lord our Healer.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What is it that has damaged my soul? What do I need (i.e., healing, renewal, encouragement) the Lord to do that will restore my soul?
As I read my Bible, where in God’s Word has He been speaking to me and what has He been saying that is giving me the Lord’s guidance of my life?
In the Bible, there are many names given to God. Which ones have been the most meaningful to me this past month?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You and only You can restore my soul. I have been wounded by sin and need Your healing touch in my life. May I always be teachable so that when I am guided by You, I will find myself on paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake.
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.
Today's Psalms of Discipleship gives great encouragement to folks like us. The Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm is more than willing and able to repair what has been damaged. He does restore my soul.
Restored and being restored, day by day, moment by moment,
Denny
PS. Thanks to all of you who have purchased your copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. The first printing run is almost sold out. Order your copy now of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace 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,
http://bit.ly/c83ofY
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #44
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Psalm 23:3
Core Value: Grace
The term “dead men walking” can describe the person who is only a shell of themselves: existing, surviving, but hardly experiencing a full and vibrant life. Anyone who has walked with the Lord for any amount of time can testify that life can be hard, challenging, and at times, down right exhausting. One’s soul does become battered, damaged, and severely fatigued. And that is what happens on “good” days. Fortunately, there is One who not only “gets” what we are going through, He desires to help. What we cannot do (restoration of the soul), the Shepherd does. This is called grace.
Cloud and Townsend offer their helpful perspective on the human need for grace and for the need to be heard (by those in our community and by God):
“To grow, we need things that we do not have and cannot provide, and we need to have a source of those things who looks favorably upon us and who does things for us for our own good.” Pg. 67
“As Hebrews 4:16 says, ‘Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.’ Grace teaches us that God is inclined to help us in our failure and that he sees our inability as part of reality and he is not mad at our weakness. In fact, he calls it a ‘blessed’ state, our being unable to do what we need to do (Matt. 5:3; 2 Cor. 12:9-10).” Pg. 69
“Jesus knows about our suffering through his own experience . . . Jesus put himself in a unique position by his suffering. If anyone can say about our situation, ‘I’ve been there,’ it is he.” Pg. 90
“One of the most important aspects to growth in our suffering is that we need to know that we are understood. This is what provides empathy for us. We cannot grow if we are all alone emotionally. Life is too difficult. But if we know that someone truly understands, we know that we are not alone with our feelings and thoughts, and we gain encouragement to persevere in our growth. We need to know that we are ‘heard’—on a human level from each other, and on a divine level from God . . .” Pg. 92
Cloud, Henry and Townsend, John. 2001. How people grow: what the Bible reveals about personal growth. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Experiencing soul fatigue? The Lord will restore your soul.
Principle #44 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ has an on-going testimony of receiving divine restoration and perfect guidance.
• It is only the grace of God that can restore the human soul. How does He restore us? He, and only He, can repair, restore, and redeem a damaged soul by His awesome healing power.
• It is only the grace of God that can guide the disciple of Jesus Christ in the paths of righteousness. How does He guide us? He does it like a Shepherd, a Good Shepherd who leads, guides, protects, provides, comforts and makes a way for us on the righteous paths of life.
• It is only the grace of God that blesses us and gives Him the glory—all of it. Why does He bless us? He does it for His name’s sake. It gives the Lord great joy to reveal His name to us as Jehovah Shalom—the Lord is our Peace; as El Shaddai, the All Sufficient One; as Jehovah Rapha, the Lord our Healer.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What is it that has damaged my soul? What do I need (i.e., healing, renewal, encouragement) the Lord to do that will restore my soul?
As I read my Bible, where in God’s Word has He been speaking to me and what has He been saying that is giving me the Lord’s guidance of my life?
In the Bible, there are many names given to God. Which ones have been the most meaningful to me this past month?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You and only You can restore my soul. I have been wounded by sin and need Your healing touch in my life. May I always be teachable so that when I am guided by You, I will find myself on paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 43--October 30, 2010--Grace
Hello my dear friends.....a warm, heart-felt greeting to each one of you. Allow me to pose these probing questions to you: how hard do you have to work at becoming spiritual enough? how much is enough until you think the Lord is pleased with you? when is it okay to get off of the spinning wheel and rest?
These are all good questions for any follower of Jesus to ask....and then discover the answers that will set us free from a performance-based Christianity.
May we all experience the provision of His green pastures and His quiet waters.
Denny
PS. Thanks to all of you who have purchased your copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. The first printing run is almost sold out. Order your copy now of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace 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. For more information, follow this link to my website,
http://bit.ly/c83ofY
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #43
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. Psalm 23:2
Core Value: Grace
One of the negative tenets of our western culture is the mistaken belief that we must work harder than God in taking care of our spiritual needs. We think if we pray more, study more, fast more, share more, and serve more, we will become more “spiritual.” Well, the Pharisees did that too and we know where that got them. Yes, there is a place for the believer to work on spiritual disciplines; but they are only the means to an end. The end goal for the disciple of Jesus is to have a closer relationship with Him and this goal is only fulfilled when we take the pathway of grace.
In his book, Follow me: experience the loving leadership of Jesus, Jan David Hettinga writes:
“Grace, the supernatural forgiving love and transforming power of God, is released through the deliberate act of giving up the kingdom of self. Giving up is not a ‘work.’ It is a cessation of resistance. It is the losing wrestler surrendering to the winner. God repeatedly makes it clear that He resists the proud (those who are full of their own egoism) but gladly gives grace to the humble (Psalm 18:27, James 4:6-10, 1 Peter 5:5-6). The faucet that turns on the pipeline of saving grace is the voluntary choice of humility. This is the heart of repentance. The event of salvation then immediately becomes the process of humble obedience. And enabling grace keeps on flowing.” Pg. 141-142
“Submission is an event, and then a lifetime process. Once we start kingdom living, we must keep submitting our wills to our King. That’s what repentance means—turning from our way to God’s way, as a lifestyle. When we stop repenting we start regressing. The reason this happens seems elusive but it isn’t. When we stop humbling ourselves, we shut off the free flow of the supernatural ability that God calls grace.” Pg. 182
The Shepherd wants us to lie down our will and submit to His. The Lord seeks to lead us away from chaos and turmoil into a place of inner rest. May God give us the heart to accept His grace as we rest in His abundant provision and restful peace.
Principle #43 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ experiences the blessing of abundant provision and restful peace when one submits one’s will to God.
• Grace allows the disciple to experience God’s best
• Grace moves the human heart to stop fighting for “my way” and to lie down into His green pastures of rich and abundant provision
• Grace moves the human heart to stop fighting for “my way” and to allow Him to lead me beside His quiet waters of peace and security
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I have to choose between my way and God’s way, what is the “tipping point” (the reason for my decision) for me when I choose between one and the other?
When is the last time I’ve experienced the Lord’s green pastures and quiet waters?
What practical things do I need to do in order to make green pastures and quiet waters a normal part of my Christian life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I so want your way and not mine. Pour out Your grace upon me and help me to lie down in Your green pastures of blessing. Pour out Your grace upon me and lead me beside those still, peaceful waters where I feel safe and secure in Your love.
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.
These are all good questions for any follower of Jesus to ask....and then discover the answers that will set us free from a performance-based Christianity.
May we all experience the provision of His green pastures and His quiet waters.
Denny
PS. Thanks to all of you who have purchased your copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. The first printing run is almost sold out. Order your copy now of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace 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. For more information, follow this link to my website,
http://bit.ly/c83ofY
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #43
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. Psalm 23:2
Core Value: Grace
One of the negative tenets of our western culture is the mistaken belief that we must work harder than God in taking care of our spiritual needs. We think if we pray more, study more, fast more, share more, and serve more, we will become more “spiritual.” Well, the Pharisees did that too and we know where that got them. Yes, there is a place for the believer to work on spiritual disciplines; but they are only the means to an end. The end goal for the disciple of Jesus is to have a closer relationship with Him and this goal is only fulfilled when we take the pathway of grace.
In his book, Follow me: experience the loving leadership of Jesus, Jan David Hettinga writes:
“Grace, the supernatural forgiving love and transforming power of God, is released through the deliberate act of giving up the kingdom of self. Giving up is not a ‘work.’ It is a cessation of resistance. It is the losing wrestler surrendering to the winner. God repeatedly makes it clear that He resists the proud (those who are full of their own egoism) but gladly gives grace to the humble (Psalm 18:27, James 4:6-10, 1 Peter 5:5-6). The faucet that turns on the pipeline of saving grace is the voluntary choice of humility. This is the heart of repentance. The event of salvation then immediately becomes the process of humble obedience. And enabling grace keeps on flowing.” Pg. 141-142
“Submission is an event, and then a lifetime process. Once we start kingdom living, we must keep submitting our wills to our King. That’s what repentance means—turning from our way to God’s way, as a lifestyle. When we stop repenting we start regressing. The reason this happens seems elusive but it isn’t. When we stop humbling ourselves, we shut off the free flow of the supernatural ability that God calls grace.” Pg. 182
The Shepherd wants us to lie down our will and submit to His. The Lord seeks to lead us away from chaos and turmoil into a place of inner rest. May God give us the heart to accept His grace as we rest in His abundant provision and restful peace.
Principle #43 & Personal Application: The quality disciple of Jesus Christ experiences the blessing of abundant provision and restful peace when one submits one’s will to God.
• Grace allows the disciple to experience God’s best
• Grace moves the human heart to stop fighting for “my way” and to lie down into His green pastures of rich and abundant provision
• Grace moves the human heart to stop fighting for “my way” and to allow Him to lead me beside His quiet waters of peace and security
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I have to choose between my way and God’s way, what is the “tipping point” (the reason for my decision) for me when I choose between one and the other?
When is the last time I’ve experienced the Lord’s green pastures and quiet waters?
What practical things do I need to do in order to make green pastures and quiet waters a normal part of my Christian life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I so want your way and not mine. Pour out Your grace upon me and help me to lie down in Your green pastures of blessing. Pour out Your grace upon me and lead me beside those still, peaceful waters where I feel safe and secure in Your love.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 42--October 23, 2010--Grace
Who is taking care of you?
Hello my dear friends! This is an important question for each one of us to consider. Often, because of the circumstances of life, we find ourselves taking care of a lot of people. We are taking care of our kids, taking care of our friends, taking care of our customers, taking care of people who often drain us of our emotional, spiritual, and physical energy. At the end of the day, we are spent.
Again, the question: who is taking care of you?
In this week's Psalms of Discipleship, David helps us focus upon the One who desires to take care of us in a way no one else can do. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, the Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm not only knows what we need, but is the only One who can provide it.
May we all come to have a fresh experience of His care,
Denny
PS. Free shipping and handling for a limited time (October 14-October 31). Order your copy now of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace 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. For more information, follow this link to my website,
http://bit.ly/c83ofY
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #42
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1 [NASB95] or “Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything that I need.” [The Living Bible]
Core Value: Grace
Do we really know what it means to have God, the Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm, take care of us? The prevailing view in our culture demands that each one of us be independent, self-providing, self-protecting. . . . self, self, self. How well has that strategy done for you? After the Fall in the Garden, there became a seismic paradigm shift on the role mankind began to assume. Instead of God serving as the catalyst for life, we reversed the roles. In their classic book on spiritual growth, “How People Grow,” Cloud and Townsend offer this insight:
Here are the roles as God created them [the first statement refers to "God" and the second statement refers to "Mankind"]: Pg. 35
God is the Source/We depend on God
God is the Creator/We are the creation and cannot exist unto ourselves
God has control of the world/We have control of ourselves
God was the judge of life/ We are to experience life
God designed life and its rules/We obey the rules and live the life God designed
Here is a snapshot of how the roles changed after the Fall [the first statement is "The Desire" and the second statement is "The Result"]: Pg. 36
We are the Source/We depend on ourselves
We are the Creator/We exist unto ourselves
We have control of the world/We try to control our world and each other, losing control of ourselves
We become the judge of life/We judge ourselves and each other and cease to be able to experience ourselves and each other
We design life and the rules/We live any way we want to
May each one of us long for the care of the Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm.
Principle #42 & Personal Application: The quality disciple lacks for nothing because the Lord has provided everything that is needed.
• It is grace that allows me to know that the Lord is my shepherd.
• It is grace that allows me to know that the Lord provides all of my needs.
• It is grace that allows me to know that worry and anxiety have no place in my heart because “the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!” Psalms 23:1 (TLB)
Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes. Isaiah 40:11 (NASB95)
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.
CHORUS: 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. (Written by Charles Weigle)
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What does it really mean for me to have Jesus, the Great Shepherd, care for me?
What types of things do I let Him care of for me and what kinds of things do I not allow Him to take care of for me?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, far too many times I seek to be my own shepherd. Today, I want You to be my Shepherd. Please, O Lord, take care of me.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
Hello my dear friends! This is an important question for each one of us to consider. Often, because of the circumstances of life, we find ourselves taking care of a lot of people. We are taking care of our kids, taking care of our friends, taking care of our customers, taking care of people who often drain us of our emotional, spiritual, and physical energy. At the end of the day, we are spent.
Again, the question: who is taking care of you?
In this week's Psalms of Discipleship, David helps us focus upon the One who desires to take care of us in a way no one else can do. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, the Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm not only knows what we need, but is the only One who can provide it.
May we all come to have a fresh experience of His care,
Denny
PS. Free shipping and handling for a limited time (October 14-October 31). Order your copy now of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace 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. For more information, follow this link to my website,
http://bit.ly/c83ofY
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #42
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1 [NASB95] or “Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything that I need.” [The Living Bible]
Core Value: Grace
Do we really know what it means to have God, the Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm, take care of us? The prevailing view in our culture demands that each one of us be independent, self-providing, self-protecting. . . . self, self, self. How well has that strategy done for you? After the Fall in the Garden, there became a seismic paradigm shift on the role mankind began to assume. Instead of God serving as the catalyst for life, we reversed the roles. In their classic book on spiritual growth, “How People Grow,” Cloud and Townsend offer this insight:
Here are the roles as God created them [the first statement refers to "God" and the second statement refers to "Mankind"]: Pg. 35
God is the Source/We depend on God
God is the Creator/We are the creation and cannot exist unto ourselves
God has control of the world/We have control of ourselves
God was the judge of life/ We are to experience life
God designed life and its rules/We obey the rules and live the life God designed
Here is a snapshot of how the roles changed after the Fall [the first statement is "The Desire" and the second statement is "The Result"]: Pg. 36
We are the Source/We depend on ourselves
We are the Creator/We exist unto ourselves
We have control of the world/We try to control our world and each other, losing control of ourselves
We become the judge of life/We judge ourselves and each other and cease to be able to experience ourselves and each other
We design life and the rules/We live any way we want to
May each one of us long for the care of the Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm.
Principle #42 & Personal Application: The quality disciple lacks for nothing because the Lord has provided everything that is needed.
• It is grace that allows me to know that the Lord is my shepherd.
• It is grace that allows me to know that the Lord provides all of my needs.
• It is grace that allows me to know that worry and anxiety have no place in my heart because “the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!” Psalms 23:1 (TLB)
Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes. Isaiah 40:11 (NASB95)
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.
CHORUS: 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. (Written by Charles Weigle)
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What does it really mean for me to have Jesus, the Great Shepherd, care for me?
What types of things do I let Him care of for me and what kinds of things do I not allow Him to take care of for me?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, far too many times I seek to be my own shepherd. Today, I want You to be my Shepherd. Please, O Lord, take care of me.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 41--October 17, 2010--Evangelism
Hello dear friends! I trust that all of you have experienced a refreshing weekend. This weekend my wife, Trish, and I celebrated 25 years of marriage. What a blessing she has been to me over the years as we seek to follow more closely the Shepherd of the Psalms.
This week we are going to take a look at Psalm 22:27 and the benefit of becoming attractional to those who are still looking for the Lord of the Harvest. May we all gain a fresh understanding of how the gospel, at work in our lives, can make all the difference in the world, literally.
May His love be seen in us,
Denny
PS. Free shipping and handling for a limited time (October 14-October 31). Order your copy now of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace 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, my newest book is now available for purchase. For more information, follow this link to my website,
http://bit.ly/c83ofY
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #41
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, And all the families of the nations will worship before You. Psalm 22:27
Core Value: Evangelism
As a believer, is your life “attractional?” In other words, does your life attract the people who have yet to experience the saving power of the gospel? As disciples of Jesus, we must seek to think like Him, to act like Him, to love like Him. In her foundational book on evangelism, Rebecca Pippert offers this clear and convincing challenge to those who desire to follow Jesus:
“If we are to be followers of Jesus, his values must permeate our values. We need to be concerned more with how our lives reflect his love, his holiness, his obedience, than with the latest witnessing techniques. When we live as Jesus did, in his power and with his presence, seekers will be drawn to us. Evangelism will not be a dreaded task to be ticked off every Wednesday. Rather, sharing Jesus will become a true delight and evangelism will become a lifestyle.” (Pg. 102) Pippert, Rebecca Manley. 1979. Out of the salt shaker and into the world. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Has evangelism become a “religious duty (a dreaded task)” or has it become a lifestyle for you? May our own love for the Lord of the Harvest give us the kind of lifestyle that will attract others to love and follow Him.
Principle #41 & Personal Application: The quality disciple has a heart for the Lord of the Harvest.
• The Lord of the Harvest will have an impact upon the whole world as people will remember Him and turn to Him.
• The Lord of the Harvest will be the sole recipient of worship from all of the families of nations.
• The Lord of the Harvest seeks out laborers who will join Him for the great harvest of souls who need Jesus Christ.
36 Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then He said* to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 "Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest." Matthew 9:36-38 (NASB95)
"Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. John 4:35 (NASB95)
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Who is in my immediate circle of family and friends who are lost without Christ?
What kinds of practical things can I begin to do that will allow me to share the Gospel in a way that will be clear and convincing to my lost family and friends?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the Lord of the Harvest. You have already told me that the fields are white unto harvest and that the laborers are few. Please Lord, add me to Your team of laborers and thrust me into Your harvest. May many souls come to know You because of the power of Your Gospel that is at work within me.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
This week we are going to take a look at Psalm 22:27 and the benefit of becoming attractional to those who are still looking for the Lord of the Harvest. May we all gain a fresh understanding of how the gospel, at work in our lives, can make all the difference in the world, literally.
May His love be seen in us,
Denny
PS. Free shipping and handling for a limited time (October 14-October 31). Order your copy now of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace 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, my newest book is now available for purchase. For more information, follow this link to my website,
http://bit.ly/c83ofY
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #41
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, And all the families of the nations will worship before You. Psalm 22:27
Core Value: Evangelism
As a believer, is your life “attractional?” In other words, does your life attract the people who have yet to experience the saving power of the gospel? As disciples of Jesus, we must seek to think like Him, to act like Him, to love like Him. In her foundational book on evangelism, Rebecca Pippert offers this clear and convincing challenge to those who desire to follow Jesus:
“If we are to be followers of Jesus, his values must permeate our values. We need to be concerned more with how our lives reflect his love, his holiness, his obedience, than with the latest witnessing techniques. When we live as Jesus did, in his power and with his presence, seekers will be drawn to us. Evangelism will not be a dreaded task to be ticked off every Wednesday. Rather, sharing Jesus will become a true delight and evangelism will become a lifestyle.” (Pg. 102) Pippert, Rebecca Manley. 1979. Out of the salt shaker and into the world. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Has evangelism become a “religious duty (a dreaded task)” or has it become a lifestyle for you? May our own love for the Lord of the Harvest give us the kind of lifestyle that will attract others to love and follow Him.
Principle #41 & Personal Application: The quality disciple has a heart for the Lord of the Harvest.
• The Lord of the Harvest will have an impact upon the whole world as people will remember Him and turn to Him.
• The Lord of the Harvest will be the sole recipient of worship from all of the families of nations.
• The Lord of the Harvest seeks out laborers who will join Him for the great harvest of souls who need Jesus Christ.
36 Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then He said* to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 "Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest." Matthew 9:36-38 (NASB95)
"Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. John 4:35 (NASB95)
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
Who is in my immediate circle of family and friends who are lost without Christ?
What kinds of practical things can I begin to do that will allow me to share the Gospel in a way that will be clear and convincing to my lost family and friends?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the Lord of the Harvest. You have already told me that the fields are white unto harvest and that the laborers are few. Please Lord, add me to Your team of laborers and thrust me into Your harvest. May many souls come to know You because of the power of Your Gospel that is at work within me.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 40--October 9, 2010--Worship
Are you prone to worship the Lord before, during, or after the crisis? Or does it depend upon how you are "feeling?"
Hello dear friends. I hope you are doing well today. We all go through challenging times. Some trials seem to be more difficult than others. And yet, whatever we go through, there is one consistent thing that is true: we are called to worship the Lord. This week the psalmist gives us a fresh perspective of our need to have a heart of worship. May we all discover the joy of worshiping the Shepherd of the Psalms.
Asking for a heart of worship,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #40
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: Be exalted, O LORD, in Your strength; We will sing and praise Your power. Psalm 21:13
Core Value: Worship
Many of us who seek to follow Jesus Christ frequently experience the negative results of a hurried pace of life and fail to experience the intimacy of knowing Him. Our religious habits have trained us to know all of the right answers but we often lack the discipline (or faith) to apply what we know to be true. We all need to take a deep, cleansing breath and learn the art of being still before the Lord. Worship is the healing balm to a life that is overstretched and overwhelmed by the cares of this world.
When our world is rocked by chaos, crisis, and change, what are we to do? Do we go into panic mode and forget our great God or do we apply His grace as we worship the Lord and place our trust in Him?
Pastor and writer Mark Batterson shared this nugget of truth at the Catalyst Leadership Conference: “It is hard to be still . . . and just stand there and trust the Lord.”
The psalmist said it this way:
"Cease striving [or be still] and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 (NASB95)
Grace allows us to be still, to cease striving and worship Him.
Principle #40 & Personal Application: The quality disciple has a heart to worship the One who is exalted and worthy of praise.
What does it mean to have a heart of worship?
• A heart of worship is set upon an exalted God
• A heart of worship is set upon a God who is strong
• A heart of worship is set upon a God who evokes singing and praise to the One who has all power
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I set my heart upon the Lord, what kinds of emotions usually fill my mind?
What kinds of spiritual disciplines (for example: prayer, Bible study, fasting, journaling, solitude, etc.) help me to focus upon the Lord and worship Him?
What does it mean for me to exalt the Lord in His strength while I sing and praise His power?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, often I am weak and failing. I need Your mercy and grace in abundance. Worship of You is my catalyst to spiritual growth. May my worship of You be empowered by Your strength and power. In faith, I will sing and praise Your power.
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.
I spent the week blogging from Atlanta and reporting on what I experienced with the leadership sights and sounds of CATALYST2010. If you are interested in learning what today's leaders are saying, I'd like to invite you visit my other blog, Quality Leadership Consultants, and learn with me from leaders who are leading other leaders.
Click on this link
http://bit.ly/aRUFW7
PS. Thanks to all of you who have ordered your copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. 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, my newest book is now available for purchase. For more information, follow this link to the Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace facebook page.
http://bit.ly/9j2Nsp
Hello dear friends. I hope you are doing well today. We all go through challenging times. Some trials seem to be more difficult than others. And yet, whatever we go through, there is one consistent thing that is true: we are called to worship the Lord. This week the psalmist gives us a fresh perspective of our need to have a heart of worship. May we all discover the joy of worshiping the Shepherd of the Psalms.
Asking for a heart of worship,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #40
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: Be exalted, O LORD, in Your strength; We will sing and praise Your power. Psalm 21:13
Core Value: Worship
Many of us who seek to follow Jesus Christ frequently experience the negative results of a hurried pace of life and fail to experience the intimacy of knowing Him. Our religious habits have trained us to know all of the right answers but we often lack the discipline (or faith) to apply what we know to be true. We all need to take a deep, cleansing breath and learn the art of being still before the Lord. Worship is the healing balm to a life that is overstretched and overwhelmed by the cares of this world.
When our world is rocked by chaos, crisis, and change, what are we to do? Do we go into panic mode and forget our great God or do we apply His grace as we worship the Lord and place our trust in Him?
Pastor and writer Mark Batterson shared this nugget of truth at the Catalyst Leadership Conference: “It is hard to be still . . . and just stand there and trust the Lord.”
The psalmist said it this way:
"Cease striving [or be still] and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 (NASB95)
Grace allows us to be still, to cease striving and worship Him.
Principle #40 & Personal Application: The quality disciple has a heart to worship the One who is exalted and worthy of praise.
What does it mean to have a heart of worship?
• A heart of worship is set upon an exalted God
• A heart of worship is set upon a God who is strong
• A heart of worship is set upon a God who evokes singing and praise to the One who has all power
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I set my heart upon the Lord, what kinds of emotions usually fill my mind?
What kinds of spiritual disciplines (for example: prayer, Bible study, fasting, journaling, solitude, etc.) help me to focus upon the Lord and worship Him?
What does it mean for me to exalt the Lord in His strength while I sing and praise His power?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, often I am weak and failing. I need Your mercy and grace in abundance. Worship of You is my catalyst to spiritual growth. May my worship of You be empowered by Your strength and power. In faith, I will sing and praise Your power.
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.
I spent the week blogging from Atlanta and reporting on what I experienced with the leadership sights and sounds of CATALYST2010. If you are interested in learning what today's leaders are saying, I'd like to invite you visit my other blog, Quality Leadership Consultants, and learn with me from leaders who are leading other leaders.
Click on this link
http://bit.ly/aRUFW7
PS. Thanks to all of you who have ordered your copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. 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, my newest book is now available for purchase. For more information, follow this link to the Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace facebook page.
http://bit.ly/9j2Nsp
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