Our goal is simple: to follow the instructions of Jesus Christ and go and make disciples. Remember, a quality disciple makes up a quality life. The Discipled Life: We need to study it, practice it, and teach it. "For Ezra had set his heart TO STUDY the Law of the Lord, and TO DO IT and TO TEACH his statutes and rules in Israel." Ezra 7:10
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #15 (Prayer). April 21, 2012
Hello
my dear friends! Warm, grace-driven greetings to each of you. Like you,
I am always grateful for grace. When it is rightly applied it draws us
closer to the Lord in prayer. This week's Psalms of Discipleship is a
wonderful illustration of the tension we experience between spiritual
victory and spiritual defeat. In order to consistently win this battle,
we need to learn the art of surrender . . . to the Lord.
The lyrics of this classic hymn remind us that surrender is always a choice.
All to Jesus I surrender;
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
Refrain:
I surrender all,
I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power;
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!
Learning to surrender,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #15
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 11 O give us help against the adversary, For deliverance
by man is in vain. 12 Through God we shall do valiantly, And it is He
who will tread down our adversaries. Psalm 60:11-12
Core Value: Prayer
One of the greatest challenges that disciples of Jesus face is a strong
tendency of misplaced trust. We tend to trust in the “tangible” (what
is seen) instead of the tried and true (often unseen). We often default
to our own strength and even the strength of others instead of resting
in the strength of our God. We look to other people and other things to
deliver us from trouble instead of fixing our gaze upon the only One who
can deliver us. There are many life principles that we can learn and
apply from the Psalmist. This principle is critical: before we can win,
we must surrender to the Lord.
Principle #15 & Personal
Application: Quality disciples live in the on-going tension between
spiritual defeat and spiritual victory, knowing only a complete
surrender to God will produce a great victory.
Some background:
In this psalm David has responded in prayer after his nation has been
attacked by the Edomites who inflicted great damage. This temporary
setback is a lesson in perseverance and in prayer. For the disciple of
Jesus there are many spiritual battles that must be fought, and some of
these we will lose. The key is to learn from defeat and set out to win
the next victory. This is done when we believe and turn to God. After a
defeat . . .
• We need to cry out to God for help against our adversary.
• The worst place we can place our trust is in other people.
• We need to believe that through God we will do valiantly (mighty things).
• We need to yield our will to His will for it is God, and only God, who will defeat our foes.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I lose a spiritual battle what kind of steps do I take in order to fight another day?
The Bible teaches that “Through God we shall do valiantly, And it is He
who will tread down our adversaries.” There is a part for me to play
and there is a part that only God can play. What is my role and what is
His promise to me?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, remind me to cry
out to You when I find myself on the losing end of a spiritual battle. I
look to You for help against my adversary. I know that looking to other
people instead of You will never produce a good outcome for me. I thank
You that through You I will do mighty things as I testify of Your
deliverance of my life.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2012 All rights reserved.
Are you interested in going deeper in your walk with Jesus? Check out
my website for a list of resources that will help you become "A Quality
Disciple."
www.dennybates.com
http://
This week's featured resource!
One of my favorite books of the Bible is the Book of Psalms. For me, it
is a never-ending wellspring of inspiration and encouragement. If you
are a lover of the Psalms too, check out this link to A One Year Journey
With The Shepherd and order your copy today. Now available in e-book
format for only $9.99!
Why A One Year Journey With The Shepherd May Be A Great Resource For You!
You are invited to spend some time reading and reflecting upon “Psalms
of Discipleship: A One Year Journey With The Shepherd,” a simple, easy
to use, devotional experience. By spending five minutes or fifty-five
minutes on the weekly devotion and Bible study, you will be afforded the
opportunity to enhance your spiritual growth. This unique devotional
consists of fifty-two practical lessons designed for small group or
individual study.
http://www.dennybates.com/
Labels:
prayer,
spiritual battle,
spiritual defeat,
spiritual victory,
surrender,
trust
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #14 (Worship). April 14, 2012
Hello
my dear friends! Worship of Jesus is to be a very intimate experience.
Some of our best worship experiences are not always in a church service
with hundreds (or even thousands) of other believers. Instead, we may
often experience a deeper worship while taking that walk in the park,
when driving alone in our car during a long trip, or even when we are
alone with our thoughts in our favorite chair. Today's Psalms of
Discipleship reminds us that our worship must become deeply personal
before we attend the next corporate worship service.
Does any of this resonate with you? I'd love to hear your feedback.
Learning to worship the Lord as an audience of One,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #14
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; Yes, I
shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, For You have
been my stronghold And a refuge in the day of my distress. Psalm 59:16
Core Value: Worship
Worship is a very personal experience. Yes, there are times when it is
appropriate to worship with other believers. When corporate worship is
focused upon Jesus and His glory and is not distracted by those who
those who either intentionally or unintentionally draw attention to
them, corporate worship can be a good thing, a very good thing to do.
However, unless we are able to worship our God in a personal way and
learn how to be alone with Him, our corporate offerings of worship can
be shallow, lacking any depth of an authentic worship experience.
The Psalmist gives a very practical testimony: “But as for me.” May
that be our response also. “But as for me, may I sing of Your strength,
of Your lovingkindness, and of Your protection.”
Principle #14
& Personal Application: Quality disciples have a heart that sings of
the Lord’s strength, His lovingkindness, and His protection.
In this Psalm, David’s enemies have surrounded him on every side. His
foes desired to crush and humiliate him. What can we learn from his
experience? Even though our enemies may surround us, like David, we can
offer to the Lord a heart of worship:
• We can sing and worship Him for His strength
• We can joyfully sing of His lovingkindness (mercy) in the morning
• We can worship Him for His protection: “For You have been my stronghold And a refuge in the day of my distress”
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I feel overwhelmed by the enemies of my soul, what do I need to do?
Is there a heart of worship inside of me? What do I need to do in order
to cultivate the kind of trust that will help me get through the
difficult challenges of life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank
You so much for being with me during my times of troubles. My enemies
are great, but You are greater! Remind me to offer my worship to You.
Help me to sing of Your strength. Help me to sing of Your lovingkindness
(Your mercy) in the morning, and help me worship You for Your great
protection to me.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2012 All rights reserved.
Are you interested in going deeper in your walk with Jesus? Check out
my website for a list of resources that will help you become "A Quality
Disciple."
www.dennybates.com
http://
Labels:
corporate worship,
deliverance,
joy,
personal experience,
refuge,
trust,
worship
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #13 (Prayer). April 7, 2012
Hello
my dear friends! As we celebrate Resurrection weekend, its a good time
to remind ourselves that Jesus defeated our greatest enemy, death, when
He went to the cross, died, and rose again on the third day. Today's
Psalms of Discipleship gives a unique perspective on how to handle the
other enemies that harass us.
He is Risen. He is Risen, Indeed!
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #13
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Set me securely on
high away from those who rise up against me. Psalm 59:1
Core Value: Prayer
One of the great challenges that disciples of Jesus face is how deal
with an enemy, in the right way. No matter how spiritual a person might
be, there will always be enemies who will harass and oppose us. Now,
here is the hard thing to swallow: sometimes it appears that even
another member of the Body of Christ acts like an enemy to us. Instead
of calling down fire from heaven upon them, what are we supposed to do?
Here is what Jesus suggests is the proper response (Luke 6:27-28): We are to . . .
• Love our enemies
• Do good to those who hate us
• Bless those who curse us
• Pray for those who mistreat us
Impossible? Yes. But with God’s help, it’s entirely possible. Resting
in grace and being fueled by prayer is the only way to overcome the
power of our enemies.
Principle #13 & Personal Application: Quality disciples look to the Lord during times of spiritual danger.
During times of spiritual danger, the believer . . .
• Can pray and ask God for deliverance: Deliver me from my enemies, O my God
• Can pray for a place of protection: Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me
• Can pray and look to the Lord with faith knowing that the Good Shepherd cares for His sheep.
9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They
will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s
purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a
rich and satisfying life. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd
sacrifices his life for the sheep. John 10:9-11 (NLT)
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
The disciple of Jesus has many enemies. What kinds of enemies are stalking me that require the Lord’s deliverance?
When do I feel the safest, the most secure from my enemies? What kind
of actions can I take that will remind me of God’s protection over my
life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your promise to
protect me from my enemies. All praise to You for setting me securely on
high away from those who rise up against me. My heart can rest in
knowing that You are the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2012 All rights reserved.
Are you interested in going deeper in your walk with Jesus? Check out
my website for a list of resources that will help you become "A Quality
Disciple."
www.dennybates.com
http://
Labels:
bless,
deliverance,
enemies,
forgiveness,
love,
prayer
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #12 (Evangelism). March 31, 2012
Hello
my dear friends! Would you consider yourself to be a shy Christian or a
shining Christian? This is the question that comes out of today's Psalm
and Psalms of Discipleship. May we all come to a place in our journey
with the Shepherd of the Psalms that we shine for Him.
For His glory,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #12
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 9 I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I
will sing praises to You among the nations. 10 For Your lovingkindness
is great to the heavens And Your truth to the clouds. 11 Be exalted
above the heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth. Psalm
57:9-11
Core Value: Evangelism
Would you consider
yourself to be a “shy” Christian or a “shining” Christian? Some of the
qualities of the shy Christian are a lack of boldness, an inability to
openly discuss matters of faith, and a lack of a strong conviction that
people without Jesus are destined to spending an eternity without Him.
On the other hand, a shining Christian has a boldness not of themselves
but a boldness that comes as a result of their relationship with the
Lord. A shining Christian knows what they believe and why they believe
it. Finally, a shining Christian has an unending burden to share the
greatest story ever told with those who have yet to receive the Good
News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Shy or shining? It makes all the difference in the world!
Principle #12 & Personal Application: Quality disciples offer a
public display of worship that is presented as a testimony of God’s
greatness.
A disciple of Jesus desires to:
• Give thanks to the Lord in the presence of others: I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples
• Sing praises to the Lord in the presence of others: I will sing praises to You among the nations
• Without shame, acknowledge the greatness of the Lord’s lovingkindness
and truth in the presence of others: For Your lovingkindness is great
to the heavens And Your truth to the clouds
• Worship the Lord
with abandon in the presence of others: Be exalted above the heavens, O
God; Let Your glory be above all the earth
For I am not ashamed
of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who
believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 (NASB95)
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What kind of approach do I typically take when I engage with an
unbeliever? Do I avoid sharing the gospel? Do I have a confidence that I
can logically share the plan of salvation?
Would I consider
myself to be an “introverted” Christian (where my faith is very private)
or an “extroverted” Christian (where my faith is public)?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, by grace I will give thanks to You and sing Your praises
in the presence of other people. May I never be ashamed of the Gospel,
but live my life in such a fashion that I am constantly in a frame of
worship as I consider Your lovingkindness and truth.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2012 All rights reserved.
Are you interested in going deeper in your walk with Jesus? Check out
my website for a list of resources that will help you become "A Quality
Disciple."
www.dennybates.com
http://
Labels:
boldness,
evangelism,
faith,
sharing,
thanksgiving,
the lost,
worship
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Psalms of Discipleship, Principle #11 (Grace) March 24, 2012
Hello
my dear friends! Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a wonderful reminder
that we do not have to take this journey of faith alone. The beauty of
the Christian life is having the grace that allows us to direct access
to the power we need to "live life well" as His disciples. The grace
given is free. Our responsibility: We must learn how to apply it.
Do you "Live Life Well"? I'm learning with you.
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #11
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises! Psalm 57:7
Core Value: Grace
There is a lot to be said for good footing. Be it a long hike over
rugged terrain or an athlete trying to make an athletic move, good
footing is the key between success and failure. One slip on a rocky
hillside and the outcome can be a scratched leg or worse. A loss of
footing by the running back when making a cut in the grass can mean the
difference between a game-breaking play or a loss of yards.
When it comes to disciples of Jesus, we need to be sure of the steps of
faith we are taking: are our steps grounded in the confidence we have in
our faith or are our steps of faith grounded in the very character of
God? Our way is the way of works and is completely dependent upon us.
God’s way is the way of grace and is completely dependent upon God. His
grace allows us to walk with a steadfast heart.
Principle #11 & Personal Application: Quality disciples have been given a steadfast, confident heart from the Lord.
• It is because of grace that the believer’s heart is steadfast and confident
• It is because of grace that the believer can respond in a song of worship
• It is because of grace that the believer can experience a heart that is made strong and kept strong, forever
Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on
earth. | My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God
remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalm 73:25-26
(NLT)
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What does it “feel” like when the burdens of this life are undergirded by a strong heart?
Can I recall a time when I wanted to burst out in song after experiencing God’s grace in my life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, it is because of You that my heart is steadfast and
confident. It is because of You that Your grace comes to me in abundance
when life presents me with burdens that seek to weigh me down. It is
because of You that my heart can only have one response: to sing praises
to You.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2012 All rights reserved.
Looking for some discipleship resources on how you can better grow as a disciple of Jesus? Check out these links!
www.dennybates.com
http://
Labels:
confidence,
faith,
grace,
spiritual growth,
steadfast,
strong heart
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Psalms of Discipleship (Worship) Principle #10. March 17, 2012
Hello
my dear friends! Living in a world of big problems can be somewhat
discouraging UNLESS we continually look to the One who is bigger than
any of our problems. This is what worship does for the disciple of
Jesus: when we keep our focus upon Him, "the things of earth will grow
strangely dim; in the light of His glory and grace."
May we all turn our eyes upon Jesus today and worship Him.
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #10
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth. Psalm 57:5
Core Value: Worship
On a clear night one can look up into the sky and see the brightness of
Venus and Mars. And that’s not all. The fullness of the Moon and the
supporting cast of countless stars provide the backdrop for God’s glory.
The more we gaze at the heavens, the smaller we become. And that’s
good. Once we come to the place where we believe God is bigger than our
problems, greater than all of our wisdom, and more powerful than anyone
or anything, we become ready to worship Him and Him alone.
This is what worship does for God and for us: For Him, He receives the
glory that He deserves. For us, we get to partner with creation and give
praise and worship to Him.
The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Psalm 19:1
Principle #10 & Personal Application: Quality disciples worship a big, awesome God.
• God is the God of heaven: Even the heavens cannot contain our God
• God is the God of earth: Even His glory is above all the earth
• God is our God: Even we, those who love and follow Him, can worship and adore the God of heaven and earth
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What kinds of emotions fill my heart when I realize that God is exalted above the heavens?
How does knowing about the glory of God impact the way I choose to live my life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, by faith, You have filled my heart with a profound sense
of wonder and awe of Your infinite greatness. May I always remember that
You are exalted above the heavens. May I always recall that Your glory
is above all the earth.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2012 All rights reserved.
www.dennybates.com
http://
Need some encouragement in your devotional life this year? Check out this resource from Something New Christian Publishers!
Why A One Year Journey With The Shepherd May Be A Great Resource For You!
You are invited to spend some time reading and reflecting upon “Psalms
of Discipleship: A One Year Journey With The Shepherd,” a simple, easy
to use, devotional experience. By spending five minutes or fifty-five
minutes on the weekly devotion and Bible study, you will be afforded the
opportunity to enhance your spiritual growth. This unique devotional
consists of fifty-two practical lessons designed for small group or
individual study.
http://www.dennybates.com/
Labels:
creation,
glory of God,
praise,
worship
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