Psalms of Discipleship—May 29
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
1 O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory.
3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You.
4 So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. Psalm 63:1-4
Core Value: Worship
Principle #21 and Personal Application:
The quality disciple has cultivated a spiritual thirst that only the Lord can satisfy.
A heart that is thirsty for the Lord can experience several things:
• A thirsty heart will seek God earnestly.
• A thirsty heart will have a soul that yearns for the Lord.
• A thirsty heart will be aware of God’s power and glory.
• A thirsty heart will be satisfied because of God’s lovingkindness and mercy.
• A thirsty heart will worship and praise God with one’s lips and with one’s hands.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I am spiritually thirsty, where do I go to quench my thirst?
What practical things can I do that will enhance my thirst for the Lord?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are my God! By Your grace, I desire to seek You earnestly. May my soul always thirst for You and for You alone. May I experience Your power and glory. May I be the recipient of your mercy. May I always offer you praise and worship with my lips and with my hands.
Want to learn more about how to live as a Disciple and a DiscipleMaker for Jesus?
Visit my website at www.dennybates.com and my teaching blog at http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com
For back copies of the 2011 CAS bulletin visit this website: http://psalmsofdiscipleship--sandhurst.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #20--Prayer--May 22, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship—May 22
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:8
Core Value: Prayer
Principle #20 and Practical Application:
The quality disciple trusts in the Lord at all times.
• Prayer is the way we can place our trust in the Lord. “Trust in Him at all times, O people.”
• Prayer is the way we can make a full commitment to the Lord. “Pour out your heart before Him.”
• Prayer is the way where we can find that safe place that is found only in the Lord. “God is a refuge for us. Selah.”
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What kinds of promises does this verse have for the person who feels anxious?
If I really applied the truths behind this scripture, how would it impact the way I pray?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, by Your grace, help me to place my trust in You at all times. May I have the freedom to pour out my heart before You. Thank You that in You I can find a refuge, a place of safety.
Want to learn more about how to live as a Disciple and a DiscipleMaker for Jesus?
Visit my website at www.dennybates.com and my teaching blog at http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com
For back copies of the 2011 CAS bulletin visit this website: http://psalmsofdiscipleship--sandhurst.blogspot.com/
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:8
Core Value: Prayer
Principle #20 and Practical Application:
The quality disciple trusts in the Lord at all times.
• Prayer is the way we can place our trust in the Lord. “Trust in Him at all times, O people.”
• Prayer is the way we can make a full commitment to the Lord. “Pour out your heart before Him.”
• Prayer is the way where we can find that safe place that is found only in the Lord. “God is a refuge for us. Selah.”
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What kinds of promises does this verse have for the person who feels anxious?
If I really applied the truths behind this scripture, how would it impact the way I pray?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, by Your grace, help me to place my trust in You at all times. May I have the freedom to pour out my heart before You. Thank You that in You I can find a refuge, a place of safety.
Want to learn more about how to live as a Disciple and a DiscipleMaker for Jesus?
Visit my website at www.dennybates.com and my teaching blog at http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com
For back copies of the 2011 CAS bulletin visit this website: http://psalmsofdiscipleship--sandhurst.blogspot.com/
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #19--Grace--May 15, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship—May 15
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Psalm 62:5-7
5 My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. 7 On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
Core Value: Grace
Principle #19 and Practical Application:
The quality disciple has learned the art of soul care by slowing down the hectic pace of life and finding the spiritual rhythms of life.
• Grace applied allows us to slow down the hurry of the heart and lets the soul wait in silence for God only.
• Grace applied allows us to experience hope from the Lord.
• Grace applied allows us to experience God as our rock and our salvation.
• Grace applied allows us to experience God as our stronghold, the rock of our strength, and our refuge.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I feel hurried in my soul, what can I do to slow down and rest in God?
According to the Psalm, what characteristics of God can I meditate on when I feel uneasy and restless?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, by faith and by Your grace, may my soul rest in silence for You. My hope is from You. You only are my rock and my salvation. You are my stronghold and I will never be shaken. On You my salvation and my glory rest. You are the rock of my strength. My refuge is in You.
Want to learn more about how to live as a Disciple and a DiscipleMaker for Jesus?
Visit my website at www.dennybates.com and my teaching blog at
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com
For back copies of the 2011 CAS bulletin visit this website:
http://psalmsofdiscipleship--sandhurst.blogspot.com/
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Psalm 62:5-7
5 My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. 7 On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
Core Value: Grace
Principle #19 and Practical Application:
The quality disciple has learned the art of soul care by slowing down the hectic pace of life and finding the spiritual rhythms of life.
• Grace applied allows us to slow down the hurry of the heart and lets the soul wait in silence for God only.
• Grace applied allows us to experience hope from the Lord.
• Grace applied allows us to experience God as our rock and our salvation.
• Grace applied allows us to experience God as our stronghold, the rock of our strength, and our refuge.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I feel hurried in my soul, what can I do to slow down and rest in God?
According to the Psalm, what characteristics of God can I meditate on when I feel uneasy and restless?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, by faith and by Your grace, may my soul rest in silence for You. My hope is from You. You only are my rock and my salvation. You are my stronghold and I will never be shaken. On You my salvation and my glory rest. You are the rock of my strength. My refuge is in You.
Want to learn more about how to live as a Disciple and a DiscipleMaker for Jesus?
Visit my website at www.dennybates.com and my teaching blog at
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com
For back copies of the 2011 CAS bulletin visit this website:
http://psalmsofdiscipleship--sandhurst.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #18--Grace--May 8, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship—May 8
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Psalm 62:1-2
1 My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. 2 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.
Core Value: Grace
Principle #18 and Personal Application:
The quality disciple seeks to rest in the finished work of Christ.
• Grace allows a weary soul to wait in silence for God only. Grace helps us take a deep breath and rest in Him. “My soul waits in silence for God only.”
• Grace allows a weary soul to experience God’s salvation. Grace points us to the source of our salvation. “From Him is my salvation.”
• Grace allows a weary soul to confess God as one’s Rock and one’s salvation. Grace fills our heart with the uplifting truth that God is our rock and our salvation. “He only is my rock and my salvation.”
• Grace allows a weary soul to find in God a stronghold, a place of security. Grace leads us to His protection. “My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.”
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When my life becomes rushed and filled with anxiety, what kinds of promises can I glean from this Psalm?
According to this passage of Scripture, how does a proper understanding of grace help me to live my life as a quality disciple of Jesus?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I thank You that my soul can wait in silence for God and for Him alone. I thank You that You are the source of my salvation, and no other. I thank You for being my rock and my salvation. I am grateful to You that because You are my stronghold, I will not be greatly shaken.
Want to learn more about how to live as a Disciple and a DiscipleMaker for Jesus?
Visit my website at www.dennybates.com and my teaching blog at
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com
For back copies of the 2011 CAS bulletin visit this website:
http://psalmsofdiscipleship--sandhurst.blogspot.com/
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Psalm 62:1-2
1 My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. 2 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.
Core Value: Grace
Principle #18 and Personal Application:
The quality disciple seeks to rest in the finished work of Christ.
• Grace allows a weary soul to wait in silence for God only. Grace helps us take a deep breath and rest in Him. “My soul waits in silence for God only.”
• Grace allows a weary soul to experience God’s salvation. Grace points us to the source of our salvation. “From Him is my salvation.”
• Grace allows a weary soul to confess God as one’s Rock and one’s salvation. Grace fills our heart with the uplifting truth that God is our rock and our salvation. “He only is my rock and my salvation.”
• Grace allows a weary soul to find in God a stronghold, a place of security. Grace leads us to His protection. “My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.”
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When my life becomes rushed and filled with anxiety, what kinds of promises can I glean from this Psalm?
According to this passage of Scripture, how does a proper understanding of grace help me to live my life as a quality disciple of Jesus?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I thank You that my soul can wait in silence for God and for Him alone. I thank You that You are the source of my salvation, and no other. I thank You for being my rock and my salvation. I am grateful to You that because You are my stronghold, I will not be greatly shaken.
Want to learn more about how to live as a Disciple and a DiscipleMaker for Jesus?
Visit my website at www.dennybates.com and my teaching blog at
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com
For back copies of the 2011 CAS bulletin visit this website:
http://psalmsofdiscipleship--sandhurst.blogspot.com/
Friday, April 29, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 17--May 1, 2011--Grace
Psalms of Discipleship—May 1, 2011
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Psalm 61:3-4
3 For You have been a refuge for me, A tower of strength against the enemy. 4 Let me dwell in Your tent forever; Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah.
Principle #17 & Personal Application:
The quality disciple finds a safe refuge in the Lord.
Because of the grace of God, the disciple can experience the Lord’s protection and care, and say . . .
• The Lord has been a refuge for me.
• The Lord has been a tower of strength against the enemy.
• The Lord allows me to dwell in His tent forever.
• The Lord allows me to take refuge in the shelter of His wings.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What does it “feel” like when I sense the Lord’s protection upon my life? What kinds of emotions fill my heart when I feel safe?
How does the grace of God remind me of the love of God?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are a refuge for me. You are a tower of strength against the enemies of my soul. My heart cry is that You will allow me to dwell in Your tent forever. My desire is that You will allow me to take refuge and find protection and care in the shelter of Your wings.
Want to learn more about how to live as a Disciple and a DiscipleMaker for Jesus?
Visit my website at www.dennybates.com and my teaching blog at http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com
For back copies of the 2011 CAS bulletin visit this website: http://psalmsofdiscipleship--sandhurst.blogspot.com/
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Psalm 61:3-4
3 For You have been a refuge for me, A tower of strength against the enemy. 4 Let me dwell in Your tent forever; Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah.
Principle #17 & Personal Application:
The quality disciple finds a safe refuge in the Lord.
Because of the grace of God, the disciple can experience the Lord’s protection and care, and say . . .
• The Lord has been a refuge for me.
• The Lord has been a tower of strength against the enemy.
• The Lord allows me to dwell in His tent forever.
• The Lord allows me to take refuge in the shelter of His wings.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What does it “feel” like when I sense the Lord’s protection upon my life? What kinds of emotions fill my heart when I feel safe?
How does the grace of God remind me of the love of God?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are a refuge for me. You are a tower of strength against the enemies of my soul. My heart cry is that You will allow me to dwell in Your tent forever. My desire is that You will allow me to take refuge and find protection and care in the shelter of Your wings.
Want to learn more about how to live as a Disciple and a DiscipleMaker for Jesus?
Visit my website at www.dennybates.com and my teaching blog at http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com
For back copies of the 2011 CAS bulletin visit this website: http://psalmsofdiscipleship--sandhurst.blogspot.com/
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle # 16--April 24, 2011--Prayer
Psalms of Discipleship—April 24
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Psalm 61:1-2
1 Hear my cry, O God; Give heed to my prayer. 2 From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Core Value: Prayer
Principle # 16 and Personal Application:
The quality disciple believes that the ear of God is within reach, no matter how difficult life may be.
• Prayer is the resource we use when our hearts are full and we cry out to God.
• Prayer is the resource we use when we need an answer from God.
• Prayer is the resource we use when we come to the end of our rope.
• Prayer is the resource we use when we need a higher perspective.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
According to this passage of Scripture, what promises can I rest in when I come to the end of my rope?
Am I willing to be led by the Good Shepherd? Am I willing to follow Him “to the rock that is higher than I”?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I thank You for allowing me to cry out to You when my heart is full. Thank You for giving heed to my prayer. When I am at the ends of the earth (at the end of my rope) and feel like passing out, I rest in Your goodness to lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Want to learn more about how to live as a Disciple and a DiscipleMaker for Jesus?
Visit my website at www.dennybates.com and my teaching blog at http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com
For back copies of the 2011 CAS bulletin visit this website: http://psalmsofdiscipleship--sandhurst.blogspot.com/
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Psalm 61:1-2
1 Hear my cry, O God; Give heed to my prayer. 2 From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Core Value: Prayer
Principle # 16 and Personal Application:
The quality disciple believes that the ear of God is within reach, no matter how difficult life may be.
• Prayer is the resource we use when our hearts are full and we cry out to God.
• Prayer is the resource we use when we need an answer from God.
• Prayer is the resource we use when we come to the end of our rope.
• Prayer is the resource we use when we need a higher perspective.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
According to this passage of Scripture, what promises can I rest in when I come to the end of my rope?
Am I willing to be led by the Good Shepherd? Am I willing to follow Him “to the rock that is higher than I”?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I thank You for allowing me to cry out to You when my heart is full. Thank You for giving heed to my prayer. When I am at the ends of the earth (at the end of my rope) and feel like passing out, I rest in Your goodness to lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Want to learn more about how to live as a Disciple and a DiscipleMaker for Jesus?
Visit my website at www.dennybates.com and my teaching blog at http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com
For back copies of the 2011 CAS bulletin visit this website: http://psalmsofdiscipleship--sandhurst.blogspot.com/
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship--April 17, 2011
Psalms of Discipleship—April 17
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Psalm 60:11-12
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.
Core Value: Prayer
Principle #15 & Application:
The quality disciple lives 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.
Want to learn more about how to live as a Disciple and a DiscipleMaker for Jesus?
Visit my website at www.dennybates.com and my teaching blog at http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com
For back copies of the 2011 CAS bulletin visit this website: http://psalmsofdiscipleship--sandhurst.blogspot.com/
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Psalm 60:11-12
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.
Core Value: Prayer
Principle #15 & Application:
The quality disciple lives 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.
Want to learn more about how to live as a Disciple and a DiscipleMaker for Jesus?
Visit my website at www.dennybates.com and my teaching blog at http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com
For back copies of the 2011 CAS bulletin visit this website: http://psalmsofdiscipleship--sandhurst.blogspot.com/
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