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In a multitude of people is a king's glory, But in the dearth of people is the prince's ruin. NASB
As you can tell from above, I use the New American Standard version for my personal Bible study. I am so glad I do, because it made me dig a little deeper today. "Dearth" is used by this version as it is closest to the original Hebrew text. "Dearth" means 'scarcity' or 'shortage of'.
So, basically the verse says in Tonya's words, "A king that has a big kingdom is blessed, but a prince that has no subjects is ruined."
Now we know that King Solomon was probably writing these Proverbs to his son. And King Solomon for sure had a very large kingdom. So, it was probably a good thing to be telling his son. In other words, "Take care of your people so that you will prosper."
Ok, well, I am pretty sure that none of us reading this are part of a royal family.
Oh, but wait! We are!
And as part of His family it is our job to further his kingdom.
We have for sure discussed this now and again, so today in your personal time I'd like you to re-visit it a moment. How can you, right where you are TODAY, further Christ's Kingdom?
Please, I would love to see discussion on this!
--Tonya--
We had a retreat at our church this past weekend and she talked about that. We are His princess and we need to "act" like it. We should be about His business and do His work, and tell others of Him.
ReplyDeleteWhere we are TODAY...
ReplyDeleteThat would mean making sure our children know God, see Him in us...our neighbors see us as being a bright light...participating in church activities that reach those outside the church walls...
Acting like a royal person. Not snooty and above everyone else, but responsible for leading others.
Belinda, you hit that one out of the park...not snooty but responsible for leadership. The devil will use our pride to get us puffed up if he can, because it's very hard to be a good witness that way!
ReplyDeleteTonya, I think that where I am today, I should make even more of an effort as I talk (all day, ugh) to suppliers and customers, to be gracious when I must be firm. To make sure there is a smile in my voice, and when I have an opportunity to say that I am blessed, or that God has been good to me, that I will gather up my courage and say it. I won't worry about if I offend -- goodness knows I have to put up with some of them cussing, and I'm supposed to just nod and smile.
It definitely is something that I need to work at - if I lose a customer because I said something about my Lord, then so be it. (knees knocking) Although in this economy I don't want to lose them, but I'd rather be able to be happy with myself, not ashamed that I didn't say a word for Him.
Wow Jacque! That was awesome. You know, if you DO lose a customer because you spoke about God, I believe he would take care of you anyway. And count it all for Christ, win or lose. Easy for me to say, since I don't have to deal with that.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard Snoodles! I used to work in service too and I am like you...that cussing just would get to me! Ugh. I will pray for you today that you would have the strength to gracefully take a stand.
ReplyDeleteI think we have so many ways to further the kingdom. There are times that I think blog land is a bit too much, I just don't have time...but then it is my husband that reminds me that even a Hillbilly blog about quilting and such is a way to further the kingdom.
Yep. Those who quilt and sew, who are not Christians, can be convicted by a simple sentence in a blog about our endeavors. I try not to beat people over the head with it, but want to inject some of my faith in my blog posts. You never know who is going to be blog hopping and see it!
ReplyDeleteHey everyone! I just had an awesome example of what I wrote about...a customer of mine is a dedicated Christian, and we had HUGE problems getting his product imported. Customs was really kicking up a fuss. This morning the logistics officer emailed and said all the roadblocks were cleared -- he had never seen it happen that way, nor could he explain. My customer sent back an email that was an incredible witness for Christ, and said His grace was the reason it was resolved! What a blessing!
ReplyDeleteOh I love this!!!! Thanks for sharing that!
ReplyDeletePTL!!
ReplyDelete