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This is the website of David Prince - A confident Communication of Christ.QualifiedPosted on March 11th, 2010
Buzz Words:
Bible words from 1 Corinthians 2: The Message.
I love these words spoken by Paul:-
“When I first came to you to let you in on God’s master stroke, I didn’t try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who He is; then Jesus and what He did - Jesus crucified. I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate - I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it - and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway. God’s Spirit and God’s power did it, which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God’s power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else.”
Hum!
Does this sound familiar?
Paul wasn’t the first, and he certainly wouldn’t be the last to feel so inadequate!
Are you feeling incapable, lacking the necessary skill or knowledge? Unqualified?
Hey! We have this reassurance -
God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called
Come on!
Appropriate WordsPosted on March 5th, 2010
Buzz Words:
Words from Proverbs 25: New Century Version.
“The right word spoken at the right time is as beautiful as gold apples in a silver bowl.”
How refreshing!
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” - Leo Buscaglia.
Hum!
Lord, help me to use my words appropriately, clearly and with no delay - just at the right time.
Help me to find the right words, to be considerate and encouraging - with remarks genuine, sincere and truthful.
Help me to guard what I say.
Times of UnrestPosted on March 1st, 2010
Life can be very unpredictable and can bring for all of us disappointments, dashed hopes, and broken dreams.
There’s a strong possibility we could all find ourselves in a state of agitation or hopelessness at sometime or another.
At times it may seem that we frequently face harsh circumstances, enduring emotional pain - constantly relearning the meaning of those events - and forever full of strong feelings of anxiety or perplexity.
And as a result of such stress, we so often can find ourselves fully submerged in a pity party!
Now listen… To whatever degree we might experience these negative feelings, let us bear in mind that these are often the situations which strengthen our lives - those “in the valley” times, not those on lofty mountain top feelings.
No matter how difficult we might feel things are at times, it will soon become apparent that it’s during those times of unrest and uncertainty that our faith grows the most.
We develop a greater ability to understand life, in general, as well as an insight to understanding other people.
We become discerning - more able to appreciate the things of God - and soon we gain insight to His direction for our own lives and for the lives of others who seek to know Him.
This becomes a challenge.
May we, as His children who are searching, become better not bitter!
Taken from People Are Like Tea-bags.
Summing-up!Posted on February 1st, 2010
Hey friends, it’s so wonderful to know; that our God who arranged the stars & planets, formed the oceans wide, and fashioned every sea and shore, has our personal interest in mind.
He knows all about us, every detail in every situation!
Indeed, since creation, God has been crazy about us..
The concept that He chooses to use us to fulfil His purpose and plan, is simply mind-blowing!
Even when we’ve messed up, and feel like we’re the underdog - it doesn’t matter - God’s rooting for us..
No matter what our past has been like, we can do it’!
How marvellous it is when we are touched by the rhythms of God’s grace, love, and power in our lives!
He does extraordinary things through the lives of ordinary people!
Praise Him!
New Horizons.Posted on January 1st, 2010
1.
As we look back on the last year, may our lives reflect on the goodness of God - giving thanks to Him for His faithfulness and love.
Why? Because His loyal love doesn’t run out, His merciful love doesn’t dry up. They’re created new every morning. How great is His faithfulness!
2.
As a new day dawns, with the sun coming up over the horizon, may our lives be an encouragement - constantly enabling and empowering other folks - to personally experience and know God’s love for themselves.
Let’s reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
3.
As the new year begins, with the joy that every new day brings, may our lives be filled with faith.
Proclaiming the good news that God saves, publishing His glorious deeds among the nations, and telling everyone about the amazing things He does.
4.
And, as the year unfolds, moment by moment, may our lives always remain strong, having a desire for success or achievement.
Knowing this; God knows the plans He has for us. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give us a future and a hope.
Amen?
Amen!
Bible words from:-
Lamentations 3: The Message.
Ephesians 3: The Message.
Psalm 96: New Living Translation.
Jeremiah 29: New Living Translation.
Good News Ahead.Posted on December 1st, 2009
In the Bible, Luke reminds us about the time when Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Roman Empire.
This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for.
And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home.
He travelled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee.
He went with Mary, his fiancee, who was pregnant.
Wow!
Imagine if the governments of today were to have a world-wide census, compelling every grownup to return to their hometown or city for a count of the population.
Most of us, if not all, would call it illogical, absurd and inappropriate!
Equally; you can just imagine the journey as Mary and Joseph shared their emotion - perhaps even making complaining remarks or noises under their breath!
O for a simple enrolment online, and they needn’t have made the journey! Yet, the Internet age was for another millennium to come!
Looking at the sequence of events; try to picture the 90 mile cross-country journey to Bethlehem.
At this point in time, folks travelled by foot or on an animal or cart.
Achieving heights of about 1,312 feet; Joseph probably walked the extended curves and turns of the mountain trail - accompanied by Mary, who we assume was riding side-saddle on a donkey.
The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem could have taken more than a week by foot. They would have travelled over rough tracks with the danger of predatory animals, and the threat of aggressive and violent young criminals.
In such conditions, folks often travelled in groups for their own safety and protection.
As a consequence, the journey was characterized by toilsome endeavour to the point of exhaustion - especially physical effort - probably depleting them of strength and energy!
Meanwhile, way back in Nazareth; the young couple had left all that they knew behind; Everything that was normal - the everyday experience - common and ordinary - not strange.
All the same, the approaching times for the young couple were unclear.
Not only did they have little money or few possessions, but they were lacking experience of life.
For instance, when they got to Bethlehem, what were they to do? Where were they to temporarily reside? How long for?
A cosy over-night boardinghouse with a continental breakfast was unheard of! A five star motel room with en-suite hadn’t reached the hills of Judea in those days!
The emerging times were accompanied by painful expectation and stress.
But there was good news ahead.
In a restful manner, gently behind the scenes, God was working His purposes out.
Through the actions of this couple, God’s rescue plan for a lost world was being completed to perfection.
Obviously, history and God’s Word the Bible reveal this to us today. But for this young couple, the future appeared to be uncertain.
And in their state, lacking assurance, they had to learn to trust.
Today; there is an unquestionable truth for us to comprehend.
For many folk, whether the events in this present day appear unusually great in size or microscopic, often the changes are hard to bear.
Yet, as we go through these experiences in our lives, God is working His purposes out.
Simply because we face hardships and hindrances in life, does not mean that God has abandoned us! No doubt about it, we all face difficulties in life. But then, He encourages, empowers and enables us to act on His great plan and purpose for our lives.
Here and now; in these uncertain times, God asks you and I or anyone - to trust Him from the bottom of our heart.
He points the way forward, and encourages us to have complete confidence in Him.
For this reason, let’s try not to figure out everything on our own.
Let’s listen for His voice in everything we do, everywhere we go, because He’s The One who will keep us on track.
We mustn’t assume that we know it all - but we know The One who does!
As we trust Him; He will bless us with a future filled with hope - a future of success, not of suffering!
God’s unfailing love surrounds the folk who trust in Him.
May the approaching days bring for all of us peace and prosperity.
In Jesus’ name.
First published in 2008, The Journey.
In Christ.Posted on November 1st, 2009
“Affliction often prepares an ordinary person for an extraordinary destiny.” C.S. Lewis - 1898-1963.
Life at times can be a struggle!
Dashed hopes, disappointments and broken dreams are just a few of the difficulties which we may face or endure with courage.
Today; as The Message paraphrase version puts it: We must understand that this is no afternoon athletic contest that we can walk away from - and forget about in a couple of hours!
If only it were that easy!
But let’s be realistic here! There is an essential and unavoidable part that has to be accepted; the process of living a successful, triumphant and victorious life, is facing every struggle head-on!
O boy!
Looking at the letter to the Ephesians, we see that it was written to a community of Christians who hadn’t completely understood what it meant to be in Christ.
Consequently; Paul, in chapter 6, was trying to link-up each piece of armour to a characteristic of Jesus.
Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, and Salvation are more than words - they are Jesus Christ Himself.
Throughout life; if we’re completely honest, we are up against far more than we can handle on our own!
Furthermore; we shouldn’t brush aside each conflict in life as a figment of our imagination, or as a trivial playground scrap!
The New Century Version puts it this way:- “Our fight is not against people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world.”
For this reason; we must be fully aware of the need to be completely equipped.
Why? Because Old Nick will use his forces of evil to do all he can to get the better of us, break us apart, or lead us away from the right path!
Therefore; we must take all the help we can get.
Don’t forget, God’s Word is an essential, and powerful weapon!
In the same way, prayer is absolutely necessary in every circumstance of life.
We need to pray hard and long, remembering to pray for each other.
And; as we keep our eyes wide open, paying close and continuous attention, let’s hope that all who believe will want to succeed. Having a team-spirit will cause no one to dawdle, linger or quit!
Okey-dokey, there’s no room for smugness here, but come on folks, check it out! Not just now, but day by day, moment by moment!
We’ve got His covering day and night - twenty-four seven.
When we’re in over our heads, He’ll be there with us. When we’re in rough waters, we will not go down. When we’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end - because He is God, our personal God, our Savior.
What a comfort! In Christ, we’re clothed in His power and protection.
Yep, that’s right - He has you covered!
What a heritage! Peace, Righteousness, Security, Triumph over opposition!
Amen?
Amen!
Further readings:-
Ephesians 6:
Isaiah 43:
Isaiah 54:
Psalm 139:
Romans 8:
Romans 13:
Running Empty?Posted on October 1st, 2009
“A happy person is not a person with a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes.”
“Is the glass half empty or half full?” is a widely known phrase that particular folks use in particular situations.
It is used in a figurative way to suggest that a specific combination of circumstances at a given time could be a cause for pessimism - half empty - or optimism - half full!
The design of the phrase is to establish the validity of something, as by an example, explanation or experiment to show that the situation could be seen in opposite ways.
Depending on your view point; possibilities may be seen in the circumstance - as well as problems.
Anyhow; recently I posted a Bible reference on Facebook - and as folks responded, the results were varied.
Immediately; some looked at the positive.
However; others - with help from their implanted satellite navigational aid - seemed to have a natural tendency to home-in or target the negative!
Interestingly; only a small number of folk saw the bigger picture - by viewing the scripture in a balanced way.
It would be interesting to know how you would read and receive these Bible verses:-
“We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we’re not demoralized; we’re not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we’ve been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our side; we’ve been thrown down, but we haven’t broken.”
The person who expects the worst may receive it like this:-
“We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles; we’re not sure what to do; we’ve been spiritually terrorized - and we’ve been thrown down and broken!”
Here, there’s almost a sense of apprehension - and the prospects seem gloomy.
By contrast; the person prepared to take a favourable view of things may see it like this:-
“We’re not demoralized; we know that God knows what to do; God hasn’t left our side - and we remain secure.”
What a difference - believing for a future filled with expectation and hope!
So; in your life, is the glass half empty, or half full?
Are you a pessimist or an optimist?
Friends; no matter how you read this, and no matter what your circumstance, know this, God is there.
If your life is running on empty, and you’re longing for something better than the present situation - don’t give up!
Hold on there, and go the distance!
Even though it often looks like things are falling apart on you, not a day goes by without God’s unfolding rhythms of grace.
In fact; Jesus came so we can have real and eternal life, more and better life than we ever dreamed of.
Wow!
His desire for us is to enjoy life, and have it in abundance.
Not half empty, not half full, but until it completely overflows!
Now, that’s something “really positive” to think about.
Running empty? Nah!
Running over? Yep!
Amen?
Amen!
Further readings:-
2 Corinthians 4:
John 10: - The Message.
Heart of Worship.Posted on September 1st, 2009
Jerusalem Times:
Looking at a scene in the second book of Samuel; let’s pick up the story as the Ark of the Lord was being brought back into Jerusalem.
We discover that everyone was celebrating by shouting and playing music on horns, trumpets, cymbals, harps, and other stringed instruments.
At this moment there was a general conscious awareness of festivities by all!
As a matter of fact; King David was extremely pleased about this special occasion.
While the scene unfolded to reveal a significant time in history, something else occurred which would prove to be totally unforgettable!
It all happened simultaneously - when surprisingly, the King was so wholly spell-bound by this event that he stripped away his kingly robes - and hurried out into a crowd of people in the middle of the street and began to dance - skip, leap, move up then down and sideways in a way which appeared to be lacking good sense or judgment.
This outward aspect gave the impression that the King was joyously unrestrained.
But, to make matters worse, this was in front of everyone!
Yep, that’s right, absolutely everyone!
The state of widespread public excitement and interest was even observed by another member of the royal house!
David’s wife - Saul’s daughter, by chance was looking through a window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before God, her heart filled with contempt. She sneered, and looked down on him with disdain!
Sometime later; Michal came out to welcome her husband, but her communication indicated a lack of respect as she behaved in a patronizing and condescending way.
And so, this is how the argy-bargy began:-
With a vehement outcry - she gave tongue to, “How extremely well the king has drawn attention to himself today - displaying himself half naked to the eyes of the officers’ maids like some theatrical performing street dancer!!”
David came back with this response, “In the presence of God I’ll dance how I like! God chose me over your father and the rest of this household and made me prince over His people, over Israel. Oh yes, by the way, I’ll dance to God’s glory - even more exuberantly than this. And as far as I’m concerned…I’ll gladly look like an incompetent fool - but among these maids you’re unnecessarily worried about, they will always treat me with respect!”
In truth; King David didn’t show any concern or interest in who saw him acting like a complete fool.
He had no inhibitions, his expression in dance was praise and worship to his Lord, and at that moment, nothing else seemed to count!
Interestingly, not everyone can agree on the explanation for the conclusion of this story.
1. Maybe it was the husband and wife relationship which was lacking harmony - due to unresolved marital issues, or indifference in where there had formerly been love.
2. Maybe it was Michal’s attitude, and the contempt she showed towards David’s expressive worship.
Who knows!
Whatever the cause, Michal remained childless throughout her entire life.
Whether or not we understand the nature of the circumstance, both reasons attract interest or thought.
But friends, if we are to accept this second reason, then I’m so awake to the likely consequences!
Here & Now; it’s so easy to undervalue or knock another style of worship!
It’s so easy to relate to the past!
It’s so easy to think our way is best!
Hey, who are we to say one way is better than the other, or not at all!
Surely, as we embrace what God does for us - our worship is the best thing we can do for him!
Yep, that’s right, it’s all for Him!
Personally; I prefer the contemporary style of worship, no song books, just power-point presentation with a live worship band - - and everyone celebrating in freedom with expression in dance.
However; I’m also familiar with the arrangement of church organist, choir, the multiple selection of hard-back hymn books - - with everyone uttering sounds of great joy on “Pack-A-Pew Sunday!”
Who is to say which way is right or wrong.
No one, and neither!
Both of these; and many other forms of worship, bring glory to God, and none of us should find fault - for fear that we too should become fruitless or unproductive of success!
Through every part of our ordinary lives; worship is a desire & impulse that colours our thoughts - and choreographs what we do.
It’s an attitude of heart!
Further Reading:-
2 Samuel 6:
1 Chronicles 15:
Psalm 132:
Romans 12:
“When I worship, I would rather my heart be without words than my words be without heart.” Graham Kendrick.
Father of Creation.Posted on August 1st, 2009
This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: “Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvellous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.”
As we observe the magnificent beauty and elegance of all created things; we may ask, Why did God create everything in a way that is beyond belief or understanding?
Our thoughts are, to reveal His excellence, His awesome power & might, His hand of daily provision, comfort, constant faithfulness and love.
- Let us go back, just a little, and think over a conversation between God and Job:-
God asked, Where were you when I created the earth? Tell me, since you know so much! Who decided on its size? Certainly you’ll know that! Who came up with the blueprints and measurements? How was its foundation poured, and who set the cornerstone, while the morning stars sang in chorus and all the angels shouted praise?
And who took charge of the ocean when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb? That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds, and tucked it in safely at night. Then I made a playpen for it, a strong playpen so it couldn’t run loose, And said, “Stay here, this is your place. Your wild tantrums are confined to this place.”
Hey friend, it’s so wonderful to know; that our God who arranged the stars & planets, formed the oceans wide, and fashioned every sea and shore, has our personal interest in mind. He knows all about us, every detail in every situation!
- Keep in mind The One who came up with the blueprint for your life!
Before God shaped you in the womb, He knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, He had holy plans for you…
Today; we frequently discover with total astonishment, that God our Father, the creator of the universe is concerned about every part of our lives.
Yes, that’s right! Every part!
He is waiting for us to call to Him - and what’s even more amazing - He answers us!
Wow!
Okay, yep, perhaps at times; not in ways we expect Him, but always in ways He knows are best for us.
He longs to share with us marvellous and wondrous things that we could never figure out on our own.
So dear friend, where will we find help? It will come from God, our Father, who created the heavens and the earth.
Now, that’s amazing!!
__ Bible words from The Message:-__