ART THOU TRULY NOBLE, HIGHLY ESTEEMED ONE?

At our cell group during the week, Ray posed a most interesting question, "Who is noble in God's sight?"

Is it the minister or pastor who stands up in front of the congregation on Sunday expounding the Word? Perhaps. Or the evangelist who ministers to thousands, and sees many saved? Maybe. Or the TV Preacher who ministers to millions? Possibly. Or the prophet who brings the Gods messages to the people? Could be. Or the teacher who expounds the Word? Surely.

Yes, as we see this list of gifted people (Who's missing from this list?), the 'creme de la creme' of the church, surely they - we - must be the nobility? And in the eyes of the world and many within the church, this surely is the case. For the church, like other worldly organisations is characterised by those at the top of the hierarchy. Whether you like it or not, America is linked with George Bush, California now with Arnie, and the church with its leaders. In our modern human society, nobles by birth have been replaced by a nobility based on fame and fortune.

But what about the one who prays? Who quietly takes a meal to their neighbour in need? Who cleans the toilets? Who parks the cars? Who cares? Who loves? Who is patient and kind when others unfairly criticise? Who retains a joyful heart in difficult circumstances? Who displays the character of Christ? Surely these are the true nobility in God's eyes.(Again, which is missing?)

For genuine nobility comes not through birth or position, but through the development of a godly character. Not through Spiritual Gifts, wonderful though they are, but rather through the Fruit (plural without an 's') of the Spirit being developed in our life.

So, do we wish to impress man, or God? Do we spend more time pursuing the Gifts, or growing heavenly Fruit in our lives? I love the gifts. I desire more of them. But I love the Lord even more and desire to become like Him. And not surprisingly, the more I give myself to Him, the more gifts He seems to give me! Worth thinking about, isn't it?

Thank you Ray, for asking the question. May we all reflect the answer in our lives. Then the church will indeed inherit its promise.

And, by the way, you can check out the scriptures that follow for the missing 'Gifts' and 'Fruit.'

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FROM THE WORD

"It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-13)

"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts." (1 Corinthians 12:27-31)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." (Galatians 5:22-26)

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:1-13)

DAVID'S DOODLINGS

TO BE or TO DO
701. Man expects 'to do' in order 'to be', but God requires us 'to be' in order 'to do'.

702. In God's dictionary, 'doing' follows 'being'.

703. 'To do' is simply living out our 'to be'.

704. If 'to do' does not follow out of our 'to be', then our 'to be' is 'not to be'!

705. 'To be' a witness is 'to do' God's will.

706. We are first called 'to be', then 'to do'.

707. Too often we try 'to do' when God is simply calling us 'to be'.

708. 'To do' good, it is best 'to be' good!

709. To best know what 'to do', we must first learn how 'to be'.

710. If 'what to do' is your question, look to 'what to be' to find your answer.

There are 700+ David sayings for you to view at ...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/dd.php

FREE MP3 DOWNLOAD OF THE WEEK

In association with Inspirational Tapes Ministries
inspirational.org.nz
we are pleased to offer you this inspirational MP3 download - absolutely free of charge!

BETWEEN DEATH AND RESSURRECTION

By David Pawson

An interesting and important subject discussed by one of the world's leading Bible teachers. Both David Pawson's teaching and character have both withstood the passage of time.

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LAUGHING AT OURSELVES

***Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused***

*** "Those who can't laugh at themselves leave the job to others." ***

213. LITTLE, BUT SMART
A little boy wanted $100 badly and prayed for two weeks, but nothing happened. Then he decided to write a letter to the Lord requesting the $100.

When the postal authorities received the letter addressed to The Lord, USA, they decided to send it to President Bush.

The President was so impressed, touched and amused that he instructed his secretary to send the little boy a $5 bill. President Bush thought this would appear to be a lot of money to a little boy. The little boy was delighted with the $5 and sat down to write a thank you note to the Lord, which read:

"Dear Lord, Thank you very much for sending me the money. However, I noticed that for some reason you had to send it through Washington, D.C., and as usual, they deducted 95 percent."

212. OUCH!
After the christening of his baby brother in church, little Johnny sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong.
Finally, the boy replied, "That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, but I want to stay with you guys!"

Now one of the most comprehensive sources of Christian Humour on the Net with 600 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...

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FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What plant exists in more than nine thousand species?

ANSWER: Grasses. Technically, plants such as wheat, barley and rice, come under this classification too.

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: How does a seeing eye dog tell when a traffic light turns from green to red?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS
879. PURE COFFEE
Coffee contains over 1,000 chemicals in every cup. Of these only 26 have been tested, of which half have caused cancer in rats. (A cup of coffee for anyone?)

880. QUADS
In the normal population, there are 94 females born to every 100 males. Amongst quadruplets however, the ratio is 154 females to 100 males. (Early female bonding?)

881. LIVE FEATHER DUSTERS
In the ‘good old days’ live chickens used to be dropped down chimneys to clean them. (Weren’t the good old days so much better than the present?)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

SIGHT sore i i i i i i i
sore
sore
sore

Answer at the end of A David Musing

You can download a 250 item sample Trivia Book at Truly Trifling Trivia

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ONE VIEW ON MARRIAGE AND THE CHURCH

CHURCH LEADING THE WORLD IN IMMORALITY
The low moral and ethical standards of the Church, as defined by the only measurable benchmark, the divorce rate, exceeds that of much of the unbelieving pagan world. According to one of the latest divorce statistical studies, there is a significantly higher divorce rate amongst those identifying themselves as "born again" Christians than society as a whole, even amongst those claiming to be atheists and agnostics. Another survey has the divorce rate in the Church identical to that of the world. Evangelical Churches most often take the lead in the divorce increase.

Such statistics come as no surprise to those who have been scientifically tracking the trends. For a number of years the levels of “Christian” ethical behavior in areas involving honesty, integrity and sanctity of life have matched or led the freefall of those practiced in society as a whole. Notwithstanding expectations to the contrary, there is little real difference in the lifestyle choices that these “Christians” make on a daily basis, than those who openly follow their own fallen natures without restraint.
If these polling measurements reflect anything even close to reality, it goes without saying that both the majority of those claiming new life in Christ, and those that do not, share common moral principles and levels of Godliness, contrary to God’s Word.

Much more information on God's societal foundation of the family at...

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EXTENSIVE EXPLANATIONS

101 EASY WAYS TO SAY NO
I'd love to, but...

1 I have to floss my cat.
2 I've dedicated my life to linguini.
3 I want to spend more time with my blender.
4 the President said he might drop in.
5 the man on television told me to say tuned.
6 I've been scheduled for a karma transplant.
7 I'm staying home to work on my cottage cheese sculpture.
8 it's my parakeet's bowling night.
9 it wouldn't be fair to the other Beautiful People.
10 I'm building a pig from a kit.

For the remaining 91, plus many more serious, trivial and humorous extensive explanations, take a look at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/exex.php#00082

EXPLORING CHRISTIANITY

has published a series of booklets on the Christian faith, particularly popular with churches using the Alpha program of evangelism. 20 books are available to date - all free, and in full text online. This site, taken from the entire series of the "Exploring Faith Today" booklets by Rev Dick Tripp, Anglican clergyman from New Zealand, is clear and informative. Tripp explains, "There are 18 articles written to be easily understood by seekers and believers alike.

Have a look today at...

http://www.christianity.co.nz

HAVE A READ OF...

THE POWER OF THREE - A brief look at the amazing way both God and HIS Church are patterned in three’s.

An insight to the past present and future found along with other free PDF downloads at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/pdf/bk5.pdf

A DAVID MUSING

Do you know the feeling of waiting a long time for a promise of God in your life to be fulfilled? And when it finally happens, it comes as a complete surprise!

For the past 10 years or so the Lord has promised me a radio programme. As I have mentioned previously, after a decade we have, finally, had a radio station request such a programme. And most importantly, a volunteer has offered to help, one who has the equipment to do the job!

So Lyndon and I produced a single programme to send away as a sample to get comments upon. Then lo and behold, I got an unexpected email this week to say that the trial programme had been played on a shortwave service throughout North and South America. A small beginning, but after 10 years of waiting, a much appreciated one.

If you too have promises that haven't yet come to pass, don't give up hope, for God will do His will, in His time. How do I know? For it has happened to me. And it will for you too. In the meantime, we must be patient and rest in Him.

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today’s Word Puzzle Answer: A sight for sore eyes!

REPRODUCTION OF NEWSLETTER CONTENT

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DONATIONS

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CHANGING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS - OR IF THE NEWSLETTER STOPS COMING

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LINKS

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ABOUT US

WALKING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES is a non-profit, non-denominational, Bible based ministry located in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. A ministry dedicated to developing discipleship, fostering unity amongst God’s people to achieve the Great Commission, and in doing so, preparing for Christ’s return. It is securely based upon the foundational principles of the Apostles Creed while recognising the wide and rich diversity of beliefs amongst Christians in other areas. In accordance with the Lord’s direction, materials produced by the ministry are available, free of charge, to genuine enquirers upon request. The ministry is solely funded by donations, as the Lord provides. A list of materials available (plus some fun!) is obtainable and freely downloadable from our website
wwj.org.nz or by contacting us as follows.

Walking With Jesus Ministries
3 Hetley Crescent
Taradale
Napier 4001
New Zealand

Phone: (06) 8449-377 International (+64) 8449-377
Email: enquiries@wwj.org.nz
Web: wwj.org.nz

Our role is to bless and encourage those in ministry while promoting co-operation and unity of direction amongst the body of Christ, as emphasised 3 times by Jesus in His longest prayer, immediately prior to His arrest and crucifixion. "… so that they may be one as we are one." (John 17:12, 21, 23-4) Our website is currently being developed to encourage your participation one with another, to share resources, and to enable you to promote events and items of interest to the body as a whole – and have a smile while doing it!

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