WHERE IS YOUR PROSPERITY?

As we enter the Christmas season, huge financial pressures are placed on us to spend more than we have, in order to show our love and appreciation of each other. I sometimes whimsically wonder if the 'prosperity', second part of the standard cliche "Wishing you a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year" is a blessing necessary to pay for our Christmas excesses! So this seems like a good time to talk about 'prosperity.'

In my view, the unbalanced, unbiblical prosperity doctrine that pervades the church today has become its greatest handicap. So often we encourage people to become 'rich young rulers' (or even, not so young, but still rich) without considering what happened to him. He missed out on the Kingdom! Our emphasis is just so wrong. True, effective, salvation and faith is built on sacrifice and commitment to the Word and works of Jesus, not on the beguiling promise of riches in the here and now.

While it's true that the Christian lifestyle will often see us becoming better off, though not necessarily rich, through the application of sensible Biblical principles to our lives, it must not be the focus of our faith. If wealth comes, that is good, if it doesn't, it is often better! And I speak from experience of both extremes (in relative New Zealand terms) - twice. Although I have enjoyed the easier living of the prosperous times, my major growth in God has come when having to really rely upon Him for supply.

Neither though, should we have a poverty mentality, but our life's focus is to be on building the Kingdom, both within ourselves and in others. Primarily, this requires commitment and obedience to the will of God and the Holy Spirit's leading in our life. Money cannot buy holiness - in fact, in my experience, often works against it.

This is not simply a Western problem. It is equally, sometimes even more, prevalent amongst churches and Christians in poorer countries. I have sadly experienced this ongoing focus on money as the panacea of all ills in life and God, in both India and America - and it isn't! Love of money takes over lives! Look at some of the wealthiest churches and denominations, those that have lost their heavenly focus, and are dying.

Sadly, to date, I have only spent 3 days in the US, primarily with my family at Disneyland (Surely not the real America?). While there though, we were also able to take in a conference by some of Americas most famous prosperity preachers. When looking around the auditorium's carpark, I found it was filled with old cars. No prosperity there! Or maybe the successes had become independent - like most of the worldly rich. On the other hand, when one speaker encouraged people to throw money at his feet (making him even more prosperous) the Lord instructed me, in one of the most difficult acts of obedience of my life, to empty my pockets of our scarce US dollars and do the same! God has such a sense of humour, and tests our obedience in many varying situations!

Finally, how do we define 'rich? The poorest person in New Zealand, where I live, would be regarded as rich in most places. What is God's definition? Like the human one - 'just a little more'? Oh, may we not be guilty of preaching false hope to gullible people everywhere, but rather encourage the gathering of riches in our Heavenly Kingdom to come. For there, they will last forever!

Blessings to you (Now what do I truly mean by that!) this Christmas Season.

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FROM THE WORD

"Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:21-4)

LOVE OF MONEY
If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Timothy 6:3-10)

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” " (Hebrews 13:5-6)

DAVID'S DOODLINGS

177. Earthly prosperity is 'just a little more'. But heavenly prosperity is learning to be content with what the Lord has given.

382. There is no absolute measure of prosperity for our perception of it relates to what we see others have. I wonder what God sees?

383. The problem with prosperity is that we all want to own God's 'cattle on a thousand hills' personally.

361. Earthly success is an aphrodisiac, while heavenly success requires fertilisation, labour pains and new birth.

362. We live in an instant society where sadly, momentary success is preferred to eternal glory.

363. Earthly success is like instant coffee. Quick and easy to make but lacking the aroma, taste and satisfaction of the real thing.

364. Earthly success is elusive and fleeting, heavenly glory, certain and everlasting.

365. Success in life after death has more appeal than success in life, for tombstones tell me it is longer lasting!

366. Death is the greatest leveler of human achievement.

367. Inevitably, human success results in - death!

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

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A MESSAGE FROM ROY

Although this PGIM! e-letter is sent free, some readers have decided to support this Ministry one or more times a year by sponsoring a week's PGIM! @ USD $50.00. Can I ask you to consider sponsoring a specified week/s? You will get an acknowledgement on your particular week/s of sponsorship (unless you do not want it). If you are interested to help this very informative & helpful newsletter, please email me, Roy McGreevy, as it is God who authored this idea through me in the USA. roy@kscbtv.com. I look forward to hearing from you... thanks. Roy

FROM YOU - TO ME - TO YOU

Hi David,
THE GREATEST MIRACLE OF ALL - ANSWERING GOD'S CALL TO UNITY! In this you have given the essence of your entire teaching on the unity and end time church. What - don’t you want to share this any where on this earth with the people to whom you have not met earlier! Just joking. God Bless. See you soon.
Love Asher.
(Asher is WWJM's Indian Representative who hopes to visit NZ in January)


David, I appreciate your weekly e-mail and I believe you to be a dedicated spreader of the "Word". However I have difficulty in relating to your sometimes simplistic view of Jesus as the incarnation of God.

Why is it that we poor humans tend to limit the power of the vast intelligence that we Christians refer to as God? Given the lack of communication in the first century, or what ever period in prehistory you prefer, why would "God" just send emissaries to a small group of peoples in the land of Israel? There are many people of "God" that have been
contacted, and the message is very clear. We are to love one another as "Christ" (the messenger) loved us. Organized, or should I say politicized religion all claim to have the only "real" way because it suits their agenda. I call myself a Christian because I believe that Bible, as compiled, is the least corrupted of any of the messages heretofore
received by mankind. Unfortunately, given the current events in the USA, I believe that may no longer be true.

Bruce .....Olympia, Washington USA

Hi Bruce
Thanks for sharing your views. You obviously know mine. We will see what others have to say.

Cheers
David

(Let's have some answers. Particularly at Christmas time! David)

TODAY'S WORD
Verse: 1 Chronicles 28:9

Worship and serve Him with a clean heart and a willing mind, for the Lord sees every heart and understands and knows every thought.

- God knows everything about us.
- God knows what goes on in our hearts and minds.
- God is looking for hearts that are willing to obey Him.
- Don’t let anything get between you and God.

Rev Hesborne
KENYA

Greetings from Canada:
I enjoy your Monday commentary. It has been a real encouragement to my heart. I sometimes print out the weekly bible verses and post them by my computer, so I can be reminded of what the Lord has taught me through your writings.

Please check out the Space Pen story on the web. It seems that there is a lot of different stories floating around. Check out the Fisher Space Pen web site.

Keep Looking to Jesus,
Jim Andrews

Interesting... but around here in South Alabama, USA, the story is that "raising Cain" has its origins in the Mardi Gras history of Mobile, AL. Supposedly, the man who 'restarted' Mardi Gras after the Civil War, was a man named JOE CAIN. He was a wild man, ... a drunk, ... who every year dressed up like an Indian and led the parade for Mardi Gras. After he died, they continued to have a parade named after Joe Cain (still to this day, the Sunday before Ash Wednesday has the Joe Cain Day parade). The parade ended at his grave in a cemetery in downtown Mobile where his 'widows' would stomp on his grave to wake the dead and hopefully "raise Cain" from his sleep.
Don't know if the phrase existed before the 1860's or not --- but the story always sounded good to me!
Peace and blessings,
Bob Randall+
St. Mary's Episcopal Church
Andalusia, AL, USA

WITH GREAT LOVE AND APPRECIATION
IN THE NAME OF THE KING OF KING
THE LORD OF LORD JESUS CHRIST
SEE YOU IN THE LORD'S HOUSE ON SUNDAY.
ONE HOUSE,
JUST DIFFERENT ROOM
UNITED WE STAND, strong!!
BUT,DIVIDED WE FALL INTO THE WILL OF the enemy..
THE WASSNERS

Your comments to me or fellow readers are always welcomed at... david@wwj.org.nz

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." ***

222. APPLES AND COOKIES
Children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples.

The nun made a note, "Take only one: God is watching."

Moving through the line, to the other end of the table, was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies.

A boy wrote a note, "Take all you want: God is watching the apples."

221. A CHILD'S PRAYER
Johnny had been misbehaving and was sent to his room. After a while he emerged and informed his mother that he had thought it over and then said a prayer.

His mother was pleased. "If you ask God to help you not misbehave," she said, "He will help you."

"Oh, I didn't ask Him to help me not misbehave," replied Johnny. "I asked Him to help you put up with me."

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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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!

GOD'S WAY OR MAN'S WAY?

By: Frank Peretti

The noted Christian novelist, Frank takes a non-fiction look at how God wants us to live our lives.

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FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What were 'chopines'?

ANSWER: They were an early version of platform shoes! Worn by fashionable Italian women in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, chopines could be as high as twenty or thirty inches! (50-75cm)

How in the world could a woman walk? They couldn't! Women with shoes that high needed servants to lean on when they walked!

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Do mosquitoes feed on blood?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

864. SHIFTING SANDS
Egypt’s Pyramids were actually constructed over 6 kilometres away from where they are now, not because of shifting sands, but rather, due to the earth’s plates moving. (Not immovable objects after all!)

865. BRAIN POWER
The brain uses over 25% of the oxygen the human body absorbs. (Explains a lot!)

866. THE QUEEN'S FISH
All sturgeon, caught in British waters are the property of the Queen. Hence she has the British monopoly on caviar! (Hope she likes it.)

A CHALLENGE FOR YOU

What is so special about this sequence below?

8 5 4 9 1 7 6 10 3 2 0

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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TAKE TIME TO LAUGH

THE FINAL QUESTION
An eccentric philosophy professor gave a one question final exam after a semester dealing with a broad array of topics. The class was already seated and ready to go when the professor picked up his chair, plopped it on his desk and wrote on the board: "Using everything we have learned this semester, prove that this chair does not exist."

Fingers flew, erasers erased, notebooks were filled in furious fashion. Some students wrote over 30 pages in one hour attempting to refute the existence of the chair. One member of the class however, was up and finished in less than a minute.

Weeks later when the grades were posted, the rest of the group wondered how he could have gotten an A when he had barely written anything at all. His answer consisted of two words: "What chair?"

IT'S AN ILL WIND.....
"This house," said the real estate salesman, "has both its good points and its bad points. To show you I'm honest, I'm going to tell you about both. The disadvantages are that there is a chemical plant one block south and a slaughterhouse a block north."

"What are the advantages?" inquired the prospective buyer.

"The advantage is that you can always tell which way the wind is blowing.."

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HAVE A LAUGH AND BE INSPIRED DAILY WITH...

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FAMOUS WORDS AND PHRASES FROM THE BIBLE

'JEZEBEL' or 'DELILAH' Names often given to cunning or deceitful women. Both these Bible characters were beautiful, using their beauty to get their own way through deceitful, calculating characters. Delilah was a seductress, Jezebel the manipulative queen of the weak and wicked King Ahab.

Many more interesting Bible facts at...

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

FIND OUT A LITTLE MORE ABOUT...

...the weird world of David Tait! You may like him (me – this is confusing!) or you may not, but he (I!) is what he is. (I am!)

It never ceases to surprise me how popular this poetry page is. Maybe you can tell me after looking at...

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A DAVID MUSING

For the time has come to go to bed,
The bestest place to lay a weary head.
To rest my eyes from computer strain,
So in the morning I can write again.

Good night!

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's Challenge Answer: The numbers are in alphabetical order.
(eight, five, four, nine, one, seven, six, ten, three, two, zero)

REPRODUCTION OF NEWSLETTER CONTENT

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DONATIONS

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CHANGING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS - OR IF THE NEWSLETTER STOPS

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Please also keep our address in your address book, as sometimes servers will automatically delete your address if there is even a one off problem in delivery. If your newsletter doesn't arrive, please let us know and we will reinstate you.

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)

For comments upon and contributions to this service, please contact
david@wwj.org.nz