A Weekly World Wide Word of Encouragement to those in the Ministry
PRAISE GOD IT’S MONDAY!
A WEEKLY ‘WWW (world-wide word) OF ENCOURAGEMENT’
TO THOSE IN MINISTRY
A FREE service, currently connecting with Christian leaders from 3,000 denominations and ministries, in 70 countries.
Issue No: 130 Published: 19 Apr 2004
THE NEED FOR ANNOINTING
The further north one travels in Africa, the greater the annointing. Why is this? Does it have a lesson for all of us?When I asked why, the reason I have been given is that the closer you get to the Muslims pushing down from the north, the greater is peoples faith and need for God's power. My own, additional observation, is that poverty generally increases the further north you go as well, with a couple of notable exceptions.
But the obvious conclusion is that annointint goes with need, persecution and committment. It does not accompany, 'Easy Christianity', consumerism, and an overly 'prosperous' lifestyle. Unfortunate - but true!
Christianity in the West is dying due to our indulgent lifestyles and the 'humanism' this almost inevitably tends to breed.
I know this conclusion will be unpopular to many. And poverty is a curse too. But our Western love affair with prosperity takes us away from God's blessings, for we have developed our own.
We would do well to remember that the Lord's (Disciples) Prayer requests "Give us our daily bread".
Or is the Western version, "Give us our Mercedes"!
Don't hear the Lords Prayer used much these days. Doesn't agree with our modern theology, perhaps?
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FROM THE WORD
THE MYSTERY OF THE GODHEAD - WHAT IS GOD?" (4 of 6)There are 3 essential areas to understanding what God is.
GOD IS ETERNAL
He has always been there!
"Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." (Psalm 90:1-2)
Our human limitation of time makes this difficult to comprehend. In eternity there is no beginning and no end.
"Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD—with the first of them and with the last—I am he.†(Isaiah 41:4)
“This is what the LORD says — Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty:
I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. (Isaiah 44:6)
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)
DAVID’S DOODLINGS
HEAVENLY TRUTHS GOD HAS SHOWN ME (4 of 12)Unexpectedly given one afternoon when I wasn't feeling very well. How often God works like that! Kept my human input to a minimum.
God has shown me that...
... love works wonders.
... He desires me to change: not me to try and change Him.
... to give in to Him is to grow up in Him.
... life is born out of death.
... life is not meant to be fair.
... we seek spiritual gifts while He desires spiritual fruit.
Please feel free to quote these quotes. Acknowledgement of David Tait as the author would be appreciated. There are now more than 800 David sayings for you to view at ...
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. RoyA ZAMBIAN EXPERIENCE
Zambia is a beatiful country of 10,000,000+ people, being the only country in the world where Christianity is enshrined in the constitution as the state religion - so I am told. A poor country financially, with huge problems, which they are facing up to positively.For example, the average life expectancy has decreased from 58 to 38, due to the ravages of AIDS and new strains of Malaria that are more drug resistant to the drugs they have available.
The national animal symbol is the Eagle! And the church has a desire to fly like an eagle and journey to the mountain tops! Made an impact on my heart, for my book is called, "Eagles Fly High!"
LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
259. BUBBA AND THE POPE
Bubba was bragging to his boss one day, "You know, I know everyone there is to know. Just name someone, anyone, and I know them."
Tired of his boasting, his boss called his bluff, "OK, Bubba how about Tom Cruise?"
"Sure, yes, Tom and I are old friends, and I can prove it." So Bubba and his boss fly out to Hollywood and knock on Tom Cruise's door, and sure enough, Tom Cruise, shouts, "Bubba! Great to see you! You and your friend come right in and join me for lunch!"
Although impressed, Bubba's boss is still sceptical. After they leave Cruise's house, he tells Bubba that he thinks Bubba's knowing Cruise was just lucky.
"No, no, just name anyone else," Bubba says.
"President Clinton," his boss quickly retorts.
"Yes," Bubba says, "I know him, let's fly out to Washington." And off they go. At the White House, Clinton spots Bubba on the tour and motions him and his boss over, saying, "Bubba, what a surprise, I was just on my way to a meeting, but you and your friend come on in and let's have a cup of coffee first and catch up." Well, the boss is very shaken by now, but still not totally convinced.
After they leave the White house grounds, he expresses his doubts to Bubba, who again implores him to name anyone else.
"The Pope," his boss replies.
"Sure!" says Bubba. "My folks are from Poland, and I've know the Pope a long time." So off they fly to Rome. Bubba and his boss are assembled with the masses in Vatican Square when Bubba says, "This will never work. I can't catch the Pope's eye among all these people. Tell you what, I know all the guards so let me just go upstairs and I'll come out on the balcony with the Pope." and he disappears into the crowd headed toward the Vatican. Sure enough, half an hour later Bubba emerges with the Pope on the balcony. But by the time Bubba returns, he finds that his boss has had a heart attack and is surrounded by paramedics.
Working his way to his boss' side, Bubba asks him, "What happened?" His boss looks up and says, "I was doing fine until you and the Pope came out on the balcony and the man next to me said, "Who's that on the balcony with Bubba?"
258. NOT SO GOOD SERMONS
A young minister took a rural parish. His wife kept herself busy with ministry and hobbies. Three years later, the couple decided to move to another parish because the church was dying. As the minister cleaned out the bedroom closet, he found an egg carton filled with money. He counted out a dozen one-dollar bills and three beautifully decorated eggs.
"What's this, sugar?" he asked his wife. "Oh, honey," she said bashfully, "I was hoping you wouldn't find that." When her husband asked her to explain, she at last complied.
"You see, dear," she said in an embarrassed tone, "one of my hobbies is decorating eggs. When I get depressed, I decorate an egg and I feel better."
"Oh," the minister replied. "Tell me more. Why haven't you told me about this before?"
"Well," she continued meekly, "The only time I get depressed is when you preach a bad sermon. So I decorate an egg whenever you mess up really bad."
At that point, the minister grinned and hugged his wife. "Not a bad record, if I do say so myself! Three years, over fifty sermons a year, and only three bad ones!"
After the hug, the wife spoke up again.
"There's something else I should tell you," she said bashfully. "Every time I got a dozen eggs decorated I sold them to the women's missionary corps for a dollar."
Now one of the most comprehensive sources of Christian Humour on the Net with 670 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...
FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What is the Darwin Award?ANSWER: It's a humorous award given posthumously (usually) to those who "improve the human gene pool by removing themselves from it." Basically, it honors people who do really stupid things, generally leading to death.
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What causes "bags" under the eyes?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS
810. WHY BLAME THE APPLE?
Most everyone thinks it's the apple that Adam and Eve ate. In fact, the Bible never identifies the fruit eaten by the first couple in the Garden of Eden. It merely says the "fruit of the tree" (Genesis 3:3). We have no idea what the fruit actually was. (Surely Eve ‘twas the apple of Adam’s eye though.)
811.'SEEING RED' WAS HEALTHY!
In the 15th and 16th centuries in England, the colour red was believed to help the sick recover. To reduce fever, ill patients wore red bedclothes and were surrounded by red objects. (How about rednecks then?)
812. LITTLEST LIGHT
A "photon" is the smallest possible amount of light that can be produced. It's the basic unit of light. (Can it be photographed?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
CHEAT
Answer at the end of A David Musing
You can download a 250 item sample Trivia Book at Truly Trifling Trivia
Or view all 1200 online at...
A ZAMBIAN/KENYAN EXPERIENCE
Passed two 'spirit filled' pubs, one in each country! The 'New Jerusalem Pub' and the 'Shekinah Tavern'. First in the natural, then the spiritual!!!!!!BE INSPIRED WITH A MESSAGE FROM INSPIRATIONAL TAPES
This amazing New Zealand resource has over 4,000 messages ranging from old classics to the latest revelation and teaching. A number of free MP3 downloads are available or you can order tapes and CD’s from the site for worldwide delivery at a most reasonable cost. Our free weekly MP3 download selections will be available again from mid-June.Visit the library now at…
SMILES FROM THE BIBLE!
Q. What kind of man was Boaz before he married?A. Ruthless.
Q. What do they call pastors in Germany?
A. German Shepherds.
Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?
A. Noah. He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.
Q. What was the greatest female financier in the Bible?
A. Pharaoh's daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.
Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?
A. Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden in a Fury. David's Triumph was heard throughout the land. Honda, because the apostles were all in one Accord.
Q. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?
A. Samson. He brought the house down.
For more of these and more 'churchspeak', visit…
A KENYAN EXPERIENCE
Travelling on an 8 hour bus trip from Nairobi to Webuye, I was surprised to see a well dressed gentleman stand up and start speaking to all in the bus in Swahili, the national language.When I asked my host, David, what he was saying, I was told that he was preaching the Word. And the people were politely listening! In New Zealand , he would have been cried down! But here there is an openess to God's Word amongst the people.
For many this is the only hope they have in this, the most peaceful and one of the formerly most prosperous countries of Africa, brought to its knees by a corrupt President Moi, during an autocratic 24 year reign. But now there is hope, but the consequences of corruption and poverty will take a long time to reverse.
So sad in a vibrant nation of 30 million people, who so typically of Africa, have been abused by their political leaders.
TILL DEATH DO US PART!
WHICH LAWJohn was brought before the court on the charge of refusing to obey a police Officer. "Why did you refuse to move on when asked to do so by the officer?" the judge inquired, obviously wondering what unexplained force could have given such a man strength to buck a strong minion of the law.
"It's like this, your honor," explained John. "My wife said I was to meet her at exactly twelve noon at that spot - and I was forced to choose between man's law and wife's law."
PERSUASION
An elderly man in Phoenix calls his son in New York and says, "I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough.
"Pop, what are you talking about?" the son screams.
"We can't stand the sight of each other any longer," the old man says. "We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Chicago and tell her," and he hangs up.
Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. "Like heck they're getting divorced," she shouts, "I'll take care of this."
She calls Phoenix immediately, and screams at the old man, "You are NOT getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?" and hangs up.
The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife.
"Okay," he says, "They're coming for Thanksgiving and paying their own fares... Now what do we tell them for Christmas?
With marriage and families it is often better to laugh than cry! Do it at…
‘WALKING WITH JESUS’ COURSE
A 3-part course of understanding based on Revelation 12:11. An easily understood, practical series on living the Christian life today. Compiled in 1993-4, the 3 studies, each accompanied by 6 hours of tapes, have been used by over 10,000 New Zealanders plus many overseas, to gain an increased understanding of what ‘walking with Jesus’ is all about. Is useful for enquirers, new Christians and particularly, those seeking an extra dimension to their faith. Ideal for home groups and church teaching sessions too. A non-denominational course, it is supported by Christians from diverse backgrounds.Download for free both the booklets (PDF) and accompanying tapes (MP3) at…
FAMOUS WORDS AND PHRASES FROM THE BIBLE
SPARE THE ROD AND SPOIL THE CHILDA very 'un-PC' statement now, it is based on Solomon's wisdom in Proverbs 13:24.
Many more God Facts at...
A DAVID MUSING
It is such a joy to be back in Africa! The people are amazing and so open to God, in spite - or because of all the difficulties they face.I am being looked after so well, and the Lord in blessing His Word with ever increasing annointing.
Don't believe all you hear. It is an amazing place and they would welcome you too!
Until next week from Africa, may some of the African Annointing rub off on you!
His servant and yours
David Tait
Word Puzzle Answer: TEACH
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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 websitewwj.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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