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: 158 Published: 01 Nov 2004
THIS WEEK'S SPONSOR
My thanks to Pamela Kemp for sponsoring this week's newsletter. Pam, your prayers, encouragement and financial support are all greatly appreciated.IT DOESN'T AFFECT ANYONE ELSE - SO IT'S OKAY!
Today, a statement such as this is commonly accepted as being true, particularly in humanistic, Western societies.The deficiency is not really in the statement itself, which, while self-centred, has certain logic to it.
Rather, the fault is found in the assumption behind it. For every action we take, in one way or another, affects someone or something else. Yes, for every action, there is a corresponding reaction.
Even in doing something as inconsequential as scratching an itch while writing this, I am affecting how I feel. In turn, this will affect my mood, and so, my reaction to others - to you, and to my family. If I put up with the itch, I may well see myself as a 'martyr'! If I give in to it, I may regard myself as 'weak'. But hopefully, it will be of minimal effect, simply being understood as a response to the aggravation it causes.
While the example is ridiculous and even facetious, it does make a point. There is nothing we do that only affects ourselves. Even something as basic as going to the toilet, can affect a multitude of others. The person who follows us, for mess or smell! Of course, if you live in the West, the big problem for men, is the reaction to leaving the seat up or put it down! I could go on, but I wont! You get the point!
Each time we breathe, we imperceptibly alter the amount of oxygen in the air. We don't notice it, but put a group of people in an airtight room and you will certainly quickly appreciate this! Every action affects something or someone.
If we are to live together as a society, it is necessary to have rules, to enforce a moral code. God knew this when He set out rules for us to live by. A moral code Jesus succinctly summarised in the Golden Rule - do unto others, as you would have them do unto you. Interestingly, most religions have a similar code, but elsewhere, it is generally expressed in a negative form.
Today, of course, 'manwomenkind' sees themselves as being God. Ones who can make the rules to suit themselves. Unfortunately this doesn't work, as this creates as many god's as there are people - and no two can agree!
Relative morality is no morality at all. Unless we turn back to an absolute moral foundation, our society is doomed and will pass into history as so many others have done, having lost their moral foundation. A decline in moral standards is a common characteristic of a society in decline. Are we going to learn from history before it is too late.
Now, what about this annoying itch in the top of my back I can't quite reach!
Find out more about us at...
FROM THE WORD
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS"And God spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. “You shall not murder. “You shall not commit adultery. “You shall not steal. “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.â€" (Exodus 20:1-17)
THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT
"Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?†Jesus replied: â€â€˜Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.â€" (Matthew 22:34-39)
SODOM AND GOMORRAH
"By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. Then the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land. But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Early the next morning Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the LORD. He looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah, toward all the land of the plain, and he saw dense smoke rising from the land, like smoke from a furnace." (Genesis 19:23-28)
***DAILY EZINE!*** 'DAVID'S DAILY DOODLINGS' Subscribe Today
Receive one of David's sayings in your mailbox each day to inspire, challenge or maybe, amuse.To register today, simply click here ddd-on@wwj.org.nz
and press send. Then it's done!
If you have an Irish heritage, you will love the background coloring!
Should you prefer to, check out current and back issues (where you can also subscribe) at...
DAVID'S DOODLINGS
484. The foolish man lusts after instant pleasure, the wise man seeks knowledge, but the godly man yearns for God's truth.485. Laziness begets foolishness, knowledge wisdom, but the truth, godliness.
14. Foolishness is effortless, wisdom a gift, but godliness requires submission.
15. Satan loves the foolish, attacks the wise, but fears the godly.
7. The foolish man rejects God, the wise man respects God, but the godly man lives for his God.
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can now download the book of all David's Doodlings in PDF format at DAVID'S DOODLINGS
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. RoyTUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: A REVELATION OF... SERVANTHOOD: Part 2 of 7We come to the second part of our 7 week series relating to servanthood, with an emphasis on its application to leadership. I trust it is a challenge to you, as it has been to me. And we all need to be challenged don't we! For Jesus was the ultimate servant - and we are to become more like Him. I trust this will help you in your walk with Jesus.
Mailed to subscriber's mailboxes tomorrow. If you are not on the mailing list you can register at tteach-on@wwj.org.nz
Previous teachings on the First Miracle of Jesus, the Book of Ruth and God's character can be viewed at...
*** ANOTHER DAILY EZINE FROM WWJ!*** 'LAUGHING AT OURSELVES' Subscribe Today
As Christians, if we can't laugh at ourselves, others will! A fun way to start your day.To register today, simply click here lao-on@wwj.org.nz and press send. Then it's done!
Should you prefer, check out early issues (where you can also subscribe) at...
LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
313. LAUGHTER LIKE MEDICINE
A pastor listened outside the Sunday School room door while the children recited their memory verse. One little boy repeated it this way, "Laughter does good like a medicine should."
312. GOD'S WILL
A farmer was on his way to town to buy a cow. On the way he stopped for a brief visit with his neighbor who was a Christian. "Where are you going today," the neighbor asked. "I'm going to town to buy a cow." Well actually, the Christian neighbor instructed, you ought to say, 'the Lord willing, I'm going to town to buy a cow.'" "What do you mean, I have the money, they have the cow, I'm going to town to buy a cow."
With that, he resumed his walk. Just before reaching the town, the farmer was mugged, his money stolen, and he was left unconscious by the side of the road. When he finally came too, and realizing all his money was gone, he started to limp back towards home. The Christian neighbor saw him coming, and hastened to help.
After hearing the story, the Christian farmer asked, "So now what are you going to do?' "Well, the Lord willing, I'm going home."
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can now download the book 'Laughing At Ourselves' in PDF format at LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
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: Do crocodiles really have tears?ANSWER: Crocodiles don't actually have tear ducts, so they can't cry like we do. However, they do have glands to moisten the eyes when they are out of water and so can appear to have tears! These tears, of course, are not due to emotion. That's why "crocodile tears" are not genuine ones!
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS
756. ALL RICE!
There are more than 15,000 different varieties of rice in the world today. (Can anyone identify them all?)
757. IT'S ONLY FAIR, AFTER ALL
The California Board of Equalization has ruled that bartenders cannot be held responsible for misjudging the age of midgets. (A ‘small’ problem solved by yet another layer of bureaucracy.)
758. HORSE SENSE - ITIVITY
Sidewalk acrobatics that might frighten horses are outlawed in Denver, Colorado. (Best not to be caught ‘horsing around’.)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
SCEPTERS
Answer at the end of A David Musing
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can download the full version of our Trivia Book at TRULY TRIFFLING TRIVIA
Or view all 1232 online at...
BE INSPIRED WITH A MESSAGE FROM INSPIRATIONAL TAPES
In conjunction with Inspirational Tapesinspirational.org.nz we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to download the following message in MP3 format, free of charge. Inspirational Tapes offers a range of over 4,000 Audio Cassette Tapes, CD's and Videos to members worldwide, for hire, download or purchase.
This week's free download is...
WHAT MAKES A LEADER?
By: Murray Robertson
Murray is a well known and most successful Baptist pastor, here in New Zealand.
If you have any problems downloading, please let me know at david@wwj.org.nz
Download your free message today at...
DO YOU KNOW?
Q. How did Adam and Eve feel when expelled from the Garden of Eden?Answer at the end of A DAVID MUSING.
Heaps more fun and serious God Facts are found at...
6. MARRIED PEOPLE - STAYING TOGETHER IN THE AGE OF DIVORCE
'How have you managed to stay married for so long [almost 30 years]? Maybe if I knew I wouldn't be so leery of marriage myself.' (Single woman, late 20s.)'Single people think all long-married people are cowards.' (Divorced man, mid-30s.)
Klagsbrun's (1985) study of long-married couples had its origins in these two comments. One of the first researchers to 'go to the source', she recruited and interviewed 87 middle class married couples. At the time they were interviewed in the early 1980s, marriages of 15 years or more were considered to be especially likely to last given they had 'survived' the intense social upheaval of the 1960s and 1970s.
Klagsbrun reports eight characteristics of long-married couples that emerged from the couples' descriptions of their marriages.
Ability to change and adapt to change...
Ability to live with the unchangeable...
Assumption of permanence...
Trust The core of these marriages was trust...
Balance of dependencies (power)...
Enjoyment of each other...
Cherished, shared history...
Luck...
The happier couples Klagsbrun interviewed had remained together both 'because of' the emotional benefits they gained through their marriage, and 'in spite of' the stresses and strains they may have experienced (p. 279). There is also an air of intentionality underlying the eight qualities of long-married couples described above, a sense that those couples whose marriages had lasted realised that responsibility for the outcome of the marriage was at least to some degree in their own hands. Their marriages survive and flourish because for them remaining in the marriage was the happiest choice they could make (p xvi).
Klagsbrun, F. (1985). Married People: Staying Together in the Age of Divorce. Toronto: Bantam Books.
For the detailed explanations go to...
TILL DEATH DO US PART
IMPORTANT THINGSWhile attending a marriage seminar on communication, Tom and his wife Peg listened to the instructor declare, "It is essential that husbands and wives know the things that are important to each other."
He addressed the men, "Can you describe your wife's favorite flower ?"
Tom leaned over, touched his wife's arm gently and whispered, "Pillsbury All-Purpose, isn't it?"
The rest of the story is not pleasant.
TOUCHE!
Grumbled the new groom at dinner: "Why can't you make bread like my mother does?"
Answered his bride, "Why can't you make dough like my father does?"
Much more marriage 'humour(!)' at...
INTERESTING WORDS AND PHRASES FROM THE BIBLE
THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALLOriginates from Daniel 5. The carnal King Belshazzar, having seen a hand appear and write a mysterious message, called upon Daniel to interpret it. His kingdom was to disappear that night - and it did! So we use the phrase for something inevitable that we can all see is going to happen.
Lot's more interesting God Facts at...
UP THE MOUNTAIN
An exciting yet challenging allegory of one man’s spiritual journey and his participation in the fulfilment of God’s plan.Be inspired today with this PDF download at...
A DAVID MUSING
Oftentimes I feel a lot like my namesake, King David. For he had many similar failings to me. Yet, he repented quickly once he recognised his wrongdoings, and was the one person in the Bible of whom it is said God loved him. A man of strength and weakness - just like me, just like you. Yet one with a real heart for his Lord.As I look at David's life, it gives me hope and encouragement for mine. What a merciful God we have - and need!
So until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: RESPECTS
Today's 'Do You Know?' A. They were really put out.
REPRODUCTION OF NEWSLETTER CONTENT
Most weeks we get enquiries about reproducing, in electronic or print form, articles contained in 'PGIM!' We welcome and encourage you to utilize this material. Freely received, freely given. We would ask though, that the source be acknowledged as an encouragement to others to subscribe to this newsletter also.Subscription opportunities are available here Subscribe Here
at the bottom of each newsletter or at...
https://www.macnet.co.nz/wwjesus/pay.html
DONATIONS
Each month, because of the size and nature of our web site and maintenance of our sophisticated emailing system, it costs over $200 in provider fees to bring this ministry to you. If you are able to help us meet this expense your credit card donation would be very much welcomed at Make Donations Here as a live connection or at https://www.macnet.co.nz/wwjesus/pay.phpif you prefer to paste the address into your browser. Thanks.
CHANGING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS? NEWSLETTER STOPS COMING?
Each week we can lose up to 2% of our readers when they change email addresses without letting us know. Or sometimes, by your server acting strangely and just cutting us off! If you are about to change your address, please advise us of both your old and new addresses here atenquiries@wwj.org.nz and we will happily change our records to ensure ongoing delivery. Thanks.
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
If you would like to link your web site to ours, and ours to yours, please advise us onlinks@wwj.org.nz
DOES THIS EMAIL HAVE A BLUE BACKGROUND AND RED HEADINGS?
YES - Great!NO - Your web browser needs to be set to 'Rich Text'. If you have an older 'Text Only' browser, this email may also be viewed on our web site at ...
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) 6 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!
For comments upon and contributions to this service, please contact
david@wwj.org.nz