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: 162 Published: 29 Nov 2004
THE PAST FUTURE!
One of the challenges facing the worldwide Church today is how to deal with past injustices while keeping our eyes focused on God's plans and purposes for the future.Of course, we face a similar problem in our personal lives. Putting aside old hurts and behaviour patterns to become transformed into the likeness of Jesus.
Over the past 100 years, but accentuated in the past 50, the world has seen the development of two related movements, both born out of past injustices. These are 'Anti-Colonialism' and 'Aborigine' movements. It is often hard to distinguish between the two, for both involve asserting the rights of those perceived as being the original settlers of a land, mistreated by later inhabitants.
As I have travelled and observed, sadly the solutions, some obtained and others proposed, are proving unsuccessful in achieving their desired aims of making the underprivileged happier or more successful in coping with the reality of life in the 21st century world. For their emphasis is on the past, not the future.
Both governments and the Church continue to go through processes of reconciliation in an endeavour to put wrongs right. While this is a good thing, something we are called upon to do as followers of Jesus, the main emphasis of the Bible is on living out the future. Upon applying the transforming power of Jesus to our lives so that our future may be better than the past.
We must be careful not to be side-tracked by overemphasising the past, at the expense of guiding people into a positive present and future where Jesus is our mentor. For ultimately, reconciliation and future hope come only through Him. That is the reality and promise of the Gospel message.
Therefore, let's not be beguiled into focusing all our attention on events past but instead, offer the people of the world the one true hope for improving life, that of Jesus.
Individually too, we need to focus our attention on Him, letting Him transform our lives. Yes, our future hope is in Jesus.
You mean, I can't just blame my parents for everything that's wrong in my life! That's not fair!
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FROM THE WORD
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-39)"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.†Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God." (1 Peter 1:13-21)
"At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." (Titus 3:3-8)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
HOPE486. The one thing history teaches is the futility of placing our hope in the goodness of man. Could the world rely upon me - or you?
487. Hope in mankind is hopeless, but hope in God springs eternal.
488. Without hope we perish. Without God we perish. So our hope is to be found in God.
489. In mankind there is only futility, but in God we have hope.
490. Faith turns the hope of our salvation into the experience of God’s love.
491. God’s hopefulness gives the hopeless, hope.
492. Godly hope transforms human hopelessness – if we will allow it!
493. Life without hope is short, but with God’s hope, eternal.
494. God’s hope can help transform tragedy into triumph.
495. It is often said that ‘without hope we perish.’ This is as true literally as it is figuratively.
496. Out of God’s hope springs eternal youth – eventually!
497. I am so glad that my hope is in you Lord. For I so often let myself down.
498. Hope in self is not at all comforting on ones deathbed.
499. Our hope in Jesus is retained in the mind, even when our body tells us that there is none other left.
500. Hope for the best? Be assured of it in Jesus!
501. Hope enables us to wake up in the morning, confidently prepared to share the uncertainty of the day ahead with a friend.
502. Hope builds faith, which is to be reflected in love. Without hope, there is no love.
503. Hope overcomes hopelessness.
504. ‘Hoping for the best’ is at best a gamble, hope in the salvation of Jesus, a certainty.
505. Hope expands horizons.
506. God’s hope gives life, but human hopelessness brings death. The choice is ours.
507. The hope of tomorrow helps us deal with the realities of today.
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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 ...
FROM YOU - TO ME - TO YOU
David,I was noticing something lately and I must say it has me curious.
I have been noticing that no building for Jehovah Witnesses have any windows. Isn't that strange? You are the brains around the internet and I know you can find the answer. Will you check out what you can find?
This is interesting but I am afraid if I didn't ask right someone may be offended.
Please let me hear what you God Bless! Leon
Hi Leon
Best answer I can find from the JW's is:
Why don't kingdom halls have windows?
That's like asking why donuts have holes. What difference does it make? If you are imagining that there is some sinister reason, there's not. Actually, many kingdom halls do have windows. But, it seems that the preferred architectural design is for kingdom halls without windows. Probably, the main reason is that glass windows are a tempting target for vandals.
Hope this helps. It is interesting.
Cheers
David
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PAULS THORN REPLIES - 3 for a PERSON v 1 for a PHYSICAL PROBLEM *** Any More Ideas?***
Dear David,
I have no idea how I started receiving PGIM, but have enjoyed it for a number of months. I was prompted to respond by Stephen Reddish's musings over Paul's thorn. His position has been my position for decades, primarily because it is the only position that squares the only two mentions of "thorns in the sides" or a "thorn in the flesh" that occur in the Scripture. I agree with him that Paul's qualifying descriptor, "a messenger of Satan sent to buffet me" requires that understanding. "Buffet" - strongly suggests something from the outside striking against one which is more consistent with problems from people than problems from some physical infirmity. I was encouraged in this view some years ago by reading a study published on this topic by a pastor I met in Duluth Minnesota, USA. (It may well have been a thesis, but I am not certain of that.) How I wish I could remember his name! He made a very solid case for this position, confirming to my thinking that it is biblically sound and the best explanation available.
Thanks for your good work, and may you continue to serve well!
Arni Schmeichel
Saskatoon, Canada
Dear David,
Peace be unto you. This in response to Stephen Reddish’s posting to FROM YOU - TO ME - TO YOU part of your (our) PRAISE GOD IT’S MONDAY! Issue No: 161 Published on 22 Nov 2004. I do believe like Stephen Reddish that Paul's thorn in the side (flesh) was a person or persons that brought trouble to Paul.
This I myself personally experienced in my early days of conversion and the ministry (during 1994-95), When I used to share my testimony referring to Orthodox Hinduism and caste. Several times I was obstructed by men. When I prayed unto our Lord, He revealed me that what has happened to Paul the Apostle will happen the same to me. And I believe Lord will deal with His servants the same way for His Glory!
Asher has provided us with a very detailed and interesting study on the subject which we cannot print due to space restrictions. However, if you would like a copy of this, please contact Asher direct at charismaharvest@rediffmail.com and he will email a copy to you.
Yes, the commentators defined it in many ways. However I personally believe that it is not a disease to stop him (Apostle Paul) boasting himself or from the Spiritual Pride, but may be an instrument to make him to humble. HE deals with HIS saints/servants individually with a great love to accomplish HIS purpose in their lives for His good pleasure. This is what I understood.
Love Asher Peri
charismaharvest@rediffmail.com
Indian Representative for Walking With Jesus Ministries
Dear Rev. Dave,
In response to Stephen Reddish of the New Life Christian Ministries' question...
"In the Old Testament the term "thorns in your side" refers to the inhabitants of the land giving trouble to the Israelites. However when Paul uses a similar term in the New Testament we attribute the comment to an aliment. Because the Old and New Testaments were written in different languages does the meaning change from one to other?
I have always believed that Paul's thorn in the side (flesh) was a person or persons that brought trouble to Paul (like the silversmith or Jewish leaders from the synagogue). I supposed this belief was reinforced by the following words "a messenger of satan".
Can you or another reader able to clarify this? "
=========================================
I went on Google Search and did some research and found this URL on these very questions and thought it may be helpful to Stephen in answering his questions..
http://www.mountainretreatorg.net/bible/thorn.html
PS. On the question... "Are we tares or are we wheat? We will soon know!"
The choice is ours....
I choose to be wheat, so I may help feed others, rather than being tares, the "weedy plants" that become useless, like an "unwelcome" guest and eventually is separated and destroyed from the harvest.
God Bless you and your family and keep you in His Tender Care....
With love and kindness,
From Marie and Jack, Wheatfield, NY, USA
The Dictionary's definitions of Tares and Wheat:
Tares: "Any of various weedy plants of the genus Vicia, especially the common vetch. 2. Any of several weedy plants that grow in grain fields. 3. tares. An unwelcome or objectional element. [Middle English.]
Wheat: "Any of various annual cereal grasses of the genus Triticum of the Mediterranean region and southwest Asia, especially T. aestivum, widely cultivated in temperate regions in many varieties for its commercially important edible grain. 2. The grain of any of these grasses, ground to produce flour used in breadstuffs and pasta. [Middle English whete, from Old English hwÆte."
To Stephen,
If you read the context of 1 Corinthians 14 that deals with the thorn in the flesh,
you will see that the pain was actually a "pride buster". Read v. 7
I believe the reason this was given to Paul was because of the vision that Paul
had up in paradise and he saw and heard things that are inexpressible to humans.
He says a man is not permitted to speak (v.4).
v.7 claims that "because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations...for this
reason....to keep me from exalting myself."
The apostle Paul wanted to declare everything about God, and Heaven and salvation.
But to keep Paul from speaking things that are reserved for Heaven, the thorn was
given to Paul to keep him humble and silent about heaven.
Hope this helps.
In Him
Carey Scott
http://www.simplebiblestudies.com/
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Dear David,
I immensely thank you for the wonderful newsletters you have been sending every Monday Morning. I deeply appreciate your hard work in putting the thought provoking and blessed materials together and sending them to every corner of the Globe. May the Lord richly bless you and continue to make you a source of blessing to many more thousands in the years to come.
Though I haven't written to you recently, but I want to assure you that I read every part of the newsletter. I have been carefully preserving all the newsletter on my hard disk and later plan to transfer them to CD and treasure them permanently.
Thanks so much for sending the newsletters. Please continue to send them and keep up the good work. May the Lord richly bless you.
Sincerely,
John
Revival Literature Fellowship
Post Box 513,
Bangalore 560 005,
India.
Your comments to me or fellow readers are always welcomed at... david@wwj.org.nz
This is an opportunity for you to express your views, which may not be my views. But none of us have a mortgage on all the truth - except for Jesus!
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 6 of 7This week, we have the penultimate part of our 7 week series relating to servanthood, with an emphasis on its application to leadership. Now for the real 'nitty gritty'! Whenever I share this with pastors and leaders, I get a reaction! Whether we 'do church' in traditional ways, or delight in 'non-traditional traditions', the realities are much the same. There is an ungodly separation between the pastor, leadership, and the people. Maybe not intended or understood, but very real. Well worth checking out.
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...
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LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
321. THE RIGHT PRAYER
Two "saints" were discussing which one of them was more 'spiritual'.
"Huh," says the first, "why I'll bet you $20 you can't even repeat the Lord's prayer."
"You're on," says the second. He clears his throat and starts in. "Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my soul to keep, if I should die before I wake I pray the Lord my soul to take."
The first guy is incredulous. "Wow, I didn't think you could do it. Here's your $20."
320. GOD'S GRADE
A sophomore taking a test in Bible School was not well prepared for the exam. At one point over a particularly esoteric phrasing of a question, he wrote, "ONLY GOD KNOWS!" for his answer.
Later when he got his paper back, there written in RED was this comment, "God gets an "A", you get an "F".
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can now download the book 'Laughing At Ourselves' in PDF format at LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
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FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: Who invented the toothbrush?ANSWER: The toothbrush has been around for over 600 years. The first brush with actual bristles was invented in 1498 in China. At that time, the bristles were natural - taken from hogs and horses. In 1938, Du Pont invented nylon bristles, which were far more sanitary.
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Why are skimpy two-piece bathing suits called "bikinis"?
Answer Next Week.
744. PIZZA COUNTRY
Americans, on average, eat 18 acres of pizza every day. (Which is fortunate, as otherwise the country would soon become covered with uneaten pizza.)
745. SAVE ENERGY
If you yelled for 8 years, 7 months and 6 days, you would have produced enough sound energy to heat one cup of coffee. (Many babies inherit this knowledge and are environmentally friendly(?) from birth.)
746. SAVE A LITTLE TO SAVE A LOT
American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served in first-class. (They could, of course, have achieved the same result by reusing all those that passengers, who didn’t like olives, left on their plates!)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
CAPSTAN
Answer at the end of A David Musing
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BE INSPIRED WITH A MESSAGE FROM INSPIRATIONAL TAPES
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IS IT GOD OR IS IT ME?
By: Ross Callaghan
A well known training and development consultant in New Zealand, who brings a different perspective to this important question.
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DO YOU KNOW?
Q. Who is the greatest babysitter mentioned in the Bible?Answer at the end of A DAVID MUSING.
Heaps more fun and serious God Facts are found at...
WHAT DO THESE MEAN IN THE BIBLE?
COLOURSBLUE------Holy Spirit (Sky and Sea)
RED-------The Son (Blood), Holy Spirit (Fire)
YELLOW---The Father (Gold)
WHITE----Jesus (Purity)
METALS
BRASS-------Judgement, Strength against sin
GOLD--------Deity (God), Faith
SILVER------Redemption, Atonement
Other interesting Biblical interpretations at...
PUNY PUNS
1. A bicycle can’t stand on its own because it is two-tired.2. What’s the definition of a will? (it’s a dead giveaway).
3. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
4. A backwards poet writes inverse.
5. She had a boyfriend with a wooden leg, but broke it off.
6. A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.
7. With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.
8. Show me a piano falling down a mineshaft and I’ll show you A-flat minor.
9. When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.
10. The man who fell into an upholstery factory is now fully recovered.
11. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.
12. You feel stuck with your debt if you can’t budge it.
13. He often broke into song because he couldn’t find the key.
14. Every calendar’s days are numbered.
15. A lot of money is tainted. It taint yours and it taint mine.
16. A boiled egg in the morning is hard to beat.
17. He had a photographic memory that was never developed.
18. A plateau is a high form of flatter.
19. The short fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.
20. Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.
21. Once you’ve seen one shopping centre you’ve seen a mall.
22. Those who jump off a Paris bridge are in Seine.
23. When an actress saw her first strands of grey hair she thought she’d dye.
24.Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.
25. Santa’s helpers are subordinate clauses.
26. Marathon runners with bad footwear suffer the agony of defeat.
Heaps of gritty groans at...
BIBLE BITS
It wasn't until the 16th Century, many years after it's first printing (even more since it was compiled) that the Bible was divided into the chapters and verses we use today. They were designed for ease of reference. And are a tool organised by man, not put there by God!Lots of Godfacts are found at...
CHRISTMAS IS COMING CLOSER
So we need reminding of some of the traps of the 'silly season'.CHRISTMAS TIME
Christmas time comes but once a year,
To be happy, you drink lots of beer!
Putting your gifts on the credit card,
Then come the repayments, oh so hard!
But Jesus came on Christmas Day,
Forever more to show the way,
How to enter into God's glorious presence.
In the ultimate of all Christmas presents!
So this Christmas, for some cheer,
Party less, put aside the beer,
And enter into the Holy Place,
To meet with God, face to face.
LIFE!
Life is short
When watching sport......
But life is so very eternally long,
When the preacher misses the gong.......
Yet, if you time them both on your watch,
The sermon will be shorter than the match!
Funny that!
Many more of David's poems on one of our most popular pages at...
A DAVID MUSING
Thanks to those who prayed for us last weekend for the servicea at Salt and Light Church, Papamoa, Tauranga, New Zealand. And to Jeff and Angie Leigh, and the people, for having us. An excellent day of ministry with the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit present. And lots of filming too, which one day, as the Lord provides, will appear for you to view on TV and DVD.Thank you for partnering with us!
So until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: CATNAPS
Today's 'Do You Know?' A. David. He rocked Goliath to sleep.
REPRODUCTION OF NEWSLETTER CONTENT
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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) 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