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: 244 Published: 26 Jun 2006
LIFE IS FULL OF LITTLE - AND BIG - SURPRISES!
On Thursday morning I was speaking, for some considerable time on Skype (the excellent computer telephone system) to my friend Barney Phillips, the administrator of the International Circle of Faith. (ICOF) - visit at http://www.icof.netI was talking about this week's editorial, amongst other things. Three hours later I was in hospital! There I remained for 2 days! And came out a new man!
My greatest thought, outside the nuisnace pain I was suffering, was whether I would get out in time to write this week's PGIM, as we haven't missed one in nearly 5 years. It's strange what unusual thoughts you have in such situations!
However, I am very pleased to say that finally, a duodenal ulcer, likely caused by bacteria, was diagnosed and I became a new man in 2 minutes with an injection of Losec. Incredible! Thank you Lord. Thank you doctors.
As my wife Kathy is a Theatre Nurse at our local hospital, the surgeons are her friends and colleagues, so I suspect I got a bit of special treatment!
In New Zealand, as in much of the world, we easily criticise the health system, for there are never sufficient resources to fund all healthcare we desire. However, I can confirm that in our country, when it comes to 'the crunch', the system works admirably.
To get philosophical for a moment, the harsh reality of life is that every day that passes we are getting one day nearer our departure from this life. We cry out to God for miracles and often receive them, but the truth is, like it or not, the healings we receive do not make us immortal, but simply delay the date of our departure.
The question needs to be then, "What do we do with the days, months or years that remain?" For, as I had impressed on me this week, we do not know how many, or how few, they may be.
No, we can't change yesterday. Tomorrow, we may or may not have. But today, this minute, this second, is reality, and the only time we can truly live in. So what are we doing with what time we have, right now?
May you muse upon this too, as I have had to, over the past few days.
And by the way, you will have to wait for next week for this week's editorial. I can assure that it will be worth waiting for! Actually, upon reflection, it may not be, as it is bound to rattle many cages! In the meantime though - good health! Truly spoken from my heart!
Find out more about us at...
FROM THE WORD
"“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)"“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 26:25-34)
"And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.â€â€™ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.â€" (Luke 12:17-21)
You may read and study the 'New International Version (NIV)' online at...
***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 wish, check out current and back issues (where you can also subscribe) at...
DAVID'S DOODLINGS
TIME69. Time is not valued until it is running out.
70. Time is like any other commodity. When you have plenty of it, it is valueless but when it is short, it is priceless.
71. Time is an illusion. At first it appears plentiful, but suddenly disappears into thin air.
72. Let’s not think, “if only I had time,†but rather how best to use, “the only time I have.â€
73. The most precious gift we can give is often the least appreciated – our time.
74. “If only I had time†is more often an excuse than a reason.
75. Life is like a one-foot rule. We inch our way along it until inevitably falling off the far end.
76. Life and time are inversely proportional. The older and slower we get, the faster time goes.
77. What is the one thing that cannot be stored for future use? Time.
78. There is nothing on earth as perishable as time.
79. The difficult takes time, the impossible a little longer.
80. Time is a fine servant but a harsh master.
81. Love and time walk hand in hand.
Please feel free to quote these quotes. Acknowledgement of David Tait as the author would be appreciated. There are now over 1200 David sayings for you to view at ...
FROM YOU - TO ME - TO YOU
David> They looked to Him expectantly, waiting for His answer to their long running argument.
> He smiled at them and said, "Hola muchachos!" (In the jokes section - DJT)
That's absolutely right! By the way, be reminded you need to learn the celestial language to be ready for all the talking up there... Spanish.
Moisés López V.
México
I asked Moises what the language in hell would be! And got the reply!
David
The language in hell will be Auch! No need for more, anyway, it will be a chaos.
Moisés
-------------------------------------------------------------
LAUGHING AT OURSELVES 24 June 2006
There were four clergymen who were discussing the merits of the various translations of the Bible. One liked the King James Version because of its simple, beautiful English.
Another liked the American Revised Version best because it is more literal and came nearer to the original Hebrew and Greek.
Still another liked Moffat's translation because of its up-to-date vocabulary.
The fourth minister was silent. When asked to express his opinion, he replied, "I like my mother's translation best."
The other three expressed surprise. They did not know that his mother had translated the Bible.
But he assured them, "She translated it into life, every day of her life, and it was the most convincing translation I ever saw."
Dear David,
One is minded of St. Francis of Assisi's comment: "Preach the gospel always, and when necessary, use words."
Grace, peace - Phil Anthony.
-------------------------------------------------------------
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!
CRANWELL'S CARTOON
JESUS CALMS THE STORM
22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.†So they got into a boat and set out. 23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!â€
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25 “Where is your faith?†he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.â€
TO READ THIS CARTOON AND SEE THE OTHER
PICTURES IN THIS EMAIL YOU NEED TO BE ONLINE.
Check it out at...
TUESDAY TEACHINGS
A REVELATION OF....... THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID - Part 7A PEOPLE OF WORSHIP
Worship is a problem area in most churches, for we all have our ideas on what we like.
The important thing though, is not what we like, but the type of worship God desires. After all, it is him we are worshipping, isn't it?
Check out all the available teachings 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 wish, check out early issues (where you can also subscribe) at...
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." ***
506: BREAKABLE?
There was this gracious lady mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country.
"Is there anything breakable in here?" asked the postal clerk.
"Only the Ten Commandments," answered the lady.
507: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
My nephew, who has just started the first grade, was asked to memorize the Ten Commandments.
Upon reciting the commandment, "Thou shalt not commit adultery," he was asked what this
commandment meant.
With absolute seriousness he replied, "That means that you shouldn't want to become an adult."
506: NOT THAT FAST!
A little girl was late for Sunday School and was running across the parking lot. She kept praying "Lord, don't let me be late, Lord, don't let me be late."
About half way across the parking lot she fell and tore her dress.
She got up and continued to run and praying "Lord, I don't want to be late but please don't shove."
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can now download the book 'Laughing At Ourselves' in PDF format at LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
One of the most comprehensive sources of Christian Humour on the Net with 750 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...
FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What invention has resulted in less sleep times for humans?ANSWER: Electric lights! Americans, on average, now sleep 1 1/2 hours
less each day than before they came along. (Is TV is helping redress the balance?)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Why do we ‘bless’ somebody after they sneeze?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS494. BODY SPEAK
Body language changes meanings from one country to another. Grasping one's ears is a sign of repentance or sincerity in India. A similar gesture in Brazil – holding the lobe of one's ear between thumb and forefinger – signifies appreciation. (What you see is not necessarily what you get!)
495. WHAT'S NEW!
According to a poll, only 29 percent of married couples agree on most political issues. (That many!)
496. MONEY MOUNTAIN
A stack of $1 bills one-mile (1.6km) high would be worth more than $14 million dollars. (Before or after inflation?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
TOUSLED
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...
BIBLE QUESTION - THE EXODUS
Why did God lead the Israelites to the Red Sea instead of a more direct route to the Promised Land.?a. To avoid having to cross Mount Sinai
b. To avoid war with the Philistines
c. To avoid the pursuing armies of Pharaoh
d. To avoid the desert of Shur
Answer at the end of A DAVID MUSING.
Source: "TwoPaths Bible Study, www.twopaths.com"
Heaps more fun and serious 'God Facts' are found at...
IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! God wants spiritual fruit not religious nuts.
!!!!!! Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
!!!!! Silence is often misinterpreted but never misquoted.
!!!! Growing old is inevitable; growing up is optional.
!!! There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.
!! A grudge is the heaviest thing to carry.
! He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
TILL DEATH DO US PART
TOUCHE!A widow recently married a widower. Soon after the marriage she was accosted by a friend who laughingly remarked, "I suppose, like all men who have been married before, your husband sometimes talks about his first wife?"
"Oh, not any more, he doesn't," the other replied.
"What stopped him?"
"I started talking about my next husband."
AN OLD ONE BUT STILL TRUE
Two husbands were discussing their married lives. Although happily married, they admitted that there were arguments sometimes. Then Chad said, "I've made one great discovery. I now know how to always have the last word."
"Wow!" said Sherm, "how did you manage that?"
"It's easy," replied Chad. "My last word is always 'Yes, Dear.' "
CROSS COMMUNICATRION
After a young couple brought their new baby home, the wife suggested that her husband should try his hand at changing diapers. "I'm busy," he said, "I'll do the next one."
The next time came around and she asked again. The husband looked puzzled,
"Oh! I didn't mean the next diaper. I meant the next baby!"
Much more humour beyond the wedding bells...
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS IN BIBLICAL LANDS
MINYANWhile anyone could pray anywhere, any time, before a prayer service became 'official', 10 adult men (a minyan) had to be present. The Law stated that then, the Lord would be present in the room with them. Any room would then become consecrated, one where men could perform religious rituals and worship God.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Lots more 'God Facts' are found at...
COMPARING AMERICAN AND AUSTRALIAN TEENAGERS BELIEF IN GOD
When asked about God, a higher-being or a cosmic force, the differences between US and Australian young people begin to show. Just 3 per cent of American young people reject any idea of there being a God, higher-being or cosmic force, compared with 16 per cent of Australian young people. The large majority of US young people (65%) believe there in a personal God compared with just 38 per cent of Australian young people. When asked the questions whether they believed in God or not, or whether they were unsure, 34 per cent of Australian young people said they were unsure compared with 12 per cent of American young people._____________________________US Young People____________Australian Young People
Believe in God_____________________84_____________________________49
Unsure__________________________12_____________________________34
Not believe_______________________3_____________________________17
Views of God or some kind of higher-being
Believe in a personal God_________65_____________________________38
Believe in something out there_____27_____________________________35
Don't know_____________________5______________________________7
Do not believe there is anything____3_____________________________16
While US young people are much more accepting of the idea of God than Australian young people, that even among Australians, the great majority believe there is or there may be something out there.
Many more facts on evangelism can be found at...
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
'TABERNEAGLE' THOUGHTS FROM.....A poster of thoughts about living life in Tabernacles (the End Time Church). Out of a human mind but hopefully with God given inspiration. An A4 sized wall (’loo?’) hanger. A4 size.
VICTORY!
The inspiration for the first two parts of this poem came from a cross-island trek Kathyand I went on when we were staying on the beautiful Island of Rarotonga, in the Cook
Islands. For those who don’t know, The Cooks are situated around the Tropic of Capricorn
in the Pacific Ocean. A great place to visit! The last part is based loosely on the book
of Revelation, Chapters 21 and 22, the biblical promise of what is to come. Hope it is
both enjoyable and challenging to you. Of course it is just verse, so is not all strictly
theologically accurate! Called poetic licence! (Part 4 of 9)
Having got to the top of the mountain and come down, we can now enjoy the beautiful waterfall, a picture of the Holy Spirit.
VICTORY!
UNDER THE WATERFALL
Kathy calls me to come, walk under the waterfall,
Together we stand there laughing, have a real ball!
For the water has special healing properties,
Curing us all our aches, pains and disease.
Such healing water, able to lift my spirits inside,
No longer feeling the need, to run away and hide.
Strange really, how it refreshes my soul,
‘Tis so much more than a watering hole.
After playing round in the pool some more,
Hopping out to dry off, being wet to the core.
Sitting on the side, calmly enjoying the breeze,
I am attacked by mosquitoes, as big as bees!
Slapping at one, then another, then a third!
Slap, slap, slap, until that voice again I heard
Coming from deep inside me, so gently saying,
“Jump back in, it’s with me you should be staying.â€
A few more slaps before learning my lesson,
Wiser now, back into the pool I do hasten!
In the refreshing water my bites do soon disappear,
The Spirit, in the right direction, would me steer.
In him, by now, I was coming to trust,
Just as Jesus earlier, had said I must.
For such a slow learner I am sometimes,
Until my head clicks, then the bell chimes!
So once again enjoying the play,
Happy to go on from day to day,
But I have to admit to becoming a little bored,
“Surely there has to be moreâ€, my inside roared!
(To be continued next week)
More of David's poems at...
A DAVID MUSING
During our recent South Island holiday, my Best Man at our wedding 36 years ago, Alan, took my Roger and myself up into a Beech Forest near their mountain lodge. Here is a view of the spectacular scenery. Now, a couple of months later, in our Winter, this area will be covered in snow.The views are fantastic. If you don't live in New Zealand, you must come and visit the world's most beautiful country before you ascend to heaven - which must surely be like this!
Do not leave it too long! It may be later than you think - as I was forced to consider this week!
So until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: LOUDEST
TODAY'S 'DO YOU KNOW?' ANSWER: b. To avoid war with the Philistines. Exodus 13:17-18. "For God said, 'If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.'"
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 Hastings, 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
290 Flaxmere Avenue
Flaxmere
Hastings
New Zealand
Phone: (06) 8799 911 International (+64) 6 8799 911
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