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: 260 Published: 16 Oct 2006
HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY TO US!!!
I believe that 5 x 52 = 260. So it must be our 5th birthday, this issue!Having taken a little time to look back at early issues of PGIM, today's offerings are hardly recognisable as being the same publication, other than the trademark blue background and red headings.
I trust that what we are now offering has improved and matured. Like a moving pendulum, unless we are growing in God we are going backwards in Him.
I acknowledge the contribution my wife Kathy has made in making the past 5 years possible. Without her willingness to work and earn an income to put food on our table and pay the rent, none of this would happen. Thank you doll. I love you very much.
We are privileged to have been of service to you and look forward with anticipation to where God is going to take us all in the future.
Cheers (As we say in New Zealand)
Kathy and David Tait
PS: This photo was taken in Nigeria on our last African adventure, 2 1/2 years ago. I now have a few more gray hairs! But, of course, Kathy hasn't!
GOD IS AT WORK IN HIS CHURCH
The eagle is born!There is a new move of God slowly taking root in God’s people. It is found a little here and a little there. How do I know? You can see it individuals, as the light of Jesus is starting to shine out of them from the kingdom being developed within.
I first experienced this as a young man when visiting my Great-Aunty Ina. In spite of her crippling, painful arthritis, there was a glow, a joy, which flowed out of her. At the time I didn’t know what it was, but now I understand more. But I knew she was different and deep down, I desired it. Her Bible was always at her side and she would sit on a high stool at the kitchen bench to cook our favourite cakes.
Today, here in Africa, I can see a similar glow of the Spirit of Jesus developing in a few of His fully committed disciples. For there are growing numbers prepared to commit 100%, or in terms of the Parable of the Sower, one hundred fold, to Him. These are a sacrificial people, receptive to and desiring to be a part of the final move of God which is to precede the return of Jesus.
There is a new hunger for the deeper Word, a new understanding of His revelation, and most importantly, a commitment to live it out!
In the natural, there are far fewer eagles than doves. So it is too, in the spiritual. The question we must ask ourselves is, ‘do we wish to soar to the mountaintops, like the eagle, where the full measure of the presence of God dwells?'
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FROM THE WORD
THE MIGHTY LORD REIGNSPsalms of intimacy, encouragement, healing and comfort.
Psalms updated from the King James Version by David Tait.
PSALM 13
A Psalm of David.
Expressing David's deep trust in the Lord's salvation.
How long will you forget me, O LORD? Forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long will my mind wrestle, every day having sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and hear me, O LORD my God. Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep in death. My enemy will say, "I have prevailed against him." Those who trouble me rejoice when I fall. But I have trusted in your love. My heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because he has been so good to me!
PSALM 18 (1-6, 25-36, 46-50)
A Psalm of David.
David's thanks to the Lord for rescuing him from the hands of his enemies, and from King Saul.
I will love you, O LORD, my strength! The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my strength, in whom I will trust. My shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised. So I will be saved from my enemies. The pangs of death entangled me, and the floods of ungodliness made me afraid. The sorrows of hell surrounded me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God. He heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, unto his ears……….. With the merciful you will show yourself merciful, with an upright man you will show yourself upright. With the pure you will show yourself pure, and with the devious you will show yourself shrewd. For you will save the humble; but bring down the haughty. You will light my candle, the LORD my God will brighten my darkness. With your help I can run through a troop, with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, his way is perfect. The word of the LORD is tried. He is a shield to all those who trust in him. For who is God save the LORD? Or who is a rock save our God? It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like deer's feet, and sets me upon the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of your salvation. Your right hand holds me up, and your gentleness has made me great. You have enlarged my pathway under me, so that my feet do not slip. …………. The LORD lives! Blessed be my rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted! It is God who avenges me, and subdues the people under me. He delivers me from my enemies. Yes, you lift me above those that rise up against me. You have rescued me from violent men. Therefore I will give thanks to you, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises to your name. Great victories he gives to his king; He shows mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his descendants forever.
PSALM 24
A Psalm of David.
Commemorating the occasion when David brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem and upset his wife Michal, by dancing exuberantly before the Lord.
The earth is the LORD’S, and everything in it. The world, and all that live in it. For he has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters. Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart. He who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn by what is false. He shall receive blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is Jacob, the generation of those that seek him, who seek your face. Lift up your heads, O you gates. Be lifted up, you everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty. The LORD, mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates. Lift up, you everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory.
Copyright: Walking With Jesus Ministries Charitable Trust: As this material is freely received, use is freely given, indeed encouraged, for non-commercial purposes.
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
HEAVENLY TRUTHS GOD HAS SHOWN ME739. - 809. God has shown me that...
... repentance benefits me even more than the one I have wronged.
... the nearer I get to Him, the further away I really am.
... fear of the Lord is positive, not negative.
... the more I fear Him, the more He loves me.
... the more I fear Him, the more I am prepared to change my life.
... the fear and love of Him are intertwined.
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CRANWELL'S CARTOON
3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD. 4 Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. 6 The captain went to him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us, and we will not perish.†7 Then the sailors said to each other, “Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.†They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. (Jonah 1:3-7)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
A REVELATION OF....... 3 KINGDOM AGES OF GOD - Part 1THE GAPS
Very often we get trapped, by taking for granted what we superficially see. So it was for me with the Bible. I saw the Old Testament and the New. "Well, that must be it," I thought. The Old Covenant followed by the New. It's simple, it's obvious, but it doesn't fit in with God's pattern, as I understand it.
For those who have read other of my writings will know that God works in threes. As He manifests Himself in three ways, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, (exactly how depends on whether you are a Oneness, Two-ness or Trinitarian believer!) so He normally operates in patterns of three in His dealings with us, His people. Therefore I have always had a difficulty accepting the two Testaments as reflecting God's pattern as such.
One day however, the Lord showed me that the Old Testament is not really a single entity, but can be split into two at an unexpected but logical place, as we will see shortly.
Today, as I was reading the Word, He started to show me many patterns reflecting the development of His kingdom through these three stages of His Word. It is helping me understand the whole in a way that I have not appreciated previously.
So let's embark on a journey together and see what we can find out about what God has done, what He is doing, and what He will do in the future. Each step forms a logical progression in His plan that has been in existence from before time began.
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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." ***
540. MY MOTHER
A little boy forgot his lines in a Sunday School presentation.
His mother, sitting in the front row to prompt him, gestured and formed the words silently with her lips, but it didn't help. Her son's memory was blank.
Finally she leaned forward and whispered the cue, "I am the light of the world."
The child beamed and with great feeling and a loud, clear voice said, "My mother is the light of the world."
539. THIS MODERN WORLD
One Easter Sunday morning as the minister was preaching the children's sermon, he reached into his bag of props and pulled out an egg. He pointed at the egg and asked the children, "What's in here?"
I know!" a little boy exclaimed. "Pantyhose!"
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: What literary sisters used male names when they published their novels?ANSWER: The Bronte sisters - Charlotte, Emily, and Anne - used male pseudonyms Currer Bell, Ellis Bell, and Acton Bell starting with the same letters. It was normal in earlier time periods for female writers to adopt male names in order to be published. (Their writings certainly ‘rang a bell’ with their readers!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Which American first lady carried a gun in her purse?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS445. CARNIVORES
In fourth century Sparta, in Greece, males 20 years of age and over were required by law to eat 2 pounds of meat a day. It was believed to make one brave. (Well, to gain weight, at least.)
446. UN-AMERICAN!
Vermont, Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine are the four states in the U.S. that do not allow billboards. (Have to be radical and look at the scenery instead!)
447. CAN'T KISS
In Riverside, California, there is an old law on the city's books, which makes it illegal to kiss unless both people wipe their lips with rose water. (So that’s why men give roses to their sweethearts – in Riverside anyway!)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
COMANCHE
Answer at the end of A David Musing
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AN AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
Welcome to a Nigerian bus! From Lagos, my friend Collins and I travelled to Owerri. This SHOULD be a trip of 7 hours. Thirteen hours later we arrived!Taking a bus trip is a great, if sometimes uncomfortable way, of learning the culture of the people. The trip starts off with worship, evangelism and prayer. The prayer is necessary as a safe trip cannot be taken for granted, as we were to find out! These people do indeed have to rely upon the Lord for their every day survival. And it shows! For the dedication of many to God is wonderful to behold.
However, Nigerians are Nigerians. They are a very aggressive people, both in seeking God, which He likes, and in dealing with each other, which is difficult for Westerners to understand. Some way into the journey the driver decided he wanted to take the long route as that would be quicker, as the roads were supposedly a little better. This is all relative!
He requested that each passenger contribute a little extra, in order to pay for additional fuel. Then our praying, worshipping Nigerians reverted to their natural culture! For an hour they argued vociferously amongst one another before (most) agreed to pay. I am used to Nigerian ways, so I chuckled quietly to myself. You likely wouldn’t have! Yet, in the end, all ended up the best of friends.
The road wasn’t so friendly, however. The first time I visited, the main road had potholes as big as craters. The second time, it was perfect. This time it was nearly impassable, hence the alternative route taken. But parts were no better! Our driver got accused of forcing one of his own company’s buses off the road. An hour wasted, while the other bus was pulled out of the mud! A little further on, a truck loaded with bananas had sunk into the mud in the middle of the road, down to its axle on one side, blocking the road. Vehicles quickly piled up in each direction, completing the chaos. For half an hour no-one took charge, until finally a policeman arrived. Eventually we were again on our way.
We arrived at our destination around 11pm. Our host could not meet us as he was locked into his compound for the night! We were stranded. But God sent an ‘angel’ in the form of Maxwell, a fellow traveller, who took us to a hotel and paid the bill we were unable to pay! He has stayed with us over the past days, shares our vision and is going to start something for us in Ghana where he lives. God works in amazing ways!
And, by the way, the bus driver never did stop to put in the extra petrol he supposedly needed! Nigeria, Nigeria!
BIBLE QUESTION - THE PARABLES
What was the point of the Parable of the Mustard Seed?a. The kingdom of God is the "spice of life."
b. Like a tiny mustard seed that grows into a huge tree, the kingdom will also grow large.
c. The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed - the rarest and most valuable of seeds.
d. The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed - the largest and most beautiful of seeds.
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"""!!!!!!! Poise is the art of raising the eyebrows instead of the roof.
!!!!!! One nice thing about egotists: They don't talk about other people.
!!!!! Character is taught at home, but not by a purple dinosaur or big yellow bird. - Jacob White
!!!! The only time the world beats a path to my door is when I'm in the bathroom.
!!! Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this.
!! If I knew I was going to get this old, I would have taken better care of myself when I was young.
! If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
ANOTHER AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
When do you go to church? On Friday night we were taken to an all-night prayer meeting. We arrived at midnight and ended up ministering from about 1am to 2:30! Three people were saved, many were filled with the Holy Spirit, and most made a commitment to full discipleship. A wonderful night worshipping the Lord as only Nigerians can!And yes, hardly anyone went to sleep! Would that be the case in your church?
An exciting, and inspirational, Nigerian experience!
PETS RULE!
A DOG'S CHRISTMAS RULES1. Be especially patient with your humans during this time. They may appear to be more stressed-out than usual and they will appreciate long comforting dog leans.
2. They may come home with large bags of things they call gifts. Do not assume that all the gifts are yours.
3. Be tolerant if your humans put decorations on you. They seem to get some special kind of pleasure out of seeing how you look with fake antlers.
4. They may bring a large tree into the house and set it up in a prominent place and cover it with lights and decorations. Bizarre as this may seem to you, it is an important ritual for your humans, so there are some things you need to know:
*Don't pee on the tree.
*Don't drink water in the container that holds the tree.
*Mind your tail when you are near the tree.
*If there are packages under the tree, even ones that smell interesting or that have your name on them, don't rip them open.
*Don't chew on the cord that runs from the funny-looking hole in the wall to the tree.
5. Your humans may occasionally invite lots of strangers to come visit during this
season. These parties can be lots of fun, but they also call for some discretion on
your part:
*Not all strangers appreciate kisses and leans
*Don't eat off the buffet table
*Beg for goodies subtly
*Be pleasant, even if unknowing strangers sit on your sofa
*Don't drink out of glasses that are left within your reach unless you can get away with it...
6. Likewise, your humans may take you visiting. Here your manners will also be
important:
*Observe all the rules in #4 for trees that may be in other people's houses.
*(4a is particularly important) Respect the territory of other animals that may live in
the house.
*Tolerate children.
*Turn on your charm big time.
7. A big man with a white beard and a very loud laugh may emerge from your fireplace in the middle of the night. DON'T BITE HIM!!!
TOO COLD
My aunt's neighbor in New York had a beautiful black cat, named Felix, who spent his days outside and came indoors at night. One cool October evening, he disappeared. The
neighbor searched for him in vain for several days.
The following spring, however, Felix reappeared, looking healthy and clean. She figured he's been out sowing his wild oats. Everything was back to normal until that autumn,
when Felix disappeared again.
The next spring, he returned. Perplexed, my aunt's friend began asking neighbors for clues. Finally, she rang the bell of an older couple who lived down the street. "A black cat?" the woman said. "Oh, yes! My husband and I hated to see him out in the cold, so we bought a cat carrier. We take him to Florida with us every winter."
Pets rule here...
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS IN BIBLICAL LANDS
BEERBeer was brewed in Egypt and Mesopotania, so perhaps the Israelites were also familiar with it. Also brewed in those two areas was a wine made of figs.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Lots more 'God Facts' are found at...
***NEW*** 'PSALM OF THE WEEK' FREE AUDIO DOWNLOAD ***NEW***
PSALM 42For the sons of Korah (The Levitical Choir)
A prayer for deliverance, yearning for God at a time when the people were denied access to the Temple, most likely through enemy conquest.
Each week, be encouraged, comforted and inspired by listening to a track from our Psalms CD, 'The Mighty Lord Reigns'.
My thanks to Keith Duncan, in Scotland, for making this possible.
You may download your audio recording here...
http://www.personal.dundee.ac.uk/~kmduncan/wwj/mp3/track_09.mp3
INDIA: MARKET PLACE MISSIONS
Recently 141 business people attended a 'marketplace missions' seminar in Vishakapatnam, India. The result is that those who attended are now linking with some Indian business leaders; not only for economic advance, but to allow the light of the gospel to come through in the marketplace. The goal of David Shibley, Global Advance Ministries, is to align pastors and Christian business leaders to be catalysts for the Great Commission. "With China and India both flexing their economic muscle, could it be that in justa few decades that we would see the largest number of missionaries worldwide going from Asia, and the largest funding worldwide, also going from Asia? This is a very real possibility." [MNN, '06](Via World Missions Global News)
Many more God Facts can be found at...
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
WALKING WITH JESUS POSTERQuoting 1 John 2:1-6, six of the most thought provoking and important verses in scripture for walking with Jesus today. A4 size.
Download your free PDF File now at...
WAXING LYRICAL
A GOOD MAN GOES TO HEAVEN? (Part 1 of 2)One of the greatest misunderstandings of man over the two millennia since Christ has been that you can earn your passage into heaven through being a good person – that is by works alone. The message of Jesus however was that the only way into heaven was through belief in Him – called faith. Perhaps why this poem was given to me.
I met a man, a very good man,
He looked after his family well.
And his son was his greatest fan,
He had no fear of going to hell.
For surely, a good man goes to heaven?
He went to church at Christmas and Easter
And was most generous with donations,
While the pastors words could not be clearer
He’d sit there, in control of his emotions.
For surely, a good man goes to heaven?
He was active in the community,
A man of standing - a Rotarian indeed.
Helping others at every opportunity,
The pillar of hope to those in need.
For surely, a good man goes to heaven?
He had a dear friend, a Moslem brother,
Six times a day facing Mecca he’d pray.
To the God of Abraham, indeed no other,
Of course, he too had found another way.
For surely, a good man goes to heaven?
Or the man in the jungle, he hadn’t been taught,
He would never have heard of the Jesus word!
Living a good life, doing as he ought,
In no way could he be for the sword!
For surely, a good man goes to heaven?
This Jesus man, he was a great guy,
The best role model of all to follow.
Crucified, now living up there in the sky,
But the only way – that rings too hollow.
For surely, a good man goes to heaven?
More of David's poems at...
A DAVID MUSING
The Lord is very good at humbling us! We went to a church today that we didn\t want to visit for various reasons relating to their ministry.After 5 hours of service I got to speak! This is Africa! During my message on the First Miracle of Jesus the Holy Spirit paid a powerful visit! So much for our ideas!
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: COACHMEN
TODAY'S 'DO YOU KNOW?' ANSWER: b. Like a tiny mustard seed that grows into a huge tree, the kingdom will also grow large. Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18
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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