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: 279 Published: 26 Feb 2007
YOU IN GOD or GOD IN YOU?
One of the big lessons I have had to learn in life is 'how to become more like Jesus.' Of course, I haven't yet fully succeeded, but know that I am more like Him than on the day I first believed! Hopefully, many would say! Don't think though, that Jesus developed as many wrinkles as I continue to show though! Have eternal life but not eternal youth - yet!During my early years as a believer, I attended many church programmes designed to make me a better Christian, applying my considerable natural powers of self-discipline and willpower to the task of changing myself into His image. In some things I succeeded, but many areas of my life seemed impervious to change, no matter how hard I tried.
I discovered that most programmes were based upon similar principles to the worldly based, PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) courses that I had enjoyed before finding Jesus. Live life this way and you will be fulfilled, happy, and usually, rich. Sadly, many church programmes are structured along similar lines, making the same promises, although couched in 'religious' or 'spiritual' language. Be blessed! Become healthy and wealthy in spirit and body! Name it and claim it! Give your tithe (and gifts) to the church and you will never be poor again! Do 'this' and you will become or receive, 'that'. Have been there and done that many times! And sorry,it doesn't work, even with my high levels of natural self-motivation and willpower!
It took me many years then, to discover that YOU IN GOD, as generally promoted by the church, simply doesn't work in a radical, life changing way. So why does the church persist, when the programmes they run are known by most to be ineffective, being replaced by others on a regular basis? Is becoming like Jesus impossible? Is the Bible ideal impossible to attain? Surely it must be, if the church itself doesn't know how to do or teach it effectively! Lord, surely there must be another, better way!
And there is!
It is easy, yet so hard! It is known, yet ignored! It is the very opposite of our current approach of 'God-improvement'. It cannot be taught, only experienced. It doesn't need the church to empower it, so for that reason it is set aside. It takes no effort, yet costs us everything. It requires us to empty, not to fill.
Put simply, we need to exchange the usual 'you in God', for GOD IN YOU! I don't need, any more, to strive to 'improve me' - and so often fail! Rather, I need to 'give up on myself' and let God take over my life. What could be simpler, yet what could be more difficult!
The Bible expresses it both succinctly and beautifully.
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)
Our old nature, our human nature, the very person we are, doesn't need to be changed, but rather, discarded! What a radical idea! Particularly as our old self doesn't want to let go, doesn't want to die! Understandable really, for in the natural, even as 'saved' believers, few want to go to heaven just yet, even though it is a much better place. We struggle to hold onto our physical life, even when it is difficult and painful. It's no different in the spiritual dimension. Our 'old man' wont let go without a fight!
The foundation of our Christian walk then, is not about searching for success, but the submission and sacrifice of our own life and will to that of the Father, through the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit, in order to become like Jesus. To empty oneself in order to become filled with the nature of Jesus.
As always, God's ways are different to mans ways. We must go down to go up. Our very self, our old nature, must be demolished before being rebuilt into His image, not by our effort, but through His grace.
This takes a lifetime to achieve. As with an onion, God keeps revealing layer upon layer of our old nature that, with onion peeling tears, needs to be removed in order that He may take over yet another layer of our life.
"Lord, peel me today!"
Find out more about us at...
FROM THE WORD
"“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,†declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)"My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, “I know him,†but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." (1 John 2:1-6)
"Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us." (1 John 3:24)
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
THE FOOLISH, THE WISE AND THE GODLY2. The foolish need wisdom, the wise godliness, the godly the character of Christ.
3. The foolish deny God; the wise acknowledge Him, while the godly experience their God.
4. The foolish seek pleasure on earth. The wise build treasure in heaven. But the godly seek to build heaven on earth.
7. The foolish reject God, the wise respect God, while the godly live for their God.
8. The foolish speak before they think, the wise think before they speak, while the godly let their lives speak for them.
9. The foolish are satisfied with reading the Word, the wise follow the Word, while the godly are as one with the Word.
14. Foolishness is effortless, wisdom a gift, but godliness requires submission.
16. Wisdom is easily read, takes time to acquire, but needs to be applied over a lifetime.
305. The foolish can seek wisdom, the wise godliness, while the godly grow into the image of Christ.
306. The foolish rest content in hope, the wise find faith, while the godly unreservedly love both God and others.
427. The foolish seek nothing, the wise, 'to do', while the godly desire 'to be'.
1273. The foolish give seeking earthly return, the wise, to build up treasures in heaven, while the godly give their all out of love for God, with no need of reward.
Please feel free to quote these quotes. Acknowledgement of David Tait as the author would be appreciated. There are now over 1270 David sayings for you to view at ...
CRANWELL'S CARTOON
10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11 While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. 17 “Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. (Acts 3:10-21)
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 3 GARDENS OF GODTHE GARDEN OF ETERNAL LIFE: A GARDEN OF REST
Moving from the hope of the resurrection to the reality of eternal life.
Let's have a look.
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." ***
582. THOSE BULLETIN BLOOPERS KEEP COMING
The Ladies Mission Team will sponsor a Christmas Arts and Crap Sale the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
Our Mission trip to Mexico will is specifically designed to reach Hispanics..
Anyone who submitted their own photos for the church directory may pick them up in the office. If you would like them nailed to you please contact the secretary. (ouch)
The Ladies Weight Loss Class will be holding a food drive for the church pantry next month.
We have agreed to sponsor six Somalian refugees. Volunteers are needed to help torture survivors.
The benevolent committee is working to help a family that had most of their belongings destroyed in a fire. In addition to general household goods they specifically need a washer and dryer and a mattress for a queer size bed.
The youth group has a couple of students who need assistance with homework. We have a special need for a volunteer Math tudor.
We will be serving a meal for the homeless at the Cooperative Ministries Outreach Center. There is a poster is in the narthex where you may sign up to be a sewer for the meal or bring food items.
The fitness center wellness program provides a condominium of care that has been beneficial to several of our seniors.
The paving company says they should be here to stripe the back parking lot Wednesday. Therefore, there will be no puking on the back lot during Wednesday night's activities. Trustees will be on duty to see that this is enforced.
The Thursday evening Bible Study Group will be working on Jobs during January and February.
The singing in the park will be a wonderful opportunity to praise the Lord in the great outdoors. Dress is casual. No shorts or Jeans..
The Senior's Fitness Group has found that dedication and constipation are the key to any successful exercise routine. For information joining the group please contact the office.
581. THE BIG BANG
I believe in the big bang theory: It happened like this.....
God said let there be light and "bang!" there was light.
580. TIMELY SERMON
A local preacher gave an especially long-winded sermon at a small country church. As he was winding down the sermon, he apologized saying that he had forgotten to wear his watch that day.
At the end of the service as the minister was being greeted by members of the congregation down front, a parishioner smiled and gently reminded the pastor that all he had to do was turn around.
When the minister looked behind the pulpit, he realized there was a rather large calendar on the wall in back of him.
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 769 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...
FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What is a 'red dog'?ANSWER: Answer next week once I get another computer screen to read it!
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS387. CONFUSED CHILDREN
According to the federal Trade Commission, there are 20,000 television commercials made each year aimed exclusively at children. Of these, 7,000 are for sugared breakfast cereals. (Both the ads and the sugared cereals are bad for you?)
388. INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE
All pilots on international flights have to identify themselves in English, regardless of country of origin. (Some English that even the French cannot avoid!)
389. STONE CONDUCTOR
Granite conducts sound ten times faster than air. (Embed a jet in a block of granite to break the sound barrier at a tenth of the speed?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters. (Can you remember from last week?)
SWINDLED
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 - BOOK OF JUDGES
7) Where was Samson's wife from?A - Gaza
B - Timnah
C - Shiloh
D - Bethlehem
Source: www.biblequizzes.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"""YOUNG LOVE
!!!!!! * "I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones." (Lauren - age 4)
!!!!! * "I let my big sister pick on me because my Mom says she only picks on me because she loves me. So I pick on my baby sister because I love her." (Bethany - age 4)
!!!! * "When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." (Karen - age 7)
!!! * "Love is when mommy sees daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross." (Mark - age 6)
!! * "You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget." (Jessica - age 8)
! * "There are two kinds of love. Our love. God's love. But God makes both kinds of them." (Jenny - age 4)
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
MORE BIBLE RIDDLES
Thought we had done all possible Bible riddles in our last, very popular series. However, I have now found some more for you to enjoy, courtesy of Frank Schaefer of javacasa.comQ. What US state is mentioned in the bible?
>
>
>
>
>
>
A. Arkansaw. "Noah looked out of the ark and saw..."
Lots more riddles found at...
LIFE'S A LAUGH
66. TROUBLEA man went to the doctor complaining of insomnia. The doctor gave him a thorough examination, found absolutely nothing physically wrong with him, and then told him,
"Listen, if you ever expect to cure your insomnia, you just have to stop taking your trouble to bed with you."
"I know" said the man, "but I can't. My wife refuses to sleep alone."
67. MAY I?
My girlfriend took her five-year-old daughter shopping with her. The little girl watched her mother try on outfit after outfit, exclaiming every time, "Mommy, you look beautiful."
A woman in the next fitting room called out, "May I borrow your daughter for a moment?"
68.WITH THIS RING....
A young bride and groom to be had just selected the wedding ring. As the girl admired the plain platinum and diamond band, she suddenly looked concerned.
"Tell me," she asked the elderly salesman, "is there anything special I'll have to do to take care of this ring?"
With a fatherly smile, the salesman said, "One of the best ways to protect a wedding ring is to dip it in dishwater three times a day."
See lots of real life laughs at...
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS IN BIBLICAL LANDS
SACKCLOTH...was worn and people often tore their garments to let people know their depth of grief. (2 Samuel 3:31) Even today mourners will beat their breasts and wail to express their sorrow. Priests however, were not allowed to rip their clothes, even when their parents died!
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Lots more 'God Facts' are found at...
ASIA: CHINA: NEARLY 2,000 PERSECUTION EVENTS LAST YEAR
A report released by the China Aid Association lists events of persecution in different provinces of China from May 2005 to May 2006. The report shows that 1,958 house church pastors and Christians were affected in 15 provinces across China. Teacher and leadership training events seem to be viewed as particularly threatening by the government officials who seem to aim to control the indoctrination of the next generation of Christians. The central province of Henan was listed as the worst for persecution against house churches with 823 pastors and believers arrested in 11 raids from July 2005 to May 2006. The report shows that police officers and religious affairs cadres often mistreated and tortured the Christian captives. Two women, ages 72 and 21, were forced to strip during questioning. China has about 10 million state-registered Protestants and an estimated 50 to 90 million unregistered "house church" Protestants. [CHINA AID ASSOCIATION/WORLDWIDE RELIGIOUS NEWS] (Via World Mission Global News)More facts on evangelism are found at...
ETHNIC HARVEST
Offers practical articles, demographics, and foreign language resources to help your church become more effective in community outreach with ethnic groups in the U.S. and with people groups worldwide.
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
‘WALKING WITH JESUS’ COURSEA 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. The 3 parts cover
1. The Way of Salvation: Finding Jesus as your personal Saviour.
2. Life Through the Spirit: Christian living through the teaching of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. Jesus is Lord: Living our lives for Jesus.
So if you desire a deeper relationship with your God, this can help point you in the right direction. You still have to make the effort though! Can’t do that for you!
Download your free PDF File now at...
WAXING LYRICAL
This poem was written after becoming saddened, almost disillusioned, by the disagreements and arguments I have been witnessing on an internet forum I belong to, between supposedly 'mature' Christians, mainly ministers, who are meant to working together towards unity! How God must cry! I do!Incidentally, we have had severe floods in New Zealand over the past few days. (A few years ago now!) God's tears? Maybe increased floods aren't a result of global warming after all! But of the divisions in His church!
NOT SURE I WANT TO GO TO HEAVEN ANY MORE! (Part 1 of 2)
Not so sure I want to go to heaven any more!
For what I see here, shakes me to the core.
What if heaven was to be the same?
Who would there be to blame!
Not so sure I want to go to heaven any more!
When all I see is raging arguments to the fore.
What if heaven was to be the same?
Who would there be to blame!
Not so sure I want to go to heaven any more!
For we fight on earth and resentments store.
What if heaven was to be the same?
Who would there be to blame!
Not so sure I want to go to heaven any more,
Down here, splits and divisions are folklore.
What if heaven was to be the same?
Who would there be to blame!
Not so sure I want to go to heaven any more!
Disagreement's so rife, just become a bore!
What if heaven was to be the same?
Who would there be to blame!
So maybe I should go to go to heaven now,
To see how God deals with our sacred cow.
Surely heaven can not be the same?
There would only be God to blame!
More of David's poems at...
A DAVID MUSING
This week has been an exciting one for me as the Lord has introduced an additional, new direction for the ministry to head in over the years ahead.It is unexpected, exciting and challenging.
So I had better get on with it! Let you know more next week!
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: DWINDLES
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: B - Timnah (Judges 14:1-2)
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://secure.macnet.co.nz/www.wwj.org.nz/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