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: 300 Published: 23 Jul 2007
300th ISSUE OF PGIM
How time flies when you are having fun! Well - mostly fun! If it wasn't for computer glitches....... But then, if it wasn't for the computer and the internet PGIM wouldn't exist. So we need to be grateful in all things! In fact, as I write this, one of our servers is having a problem. Life is always a challenge - unless you do nothing, of course!It has been a pleasure serving you with both PGIM and Tuesday Teachings (now over 150 issues old) and I trust that you too, have found our publications helpful, one way or another. Of course, you can't use them as 'loo paper' or fire starters, as with printed materials. But think of all the trees that are saying 'hooray' to that!
I thank God for what He has done in my life through the past, nearly 6 years of ezines. I trust that you have been blessed too.
Cheers
David
REPENTANCE IS THE KEY
Methods of bringing 'revival' are often explored in the church. Past revivals are analyzed for their secrets. The most common conclusion is that revivals are primarily brought about through prayer.The Welsh Revival was credited to the formation of the 300 extra prayer groups started in the months before the revival began, just over 100 years ago. Well known too, is the Moravians prayer meeting that ran uninterrupted for 100 years from 1727 until revival came! This revival led to the beginning of foreign missions and its results still influence the world today. Yes, prayer is powerful!
Today we see prophetic and prayer movements all round the world proclaiming 'the anointing' to fall on cities and regions, almost like turning on 'a tap of the spirit'.
While these people have an understanding of the power of prayer, their prayers are based upon the wrong foundation. However well meaning they may be, their declarations to the 'heavenlies' are effectively, misguided attempts to manipulate God into action based upon their own desires. And God won't be manipulated!
We look to revival to provide 'happy times', yes, an escape in the Spirit, as an occasion to receive quick fixes to life's problems. A joyous time of receiving from God. But is this the reality of true revival?
What is God really looking for in the hearts of those crying out for revival?
Is it passion? No - even though God loves passion. Is it persistence? No - even though God rewards persistence.
True revival is based on a completely different foundation. A situation of giving to God, rather than taking from Him. And what are we to give? Ourselves - fully, unto Him!
What God is looking for, is people with repentant hearts. For the greatest fruit of true revival is repentance. With genuine repentance comes a changing of our ways. Our lives change from a focus upon ourselves to a focus upon Jesus. Upon obedience to the will of the Father. Upon allowing our lives to be changed through the guiding of the Holy Spirit, in order to become more like Jesus.
Yes. true revival is built upon the foundation of tears. (A David's Doodling here!)
This principle is not very popular today in our 'instant fix' world. For real repentance is not a superficial 'sorry and bring on (or restore) the good times' but the acknowledgment that we are sinners who need to change our ways to conform with His, not the other way round. True repentance leads to godliness, as our lives turn towards Jesus.
If you desire real revival in your life or in your area, you, I, must get down on our knees (metaphorically speaking, at least!) and genuinely cry out for forgiveness of our wicked ways that keep us so far away from God. You know, the closer we get to God, the further away we realize that we truly are. For our God is holy, pure and righteous and all of us have some way to go, to say the least, to become like Him.
This is not popular teaching. In fact, repentance is very hard to sincerely do. Change is not easy. But repentance is the very foundation of revival, both personal and public.
You see, revivals come and revivals go, as people lose sight of the initial principle of repentance and concentrate on the accompanying trappings of fun and frippery. Yes, God does want us to enjoy Him, but the real purpose of revival is for unbelievers to get to know Him and for believers to become like Him.
Today, we are seeing a big change come into His church. People with a real hunger for Jesus are no longer seeking temporary blessing of 'revival', but ongoing 'reformation' and 'restoration' in their lives. Their desire isn't simply to experience 'spiritual highs' but to truly become a light to the world, to have Jesus shine out of them.
If that is your desire, as it is mine, let neither of us forget, repentance is the key.
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FROM THE WORD
"“So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds." (Acts 26:19-20)"You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance? But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. God “will give to each person according to what he has done.†To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism." (Romans 2:1-11)
"Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. (2 Corinthians 7:8-10)
You may read and study the 'New International Version (NIV)' online at...
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
ON REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS163. True repentance is - a godly principle applied.
164. Personal repentance is a verb, not an adjective.
165. True repentance is an action that results in a life changing reaction.
166. Show me one who walks in forgiveness and talks with their wallet, and I will show you a true believer.
167. It is amazing how a sprinkling of forgiveness can calm a raging sea of hurts.
168. Sadly, the human mind subtly subverts the holy, ‘I Am’, into the unholy, ‘I am’!
187. Forgiveness is unique. The more you give the more you get.
188. Forgiveness is the one thing you can have more of by giving it away.
189. There are two inexplicable things in life - that the bumblebee can fly and that the more forgiveness I give, the more I get.
190. Forgiveness flies away, a leaf borne by the wind, soon to be returned upon the wings of an angel.
378. Medicine heals the body, while forgiveness heals the soul.
379. Forgiveness is a mind soothing balm.
380. Repentance brings peace with God - forgiveness, peace with ones self.
381. The simplest way to avoid repentance is not to sin. All too often I forget to follow my own advice!
Please feel free to quote these quotes. Acknowledgement of David Tait as the author would be appreciated. There are now over 1300 David sayings for you to view at ...
CRANWELL'S CARTOON
7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant,no place would have been sought for another. 8 But God found
fault with the people and said: “The time is coming, declares
the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of
Israel and with the house of Judah. 9 It will not be like the
covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the
hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain
faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares
the Lord. 10 This is the covenant I will make with the house of
Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws
in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their
God, and they will be my people. 11 No longer will a man teach
his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me, from the least of them to the
greatest. 12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will
remember their sins no more.†13 By calling this covenant “new,â€
he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and
aging will soon disappear. (Hebrews 8:7-13)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
12 LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM ‘DIVIDING THE WATERS’ (Continued)With a look at the diverse, challenging areas of grace, money and miracles in the church today.
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*** 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!
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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." ***
623. THE STOLEN TURKEY
Ducking into confession with a turkey in his arms, Brian said, "Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. I stole this turkey to feed my family. Would you take it and settle my guilt?"
"Certainly not," said the Priest. "As penance, you must return it to the one from whom you stole it."
"I tried," Brian sobbed, "but he refused. Oh, Father, what should I do?"
"If what you say is true, then it is all right for you to keep it for your family."
Thanking the Priest, Brian hurried off.
When confession was over, the Priest returned to his residence. When he walked into the kitchen, he found that someone had stolen his turkey.
622. AT THE CONSTRUCTION JOB
There's this cathedral that's still being worked on, and the workers have rigged a "cage elevator" inside so they can get material up and down to the upper floors. A characteristic of these "cage elevators" is that the doors (gate) must be closed manually for them to be "called" to another floor.
One day one of the workers, Peter by name, takes the elevator to the top floor, and it is subsequently needed on the first floor by the sexton. Unfortunately, Peter forgot and left the door open. After the sexton rings for the elevator a couple times, to no avail, he yells up for the worker to send the lift back down. Visitors to the cathedral were treated to this sight: The sexton of the cathedral, head tipped up, yelling up to the heavens:
"Peter! CLOSE THE GATES!!!"
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 the only bone in the body that does notconnect to other bones?
ANSWER: The hyoid bone, in the throat, is the only bone in the human
body that does not connect to other bones. Its particular job is to support
the tongue and its muscles. (Gets a greater workout from one sex than
the other! See No. 780!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Is there really such a thing as a flea circus?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS323. MANY BREAKFASTS
The largest known egg ever laid by a creature was that of the extinct Aepyornis of Madagascar. The egg was 9.5 inches long. It had a volume of 2.35 gallons, or over 10.5 litres. (Did high cholesterol cause its extinction?)
324. INSIDE OUT?
A day on the planet Mercury is twice as long as its year. Mercury rotates very slowly but revolves around the Sun in slightly less than 88 days. (Would age be measured in days there?)
325. SLOW PROGRESS
A car travelling at a constant speed of 60 miles per hour would take more than 48 million years to reach the nearest star, excluding our Sun, Proxima Centauri. This is about 685,000 average human lifetimes. (How would you find your way back?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
DEBATORS
Answer at the end of A David Musing
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can download the full version of our Trivia Book at TRULY TRIFFLING TRIVIA
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BIBLE QUESTION - PAUL
8) Paul was present when this man was killed:A - Judas
B - Barrabas
C - Ananias
D - Stephen
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"""!!!!!!! A wise leader delegates, the inept dictate.
!!!!!! A man who lives in a glasshouse should change in the basement.
!!!!! Forgiveness is like the fragrance a flower gives after it’s been stepped on.
!!!! Amateurs made Noah’s Ark, professionals the Titanic.
!!! Never lick a self-adhesive stamp.
!! Most children seldom misquote you; they repeat what you shouldn't have said word for word.
! The most beautiful sunsets are made by cloudy skies.
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. Why was Noah like a hungry cat?
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A. He went 150 days without finding Ararat.
Lots more riddles found at...
EXTENSIVE EXPLANATIONS
3. CLASSIC CLASSIFIEDS(Actual excerpts from classified sections of city newspapers)
Illiterate? Write today for free help.
Auto Repair Service. Free pick-up and delivery. Try us once, you'll never go anywhere again.
Tired of cleaning yourself? Let me do it.
Our experienced Mom will care for your child. Fenced yard, meals, and smacks included.
Dog for sale: eats anything and is fond of children.
Man wanted to work in dynamite factory. Must be willing to travel.
Stock up and save. Limit: one.
Semi-Annual after-Christmas Sale.
3-year old teacher needed for pre-school. Experience preferred.
Mixing bowl set designed to please a cook with round bottom for efficient beating.
Girl wanted to assist magician in cutting-off-head illusion. Blue Cross and salary.
Dinner Special -- Turkey $2.35; Chicken or Beef $2.25; Children $2.00
For sale: antique desk suitable for lady with thick legs and large drawers.
Now is your chance to have your ears pierced and get an extra pair to take home too.
We do not tear your clothing with machinery. We do it carefully by hand.
For sale. Three canaries of undermined sex. Great Dames for sale.
Have several very old dresses from grandmother in beautiful condition.
Vacation Special: have your home exterminated. Get rid of aunts. Zap does the job in 24 hours.
Toaster: A gift that every member of the family appreciates. Automatically burns toast.
For Rent: 6-room hated apartment. Man, honest. Will take anything.
Used Cars: Why go elsewhere to be cheated. Come here first.
Christmas tag-sale. Handmade gifts for the hard-to-find person.
Wanted: Hair cutter. Excellent growth potential.
Wanted. Man to take care of cow that does not smoke or drink.
Our bikinis are exciting. They are simply the tops.
Wanted. Widower with school age children requires person to assume general housekeeping duties. Must be capable of contributing to growth of family.
And now, the Superstore-unequalled in size, unmatched in variety, unrivalled inconvenience.
We will oil your sewing machine and adjust tension in your home.
More extrensive explanations for a chuckle at...
BIBLE TRIVIA
CUTTING DOWN OLIVE TREESActually rejuvenates them! The roots live a very long time, so it is almost impossible to kill an olive tree by cutting it down. As a symbol of peace in the ancient world, it was fitting to be associated with Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Lots more 'God Facts' are found at...
WOMEN OF FAITH AND WORLD VISION
100,000 children in need have been sponsoredWorld Vision President thanks national women's conference in Seattle for reaching milestone
By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON (ANS) -- According to the latest numbers released by World Vision, 3 million children benefited from sponsorship worldwide in 2006, including 850,000 who are supported by people in the United States.
At a national conference on June 30, World Vision US President Rich Stearns thanked Women of Faith for making a huge statement for children in need around the world by announcing that Women of Faith had reached the 100,000 milestone in child sponsorships.
In an average weekend conference, 300-400 children are sponsored for World Vision. At this most recent Women of Faith Conference, held in Seattle's Key Arena, more than 1,200 children were sponsored, resulting in a record 15 percent response rate and helping Women of Faith reach the goal of 100,000 children sponsored. More than 3.4 million women have attended over 275 Women of Faith events held in more than 70 cities across North America.
Featured at this year's event were Christian author Max Lucado, singer Nicole C. Mullen and author Carol Kent. Max Lucado is also the Senior Minister at Oak Hills Church in Texas. Lucado made a special child sponsorship appeal to those attending the Seattle conference. Many of the featured speakers at the event have gone on World Vision trips, including their most recent trip to Kenya in January, which was Women of Vision's fifth trip with World Vision.
At the conference, Rich Stearns presented Women of Faith with a small replica of the World Vision Jesus Statue on display in front of World Vision Headquarters in Federal Way, Washington. The statue shows Jesus tenderly holding a child and offering a loaf of bread to the hungry. World Vision works in 100 countries, helping approximately 100 million people every year.
World Vision has been a ministry partner for the past ten years and to date they have impacted more children than any single sponsor group. The theme of this year's conference: "Amazing Freedom," the kind of freedom Jesus talks about in John 8:26, "So if the Son makes you free - you are truly free."
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of a religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, visit www.worldvision.org.
Many more Marriage and Family facts are found at...
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF……. 3 KINGDOM AGES OF GODAn excellent tool to help better understand Bible history and God's plan for mankind throughout the ages. Kingdom ages, that is! And to get a glimpse of the kingdom yet to come and how we can participate in it.
Download your free PDF File now at...
WAXING LYRICAL
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! My longest poem too, so will print it in small bits!
VICTORY! (Part 10)
RIDING THE RIVER OF LIFE
Turning towards the river to look for a wee while,
“Not many swimming in it,†I think with a smile,
To my mind, that was so good to see,
Appealed to the adventurer, within me.
Seeing one person take the plunge,
Bobbing up and down like a sponge.
Struggling at first, fighting against the flow,
Before relaxing – now that’s the way to go!
Looking back at numerous people in the pool,
All happily swimming, many playing the fool,
Yelling out to them, “Hey, look what I have found!â€
But no one hears me, by pleasure they are bound.
The stream is so inviting,
The journey so exciting.
Now I can no longer wait,
Others to join me at the gate.
Do a fine swallow dive, deep into the river,
Bounce in the current, hither and thither.
It is a new sensation to be unable to stop,
The water too deep, me on my toes to hop.
To be continued over the weeks ahead.
More of David's poems at...
A DAVID MUSING
This week has seen hope built up, then hope dashed, by our local Council as we applied for permission to open a large shop in which to sell second hand clothes for 'africa arise'.I was naturally disappointed, being human - all too human!
However, I had prayed, "God, if this is the place for us let it be approved, if not, rejected." I got my answer, even though I didn't like it!
God works that way sometimes! Not everything we do is the best for us, even if it is done with the best of motives for Him!
May we learn to trust Him in the times of disappointment too.
On a lighter note, the Lord understood my sad situation and on Saturday gave me the 'blessing(!)' that nearly every New Zealander loves, that of beating the Australians in our two favourite sports of Netball (for the women) and Rugby Union (for us men)! This doesn't happen that frequently as Australia has 5 times our population and a very competitive national psyche! We will bask in the glory of the moment!
Wonder what will this week will bring?
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: BROADEST
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION': Stephen (Acts 7:58-60)
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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