WHEN FRIENDS BECOME FAMILY AND FAMILY, FRIENDS

There is a common saying in New Zealand that 'you can choose your friends but not your relatives.' It is, of course, absolutely true! For their are two different types of relationship that apply. Our really close friends are those with similar or at least compatible interests and personalities to our own, while our relatives are bonded to us solely through the mysteries of genetics.

The key exception to this is our spouse. For our husband or wife generally starts off as a friend, before becoming a relative upon marriage, when the two bodies become united as one - or at least, that is how it is meant to be!

In the spiritual world too, the same principle applies. For we are to become 'married' to Jesus. In turn, He will return, to collect His pure, spotless bride. For we are all called to be brothers and sisters in Christ.

Of course, as with natural relatives, we cannot choose whom our Christian brothers and sisters are to be. Some we like, others do not appeal to us, but we are spiritually intertwined with them all, as part of the great family of God. Whether our reservations are personal, theological, cultural or spiritual, we are required to get along with all our 'Christian relatives', as with our human families.

Life experience and observation has taught me that those who don't get along with their relatives usually live less happy and fulfilled lives than those who do. Similarly in God. For God is calling His church to unity in these days. Not unity of place, but unity of purpose in Him. To be both relatives and friends to Him and to one another.

As we moved through Africa we were able to make special friendships of brotherhood and sisterhood with those who cared so well for us. Peter and Paul in South Africa, Dusan and Jacob in Ghana and Collins and Anaka in Nigeria. Tony and I praise the Lord for them and their 100% commitment to the cause of spreading the Gospel.

Now that I am in Aberdeen, Scotland, I have had the thrill of catching up with my eldest son Andrew and daughter-in-law Catriona, whom I haven't seen for 2 1/2 years as well as my second son Brendan, who arrived here from New Zealand 2 weeks ago. Also, to meet for the first time, the first of the next generation of our family, our 17 month old granddaughter, Eva! What a thrill this has all been.

But for me, the greatest thrill of all is that we are more and more becoming friends, rather than simply relatives. For that is the goal we are to aim for, both in the natural and the spiritual.

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FROM THE WORD

“They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” ” (Matthew 22:16-21)

“Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:6-8)

DAVID’S DOODLINGS

### Money is slippery – hard to grasp and even harder to hold on to.

### Earthly achievement’s are fleeting, a heavenly investment eternal.

### Being a Christian is both to give and to for-give.

There are over 250 David Doodling's at ...

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LAUGHING AT OURSELVES

***Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused***
INTIMATE CONGREGATIONS
A group of women were talking together. One woman said, "Our congregation is sometimes down to 30 or 40 on a Sunday."

Another said, "That's nothing. Sometimes our congregation is down to six or seven."

A maiden lady in her seventies added her bit, "Why, it's so bad in our church on Sundays that when the minister says 'dearly beloved,' it makes me blush."

MANY A TRUE WORD….
It has to be confessed that the minister was rather long-winded.

During his sermon a young wife of the congregation remembered that she had left the Sunday dinner in the gas range without regulating the flame.

She hastily wrote a note and slipped it to her husband, who was an usher.

He, thinking it was for the minister, calmly walked up and laid it on the pulpit.

The minister paused, took the note with a smile, which turned into a terrific frown as he read:

"Please hurry home and shut off the gas."

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TAPE (MP3) OF THE WEEK

In association with Inspirational Tapes Ministries
inspirational.org.nz
we are pleased to offer you this inspirational tape or MP3 download - absolutely free of charge!

Unfortunately due to some rather pesky technical difficulties we are unable to bring you a new tape or download this week, however, watch this space next week for something new and exciting.

You can still download last weeks MP3 or order a tape of "Discover Yourself in God's Mirror" - Part 2 By Derek Prince, or check out and download something of your own choice from www.inspirational.org.nz

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LIFE’S A LAUGH

ALL LIT UP!
When Edward M. Karrmann, insurance president, celebrated his 60th birthday, neighbors from a hotel across the street from his Indianapolis office sent over two bottles of champagne and a birthday cake. When Karrmann opened the box containing the cake, he found an apologetic note from the hotel management saying that they didn't have 60 birthday candles.

Instead, in the middle of the cake was a 60-watt light bulb.

There are now 70 humorous, real life stories to be found at ...

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FACTS FOR FUN

ONLY IN AMERICA!
It's been long known that our courts are granting large amounts in lawsuit wins ... here are some that will make you scratch your head for sure!!

Kathleen Robertson of Austin Texas was awarded $780,000 after breaking her ankle tripping over a toddler who was running amok inside a furniture store. The owners of the store were surprised at the verdict, considering the misbehaving tike was none other than Ms. Robertson's own son.

A 19 year old Carl Truman of Los Angeles won $74,000 and medical expenses when his neighbour ran over his hand with a Honda Accord. Mr. Truman apparently didn't notice there was someone at the wheel of the car, when he was trying to steal his neighbour's hubcap.

A Philadelphia restaurant was ordered to pay Amber Carson of Lancaster, Pennsylvania $113,500 after she slipped on soft drink and broke her coccyx. The beverage was on the floor because Ms Carson threw it at her boyfriend 30 seconds earlier during an argument.

BUT ... there IS light at the end of the tunnel. We haven't gone completely bonkers yet ...

Kenmore Inc. was found "not liable" for the death of Mrs. Johnson's poodle after she gave it a bath and attempted to dry it by putting the poor creature in her microwave for, "just a few minutes, on low," The case was quickly dismissed.

How can lawyers do it? Worse still, how can anyone listen to them!

A CHALLENGE FOR YOU!
There are two plastic jugs filled with water. How could you put all of this water into a barrel, without using the jugs or any dividers, and still tell which water came from which jug?

Answer at the end of ‘A David Musing’

150 fun facts and trivial trivia at ...

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IF ONLY I’D THOUGHT OF IT!

!!! 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.

Hundreds of fun and thoughtful sayings at ...

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VISIT A WORTHY WORK.

THE MISSION OF LUTHERAN BRAILLE WORKERS
Provides the message of Salvation, through faith in Jesus Christ to the blind and visually impaired throughout the world. LBW has gathered 7000 plus rostered volunteers in 206 work centres in the United States and Canada, who pray daily and give of their time and talents to do this work of sharing "God's Word" with FREE Braille and large print material in over 40 languages. All Lutheran Braille Workers materials are produced and distributed by volunteers and funded by charitable contributions.

They can be found at ...

http://www.lbwinc.org

A DAVID MUSING

For 5 weeks in Africa, the number of white faces we saw could have been counted on our fingers and toes. Black (with very white smiles) became the norm. To see a white face, other than our own in the mirror, was a curiosity. Thanks to the openness of the people, we were privileged to become 'honoury blacks' for the period of our stay. The weather was warm, the people even warmer. But still, the Nigerians were eliminated from the World Cup!

Then on to Scotland, which is not noted for the warmth of its climate, nor the outgoing nature of its people. The 'dour Scot' is a reality, but only a superficial one, for once the 'ice' (often literally!) is broken, there is a friendly, welcoming side revealed.

Now, Scotland didn't manage to qualify for the World Cup, but England did, and my presence here was sufficient to ensure that they were eliminated by the better Brazilian team in the quarterfinals.

I have been most interested in the similarity of reactions in both places to the defeats. For the people I have met in both countries have, to a person, been philosophical about the results. While I realise that this is not necessarily a universal phenomenon, it is amazing to me how similar ordinary people are, all around the world. Particularly those who share Jesus.

So sometimes, when we hear all the bad news of division and strife, it pays to sit down and reflect that this is the aberration, not the norm. For most of us, there is still life after football!

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today’s Challenge Answer: Freeze them first. Take them out of the jugs and put the ice in the barrel. You will be able to tell which water came from which jug.

LINKS

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ABOUT US

WALKING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES is a non-profit, non-denominational, Bible based ministry located in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. A ministry dedicated to developing discipleship, fostering unity amongst God’s people to achieve the Great Commission, and in doing so, preparing for Christ’s return. It is securely based upon the foundational principles of the Apostles Creed while recognising the wide and rich diversity of beliefs amongst Christians in other areas. In accordance with the Lord’s direction, materials produced by the ministry are available, free of charge, to genuine enquirers upon request. The ministry is solely funded by donations, as the Lord provides. A list of materials available (plus some fun!) is obtainable and freely downloadable from our website
wwj.org.nz or by contacting us as follows.

Walking With Jesus Ministries
P O Box 5160
Mount Maunganui
New Zealand

Phone: (07) 575-7164 International (0064) 7575-7164

Fax: (07) 575-7124 International (0064) 7575-7124
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