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
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Issue No: 364 Published: 13 Oct 2008
HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY TO US!
Yes, this is the 364th issue of PGIM!Seven years of weekly musings without interruption. I thank the Lord my health and thank you for putting up with me!
I do hope PGIM has been both an encouragement and, in more recent times, also a challenge to you.
Of course, 7 is the number of completion. Maybe you might think that completion would be a good idea! But I still expect to be back next week, and the next, and the next, the Lord willing.
As we enter these turbulent financial times, our faith will be truly tested. I just pray that what we have been discussing about 'the kingdom' will help you make life decisions that will strengthen your 'walk with Jesus' through the uncertain days ahead.
Thank you for being a part of the journey with me.
TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH: 4. CHARACTERISTICS OF KINGDOM PEOPLE
A KINGDOM FOCUSWhat do we put first in our life?
Family? Security? Church? Evangelism? .....Or the kingdom?
A kingdom focus is of paramount importance to kingdom people.
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:31-3)
Our focus shifts away from what will benefit us now personally, to living a righteous life, seeking to be the light of Jesus to the world.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. (Ephesians 5:8-10)
Our focus too, moves away from earthly success and recognition towards eternity.
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)
Reality is, not liked by many people, that building the kingdom in the here and now requires sacrifice in the here and now to bring it about!
Many Christians look to God as a 'Father Christmas', but truly walking with Jesus costs us everything. Jesus sacrificed His life for us and we are to sacrifice our life for others if we are to live His lifestyle. We must 'lose our life' for Jesus.
25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. (Matthew 16:25-7)
Such is the kingdom focus of kingdom people. By giving up our lives for Christ, we find a new life, a life of spiritual joy, satisfaction and love, beyond that which the world offers.
As we are literally seeing today, the riches of this world are temporary and uncertain, while the kingdom lifestyle is a foretaste of what is to come for those who are fully committed to the Lord. Come Jesus, come.
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FROM THE WORD
Treasures in Heaven"“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. “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
Do Not Worry
“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 6:19-34)
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.†Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." (Ephesians 5:1-21)
Jesus Predicts His Death
"From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!†he said. “This shall never happen to you!†Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.†Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.â€" (Matthew 16:21-28)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
RELIGION, REVELATION AND GOD'S KINGDOM1021. Religion is of the proud, the kingdom of God, of the humble.
1022. Religion revolves round organisation, the kingdom of God, relationship.
1023. Religion is planned, God's kingdom, spontaneous.
1024. God's kingdom is visionary, religion, managed.
1025. Religion is birthed in the institutionalisation of a revelation of God's kingdom.
1026. 'God given' revelation quickly becomes 'man controlled' religion.
1027. God's kingdom is eternal, mankind's religion, transitory.
1028. Religion formalises the spontaneous informality of God's kingdom.
1029. God's kingdom 'upskills', religion removes the 'ups'.
1030. Religion is really 'the opiate of the priests'.
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
THE RICH YOUNG MAN
16 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?†17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?†Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.†18 “Which ones?†the man inquired. Jesus replied, â€â€˜Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’†20 “All these I have kept,†the young man said. “What do I still lack?â€
21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.†22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.†(Matthew 19:15-24)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
GOD AND MAN continues...as we have a look at the other foundational institution close to God's heart, the family.
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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." ***
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SATISFIED!
I recently was the bride in a wedding service that was my second marriage due to the death of my first husband. My last name was changed from Priest to Bishop. It doesn’t have the same religious importance as Pope might have, but I’m very satisfied.
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TEN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE DOCTOR AND THE PASTOR
The Doctor charges outrageous fees and you complain, but you come back the next time you are sick.
The Pastor preaches that you should pay your tithes and you leave the church.
The Doctor checks how much you weigh and you allow him.
The Pastor asks how much you pray and it's none of his business.
The Doctor says, "Please disrobe" and you do it without question.
The Pastor preaches that you should dress modestly and he is getting too personal.
The Doctor gives you a nasty tasting pill and you take it.
The Pastor feeds you the Word and you say no thank you.
The Doctor's office closes at a certain time.
The Pastor is to be available, awake and ready twenty-four hours a day.
The Doctor tells you how to change your lifestyle to lower your blood pressure.
The Pastor tells you how to change your lifestyle and it raises your blood pressure.
The Doctor tells you we need to run more tests, so you make an appointment.
The Pastor says we need more Prayer Meetings and Bible Studies and you are too busy.
The Doctor says, "There is nothing more we can do", and you search high and low for one who can help.
The Pastor says, "God can help you", and you give up and say "What's the use."
The Doctor says, "Try this and see if it works and if it doesn't we'll try something else", so you do.
The Pastor gives you the promises of God's Word and you don't like to "Walk by faith."
To the Doctor, you are just another customer.
To the Pastor, you are a part of the family. He loves you. He prays for you. He helps carry your burdens. He laughs with you and cries with you.
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: How old are ‘prefab’ (prefabricated) houses?ANSWER: Quite old! Going back as far as the beginning of the
nineteenth century, a prefabricated house was sent to Hawaii by religious
Bostonians wanting to help missionaries living there. (No fabrication!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Which country has the lowest crime rate in the
world? Is it Japan, Singapore, Togo, New Zealand or Canada?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS477. BABY FARMING
On August 12, 1895, Minnie Dean became the first woman to be hanged in New Zealand. Her crime was "baby farming." She would adopt unwanted babies for a certain fee and then dispose of them, a "service" she began in 1889. The police caught on to Minnie after six years and found her to be most certainly guilty when they dug up three bodies of infants in her flower garden. (Since then we have taken to farming 40 million - was once 70 million - sheep and 10 million cattle, between only 4 million people.)
478. NO SHEEP PLEASE
Oxford University requires all members upon admission to the Bodleian Library to read aloud a pledge that includes an agreement to not "kindle therein any fire or flame." Regulations also prohibit readers bringing sheep into the library. (An island of quaintness in an ocean of practicality.)
479. NO FLASH
It is forbidden to take photographs at a Quaker wedding. (Memories to remember - in the memory.)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
UNTRIED
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 - YOU BE THE JUDGE!
How many men did God choose to help Gideon?A - 10,000
B - 3,000
C - 1,000
D - 300
Source: www.biblequizzes.com
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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""BILLBOARDS IN ARIZONA
!!!!!!! "What If...?"
God couldn't take the time to bless us today because we could not take the time to thank Him yesterday...
!!!!!! What If...?
God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow Him today...
!!!!! What If...?
God didn't walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as His day...
!!!! What If...?
We never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the rain...
!!! What If...?
God stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others...
!! What If...
God took away the Bible tomorrow, because we would not read it today...
! What If...
God took away His message because we failed to listen to His messenger...
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
LIFE'S A LAUGH
52. A WIFE'S POINT OF VIEWTwo women were discussing reincarnation.
One asked the other if her husband believed in it.
The second woman said, "Does my husband believe in life after death? My husband doesn't even believe in life after dinner!"
53. PARKING
If your wife parks the car, don't sit there and insist she do it properly. Walking the rest of the way to the curb is good exercise.
54. MEN AND WOMEN
A man is a person who, if a woman says, "Never mind, I'll do it myself;" lets her.
A woman is a person who, if she says to a man, "Never mind, I'll do it myself," and he lets her; gets mad.
A man is a person who, if a woman says to him, "Never mind, I'll do it myself," and he lets her and she gets mad; says, "Now what are you mad about?"
A woman is a person who, if she says to a man, "Never mind, I'll do it myself," and he lets her and she gets mad, and he says, "Now what are mad about?" says, "If you don't know I'm not going to tell you!"
More Marriage Humour here...
BIBLE TRIVIA
QUAIL...The Israelites were no doubt familiar with quail as Egyptian wall paintings in tombs at the time of the Exodus showed them being caught in nets.
However, they would not have seen so many at one time as when God sent them quail in the wilderness. (Exodus 16:13)
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
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ALGERIA: Harvest Time among the Kabyle Berbers
For the last ten years Christian broadcaster Arab Vision has seen many viewers respond to their television programs, but none more so than the Kabyle Berbers in the Northeastern coastal region of Algeria. A Kabyle policeman came to Christ through the programs. Now his father, his wife, and his two sisters are sharing the same faith after he witnessed to them. "In the beginning, I was anxious and fearful that this faith may cause me more harm than good, especially in relation to my work," He said. "However, the Lord Jesus not only comforted me in my faith, but led me in an unusual way to meet other colleagues in the police corps who are also Christians. We now even pray together."Source: Joel News via GO GLOBAL MISSIONS REPORT 2008 No. 64
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DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF....... GIVING TO GODIn Christianity, we hear an awful lot about what God has done for us, but much less of what He desires from us in return!
There is a saying that 'salvation is a free gift, but discipleship costs us everything!' For as Jesus sacrificed His life for us on Calvary's grim hill, so we, in turn, are to model Him, and sacrifice our life for God and for others.
In this study we are going to look at the ways in which we are to offer God the sacrifices He so much desires from us - Praise and Worship, Prayer and Fasting and Tithes and Gifts.
My God sacrificed His son Jesus, for me! Surely, the first thing I can do for Him is to offer back the sacrifices He desires of me. Is that too much to ask?
In theory we would probably agree, but the practice of our lives often tends to fall short of our good intentions!
I trust that this study will encourage you, as it has me, to give back to God what He desires of each one of us.
Download your free PDF File here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
This poem was 2 years in the writing! The inspiration came, half was written, then I got busy on other things! In the last day or two I have had some spare time, so thought to finish it. (Actually I have had more spare time during the two years but never quite got 'a round tuit'!) I hope the result is worth waiting for!MR BUMBLE
So our 'brmm-brmm bee' plummeted to the ground,
Fortunately for him, landing on a very soft mound
Of leaves gently fallen from a nearby tree,
Disaster averted, I was so thankful to see.
"Why are you down here Mr Bumble", I asked, surprised,
When suddenly it dawned - my mistake, I now realised.
You shouldn't have taken to heart what I said,
Was only theoretical, straight from my head.
Of course you can fly, everyone knows that fact,
Indeed we would rather like to get in on the act!
For God made you in a very special way,
To humble us humans, each and every day.
For when we see how well you can fly,
We realise, no matter how hard we try,
There's knowledge money can't buy,
That's of our God, up there in the sky.
"But I believed you," Mr Bumble sadly said,
"Look at me now, I could easily be dead!
Thank God for the leaves of the tree,
Now I know, He is looking after me"
"Forgive me please," I cried out loud,
Feeling foolish for being so proud,
So full of worldly knowledge is my brain,
To consider others feelings, too much strain.
"Mr Bumble, you are a scientific miracle,
My understanding, insufficiently empirical,
For it is obvious you can soar far above,
Which I simply can't, for money or love!"
"I feel a lot better now," said Mr Bumble,
"To see you on your knees, so humble,
Maybe I can fly again without a fumble,
I'll give it a good go - LET'S NOW RUMBLE!
(Concluded next week.)
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A DAVID MUSING
This week I managed to give my flu to the wife! Very kind and sharing I am! Togetherness, I think it is called! A form of togetherness Kathy would rather be without!Here is Kathy with our 'twins', in Scotland, earlier in the year. Our three grandchildren are literally 'half a world away', so rare moments like this are very special in our family.
I remember being told how Kathy's grandmother came to New Zealand from Britain a century ago on a sailing ship that took 6 months to arrive. She met her man, knew that she wouldn't get back to Britain after marriage, so went home for a year, always getting horribly seasick, before returning to New Zealand to get married!
And now we complain about a 24 hour plane flight! Well, we don't - but many do! Times have certainly changed!
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: INTRUDE
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION': D - 300 (Judges 7:7)
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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
7 Bull Street
Ahuriri
Napier
New Zealand
Phone: (06) 835 0567 International (+64) 6 835 0567
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