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: 426 Published: 21 Dec 2009
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
'Tis time to celebrate another Christmas! How quickly they come round!Kathy and I take the opportunity to bring you Christmas blessings from our family to yours. May Jesus be with you in every circumstance you are in at this time.
If you would like to read about our families year in our Christmas letter, you will find it here. Nice photo of Kathy too!
MUSINGS ON THE KINGDOM - PAST, FUTURE AND PRESENT
KINGDOM PRESENTFrom Last week.......
"On a trip to Africa, I was asked to minister in a Holiness Church. This was a new experience for me. There were lots of rules and regulations, mainly as I soon found out, directed to the behaviour of the women in the congregation. eg. no makeup, no speaking in the service, etc. These people had a longing for holiness and righteousness, yet they had been sidetracked into trying to find it through rules and regulations."
The story continues.......
I was in a difficult situation. I could see that the people had a huge desire to do what was right in order to become beacons of light for Jesus in the world, but it was clear that, instead, they had become bound up in religious rules that were having the opposite effect.
So what could I do? Upset there earnestness by undermining their beliefs? Destroy without having the time to rebuild? A real predicament!
But then the Lord came to the rescue! I didn't have to say anything! His Holy Spirit fell in power and literally set the people free. Religious stiffness turned into holy joy! The people celebrated a freedom in the Holy Spirit that they had not known before. Here were a people who wanted to truly live for Jesus who, suddenly were enabled to through the Holy Spirit! It was wonderful!
I will never forget the night, for as we went to leave, our car was mobbed by the newly changed, enthusiastic crowd. The only time I have experienced such a thing.
You see, holiness and righteousness cannot be achieved through living a life dictated by rules and regulations, but only through the freedom and empowering of the Holy Spirit.
This morning in bed, I was reading my Bible. I was in Acts, at chapter 6, and didn't really want to move on, as it was nearly time for the news on the radio! What a priority! However I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to read on into chapter 7, Stephen's speech before he was stoned.
I knew why when I read these words...
48 “However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says: 49 â€â€˜Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be? 50 Has not my hand made all these things?’ 51 “You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! (Acts 7:48-51)
A real kingdom message! The kingdom is within us, not in a church building. To enter the kingdom now, we need to embrace the fullness of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Not just the manifestations, as is the common practice today, but His instruction, His guidance, His leading, in every aspect of our lives.
The perfect 'bride of Christ', making herself ready for the return of Jesus, will be formed by a powerful movement of the Holy Spirit, promised for the last days.
The Day of the Lord
28 ‘And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. 29 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. (Joel 2:28-9)
A real personal relationship with Jesus, guidance through the Holy Spirit to do the will of the Father for us as individuals, forms the basis of entering the kingdom now. Without the Holy Spirit fullness and guidance, joys and testings, we cannot live in the fullness of the kingdom that is available to us.
Next week we will see how Holy Spirit living reflects in our outward actions.
(Continued next week)
Find out more about us at...
FROM THE WORD
"“Our forefathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the desert. It had been made as God directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. Having received the tabernacle, our fathers under Joshua brought it with them when they took the land from the nations God drove out before them. It remained in the land until the time of David, who enjoyed God’s favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built the house for him. “However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says: â€â€˜Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things?’ “You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.â€The Stoning of Stephen
When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,†he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.†At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.†Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.†When he had said this, he fell asleep." (Acts 7:44-60)
The Day of the Lord
"‘And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 31 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved;
for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said,
among the survivors whom the LORD calls." (Joel 2:28-32)
Read the Bible (NIV Version) 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
KNOWING GOD351. The more I discover about God the more I realise there is to know.
352. The closer I get to God, the more I realise how big He is and how small I am.
353. While God graciously accepts me as I am, His desire is for me to become more like Him.
354. When God moves, the results are beyond our imagination. Why then do we try and do His work ourselves?
811. Sanctification is 'the means', holiness 'the end'.
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
38 As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.†(Mark 12:38-40)
TO READ THIS CARTOON AND SEE THE OTHER
PICTURES IN THIS EMAIL YOU NEED TO BE ONLINE.
Check it out at...
TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: SERMON ON THE MOUNT - THE KINGDOM WAYJesus' kingdom sermon about how we are to live our lives in Him.
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." ***
135. CHURCH BILLBOARDS
* Come work for the Lord. The work is hard, the hours are long and the pay is low. But the retirement benefits are out of this world!
* It is unlikely there'll be a reduction in the wages of sin.
* Forbidden fruit creates many jams.
* Try our Sundays. They are better than Baskin-Robbins.
* Searching for a new look? Have your faith lifted here.
* Have trouble sleeping? We have sermons-come hear one.
* People are like tea bags--you have to put them in hot water before you now how strong they are.
* Where will you be sitting in eternity-smoking or non-smoking?
134. CHRISTIAN PICK-UP LINES
by Craig Martinosky
1. Nice bible"
2. "I would like to pray with you"
3. "You know Jesus? Me too!"
4. "God told me to come talk to you"
5. "I know a church where we could go and talk"
6. "How about a hug, sister?"
7. "Do you need help carrying your Bible? It looks heavy."
8. "Christians don't shake hands, Christians gotta hug!"
9. "Oh, you're cold? Maybe we should read Ecclesiastes 4:11"
10. "Did it hurt when you fell from Heaven?"
11. "What are your plans for tonight? Feel like a bible study?"
12. "I am here for you."
13. "The word says "Give drink to those who are thirsty, and feed the hungry," So...how about dinner?"
14. "You don't have an accountability partner? Me neither."
15. "You want to come over and watch "The 10 Commandments" tonight?"
16. "Is it a sin that you stole my heart?"
17. "Would you happen to know a Christian woman that I could love with all my heart and wait on hand and foot?"
18. "Nice bracelet. 'What would Jesus date? Uh, I mean *do*'"
19. "Do you believe in Divine appointment?"
20. "Have you ever tried praying at a drive in before?"
21. "Excuse me, I believe one of your ribs belongs to me."
22. "My friend told me to come and meet you, he said that you are a really nice person. I think you know him. Jesus, yeah that's his name."
23. "You know, they say that you have never really dated, until you have dated a Christian."
24. "Yeah, I predicted David over Goliath."
25. "What? Friends listen to Amazing Grace by candle light."
133. CALL TO WORSHIP
Two shipwrecked sailors were adrift on a raft for days. Finally, in desperation, one knelt and began to pray, "Oh Lord, I know I've been a pretty bad guy. I've drunk too much booze, and chased too many women. I've lied and cheated. I've done so many things that I'm ashamed of, but Lord, if you'll just save me I promise that I'll . . ."
"Hold it," interrupted his shipmate, "don't say another word, I think I just spotted land."
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 group of flamingos called?ANSWER: A pat. (Got that down pat!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: How many sweat glands do we have in our
body?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS289. HOW MUCH TALK?
Parrots, most famous of all talking birds, rarely acquire a vocabulary of more than twenty words. However, Tymhoney Greys and African Greys have been known to carry vocabularies in excess of 100 words. (Do parrots, parrot each other?)
290. THAT'S HEAVY!
A pulsar is a small star made up of neutrons so densely packed together that if one the size of a silver dollar landed on Earth, it would weigh approximately 100 million tons. (Couldn’t just pick it up and put it in your pocket. The stitching would give way!)
291. REAL BAD LUCK
A dog was killed by a meteor strike at Nakhla, Egypt, in 1911. The unlucky canine is the only creature ever known to have been killed by a meteor. (Not worth worrying about. But then one day…)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
MISSHAPE
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 - PROVERBS
14) How many pillars had the house that wisdom built?A - 2
B - 7
C - 12
D - 40
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"""GOD SAID
!!!!!!! If you never were broken, then how would you know that I can make you whole?
!!!!!! If you never had a problem, how would you know that I can solve them?
!!!!! If you never had any suffering, then how would you know what Jesus went through?
!!!! If you never went through the fire, then how would you become pure?
!!! If I gave you all things, how would you appreciate them?
!! If I never corrected you, how would you know that I love you?
! If you had all power, then how would you learn to depend on me?
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
'TILL DEATH DO US PART
87. FEAR OF THUNDEROne summer evening during a violent thunderstorm a mother was tucking her small boy into bed. She was about to turn off the light when he asked with a tremor in his voice, "Mommy, will you sleep with me tonight?"
The mother smiled and gave him a reassuring hug. "I can't dear," she said. "I have to sleep in Daddy's bed."
A long silence was broken at last by his shaky little voice, "The big sissy."
88. MAN WAS FIRST
It's obvious that God made man first, then woman. Man is like a rough draft, woman is the finished copy.
89. QUICK QUIP
Don't marry for money. You can borrow it cheaper!
-Primatutu
90. WHICH LAW
John was brought before the court on the charge of refusing to obey a police Officer. "Why did you refuse to move on when asked to do so by the officer?" the judge inquired, obviously wondering what unexplained force could have given such a man strength to buck a strong minion of the law.
"It's like this, your honor," explained John. "My wife said I was to meet her at exactly twelve noon at that spot - and I was forced to choose between man's law and wife's law."
Have more marriage and family laughs here.......
BIBLE TRIVIA (Old Testament Family Life)
THE REVERENCE OF THE CHILDREN FOR THEIR PARENTS........... and especially the father, was almost universal in Biblical lands. It was customary for a child to greet their father in the morning with a kiss to the hand, standing before him with an attitude of humility, ready to receive an order or permission to leave. After this, the child was often pulled up onto the father's lap. In places, these traditions remain today.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Lots more 'God Facts' are found at...
Vietnam Allows Large Public Worship Service
By George Thomas & Lucille TalusanCBN News Reporters
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
An historic event happened over the weekend in communist Vietnam, when tens of thousands of Christians worshipped publicly. This event came about after Vietnamese Christians had suffered many years of persecution and hardships.
It's a sight that many thought they would never see -- the gospel openly proclaimed in the communist country.
For decades most of Vietnam's Christians have been forced to worship in secret.
However, over the weekend, the government gave permission for house churches to hold an outdoor evangelistic service and more than 35,000 people showed up.
It is a testimony to the faith and perseverance of the country's church leaders.
"As Americans we take these kinds of things for granted the opportunity to gather and assemble and to worship and celebrate Christmas but in Vietnam the government has not allowed this and there has not been something like this for 35 years and this is historic," said Bruce Jackson of Jackson Family Ministries.
Most Vietnamese have never heard the gospel message. When the pastor gave the altar call, some 8,000 people responded.
CBN News Asia Correspondent Lucille Talusan attended the service and confirmed the number of people at the event.
"Thousands of people came forward to surrender their lives to Jesus," Talusan said. "Actually the stage could not hold all the people and so most of the people were on the ground."
"I feel very happy, because I can become a Christian," said attendee Tram Nguyen. "I cannot describe my feeling now, really very happy. I can cry."
Overwhelmed by the success of the event, the organizers fell to their knees in thanks.
It would be premature to say that religious freedom has come to Vietnam.
In fact, police stopped several buses carrying Christians from outlying provinces to keep them from attending the event. Nevertheless, the leaders are encouraged to press on until the gospel message is heard throughout their country.
"God is working marvelously in ways we cannot imagine," said Pastor Khoa Ho, president of Vietnam Evangelical Fellowship. "We have experienced many great things that God is doing in this country and so we believe there will be more greater things to come."
"We dream that in every village in Vietnam we will have big crusade so that countless, millions of Vietnamese come to know the Lord," said Pastor Daniel Nhan, vice president of Vietnam Evangelical Fellowship.
Source: CBNnews.com
Via Openheaven.com
Many more Godfacts 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 here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
Before Adam and Eve sinned, there was no need for time, for they had eternity. The tyranny of time is one of the costs of man's fall. Seems appropriate for this busy time of year!A MATTER OF TIME
Isn’t time such a wonderful thing,
Seems as long as a piece of string.
Not knowing where it begins, or is likely to end,
With so much of it, you can give some to a friend.
In the bright sparkle of youth,
It’s never ending, ’tis the truth!
So much to do, but with all the time in the world,
No hurry to use it! In bed we lie, snugly curled.
Then comes along the responsibilities of life,
Now it’s time to settle down with the wife.
Still the time ahead, it seems so great,
To be lovingly shared, now with a mate.
But soon comes along the patter of little feet,
And suddenly, time is no longer in surfeit!
For now there just are too few hours in the day,
To do all your work, no longer time to play.
The family grows up,
With a cat and a pup.
Then all of a sudden they are leaving home,
For now it’s their turn, the world to roam.
Where did all the years dash?
Disappeared now in a flash!
Yes, time it truly does you con,
Once so much, now all gone.
Then it’s time to do all the things we desire,
As time passes, from our work we may now retire.
But while the mind is willing, the body’s now weak,
For old man time, havoc on our person does wreak.
So the moral of the story, both for woman and man,
Is to use every minute in the best way we can.
For all too soon, time comes to an end,
Then to heaven or hell, it does us send.
More of David's offerings at...
A DAVID MUSING
This week at Seekers we had our highs and lows. Our new Gisborne store exceeded all expectations, while our local stores we have been struck by shoplifting and theft. The ups and downs of life.Sadly, at this time of the celebration of Christmas, there are also highs and lows. Here in New Zealand, there is more family violence on Christmas Day requiring police intervention than on any other day of the year. Much fuelled by alcohol - and now drugs.
Christmas too, can be a season of sadness for those who have lost loved ones at this time, past or present.
So let us remember, amidst the celebration, that not all are sharing in our joy. Maybe we can take time out during our week or day to help or comfort someone to whom Christmas is not so joyous this year.
Surely, that is what Jesus would do, isn't it?
Until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: EMPHASIS
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: B - 7 (Proverbs 9:1)
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
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