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MUSINGS ON THE KINGDOM - PAST, FUTURE AND PRESENT

KINGDOM PRESENT - THE KINGDOM PARABLES

7 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8 “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this man your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. 10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” 12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:7-14)

While not strictly a kingdom parable, it certainly is a parable about kingdom behaviour.

The story is about a feast, but the implications of what Jesus is saying extend far wider than eating!

Jesus is teaching a lesson on motivation.

Why do I do something? Am I thinking, "What is in this for me?" For that is the way of the world, the way of human nature. For we are born selfish. Watch a child's behaviour. It is all too often about 'I'. "I will be good if you give me a play station!" We know it! We are manipulated by it! For we love our kids.

Unfortunately, as we grow older, we don't change, we just get more subtle about it! Much of our behaviour remains motivated by self interest.

In this parable Jesus 'takes a dig at' pride of position and self serving generosity. A sideswipe at two of the three motivators of men - 'girls, gold and glory'!

This story really gets to the heart of what true Christianity is. For genuine, mature, Jesus believers are required to put God and others before themselves. The Pharisees and Sadducees asked Jesus about the requirements of following in His ways.

"37 Jesus replied: ”‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

We all know this, but do we live it?

It worries me when I hear evangelists say, "Come to Jesus and life will be wonderful." Many too, will (falsely) preach health and wealth to accompany conversion.

They are both right and wrong. But they are wrong viewed from the natural perception of the non believers they are preaching to. Misleading in fact. For the non believer will understand what they are saying to be more of the values they already have.

But the reality of Christian living is that happiness comes not from receiving, but giving, not from power and position, but from humility, of placing others ahead of yourself. Values that are very different, the opposite of those that apply in the world.

The form of 'evangelism' applied by Jesus in the parable involving the rich young ruler was very different!

22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Luke 18:22)

Do we preach the sacrifice that brings true happiness?

29 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30 will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.” (Luke 18:29-30)

Or about the meek, the humble, obtaining the inheritance?

5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.(Matthew 5:5)

May we be more honest in how we present the kingdom. And lead by example, through living a genuine kingdom lifestyle.

(Continued next week)

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FROM THE WORD

The Rich Ruler

"A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’” “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said. When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, 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.” Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!” “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.”" (Luke 18:18-30)

The Beatitudes

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:1-12)

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DAVID'S DOODLINGS

RELIGION, REVELATION AND GOD'S KINGDOM



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CRANWELL'S CARTOON

32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for merely human reasons, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” (1 Corinthians 15:32)




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TUESDAY TEACHINGS

THIS WEEK: SERMON ON THE MOUNT - THE KINGDOM WAY continues.....

...... as we consider prayer requests and our behaviour to others.

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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." ***

174. WELL, YOU ASKED...
A young preacher, fresh out of seminary, was scheduled to deliver the sermon at a pastor’s convention. Afterwards he asked an old pastor what he thought of his sermon. Kindly, he replied, “Young man, your sermon was like the peace and mercy of God.”
Taking it as a compliment he pressed, “What do you mean?”

“It was like the peace of God in that it passed all understanding,” replied the pastor, “And the mercy of God in that I thought it would endure forever.”

173. OOPS!
A young preacher was visiting a man in an oxygen tent in a hospital room. Standing by the bed he asked the elderly gentleman how he was feeling, but the patient merely grunted. Undeterred, the minister opened his Bible and began to read.

Soon he noticed a change come over the man. His eyes started bulging and his face began to turn red. Sensing the end was near, the pastor asked if he had any message, or last words. The man nodded weakly, motioning to something beside the bed. Spotting a table, the sympathetic pastor picked up a pad and pencil and passed it to the man under the oxygen tent. The man wrote something, stuffed it in the preacher's hand, then died.
Shaken, the preacher stepped out of the room. Remembering the note, and realizing the importance of the man's last words, he uncrumpled the paper and read the hastily scrawled words: "You're standing on my oxygen line."

172. SYMPATHY
A minister joined a new acquaintance on the golf course, hoping to bring the subject around to church. The course adjoined a cemetery, and as they neared the next hole they observed a funeral procession coming down the road. As it passed their location the man stopped, solemnly removed his hat, and bowed his head till it passed. The minister, touched by his reverence, remarked, “I must say, friend. That was a most heart-warming display of sympathy. I’m touched by your show of respect.”

The golfer replaced his cap. “It’s the least I could do,” he said as he resumed rolling his golf bag to the green. “After all, she was my wife for 18 years.”

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FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What is the underlying meaning of the number
'7' in the Bible?

ANSWER: Completion, Perfection, and Maturity (How did I get to my
eighth birthday then?)

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What invention has resulted in less sleep
times for humans?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

241. GO REPTILE, GO!
The world's fastest reptile - on land - is the spiny-tailed iguana of Costa Rica. It has been clocked at 21.7 miles per hour (35kph). (A veritable ‘Reptilian Racer’.)

242. MAMMOTH IVORY
The woolly mammoth, extinct since the Ice Age, had tusks almost 16 feet (5m) high. (A mammoth task, raising tusks.)

243. LIFE'S A HEADACHE
According to Bayer Aspirin, over 50 billion aspirin tablets are taken worldwide each year. (Aspirin makes the world go round. Instead of the head!)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

Make another word from this word using all the letters.

ASPIRES

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 - MOUNTAINS

10) What is an alternative name for Mount Hermon?

A - Zion
B - Sirion
C - Smyrna
D - Sinai

Source: www.biblequizzes.com

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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!

"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""

SAYINGS FOR YOU TO PONDER

!!!!!!! The Scripture passages that bother me the most are the ones I understand.

!!!!!! Did you hear about the undertaker who closed his letters with the words "Eventually Yours"?

!!!!! Some people talk, not because they have something to say, but because they have to say something.

!!!! A curious person who asks questions may be a fool for five minutes ~ he who never asks questions remains a fool forever.

!!! To really know a man, observe his behaviour with a woman, a flat tyre, and a child.

!! A shady business never yields a sunny life.

! A gossip is just a fool with a keen sense of rumour.

100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...

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LIFE LAUGHS

1. PET ALARM
Marge was telling her friend Grace how she gets her son out of bed in the morning. "I just open his door and toss the cat on his bed... He sleeps with his dog."

2. HOW YOUR DOG OWNS YOU
You believe every dog is a lap dog.

If you are cold, you put a sweater on your dog.

You have a picture of your dog in your wallet, but not one of your kids.

You have your dog talk to your friends on the phone.

You can't fully enjoy yourself without your dog.

No matter how large your bed is, it is not large enough for you and your dog(s).

You spend more on clothes and food for your dog than you do for yourself.

You believe there is no such thing as a naughty dog.

When you need someone to talk to, your dog is your first choice.

You sit on the floor if the dog got in the chair first.

3. MEN AND DOGS THE SAME?
Both take up too much space on the bed.
Both have irrational fears about vacuum cleaning.
Neither tells you what's bothering them.
The smaller ones tend to be more nervous.
Neither understands what you see in cats.
Neither does any dishes.
Neither of them notices when you get your hair cut.
Both like dominance games.
Both are suspicious of the postman.

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BIBLE TRIVIA (Old Testament Family Life)

THE WEANING OF A CHILD IS AN IMPORTANT EVENT IN THE EAST

In many places it is celebrated by a party, religious ceremonies, and sometimes, the formal presentation of rice to the child.

Hebrew babies are breastfed from 2 to 4, or even five years. Hannah likely weaned Samuel after age 3 and brought him to the Lord. A scriptural recording of the weaning feast is found in Genesis 21:8, where Isaac was weaned and presented to the Lord.

Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys

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Egyptian Brothers Fight to Keep Christian Identity

by Gary Lane, CBN News

CAIRO, EGYPT - What would you do if your government designated you a Muslim just because your father converted to Islam? That's what happened to two teenage brothers in Egypt.

Now they have filed a legal challenge to retain their Christian identity and the landmark decision may come as early as next week.

FIGHTING FOR THEIR FAITH

Andrew and Mario Labib are 15 year-old twin brothers in Egypt.

They were born into a Coptic Christian family, but their father later converted to Islam and now their government says they are Muslim.

That is significant because that is the designation that will be placed on their national identity cards when they turn 16 in June.

The twins said their father Ramses became a Muslim only because he wanted to divorce their mother -- which is prohibited in the Coptic faith.

The boys insist they should not be forced to be regarded as Muslims just because their father converted.

They want to be designated as Christians on their ID cards.

"No one has the right to ask us to change it," Andrew said.

"Christianity is the religion that I was born in and I'm used to it," Mario said. "I love Jesus and I believe in Him and I want to serve Him."

The identity card fight is just the most recent in a series of legal battles for the family.

After the divorce the father was granted custody of the boys because the courts traditionally favor a Muslim parent in custody battles. But in an unprecedented move, a high court awarded their mother Kamilia custody on appeal.

"This custody verdict hasn't happened for about one hundred years," Kamilia said. "God has created them and has given them this faith, this blessing and I am responsible to make sure they are safe and have all their rights."

That includes the right to choose their own religion.

WHAT A MUSLIM ID WOULD MEAN

If the court denies that right and they are designated Muslims on their identity cards, Andrew and Mario would not be able to marry in the Coptic church.

Their children would be designated Muslim as well -- even if their mother was Christian.

They would also be forced to take Islamic studies in school and could be held back a grade if they fail testing in the course.

But in a Muslim dominated society that persecutes Christians, there may be advantages to being identified as a Muslim.

"It would be easier, but I believe in Christianity," Mario said. "Why would I change it?"

PAYING THE ULTIMATE PRICE

What is the worst case scenario if the court rules against the twins? Their brother George fears they may pay the ultimate price for continuing to practice their Christian faith.

"Any Muslim who converts back to whatever religion he had before would be death," George said. "Someone could actually try to kill them."

Andrew and Mario say the court can change their Egyptian identity, but not their hearts.

"I will still be Christian in my heart even if some people make me become Muslim, but I want to be Christian," Mario said. "I will pray for Christianity secretly in my heart."

"We believe that through Jesus we can go to heaven and if we believe in Him, we don't have to be slaves," Andrew said. "He loves us and we love Him."

"So, all of Egypt is awaiting this verdict -- whether two twin boys, 15 year-old Andrew and his brother Mario are allowed to maintain their Christian identity -- which is something they've had ever since birth, or be forced to become Muslims.

Source: CBNnews.com

via OpenHeaven.com

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DAVID'S DOWNLOAD

A REVELATION OF……. 3 MIRACULOUS CONCEPTIONS

And how they mirrored aspects of the life of Jesus up to 2050 years before He was born. Our God is amazing!

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WAXING LYRICAL

Today was a Sunday. I was late starting to write PGIM, for I listened in the early morning on the radio to the New Zealand 'All Blacks' beating Ireland 22-3 in a Rugby Union international. By way of explanation, the game was played in Ireland, who are currently 11 hours behind New Zealand time.

Finally, coming to write, A David Musing, I had no inspiration, so asked the Lord what to write! 'A poem!' 'No Lord, takes too long! 'Call it Tick Tock!' (God has a sense of humour!) 'Okay Lord.'

The result follows. And it didn't take too long, after all!

TICK TOCK

Hours fly by,
Oh me, oh my!
Deadlines come, deadlines go,
Need to go, with the flow.

Tick tock goes the clock.

The day dawns nice and bright,
Summer's here, heaps of light.
Enjoy the sun,
Have some fun.

Tick tock goes the clock.

Months do pass,
All too fast.
Christmas will soon be here,
Time of goodwill and cheer.

Tick tock goes the clock.

The years, they roll by,
Oh my, how they fly!
From youth, onwards to middle age,
Life proceeds, stage by stage.

Tick tock goes the clock.

A new generation takes the stage,
What's happened? 'Tis called age!
Time flies by now, even faster,
Get ready to meet thy master!

Tick tock goes the clock.

The clock stops... silence reigns.
Now is it loss, or is it gains?
Where will you be the day your time is up?
In hell, or in heaven, with Jesus to sup?

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A DAVID MUSING

Well, I have made it! To Vanuatu and back in 5 days.

Impressions? The friendliness of the people. The poor living conditions. The contrast in wealth between locals and foreigners. And the friendliness of the people again! Happiness is not found in money - obviously!

A single experience that impacted me was staying in a local motel. It was comfortable enough, but there was no TV or radio, nor did I have a computer. My Kathy was not with me either. It was simply silent!

What could I do? Had to entertain myself! Lots of reading done! But it felt so different! We are so just used to being bombarded with entertainment that noise has become the norm.

The question is , "How can the still small voice of the Spirit of God get through to us when our daily lives are so busy with noise and action?"

It would be the correct religious thing to say that the time was one of great closeness to God. But, being honest, it wasn't particularly. My mind was likely too distracted on the many things I had to do in a very limited time. God did use me however, to bring help to a person in spiritual need, which was unexpected and fulfilling.

The lesson has been that I, that we, regularly need to switch off the entertainment and put aside our work, in order to seek our Lord. He waits patiently for us!

Until next week.......

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: PRAISES

TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: 10) B - Sirion (Deuteronomy 3:9)

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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 website
wwj.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!

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