MUSINGS ON THE KINGDOM - PAST, FUTURE AND PRESENT

KINGDOM PRESENT - THE KINGDOM PARABLES

The Parable of the Two Sons

28 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ 29 ”‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. 30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. (Matthew 21:28-32)

Have you ever sung the song...

Create in me a clean heart, O God
And renew your Spirit within me.
Create in me a clean heart, O God
And renew your Spirit within me.

The sacrifices acceptable to you,
O Lord, are a broken spirit.
A broken heart, a contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.

How contrite is your heart? But..... it is only a song, David...... I am worshipping as I sing it......you know what I mean.....

What do you mean?

It is so easy to let the religious words flow off our tongue and then do....... nothing!

So now, we can start to understand this parable of the kingdom.

For we are all guilty, at times if not all the time, of uttering words, that sound right for the situation, but which we do not convert into actions.

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22)

Our God is a God of action, not talk. We are not just to preach the word, but to be the living word. "I am not a preacher," I hear you say - with relief! But nor are we to be just hearers, but rather, doers of the word! No-one is excluded! Not me, not you.

Talk is cheap, action priceless!

Jesus goes on to rebuke the religious, through defining the true meaning of 'belief'. Belief here is a verb, a doing word, a word, a state of being, that requires action! Not only of the mind, but also of the emotions, and most importantly, of the will.

Who will be obedient to the Lord?

Jesus tells us. Those who need Him most. The most sinful who repent. For they know where they have been and don't want to go back there! They truly understand the meaning of 'turning their life around'.

Many who are reading this will have been blessed to have been brought up in Christian homes where church is a lifestyle inculcated in you from birth. It is easy to sing the songs and say the words, for they come naturally. We can even make a commitment, say the sinners prayer and live a good life, but not truly know and live for Jesus. Have been there and done that! I am talking from experience!

For me it took a rejection of this 'churchian' lifestyle and a period of 10+ years living in the world, firstly with success, then monumental failure, to bring me to true repentance.

We are all sinners,

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,(Romans3:23)

The only problem is, many of us brought up to live a good, or maybe, religious, life, do not truly understand our need to repent, as much as the thief or the prostitute does.

Being good will not get us into the kingdom.

7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. (Luke 15:7)

Another warning to the Pharisees of that day and this!

19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:19-20)

We will all perish unless we genuinely repent (turn around and walk away from) our sins.

2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. (Luke 13:2-3)

It took me 42 years to truly understand and act upon this in my life! A slow learner!

How about you?

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FROM THE WORD

Listening and Doing

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." (James 1:19-27)

No One Is Righteous

"What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The poison of vipers is on their lips.” “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin." (Romans 3:9-20)

The Fulfillment of the Law

"“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:17-20)

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DAVID'S DOODLINGS

ON REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS

163. 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!

1305. True revival is built upon the foundation of tears.

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CRANWELL'S CARTOON

20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.








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TUESDAY TEACHINGS

THIS WEEK: THE POWER OF THE CALL continues...

... as we look at both the blessings and obligations of our call.

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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." ***

227. TIMOTHY AND ANTONIO
There were two Catholic boys, Timothy Murphy and Antonio Secola whose lives paralleled each other in amazing ways. In the same year Timothy was born in Ireland, Antonio was born in Italy.

Faithfully they attended parochial school from kindergarten through their senior year in high school. They took their vows to enter the priesthood early in college, and upon graduation became priests. Their careers had come to amaze the world, but it was generally acknowledged that Antonio was just a cut above Timothy in all respects. Their rise through the ranks of Bishop, Archbishop, and finally Cardinal was meteoric to say the least, and the Catholic world knew that when the present Pope died, it would be either Timothy or Antonio who would become the next Pope.

In time the Pope did die, and the College of Cardinals went to work. In less time than anyone expected, smoke rose from the chimney and the world waited to see who they had chosen. The world, Catholic, Protestant, and secular was surprised to learn that Timothy Murphy had been elected Pope.

Antonio was beyond surprise, he was devastated because, even with all Timothy's giftedness, Antonio knew he was the better qualified. With gall that shocked the Cardinals, Antonio asked for a private session with them in which he candidly asked, "Why Timothy?"

After long silence one old Cardinal took pity on the bewildered Antonio and rose to reply, "We knew you were the better of the two, but we just could not bear the thought of the leader of the Roman Catholic Church being called "Pope Secola."

226. MARRIED IN HEAVEN
A couple is driving to the chapel to get married. Tragically, they have an accident and both are instantly killed. They arrive in heaven, still so very much in love and petition an audience with God. They then ask God if they can still get married in heaven. God says that there is no reason to do so, it is not done, etc. The couple is persistent in professing their love and desire to be wed. God finally relents just a bit and says, "Okay, but first you must wait five years.

Five years go by; they are still eager to be wed, so they go to see God. And again, God tells them that they must wait another five years. The five years go by, and finally the couple has the wedding that they always dreamed of. However, after a few months, they begin to learn that being married is not the same as being engaged, and they appear before God seeking a divorce! God's response to their request: "What? It took Me 10 years to find a clergy person up here, and now you expect Me to find a lawyer?"

225. THE MUMMY'S HEART FAILURE
An archaeologist was digging in the Negev Desert in Israel and came upon a casket containing a mummy. After examining it, he called the curator of a prestigious natural-history museum. "I've just discovered a 3,000 year-old mummy of a man who died of heart failure!" the excited scientist exclaimed. To which the curator replied, "Bring him in. We'll check it out."

A week later, the amazed curator called the archaeologist. "You were right about the mummy's age and cause of death. How in the world did you know?"

"Easy. There was a piece of paper in his hand that said, '10,000 Shekels on Goliath'."

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FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: When Sesame Street's Big Bird has a birthday, he luckily always remains the same age. How old is he?

ANSWER: 6 years old. (Lucky bird!)

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Is a raven and a crow the same bird?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

187. LIVING CAVES
According to experts, large caves tend to ‘breathe’. They inhale and exhale great quantities of air when the barometric pressure on the surface changes, and so air rushes in or out seeking equilibrium. (Takes your breath away!)

188. ‘HAND-Y’
A cluster or bunch of bananas is called a hand while the individual bananas are called fingers. (Handy knowledge this!)

189. STONED
In ancient Egypt, when merchants left the country on a business trip they carried small stone models of themselves. If they died while abroad, these figurines were sent back to Egypt for proxy burial. (Hearts of stone?)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

Make another word from this word using all the letters.

TAGGED

Answer at the end of A David Musing

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BIBLE QUESTION - WHERE IS THE QUOTATION FROM?

9) Your people will be my people and your God my God

A - 1 Samuel 22:9
B - Ruth 1:16
C - Lamentations 1:7
D - Joshua 8:10

Source: www.biblequizzes.com

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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!

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

!!!!!!! A careful study of economics usually reveals that the best time to buy anything is last year.

!!!!!! A perfectionist is one who takes great pains, and gives them to everyone else.

!!!!! A picture may be worth a thousand words but it uses up a thousand times more memory.

!!!! Accomplishing the impossible means only the boss will add it to your regular duties.

!!! Character is like a fence - it cannot be strengthened by whitewash.

!! Grandma's advice: Do your best and leave the rest.

! Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today.

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JUST JOKES

160. I'M SORRY
"I'm sorry," said the clerk in flower shop, "we don't have potted geraniums. Could you use African violets instead?"

Replied the customer sadly, "No, it was geraniums my wife told me to water while she was gone."

159. OUT OF THIS WORLD
A flying saucer was low on fuel, so it landed near a local gas station. On its side were the letters "UFO."

The gas station attendant was stunned, but his curiosity got the best of him.

"Does that stand for Unidentified Flying Object?" he asked.

"No," one of the other-worldly travelers responds. "It stands for "Unleaded Fuel Only."

158. LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE
A sloth named Herman is walking through the forest one day. A gang of snails approach him and beat him up. He is left at the bottom of a tree with several cuts and bruises.

Several hours later he gathers up enough strength to go to a local police station. Herman walks into the Sergeant's office. "What happened to you? the officer asks.

"A gang of snails beat me up," Herman replied.

"Can you describe what they looked like?"

"I don't know," the sloth says. "It all happened so fast."

157.YOUR JOB?
A career military man, who had retired as a corporal, was telling the younger men how he handled officers during his years of service...

"It didn't matter a hoot if he was a Major General, an Admiral, or the Commander-in-Chief. I met these guys every single day and always told them exactly where to get off!"

"Wow, you musta been something," the admiring young soldiers remarked. "What was your job in the service?"

He replied, "Elevator operator in the Pentagon..."

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BIBLE TRIVIA (Manners and Customs - Clothing and Accessories)

THE DRESS OF WOMEN.....

...... was different in detail from that of men but similar in style, being a little more elaborate. The veil was distinctive women's apparel. All females, with the exception of maidservants, women of low status, and prostitutes, wore a veil.

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

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Study Finds Statistically Significant Improvement in Hearing and Vision Linked to Iris Ministries

BLOOMINGTON, IN - Candy Gunther Brown, an associate professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Indiana University Bloomington, led the study of "proximal intercessory prayer" for healing.

Brown and her colleagues studied the activities of the healing groups Iris Ministries and Global Awakening in Mozambique and Brazil because of their reputation as hotspots of specialized prayer for those with hearing and vision impairments. The researchers used an audiometer and vision charts to evaluate 14 rural Mozambican subjects who reported impaired hearing and 11 who reported impaired vision, both before and after the subjects received proximal intercessory prayer (PIP).

The study focused on hearing and vision because it is possible to measure them with hearing machines and vision charts, allowing a more direct measure of improvement than simply asking people whether they feel better.

Subjects exhibited improved hearing and vision that was statistically significant after PIP was administered.

via OpenHeaven.com

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DAVID'S DOWNLOAD

WALKING WITH JESUS POSTER

Quoting 1 John 2:1-6, six of the most thought provoking and important verses in scripture for walking with Jesus today. A4 size.

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WAXING LYRICAL

When inspiration fails me I write a rubbish rhyme! Enjoy - or cry - or empathasise!

U 2?

Not a thought.
But I ought
To have inspiration,
Not perspiration.
In emptiness am caught!

At least it does still rhyme.
Caught the brain in time.
Rubbish 4 u 2 read,
Must get up to speed.
Many mountains yet to climb.

So now u take a rest,
Your brain do not test,
Next week will be better,
Letter will follow letter,
4 I may b back 2 my best!

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A DAVID MUSING

Until recently, the effects of the recession have not been felt by our second hand clothing business, Seekers Megamart. However, over the past couple of months, we too, have started to notice the effects of the downturn.

Many expect that businesses such as ours would benefit in such a situation, but reality is, when people decide not to spend, they don't spend anywhere. But we know that, in due course, things will improve again, for the economic cycle has its ups and downs.

A lot like our spiritual life. We have both mountain top and valley experiences. It is in the hard times that we are most open to allowing God to change us! And to truly appreciate the mountain top experiences when they finally come.

Life is an ever changing journey. We try to insulate ourselves from the ups and downs, particularly the downs. But the rich variety of life's twists and turns are to be lived rather than avoided. It is in that way we grow and mature to become like Jesus.

Now He didn't try to avoid the cross, did He? Thank you Jesus.

Until next week.......

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: GADGET

TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: 8) D - Psalm 24:1

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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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