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: 474 Published: 22 Nov 2010
HEARING FROM GOD
PROPHECY ON YOUR LIFEIf you move in 'Spirit filled' circles you will likely be comfortable in this area of prophecy, but if you don't, you may well be as suspicious of it, as I was at one time.
Prophecy however, is one of the 5 spiritual ministry gifts.
11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, (Ephesians 4:11)
It is a gift available to all who earnestly seek the Lord. For example, we are not all evangelists, but we are all expected to evangelise.
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. (1 Corinthians 14:1)
My friend Rodney, at THE GOSPEL FAITH MESSENGER , runs seminars encouraging people to develop their spiritual gifts, specially prophecy. A few weeks ago, he conducted a seminar here in Napier, which was attended by people from diverse spiritual backgrounds, with the common thread of being hungry for more of the Lord. We broke into small groups of round 10 people and practiced prophesying over the other members of the group, in a non threatening situation. Most had never prophesied over anyone in their life! People were initially reluctant, but once they found out that in God's strength and the Holy Spirit's leading, they could do it, accurate words blossomed. An amazing and encouraging experience.
My first experience of personal prophecy over my life was at the completion of really, the only study course I have done, called Word of Life. At the conclusion of the course, a presbytery was held, where out of town prophets were brought in to pray over the graduates.
14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (1 Timothy 4:14KJV)
I was scared! Had to put a couple of things right with Kathy before going! However, I didn't understand that the true nature of personal prophecy is to be an encouragement.
I have never forgotten these two prophecies I received, nearly 20 years ago now. In the first, I would be one who would climb the mountain of God higher than others, but Jesus would guide me on the way. In the second, I was a small seed that would grow into a big oak tree, under which people would come for shelter, teaching, etc.
In the small group at Rodney's seminar, one of the ladies in the group, who had not prophesied previously, told me she had a picture of me as a big oak tree! She had no idea of the previous prophecy! Wow! It had to be God! A confirmation to me, an encouragement for her.
But now for a word of warning! We all desire to know about our future, don't we! Sadly there are people, false prophets who take advantage of this. On the net, and even in the church, there are people who offer to prophecy for a 'gift' or straight out, for money. The bigger the payment the bigger the prophecy! Money has no place in receiving the gift of, or in giving, prophecy!
Peter and John experienced this with Simon the Sorcerer.
18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.†20 Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. (Acts 8:18-22)
Prophecy must not be paid for. If anyone asks for payment, they are a false prophet and will end up in the pit of hell! Sorry to be so strong about this - well, not really - for 'Christian(?) fortune tellers' will pay for their sin with their eternal life.
3 If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.....10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:3-5,10)
Well, have got that off my chest!
The gift of prophecy is going to become more available as we move into the kingdom age. For those who seek the Lord with all their heart, mind and strength, will be blessed with this gift. We are finding in our home meetings, where everyone contributes, prophecy is coming more to the fore. For it is an encouragement both to the giver and receiver.
3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. (1 Corinthians 14:3)
As the church moves to a less formal, kingdom mindset, so God will use His people more and more in the gift of prophecy. Amen.
But most of the time, He talks to me through the Bible.
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FROM THE WORD
Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues"Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified. Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church." (1 Corinthians 14:1-12)
Simon the Sorcerer
"Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is the divine power known as the Great Power.†They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw. When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.†Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.†Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.†When they had testified and proclaimed the word of the Lord, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages." (Acts 8:9-25)
Love of Money
"If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:3-10)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
RELIGION, REVELATION AND GOD'S KINGDOM1033. Religion is centred upon man, the kingdom, upon God.
1034. Religion is the outcome of the institutionalisation of a God given vision.
1035. Religion is based upon rules, God's kingdom upon obedience.
1036. Religion seeks to control the Spirit of God which His kingdom releases.
1037. Religion controls, God's kingdom releases.
1038. Religion seeks to define an infinite God. By definition, it is doomed to failure.
1039. Religion seeks to interpret the answers to life found in God's kingdom. Surely a direct approach is best.
1040. As religion goes, God's kingdom grows.
1041. Revelation and religion make incompatible companions.
1042. Religion resists change while revelation requires it!
1043. Revelation formalised soon becomes religion institutionalised.
1044. God's kingdom breeds revelation, religion, rules.
1045. Religion is man's adaptation of God's revelation.
1046. When religion fails you, turn to God.
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MIRTHFUL MOMENT
A new series of cartoons to bringa 'smile on the dial'!
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THE OTHER PICTURES IN THIS EMAIL
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: A REVELATION OF... LIVING THE KINGDOM LIFESTYLE continues.......... with more life lessons from the kingdom parables of Jesus.
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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." ***
266. LOCH NESS MONSTER AND THE ATHIEST
An atheist was spending a quiet day fishing when suddenly his boat was attacked by the Loch Ness Monster. In one easy flip, the beast tossed him and his boat at least a hundred feet into the air. It then opened it's mouth waiting below to swallow them both.
As the man sailed head over heels and started to fall towards the open jaws of the ferocious beast he cried out, "Oh, my God! Help me!"
Suddenly, the scene froze in place and as the atheist hung in midair a booming voice came out of the clouds and said, "I thought you didn't believe in Me!"
"God, come on, give me a break!" the man pleaded, "Just seconds ago I didn't believe in the Loch Ness Monster either!"
"Well," said God, "now that you are a believer, you must understand that I won't work miracles to snatch you from certain death in the jaws of the monster, but I can change hearts. What would you have me do?"
The atheist thinks for a minute then says, "God, please have the Loch Ness Monster believe in You also.
"God replies, "So be it."
The scene starts in motion again with the atheist falling towards the ravenous jaws of the monster. The Loch Ness Monster folds his claws together and says, "Lord, bless this food You have so graciously provided . . ."
265. NO EXCUSE SUNDAY
To make it possible for everyone to attend church this Sunday, we are going to have a special "No Excuse Sunday":
!!! Cots will be placed in the foyer for those who say, "Sunday is my only day to sleep in."
!!! There will be a special section with lounge chairs for those who feel that our pews are too hard.
!!! Eye drops will be available for those with tired eyes from watching TV late Saturday night.
!!! We will have steel helmets for those who say, "The roof would cave in if I ever came to church."
!!! Blankets will be furnished for those who think the church is too cold, and fans for those who say it is too hot.
!!! Scorecards will be available for those who wish to list the hypocrites present.
!!! Relatives and friends will be in attendance for those who can't go to church and cook dinner, too.
!!! We will distribute "Stamp Out Stewardship" buttons for those that feel the church is always asking for money.
!!! One section will be devoted to trees and grass for those who like to seek God in nature.
!!! Doctors and nurses will be in attendance for those who plan to be sick on Sunday.
!!! The sanctuary will be decorated with both Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies for those who never have seen the church without them.
!!!We will provide hearing aids for those who can't hear the preacher and cotton balls for those who think he's too loud.
Hope to see you there!
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FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What is the real name of the painting now known as the ‘Mona Lisa’?ANSWER: The real name of Leonardo Da Vinci's hugely famous painting is ‘La Giaconda’. It is supposed to be the portrait of the wife of a middle-class Florentine merchant named Francesco del Giacondo, but a number of other alternatives have also been suggested. (Will always be Mona to me.)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What does the name ‘Jolly Roger’ come from?
Answer Next Week.
145. RED FOR PURITY
In ancient times, the traditional colour of bridal gowns was red. The wife of Napoleon III broke with tradition and wore a white gown. Then, copycat brides began wearing white gowns (that were worn only once) as a symbol of their wealth. (Roses are red, violets are blue, Napoleon’s wife went white, so we did too.)
146. A LACK OF CHARM
Birth-control campaigns in Egypt in the late 1970s failed when village women ended up wearing the pills in lockets, as talismans. (Now - where do babies come from?)
147. HOW VERY ODD
Centipedes, members of the class Chilopoda family, always have an uneven number of pairs of walking legs, varying from 15 to more than 171 pairs. The common house centipedes ‘Scutigera coleoptrato’, has 15 pairs of legs. (Putting their best foot forward?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
TAPERED
Answer at the end of A David Musing
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95 THESES to the MODERN EVANGELICAL CHURCH
-by Greg Gordon.[Founder of Sermonindex.net]
(These rang a bell with me! Maybe they will with you too. - David)
17. Modern Christians often find Jesus’ command to sacrifice and serve
abhorrent. (Phil 2:21; Jam 3:16; Rom 12:1-2)
18. Self disciplines in the Christian life such as fasting and praying are
considered legalistic. (2Tim 2:21; 2Tim 1:8; Mt 6:17)
19. Little thought and contemplation is put towards the lostness of men, the
seriousness of the Gospel. (Phil 3:8; Gal 2:20; Heb 10:34)
20. We are living with an epidemic of cheap grace with flippant confession and
shallow consecration. (Lk 14:28-30; Lk 14:26; Jam 4:8)
21. Since the inception of the Church, the Gospel had the requirements of
repentance and discipleship. (Acts 2:38; Lk 14:26; Jn 8:31)
22. Now forgiveness is offered without repentance, discipleship without
obedience, salvation without sanctity. (Heb 10:29; 4:11; Lk 13:24)
23. Introspection, counting the cost, godly sorrow over sin, are all foreign to
many in the “churchâ€. (Acts 2:37; Ps 119:9; Heb 6:1-2)
24. The modern church loves itself more than its neighbor. (1Cor 3:3; Gal 5:13;
Phil 2:3)
25. The church must repent of its idolization of personality, and of business
principles. (2Cor 2:17; 1Cor 3:5; 1Cor 12:23)
26. Many elders and pastors of the “church†sadly are fleecing the flock to
supply their own wants. (Jn 10:12-13; 1Pt 5:2-3; Rev 2:15)
27. The qualities most in demand in today’s pastorate are frequently foreign to
the Scriptures. (1Tim 3:2-3; 1Tim 3:5; 1Tim 1:5-7)
28. The professionalization of the pastorate is a sin and needs to be repented
of. (2Cor 11:13; Gal 3:1; Gal 2:6)
29. There must be repentance for the ambitious desire and idolization of the
celebrity pastorate. (3Jn 9; Jer 17:5; 1Cor 12:22)
30. Pastors must trust the Spirit, not statistics. (2Sam 24:1; 1Cor 1:25; Rom
8:14)
31. Modern day prophets are being stoned by criticism and neglect. (2Tim 4:3-4;
Gal 1:10; Jer 1:7-8)
32. God’s prophets are ill-treated and shunned by most “christians†considered
too harsh or extreme. (Jer 6:10; Isa 6:9-10; Gal 4:16)
(More to follow next week)
BIBLE QUESTION - JOSHUA
3) What did Joshua do after the Israelites crossed over the Jordan?A - set up 12 stones
B - made a fire
C - prayed
D - crossed back over
Source: www.biblequizzes.com
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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! I am powerless to choose my fate; I have the power to choose my response to my fate.
!!!!!! Let God have your life, he can do more with it then you can.
!!!!! I will never turn away anyone who comes to me.
!!!! You can give God a thimble, a bucket, or a drum to fill.
!!! We never know what good He will bring out of a seemingly hopeless situation.
!! Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
! God has said, "I will never leave you; I will never abandon you."
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
LIFE'S A LAUGH
119. MOTHBALLSA hillbilly's old wife sent him to town to get something to rid the place of moths that had troubled them. The druggist sold him a box of mothballs.
Months later, the hill man came into the drugstore, complaining that "them mothballs wouldn't work nohow, noway. Marthy and me we aimed carefully, too. But we ain't hit a single moth! Maybe you got a bigger size, like one of them pool table balls."
120. SOMETHING FAMILIAR
While traveling in Quebec, my father complained that all the street signs were in French. His comments and sarcasm went on and on. Then after passing a billboard for a restaurant that featured filet mignon, he belted out, "Finally! Something in English!"
121. HOW OFTEN?
When I go to a local discount store to get oil and filters for my car, I buy my wife a bouquet of flowers on display near the checkout counter.
During one trip, some women in line behind me were oohing and aahing about a husband getting flowers for his wife. "How often do you do that?" one asked.
Before I could answer, the cashier, more than familiar with my routine, said, "Every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first."
122. IT'S SIMPLE
A reporter was interviewing Jack Nicklaus. He said, "Jack, you are spectacular, your name is synonymous with the game of golf. You really know your way around the course. What is your secret?"
To which Jack replied, "The holes are numbered!"
123. LOCKED IN
Walking through the hallways at the middle school where I work, I saw a new substitute teacher standing outside his classroom with his forehead against a locker.
I heard him mutter, "How did you get yourself into this?"
Knowing that he was assigned to a difficult class, I tried to offer moral support. "Are you okay?" I asked. "Can I help?"
He lifted his head and replied, "I'll be fine as soon as I get this kid out of his locker."
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BIBLE TRIVIA (Manners and Customs - Houses)
THE ONE ROOM HOUSES.......... were usually made of clay bricks dried in the sun but sometimes they were made of the rough, local sandstone and set with a mud mortar.
Only the palaces or houses of the wealthy were built of hewn stone, such as the palaces of Solomon. (1 Kings 7:9)
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Graham still looking to serve the Lord at age 92
By Tim FunkIn 1947, at the age of 27, the Rev. Billy Graham began traveling across America hoping to spark a spiritual revival with his own conversion story. Believing he could save America by saving souls, he became the country's most famous preacher.
An elderly Billy Graham, his arms crossed as he looks heavenward, is pictured on the cover of the November edition of Decision, a magazine published by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
Inside, he is interviewed about what life is like for him now and what counsel he'd give to people who are hurting.
Excerpts:
"Every morning I'm thankful for the gift of another day. And I'm thankful for the good things God continues to give me - family and friends, for example, and even the simple things in life I used to take for granted. I think I notice them more now, and I'm grateful for that."
"I know from personal experience that it's easy to become so overwhelmed by whatever is happening to us that we forget God's promises - promises we've known and trusted most of our lives. That's why we need to turn to the Bible every day, so we won't forget them."
"I know it won't be long before God calls me home, and I want to make each day count for him. I can't do everything I once did - but one thing I can do is pray. So prayer is very important to me now. I pray for our world and its leaders; I pray for our work; I pray for people who are going through hard times."
"Scriptures about heaven are also a great comfort."
"God knows our limitations, and the key is to be faithful. ... We should make it our goal to be more like Christ. Ruth used to say that the devil loves a grumpy old Christian - and I don't ever want to be like that!"
It will be a quiet celebration today in Montreat, as Billy Graham gathers with family to mark his 92nd birthday.
His health fragile, but his mind alert, the Charlotte-born evangelist still has a to-do list: He's working on another book, "Nearing Home," about aging, and he hopes to preach one last time.
"He still has the sermon on his heart," said spokeswoman Melany Ethridge.
Son Franklin Graham and others have been trying to arrange to video Graham offering a message that could then be distributed.
His last crusade was in 2005.
Graham is focusing on the New Testament passage, Galatians 6:14, which he has had posted in large print on his wall: "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."
"While I don't know what the future holds for me, I still look for ways to serve the Lord," Graham said in a statement. "Most of all, I look forward to serving him in heaven one day, alongside my dear wife Ruth, who I miss more every year."
Still receiving visitors
Ethridge and Graham family members say he tries to walk regularly on his property, follows current events on the TV news, and enjoys getting ministry updates from Franklin.
"And he's up to receiving guests - mostly people in the ministry who have looked up to him," Ethridge said.
Since his last birthday, Graham also has welcomed two of America's most prominent figures into his home.
In April, Democrat Barack Obama became the 12th president to meet with Graham, and the first sitting president to visit his home in Montreat. The two talked about golf, their wives, Chicago - a city that helped launch both of their careers - and the presidency.
Last November, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the hottest name in the Republican Party, came calling, staying for dinner and a conversation that covered everything from presidents Graham has known to his take on what the Bible says about Israel, Iran and Iraq.
"I have been honored by so many visitors and grateful for the opportunity to pray with them as we discussed what is going on in the world today," Graham said in the statement.
Happy birthday messages
Graham rarely leaves his home, but he did make a trip to Charlotte in April to celebrate the reopening of the library bearing his name. Rolled into a banquet room in a wheelchair, the white-haired preacher joked with the crowd about dreams he'd been having about growing up on a dairy farm.
"The other night, I woke up and was milking cows!" he told them.
It was his first public appearance in Charlotte since May 2007, when three former presidents - Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton - helped dedicate the library's opening.
Last week, more than 200 library visitors signed two 4-by-8-foot banners wishing Graham a happy birthday - some in Spanish and Japanese. They'll be presented to him.
Among the messages:
"Happy birthday. Thank you for inspiring my late mother who taught me to believe."
"May the Lord bless and keep you and your family always, even to heaven's open gates. As a little girl I came to learn and know Jesus in my heart because of your ministry. God bless."
"Happy birthday, Billy! I don't have the pleasure of knowing you personally, but I know your savior and that is most important. Thank you for giving your life to the Lord."
Looking to future
Graham sounds thankful for his rich past and appears ready to serve any way he's able in the future.
"I am amazed every time I think of how many years the Lord has given me on this earth," he said in the statement. "I am grateful for his blessing on our ministry for more than six decades, but wonder if there is something more he has for me to accomplish."
Via: OpenHeaven.com
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A REVELATION OF…….REVELATION 12:11How to 'walk with Jesus.' The verse upon which this ministry is based. The first revelation received by David Tait, introducing him to ministry.
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WAXING LYRICAL
One of my favourites. It’s self explanatory. Well in the past now. Would be grey these days. Can't have been that impressive. Kathy took a few days to notice it had gone!TO BEARD OR NOT TO BEARD?
To beard or not to beard?
That’s the hairy question.
For thirty years I’ve always feared.
This subject - never to mention.
For you see my friend, I am not hirsute,
To grow me a beard, too great a pursuit.
Until the Christmas of ninety- nine, you know,
When I plucked up the courage to give it a go.
Why not, I said to myself, with great bravado,
Willing to be squelched - an over ripe tomato.
If I don’t give it a try, I’ll never know,
Whether or not my beard will grow.
What a terrible fate it would be for me,
To go to the grave, not knowing if thee,
Would grow to be little more than a fuzz,
Or rather, long and strong - what a buzz!
Give it a go David, yes, that’s what I must do,
Too bad when people think I belong in a zoo.
I will break the mould, live a new life,
Then get in strife, for upsetting the wife!
Each day I look at the mirror, what do I see?
Are my hairs really growing, or is it just me?
Maybe I should count them, one, two, threeee….
One thousand, two hundred and nine – yipeeee!
Gently stroking my prickly stubble, do I detect a problem?
For there’s a bald spot here - smooth as a baby’s bottom!
Right in the middle of where my beard should be!
O Lord, please help me, please give me the key!
The Lord said calmly from way up on high,
"No trouble David, to your stylist in the sky.
The designer beard I have in mind for you,
Is just the thing, will surely see you through."
"But Lord," I said, "you’re up in heaven,
And I live down here - at number seven!
Your scissors would have be so very long,
I’m afraid, that little me, you might prong!"
There has to be a better way, was my thought,
In doom and gloom, I was now caught,
Until the Lord said, "An idea – for I know,
Shall we do it together? Let’s give it a go."
Having no experience in beard styling matters,
My confidence level is quite clearly in tatters.
So I asked the Lord, "Please show me what to do",
He said, "Don’t worry son, my Spirit’s with you."
I said, "that’s fine my Lord, but can he hold the shaver?",
"No my son, but with his help, your hand will not waver."
"I have believed you Lord for far more than this," I said,
"It is written, you have numbered the hairs on my head!"
I pick up my shaver, switch it on at the wall,
My bit’s done. Holy Spirit, now it’s your call.
My mind is so alert, my heart all a flutter,
Awaiting the advice, he’s surely now to utter.
A tentative stroke here, a subtle stroke there,
Stroke here, stroke there, strokes everywhere!
Then it’s all done - now what can I see,
Believe it or not – a designer goatee!
There must always be morals in a story so true,
As we gather life experience, on the way through.
So growing a beard,
Is not to be feared,
But stopping the itch,
Now there’s a hitch,
Reducing the grey?
No, give it away!
Appear intellectual?
Truly ineffectual!
So by all means,
Live your dreams,
It’s better late
Than never mate!
For now I know fluff I can grow,
It ain’t so weird to sport a beard!
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A DAVID MUSING
During the week the manager of one of our Seekers Megamart shops had a health scare where she felt she might die. She didn't! The next day however, she wanted to tell me how much she enjoyed her job and that I was a 'neat boss' to work for.The reason for mentioning this is not too write myself up, although the compliment was nice to hear, but to make the point that we, so often, don't tell people how much we think of them until it is too late, and we are in a box! Then other people will say all sorts of nice things about us, which we can't hear anyway! Oh dear!
Made me sit up and think! I have some sharing to do - before it's too late! How about you?
Until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: PREDATE
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: 3) A - set up 12 stones (Joshua 4:9)
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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 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