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: 481 Published: 10 Jan 2011
JESUS TALKS ABOUT THE KINGDOM (Kingdom mentions in the Gospels)
9 “This, then, is how you should pray: â€â€˜Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:9-10) Part 1This, the Lord's Prayer, is at the very heart of what is known as the 'kingdom message'.
The Lord's (actually Disciples) Prayer has fallen out of favour in the church in more recent times, but for centuries was a virtually compulsory part of every worship service. It is ironic perhaps, that it is only now that the prayer is not being used so frequently, that we are starting to get an understanding of what it really means!
Over the centuries, the teaching of the church has been focused on heaven in the heavens. There has been an escapist attitude in the church. We have to put up with life on earth until we are zapped out of here, either by death, or 'rapture', before the tribulation comes! Unfortunately, this is not the message that Jesus preached!
Even when I was a boy, being dragged along to church, and 30 years before I accepted Jesus, I saw the contradiction between what the church was teaching and what it was praying for in the Lord's Prayer. But the grip of theology is very strong, and 30 years later, as a young believer, I accepted the premise that earth is bad, to be endured, before departing for a heavenly nirvana of peace and light.
However, what I have gradually come to understand over the years is that our God is not an escapist, but rather, a God of change and restoration. His desire is to see 'fallen (into sin) mankind' and a 'fallen (spiritual and physical) earth' change and be restored to the godly 'kingdom' existing before Adam and Eve ate that fateful fruit, fruitlessly pursuing human independence and control.
The basic 3 fold summary of living the Christian life has always been the same. It is contained in Revelation 12:11.
11 They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb (salvation through Jesus) and by the word of their testimony; (through the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit) they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. (obedience to the Father's will)
While some individuals have had, and applied, the full revelation to their lives, the church as a whole is only now starting to understand the third step of the 'godly living equation' above.
Traditional and evangelical churches have focused almost solely on the message of salvation through Jesus. Pentecostal and charismatic streams have added the dimension of the release of the Holy Spirit into believer's lives. However, it is only now that the emerging 'kingdom' church movement is starting to understand the far reaching implications of what obedience to the Father's will will bring to the church - and the earth. For Jesus is returning to His perfect Bride.
6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.†(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) (Revelation 19:6-8)
The first message that Jesus preached was one of repentance, the first step in the process of change. After His baptism by John.....
17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.†(Matthew 4:12)
Shortly before His death He talked about the coming, and work of, the Holy Spirit.....
5 “Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. 7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10 in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. (John 16:5-11)
.....while His final act was one of obedience to the will of His Father.....
35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba, Father,†he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.†(Mark 14:35-6)
The kingdom movement will never be a church in the traditional sense, for it is based within individuals, not encompassed in a denomination or building.
20 Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, 21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.â€
(Luke 17:20-1)
Preparing ourselves for the return of Jesus.....
The Rider on the White Horse
11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.†He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
To rule and reign, with His bride here, on the earth.....
The Thousand Years
And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time. 4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:1-6)
Are you, am I, ready to receive Him?
(To be continued next week)
PS: I understand that some of these concepts may be very different to you but I just ask you to read for the next few weeks, without rejecting them out of hand. Please pray also. Thanks. David.
Find out more about us at...
FROM THE WORD
Prayer"“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This, then, is how you should pray: â€â€˜Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."(Matthew 6:5-15)
"After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.†And again they shouted: “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.†The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: “Amen, Hallelujah!†Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!†Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.†(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’†And he added, “These are the true words of God.†At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.â€" (Revelation 19:1-10)
Gethsemane
"They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.†He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,†he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.†Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,†he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.†Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,†he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.†Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!â€" (Mark 14:32-41)
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
DISCIPLESHIP214.-235. Discipleship is...
... doing the right thing because we want to, not because we are expected to.
... being a servant both to God and man.
... honouring God with body, soul and spirit.
... loving the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind.
... being 100% committed to the Lord's cause.
... putting the Lord first in all things.
... placing the Lord's desires ahead of our own.
... applying the Lord's will to our mind and emotions.
... accepting the Lord's correction graciously.
... being joyful in the Lord - even while being corrected!
... subverting our will to His.
... centred upon giving rather than receiving.
... becoming a little more like Jesus every day.
... being prepared to die for our Lord.
... honouring and worshipping God as Lord, rather than a 'holy Father Christmas.'
... being the one God would like us to be.
... placing God's needs and others godly needs ahead of our own.
... helping others attain to their ministries, even to the expense of our own.
... being Jesus to others.
... retaining the joy of the Lord in times of personal sadness.
... putting wrongs right - graciously!
... walking as one with the Lord, night and day.
878. 'A disciple' has no need of 'a title'.
879. A disciple turns words into actions.
880. Believers believe, while disciples live what they believe.
1315. A disciple 'walks the walk', not just 'talks the talk'.
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 ...
MIRTHFUL MOMENT
A new series of cartoons to bringa 'smile on the dial'!
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: A REVELATION OF... LIVING THE KINGDOM LIFESTYLE continues.........with 2 more parables on practical living today.
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." ***
287. LIQUID PLUMBER
A Pastor in Oregon called a plumber to fix a leak in the parsonage bathroom. When the plumber finished the job, he left a bill in the bathroom itemizing the repairs. There was also a P.S. He drew an arrow pointing to a bottle of Liquid-Plumber that the pastor kept in the bathroom, and noted: "How would you feel if you walked into someone's house and found a bottle of 'liquid pastor'?"
286. NON-PARTISAN PASTOR
A new pastor of a Presbyterian church in a southern city found himself in a difficult position due to the fact that two officers in his church were running for mayor. The young preacher had to walk with much caution the impartial, equal-time line.
At the post office one morning, a church member who was flagrantly partisan asked, "Pastor, what do you think about the election?"
"I'm praying about it," the pastor told her.
"Well, what are you praying for?" the partisan Presbyterian wanted to know.
And the preacher told her, "I'm just thanking God for the secret ballot."
285. BRIEF SERMON
A minister preached a very brief sermon and explained to the congregation, "My dog got into my office and ate all my notes."
On the way out the door, a visitor said to the pastor, "If your dog ever has pups, would you see that my minister gets one?"
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 800 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...
FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What do you call a group of turtles?ANSWER: Often called a ‘herd’, but the correct collective term is a ‘bale’ of turtles. (Turtles are very 'turticular' about this!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What is a ‘Limey’?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS124. MAKE SOME TOFFEE
Toffee is simply made by boiling together brown sugar, butter, and vinegar. (A classic case of the whole being better than the parts.)
125. STARTING YOUNG
According to researchers at the University of Texas, babies like pretty faces better than plain ones. (Yet they still smile for me – mostly!)
126. A LITTLE TOO FRIENDLY
American inns during the Revolutionary War era were neither lush nor comfortable. An innkeeper would think nothing of requesting a guest to share his bed with a stranger when accommodation became scarce. (Getting to know each other – quickly!)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
BRAVED
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 - JOSHUA
10) Why were the Anakites (Anakim) feared?A - They were famous archers
B - They were strong and tall
C - The had iron chariots
D - They were numerous as the sand by the sea
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"""YOUNG LOVE
* "When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love." (Rebecca - age 8)
* "When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You know that your name is safe in their mouth." (Billy - age 4)
* "Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other." (Karl - age 5)
* "Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs." (Chrissy - age 6)
* "Love is what makes you smile when you're tired." (Terri - age 4)
* "Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK." (Danny - age 7)
* "Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen." (Bobby - age 5)
* "If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend whom you hate." (Nikka - age 6)
* "Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday." (Noelle - age 7)
* "Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well." (Tommy - age 6)
* "My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night." (Clare - Age 5)
* "Love is when mommy gives daddy the best piece of chicken." (Elaine - age 5)
* "Love is when mommy sees daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford." (Chris - age 8)
* "Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day." (Mary Ann - age 4)
* "I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones." (Lauren - age 4)
* "I let my big sister pick on me because my Mom says she only picks on me because she loves me. So I pick on my baby sister because I love her." (Bethany - age 4)
* "When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." (Karen - age 7)
* "Love is when mommy sees daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross." (Mark - age 6)
* "You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget." (Jessica - age 8)
* "There are two kinds of love. Our love. God's love. But God makes both kinds of them." (Jenny - age 4)
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
LIFE'S A LAUGH!
76. A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVEI got a call from a man who asked, "Is it possible to see England from Canada?" I said, "No."
He said "But they look so close on the map."
77. ONLY IN TEXAS
Another man called and asked if he could rent a car in Dallas. When I pulled up the reservation, I noticed he only had a 1-hour layover in Dallas. When I asked him why he wanted to rent a car, he said, "I heard Dallas was a big airport, and I need a car to drive between the gates to save time."
78. A GUILT COMPLEX
A woman called and asked, "Do airlines put your physical description on your bag so they know whose luggage belongs to who?" I said, "No, why do you ask?" She replied, "Well, when I checked in with the airline, they put a tag on my luggage that said FAT, and I'm
overweight, is there any connection?"
After putting her on hold for a minute while I "looked into it" ( I was actually laughing) I came back and explained the city code for Fresno is FAT, and that the airline was just putting a destination tag on her luggage.
79. FLIGHT NO.
I just got off the phone with a man who asked, "How do I know which plane to get on?" I asked him what exactly he meant, to which he replied, "I was told my flight number is 823, but none of these stupid planes have numbers on them.
80. MONEY
One of my jobs at a bank is to answer the phones and put callers through to the right person. When a customer called one day asking to speak with a bank representative, I said, "Of course, Sir. What is it about, exactly?"
Dryly, he replied, "It's about money."
Just have a laugh at life here.....
BIBLE TRIVIA (Manners and Customs - Houses)
A LAMP.......... was considered to be the peoples one essential luxury. When the sun set, the house door was shut and the lamp was lit. To sleep without a light was considered to be a sign of extreme poverty. when a late night traveler saw a light, he knew there was life there. To wish a man's light be put out was a huge curse.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
'Third Church' China's New Face of Christianity
By George ThomasCBN News Sr. Reporter
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
BEIJING - Christianity in China began decades ago in the countryside, but today, a dramatic shift is happening.
Young professionals in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai are changing the face of Chinese Christianity, as faith moves from rural to more urban areas.
On a recent Wednesday evening, a group of men and women in their late 20s met in an apartment not too far from the city center to discuss how to thrive in their rapidly changing nation.
Those who attended are members of China's new privileged class -- highly educated, cosmopolitan, middle or even upper class of urban professionals. And they're all Christians.
"We've never had it so good in China today," Jia Li Tian, a member of the group, told CBN News. "But there's more to life that just money and materialism."
Pressures to Succeed
Jia works for one of Beijing's largest tour operators. Like young urban professionals in other parts of the world, he and his peers live in high-rise apartment buildings. They own a car - sometimes two. They are tech savvy. They travel. They have money to spend.
But the pressure to succeed and thrive is fierce.
"The competition for jobs in the big cities is intense," said Zhou Jie, a Spanish translator who works in Beijing.
"Status is everything," said 23-year-old Liu Yi Zhuo, a business consultant for one of China's biggest oil companies. "How much you make. How big is your apartment. What kind of car you drive. This is what people focus on."
"The government makes it possible for us to earn money and have a good life," Jia added. "But how do we handle all these pressures? The government doesn't have answers for this."
Filling the Spiritual Vacuum
But religion is filling a void within this rapidly-changing Chinese society.
"I'm different person today," graphic designer Zhu Kun said over a cup of coffee.
The 23-year-old is one of the many city residents who are now embracing Christianity in record numbers.
"The last couple of years have been difficult for me," Zhu said. "I've struggled professionally and personally. But then someone introduced me to Jesus and now I have a different outlook on my life."
Jesus in the Office
Zhu worships at Shou Wang, one of the largest unregistered or "underground" churches in Beijing. Jin Tian Ming leads the church.
"God called me to start a church to reach these young people with the Gospel," Jin said.
Jin, who himself is a graduate of China's most prestigious university, began the Shou Wang church 18 years ago with 10 people. Now, close to 1,000 attend his weekly service.
"The majority of them have graduated from college and work in the city," he explained. "We have lawyers, professors, doctors, business people."
Jin added that similar gatherings are springing up in other big cities, attracting the white collar working world.
"They are looking for ways to handle the dramatic changes in China, and they are finding answers in Christianity," he said.
New Face of Christianity
Jia Lin Tian helps run a Bible study for new converts in the city. He says this is the new face of Christianity in China.
Such believers are part of what some are calling China's "Third Church."
Peter, not his real name, has worked with China's underground churches for decades. CBN News agreed to conceal his identity to protect him.
"They are called the 'Third Church' because they are very different than what used to be the only two real kinds of churches in China," Peter said. "The registered church -- registered with the government -- and then the unregistered churches, usually called house churches which thrived in the countryside in the 70s and 80s."
"But then after the 1989 (Tiananmen) demonstrations, these urban, educated, well-to-do Christians started forming urban churches," he continued.
'Third Church' Growth
Although Christianity continues to grow in China's countryside, experts say it's in big cities like Beijing where the church is growing fastest.
"Whereas the rural church was not able to have an impact on society as a whole, the 'Third Church' in the cities is able to do that because they are comprised of leaders who can have an impact," Peter explained. "[They are] businessmen, government officials, professors, leaders in engineering, every aspect of life."
Pastor Jin's congregation is technically an illegal gathering. He hasn't registered his church with the government, nor is it part of any of the state-sanctioned churches.
But rather than hide from authorities, Jin and others who lead such congregations in big cities say they want to work with the government officials.
Moving Past Persecution
The Chinese government has always maintained a tight grip on religion. Torture, arrests, imprisonment, and beatings of Christians are still practiced in the country.
But in recent years, authorities have made positive overtures towards house church leaders -- especially those in urban areas.
"The church in China is growing and Christianity is becoming more and more a part of mainstream society," Jin said. "The authorities know this and they are showing a willingness to work with us."
And young, urban believers are welcoming the gesture as they use faith to navigate the opportunities and challenges of China today
Via: OpenHeaven.com
Many more Godfacts at...
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF... SERVANTHOOD & LEADERSHIPA timely reminder of what our calling as 'Jesus Followers' and particularly as leaders is really all about. Essential reading, especially for anyone involved, or wanting to become involved, in Christian leadership. You might well change your mind!
Download your free PDF File here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
Many expect life to be easy once they come to Jesus. But His life was not easy - and we are meant to be like Him!LIFE'S ROSES AND THORNS
Life may be short,
It could be long.
Will we be caught?
Or end up strong?
Money comes,
Money goes.
We do our sums,
But no-one knows.
Healthy one day,
Sick the next.
For wellness we pray,
When ill - now vexed.
All's under control,
Now it falls apart!
We're first on a roll,
Then back to the start!
In God too, we must face this place,
For all's not smooth, in life's race.
Him we are called, ever to revere,
And in daily life, to persevere.
He hasn't promised a fine bed of roses,
Nor simple solutions, to all life poses.
For roses were created with thorns you see,
Representing life problems, for you and me.
Yet when we see the rose in triumphant bloom,
Its shining beauty overwhelming the gloom,
The thorns' pricks and scratches are all worthwhile,
Put aside, forgotten, when with pleasure we smile.
For there cannot be a rose, without the thorns,
So with trial and testing, we do lock horns.
In order to become the rose God wants us to be,
We must overcome the thorns of life, you see.
Then He will pick us, now His richest bloom,
Taking pride of place in His heavenly room.
Eternal blooms, never ever to fade,
For by His hand, we have been made.
When locking horns with our latest thorn,
Remember the rose - no, it does not mourn.
From glory to glory, we are being made,
The price of the Cross, now fully paid.
More of David's offerings at...
A DAVID MUSING
We have had a difficult trading time in our second hand clothing operation, Seekers Megamarts over December. There has been huge discounting before Christmas, which was formerly unheard of in New Zealand, as retailers have chased a diminishing dollar spend. We are being forced to 'join the party' next week, with our first ever '50% off' sale. Would appreciate your prayers for its (necessary) success!There is little doubt that the world's financial problems are not over, with increases in food prices worldwide and countries, particularly in Europe, still in danger of financial meltdown. We have some way to go to get out of our monetary woes yet.
But, when there is uncertainty, there is also opportunity. Many people are questioning the foundations upon which they have built their lives. Including many Christians! The prosperity teachings, so popular in the past, are being shown up for the fraud they really are.
The true foundation of 'walking with Jesus' is one of sacrifice, sacrifice of oneself for God and others, following the example of Jesus. Jesus owned no property, his full wardrobe was worn upon His body, and He was rejected and crucified by the people He came to minister to! And then, we preach a 'gospel' of eternal happiness and lack of nothing!
As we move into 2011, may we revisit our spiritual foundations and rebuild them on basic Biblical principles of repentance, servanthood, sacrifice and obedience.
Until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: ADVERB
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: 10) B - They were strong and tall (Joshua 11:21, Deut 9:2)
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
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