DEVESTATING EARTHQUAKE IN CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND

At lunchtime on Tuesday, a devestating aftershock from the night time, September 2010 earthquake, (which caused $4 billion of damage but no deaths and few injuries), struck Christchurch city, killing about 200 people, (of 20 different nationalities. What a small world we live in!) wiping out 1/3 of the CBD (Central Business District), with extensive damage elsewhere through this beautiful city of 500,000 people.

Where the city had been so (relatively!) fortunate in September, this lesser, but closer and shallower quake came at a busy time of day, maximising deaths and injuries and destroying property and infrastructure (estimated at another $10 billion+), already weakened by the previous earthquake.

We are so grateful for the help being received from all over the world. In particular, our Australian mates, who have suffered floods and fires themselves in recent times, have been so quick to respond to this emergency. Thank you Aussie, England, US, Japan, Taiwan, China, and others, who have sent specialised rescue teams to augment our stretched local resources.

While modern buildings survived unscathed, older, in particular, brick buildings, were devestated.

The city of Napier, in which we live, suffered the last major death quake in New Zealand, (250 killed), 80 years ago, in 1931. The city here was rebuilt in the Art Deco style of the 1930's, and is now world famous for its architecture.

I am sure the resiliant people of Christchurch will rebuild their city too, in their own unique way.

In the meantime we, as a nation, and particularly the people of Christchurch, would appreciate your prayers.

May we, as a people, turn back to Jesus.

JESUS TALKS ABOUT THE KINGDOM (Kingdom mentions in the Gospels)

9 “This, then, is how you should pray: ”‘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 7

Last week, we looked at the concept of 'time' and saw how God's ongoing 'will' is progressively continuing to be done on the earth.

Today, let's have a look at the developmental path that His will is taking.

You see, most of the teaching in the church revolves round what I would call, 'God magic', which more accurately is, 'wishful thinking'! Let us live a miserable life here, then die and be translated into a heaven whose streets are paved with the gold we would have liked to have had when on earth! Or, God will zap us out of here to avoid persecution! Or, Jesus will turn up one day to rule and reign and will change the earth overnight! Religious magic! Sometimes called mysticism.

I trust that you might by now, be starting to understand that this is not the way the ongoing process of the implementation of the Father's will works.

While it is true that we will instantly receive our resurrection body necessary for eternal life with Jesus.....

51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:51-2)

..... that does not mean that God is asleep (though we may well be!) in the meantime. His will (is continually in the process of) being 'done on earth as it is in heaven'.

God has made known His will to us to be put (continuously) into effect.

9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: (Ephesians 1:9-10 KJV)

We need to look at the words 'dispensation' and 'fulness of times' to see what is being said here.

Firstly 'dispensation'. Unfortunately, and inaccurately, we view dispensation as being a period of time. eg. Dispensation of Grace. However the Greek word is 'oikonomia'. We get our English word 'economy' from this same root. As we know an economy, particularly these days, is fluid and ever developing. The meanings of 'oikonomia' include 'administration (of a household or estate); specifically a religious economy: - dispensation, stewardship.' An economy, on an individual, national or international level, is much more than money. It is an interaction of many aspects of life. An economy is not static, which is why you have 2 economists and 3 opinions! (I was trained as an economist, so can say this!) Economics then, is more a matter of management, of stewardship of a number of variables, not all monetary. This is reflected in the complex mathematical models of econometrics, that I could never grasp hold of, but attempt to explain the way the various variables interact, one with the other, usually through the medium of exchange, that is, money. As an economy then, is constantly changing and developing. so is a dispensation. In particular, the dispensation of the kingdom of God.

The word 'fullness' is 'pleroma' in the Greek. Its meanings include, that which is or has been filled, repletion or completion. 'Of times' is 'kairos' in the Greek, its meanings including set or proper time, the appointed time, a fixed and definite time, the time when things are brought to crisis, the decisive epoch waited for.

Putting all this together, we can see that God's will, which is establishing His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven is being progressively achieved, day by day, year by year until the day that Jesus returns to rule and reign with His bride, His completely sold out disciples who have been 'beheaded' (died to self).

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. (Revelation 20:4)

Our thinking needs to change. We are NOT living in the natural 'chronos' time where night follows day, follows night, and so on. An attitude time where nothing changes in God, or in us, until a big event some time in the future.

Rather, we ARE living in the exciting yet challenging 'kairos' time in which God's kingdom is being progressively developed and built, prior to the return of Jesus.

How do we see that kingdom progress? First and foremost, in the lives of His disciples!

21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:21)

We are to be the kingdom! The kingdom is built through us!

Is the kingdom being reflected and growing through me? And you?

Now that is a scary thought!

(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 about it also. Thanks. David.

Find out more about us at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/about.php

FROM THE WORD

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:1-14KJV)

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. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 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. 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. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. 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 20:1-10)

The Coming of the Kingdom of God

"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, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.” Then he said to his disciples, “The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. Men will tell you, ‘There he is!’ or ‘Here he is!’ Do not go running off after them. For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other. But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. “It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. “It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day no one who is on the roof of his house, with his goods inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.” “Where, Lord?” they asked. He replied, “Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather.”" (Luke 17:20-37)

Read the Bible (NIV Version) online at...

http://www.ibs.org/niv/index.php

***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...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/doodlings/index.php

DAVID'S DOODLINGS

RELIGION, REVELATION AND GOD'S KINGDOM

1047. So often the church attempts to compete with God's kingdom rather than promoting it.

1048. God's vision is our mission.

1049. Religion is the eager repository of yesterday's revelation.

1050. Revelation is eternal truth meeting today's circumstances.

1051. Revelation is from God's heart, religion, a product of the heart of man.

1052. Today's revelation becomes tomorrow's religion.

1053. One dose of God is worth more than a billion of religion!

1054. When mankind cannot accept God's revelation, they adapt it to become religion.

1055. The cost of God's kingdom is obedience, religion's, money. Most of us take the easy option!

1056. Religion goes as God's kingdom grows.

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 ...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/dd.php

CRANWELLS CARTOONS

6 After forty days Noah opened the window he had made in the ark 7 and sent out a raven, and it kept flying back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth. 8 Then he sent out a dove to see if the water had receded from the surface of the ground. 9 But the dove could find no place to set its feet because there was water over all the surface of the earth; so it returned to Noah in the ark. He reached out his hand and took the dove and brought it back to himself in the ark. 10 He waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. 11 When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth. 12 He waited seven more days and sent the dove out again, but this time it did not return to him. (Genesis 8:6-12)

EXPLANATION FOR NON-NEW ZEALANDERS! The largest of the Moas, Dinornis giganteus was the tallest bird which ever lived. Standing at nearly three metres tall and weighing approximately 240kg it lived only in New Zealand. Sadly it was hunted to extinction several hundred years ago.



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... THE BOOK OF RUTH

I have always been interested in the Book of Ruth and have had some understanding of it. However, on the day I started into full time ministry, the Lord sat me down and proceeded to reveal the meaning of this amazing story as an allegory of the relationship of Jews and Gentiles in the End Time Church. This is not so surprising, although it was to me at the time, when you consider that the ministry role He has given me, along with others, is to join with Jesus in 'building His end time church.'

If you are really busy, (aren't we all!) you may wish to split the study into sections, returning as time allows.

But please make sure you read all 4 parts to get the full understanding of today's application of this amazing story.

Check out all the available teachings at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/teachings/index.php

*** 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...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/laughing/index.php

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." ***

306. JESUS WEPT!
Jesus took his disciples up the mountain and gathered them around Him and taught them saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."
"Blessed are the meek,
Blessed are they that mourn,
Blessed are the merciful,
Blessed are they that thirst after righteousness.
Blessed are you when persecuted, Blessed are you when you suffer, Be glad and rejoice for your reward is great in Heaven."
Then Simon Peter said, "Are we supposed to know all this?"
And Andrew said, "So we have to write all this down?"
And James said, "Will we have a test on this?"
And Phillip said, "I don't have any paper."
And Judas said, " How much credit does this give me?"
And Matthew said, "May I go to the bathroom?"
And Bathelomew said, "Do we have to turn this in?"
And Simon said, "May I borrow a pencil?"
And Judas Iscariot said, "What does this have to do with real life?"
And James the Lesser said, "Now what was that again?"
Then one of the Pharisees, who was present, asked to see Jesus' lesson plan and inquired of Jesus, "Where are your anticipatory set and objectives in the cognitive domain?"

AND JESUS WEPT !!!!

305. SPEED READING
The parson had been disturbed by a person who was a fast reader. "We shall now read the Twenty-third Psalm in unison," he announced. "Will the lady who is always by 'the still waters' while the rest of us are in 'green pastures,' please wait a minute until we catch up?"

304. AMEN, PREACH!
Preacher: "This church is just like a baby, and every baby has to learn to crawl."
The congregation shouts out, "Amen Preach, let her crawl.."

The Preacher continues: "But nobody stays a baby forever. After a while this church is going to stand and walk."
Congregation: "Amen, Preach it--Let her walk."

Preacher goes on: "And after a while this church is not just going to stand or walk, it's going to run!"
Congregation: "Amen Preach, let her run."

Preacher: "And in order for this Church to run it needs to give!"
Congregation: "Let her crawl Preach, Let her crawl"

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 ...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/laugh.php

FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: If you cut an earthworm in half, will it grow into two new worms?

ANSWER: This widely held idea is largely a myth. While it is true that earthworms can regenerate, when you cut one in half, both parts don't regenerate into fully developed worms. Only the front end of the worm, containing the ‘brain’ (cerebral ganglion) has a chance of growing new segments. (2 into 1 doesn’t go, 1 into 2 doesn’t grow!)

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: How did trivia (such as this), get its name?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

103. KEEPING KISSING
The story of Don Juan has been told over 35 times in the movies. But the 1926 version, starring John Barrymore holds a place in movie history, for Don Juan (Barrymore) plants 191 kisses on various females during the course of the film, an average of one every 53 seconds. (‘Hot lips’ or ‘sore lips’?)

104. PLENTIFUL
Aluminium forms one-twelfth of the Earth's crust. (How come it took so long to discover and use?)

105. HUNG UP
A fireplace is called a ‘mantelpiece’ because, at one time, people hung their coats (or ‘mantles’) over the fireplace to dry them. (If I am ‘hung out to dry’, am I a human mantelpiece?)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

Make another word from this word using all the letters.

CANOES

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...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/facts.php

BIBLE QUESTION - JOSHUA

17) What does Joshua's name mean?

A - The Lord Saves
B - The Lord Kills
C - Beloved
D - Rock

Source: www.biblequizzes.com

Heaps more fun and serious 'God Facts' are found at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/gfacts.php

IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!

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

!!!!!!! A mistake is proof that somebody tried anyhow.

!!!!!! The most dangerous thing in the world is to try to leap a chasm in two jumps.

!!!!! A good listener is not only popular everywhere, but after a while he knows something.

!!!! When you became a Christian, God didn't call you to a playground, but a battleground!

!!! Sin will keep you from the Bible ~ but the Bible will keep you from sin.

!! Co-operate! Remember the banana ~ every time it leaves the bunch it gets skinned.

! We have two ears and only one tongue, in order that we may hear more and speak less.

100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/thought.php

EXTENSIVE EXPLANATIONS

3. CLASSIC CLASSIFIEDS
(Actual excerpts from classified sections of city newspapers)

Illiterate? Write today for free help.

Auto Repair Service. Free pick-up and delivery. Try us once, you'll never go anywhere again.

Tired of cleaning yourself? Let me do it.

Our experienced Mom will care for your child. Fenced yard, meals, and smacks included.

Dog for sale: eats anything and is fond of children.

Man wanted to work in dynamite factory. Must be willing to travel.

Stock up and save. Limit: one.

Semi-Annual after-Christmas Sale.

3-year old teacher needed for pre-school. Experience preferred.

Mixing bowl set designed to please a cook with round bottom for efficient beating.

Girl wanted to assist magician in cutting-off-head illusion. Blue Cross and salary.

Dinner Special -- Turkey $2.35; Chicken or Beef $2.25; Children $2.00

For sale: antique desk suitable for lady with thick legs and large drawers.

Now is your chance to have your ears pierced and get an extra pair to take home too.

We do not tear your clothing with machinery. We do it carefully by hand.

For sale. Three canaries of undermined sex. Great Dames for sale.

Have several very old dresses from grandmother in beautiful condition.

Vacation Special: have your home exterminated. Get rid of aunts.
Zap does the job in 24 hours.

Toaster: A gift that every member of the family appreciates.
Automatically burns toast.

For Rent: 6-room hated apartment. Man, honest. Will take anything.

Used Cars: Why go elsewhere to be cheated. Come here first.

Christmas tag-sale. Handmade gifts for the hard-to-find person.

Wanted: Hair cutter. Excellent growth potential.

Wanted. Man to take care of cow that does not smoke or drink.

Our bikinis are exciting. They are simply the tops.

Wanted. Widower with school age children requires person to assume general housekeeping duties. Must be capable of contributing to growth of family.

And now, the Superstore-unequalled in size, unmatched in variety, unrivalled inconvenience.

We will oil your sewing machine and adjust tension in your home.

4. COW LESSONS
Everything I need to know I learnt from a cow:

1. Wake up in a happy mooo-d.

2. Don't cry over spilled milk.

3. When chewing your cud, remember: There's no fat, no calories, no cholesterol, and no taste!

4. The grass is greener on the other side of the fence.

5. Turn the udder cheek and mooo-ve on.

6. Seize every opportunity and milk it for all its worth!

7. It's better to be seen and not herd.

8. Honour thy fodder and thy mother and all your udder relatives.

9. Never take any bull from anybody.

10. Always let them know who's the bossy.

11. Stepping on cowpies brings good luck.

12. Black and white is always an appropriate fashion statement.

13. Don't forget to cow-nt your blessings every day.

See more Extensive Explanations at.......

http://www.wwj.org.nz/exex.php

BIBLE TRIVIA (Famous Words and Phrases)

THE SALT OF THE EARTH

Many phrases we use today come from Jesus. Jesus described his disciples this way in Matthew 5:13. He was saying they were valuable, for salt was the preferred means of payment in those days. We continue today to describe someone of value as being the 'salt of the earth'.

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

Algeria; A Persecuted Land Where Revival Refuses to Cease

By Aidan Clay
Special to ASSIST News Service

TIZI OUZOU, ALGERIA (ANS) -- An angry mob of local Muslims, disturbed over the presence of the newly constructed Tafat Church in Tizi Ouzou, Algeria, hoped that a little intimidation would scare the congregation away for good. The mob broke in and ransacked the building one night, stealing sound equipment and lighting church property on fire. Nearly all furniture, Bibles and electrical appliances were damaged beyond repair.

The burnt supplies of Tafat Church in Tizi Ouzou after it was ransacked by a Muslim mob last year. "They came and smashed things up. They think we're going to leave. But they cannot break our faith," said Pastor Mustafa Krireche.

International Christian Concern (ICC), a Washington DC-based human rights organization, visited Algeria, including Tizi Ouzou, just months after the attack on Tafat Church. The purpose for the visit was to encourage Algeria's Christians and assist their unmet needs, but as happens more often than not when meeting with persecuted brethren, it was ICC who came away more encouraged.

Meeting with house church pastors in remote villages in the beautiful Kabylie Mountains, they shared stories of God's work amongst their people and reminisced about Algeria's great - and enduring - 20 year revival.

It is no exaggeration to say that the greatest modern Christian rebirth in the Middle East or North Africa can be attributed to the reawakening of the church in Algeria's Kabylie region. The Kabylie revival was neither inspired by missionaries nor introduced as a foreign movement, but was ignited by a small group of faithful believers in an obscure village. It was a rebirth indigenous to the national church where God is using dreams and visions to turn Muslims to Christ. In a country that many consider "closed" to the Gospel and where proselytism is illegal under Algerian law, the steadfast devotion of Algeria's Spirit-led church has overcome the government's resolve to control the growth of its Christian minority.

It all began in 1981 with a 21-year-old boy from a poor family and a game of football (soccer). On the field, the young man befriended Arab visitors from a church in Algiers. It was the first time he experienced what he later recognized to be a "Christ-like" example, and the first time he heard the Gospel. It was not long before this young man, now known as Pastor Raba, would entrust his life to God and carry the weight of a great calling - reaching the Kabylie region for Christ.

Pastor Raba and three friends formed a group and began meeting weekly.

"We faced many things alone, Pastor Raba explained. "Like new believers from Islam, we faced many problems with our families, with the police, and with the authority of the village. We tried to commit together, us four, but we didn't know the Bible and we didn't know how to pray."

The group began attending a church service in Algiers - a three day's journey from their home village - as often as they could, but soon the government forced the church to close its doors. "We then decided to have meetings together even though we didn't know anything, so in prayer we said 'God, we don't know anything, but we are ready if you want to use us."

The group allotted the year between 1989 and 1990 for fasting and prayer. A year later, revival broke free.

"During that year we went to villages where there were no Christians, we prayed for the village, and after a few months we would hear that there were believers there," explained Pastor Raba. "People had dreams, visions, some of them discovered Christian radio programs. We didn't share the Gospel directly with many people, but God in His way, preached the Gospel. It was like an explosion in all the Kabylie area and it's continuing now."

It is estimated that some 80,000 former Muslims in Kabylie have turned to Christ since the beginning of Algeria's great revival. Some churches are seeing incredible growth, including a Tizi Ouzou congregation that began with twelve members in 1996 and now has 900 believers attending services. In fact, so many are coming to Christ in remote areas that it is becoming difficult to provide them with trained pastors and leadership.

Read the remainder of the article here. FULL ARTICLE

Source: (ANS) www.assistnews.net

Via: OpenHeaven.com

Many more Godfacts at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/gfacts.php

DAVID'S DOWNLOAD

THE TWO MARATHONERS

A thought provoking and entertaining allegory about our journey through life.

How will we run our race?

Download your free PDF File here.....

http://http://www.wwj.org.nz/pdf/4p33.pdf

WAXING LYRICAL

Don't know how this came into my mind! But it did! maybe feeling guilty! Hope it helps.

PS: My mother died a month ago, so now is a memory.

TO GO OR TO STAY?

There's a time to come and a time to go,
Which is which we never seem to know.
Not to outstay our welcome here,
Nor to be a nuisance there,
Give me wisdom Lord,
To be in Your accord.

Have no idea why I am writing this!
But trust the point I do not miss!
For we all have times when we should know to go,
But hang on we do, outstaying our welcome, saying yes when we should say no......

Just leave!
Don't grieve!
It's not the day,
For me to stay.

This simple lesson we must learn,
Many 'brownie points' then to earn.
Our welcome not overstaying,
And our hosts not dismaying.
Then they will be happy to have us return,
For us, the 'welcome mat', we will not burn.

This piece of sage advice
May keep us very nice,
In the eyes of others,
If not our mothers.

Reminds me now, her to visit,
Yes, for more than a minute!
For she brought me up, indeed she did,
Even at times, when I was a bad kid.
For mothers are more patient than most,
My responsibility to her, now foremost.

So I will visit her this afternoon,
Hope she will be over the moon.
Take her out in the car for a nice drive,
In the sunshine - so good to be alive!

To go or to stay?
Surely wisdom is needed.
For that I pray,
His advice to be heeded.

More of David's offerings at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/waxing.php

A DAVID MUSING

You never know what is going to happen when you wake up in the morning! Last Tuesday was a case in point!

I woke up to another, typically fine day, in the beautiful city of Napier where we live. There was nothing to indicate that it would be any different to any other Tuesday.

I went off to work, as usual. Around 1:30 in the afternoon, one of my staff came in and said there had been another earthquake in Christchurch, 40 minutes before. Looking on the net through the computer on my desk, I could see that it was really serious. Again through the computer, I turned on the radio and listened to the commentary on the tragedy that had occurred. I tried to text our great friends, Roger and Beryl, but received no reply until several hours later, for cellphone towers were damaged or had lost their electricity supply.

After work, I went home and saw the devastation on the TV. Modern communications are instantaneous and amazing. We then heard back from Roger that they were okay, although lots of their possessions had fallen and smashed.

As we were watching, the telephone rang. My remaining Mum (in law) had had a fall and was being taken to hospital in Palmerston North, a city 2 hours drive away. Kathy was unable to go at the time, so I hopped into the car and drove down to see her in Hospital, arriving at 9:45pm. After tests I was able to take her home at 2am, early Wednesday morning!

When I finally got into bed at Mum's place, with the radio on, still giving commentary on the horrendous quake in Christchurch, I thought to myself, 'There is no way could have imagined, in my wildest dreams, what would happen in a few short hours. Approximately 200 dead, billions of dollars of damage, my mum taken to hospital in an ambulance, a trip to Palmerston North, and a night (well, part of!) in a bed nearly 200km away from home!

Unbelievable!

Yet, that is how it will be when Jesus returns!

Are we ready?

PS: 20 people have died in this building alone. The search for bodies continues.

Until next week.......

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: OCEANS

TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: 17) A - The Lord Saves

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 at
enquiries@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 on
links@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 ...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/wwword.php

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!

For comments upon and contributions to this service, please contact
david@wwj.org.nz