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: 540 Published: 27 Feb 2012
THINKING GREEK OR HEBREW? continues
We are looking at the differences between the Jewish (Eastern) and Greek (Western) ways of thinking, so that we can better understand the ways and teachings of Jesus. (See the last 6 weeks issues of PGIM!)DESCRIBING GOD
Greek (Western) We focus on the being of God.
We like to imagine God as a 'super sized' human being! We look at the creation of man as being in the physical image of God.....
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.†27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:26-7)
Whereas, as Matthew Henry explains, the image is in the spiritual.....
God’s image upon man consists in these three things:-1. In his nature and constitution, not those of his body (for God has not a body), but those of his soul. This honour indeed God has put upon the body of man, that the Word was made flesh, the Son of God was clothed with a body like ours and will shortly clothe ours with a glory like that of his. And this we may safely say, That he by whom God made the worlds, not only the great world, but man the little world, formed the human body, at the first, according to the platform he designed for himself in the fulness of time. But it is the soul, the great soul, of man, that does especially bear God’s image. The soul is a spirit, an intelligent immortal spirit, an influencing active spirit, herein resembling God, the Father of Spirits, and the soul of the world.
Henry, Matthew, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Bible, (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers) 1997.
We seek to define God by the wonders of the physical world about us. Its form, its beauty, and the miraculous for which there is no other explanation. We rationalize God.
Eastern (Hebrew) Hebrews focus on relationship with God.
Some bragged about their relationship with God.
17 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to God; (Romans 2:17)
What God looks like, or even natural wonders are not the focus of Jewish thought. The Psalms major on relationship with God. As so many were written by King David, it explains why God considered David son of Jesse a man after my own heart;
The Psalms are all about relationship, in both good times and bad.....
7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty— he is the King of glory. Selah (Psalm 24:7-10)
28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. (Psalm 118:22)
7 The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. 8 He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice. 9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. 11 Sing praises to the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done. (Psalm 9:7-11)
For God is a spirit as we see when He appeared to Elijah.....
11 The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.†Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. (1 Kings 19:11-13a)
And, in the New Testament too, we are to worship our spirit God in spirit and in truth.....
23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.†(John 4:23-4)
Selah.
SOME SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY
1. We need to take our focus off the natural and look to the spiritual.
2. God is not interested in great buildings and religious ceremonies. He is interested in you! He wants to build a deep personal relationship with you. It does not matter whether you are beautiful or ugly, talented or simple, of high position or low, God loves you and wants to know you better, so He can then share more of Himself with you.
3. The end time kingdom church, the bride for whom Jesus is returning is not a new denomination but is being built informally, on the basis of relationship, firstly with God and also with one another.
(To be continued next week.)
Acknowledgement: http://www.followtherabbi.com
Find out more about us at.....
FROM THE WORD
"Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.†So God created man in his own image,in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.†Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.†And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day." (Genesis 1:26-31)
"The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. Selah
Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty— he is the King of glory. Selah" (Psalm 24:1-10)
The Lord Appears to Elijah
"And the word of the LORD came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?†He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.†The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.â€
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?†He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.†The LORD said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him.â€" (1 Kings 19:9b-18)
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
TALKING AND WALKING1317. In Jesus, many talk the walk, but few walk the talk.
1318. Religionists talk, disciples walk.
1319. Religionists talk of past glories, disciples walk into present glory.
1320. By definition, 'following' Jesus requires walking, not talking.
1321. If we talk, but not walk with Jesus, we will soon be 'left behind'!
1322. We must walk into God's rest.
1323. In God, talk is cheap, walking expensive, for it costs our life.
1324. Talking changes minds, but walking, hearts.
1325. To talk about Jesus is good, to walk in His ways, godly.
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 ...
CRANWELLS CARTOONS
15 These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 â€â€˜In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ (Acts 2:15-21)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……. SERVANTHOOD AND LEADERSHIPThis week we are going to radically challenge the principles on which the church is currently based.
Who is meant to be leading the church? Who should be doing the work?
Let's find out more!
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." ***
456. EVERY WORD.
One Sunday morning, after attending church services in Hartford, Connecticut, Mark Twain said to Dr. Doane, the minister: "I enjoyed your services this morning, doctor. I welcomed it like an old friend.
I have, you know, a book at home containing every word of it."
"You have not," said the indignant Dr. Doane. "I have so," countered Twain.
"Then send it to me. I'd very much like to see it."
"I'll send it," promised Mark and the following day he sent the Reverend Dr. Doane an unabridged dictionary.
455. WHO WAS JESUS?
There were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Black:
1. He called everyone "brother"
2. He liked Gospel
3. He couldn't get a fair trial
But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Jewish:
1. He went into his father's business
2. He lived at home until he was 33
3. He was sure his mother was a virgin and his mother was sure he was God.
But then there were three equally good arguments that Jesus was Italian:
1. He talked with his hands
2. He had wine with every meal
3. He used olive oil
But then there were three equally good arguments that Jesus was a Californian:
1. He never cut his hair
2. He walked around bare foot all of the time
3. He started a new religion
But then there were three equally good arguments that Jesus was Irish:
1. He never got married
2. He was always telling stories
3. He loved green pastures
But the most compelling evidence of all - 3 proofs that Jesus was a woman:
1. He had to feed a crowd at a moments notice when there was no food
2. He kept trying to get a message across to a bunch of men who just didn't get it
3. Even when he was dead, he had to get up because there was more work for him to do.
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: Why do some animals have eyes that glow in the dark?ANSWER: Taking a flashlight outside at night to look for your cat, you might have been greeted with the eerie glow of two eyes that appear to be floating free of the cat. What makes cat eyes, and those of some other animals, glow in the dark? Many nocturnal animals (those that hunt at night) have a mirror like layer called the ‘tapetum’ behind the cells of the retina. This reflective surface helps the animal to gather more light so that it can clearly see, even in very low levels of illumination. Animals that have this ability include rabbits, deer, cats, racoons, wolves, and even bullfrogs. Animals' eyes glow different colours, too, depending on the type of animal and the pigment in the animal's photoreceptors. Some shine red or green, while others are yellow, gold or white. (Glow worms too.)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What is the underlying meaning of the number '7' in the Bible?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS1150. BY 'JEEP-ERS'!
The name Jeep came from the abbreviation used in the army for the "General Purpose" vehicle, G.P. (serviced by doctors or mechanics?)
1151. AND THEN THERE WERE 1000!
The Red Sponge, a sea animal, can be broken into a 1000 pieces and still reconstruct itself. (ancient genetic engineering?)
1152. AN INAPPROPRIATE NAME
A group of goldfish is called a ‘troubling.’ (Surely can't be anything less troublesome than a group of goldfish)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
NYQUIST
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 - THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
8: How should we practise charitable works, prayers and fasting?a. With thanksgiving
b. Openly
c. In secret
d. Quietly
Source: http://biblequizzes.org.uk
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"""SAYINGS FOR YOU TO PONDER
!!!!!!! No matter how you used yesterday, you received 24 hours today.
!!!!!! A smile is God's cosmetic.
!!!!! The curve of a smile can set a lot of things straight.
!!!! An egotist is a person who is me-deep in conversation.
!!! When an egotist meets another egotist, it's an "I" for an "I". Really, they are both I-sores.
!! He who fiddles around seldom gets to lead the orchestra.
! He who throws dirt loses ground.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
LIFE'S A LAUGH
86. THE WRONG BUSA workman who was extremely fond of garlic boarded a bus in a Southern city, and sat himself down next to a haughty, sour-faced woman. She immediately became aware of the
garlic fragrance, and observed icily, "It's a wonder they don't run a special bus for
persons who insist on eating garlic."
The workman cheerfully answered, "They do lady, you're on the wrong bus."
87. ADDED EXTRAS
In October, a Redondo Beach, Calif., police officer arrested a driver after a short chase and charged him with drunk driving. Officer Joseph Fonteno's suspicions were aroused when he saw the white Mazda MX-7rollingdown Pacific Coast Highway with half of a traffic-light pole, including the lights, lying across its hood. The driver had hit the pole on a median strip and simply kept driving. According to Fonteno, when the driver was asked about the pole, he said, "It came with the car when I bought it."
88. THE NEW EMPLOYEE
The new employee stood before the paper shredder looking confused.
"Need some help?" a secretary asked.
"Yes," he replied. "How does this thing work?"
"Simple," she said, taking the fat report from his hand and feeding it
into the shredder.
"Thanks, but where do the copies come out?"
89. NEEDLEPOINT?
One day we saw a news report on TV about the owner of a large craft store and one of her employees, who apprehended a would-be thief and held him captive until police arrived
to arrest him.
As we listened to the story, my grandson commented dryly, "What did they do? Hold him at needlepoint?"
Come here just for a laugh at life.....
BIBLE TRIVIA (Strange and Amazing Facts)
MOST MENTIONS - JESUSThe name Jesus appears 700 times in the Gospels and Acts, but less than 70 times in the Epistles. The name 'Christ' is found 60 times in the Gospels and Acts, but 240 times in the Epistles and Revelation.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Lent challenge to demonstrate generosity
Posted: Friday, February 17, 2012, 10:48 (GMT)Stewardship is inviting Christians to do their bit in changing the world this Lent.
The charity is asking Christians to take up the 40acts challenge and create a movement of generosity.
The challenge is to "do Lent generously" this year by taking part in 40 acts of generosity over 40 days, some of which might focus on community engagement, the environment, or stepping out from personal comfort zones.
Ideas can be big and small, from inviting a neighbour to church or sending a thank you note, to helping someone to learn a new skill or picking up litter around the neighbourhood.
Debbie Wright, Stewardship’s Head of Content explains: “Lent marks a pivotal point in the history of the church, when Jesus prepared to give himself up as a sacrifice for all mankind.
"Traditionally we mark Lent by giving something up, but what if it could be more than that? What if Lent was a preparation for a lifetime of big-heartedness?
“What if you could give up chocolate and give the money to your favourite charity? What if you could turn the TV off and spend more time helping your neighbour as well?â€
The 40-day challenge will be aided by 40 biblical reflections from contributors including Nicky Gumbel of Holy Trinity Brompton, Rob Parsons of Care for the Family, and Andy Frost of Share Jesus International.
Find out more at www.40acts.org.uk
Via: OpenHeaven.com
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF…….THE 3 GARDENS OF GODHaving spent much of my life involved in the gardening industry, as a grower, wholesaler of flowers, bulbs and plants and finally as a mail order seller of the same, this revelation has reached into my 'gardeners' heart!
Gardens and nature have a special place in God's heart too. This is not surprising, for He was their creator! Nor is it surprising then, that He should choose garden settings for key events in His interaction with man to take place.
Let's see what they are.
Check it out and download your free PDF Files here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
Faith is to be a living, growing, dymnamic feature of our walk with our God.FAITH
I wonder why, when 'faith' is an issue,
So often then, we reach for a tissue,
To mop up the tears of doubt you see,
That assail us now, both you and me.
For on the one hand, we trust God with our all,
On the other, human doubt, our faith does stall!
"Will He or wont He?" we are wont to think,
Our faith, once so strong, begins to sink.
"You've always proved faithful to me, my Lord,"
While former blessings, I wish I could hoard!
Each new level requiring greater trust in Him,
Memories of past successes faded, now so dim.
If today's faith was the same as in the past,
Our belief in Him, just simply wouldn't last.
It would just be our own strength that had won,
Not that of our Lord, Jesus Christ the Son.
Now, today's challenge is to break new ground,
Then our faith in Him, it will be truly found.
Oh Lord, please help me in my unbelief!
You've come through again - what a relief!
Put simply, it's the way God's faith works,
Though to our human spirit, it still irks!
So if now, we are to mature and grow,
Trusting Him's, the only way to go!
David Tait 4 August 2002
More of David's offerings at...
A DAVID MUSING
Greetings again from Thurso, here in the northern Highlands of Scotland.We continue to have a great time with our family here.
The pace of life is leisurely here compared to what we are used to. And we certainly don't live in a big metropolis in New Zealand. It is interesting that the pace of life increases with an increase in population size. This is a world wide phenomena.
Of course time can be used well, or wasted, in every situation. This is particularly so in developing relationships. It is true in marriage. It is true here in Thurso, as we spend time with our family. It is true in developing a relationship with Jesus.
May we learn to reorder our priorities today.
Until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: SQUINTY
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: 8c. In secret (Matthew 6:1-18)
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