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: 699 Published: 23 Mar 2015
WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY?
THE POST APOSTOLIC CHURCHThe major question now is, "where is the church of the 21st Century heading".
Fifteen years into the new century, it is becoming more apparent that God is 'doing a new thing'. But as we have seen over the past 2000 years, through the Dark Ages, the Reformation and the Holy Spirit revivals of the 20th century, the Holy Spirit will always be to the fore of what transpires.
Regrettably from a human perspective, all past movements of the Holy Spirit have come to an end, primarily because man has codified them and taken over. Like Moses, the world's humblest man and the closest to God before Jesus, when he hit the rock, (which he had done successfully before to bring water), rather than talk to it as God had instructed him to do,(Numbers 20:13) man has always seemingly known better than God. This cost Moses the opportunity to take the Israelites into the Promised Land.
So where do we go from here? What is God doing here and now, and into the future.
THE CHALLENGE OF..... LIVING THE KINGDOM LIFESTYLE
To conclude this series on the history of the church, past, present and likely future from a Holy Spirit anointing perspective, I will finish, over the weeks ahead, by looking at the 'Parables of Jesus' which set out the principles of living a kingdom lifestyle.
The relevant Scriptures can be accessed by clicking on the blue links.
THE PARABLE OF THE UNMERCIFUL SERVANT
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?†22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. 23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26 “The servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. 28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. 29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ 30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.â€
This parable teaches the kingdom truth of forgiveness.
The master, God, through His Son, Jesus, forgave each and every believer our sins, on the cross. 10,000 thousand talents of gold, (many millions of dollars in today's terms) is but a limited physical illustration of the total sacrifice Jesus made on your behalf and mine.
Neither you nor I can live in the presence of God as we are in the natural, for God and sin cannot coexist.
This foundational truth was graphically illustrated when Moses brought the twin tablets of the 10 Commandments, provided by and written upon by God (pure God), down Mount Sinai, only to discover the Israelites had built a golden calf and were worshipping it as a God substitute.
Moses had no choice other than to smash the tablets, as God cannot live in the presence of sin. The only other alternative would have been for all the people to die instead. The smashing of the tablets therefore, was an act of forgiveness on God's part. A self-sacrifice, an Old Testament picture of what would happen with Jesus, in the New.
Forgiveness is at the heart of the Gospel of Jesus. Our forgiveness of others is required in order to receive forgiveness from God!
Mark 11:25
Did I, did you, read that! Do we put it into practice?
We all too often forget the conditional verse after the Lord's Prayer, which says exactly the same thing.
Matthew 6:14-15
The Lord's Prayer is a key indicator that God intends to establish His kingdom here on earth.
Matthew 6:10
And it also contains the call for forgiveness.
Luke 11:4
Forgiveness then, as the parable teaches, is at the centre of the establishment of God's kingdom.
By observation too, it is clear that lack of forgiveness is a huge problem, both in individual believers and in the church as a whole.
Holding on to grudges kills spiritual, and often physical, life! The root of bitterness, of unforgiveness, makes us captive to sin.
Acts 8:23
Bitterness grieves God. It can only be overcome through kindness and forgiveness.
Ephesians 4:30-32
For a united church, for God's kingdom to be established upon the earth, total forgiveness of one another for the supposed wrongs we feel have been committed upon us, is an essential and foundational requirement.
How is your 'forgiveness quotient' today? Zero! 100%! Or somewhere inbetween.
What are you going to do about it? What you do regarding forgiveness is solely up to you, not the other party involved. As I have found out for myself, you too will be surprised to find out what a difference forgiveness makes in your life. A huge burden will be lifted off your shoulders.
Try it and find out.
In doing so, you will take one step towards seeing the establishment of God's kingdom upon the earth.
So we can continue to say.....
THE TRUE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS ARE ONES WHO ARE OBEDIENT TO THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THEIR LIVES.
Find out more about us at.....
FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUSMay we hear what the Lord is saying to us.
Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16)
“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt becomes tasteless, how can you make it salty again? It’s good for nothing, so it’s thrown out and trodden on. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill can’t be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a bucket. No, it’s placed on a lamp-stand and it provides light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way you should let your light shine before everyone so they can see the good things you do and praise your heavenly Father.
Fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17-20)
“Don’t think I came to abolish the law or the writings of the prophets. I didn’t come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. 18I assure you, until heaven and earth come to an end, not a single letter, not a single dot of the law will come to an end before everything is fulfilled. 19So whoever disregards the least important commandment, and teaches people to do so, will be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches the commandments will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20I tell you, unless your righteousness is more than that of the religious teachers and the Pharisees, you can never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Murder (Matthew 5:21-6, Luke 12:58-9)
“You’ve heard that the law said to the people of long ago: ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who commits murder will be condemned as guilty.’ But I tell you, anyone who is angry with his brother will be condemned as guilty. Whoever calls his brother an idiot has to answer to the council, and whoever insults people is liable to the fire of judgment.â€
“If you’re at the altar making an offering, and remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering on the altar and go and make peace with him first, and afterwards come back and make your offering. While you’re on the way to court with your opponent, make sure you settle things quickly. Otherwise your opponent might hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the court official, and you will be thrown into jail. I tell you the truth: you won’t get out of there until you’ve paid every last penny.
Adultery (Matthew 5:27-30)
You’ve heard that the law said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that everyone who looks lustfully at a woman has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye leads you to sin, then tear it out and throw it away, because it’s better to lose one part of your body than to have your whole body thrown into the fire of judgment. If your right hand leads you to sin, then cut it off and throw it away, for it’s better for you to lose one of your limbs than for your whole body to go into the fire of judgment.
Divorce (Matthew 5:31-2)
“The law also said, ‘If a man divorces his wife, he should give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that any man who divorces his wife except for sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
(Continued next week.)
You can download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.
***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 on@wwj.org.nz>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...
'THE WORDS OF JESUS' NOW AVAILABLE FOR PDF DOWNLOAD
Join the many who have downloaded the 'The Words of Jesus'. I am sure you will be blessed by it, as I have been.One key element here is the setting out in chronological order (as far as it is possible to do so) our Lord's words drawn from all the Gospels, and the elimination of repetition between Gospels.
You may be surprised by the different perspective this presentation gives you both in understanding of His life and ministry, and in achieving a closer relationship with Him.
Download the free PDF here.....
DAVID'S DOODLINGS
RELIGION, REVELATION AND GOD'S KINGDOM1052. 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.
1057. Revelation tells us God's kingdom is available now, while religion places itself in the now, with the kingdom to be found in the future.
1058. Religion may well be the opiate of the masses, but God's kingdom is possessed by the godly, right now!
1059. Religion comes and religion goes, but God's kingdom goes on forever.
1060. God's kingdom now isn't freely given, but possessed through godly obedience.
1061. God reveals, while religion conceals.
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 ...
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: HOLY SPIRIT WEEKEND IN HAWKES BAY.... with Rodney Francis and David Tait
If you are in New Zealand (or Australia or elsewhere!) why not take the opportunity to join us for a weekend retreat on the theme HEARING ANOBEYING GOD'S VOICE at Stoney Creek Ranch, Maraekakaho, Hawkes Bay, from Friday evening 24 April until Sunday afternoon on the 26th April. The speakers are Rodney Francis of theGospel Faith Messenger and yours truly, David Tait of Walking With Jesus MinistriesWalking With Jesus Ministries. Check out our websites to find out more about us.It will be a weekend of Holy Spirit inspiration, guidance and participation. We would love you to attend. Am sure both we, and you, will be blessed.
Should you want more details please email david@wwj.org.nz HERE and I will endeavour to answer any questions and/or send you a registration form.
CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
Visit the Toon Fever website for more cartoon fun..... http://www.toonfever.com 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: TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH: 3. FROM KINGS TO KINGDOM continuesWe look at the churches of Thyratira and Sardis.
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. ***
155. NOW YOU TELL ME
A deacon, driving home from church one hot and muggy Sunday afternoon, passed an older model car sitting on the side of the road with a flat tire. A young lady was struggling to get a spare out of the trunk, obviously having a difficult time. Wanting to be a "Good Samaritan," he turned around and went back to help.
Getting out of his car and rolling up his shirt sleeves, he smiled and said, "This is no job for a woman. Let me do it for you."
Fifteen minutes later, covered with sweat and grime, he finally got the spare on and began to take the car off the jack.
"Please take it down easy," whispered the lady. "My husband's taking a nap in the back seat."
154. THANKS A LOT:
Much of the following material has been has been shorn from http://www.sheeplaughs.com
A minister was called to come to the bedside of a man who was dying. In spite of the lateness of the hour, the minister came and did what he could for the dying man. In a barely audible voice, and between hoarse hacking coughs, the man confessed his sins and asked the Lord's forgiveness as the minister bent close to catch his words.
As he was leaving, the minister said to the man's wife, "I was happy to come and comfort your husband the best I could. But, you're not members of my church. Don't you have a minister of your own faith?"
"Oh yes," the woman said, "but we couldn't call him out in the middle of the night and have him exposed to scarlet fever."
153. THE RIGHTEOUS EAT
My pastor-husband Scott has a sweet tooth, so I knew the chocolate chip cookies I'd just baked might disappear before I returned from running errands.
To discourage him, I taped a verse on the wrapped goodies: "Everything is permissible for me -- but not everything is beneficial." - 1 Cor. 6:12.
When I returned I found half the cookies gone and another verse attached: "The righteous eat to their heart's content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry" - Prov. 13:25.
"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: Where did the term ‘private eye’ originate?ANSWER: We get ‘private eye’ from the famous logo of the Pinkerton Detective Agency -a wide-open eye. The company, founded in the 1800s, had as its motto: ‘We never sleep’. (So can specialise in finding those who sleep together illicitly.)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Who wrote the first detective novel?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS 579. SEE THE LIGHT?
Lightening strikes the world about 6,000 times per minute while men are 6 times more likely to be struck by it than women! (Are men positively charged?)
580. TEETH SCRUBBERS
More people use blue toothbrushes, than red ones. (Blue for boy, red for danger?)
581. IMMENSE VARIETY
There are more than one million animal species on the Earth. (And you are just another one of these?)
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...
BIBLE TRIVIA 1
15: How was Naboth killed?a. Stabbed
b. Hanged
c. Stoned
d. Burnt
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"""!!!!!!! A person who asks a question might be a fool for five minutes, but a person who doesn't ask, is a fool forever...
!!!!!! A best friend is like a four leaf clover... hard to find, and lucky to have.
!!!!! A friend is someone who reaches for your hand but touches your heart.
!!!! A coincidence is when God performs a miracle, and decides to remain anonymous.
!!! I don't have to attend every argument I'm invited to.
!! Our eyes are placed in front because it is more important to look ahead than to look back.
! Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace... and your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
TILL DEATH DO US PART!
111. TOUCHE!Grumbled the new groom at dinner: "Why can't you make bread like my mother does?"
Answered his bride, "Why can't you make dough like my father does?"
112. THE GENIE
man was sitting alone in his office one night when a genie popped up out of his ashtray.
"And what will your third wish be?"
The man looked at the genie and said, "Huh? How can I be getting a third wish when I haven't had a first or second wish yet?"
"You have had two wishes already," the genie said, "but your second wish was for me to put everything back the way it was before you made your first wish. Thus, you remember nothing, because everything is the way it was before you made any wishes. You now have one wish left."
"Okay," said the man, "I don't believe this, but what the heck. I've always wanted to understand women. I'd love to know what's going on inside their heads."
"Funny," said the genie as it granted his wish and disappeared forever, "That was your first wish, too!"
113. LESSON IN LIFE
My parents have been married for almost 40 years.
Whenever anyone asks my Dad how they've stayed married for so long, he claims they are compatible. They both like to fight! He says that they have come to an agreement on one thing...
He doesn't try to run her life, and he doesn't try to run his.
114. HOME HELP
Smith goes to see his supervisor in the front office.
"Boss," he says, "we're doing some heavy house-cleaning at home tomorrow, and my wife needs me to help with the attic and the garage, moving and hauling stuff."
"We're short-handed, Smith," the boss replies. "I can't give you the day off."
"Thanks, boss," says Smith, "I knew I could count on you!"
More marriage and humour here.....
Miracle Survivors Tell of Boko Haram's Unspeakable 'Evil'
CBN NewsABUJA, Nigeria -- As the Islamic State continues to grab the international spotlight, the African terror group, Boko Haram, operates under the radar, seizing parts of Nigeria.
Earlier this week, Boko Haram pledged allegiance to ISIS.
"We announce our allegiance to the caliph... and will hear and obey in times of difficulty and prosperity," Boko Haram's leader said in an audio message. "We call on Muslims everywhere to pledge allegiance to the caliph."
More than 1 million people have been displaced as a result of Boko Haram's Islamic insurgency in Nigeria. Thousands have been killed, raped, or kidnapped.
A Living Nightmare
Those like Stephen, fortunate to survive Boko Haram's wrath, testify to unspeakable horrors. He asked CBN News to mask his face to protect himself and his family.
With every kidnapping or attack, Stephen relives the nightmare of weeks spent under Boko Haram's control.
"We asked them repeatedly why they are doing what they are doing. They told us this is an all-out battle against Christians and Muslims," he told CBN News in an exclusive interview.
On August 22, 2014, Stephen witnessed the sheer brutality of Africa's deadliest terror group.
"We were working on the farm when Boko Haram attacked us," he said.
It happened in Gwoza, 550 miles from Abuja, Nigeria's capital. Hundreds of Islamic fighters stormed Stephen's town.
"It was well coordinated. They attacked in huge numbers, going from house to house, stealing, destroying, then capturing men, women, and children," Stephen recounted.
Video of the assault was put on YouTube by Boko Haram.
"They attacked Gwoza because it is predominately a Christian town," Stephen explained.
Several hundred people were killed, including members of his own family.
"I saw them kill my father and brother. After the killings, they took 11 of us hostage," he said.
'Evil Atrocities'
He said the attack went on for several hours. Two days later, Boko Haram's leader, Abubakar Shekau, released a video declaring the Gwoza operation as the beginning of an Islamic caliphate in northeast Nigeria.
"Thanks be to Allah, who gave victory to our brethren in Gwoza and made it part of the Islamic caliphate," Shekau said. "We did not do it on our own. Allah used us to capture Gwoza; Allah is going to use Islam to rule Gwoza, Nigeria, and the whole world."
Stephen was held by Boko Haram for months and said he saw their brutality up close.
"We watched them carry out their evil atrocities from one town to another," Stephen told CBN News. "Each time they went on an operation they would usually chant 'Allahu-Akbar" -- and this terrified us."
"They'd return from the attacks with dozens of prisoners and stolen items," he continued. "The men guarding us always came around to question us whether we were ready to be part of Boko Haram."
Another Victim Speaks Out
Meanwhile, in another part of town, Elizabeth, another of Boko Haram's victims, spoke out for the first time to CBN News.
"They asked me if I wanted to be beheaded or shot in the head. I told them I'd rather be shot. They said no, that they would slaughter me instead!" she said.
We've taken similar precaution to hide Elizabeth's identity. Like Stephen, Elizabeth is a Christian. She and her family were trying to escape Gwoza when they were intercepted by Boko Haram fighters.
"They stopped our car and ordered us to convert to Islam," she recalled. "We refused. Then they shot my siblings behind me. My husband was ordered to leave. He fled into the bush and then they told me to get in their car."
Raped by Her Muslim 'Husband'
Elizabeth was taken to a nearby town and again asked to convert to Islam. Again she refused.
"I stood my ground and each time I refused, they put a knife to my neck and threatened to cut my head off," she said.
But after days of torture, no food, and under constant threat of death, she reluctantly agreed to convert.
Elizabeth described to CBN News how Boko Haram fighters forced her to undergo an Islamic conversion ceremony. They changed her name, told her to wear a hijab and married her off to an Islamic fighter.
Held against her will, she said she was repeatedly raped by her Muslim "husband."
"For all the horrible things Boko Haram did to me and my family, I leave them to the judgment of God Almighty!" she said.
A Safe Haven
After several more months of captivity, Steven and Elizabeth miraculously escaped. The details of their escape are being withheld for security. Both are wanted by Boko Haram.
Both have joined some 2,000 other Christians living in a temporary camp outside the capital city.
"These are people who have lived their lives in abundance and all of a sudden they have been stripped of all their belongings and they are living in places that are not their homes at all," said Mark Lipdo, who has helped thousands through his Christian human rights group Stefanos Foundation.
"I'm doing this because people need to bring it to the limelight; people need to speak out about what is happening. If you don't speak about it, it is worse than those who are perpetrating it," Lipdo told CBN News.
With the help of local churches, Lipdo feeds, clothes, and provides trauma counseling to hundreds of Boko Haram's victims like Stephen.
"There were many times while I was in captivity that I thought if I got hold of a gun, I would have massacred the men who killed my father and brother," Stephen said.
Nigeria Vows Crackdown
Meanwhile, the Nigerian army is conducting military operations to retake areas held by Boko Haram ahead of this month's presidential elections.
Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan has promised to deal with the terror group. He has vowed to crack down on Boko Haram, not necessarily getting rid of them all together, but creating an environment in Nigeria that is safe and would allow millions of Nigerians to head to the polls.
But Nigerians aren't convinced he can do it. Boko Haram has killed more than 11,000 people in their Islamic quest. And they are promising more bloodshed in the northeast, leaving thousands of vulnerable Christians in their wake.
Source: CBN News
Via: OpenHeaven.com
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
TABERNACLE TO TABERNACLESHow the pattern of the first Church, The Tabernacle of Moses, has applied to the Church through the ages and predicts the Church to come.
Download your free PDF Files here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
When all else fails, we have our family! Or we should. When our family fails, they are still our family! Or they should be. Our family is our greatest source of both pleasure and frustration. They know us best. We cannot fool them. So here is a little about our family. Since the poem was written Andrew and Catriona have produced our baby Eva, our first grandchild. But 20,000km away in Scotland! Thankyou Lord for emails!LIFE’S A LAWNMOWER, MATE! (Part 2)
To Brendan, our next, life’s lawnmower’s been less kind,
His teenage years a little temperamental, but never mind.
For a more honest and loyal model you would not find,
Always willing to help another mower, caught in a bind.
Now as he tunes his motor, pondering where to mow,
One day to find direction, then he’ll know where to go.
Oh yes, life’s a lawnmower, mate.
Our Nigel is a non-mechanical type,
Gets on with life - ignores the hype!
He likes to tune his mower to sing,
For making music is his big thing.
Filling tanks with petrol, through university his way to pay,
Nigel’s found his Saviour, growing more like him every day.
Oh yes, life’s a lawnmower, mate!
Our youngest, Cameron, is a lawnmower freak,
Forever racing the ride-on, until last week,
When in one of life’s many twists and turns,
The mower bit him, now a lesson he learns,
That life ‘taint’ straightforward, as it so often seems,
To an adventurous bloke, eagerly entering his teens!
Oh yes, life’s a lawnmower, mate!
Now you know our lawnmower family, no two models the same,
With such a mix of makes and types, who would be so game,
As to try to work in harmony, to always stay in tune?
About as likely as the cow, jumping over the moon!
But we are still a family, mowing our way through life,
Sometimes running sweetly, at other times with strife!
Oh yes, life’s a lawnmower, mate!
So how should we mow then, our life’s uneven lawn,
To keep it manicured, ensuring blades aren’t worn,
Maintaining our engine, so it will always go,
There’s only one manual, as far as I do know,
It’s called the Bible, sets out the rules,
Of living our lives, so we are not fools.
Oh yes, life’s a lawnmower, mate!
We don’t always follow it - you can see from the above,
For our family’s an ordinary one, not yet perfect in love.
Yet love is the key to God’s maintenance plan,
To keep us going, this lawnmower called man.
Like any machine we falter, yes we weep and we spin,
But with Jesus our serviceman, we must finally win!
Oh yes, life’s a lawnmower, mate!
More of David's poetry here.....
A DAVID MUSING
One of my good friends, Joce, I have had the privilege of looking after, particularly over the past year, as she suffered first from bowel cancer, and now, terminal liver cancer. Joce is 88, and is looking forward to being at home with her Lord. She is at peace, both physically, with her pain under control, and spiritually, through her strong faith in her Saviour and Lord.In Pentecostalism, in particular, there is a belief that no-one should die of sickness, that it is our power that is lacking in not seeing healings in these situations.
Yet, reality is, we all die! While we would all like to go to sleep one night and not wake up in the morning, it is not how life works. Our bodies do wear out and we become more susceptible to health problems and disease as we age. It is the natural cycle of life.
Many churches do not know how to handle serious sickness and death. Yet it is a real privilege, as for me in the case of Joce, to walk with a person through their final days in this world. To just be there, to listen rather than talk, to comfort, to endeavour to be as kind and loving as Jesus would be, to him or her.
Thank you Lord for the privilege you have accorded me.
STOP PRESS!
Ironically, after writing this on Friday, my wife Kathy's mother died at 3:30am this morning (Sunday)! Kathy wrote on Facebook.....
END OF AN ERA
Farewell to the loveliest mummy ever made-gentle yet strong, patient and persevering; mild but determined: a woman of substance and admired by many. Loving and greatly loved: Lois Mary Healy nee McNab 23rd May 1922- 22nd March 2015 Resting at peace
Bye Mum.... We will miss you. David
So 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' c. Stoned (1 Kings 21:13)
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.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