PRAY (and) LISTEN!

Once upon a time, as all good fairy tales begin, two people fell madly in love. They were so happy together, simply wanting to get to know each other. To jointly share their hopes, needs, desires and dreams.

‘Lovely-one’ was the first to speak, being the more loquacious of the two. Lovely-one shared, ever so eloquently, in the traditional language of lovers. ‘Lovely-too’ listened, listened and listened some more... day after day, after day... For a while all went well, as Lovely-too was simply content to listen to Lovely-one’s adoring voice.

However, one day, after many romantic moonlit nights of convivial communion, Lovely-too strongly disagreed with one thing Lovely-one said. “My lover, my Lovely-one, I don’t think that’s right,” Lovely-too whispered in their usual gentle manner. But Lovely-one simply did not hear, carrying on talking as if nothing had been said. “Lovely-one, perhaps you didn’t hear?” Lovely-too exclaimed, a little louder now. But Lovely-one continued on at full pace, hearing only the half tones of their own melodic voice.

“Oh well,” thought Lovely–too wistfully, “I’ll wait for another day.”

Now, as time did pass, the two Lovelies committed fully to each other. The two became one, increasingly sharing their lives. And lovely-one continued to talk, Lovely-too to listen. But the two remained, in spite of this unnatural single sided communication, deeply in love.

Lovely-too however, did have a simple, single regret. “If only my darling would listen to me," Lovely-too thought, "we would be even happier and avoid many mistakes, for I have much to offer.” Lovely-one, sadly though, didn’t understand their lover's desire, and just kept on talking.

The years ticked over one by one as they inevitably do, until one day, death finally silenced the ongoing flow of Lovely-ones words and opinion. Lovely-too was greatly grieved. Both for what was, what might have been, and what was to come. Tears were shed, affectionately watering Lovely-ones grave with a gentle shower of raindrops from on high.

“Now finally, my Lovely-one will have to listen and learn. If only we had sorted things out earlier, it would have been so much better,” thought Lovely-too, a wistful look gracing His eternally loving face. "But that must first be done. Then we can live together, happily ever after... for ever after!"

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FROM THE WORD

*** "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise." (Proverbs 19:20)

*** "“But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices. “If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!" (Psalm 81:11-14)

*** "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”" (John 10:27-30)

DAVID'S DOODLINGS

^^^ A foolish man speaks before he thinks, a wise man thinks before he speaks, but a godly man lets his life speak for him.

^^^ The foolish man listens to himself, a wise man listens to others, but a godly man submits to spiritual oversight.

^^^ The lips of a foolish man blaspheme God, those of a wise man honour God, but a godly man’s lips glorify his God.

Please feel free to quote these quotes. Acknowledgement of David Tait as the author would be appreciated. There are now over 430 David sayings for you to view at ...

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MP3 DOWNLOAD OF THE WEEK

In conjunction with Inspirational Tapes
inspirational.org.nz we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to download the following message in MP3 format, free of charge. Inspirational Tapes offers a range of over 4,000 Audio Cassette Tapes, CD's and Videos to members worldwide, for hire, download or purchase.

This week's download remains as:

POWER OF THE CROSS

By: Dr Neal Patterson

Neal is one of New Zealands foremost Bible teachers, whose tapes have been extremely popular. Incidentally, he was the founder, many years ago, of the church we have been called to attend here in Napier. A short download well worth meditating upon.

Download your free MP3 now at ...

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FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What happened to Pontius Pilate after he sentenced Christ to
crucifixion?

ANSWER: As could be expected, things went rapidly downhill from there. Pilate ended up killing himself in 36 AD after Caligula ordered him to come to Rome to explain his actions in the massacre of some Samaritans. It is unclear whether Caligula ordered the suicide or Pilate simply feared harsh punishment.

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: How can birds sit on electric wires without being injured?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT
In the event of a major meteorite collision with the earth, your odds of dying are 1 in 20,000. Nearly 400 tons of space debris rain down on us daily, far too small an amount to detect. To date, no known big asteroid is on a collision path with Earth. However, a near miss by one in 1996 was found only four days before it passed within 280,000 miles of Earth, a hairbreadth by space standards. (But a long way from home.)

THE ULTIMATE OBSESSION
King Charles VIII of France, who ascended to the throne in 1483, was obsessed with the idea of being poisoned. As his phobia grew, the monarch ate so little that he died of malnutrition circa 1498. (The ultimate diet!)

A LIVING MONUMENT TO WAR
Built in only 16 months between 1941 and 1942, the Pentagon is only 71ft tall, yet it has 5 floors, 17.5 miles of corridors, 150 stairways, 280 restrooms, 685 drinking fountains, 7,748 windows and workers replace more than 250 light bulbs each day. (A bureaucratic battlefield.)

A CHALLENGE FOR YOU

If you rearrange the letters "RPSIA", you would have the name of a:
*Ocean *Country *State *City *Animal

Answer at the end of A David Musing.

75 NEW FUN FACTS AND TRIVIAL TRIVIA have been added to...

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LAUGHING AT OURSELVES

***Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused***

MODERN MAN'S BIBLE QUIZ (Continued)
Q. What is one of the first things that Adam and Eve did after they were kicked out?
A. They really raised Cain.
Q. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden?
A. Your mother ate us out of house and home.
Q. The ark was built in 3 stories, and the top story had a window to let light in, but how did they get light to the bottom 2 stories?
A. They used floodlights.
Q. Who is the greatest babysitter mentioned in the Bible?
A. David. He rocked Goliath to sleep.
Q. Why was Goliath so surprised when David hit him with a slingshot?
A. The thought had never entered his head before.
Q. What do they call pastors in Germany?
A. German Shepherds.
Q. What is the best way to get to Paradise?
A. Turn right and go straight.
Q. Which servant of Jehovah was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible?
A. Moses. Because he broke all 10 commandments at once.
Q. Which area of Palestine was especially wealthy?
A. The area around the Jordan. The banks were always overflowing.
Q. How do we know that Job went to a chiropractor?
A. Because in Job 16:12 we read, "I had come to be at ease, but he proceeded to shake me up and he grabbed me by the back of the neck and proceeded to smash me."
Q. Which Bible character had no parents?
A. Joshua, son of Nun.
Q. Why didn't Noah go fishing?
A. He only had two worms!

Now over 150 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...

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EXTENSIVE EXPLANATIONS

MURPHY’S LAWS OF COMPUTING
@ When computing, whatever happens, behave as though you meant it to happen.

@ When you get to the point that you really understand your computer, then it’s probably obsolete.

@ The first place to look for information is in the section of the manual where you least expect to find it.

@ When the going gets tough – upgrade.

@ For every action, there is an equal and opposite malfunction.

@ To err is human…. To blame your computer for your mistakes is even more human - it is downright natural.

@ If at first you do not succeed, blame your computer.

@ A complex system that does not work is invariably found to have evolved from a simpler system that worked perfectly.

@ The number one cause of computer problems? Computer solutions offered by family members.

@ It is amazing how often there is a problem with the interface between the chair and the keyboard.

Numerous explanations on many varied subjects available at...

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IF YOU ENJOYED THE ALLEGORY IN THE FIRST ARTICLE...

you may like to climb "Up The Mountain" with me. An allegory that talks of salvation and finding the Kingdom of God. Each sentance has an underlying spiritual meaning.

Join me on the journey at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/pdf/bk3.pdf

JUST JOKES

THE MAGICIAN

"What's your father's occupation?" asked the school secretary on the first day of the new academic year.

"He's a magician, Ma'am" said Little Johnny.

"How interesting. What's his favorite trick?"

"He saws people in half."

"Gosh! now, next question. Any brothers or sisters?"

"One half brother and two half sisters."

More than 120 good, clean jokes at...

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A DAVID MUSING

Last night, we drove the 300km back from our previous home of the city of Tauranga to the new area of God's choice for us, the province of Hawkes Bay. It is a journey I have completed many times, so much so that the car can almost find its own way home. The road is so predictable, that although I love driving, I do tend to get a little sleepy at the wheel later in the evening.

But this trip was different. For a good part of the travelling time, the heavens opened and the rains came down. The conditions were difficult and a real challenge to drive in. And I stayed awake! So much awake that it took me ages to get to sleep, once I got home and into bed!

But this morning, when musing about what to write, the Lord simply reminded me, in His inimitable way, that this trip was like my walk with Him. When things are easy and we have we have been along the way many times before, we tend to go to sleep! But when faced with a new challenge, with difficult circumstances, we come alive and our faith and abilities grow. We become more alert, aware, enthusiastic about and effective in our spiritual journey.

As the rains fall in to natural to water the parched summer lands, so the reign of the Spirit in our lives challenges should motivate us to new levels in our walk with the Lord - provided we are prepared to get wet!

His servant and yours

David Tait

Challenge Answer: A City: PARIS

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 utilise this material. Freely received, freely given. We would ask though, that the scource be acknowledged as an encouragement to others to subscribe to this newsletter also.

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CHANGING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS

Each week we lose up to 1% of our readers when they change email addresses without letting us know. 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.

LINKS

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ABOUT US
WALKING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES is a non-profit, non-denominational, Bible based ministry located in Mount Maunganui, 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
P O Box 5160
Mount Maunganui
New Zealand

Phone: (06) 878-9330 International (0064) 6878-9330
Fax: (06) 878-9330 International (0064) 6878-9330
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