WHAT IS TRUTH?

What a ridiculous question! Surely the truth is simply that which is true? Well - yes and no! Surely the truth is simply facts, which can be proven to be right or wrong? Well - yes and no! Surely the truth to you and the truth to me must be the same? Well - yes and no!

It is a simple truth that the definition and understanding of what is true varies considerably between each and every one of us! Thus when it comes to the likely invasion of Iraq this week, both those who support the invasion, and those against, will claim that truth is on their side. Yes, truth can be a very slippery customer indeed at times - in fact, much of the time!

In Christian circles too, this problem of finding the 'true truth', is as difficult as in the secular world. What is the 'true doctrine'? For there are almost as many shades of 'truth' as there are Christians! Yes, we all have our favourite scriptures which, to a greater or lesser degree, back up our individual belief systems. And it is a truism that you can prove just about any position you desire through the selective use of scripture! So to minimise the likelihood of error, it is important that we base our positions upon multiple scriptures, plus an overall understanding of the meaning of God's revealed Word, the Bible. Which, of course, means we need to read it all!

Last evening, I received an email from a friend, who appears to have omitted a relevant piece of information, simply because it would have been negative to the picture he was endeavouring to portray. Of course we are all guilty of this at times. While the individual items he wrote about were true, the whole truth was not disclosed.

Similarly, there are those of the 'super faith' persuasion who say you should only acknowledge positive truths. This really is a simply a religious variation of the worldly PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) school of thought. It can work in the world and it often appears to work in God also. But is it really 'the truth'?

Finally, we have the often-harsh reality of the 'facts' of our circumstances, as opposed to the 'truths' of Gods promises to us. The Word tells us to stand on the promises of God, in spite of our circumstances. The ultimate example of this is that of 'martyrs'. In spite of facing the harshest of all circumstances, imminent death, they go to meet their Maker in the confident assurance of the truth of God's Word.

So in this potentially history changing week, let us all carefully consider 'the truth' before expounding it. And may we pray that God will use the circumstances, whatever they turn out to be, for His ultimate glory. For the indisputable truth is that He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, and the final victory is His alone! I am just so grateful to Him for choosing me to be on His winning team. You too?

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FROM THE WORD

"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8: 31-6)

"I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." (Psalm 119:25-32)

DARKNESS AND LIGHT
### The only way to turn off darkness is to switch on the light.

### The laws of both Nature and the Spirit reveal that light will always penetrate darkness.

### Most people try to switch off darkness when in reality, they need to turn on the light.

### There is nowhere so dark that it cannot be penetrated by light.

### So often we don't appreciate the true value of light until we find ourselves in darkness.

### Light doesn't shine brightly through a dirty window.

### We must pull back the curtains to let light shine into the room of our life.

### Light and darkness cannot co-exist. The one will always mingle with the other.

### There must always be a barrier to separate light and darkness.

### There are only two ways to turn light into darkness - building walls to exclude the light, or turning the light off at its source. The second is by far the easiest.

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 is...

DO YOU FEAR GOD?

By: Dr Derek Prince

Generally recognised as one of the worlds leading and enduring Bible teachers. English by birth, philosopher by occupation, Christian teach by calling and now a resident of both the US and Israel. Well worth listening to.

Download your free MP3 now at ...

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FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: How can birds sit on electric wires without being injured?

ANSWER: It's simple. In order to be electrocuted, the bird would have to touch two wires simultaneously or one hot wire and the ground at the same time. One wire won't do it. You got it?

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What do cats, camels, and giraffes have in common?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

A 'MUCKRAKER'
President Theodore Roosevelt coined the word ‘muckrake’ in a speech that he delivered to the Gridiron Club in Washington, DC in 1906. (A politician looking into a mirror?)

AND NE'ER THE TWAIN SHALL MEET - TEMPORARILY
The Berlin wall that separated East from West in Berlin was 155km (96 miles) long, lasting for 28 years and 3 months until November 1989 had 302 watch towers and 20 bunkers. 77 people were killed while trying to escape over it. (Physical walls cannot contain the restless soul.)

DOLL TALK
Thomas Alva Edison (of light bulb fame), not toy maker Mattel, transferred this major feminine characteristic to dolls in 1888. (Generations of young ladies now trained in its ways!)

A PUZZLE FOR YOU

1. good guys
2. bad guys
3. big guys
4. small guys
5. nice guys

Answer at the end of A David Musing.

75 NEW FUN FACTS AND TRIVIAL TRIVIA have recently 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***

Biblical Headlines
Biblical headlines as they might be written today:

^^^ On Red Sea crossing:
WETLANDS TRAMPLED IN LABOR STRIKE: Pursuing Environmentalists Killed
^^^ On David vs. Goliath:
HATE CRIME KILLS BELOVED CHAMPION: Psychologist Questions Influence of Rock
^^^ On Elijah on Mt. Carmel:
FIRE SENDS RELIGIOUS RIGHT EXTREMIST INTO FRENZY: 400 Killed
^^^ On the birth of Christ:
HOTELS FULL, ANIMALS LEFT HOMELESS: Animal Rights Activists Enraged by Insensitive Couple
^^^ On feeding the 5,000:
PREACHER STEALS CHILD'S LUNCH: Disciples Mystified Over Behavior
^^^ On healing the 10 lepers:
LOCAL DOCTOR'S PRACTICE RUINED: "Faith Healer" Causes Bankruptcy
^^^ On healing of the Gadarene demoniac:
MADMAN'S FRIEND CAUSES STAMPEDE: Local Farmer's Investment Lost
^^^ On raising Lazarus from the dead:
PREACHER RAISES A STINK: Last Will & Testament Reading Delayed

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

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WHY?

??? Why do psychics have to ask you for your name?

??? Why is the alphabet in that order?

??? Why is a carrot more orange than an orange?

??? Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?

??? Where do forest rangers go to "get away from it all?"

??? Why, when I wind up my watch, I start it; but when I wind up a project, I end it?

??? Does the reverse side also have a reverse side?

Mnay more of life's imponderable questions can be mused over at...

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

AN ENCOUNTER WITH GOD TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS

Can you help me? One of our readers, Cleve Bishop, recently sent me some stories of his encounters with God. These were most encouraging to me as they would be to you. So it set the brain off thinking and smoking! Why not ask all of you to send me stories of your 'God encounters' to be included on our website, so as to encourage the thousands of people who will read them! Please keep them brief, as spans of attention on the web are not too long.

Look forward to hearing from you soon at...

david@wwj.org.nz

LIFE'S A LAUGH

### Real life situations provide the best humour of all. You can either laugh or cry!###

FROM THE SUBLIME TO THE RIDICULOUS!

A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE
I got a call from a man who asked, "Is it possible to see England from Canada?" I said, "No."

He said "But they look so close on the map."

ONLY IN TEXAS
Another man called and asked if he could rent a car in Dallas. When I pulled up the reservation, I noticed he only had a 1-hour layover in Dallas. When I asked him why he wanted to rent a car, he said, "I heard Dallas was a big airport, and I need a car to drive between the gates to save time."

Mnay more true life stories to be found on...

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A DAVID MUSING

God is good - in His time!

When shifting to Hawkes Bay we had 4 things that needed to fit into place. Firstly, the church we were called to go to had to want us! Hopefully, after 5 weeks they still do! Then, Kathy needed a job. Another instant answer. Thirdly, we had to be able to arrange satisfactory schooling for our youngest son, Cameron. Another speedy victory!

But where to live! No houses were available to rent in the area we wanted to live in. Oh dear! Was the move not of God? Or did we need to learn to trust a little more?

For the past 5 weeks we have been able to stay with our good friends, Roger and Beryl Boon, in their beautiful home, free of charge. So now, all our bills have been paid and we have had an excellent time with them. But still no home. And we can't stay here forever!

Over the time we have looked at a few homes but none has met our requirements. Until this week, that is. Finally we got a phone call from a man who is buying a house as an investment - and it is just perfect for us. We will shift in, in two weeks time, so in the meantime will enjoy the 'Boonery Hotel'! Thank you Lord! Thank you Roger and Beryl! Yes Lord, your ways are different and superior to ours.

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's Puzzle Answer: Nice guys finish last. (Not true but still a good puzzle!)

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
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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