WALKING THROUGH WITH YOU

There are those who preach, "Come to Jesus and you will get rich, live a happy life, overcome all your problems and experience no more!" This form of 'hyper faith' is not only incorrect scripturally, but contrary to the experience of the New Testament Christians. It is not faith, but merely hype, which inevitably leads to disappointment, disillusionment and rejection of the true Gospel message. For history tells us that John was the only one of the original Apostles to die a natural death, and that in distinctly unpleasant surroundings on the prison Island of Patmos. Yet these men walked in victory, while living - and dying - in difficult circumstances.

While in India last year, my friend Tony and I were taken to the place where Jesus' disciple 'Doubting Thomas', whose doubts by now had been answered, brought the Gospel to India, nearly 2000 years ago. Having not yet been to Israel, it was a moving experience to walk where one of the Apostles had walked, and done miracles. Participating in such history, particularly in such a non-Christian environment, adds an extra dimension to your faith. And yes, he too was eventually martyred, in another part of India.

If we are honest, we all have our share of disappointments in life, even when walking with Jesus. Yet His real message is that for those who choose to follow him, He will be there to guide and support us through life, irrespective of the circumstances we face. To become 'Overcomers'. And by definition, to become an overcomer, there must be something to overcome! He will pick us up and encourage us through the challenges life throws at us.

On Saturday morning, I had such an experience of God's special grace. I was an anonymous attendee at a Men's Breakfast held at our church. The speaker, a noted New Zealand pastor and one who provides oversight for the church, had a word from the Lord for me. We had not met me previously, being relatively new in the church. That is how I like to receive prophecy, from those who don't know me or of me! No preconceived ideas! The contents of the word are unimportant here, except to say that they were an acknowledgement of recent disappointment in my life and a direct confirmation of the promises the Lord has made to me personally. A real faith builder and encouragement to continue along the path He has laid out before me. How I love specific prophecy!

Maybe today, you are experiencing some of life's discouragement, perhaps feeling inadequate in your God given mission. Please be assured that God has not deserted you. He is there for you. Call out to Him in your need and He will answer you. The answer may not be immediate, it may not be the one you would wish to hear, for when we place our lives under His control, that is the risk we take! But the both of us can trust Him to have our best interests at heart. He will walk us through!

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FROM THE WORD

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer." (2 Corinthians 1:3-6)

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

"We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." (2 Corinthians 6:3-10)

"To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations." (Revelation 2:26)

DAVID'S DOODLINGS

!!! To believe in God is good, to hear from God is great, but to obey God reaps the ultimate reward.

!!! A man’s wisdom is based upon experience, but God’s wisdom comes through revelation. (Computer, writing up these thoughts – 1 May 2001)

!!! ‘Earthly Success’ is based upon achievement, ‘Godly Success’ upon relationship.

!!! ‘To be, not to do, that is the answer.’ (with apologies to Shakespeare)

!!! God desires our ‘being’ much more than our ‘doing’.

!!! God prefers ‘ones self’ to ‘ones works’.

!!! The problem with prosperity is that we all want to own God's 'cattle on a thousand hills' personally.

Please feel free to quote these quotes. Acknowledgement of David Tait as the author would be appreciated. There are now 530 David sayings for you to view at ...

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YOUR COMMENTS FROM LAST WEEK'S NEWSLETTER

ON THE QUESTION ABOUT SNEEZING IN SUNLIGHT...
I always thought that sneezing in sunlight had something to do with the fact that sunlight makes your eyes water. I drew this conclusion because (back when vanity trumped comfort) when I plucked my eyebrows, my eyes would water and I would be overcome by sneezing - similar to the effect of bright sunlight.

Why don't you try it? What are your results?

Linda Bowers

Hi Linda

Thanks for sharing your experiential answer. I am reluctant to follow your example as my eyebrows are the only hairy areas on my body without grey hairs - so I want to keep them. Reverse vanity!

Cheers

David

************

Dear Dave, Last night I finished your letter and wanted to respond to GOD FACTS
"!!! 648 million Christians today (called Great Commission Christians)are active in Christ’s world mission; 1,352 million Christians ignore this mission. " Yesterday, I had my email already to send and my computer decided to crash..I guess God was telling me to go to bed and wait till now ...our computer has been thinking on it's own for the last few days...o' well! back to my original thought of why I'm writing this email to you...
The words "Great Commission Christians" scattered some "memory dust" and I remember a book I read some 20 yrs ago called "The Christ Commission" by Og Mandino (here is his website, he was a great writer http://www.ogmandino.com/ and left the world a legacy of good works)....I did some surfing on the words Great Commission Christians and discovered something that I have been curious about for years...some year ago a new church was built near our old home it was called "The Church of Alliance" ..Now Spirit has revealed to me the history of the Alliance Church and what it's mission is in life...here is their URL....it may interest you...

http://www.cmalliance.org/index.htm ...The Presence of the Holy Spirit is in the air, guiding God's people to come together in love and kindness, to make this world a better place for the Coming of the Lord...and to bask in His Light of Peace.
==========================
I was sent this message today from www.positivechristianity.org and would like to share it with you and the WWJ family.."DRINKING FROM MY SAUCER"
When I was a little girl I can remember my Uncle Joe drinking his tea or coffee from his saucer, I asked him why he drank from the saucer...he told me it was a custom from England ....I don't know if that was true or not but I do know some of the History of England...it teaches us that the English people were brave and curious about the world they lived in and they did travel the world over.. and became a mighty Empire in sharing the Word and their Language and Culture.... and God did fill their cup to the brim and maybe that is why they began the habit to "drink from the saucer" signifying their prosperity... OR maybe someone broke all the cups in their travels of packing and unpacking the china....... and as we find ourselves living in God's Prosperity today, let us lift our saucers together and give Thanks to God for the abundance of Good Friendship that fills our World this day..Thank you God!
God Bless you, and goodnight...
Enjoy dear friend... from the Sheas, Grand Island, New York USA http://www.tsmj.org/aboutus/index.htm

DRINKING FROM MY SAUCER
I've never made a fortune and it's probably too late now.
But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow.
And as I go along life's way, I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer, 'cause my cup has overflowed.
Haven't got a lot of riches, and sometimes the going's tough.
But I've got loving ones around me, and that makes me rich enough.
I thank God for his blessings, and the mercies God's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer, 'cause my cup has overflowed.
O, Remember times when things went wrong, my faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke, and sun peeped through again.
So Lord, help me not to gripe about the tough rows that I've hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer, 'cause my cup has overflowed.
If God gives me strength and courage, when the way grows steep and rough.
I'll not ask for other blessings, I'm already blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed.
--George McPhee

Your comments to me or fellow readers are always welcomed at... david@wwj.org.nz

FREE 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 free download is...

UNDERSTANDING TRUE FAITH

By: Bill Subritzky

The first 2 parts of a 3 part series by New Zealand's leading evangelist of several decades. Bill, a lawyer by qualification, a businessman by experience and an evangelist at heart, will both challenge and inspire you.

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LAUGHING AT OURELVES

***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." ***

176. A REAL PRAYER
A couple was touring the Capitol in Washington D.C., and the guide pointed out a tall, benevolent gentleman as the congressional chaplain.

The lady asked, "What does the chaplain do? Does he pray for the Senate or House?"

The guide answered, "No, he gets up, looks at the Congress, then prays for the country!"

175. CASH AND CARRY...
A miserly rich man was nearing the end and he called three of his closest friends to his bedside: a doctor, a minister and a lawyer.

“They always say that you can’t take it with you,” he wheezed. “But I’m going to prove them wrong.” He handed each of them an envelope. “Inside each envelope is fifty thousand dollars, evenly divided from my estate. I want each of you to throw your envelope in the grave with me just before they cover me up. You are the only ones I could trust to carry out my last wishes.” And so saying, he expired.

Several days later at graveside services, they did as he asked. The three friends walked away in silence. Presently the clergyman spoke. “I have a confession to make,” he started. “The church has desperately needed some major repairs, so I kept back $10,000 of the money to do it.”

This prompted the doctor. “I, too, friends, must confess: the hospital needed a new wing, so I only threw in $10,000 and have already given the rest to the building fund.”

The lawyer stared at the two chagrined men. “Gentlemen! I am shocked, and ashamed of you for keeping back part of the money.” He turned to leave, with a grim smile. “I’ll have you know, friends, that I threw in a personal check for the entire amount!”

Now one of the most comprehensive sources of Christian Humour on the Net with 500 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...

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FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What is the world's only incorporated city where the dead outnumber the living - and why?

ANSWER: Colma, California. Since 1902 when burials were prohibited in San Francisco, the residents of the city began burying their dead in a valley five miles to the south. At first, they called the new necropolis ("city of the dead") Lawndale. But the name was changed back to Colma when it was discovered that another town was already using the name Lawndale. There are now 17 cemeteries in Colma, taking up about 73 percent of the land area of the town. The 'living' population of Colma is approximately 1,300 people. The Colma city website proudly proclaims, "It's Great to be Alive in Colma!"

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: How many sonnets did Shakespeare write?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

936. A MARRIED POPE?
Adrian II (867-872) was the last married Catholic Pope. He was actually married before he became Pope, but refused to adopt celibacy or to give up his wife when he ascended the papal throne. (Knew he was on to a good thing – most of the time!)

937. MULTITUDINOUS HEADACHES
Americans consume an incredible 42 tons of aspirin per day. (What would happen if the aspirin-making machine broke down?)

938. SMELL TO LEARN
According to a Dr. Hirsch's research, the answer is yes. Floral odours can increase learning for some people. Now there’s even a line of toys that give off strong scents in the hope that this will help infants become smarter faster. (Infant-ile perfume?)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

ISOCKT

Answer at the end of A David Musing.

You can download a 250 item sample Trivia Book at Truly Trifling Trivia

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MARRIAGE AND FAMILY FACTS FROM ROUND THE WORLD

DIVORCE RATES...

CHINA
"Apparently China may soon be moving towards a legally required premarriage education, according to an article in the APA Division 48 newsletter by Ann Gardano, who just returned from there. The divorce rate in China has jumped from 4% in the 1980s to 26% in 1995! Marital therapy does not exist in the country, but "divorce school"
is mandated."
-- From Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education on-line newsletter

JAPAN
"Divorces in Japan have more than doubled, from just over 95,000 in 1970 to 206,955 in 1996, according to Health Ministry statistics. One in three Japanese marriages now ends in divorce."
[From AP story, "Japan's divorced find strength in numbers"]

Much more information on families and marriage at...

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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!

??? Having a spirit of non-forgiveness is like drinking poison - and waiting for the other person to die!

??? In answer to the question of why it happened, I offer the modest proposal that our Universe is simply one of those things which happen from time to time." - Edward P. Tryon

??? If I keep saving at the present rate, by the time I die I will owe $21, 473,249.13 - Lawrence Brotherton

??? I'm astounded by people who want to 'know' the universe when it's hard enough to find your way around Chinatown. - Woody Allen

??? I've Learned. . .
that 5,000,000 people have read "I've Learned" and passed it on to 15,000,000 who read it and passed it on to 45,000,000, and everyone of them is sending it to me.-Lawrence Brotherton

??? First National Bank of Dad. Sorry, Closed.

??? The Ten Commandments aren't prefaced with "If you're in the mood." -Laura Schlessinger

??? The most powerful force in the universe is: gossip.

??? Dry cleaners are often pressed for time.

??? Sour grapes can turn into WHINES.

??? Elections: Things that are held to see if the polls were right. -Yasha

Hundreds of sayings to entertain, enlighten and maybe make you think a little at...

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READ WHILE YOU ARE STILL ABLE!

BODY 'NOT SO' BEAUTIFUL
A poem about the ravages of time that strike us all!

See it (Through 'tinted' spectacles!) now at...

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A DAVID MUSING

Time is an amazing thing! We can't buy it, it apparently goes more quickly the more of it we have experienced, and it is very much a necessary element in building relationships. The friends we made when we were young often stand the test of time and remain important throughout our lives. Making new friends takes time too. Whether it is getting to know Jesus, our workmates or people in a new church, it all takes time.

Kathy and I have experienced this in work and church situations since shifting to Napier. We have enjoyed the ongoing friendship and caring of old friends of many years who live in this area, and we are gradually making new ones.

When you shift in this day and age in our country, people, from neighbours to those in the church, are both busier and more insular than in the slower days of yesteryear. So in these times, the newcomers really have to make the effort to make new friends. Whether right or wrong, it is reality!

If we are lonely, there are plenty of others who share our situation, and who would welcome our friendship. But so often, we leave it to another to make the first move. The answer though, is in our own hands - and those of 'Old Mother Time'!

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's Word Puzzle Answer: Put a sock in it.

REPRODUCTION OF NEWSLETTER CONTENT

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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