END OF SELF -AGAIN!

You would think that the first time you got to the 'end of self' you would 'arrive' in the place God wants you - and would stay there! Well, that would be wonderful, if only it was true! But experience says my humanity has the horrible habit of re-asserting itself, just when I start to, or perhaps because I start to, think it has gone for good!

As you read this issue, I will likely be on the airplane, somewhere between Napier, New Zealand and Bangalore, India. After a while, the main appeal of airplanes is that they get you there a lot quicker than swimming!

It is my first ministry trip this year, and has it been a battle! As I have fought through the usual issues of family health, finances and spiritual oppression which are the normal accompaniments of my going away, I have found that once more the Lord has had to 'break' me, to get me to truly trust and trust in Him again. Trust Him for the restoration of my family's health. Trust Him to convert oppression into a Holy Spirit guided powerful time of ministry that will change people's lives and God's Kingdom, not just for a week, but for life.

Finally, to trust Him for finances. Not specifically for me, for my travelling needs are small, but to help out those I visit, just that little bit more. How much money is enough? For nearly all of us - 'just a little more!' "But Lord, I trust you that what you have given will be sufficient, for you know my requirements better than I. You are my provider."

So I leave suitably chastened, (Dictionary meaning: disciplined, corrected by suffering, usually of God) for I need it to come back to the place of fully relying upon Him for my life and ministry.

"Take me Lord, use me to fulfil your purposes. Your will, not mine be done. I put aside my own expectations, my own desires, for Yours. May I simply be your obedient servant. I trust You with my all."

Now maybe, just maybe, this time I will remember this lesson - and save myself a lot of future pain! Please feel free to remind me - lest I forget! And if you would like to help, in prayer or financially, there is still the opportunity below to do so.

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FROM THE WORD

THE ‘LORD’ IN ROMANS (Part 1)
When Jesus is mentioned as ‘LORD’ (Capitals mine) in Romans, there is normally a special point being made. A sermon series here? Let’s have a look, shall we…

“Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD will never count against him.” (Romans 4:7-8)

“ The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our LORD from the dead.” “ (Romans 4:23-4)

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our LORD Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” (Romans 5:1-2)

DAVID'S DOODLINGS

TRUTH AND KNOWLEDGE (Part 1 of 5)

One of life’s challenges is learning to discern the difference between knowledge and truth. This need for this differentiation arose when satan convinced Adam and Eve that having knowledge would make both him and them like God. The deception and missing link in his offer was that truth was not part of the package. For God is truth and God’s truth is often at considerable divergence to human knowledge. As God followers we have the challenge of discerning between the two.

The more of God in us, the greater our potential to reveal His truth.

oooOooo

Knowledge is too often confused with truth.

oooOooo

Yesterday the world was flat, today it is round, but God’s truth is the same forever.

oooOooo

Knowledge is fleeting, truth eternal.

oooOooo

If I knew everything in the world, I would be most confused!

oooOooo

The pursuit of knowledge is excellent, the pursuit of truth, unsurpassable.

oooOooo

The more I learn, the less I know, so to my God I’d rather go.

oooOooo

Truth is like tightening a nut. There is only a small difference between maximum effectiveness and stripping the thread.

oooOooo

Human knowledge corrupts. Absolute knowledge corrupts absolutely.

oooOooo

Knowledge seeks truth but only God can reveal the truth.

Please feel free to quote these quotes. Acknowledgement of David Tait as the author would be appreciated. There are now more than 700 David sayings for you to view at ...

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FROM YOU - TO ME - TO YOU

David
Thanks for highlighting (1 September) what I believe to be a significant issue for us all: the issue of "us-ness" regarding ruts and comfort zones. The thing about being comfortable is that it is....comfortable. I observe people displaying their "adulthood"; that is, full-grownness. It presents itself when people say "I don't do that.... I'm not like that..." We are basically saying we are fully-developed and this is the way it is. I wonder if Jesus has that part of human nature in mind when he said we are to be like little children; always growing, learning and seeking to experience new things. We may become adult in flesh but, I pray, never in spirit!

I seek to see each worship experience, each approach to the Word, each time of pray, as a unique encounter with God ( not always successfully I must add). It really does place the emphasis on relationship with my God and not the law-keeping exercises we too naturally fall back upon. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Tim Burton
Gawler, South Australia

Hi David,

I want to respond to Pastor Steve’s comments last week about Scriptural holiness and preaching the whole Bible.

I hear the call to obey Scripture, and yet as humans, we all pick our favorite parts to obey. There are many in our churches calling for obedience to the laws and teachings on sexuality, but they are not calling for obedience to Matthew 7:1 or Luke 6:37. Romans 2:1 and James 4:12 echo the very same sentiment and commandment, one that our churches and many of us Christians fail to obey.

Pastor Steve says, “When the Bible says it is wrong then we have a responsibility to do the same.” In all four of the above scriptures, one activity is universally condemned, even by Jesus in his own words. Yet even my own denomination’s church law participates in this sin.

Jesus, in his final few hours with his friends, did not condemn their sins or preach to them about abstaining from sin. Instead, he shed his clothes, got down on his knees and washed their feet. Then he told them to love others as he had loved them. He called this a commandment to them.

Can we as a church and individual Christians obey Jesus’ direct commands to stop our particular sin, get down on our knees and wash the feet of our brothers and sisters (literally or figuratively), even those who are sinners — like gossips, non-tithers, false teachers, and yes, even homosexuals?

<><
Mike Wacht

David
The answer to "which adult insect has the shortest life span" is - The one which is annoying me most. (think about it....)

Best wishes
Joss Bray UK

Hi David,
I really look forward to & enjoy your newsletter. I receive it on Sunday evening here in Indiana, USA. Keep up the GOOD job!!

Your "Murphy's Laws of Computing" brought to mind one of my favorites:
To err is human.... to really foul things up requires a computer.

God's Peace be with you,
Wayne

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

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." ***

198. TOUCHE!
Old Pete, the town tippler, made it a habit to sleep off his drunks in the church cemetery every Saturday night. On Sunday mornings the pastor of the church would have to go out before services and rouse him, and escort him home before the services began.
Finally he grew tired of the routine, and on Halloween, which fell on a Saturday night that year, he decided to do something about Old Pete. Borrowing his son's skull mask, and donning a choir robe, he settled down in the dark cemetery to await Old Pete's approach. He planned on scaring the devil out of the fellow, and teaching him a lesson.

Finally Old Pete staggered through the graveyard about midnight, unsteadily picking his way through the headstones in the light of the full harvest moon. Rising up from behind a large tombstone, the pastor, calling upon his seminary theatrical training, moaned and swayed in the dimness. Old Pete froze, quaking in his tracks.

"Lord, have mercy!" he cried, much to the satisfaction of the disguised pastor. "It's Death, come for me!"

"Pete..." intoned the preacher in his deepest pulpit tones. "It is time for you to come with me!"

"Don't take me Mr. Death," begged the inebriated fellow. "I'm not ready to go!"

The minister saw his chance. "Then repent, and change your ways." He raised a ghostly arm and pointed to the church. "Seek out the man of God yonder and he will guide you into the paths of life."

Old Pete slumped down next to a headstone. "That won't do any good," he groaned.

The pastor was taken aback. "Why not?" he asked, forgetting his spectral voice.

"Because," explained the downcast Pete, "the pastor of that church is as dead as any of the stiffs out here in the cemetery!"

197. RECIPE FOR REVIVAL?
The Sunday school teacher was carefully explaining the story of Elijah the Prophet and the false prophets of Baal. She explained how Elijah built the altar, put wood upon it, cut the steer in pieces and laid it upon the altar.

And then Elijah commanded the people of God to fill four barrels of water and pour it over the altar. He had them do this four times.

"Now, said the teacher, "can anyone in the class tell me why the Lord would have Elijah pour water over the steer on the altar?"

A little girl in the back of the room raised her hand with great confidence. "To make the gravy," came her enthusiastic reply.

Now one of the most comprehensive sources of Christian Humour on the Net with 550 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...

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

FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What insect has the shortest lifespan?

ANSWER: The mayfly. The adult mayfly's life is very short - just a few hours or days at most. Sometimes it doesn't even have time to eat before dying. Its main goal before quitting this earth is to reproduce Fortunately, the mayfly DOES spend from several months to several years as a nymph and molts many times before emerging from a lake or pond as a full-grown adult.

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Is it true that each "human" year equals seven "dog" years?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS
903. SLIMY SNAKES
Snakes appear wet and slimy, thanks to the reflection of light off their two layers of skin. In fact, their skin is quite dry and feels slightly rough, sort of like leather. (Honestly! Try it out for yourself, then! Okay, you will believe me!)

904. THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE IS ENGLISH!
America's most famous museum is named for a British citizen, James Smithson, who had no ties to the US and never even visited the country! Smithson was so unhappy with the British establishment that he left his fortune to the US. (Must have been a good exchange rate then!)

905. WARTS AND ALL
The old wives tale isn’t true. Frogs and toads both have absolutely nothing to do with warts. They are really the result of a very human virus. However, toads do secrete a substance that can cause some people to have an allergic skin reaction. (‘Wart-er’ under the bridge to that theory.)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
______________VENTURED

______________GAINED

Answer at the end of A David Musing

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

Or view all 1200 online at...

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THE BIG DECISION!

I have mentioned this before, but it seems a good time to repeat it, as photographic evidence is now available! What am I talking about? The most critical decision a man has to make! It’s contained in the poem ‘To Beard or Not to Beard!’ A big decision, particularly when one is not hirsute! The photographic evidence is on the Christian Speakers website quoted in the next article. It shows me both clean-shaven, and a 50/50 version!

And, by the way, the poem is found at…

http://www.wwj.org.nz/waxing.php?poemId=00004

A NEW WEBSITE OF CHRISTIAN SPEAKERS AND MUSICIANS

This is an excellent new site where speakers and musicians advise their availability and which churches and organizations can browse to see who might be available to come. Ministry areas are detailed, so that you can find the right person for your requirements. It might even be me! If you can withstand the shock, you can at least see what I look like!

So register now, or simply browse to see who already has, at…

http://www.christianspeakers.co.uk

JUST JOKES

IN LINE
Father to teen: Do you mind if I use the car tonight? I'm taking your mother out and I would like to impress her.

THE MEEK SHALL INHERIT
A small, uncertain, and nervous witness was being cross-examined. The lawyer thundered, "Have you ever been married?"

"Yes, sir," said the witness in a low voice. "Once."

"Whom did you marry?" the lawyer demanded.

"Well, a woman," the witness answered timidly.

The lawyer said angrily, "Of course you married a woman. Did you ever hear of anyone marrying a man?"

And the witness said meekly, "My sister did."

How truth comes out in humour! See if you can find some more at…

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

WHY?

54. Why buy a product that it takes 2000 flushes to get rid of?

55. Why do we wait until a PIG is dead, to "CURE" it?

56. Why is a Mom with two or more kids called a "single Mom"?

57. Why do doctors call what they do "a practice"?

58. Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?

59. If man evolved from monkeys and apes, why do we still have monkeys and apes?

60. If all those psychics know the winning lottery numbers, why are they all still working?

61. Where did Webster look up the definitions when he wrote the dictionary?

62. Why is there a road sign that says "Braille Institute, Next Exit?

63. When an octopus puts on deodorant, how does he remember where he started?

189 of lifes most imponderable questions are there waiting for you to answer at...

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

BE INSPIRED WITH A MESSAGE FROM INSPIRATIONAL TAPES

This amazing New Zealand resource has over 4,000 messages ranging from old classics to the latest revelation and teaching. A number of free MP3 downloads are available or you can order tapes and CD’s from the site for worldwide delivery at a most reasonable cost. Our free weekly MP3 download selections will be available again from mid-October.

Visit the library now at…

http://www.inspirational.org.nz

A DAVID MUSING

Here we come, here we go,
Into the bag, I do throw,
All I need for four weeks away,
As I go, with friends to stay.

Better get on with it! The ultimate motivation of 'the last minute' beckons!

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today’s Word Puzzle Answer: Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

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

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DONATIONS AND PRAYER PARTNERS

Each month, because of the size and nature of our web site and maintenance of our sophisticated emailing system, it costs over $200 in provider fees to bring this ministry to you. If you are able to help us meet this expense your credit card donation would be very much welcomed at Make Donations Here as a live connection or at https://www.macnet.co.nz/wwjesus/pay.php
if you prefer to paste the address into your browser. New Prayer Partners should register on this page also. Many thanks.

CHANGING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS - OR IF THE NEWSLETTER STOPS COMING

Each week we can 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.

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

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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
3 Hetley Crescent
Taradale
Napier 4001
New Zealand

Phone: (06) 8449-377 International (+64) 8449-377
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