GETTING THE 'ME' OUT OF ME

Once upon a time there was someone I thought I knew well. He loved the Lord, read his Bible diligently in a number of different translations, and genuinely tried to put it all - well, most of it - into practice. Of course, he wasn't perfect, for the very thought of having obtained perfection is imperfection in itself!

He trusted in the Lord for many things. For guidance. Yes. For change. Yes - although sometimes with protest, for he is human after all! For His calling to full time ministry. Yes. For the Lord's provision for this too. Yes - but! But what? But through his own efforts or God's direct provision, for that's the way he had always paid the bills in the past. But relying on his brothers and sisters in the faith to provide? No thank you! Yes, that's fine in theory, and for others who didn't have the talent for making (and losing!) money with hard work and imagination. For the missionary or the evangelist! But not for him! For the Lord had always provided, one way or another hadn't He?

Once upon a time he undertook a large property development to set himself up securely financially, in order not to be a burden on others in the ministry to which he was called. That ended in bankruptcy. A lesson learned? Partially. Now the Lord would have to provide!

And He did! Whenever ministry money was needed, a business deal would turn up at the right time in order to provide the funds required. He thanked the Lord with great sincerity for His provision. And like Moses when he struck the rock because that was what had worked in the past, he expected the stream of money to continue to pour out of the rock of Jesus' goodness in the same way it always had.

But one day, the stream simply dried up! "Just a summer drought," he thought. The spring rains will come again soon. Surely a test of faith. But the drought went on and on and on. He started to question - "Am I doing the right thing?" New opportunities opened. Prophetic confirmation confirmed. And God said, "Trust me, I will provide." And the drought continued. So he sold off what he could, waiting for the rains to come.

Then one day a friend rang him up and asked what his needs were. "Money," he confided apologetically, almost with a sense of shame. "Well, why don't you ask others to help," said his friend.

Since that phone call, he has had to face up to why he has not been prepared to ask. Was it genuine humility and faith that the Lord will provide through his own efforts, or supernaturally provide drops of dollars from heaven, as He had previously done. For his work was always to be free to others!

Or was it because of pride, of self-reliance, of a bankruptcy lesson only partially learned that he didn't want to have to ask for help. Had well-intentioned but misguided pride in self-sufficiency overtaken my friend once again. You be the judge.

Of course, my regular readers will have realised that my friend and I are one in the same. Yet sometimes, it feels as if we have two different personalities, doesn't it? The one we think we are - and the real one that God sees and knows, and requires change in. For the truth is, He knows us better than we know ourselves. Sometimes a scary thought! But He desires the very best for us. And His very best, is for us to be transformed into the likeness of His Son, Jesus. Our individual challenges will vary, but the basic problem is the same for us all! Resistance to change!

"O Lord, change me. That is my hearts desire. Take me and mould me more and more into your image each day." This can be a very dangerous prayer. Only to be prayed if we truly mean it! I do. How about you?

For the results of this prayer (and a prayer should result in results!), see article 4. 'I GIVE IN!'

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FROM THE WORD

"Then the word of the LORD came to me: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?” declares the LORD. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel." (Jeremaiah 18:5-6)

"We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:13-18)

DAVID'S DOODLINGS

1. A foolish man knows his strengths, a wise man acknowledges his weaknesses and makes allowances for them, while a godly man seeks to overcome them.

2. A foolish man needs wisdom, the wise man godliness, a godly man the character of Christ.

27. Our most dearly held beliefs often inhibit God’s further revelation to us. (Spa 30 April 2001)

29. As we grow in God, what we are to do assumes greater importance, than what we are not to do.

30. A new believer focuses upon the ‘thou shalt not’s’, while a mature disciple develops the ‘thou shalt’s.’ in their life.

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

33. A man’s wisdom is based upon experience, but God’s wisdom comes through revelation.

34. It’s easy to be wise in theory, but a lot more difficult in practise!

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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I GIVE IN!

After much soul searching and considerable reluctance to be a burden on others as detailed above, I have had to humble myself and repent of my pride! For the present reality is, if I wish to continue with this ministry, I need your help, as the Lord leads you. This is not meant as a 'guilt trip'! If you are not prompted or indeed, as are many of our subscribers, not in a position to help, then be at peace, for as always, we are here to freely bless you.

In obedience to the Lord's direction, everything I/we have done over the past 10 years is offered for free to His people, because it is the Lord's property, prophecy, revelation and teaching, not my own. It will remain so. However, the Lord is getting into my thick skull (as first prompted by my friend mentioned last week) that there are those who would be prepared to support us financially in what we do. To participate in the blessings and opportunities the Lord is opening up to us.

Currently I have an immediate need for $NZ3,000 ($US1800) to travel to India in two weeks time for 4 weeks of encouragement and Holy Spirit impartation of unity and vision, to Pastors, Leaders, Women's Ministries, Youth and People in that huge and needy land.

On an ongoing basis we particularly need the assistance of regular supporters to help us continue to encourage, grow and unify ministries and believers world wide, via the web, emails, books, radio, and personal ministry. To partner us with an ongoing monthly contribution, of whatever size, in order to meet the regular expenses of continuing to operate. I am not going to 'wax lyrical' about the needs or benefits, for you no doubt already hear that too often from others, much better at it than I.

Our commitment to you in return, is to use your investment carefully, as wisely as we are able. As accountability, we will provide a brief monthly report by email on ministry activities, to your email address provided.

If the Lord leads you to help in this way, payments by credit card (a secure facility) can be made through the 'Spray, Pray and Pay' page of our Web Site 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.

Alternatively, our new postal address is
Walking With Jesus Ministries
3 Hetley Crescent
Taradale
Napier 4001
New Zealand.
Telephone (+64) 6844 9377

Also, on the same web page, is the facility to sign up as a Prayer Partner, an intercessor preparing the Spiritual ground ahead of us. We have a faithful and growing group of intercessors all round the world that prays regularly for the Ministry.

For any questions or comments, please email me at david@wwj.org.nz

Thanks for taking the time to read this far! May the Lord bless you for that too!

FROM YOU - TO ME - TO YOU

Dear David,
Regarding your article on ' doing the Lord' s will ' in the latest PGIM newsletter, I thought of the time over 15 years ago when I lost my job... the reason " terminated without reason." The above incident was undoubtedly one of the most major milestones in my work career.

I could have gone back into another well - paid secular job and I had a major choice to make!

You may think that it is not too hard a decision to make but you see I had spent all my life training for that type of work ... training at schools, universities and gained invaluable industrial experience. I had spent countless hours getting into that type of position and shortly after this incident the Lord at the time was saying get rid of your engineering books, your technical papers, your computer programs, etc. What a decision to make!

After about a year of transition I could have still probably gone back into secular work but because I believed the Lord was leading me into " full time " ministry I chose to follow Him in that particular path.

I have heard it said God uses painful experiences to prepare you most for ministry. God never wastes a hurt!
Every blessing,
Michael.

Hi, David
Remember, in 1754, the Americans *were* British and the Canadians *were* French. The whole war was a continuation or sidelight of the ongoing wars between England and France, fought in their colonies (and disputed territories) between regular army soldiers supported by colonial militias. Both sides employed Native American mercenaries, paying them bounties per kill, as proved by scalps. Yes, it was the French who taught the Native Americans to take scalps! One young officer in the Virginia militia was George Washington, who learned a lot about the folly of fighting in the woods wearing bright red jackets....

p.s. I do enjoy the weekly mailings. Thanks!

Keith Beasley-Topliffe
Pastor, Forge Hill United Methodist Charge
with churches in Emigsville, Saginaw, and Starview, PA

I love reading your "Thank God it's Monday". I always look forward to it when I come into work on Mondays. It always seems to be something I need to hear. This week you talked about your wife and how she works so you can do your ministry. Well, I just wanted to say thank you to her and she really must be a Proverbs 31 wife and woman! I hope that I can be that supportive of my husband. Thanks for the encouragment from both of you.
Jen

My Reply: Hi Jen
Thanks
She is - most of the time!
Then again, I could be a better husband - most of the time!
Blessings

David
The gospel is open to everyone, and should be. In that way we should be inclusive reaching out to all people, even those very different from ourselves.

And we may differ in whether we like liturgy or not, on what kind of music we like when we worship, or whether or not to use musical instruments. We may differ on theological issues (free will vs predestination) and still be fellow christians, a part of the one body of Christ.

And we should have unconverted sinners in our congregations. What good would a hospital be without sick people. But we bring the sick to the hospital to get well, not to try to convince them they aren't sick and give them a peace of mind. Likewise we hope that sinners in church will hear the gospel, receive Christ as saviour and repent of their life of sin and begin the journey toward holiness, and holy living.

Jesus associated with sinners, he accepted them, he did not judge them, but he did offer them a way out of their bondage to sin. What did he tell the woman caught in adultery? "Go and sin no more" We also should associate with sinners, being careful not to be pulled into their lifestyle but to influence them to want to know Jesus. We should not be judgemental or condemning we should introduce people to Jesus, and let him take care of convicting of sin.

At the same time, the bible is clear on condemning homosexual behavior. The message of the church should be clear that homosexual activity, along with adultery, stealing, gossiping, glutony and other sins are not appropriate activity for a christian. A christian may indulge in these sins while struggling to overcome them by the power of Christ, but his/her intent should be, must be, to overcome them. To turn away from
them and not do them again. To say that Christian behaviour and sins such as these are compatible, is totally counter to the call of Christ to holy living. One cannot remain a christian and continue to affirm that homosexual behaviour is consistent with the christian lifestyle.

The newly elected Episcopal bishop is deceived. And so are many people who support him. He cannot possibly be spirit filled, a christian, or the "best bishop they could find" and continue to affirm homosexuality. He should not ever have been confirmed as a priest, much less elected as a bishop. But that is the problem. The church is becoming so tolerant of sin that is let slide his becoming a priest. It the church had stood its ground, we would not have this problem today.

Would you want a bishop who was a adulterer, a thief, a lyer, a gossiper or a glutton? Neither should a priest or bishop engage in homosexual behavior. The episcopal church should split, or expell those who hold that homosexual behavior is OK. If not, they will cease to be an effective part of the body of Christ, and may soon find themselves on the outside looking in. You don't survive cancer by tolerating it. You survive by cutting it out.

Henry A.L. Wollman
Moody Bible Institute
Chicago, IL 60610

Dear David,
I am a regular reader of PGIM. I do not know how I started getting it but after I got the first one, I have introduced it to my friends and relatives.

PGIM is a guide for me. I remember there were times I needed clear guidance from God and He so specially did through PGM. And I was going through this issue, I once again is assured that, God wants us to and holds us to be in the center of His will irrespective of our poor thoughts and concerns of life.

God made the big surprise in my life by gently leading me into His ministry soon after I finished my Master's in Business Administration. And now, when I read similar experiences I am encouraged. Praise God for your talent and time and pray that God bless you abundantly for being a blessing for others.
Ms. Delite Sam
New India Evangelistic Association
India

Dear. Christian Bro
Please check out Sunday nightlive.net for some good Christian preaching . Please pray for America as we have turned away from God and need an old fashioned revival of righteousness. We are so materialistic here money and greed is the American God. Love you all in New Zealand and i am glad to know Bible faith is Alive there.
Maranatha,
Bro.scott hutchinson

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

THE WORLD'S GREATEST GROANS

FREE MP3 DOWNLOAD OF THE WEEK

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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...

THINGS GOD WANTS US TO KNOW

By: Brother Andrew

Needs no introduction. One of our most popular downloads ever. Need to listen to it again myself!

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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." ***

194. AND THEN THERE WERE NONE
10 little Christians standing in line. 1 disliked the preacher, then there were 9.
9 little Christians stayed up very late. 1 overslept Sunday, then there were 8.
8 little Christians on their way to Heaven. 1 took the low road and then there were 7.
7 little Christians chirping like chicks. 1 disliked music, then there were 6.
6 little Christians seemed very much alive, but one lost his interest then there was 5.
5 little Christians pulling for Heaven's Shore, but one stopped to rest, then there were 4.
4 little Christians each busy as a bee. 1 got his feelings hurt, then there were 3.
3 little Christians knew not what to do. 1 joined the sporty crowd, then there were 2.
2 little Christians, our rhyme is nearly done, differed with each other, then there was 1.

1 little Christian can't do much 'tis true, brought his friend to bible study, then there were 2.
2 earnest Christians, each won one more. That doubled the number, then there were 4.
4 sincere Christians worked early and late. Each won another then there were 8.
8 splendid Christians if they doubled as before. In just so many Sundays, we'd have 1,024.

In this little jingle, there is a lesson true, you belong either to the building or to the wrecking crew!


193. PRAYER POSTURING
"The proper way for man to pray," said Deacon Lemuel Keyes, "And the only proper attitude is down upon your knees."

"No, I should say the way to pray," said Reverend Dr. Wise, "Is standing straight with upraised arms and rapt and upturned eyes."

"Oh, no, no, no!" said Elder Sloe... "Such posture is too proud. A man should pray with eyes fast closed and head contritely bowed."

"It seems to me his hands should be austerely clasped in front with both thumbs pointing downward," said Reverend Dr. Blunt.

"Last year I fell in Hodgekin's well headfirst," said farmer Cyrus Brown. "With both my heels a-stickin' up, my head a-pointin' down. And I made a prayer right then and there - best prayer I ever said - the prayingest prayer I ever prayed - a-standin' on my head!"

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FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: How did the Adam's apple get its name?

ANSWER: The Adam's apple is a projection of the thyroid cartilage of the larynx. It gets its name from Adam, the first man. According to legend, a chunk of the forbidden fruit got stuck in Adam's throat, producing the noticeable protuberance. Very plausible too!

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Which adult insect has the shortest life span?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

909. WHO HAS 18 TOES?
A cat. Each front paw has five and each hind paw has four, making a total of eighteen. Being cats of course, there are exceptions to this rule! (Count them by the claw marks you get as you try to count them!)

910. MILKING THE STARS
When we look at the Milky Way, we're looking at so many stars at once that they appear to us to be a milky mist, hence the name. (Thought it was the cow who jumped over the moon from off a trampoline and got a fright.)

911. DROWNING IN YOUR SORROWS
Africa's Lake Kivy, which was formed from the damming of an ancient river of lava flows, contains huge amounts of dissolved methane. European settlers to the region used this methane to run a brewery. (Met with a fiery end – one way or the other!)

A CHALLENGE FOR YOU

How many 25c stamps are there in a dozen?

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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THE WORLD'S GREATEST GROANS

Two animal puns to make you smile :-) sideways!

BUNNY ON ICE
A lady opened her refrigerator and saw a rabbit sitting on one of the shelves. "What are you doing in there?" she asked.

The rabbit replied: "This is a Westinghouse, isn't it?"

The lady replied, "Yes."

"Well," the rabbit said, "I'm westing."

PIGEON POWER
I was driving to work this morning when my car stalled in the damp weather. I was sitting in the car at the side of the highway, contemplating my next move, when a pigeon flew down and landed right in the middle of the hood of the car. It seemed fairly tame, and I soon became fascinated in watching it up close as it strutted around and made cooing noises.

A few minutes passed, and two more pigeons flew in and joined the first bird. Pigeons seem to be attracted by crowds, and soon I was sitting there with a whole hood full of pigeons, all cooing loudly and beginning to change the color of my hood.

Gradually I noticed that the birds seemed to be trying to get my attention, which was unnerving, since I had always regarded pigeons as rather stupid birds. But, sure enough, several of them were dragging a piece of rope around on the hood, and several others were flying out in front of the car and returning to the hood.

All of a sudden, I realized what they were doing, so I yanked open the door and wildly chased them all off.

No way was I going to be pigeon towed!

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REVELATION’S REVELATION

"To him who overcomes” An exciting illumination of the promise made to those who are prepared to give their “all” to Christ. A revelatory glimpse of the wonders of the 'Heavenly Kingdom' that God has awaiting for us now.

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A DAVID MUSING

The last few days have been particularly sad, but revealing and inspirational too, as our friend Susan's condition continued to deteriorate, before she finally left for her awaiting heavenly home in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Sad, as we have temporarily lost a close friend. For Kathy and I, the first friend of our generation to succumb to illness, and a timely reminder that life here on earth is of a limited, unknown duration for us all.

Revealing, because of Susan's strong faith to the very end, and her earnest desire as the cancer became more virulent to be taken home to be with her Lord. There was no fear, for she knew without question, the final destination of her life's journey.

And inspirational too, for the way in which Graham and the family attended to her needs so faithfully and diligently over those final, gut wrenching, sad days as her body was wasted away by the voracious appetite of the rampaging cancer killer. And inspirational too, how they are facing their loss. Of course, with tears and sadness. But also with a deep, all pervading knowledge and confidence that they will be reunited one day, in God's sovereign time.

For we all still suffer the devastating effects of that fateful day so long ago, when Adam and Eve chose to separate themselves from their God. But I know that Graham (and Susan's) wish today for anyone who might read this, who is unsure about, or scared of, where they are going when death strikes its inevitable fatal barb, would be to seek out the answers to life's final question now, before it is too late. Ask a Christian friend or write to me. For the confidence and peace that Susan and Graham have found can be your too, if you meet the conditions God sets out so clearly in His Word, the Bible. The choice is up to you personally, as it is for each and every one of us.

Thank you Susan and Graham for so clearly being living -and dying - testimonies to the one true way.

His servant and yours

David Tait

TODAY'S CHALLENGE ANSWER: A dozen! 12

REPRODUCTION OF NEWSLETTER CONTENT

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CHANGING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS - OR IF THE NEWSLETTER STOPS COMING

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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
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