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Online links to scriptures (New International Version [NIV] unless otherwise stated) are shown in blue
| 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4) |
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| EXPOSITION |
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 This is another strange blessing - in our eyes! But what sort of mourning is Jesus talking about?
It is not human mourning, which is likely to be self pity, nor the natural mourning over the death of a loved one, right and proper though that is.
Rather, it is firstly a genuine sorrow over the unworthy state of our own life when compared to the righteousness and holiness of God. Not 'woe is me' but an acknowledgement that we have not yet reached the place that our God desires us to be.
Secondly a godly concern over the state of others. This is to be reflected in both a grieving for those who are unsaved and sinful along with the ability to empathise with others who are going through hard times in their lives.
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| TESTIMONY |
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 When we first walk with Jesus and make basic changes in our lives, we can easily start to feel we have done well - and so we have. But as we get deeper into relationship with Him, becoming closer to Him, the more we start to understand how far away from being like Him we really are. I have certainly found this to be the case in my life. Hence one of my favorite 'David's Doodlings'.
The closer I get to God, the further away I realise I actually am.
While it often is relatively easy to get rid of many (though not all) of the 'thou shalt nots' in life, it is much more difficult to develop the 'thou shalts', which are really the heart of becoming like Jesus.
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 Not all are called to be evangelists, but we are all called to evangelise. How? Firstly, through prayer for those we specifically know need Jesus. I find women are far better at this than us men - and me in particular! Secondly, by being as Jesus to others. This is of course, harder to do to those closest to us, as they know us best, all too well seeing our weaknesses!
My wife would say I was born without natural empathy! And she would be right, for I have always been a task focused person. Can I change myself? Well, I can be aware of my nature and temper the extremes of it. But basically, it needs God to change me to give me a heart for others.
So how does He do this? Firstly, I have to be willing to be changed! This is a challenge, for we all resist change. But being a little open, God has done at least two things to help change me.
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 I have been blessed to be a basically fit, healthy and active person. Hospital visiting etc., was not my thing. Then, my friend Gary who had greatly helped me in WWJ, got terminal cancer. The Lord had me spend time with him. It was hard. Not only was my friend dying but I had no skills or experience in handling the situation. I had to let Jesus do it. Gradually it became easier as I learned from Jesus. Since then, I have had a mini ministry to people with cancer. Some have died, others recovered. It is never easy, but Jesus has changed me to be able to cope with these situations and to be a blessing to the people.
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 He also gave me the PGIM newsletter, as an encouragement to those in ministry, that is, all believers. Sometimes I know I fail. When I first started, 14 years ago, the writings were more general and less challenging - of me and you. I know a few would like me to go back to that style. To have a laugh, maybe make a point, then both of us go back to how we were.
The last year or two though, there has been both a change in me and I believe, in the general spiritual atmosphere. God is pressing more urgently in these latter days to develop His kingdom. Not just in me, but through many, many, kingdom followers worldwide. There is a sense of urgency and excitement building in my spirit. I have a burden to share it with you. I apologise if I sometimes offend or seem to have lost the plot. But I do trust that, on the whole, you are getting the gist of the major change of direction God is calling us to today. A movement away from 'this church' and 'that church' to simply all being 'the church', the living kingdom of God on the earth.
No, I have not become perfect, nor are any at this time. But we are open to being changed into the image of Jesus. For we earnestly desire to be part of the perfect bride for whom Jesus is returning.
Revelation 19:7-8
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Is it your desire to be a part of the bride too?
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| 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5) |
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| EXPOSITION |
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 In human thought we so easily substitute a 'w' for the 'm', then reject this statement of Jesus!
Yet Matthew Henry's Bible Commentary puts a completely different slant upon it.
The meek are those who quietly submit themselves to God, to his word and to his rod, who follow his directions, and comply with his designs, and are gentle towards all men (Tit. 3:2).... which says;
Titus 2:3
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 Interestingly this is virtually (in spite of what prosperity preachers preach!) the only express temporal promise in the New Testament. For the meek will inherit the earth. Amazing!
In essence though, this command of Jesus is similar to the ones that preceded it - be obedient to God and His will for our life. If we do so, then these behaviors will automatically develop, as they are of God.
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| TESTIMONY |
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 As meekness is so easily confused with weakness, it is very hard to live out in the world, particularly for a person who is task motivated and success driven.
The first thing we have to learn is that we (me) are not the centre of the universe, round which everything else revolves. Leaders will always struggle with this, for they see their role is to lead, with others to follow. Living in peaceful harmony with others when things don't go our way is both difficult to accept and enact.
For most of us, this does get easier with age, when perhaps, in the natural, we become less driven and more accepting of others. However true meekness or humility has to come from God.
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 I have found over the years that as I get closer to God, He will change me, as I allow Him to. It is always a two way street. Submission must come before change happens.
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 The week this was written was figuratively 'a week from hell' as far as staffing at Seekers is concerned. We had a wedding involving a number of the staff, two funerals and a 'big' birthday to contend with, which meant that staff were away when we needed them most. To compound the problem, this has been a busy week, for me, of preparation for our new shop at Masterton, 300km away, that we are opening in 3 weeks. Everything that could go wrong did! A huge test for me! I so nearly lost it! Some staff were aware of my displeasure, but I didn't 'lose it' with any.
In the end, thanks so much to our dear friend Mihi, who arranged for a team of people to come and assist with painting 96 clothing racks, as well as looking after the shop when we were 'staffless', everything got done. Thank you so much Mihi, and also Graeme, for all your help too. Graeme even brought his friend Noel to do some painting on the morning of Noel's wedding day! That takes some beating as a pre-wedding experience!
Meekness often fails under pressure. Pressure tells us how much our lives have really changed round. I wasn't perfect, but much improved on what I would have been like, say 10 years ago.
How about you?
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| <b><i>THIS WEEK:</i>SERMON ON THE MOUNT continues.....</b> |
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 ..... as we look at the righteous and the merciful. Seen as more signs of weakness in today's ruthless world!
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| A NOTE FROM DAVID |
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 Being honest, these are not desirable traits in the way the world understands them. But I hope you have seen that, when looked at from the perspective of God's understanding, mourning and meekness are vital ingredients of 'walking with Jesus.'
"Lord, help us understand and apply these principles to our lives."
JESUS: BACKGROUND
Historical Overview
The Roman Eagle - Sign of Rome
Roman armies carried this standard wherever they went. When Pompey conquered Jerusalem, his engineers set up these kind of emblems in all public places. The eagle stood for power, and the wreath stood for victory, and the letters SPQR for Senatus Populusque Romanus (The Roman Senate and People).
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So until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD!
His servant and yours
Learn more about us at...
www.wwj.org.nz/about.php
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A DAVID'S DOODLING
4. The foolish seek pleasure on earth. The wise build treasure in heaven. But the godly seek to build heaven on earth.
David Tait
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Check
out the WWJ website for….
More David's Doodlings: www.wwj.org.nz/dd.php
PGIM! Weekly Encouragement Ezine : http://www.wwj.org.nz/wwword.php
Reports on past Ministry visits: http://www.wwj.org.nz/diary.php
Eagles Fly High!: http://www.wwj.org.nz/eagle.php
Eagles Fly High! (Pastors, Teachers and Students): http://www.wwj.org.nz/eaglepts.php
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