THE CALL TO UNITY OF LEADERSHIP

Last Friday evening I attended a prayer meeting with a small group of very ordinary, extraordinary followers of Jesus. Yes, ordinary, for with one exception, we were just church members, not in leadership, from a range of different fellowships. Yet, extraordinary, as we all have the desire (not always realised for we are not yet perfect) to be 100% sold out to God. In New Zealand, and the Western world in general, this second feature is indeed extraordinary! Not imperfection, which afflicts us all, but the 100 fold desire for Jesus!

At the meeting, a prophecy was brought by a visitor to the area, to call a 'Solemn Assembly' of the leadership in our region, in order to promote unity within the body. A high and worthy ideal, but an impossible task, in the natural, for a small group of very ordinary, non-influential believers! However, the impossible is possible in God! So a start is being made this week with a 3 day fast, seeking God's specific direction.

Coming to write this article I was bereft of ideas, so I went through my 'store' of thoughts kept for times such as this. Thoughts the Lord has given me but I have not yet used. The first I read was on worship, which was good, but not for today. The second however, truly was! For it was a call to leadership to end the division that has wreaked havoc upon the effectiveness of God's kingdom over the centuries, like a cancer invading the body, preventing it from functioning in its God designed way.

Of course, we all know that this to be idealistic and impossible! It's been tried before! Great in theory - impossible in practice! Too many egos to get in the way! We all know unity is great - as long as WE are the leader!

Yes, we understand the problems! But what is the answer? It's simple. God will do it! But first He needs a willing people!

For we, as individuals, leadership or people, are simply not capable of achieving unity in our own strength, no matter how good our intentions. I have seen 'Ministers Associations', both in our area and round the world, led by good people with a heart for unity. But true unity of Spirit, in spite of all the talk and effort made, is as far away as ever.

Today however, throughout the world, the Lord is raising a new group of people, a people unconcerned with their own status and position in 'the church', whose compelling, sole motivating desire, is to see the kingdom of God built upon the earth. Those crying out to God for His intervention through concerted prayer and fasting.

In the natural, our little group last Friday night is doomed to fail. Perhaps even to be ridiculed by those in authority in the church. But I am convinced that it is through the prayer, intercession and fasting of such small groups of committed believers sold out for Jesus, that change will come to the church and community. Change that moves away from the concept of revival, one based on the Holy Place of Moses Tabernacle. Wonderful as it is, revival simply comes and goes. But rather, a hunger for permanent change, for restoration, reformation and habitation, one representing the Holy of Holies and the Feast of Tabernacles.

As the 'Transformation Videos' have shown, it is possible for localities to be transformed, both in the natural and the spiritual. Invariably, these movements started with small groups of people praying for unity, then leadership grasping the vision and coming together, before finally, seeing major change in the community through God's amazing power.

I encourage you today, if you deeply desire to see the purposes of the Lord fulfilled in your locality, to put aside pride, position, power, security and comfort, find others of like mind, and commit to godly intercession, prayer and fasting. God will hear. Leaders will hear. Then your area too, can and will be transformed, God's kingdom built, so that His 'will be done on earth as it is in heaven.' Amen.

"But David, I am a Pastor, have a salary, position, status and influence. I might lose it! The church down the road might grow bigger than mine!......" "Who, or what, is the lord of your life?"

Find out more about us at...

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

FROM THE WORD

LIVING SACRIFICES
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." (Romans 12:1-8)

UNITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST
"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit— just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." (Ephesians 4:1-16)

THE GLORY OF THE NEW COVENANT
"Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts! Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 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 3:7-18)

You may read and study the Bible online at...

http://www.ibs.org/niv/index.php

***DAILY EZINE!*** 'DAVID'S DAILY DOODLINGS' Subscribe Today

Receive one of David's sayings in your mailbox each day to inspire, challenge or maybe, amuse.

To register today, simply click here ddd-on@wwj.org.nz
and press send. Then it's done!

If you have an Irish heritage, you will love the background coloring!

Should you wish, check out current and back issues (where you can also subscribe) at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/doodlings/index.php

DAVID'S DOODLINGS

GROWING IN GOD
25. To the believer Jesus is Saviour, but to the disciple he is also Lord.

27. Our most dearly held beliefs often inhibit God’s further revelation to us.

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.

31. God’s word is a two-edged sword, revealing both love and judgement.

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!

314. The major difference between childhood and adulthood is taking responsibility. Many Christians dislike responsibility!

315. In nature, human growth occurs naturally. We expect the same in the Spiritual and get offended when others grow more quickly than us.

316. Human growth is measured in height, girth and wrinkles, spiritual growth by the 'fruit of the Spirit.' Often we confuse the two.

Please feel free to quote these quotes. Acknowledgement of David Tait as the author would be appreciated. There are now over 1200 David sayings for you to view at ...

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

FROM YOU - TO ME -TO YOU

Shalom David and Kathy,
lt is my first time to hear such wonderful teachings and explanation from your wonderful Tuesday Teachings .For Many years l have been wondering about the family of GOD in this particular place. I have been wondering so much about why we have been so silent about the work of GOD and yet the end times are so near. I Do believe we can get so much helpful Teachings from you and Without getting intoxicated with current move of traditional teachings .My great desire is to drink from the original well like a Samaritan woman. And with your mails and teachings I do believe that GOD is doing a new thing.

God bless you so much
and hope to hear from you
Pass my love and greetings to Kathy
Mbogo Zakayo
Kenya
--------------------------------------------------------------------
David,
Been getting the magazine for a coupla years now and really look forward to Monday mornings when I can grab a few moments and have a reflect and a smile.

Re your thoughts on overspending etc at Christmas

Spent some time in Tanzania in the late nineties. Realized how Jesus was born into a third class home in a third world country in a third world world. Really made me ponder and reconsider just how much he did love us.

Stayed in some of the village ‘motels’ with bare dirt floors, drum of water for a splash bath, and pit toilet. (heard about one enterprising business man who named his establishment after one of the major first class hotel chains; Seems that head office in America heard of his enterprise and flew a pair of attorneys to issue a writ ordering him to cease and desist using their name: If only they had known, they could have bought his business, lock, stock and pit toilet, for less than one of their air fares.)

While there I came to realize that the Inn at Bethlehem would be no better, which in turn led to the following conjecture:

If, on that First Christmas Evening, Joseph had as much money available to him as the average Western family spends on an average Christmas (what with gifts, decorations, meals, preparations, travel and holidays); If he had even half that much cash with him on the night when Mary said “Joseph, I think it’s time,” and the Innkeeper said “Sorry.” If Joseph had that much money he could have bought the Inn, lock stock and ……, and moved Mary into the Presidential suite.

Regards and blessings

Pastor Geoff Hovey

Christian Life Centre
PO BOX 280
111 Petre Street
Tenterfield
NSW 2372
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear David,
How about this slogan for 2006...
"2006 is a time to reflect on the Crucifix".... the Crucifix symbolizes the suffering and sacrifice of God's Beloved Son Jesus Christ, it is a reminder to the world that Jesus Christ died for all of us ...(John 3:16,17).

Question was asked; "Why do the Catholics focus on the Cross with the crucified figure of Jesus Christ?

Sister Mother Angelica from EWTN answered; and if I may, I will paraphrase... When you are suffering with pain and the heartache of sacrifice is great and very real, reflect upon the Crucifix and offer your pain up to God and know that Jesus Christ is always with you and you are never alone in your suffering.

For Paul wrote to the Galatians...and said in 2:20; "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me."

I find this answer to be true for me. Whenever I am in need, I faithfully pray and affirm aloud... " I have faith in the healing power of the Holy Spirit now being poured out upon me." Amen. (John 14: 26-31).

God bless you and the WWJ Family, with love and kindness,
David, TSM is praying with you daily and as Red Green from the Canadian TV Show says..." we are all in this together."

From Marie and Jack Shea, Wheatfield, NY, USA
www.sheaministries.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Your comments to me or fellow readers are always welcomed at... david@wwj.org.nz

This is an opportunity for you to express your views, which may not be my views. But none of us have a mortgage on all the truth - except for Jesus!

CRANWELL'S CARTOON

23 Two years later, when Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal Hazor near the border of Ephraim, he invited all the king’s sons to come there. 24 Absalom went to the king and said, “Your servant has had shearers come. Will the king and his officials please join me?” 25 “No, my son,” the king replied. “All of us should not go; we would only be a burden to you.” Although Absalom urged him, he still refused to go, but gave him his blessing. 26 Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon come with us.”
The king asked him, “Why should he go with you?” 27 But Absalom urged him, so he sent with him Amnon and the rest of the king’s sons. 28 Absalom ordered his men, “Listen! When Amnon is in high spirits from drinking wine and I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon down,’ then kill him. Don’t be afraid. Have not I given you this order? Be strong and brave.” 29 So Absalom’s men did to Amnon what Absalom had ordered. Then all the king’s sons got up, mounted their mules and fled. (2 Samuel 13:23-29)






TO READ THIS CARTOON AND SEE THE OTHER
PICTURES IN THIS EMAIL YOU NEED TO BE ONLINE.


Check it out at...

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

TUESDAY TEACHINGS

GIVING TO GOD -
WHY GIVE TO GOD?

We hear an awful lot about what God has done for us, but much less of what He desires from us in return!

This series of studies is an attempt to redress the balance a little.

Just a simple, short introduction this week.

Previous teachings on this subject, the First Miracle of Jesus, the Book of Ruth, God's Character and Servanthood and Leadership, the Parable of the Sower, The Two Marathoners, The 3 Rivers of God The Spring Feasts, The Power of 3 in God & the Church, A Layman's History of the Times of the Feasts, The Autumn Feats, Revelation 12:11, The Way of Holiness, the 3 Miraculous Conceptions and Up the Mountain can be viewed at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/teachings/index.php

*** ANOTHER DAILY EZINE FROM WWJ!*** 'LAUGHING AT OURSELVES' Subscribe Today

As Christians, if we can't laugh at ourselves, others will! A fun way to start your day.

To register today, simply click here lao-on@wwj.org.nz and press send. Then it's done!

Should you wish, check out early issues (where you can also subscribe) at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/laughing/index.php

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." ***

452. WHAT IS YOUR FAITH?
I was walking across a bridge one day, and I saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump off. So I ran over and said, "Stop! Don't do it!"

"Why shouldn't I?" he said.

I said, "Well, there's so much to live for!"

He said, "Like what?"

I said, "Well...are you religious or atheist?"

He said, "Religious."

I said, "Me too! Are you Christian or Buddhist?"

He said, "Christian."

I said, "Me too! Are you Catholic or Protestant?"

He said, "Protestant."

I said, "Me too! Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?"

He said, "Baptist!"

I said, "Wow! Me too! Are you Baptist Church of God or Baptist Church of the Lord?"

He said, "Baptist Church of God!"

I said, "Me too! Are you original Baptist Church of God, or are you Reformed Baptist Church of God?"

He said, "Reformed Baptist Church of God!"

I said, "Me too! Are you Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1879, or Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915?"

He said, "Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915!"

I said, "Die, heretic scum!" and pushed him off.

FREE DOWNLOAD: You can now download the book 'Laughing At Ourselves' in PDF format at LAUGHING AT OURSELVES

One of the most comprehensive sources of Christian Humour on the Net with 750 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...

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

FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What was the first toy ever advertised on television?

ANSWER: Mr. Potato Head was the first toy advertised on television. Now, of course, kids are inundated with ads and have to have the ‘hot’ toy of the moment right away! Mr. Potato Head, by the way, was originally sold (in 1952) without the plastic potato body. The whimsical accessory parts, like the nose and eyes, were to be inserted into a REAL potato. Eventually, that was considered too dangerous, as the parts had to be sharp to pierce a real potato (And, of course, real potatoes rot.)

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: How does a frog cope with freezing temperatures?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

558. WINGS OR PADDLES
The penguin is the only bird that can swim, but not fly! (Because the Antarctic scenery ‘aint that great’ to fly over?)

559. WATERLOGGED
A jellyfish is 95 percent water! (Fortunately it lives in the sea, not the desert.)

560. MISLEADING ADVERTISING
There wasn't a single pony to be found in the Pony Express, only horses! (‘Horse Express’ just doesn’t have the same romantic ring to it.)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

Make another word from this word using all the letters.

QUARTETS

Answer at the end of A David Musing

FREE DOWNLOAD: You can download the full version of our Trivia Book at TRULY TRIFFLING TRIVIA

Or view all 1232 online at...

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

BIBLE QUESTION - THE GOSPELS

The Bible books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are known as the gospels, (meaning "good news") of Jesus Christ. Almost everything we know about Jesus' life, ministry, death and resurrection comes from these four books. Which of the four books was the first one written?

Matthew
Mark
Luke
John

Answer at the end of A DAVID MUSING.

Source: "TwoPaths Bible Study, www.twopaths.com"

Heaps more fun and serious 'God Facts' are found at...

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

IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!

"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""

SLOW DOWN THERAPY

!!!!!!! 1. Slow down; God is still in heaven. You are not responsible for doing it all yourself, right now.

!!!!!! 2. Remember a happy, peaceful time in your past. Rest there. Each moment has richness that takes a lifetime to savor.

!!!!! 3. Set your own pace. When someone is pushing you, it's OK to tell them they're pushing.

!!!! 4. Take nothing for granted: watch water flow, the corn grow, the leaves blow, your neighbor mow.

!!! 5. Taste your food. God gives it to delight as well as to nourish.

!! 6. Notice the sun and the moon as they rise and set. They are remarkable for their steady pattern of movement, not their speed.

! 7. Quit planning how you're going to use what you know, learn, or possess. God's gifts just are; be grateful and their purpose will be clear.

100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...

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

BIBLE RIDDLE

Q. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
A. Samson. He brought the house down.

Find out more Bible Facts at...

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

PET(ty) HUMOUR!

THE BOSS
A man goes into a pet shop to buy a parrot. The shop owner points to three identical looking parrots on a perch and says: "The parrot to the left costs 500 dollars".

"Why does the parrot cost so much?" the customer asks. The owner says, "Well, it knows how to use a computer."

The customer asks about the next parrot and is told "That one costs 1,000 dollars because it can do everything the other parrot can do plus it knows how to use the UNIX operating system."

Naturally, the increasingly startled man asks about the third parrot and is told "That one costs 2,000 dollars." Needless to say this begs the question "What can IT do?"

To which the owner replies "To be honest I have never seen it do a thing but the other two call him boss!"


AT THE AUCTION
One day a man went to an auction. While there, he bid on a parrot. He really wanted this bird, so he got caught up in the bidding. He kept on bidding, but kept getting outbid, so he bid higher and higher and higher. Finally, after he bid way more than he intended, he won the bid - the parrot was his at last!

As he was paying for the parrot, he said to the Auctioneer, "I sure hope this parrot can talk. I would hate to have paid this much for it, only to find out that he can't talk!"

"Don't worry." said the Auctioneer, "He can talk. Who do you think it was who kept bidding against you?"

WESTERN UNION
A German shepherd went to a Western Union office, took out a blank form and wrote, "Woof..woof..woof..woof..woof..woof..woof..woof...woof."

The clerk examined the paper and told the dog, "There are only nine words here. You could send another 'woof' for the same price."

"But," the dog replied, "it would make no sense at all."

Find out more about how pets rule our lives at...

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

MANNERS AND CUSTOMS IN BIBLICAL LANDS

SEATS

Seating was unusual in early Biblical times except, of course, at the king's palace - for they enjoyed comfort! Amos was the first to refer to people reclining on couches when eating. (Amos 6:4)However, by the time of Jesus, the Romans were used to reclining on couches for supper.

Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys

Lots more 'God Facts' are found at...

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

COMMITMENT TO GOD IN THE USA - A BARNA SURVEY (Part 1)

Surveys Show Pastors Claim Congregants Are Deeply Committed to God But Congregants Deny It!

January 9, 2006

(Ventura, CA) – How committed to God are Americans? It depends who you ask. Two new national surveys conducted by The Barna Group provide a glimpse into the contradictory views of church pastors and the people who attend churches, suggesting that the optimistic views of pastors are not justified. There is a huge gap between the perception of pastors and the reality of people’s devotion to God.

Pastors Believe That All Is Well Spiritually

Based on interviews with a representative national sample of 627 Protestant pastors, the Barna study discovered that pastors believe a large majority of their congregants deem their faith in God to be the highest priority in their life. On average, pastors contend that 70% of the adults in their church consider their personal faith in God to transcend all other priorities. Amazingly, as many as one out of every six pastors (16%) contends that 90% or more of the adults in their church hold their relationship with God as their top life priority!

Adults Are Lukewarm About God

In contrast to the upbeat pastoral view of people’s faith, a nationally representative sample of 1002 adults was asked the same question – i.e., to identify their top priority in life – and a very different perspective emerged. Only one out of every seven adults (15%) placed their faith in God at the top of their priority list. To make an apples-to-apples comparison, the survey isolated those who attend Protestant churches and found that even among that segment of adults, not quite one out of every four (23%) named their faith in God as their top priority in life.

Some population niches were more likely than others to make God their number one focus. Among those were evangelicals (51% of whom said their faith in God was their highest priority), African-Americans (38%) and adults who attend a house church (34%). The people groups least likely to put God first were adults under 30 years of age, residents of the Northeast and West, and those who describe themselves as “mostly liberal” on political and social matters.

Regardless of how the population was evaluated, though, there was no segment of the adult population that came close to the level of commitment that Protestant pastors claimed for churchgoers.

(To be continued next week.)

The Barna Group, Ltd. (which includes its research division, The Barna Research Group) is a privately held, for-profit corporation that conducts primary research, produces audio, visual and print media, and facilitates the healthy spiritual development of leaders, children, families and Christian ministries. Located in Ventura, California, Barna has been conducting and analyzing primary research to understand cultural trends related to values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors since 1984. If you would like to receive free e-mail notification of the release of each new, bi-weekly update on the latest research findings from The Barna Group, you may subscribe to this free service at the Barna web site www.barna.org. © The Barna Group, Ltd, 2006

Many more God Facts at...

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

MR BUMBLE (Instalment 1)

This poem was 2 years in the writing! The inspiration came, half was written, then I got busy on other things! In the last day or two I have had some spare time, so thought to finish it. (Actually I have had more spare time during the two years but never quite got 'a round tuit'!) I hope the result is worth waiting for!

MR BUMBLE

The other day I met with a bumble bee,
The two of us together, just him and me.
I asked, "How are you, my high flying friend,”
As our way down the road, we did gently wend.

“A ‘box of buzzes’ " said Mr Bumble, rumbling along,
In the prime of life - yes, a bee so buzzingly strong.
“I'm on the way to the garden down the road,
Plentiful pollen there, will get me a load.”

“For I’m a worker bee you see,
One of many, in our big family,
We have a purpose for which to live,
Honey aplenty, to our hive, to give.”

“Your life is a fulfilled one then,
A privilege not given many men.”
“I guess it is, in following family tradition,
Feeding the hungry hive’s a real mission.”

“I learned what to do from my brother,
The Queen you know, is our mother,
It was Jimmy who taught me how to fly,
Led by example, encouraged me to try.”

“But soon flight, I did learn to master,
With practice, went faster and faster.
Till now I’m known as the ‘brmm-brmm bee,’
Always winning the race to the cherry tree.”

Continued next week. If you can't wait check it all (and others) out at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/waxing.php?poemId=00038

A DAVID MUSING

Most of the time our walk in God continues on an even plane, but occasionally, there is a day, a week, or more, where God is more proactive in our lives. This has been one of those weeks for me. And as usual for those who desire to go on further in God, it was a mixture of both challenge and encouragement. For me, a challenge to increase my faith in certain areas, and encouragement, in leading me to a new friendship with a senior leader who has a similar vision and has been through similar battles and challenges in life and ministry. Thank you Lord, thank you Joseph.

The Lord has also foreshadowed a change in focus for the ministry from one of gathering and putting in place the teachings He has graciously given towards a greater emphasis on disseminating them to others.

So exciting times of change (If you like change that is! Both God and I do!) are ahead. The challenges will be different, particularly financially, but our God remains the same. He doesn't need to change, for He is all in all already! All the change needs to be in us! Oh dear!

So until next week...

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: SQUATTER

TODAY'S 'DO YOU KNOW?' ANSWER: Mark: The gospel message was preserved in oral form for many years before being written down. Bible scholars believe Mark was written around 70 A.D., about 40 years after Jesus was crucified. Matthew, Luke and Acts were written between 80 and 90 A.D. Finally, The Gospel of John appeared in its final form around 95 A.D.

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

at the bottom of each newsletter or at...
https://www.macnet.co.nz/wwjesus/pay.html

DONATIONS

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. Thanks.

CHANGING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS? NEWSLETTER STOPS COMING?

Each week we can lose up to 2% of our readers when they change email addresses without letting us know. Or sometimes, by your server acting strangely and just cutting us off! 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

If you would like to link your web site to ours, and ours to yours, please advise us on
links@wwj.org.nz

DOES THIS EMAIL HAVE A BLUE BACKGROUND AND RED HEADINGS?

YES - Great!
NO - Your web browser needs to be set to 'Rich Text'. If you have an older 'Text Only' browser, this email may also be viewed on our web site at ...

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

ABOUT US

WALKING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES is a non-profit, non-denominational, Bible based ministry located in Hastings, 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
290 Flaxmere Avenue
Flaxmere
Hastings
New Zealand

Phone: (06) 8799 911 International (+64) 6 8799 911
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