YESTERDAY'S SOLDIERS v TODAY'S WARRIORS

Now, I am not a 'party animal', but it just so happens that the last 2 Saturday evenings have seen us attend one party and put on a second, this week for our third son Nigel's, 21st birthday. Traditionally in New Zealand, turning 21 has been regarded as attaining adulthood, the time when it becomes the children's turn to start looking after their parents. (Not really - just wishful thinking!) But I digress.

At last weeks party I spoke with a couple of long term Christians who, very spiritually, were telling me all about the house the Lord had led them to buy. Of all the work that needed doing to it, and in particular, how the 1970's orange and yellow kitchen was the first thing that absolutely needed updating.

Until recently our family has lived in a 1970's house with a very similar kitchen. I soon learned, through practical experience, that the quality of the cooking was determined by the skills of the cook, not the ambience of the kitchen decor. Besides, 99% of the people in the world would believe having such a kitchen to be a dream come true.

The conversation continued as they said, "After this, we will wait upon the Lords next project. As long as it isn't sending us to Africa!" Funny you should say that," I replied, "for I am off there in 3 weeks." I blinked. I blinked again! They were nowhere to be seen. They had melted away in an instant - and they weren't small people either! They just didn't want to hear.

This Saturday was so different. Nigel had invited a group of his friends, most of whom were on fire for God. I spoke to one young lady who was in the last year of a Finance Degree. The world is at her feet. She expects to get a well paying job and seed into the Kingdom. But her most revealing comment was that she would not accept a job without seeking God's approval first. And if He wanted her to be a supermarket checkout operator to save 3 people in 30 years, she would be prepared to forego all her training and prospects to do as He wished. And she meant it!

What a contrast! From religious, 'human justification' of a personal project to 'godly confirmation and submission' of ones life. From human desires justified in spiritual language, to a true heart to serve God.

No, in spite of these examples, commitment is not a function of age, but of heart attitude. For the Lord is raising an end time army of warriors, young and not so young, fully sold out to him. Those who will fight for Him irrespective of the personal cost, to claim victory in the gigantic spiritual battle that is raging throughout the world today.

Are you a tired soldier, resting on the laurels of yesterday's victories, using them as justification for doing your own thing today? Or are you sold out to your Saviour and Lord? Each one of us is free to choose, but only the one decision will enable us to go on to claim the victory. I've made my decision. You too?

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MORE OF YOUR MOST UNBELIEVED WORDS FROM 'THE WORD'

"For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God." (1Corinthians 2:11)

"Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal." (Isaiah 26:4)

"No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Joshua 1:5)

DAVID'S DOODLINGS

### The foolish man seeks pleasure on earth. A wise man builds treasure in heaven. But the godly man seeks to build heaven on earth.

### Earthly possessions are perceived to be:
- Owned - by the foolish.
- Rented - by the wise.
- Administered - by the godly.

### The true heart of a man is found in his wallet:
- A foolish man spends all he has on himself.
- A wise man tithes 10% to the provider.
- A godly man spends all he has been given on the provider’s behalf.

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TAPE (MP3) OF THE WEEK

In association with Inspirational Tapes Ministries
inspirational.org.nz
we are pleased to offer you this inspirational tape or MP3 download - absolutely free of charge!

LIFE AFTER DEATH - PART 2

By Betty Malz

In July of 1959, in Terre Haute, Indiana, when Betty Malz was twenty-seven years old, she was pronounced dead and a sheet was pulled over her head. Betty describes her experience on the other side and how she returned to her body to the stunned amazement of her grieving father and hospital personnel. This is the story of how God dealt with a proud, materialistic, controlling woman who had to die to learn how to live.

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INTERESTING COMMENTS ON THE DISCIPLES - THE OTHER VIEW

Comment on the 'tradition' that all the disciples except John were martyred…

"I am not certain to which “Bible history scholars” Phil Anthony refers, (Last week's PGIM!) other than suspecting many who would be connected with the ultra liberal Jesus Movement, and a few unfortunate evangelical ones who find themselves far too invested with impressing liberal scholars with their academic research than making good commentary. In any event, the suggestion that most scholars reject the idea that the author of Mark was not John Mark of Acts, or the John of Revelation is not the John of the Gospel, is not pertinent to the actual truth. The arguments for accepting the claims of the historic understanding that these men are the same are at least as compelling, I argue far more so, than any arguments against. See D.A. Carson’s highly acclaimed commentary on John (Eerdman’s), and William Lane’s commentary (NICNT) on Mark for the best treatment of the discussions.

The fact that there are plenty of competing accounts out there, by no means makes them compelling. Nor does the fact that tradition has been relied upon for some confirmation of the facts endanger the truth. Just the opposite is true. If there has been a long and well established tradition, there is no reason to simply refute it on the basis that it is a tradition. Rather, a long and unbroken tradition, which is historically demonstrable, speaks to a truth that was understood to exist......"

Regards, Russ Young Thanks Russ

JUST JOKES

JUST GIVE UP
George set out on a very windy night to see his friend Sam, who was sick in bed. Hours later, George dragged his weary body into Sam's house, and collapsed on the couch, exhausted. "I'll tell you," George said, when he had caught his breath, "it was just brutal. For every step I took forward, I fell back two."

"So how did you ever make it over here?" Sam asked.

"Well," George replied, "after a while I decided to give up, so I turned around and headed for home." (A bit like submitting to God! David)

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FACTS FOR FUN - INCLUDING INTERESTING BIBLE FACTS

LAST WEEK'S QUESTION: Which three of the United States are not states? Why?

ANSWER: Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Virginia are not states. They are all
commonwealths.

THIS WEEKS QUESTION: What is the underlying meaning of the number '7' in the Bible?

Answer next week.

UNDERLYING SPIRITUAL MEANINGS OF NUMBERS IN THE BIBLE
1-----God
2-----Witness
3-----The Godhead
4-----Earth/Man
5-----Atonement or Grace
6-----Fallen man
7-----???
8-----New Beginnings, Resurrection
9-----Eternal perfection
10----Trial and testing
12----Divine government
40----Trial and testing
144---(12x12) New man in Christ, Ultimate government of God
666---Man setting himself up as God
888---Jesus

A CHALLENGE FOR YOU!

yats---urcloseclose

Answer at the end of ‘A David Musing’

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A PRAYER REQUEST

Here at Walking With Jesus Ministries, we have always had a policy of 'freely give, freely receive.' Because of the wonders of modern technology, it is amazingly inexpensive to send this weekly email to thousands of subscribers right round the world. Almost without exception, we promote other sites and ministries that have a similar financial philosophy. In all we have done over the years, we have been amazingly provided for by the Lord, through people of course.

However, we do have a prayer request to make of you at this time. In 2 weeks now, my Associate Tony Richardson and I will be embarking for the first time on a big adventure for us, a 5 week trip to Ghana and Nigeria. There we will minister on discipleship (the 'living our faith' sort that is), unity and salvation, the 3 themes of this ministry. Because ministry is first and foremost a spiritual battle, we do need maximum prayer cover and support. We are already blessed with many Intercessors right round the world praying for us, but we would like more, particularly at this exciting but challenging time.

If you would be prepared to intercede for us, could you please register at the link below on the 'SPRAY (the Word) PRAY (for the ministry) and PAY (ministry support)' page on our website, as listed below. If you don't have access to the web you could email us at

pray@wwj.org.nz

In either case, we will forward a copy of our latest and future Monthly Prayer Letters, detailing current prayer needs. If you were able to help us out in this way, we would be most appreciative.

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LAUGHING AT OURSELVES

***Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused***

B.I.B.L.E.
A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, "I know what the Bible means!" His father smiled and replied," What do you mean, you 'know' what the Bible means?" The son replied, "I do know!"

"Okay," said his father. "So, Son, what does the Bible mean?" "That's easy, Daddy. It stands for 'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth."

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IF YOU HAVE TIME YOU MIGHT LIKE TO READ... (A PDF File Download)

GOD'S VICTORIOUS CHURCH - A revelation of the church to come from the book of Ruth plus a prophecy on the 3 armies (type of Church ) of God. A fascinating 11, A5, page read extracted from the book 'Eagles Fly High!' The prophecy is particularly relevant to today's first article.

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A DAVID MUSING

We human beings are funny creatures! While we are all made differently, we seem to fall into one of two different categories - those who have to be absolutely prepared well in advance of an event, and those who perform best under pressure. While I always like to feel I am organised, the reality is that I get the most done when the pressure goes on.

For instance, with 3 or 4 weeks to go until we leave for Africa, I had everything planned out that I wanted to achieve, together with my timetable for doing it. Unfortunately however, my performance has not matched my expectations. While I have been busy, it has often been with things outside of my plan.

But now, as there are only 2 weeks to go, an element of urgency is starting to creep into the picture. My motivation and discipline to do the important job at hand will miraculously increase and all will get done - eventually.

I find that God knows this too. For when the going in my life is easy, I am quite happy to cruise. But when the going gets tough, that is the time God can change me. Now, if only I could learn to be open to change in the easy times, life would be so much easier!
But then I wouldn't be human, would I? For this seems to be one thing we all have in common. We need the tough times in order to change us, to become the people that God wants us to be. At the time it is miserable, but afterwards we can often see God's hand working through our circumstances. Tough being human, isn't it! Sure beats being inhuman though!

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's Word Puzzle Answer: Stay back. You are too close.

LINKS

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ABOUT US

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: (07) 575-7164 International (0064) 7575-7164

Fax: (07) 575-7124 International (0064) 7575-7124
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