TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH: 4. CHARACTERISTICS OF KINGDOM PEOPLE

A LONELY WALK

A fourth characteristic of those who truly seek the kingdom is loneliness. Loneliness not only from worldly non believers, but also from most fellow Christians.

This is not being super spiritual or elitist, but simply stating reality of those who desire a deeper spiritual walk.

Nor is it unique to today. Rather, it is a common characteristic among the 'spiritual greats' of the Old Testament from Noah, who was rejected by his contemporaries when building the Ark, to Moses, isolated for 40 years in the desert, to the prophets in general who loved their people, yet God more, as can be seen in the unpopular messages they gave and the inevitable negative responses they generally received in return.

Jesus Himself often withdrew from society too.

16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (Luke 5:16)

While it is great to have the support of others, ultimately the walk of the cross is one which we must do by ourselves, just as Jesus experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane, in personal agony while His disciples slept.

36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” 40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. (Matthew 26:36-40)

Yes, His ultimate experience of the Cross was walked through alone.

The Tabernacle of Moses was a pattern of the church today.

The people could come in through the symbolic gate of salvation to the Outer Court of repentance.

Smaller numbers (the priests) entered the Holy Place, symbolic of entering into the realm of the Holy Spirit.

However, only one man, the High Priest was allowed to enter into the Holy of Holies, the dwelling place of God Himself.

While Jesus 'positionally' opened the doorway for us into the Most Holy Place, symbolically shown when the veil in the Temple was supernaturally ripped from top to bottom. Not many however, choose to 'experientially' enter that place of total submission to the will of the Father, to let Him take over their life.

In a general sense, we can be saved, baptised and join a traditional or evangelical type of church. We can be filled with the Holy Spirit and participate in a charismatic or pentecostal fellowship. But there is no formal way of entering into the kingdom, the bride, the overcomers, or however you wish to describe the final church of God. For this is a personal matter between you and God.

A walk by oneself. A walk of trial and testing. A walk not understood by the majority of Christians who are content with salvation itself or with the addition of Holy Spirit release.

That great servant of God, A. W. Tozer, expresses this far more eloquently than I.

The truly spiritual man is indeed something of an oddity. He lives not for himself but to promote the interests of Another. He seeks to persuade people to give all to his Lord and asks no portion or share for himself. He delights not to be honored but to see his Saviour glorified in the eyes of men. His joy is to see his Lord promoted and himself neglected. He finds few who care to talk about that which is the supreme object of his interest, so he is often silent and preoccupied in the midst of noisy religious shoptalk. For this he earns the reputation of being dull and overserious, so he is avoided and the gulf between him and society widens. He searches for friends upon whose garments he can detect the smell of myrrh and aloes and cassia out of the ivory palaces, and finding few or none he, like Mary of old, keeps these things in his heart.

It is this very loneliness that throws him back upon God. "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." His inability to find human companionship drives him to seek in God what he can find nowhere else. He learns in inner solitude what he could not have learned in the crowd that Christ is All in All, that He is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption, that in Him we have and possess life's summum bonum.

If you find yourself in this position today, be encouraged, for you are not alone. There are others experiencing the same personal isolation as you. And, of course, our God is our greatest friend, more than we could ask for or need.

Find out more about us at...

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

FROM THE WORD

THE MAN WITH LEPROSY

"While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." (Luke 5:12-15)

GETHSEMENE
"Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

JESUS ARRESTED
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
50 Jesus replied, “Friend, do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled." (Matthew 26:36-56)

Read the Bible (NIV Version) 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

TRIALS AND TESTINGS

591. The view is from the mountaintops but growth comes in the fertile valley soils.

592. Trials are a real trial!

593. Trials build character, character Godliness.

594. A test done, a test won, while not much fun, it pleases the Son.

595. Tests require change. Little change requires greater tests.

596. If we were already perfect, we would no longer need trials and testings. Life tells me I have not yet got there!

597. A trial a day keeps the devil away.

598. Heat draws out dross. In gold, silver and me!

599. Failing a test means I need to take it again!

600. The unbearable becomes bearable through God’s grace.

601. Trials are for life’s winners!

602. The ladder of testing is best climbed one step at a time.

603. The best fruit grows on pruned trees.

604. An unpruned tree produces little fruit.

605. Heated and treated gold glistens. It’s the same with us!

Please feel free to quote these quotes. Acknowledgement of David Tait as the author would be appreciated. There are now over 1300 David sayings for you to view at ...

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

CRANWELL'S CARTOON

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. (Philippians 3:1-2)





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

GOD AND MAN continues

As we look at the very practical subject of how the Holy Spirit communicates with us.

Check out all the available teachings 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." ***

756. COMPUTER PSALM 23
The Lord is my programmer; I shall not crash.

He installed his software on the hard disk of my heart;

all of his commands are user-friendly.

His directory guides me to the right choices for his name's sake.

Even though I scroll through the problems of life,

I will fear no bugs, for He is my backup.

His password protects me.

He prepares a menu before me in the presence of my enemies.

His help is only a keystroke away.

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life,

and my file will be merged with his and saved forever.

Amen

755. FLYING
"How far do you travel on your yearly preaching circuit, Brother Tuck?"

"Last year I traveled to Japan and back!"

"Gee, you must be building up a lot of frequent friar miles!"

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 769 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...

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

FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What literary sisters used male names when
they published their novels?

ANSWER: The Bronte sisters - Charlotte, Emily, and Anne - used male
pseudonyms Currer Bell, Ellis Bell, and Acton Bell starting with the same
letters. It was normal in earlier time periods for female writers to adopt
male names in order to be published. (Their writings certainly ‘rang a bell’
with their readers!)

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Which American first lady carried a gun in her
purse?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

489. FLOWER POWER
The biggest and best funeral for a gangster ever held in Chicago was for a flower shop entrepreneur named O'Banion. The shop, at the corner of State and Superior Streets, was a front for O'Banion's bootlegging and hijacking operations. Ten thousand mourners attended, with the most expensive wreath — costing $1,000 — coming from Al Capone, who had ordered that O'Banion be rubbed out. (Good g-wreath!)

490. HOW SAD
The film Cleopatra (1963) was banned in Egypt for 15 years because its star, Elizabeth Taylor, had converted to Judaism. (Tolerance lacking both in Cleopatra’s time, and now.)

491. PRECISELY RIGHT
The Dieri tribe in Australia has strict laws regarding who can marry whom. For example, a man can legally marry his mother's mother's brother's daughter's daughter. He can also marry his mother's father's sister's daughter's daughter. (Worked it out? Your ‘second cousin’.)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

Make another word from this word using all the letters.

NEOLITH

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 - YOU BE THE JUDGE!

8) Why did the Lord deliver Israel up to persecution?

A - They blasphemed
B - They did evil
C - They wanted their freedom
D - They had no leader

Source: www.biblequizzes.com

COMMENT ON LAST WEEK'S QUESTION

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"""

WISDOM
* Kindness is the Language the deaf can hear and the blind can see

* Real wealth comes when we make a difference for other people

* The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer someone else up

* Life gives birth to life. Energy creates more energy. We become rich by giving ourselves away.

* Your talents are God's gift to you. Who you serve with your talents is your gift to God.

* What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you

* Don’t always look to get a blessing, look to BE a blessing.

* Give another what they cannot find anywhere else and they will keep returning

* Your rewards in life are determined by the problems you solve for others

* You can get everything you want in life, if you just help enough other people get what they want.

100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...

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

JUST JOKES

296. THE VISITOR
A Swiss guy visited Sydney, Australia, and pulled up at a bus stop where two locals were waiting.

"Entschuldigung, koennen Sie Deutsch sprechen?" he asked. The two Aussies just stared at him.

"Excusez-moi, parlez vous Francais?" he tried. The two continued to stare.

"Parlare Italiano?" Other than a glance at each other, there was still no response.

"Hablan ustedes Espanol?" Still nothing.

The Swiss guy gave up and drove off, extremely disgusted. When he was gone, the first Aussie turned to the second and said, "Y'know, maybe we should learn a foreign language."
"Why?" the other replied. "That guy knew four languages, and it didn't do him any good."

295. CLOSE FAMILY!
A car was involved in an accident in a street. As expected, a large crowd gathered. A lawyer anxious to get there first could not get near the car. Being a clever sort, he started shouting loudly, "Let me through! Let me through! I am the son of the victim."

The crowd made way for him.

Lying in front of the car was a donkey.

294. IN CHARACTER
Did you hear about the dentist who married a manicurist?

After a month they were fighting tooth and nail.

100's more just for a laugh at...

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

BIBLE TRIVIA

SNAKES or SERPENTS...

rarely receive mention in the Bible. Satan appeared as a serpent to Eve and Moses held up a brass serpent figure to cure the people's snake bites. Later on, it became a worshipped object.

Interestingly, most New Testament references are metaphorical, not literal.

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

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: African Witches Come to Christ

Screenings of the "JESUS" film in the Central African Republic have led to tens of thousands of commitments for Christ, dozens of churches planted, and witches being freed from dark forces, according to The JESUS Film Project. Central African Republic, which neighbors the highly troubled nations of Chad and Sudan, has struggled with what some might consider an epidemic of witchcraft. Local witches reportedly have the power to kill and cause excruciating physical pain, leading to great fear among villagers. The government routinely imprisons accused witches, but has found that prison walls cannot contain their power.

When witches saw the "JESUS" film, which follows the life and teachings of Jesus Christ in their own language, many reportedly were convicted by the Holy Spirit. They repented of their sins, were freed from their spiritual bondage, and committed their lives to Jesus Christ, The JESUS Film Project reported. In the Bossangoa area in western CAR, people have dubbed the "JESUS" film, "the miracle film." The region's governor has personally called the "JESUS" film team to thank them for the "miracles" the movie has done on the witches in his area. "JESUS" film teams plan to reach those speaking the Gbeya language in CAR. There are some 176,000 people in the country that speak this language, including the country's current president.

Pray for the growth of these new believers, and pray that they would be free from the local animism.

Source: The Christian Post via GO GLOBAL MISSIONS REPORT 2008 No. 64

Many more Godfacts at...

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

DAVID'S DOWNLOAD

DAVID'S DOODLINGS

- A 'pot pouri' of 900+ diverse thoughts to muse upon, have a chuckle over, and which may even inspire you to reach deeper into God.

From the ‘peculiar pen(cil)’ of

David Tait.

Check it out and get your free download here...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/pdf/wwj19p44.pdf

WAXING LYRICAL

Another lesson God gave me on Bowentown Beach, where I used to go when writing the book 'Eagles Fly High!'.

THE PATH

I came to a path as I walked along the beach,
An insignificant path, with a lesson to teach.
For we need, from our mistakes to learn,
If the right way in life, we are to turn.

My walk had not been going too good,
Wanting to get back as soon as I could.
My mind wasn’t working as well as it should.
"I am sure my path was near that log of wood!"

You know how it is, being engaged in wishful thinking,
Believing you’re afloat, when in reality, you’re sinking!
When you are fed up, having had enough,
The mind starts believing ridiculous stuff!

So it was, with this path today,
I was so keen to be on my way,
That I told myself it was the right one,
No doubt about it, ‘twas good as done.

At first glance, it looked just like the right path,
If it wasn’t, no worry, would surely be a laugh.
Surely doesn’t matter whatever path I take,
My goal, in the end, I am bound to make!

The path looked easy, so happily, off I went,
Keen to get home, my energy almost spent.
I’m on the way, the pathway must be right,
How could I doubt it, for I’ve seen the light!

But as I walked, a niggle started to grow,
Is this truly, the way I really want to go?
The scenery’s nice, the way appears easy,
But the rubbish there, that’s a bit sleazy!

(Continued next week.)

More of David's offerings at...

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

A DAVID MUSING

Finally, a view of our Hastings shop!

Got the camera to work, at least temporarily! And managed to manipulate the picture on the computer too. Wonderful what you can do with the technology now easily available to everyone.

The shot is of one side of the 800m (9,000 sq. ft.) shop. Jenny our Manager here, has done an excellent job of putting a ladies touch on things to give a great final result. The shop (by Jenny) looks far better than the photo (by David)!

Better still though, for our health is far more important than any physical achievement, Kathy has been given comfort from the Specialist (who has the same condition) that her racing heart with missed beats is not caused by her husband, nor is it a serious condition, but one that comes and goes, as it has done in the past. While not pleasant to experience, it has no damaging affect on the heart. Praise the Lord. Thank you so much for those who have been praying for her.

Without Kathy, what we do here with website and ezines, and in the shops, would not be possible, as she earns the money to pay the daily bills. Thank you sweetheart. I love you and am so happy that statistically, you are still likely to outlast me!

Which brings me to some interesting trivia I learned yesterday. Japan currently has 36,000 centenarians, 31,000 of them, women. By 2050 it is estimated that the figure will rise to 1 million, and it is not known how a shrinking younger population will cope with looking after them.

Sadly, most Japanese desire to live for as long as possible as they don't have the future hope of life with Jesus. May we not be the same!

Until next week...

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: HOTLINE

TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION': B - They did evil (Judges 6:1)

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://secure.macnet.co.nz/www.wwj.org.nz/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
7 Bull Street
Ahuriri
Napier
New Zealand

Phone: (06) 835 0567 International (+64) 6 835 0567

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