CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO YOU!

Seasons Greetings

This year we have prepared a Christmas Letter for our friends.

We hope you are both informed and entertained with (some of) our exploits over the past 3 years since we went AWOL.

Kathy and I would like to wish you and your family every blessing for this Christ-mas season. May 2009 (surely can't be nearly there!) bring you internal peace in an uncertain world.

Love... from Kathy
Cheers... from David

View the Tait's Christmas Letter here...

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

THE POWER OF THE CALL (continued)

Today we will continue this subject from the perspective of leadership, before switching to the led next week.

Christian leadership is difficult, as all involved in it well know. The pressures and expectations that come with the job can be overwhelming. Burnt out leaders are sadly, a common phenomenon. Why is this? Surely it is not of God? For God would not design a system where His leaders would suffer not for Him (which we are all called to do as part of the process of maturity) but from the unreasonable angst and expectations of those one is leading.

When Jesus came with the New Covenant, the former priestly system where the priest was an intermediary between people and God, came to an end. Jesus alone is to be our mediator. Unfortunately however, neither the majority of leaders nor the led have understood this principle. For the priestly system has apparent advantages for both.

For leaders, there is power and status, for the led an abrogation of their personal 'religious responsibility' to the priest, pastor, or whatever title is given.

Who suffers? Both suffer!

Leaders wrongly take on people's burdens while the people miss out on the benefits (and responsibilities) which a true personal relationship with Jesus brings.

Why does this situation exist?

Because leadership has become separated (superior) from the led through the professionalisation of the ministry. The principle of 'the power of the call' has been lost.

Call, as we saw last week, involves sacrifice.

Listen to Corrie Ten Boon (pictured) talking about her sister Betsy.

Betsy and I, in the concentration camp, prayed that God would heal Betsy who was so weak and sick. "Yes, the Lord will heal me,", Betsy said with confidence. She died the next day and I could not understand it. They laid her thin body on the concrete floor along with all the other corpses of the women who died that day.

It was hard for me to understand, to believe that God had a purpose for all that. Yet because of Betsy's death, today I am traveling all over the world telling people about Jesus.

When we look through history, all the great movements of God have been led by people prepared to pay the price of giving up on self, of rejection by the religious and civil establishments of the day and often, have paid for their conviction and revelation with their life.

Why is the church growing so fast in much of Asia and parts of Africa today? Primarily because leaders are prepared to pay the price of the call on their lives. They have no position in society, little or no income, are persecuted, beaten, imprisoned and even killed. No buildings, no sound systems, no programmes, yet people are finding Jesus in droves.

Almost sounds like the original disciples! History tells us that all were martyred for their faith with the exception of John, who was boiled in oil but survived to enjoy 'the pleasures' of the prison island of Patmos, where he received the revelation of Revelation!

Here in New Zealand, in the 1950s, there was a Spirit based move of God that saw many come to Jesus. It was led by ordinary people, enthusiasts inspired by and full of the Holy Spirit. They sacrificed their careers, living on the 'smell of an oily rag', to spread the 'Good News' of Jesus.

The movement grew. A Bible School was set up. Pastors appointed. Buildings were purchased. Programmes were put in place. A formal organisation with 'spiritual oversight' was formed. Another denomination with values and beliefs, charters and rules, was formed. And today, the Spirit has largely gone and it is dying both spiritually and numerically.

Speaking to those who remain of the leaders from the early days, most regret the course things have taken, but very few have been prepared to leave the comforts the system now provides in order to return to the principles of their original call.

My friend, I do understand the attraction of security that the formal church brings. I do know that we all have to 'pay the bills'. Yet we are also called to live by faith. To give God the opportunity to live and witness through us, rather than us to simply talk about Jesus from a professional position of relative comfort and security.

32 Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34 You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. 35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37 For in just a very little while, “He who is coming will come and will not delay. 38 But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.” 39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. (Hebrews 10:32-9)

I would like to finish today with the story of a man in the city of Napier from my youth. Jack was a watersider. He worked on the wharves. Amazingly, in that generally hostile, union based environment, he was a dedicated follower of Jesus. He had no formal education, no Bible training, no position in society. Yet he had the power of the call of a teacher on his life. He led a Bible study group of 50 grown men from all walks of life. To get such numbers on an ongoing basis was unbelievable in the context of men in our city. He received a lot of flack from the establishment. Yet he was obedient and effective in the Lord's ministry through him.

Are you living out your call?

Call comes with sacrifice, not a salary!

(To be continued next week.)

Find out more about us at...

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

FROM THE WORD

"I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome. I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”" (Romans 1:11-16)

"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:1-10)

"For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” (Galatians 2:19-21)

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

LEADERSHIP

372. To be a leader in the world is difficult, in the church, impossible. However, with God's help, we can do the impossible.

373. God loves obedient leaders.

374. Leaders are not God - for only God is perfect.

375. Our leaders are not God substitutes. They too, make mistakes, just as we do.

376. Truly godly leaders are more precious than diamonds - and equally hard to find.

377. The Bible tells us that there is only one God. Some leaders need to be reminded of this fact.

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

27 “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. (Luke 12:27-31)











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 in detail at the first steps we need to take in order to claim our inheritance.

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." ***

782. SURGERY PRAYER
Our 4-year-old daughter's surgery was scheduled for 11:30 a.m. We were becoming anxious as time passed and no one came to get her.

Finally at 12:30, the surgeon arrived at her room. Knowing my husband is a minister, the doctor asked us if many people were praying for this surgery.

Edgy from the delay, I said, "They were praying for you an hour ago."

With a smile, he shot back, "Thanks. That surgery went very well."

781. THE CHRISTIAN DENTIST
A dentist came home to his wife excited about the day's events. He had met a fellow dentist who had served in the mission field using his dental skills.

"Marge, I think the Lord wants me to work with the poor in Central America. They are in great need of dental care," He explained with enthusiasm.

"Dear husband, it isn't civilized down there. I've heard that they have cockroaches the size of bats. And no running water."

"Marge, the Lord will provide for our needs and we will be able help people who really need us. Bedsides, I am sure the Lord is calling me to do this."

"How do you know the Lord is calling you to do this?"

"Well, I just feel it, and it's in the Bible."

"In the Bible? What verse?"

It's from Psalms 81:

'I, the LORD, am your God, Who brought you up from the land of Egypt; OPEN YOUR MOUTH WIDE AND I WILL FILL IT. (Psalms 81:10, NASB)'"

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: Do centipedes really have 100 legs?

ANSWER: No. Until recently, no centipede was found that did not have
an odd number of leg pairs. Usually the number varies from 15 to 191
pairs, all odd. No one knows why. However, Chris Kettle, a doctoral
student in ecology, recently found a centipede with 48 pairs of legs, an
even number. The remarkable discovery was presented to the
International Congress of Myriapodology in Poland and featured in the
science journal Trends in Genetics. He suspects a genetic mutation is
responsible for the even number of leg pairs.

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Is there violence in Grimm’s fairy tales?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

446. UN-AMERICAN!
Vermont, Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine are the four states in the U.S. that do not allow billboards. (Have to be radical and look at the scenery instead!)

447. CAN'T KISS
In Riverside, California, there is an old law on the city's books, which makes it illegal to kiss unless both people wipe their lips with rose water. (So that’s why men give roses to their sweethearts – in Riverside anyway!)

448. RUN AND DIVORCE?
A study of New York marathoners a few years ago found that their divorce rate – male and female – was twice the national average. Persons engaging in solitary endurance sports are the ones most likely to be compulsive exercisers – for example, joggers, long-distance swimmers, weight-lifters, and cross-country skiers. Occasionally, devotees of these activities set unrealistic, ambitious goals, then drive themselves mercilessly to reach them. (But it’s not another excuse to be a couch potato though!)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

Make another word from this word using all the letters.

This is a new, clever and amusing series I came across recently. The answers relate to the original word.

GEORGE BUSH (Three word answer.)

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 - HILLS AND MOUNTAINS

2) What is the name of the mountain of the Lord?

A - Gerizim
B - Zion
C - Sinai
D - Hermon

Source: www.biblequizzes.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"""

!!!!!!! Keep using my name in vain, I'll make rush hour longer.
-God

!!!!!! Loved the wedding, invite me to the marriage.
-God

!!!!! That "Love Thy Neighbor" thing... I meant it.
-God

!!!! I love you and you and you and you and...
-God

!!! Will the road you're on get you to my place?
-God

!! Follow me.
-God

! My way is the highway.
-God

100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...

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

JUST JOKES

320. DREAMS ARE FREE!
The school of agriculture's dean of admissions was inter- viewing a prospective student, "Why have you chosen this career?" he asked.

"I dream of making a million dollars in farming, like my father," the student replied.

"Your father made a million dollars in farming?" echoed the dean much impressed.

"No," replied the applicant. "But he always dreamed of it."

319. RECOGNISE IT
A vacationer e-mailed a seaside hotel to ask its location. "It's only a stone's throw away from the beach," he was told.

"But how will I recognize it?" asked the man.

The reply was, "It's the one with all the broken windows."

318. NO FAMILY
At the pub, a little blond guy exchanged words with a big bald guy, and it looked like they were about to go to blows.

"You've got a lot of nerve for such a shrimp!" snarled the big guy.

"Look, you big jerk," barked the little blond guy. "I'm not scared of anybody, or anything! I come from a long line of jumpers. My great-grandfather jumped with no parachute from a balloon. My grandfather jumped without a 'chute from a biplane. My mother
and father both jumped from a jet. And tomorrow, *I* jump from a rocket!"

"You're crazy, you little twerp," said the big guy. "You could get killed!"

"So what?" said the little blond guy. "I have no family!"

Have a laugh to reduce the pre-Christmas stress here...

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

BIBLE TRIVIA

THE SODOM AND GOMORRAH STORY...

.....has always been useful as a moral tale of God destroying evil. But a subtext to the story has been even more influential, being about the sin to which the name Sodom is attached ie. homosexuality.

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

God Is Alive and Active In Albania

Success Kanayo Uchime (November 1, 2008)

The Church is getting stronger in this formerly communist country.

(Tirana, Albania)—God is no longer "dead" in Albania, and with this news come heartening information that lots of its people are now making decisions there on a daily basis for a new life in Christ. So says a Mission Insider Report from Christian Aid Mission. The report recounted that shortly after World War II, Albania was officially declared to be the world's first atheistic state and that the Marxist dictator, Enver Hoxha, had claimed to murder God, which he called his greatest achievement.

The report says that by mid-1967, all religious institutions had relinquished their churches, mosques, cloisters, and shrines to the government, as Article 37 of the Albanian Constitution, 1967, stated, "The State recognizes no religion, and supports and carries out atheistic propaganda in order to implant a scientific materialistic world outlook in people."

But after the death of Hoxha in 1985, the reverse became the case and by 1992 new churches were planted and new ministries were started. "In view of the fact that the Albanian church is now 18 years old and acknowledging that we have some 'milk' books, but no 'meat' ones, our aim is to translate great books from our long heritage of Christian literature. This will give a stronger foundation to mature Christians—especially in church leadership," says an Albanian Translation Ministries (ATM) leader.

Source: ASSIST News

Via: The Outreach Files: November 08. beautifulfeettaskforce.injesus.com

Many more Godfacts at...

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

DAVID'S DOWNLOAD

A REVELATION OF... HOLINESS

A Christian is called to walk towards holiness. While not pretending to give you the complete answer, the 5 examples included here should help you in your understanding of what true holiness is about. And if you so desire, in its application to your life too!

Download your free PDF File here.....

http://www.wwj.org.nz/pdf/wwj27p53.pdf

WAXING LYRICAL

The ravages of time inflict themselves upon us all!

BODY ‘Not So’ BEAUTIFUL?

But now, to get more serious about this matter,
Recently had a friend die, of lymphatic cancer.
His body faded away to a shadow,
Before being buried in a meadow.

For we will all die one day you see,
As inevitably, as four follows three.
For our body has a limited life span,
So about it, we should have a plan.

There is only one plan, of which I know,
If grass over me, is not always to grow.
It’s called salvation by grace.
In meeting Jesus, face to face.

He died on a cross, two thousand years ago,
To rescue us from death, that much I know,
He rose from the grave on the third day,
To give us a new body, in which to play.

To receive our new body, all we do,
Is believe in Him, the one so true.
By seeking forgiveness for all our sin,
His eternal kingdom, we will enter in.

More of David's offerings at...

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

A DAVID MUSING

Most things in life depend upon our perspective in looking at them.

This week is Christmas - as if we needed reminding. Most of us are happy to have a day or two off work in order to share the time with the family and (just maybe) take a moment out to think about Jesus. Even in this time of recession, we will still celebrate the season.

Of course, for some, Christmas is a time of sorrow. Maybe because of the memory of a loved one who died at this time.

Then again, when running a business, the expenses of rent and wages go on over the holidays but there is no income coming in to pay for them.

Yes, there are many different perspectives, many different ways of looking at life.

Within Christianity too, we have many issues that divide us. No need to go into them here!

My prayer is that, this Christmas time, we may be more considerate of others and try better to understand where they are coming from. You never know, we might even learn something!

Until next week...

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: HE BUGS GORE

TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION': 2) B - Zion (Joel 3:17)

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