UNITED; WE STAND TALL: DIVIDED; GOD AWAITS ANOTHER GENERATION!

“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.” (Ephesians 4:11-13)

It has been my observation that the most quoted part of this brief, yet amazingly comprehensive summary of the nature and purpose of church leadership, is the first section, detailing specific leadership calls. While we recognise and experience the 'gifts', the rest of the passage seems unattainable within our human experience and understanding. Training the people to do the work? Wishful thinking! Unity in the faith? Working in co-operation with my neighbourhood ministers, missionaries or organisations! Attaining the fullness of Christ? An impossible dream! Yet these are our calling.

As leaders, our first step towards fulfilling these clear but seemingly unattainable requirements of God, is to genuinely repent of both our unbelief and for allowing divisions to grow amongst us. Yes, the application of this huge turnaround in our thinking and actions must be laid upon a spiritual foundation, as it is just too big a change for us to make in our human strength. We surely need God to help us!

The amazing thing about repentance is that it is a remarkably active word, involving both prayer and action. For example, these 'David' descriptions of it:
“True repentance is - a godly principle applied.”
“Personal repentance is a verb, not an adjective.”
“True repentance is an action that results in a life changing reaction.”

We really do need to seek God’s forgiveness for our ungodly attitudes and behaviour. Then we must put our hurts and suspicions to one side and take the practical step of working with our neighbours in ministry.

The world-wide environment of vulnerability resulting from the Terrorist attacks of 2 months ago, has created the ideal situation in which to start this process of co-operation in godly love. It is a very special opportunity being offered to us. If we forego it, God will wait upon another generation to fulfil His Word. The choice is ours. In the words of Scripture:

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14)

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DAVID’S DOODLINGS

“Show me one who walks in forgiveness and talks with their wallet, and I will show you a true believer.”
“It is amazing how a sprinkling of forgiveness can calm a raging sea of hurts.”
“Sadly, the human mind subtly subverts the holy, ‘I Am’, into the unholy, ‘I am’!”

For more David sayings check out…

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

TAPE OF THE WEEK

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

UNITY THROUGH OBEDIENCE

By Brian Hathaway

Brian is Principal of the Bible College of New Zealand, the largest interdenominational theological college in New Zealand. BCNZ has equipped and trained thousands of students for Christian service since its establishment in 1922. He is a very well known communicator and Christian leader, both in New Zealand and throughout the world, with a heart for uniting the ministry of the church.

Order your free tape today at...

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

FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: Sharks and Rays are the only animals known to man that cannot get this disease. What is it?
ANSWER: Cancer. Scientists believe this is related to the fact that they have no bone, only cartilage.

THIS WEEKS QUESTION: What do selenologists study? Butterflies, traffic density, the moon, vibrations or indigenous cultures? Answer next week.

DID YOU KNOW?
1. Not to Worry
The odds of you being hit by a celestial stone, that is, a meteorite, are 10 trillion to one – against! (some things are just not worth worrying about. Nothing is - according to Jesus!)

2. Sesame Street
There are an average of 178 sesame seeds on a McDonald’s Big Mac hamburger bun. (Check it out by the bite)

3. An Age Old Rule
Football (Soccer) was played in the 12th Century without any rules. (Sometimes today too!)


Another WORD PUZZLE for you.

Cotaxableme

Answer at the end of ‘A David Musing’

Many more Fun Facts at...

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

LAUGHING AT OURELVES

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

Another good ‘reality joke’!

Two friends, Bill and Ben, went to the football together every Saturday for 30 years. Unfortunately, one Saturday Bill had a sudden heart attack and died. Ben was distraught.

The next week Ben had to go to the football by himself. He was so sad he called out to his friend Bill, in desperation, “Bill, is there any football in heaven?”

Highly surprised, he heard Bill reply, “Yes Ben, great news! There is twice as much football here as on earth. It’s wonderful!”

“That’s great news, Bill. I can’t wait to get there!”

“Don’t worry about that, said a buoyant Bill, “I’ve looked at next weeks team sheets and we’re both on the same team!”

Much more Holy Humour at...

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

IF YOU HAVE TIME TAKE A LOOK AT “BODY ‘Not So’ BEAUTIFUL!”

A poem about the ravages of sin that first affected Adam and Eve and unfortunately now ravages you and me. A bit of fun, a lot of reality with a spirtitual message. Look it up at..

http://www.wwj.org.nz/waxing.php?poemId=00015

WELCOME TO THE ‘CHURCH OF THE COVERED DISH’!

Would you like to display a free daily cartoon strip on your site? You’ve got to laugh with Thom Tapp, a Baptist pastor from Lenoir City, Tennessee USA, as he explores the humorous side of the Christian walk. Newsletter downloads are available also for a small, one time fee. Laugh (or maybe cry!) at…

http://www.botcw.com/thom/index.htm

JUST JOKES

Some great ‘one–liners’ from my favourite comedian, Steven Wright.

### My friend Winnie is a procrastinator. He didn’t get his birthmark until he was 8 years old.
### I went to the eye doctor and found out I needed glasses for reading. So I got some flip-up contact lenses.
### The sun got confused about daylight saving time. It rose twice. Everything had two shadows.

And the best of them all……
### The other day I bought a packet of powdered water. Ever since I have been wondering what to add to it.

Many more laughs at…

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

A DAVID MUSING

Some times life and our walk with Jesus seems easy, feels inspired even, while at others we seem to wade through a seething sea of quicksand. I am sure you know that ‘sinking feeling’!

Writing this newsletter has been one of those more difficult times. Yes, I would dearly like to be watching New Zealand’s biggest motor racing meeting for many years, on the television. But I must write to meet the publication deadline. Great motivators, deadlines are! And I know that a love of speed is not a particularly godly attribute in my life – but I am not perfect – yet!

The Word tells me that if I persevere under trial (of a lack of inspiration and missing the motor racing!) I will receive the crown of life promised to those who love Him. I realise that I am being flippant today, but life isn’t always easy, and this promise is sometimes all we have to hold on to. Yet experience has shown me that trials do come to an end, and generally I will have grown spiritually as a result of them.

Sometimes our best work can be done when we are feeling down. In my case, this particularly applies to the writing of poetry. That is the ‘poet’s burden’! We just have to remember that, invariably, things will come right again!

Well, I have finally finished. I trust the end result is not too bad. Finished too, just in time for the last race! God is so gracious!

His friend and yours

David Tait

WORD PUZZLE ANSWER: Taxable income

LINKS

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

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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