A Weekly World Wide Word of Encouragement to those in the Ministry
PRAISE GOD IT’S MONDAY!
A WEEKLY ‘WWW (world-wide word) OF ENCOURAGEMENT’
TO THOSE IN MINISTRY
A FREE service, currently connecting with Christian leaders from 3,000 denominations and ministries, in 70 countries.
Issue No: 625 Published: 07 Oct 2013
WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY?
Again I acknowledge that much of the material that follows is drawn from the excellent publication by Eddie L. Hyatt, 2000 Years of Charismatic Christianity. For specific references to the writings quoted, please refer to that publication.THE POST APOSTOLIC CHURCH
THE MONASTICS 325-600AD
ANTONY (AD251-356) (pictured) An Egyptian, and normally regarded as the founder of monasticism, Antony's life was lived in complete contrast to the formalism, legalism, pomp and grandeur of the mainline church that was emerging in the West.
His parents died when he was 18, and the Lord directed him to sell their estate, then give up his possessions and live a life of absolute devotion to his Lord. He did this by retiring to a cave in the desert and spending his time in prayer and meditation.
Antony's holy life and powerful prayer became famous throughout the Empire and many adopted his hermit lifestyle. Others organized themselves into monastic communities.
The 'Life of Antony', written by bishop Athanasius, recorded many supernatural events experienced by the many who visited him. He was noted for discerning of spirits, healing the sick, delivering the demonized and for speaking words of knowledge.
He lived into his 105th year and reputedly, was physically strong with bright eyes and retaining all his teeth, until the end of his life.
Nearing his death, he visited the other monks in the desert for one last time, exhorting them tearfully, to continue devoted lives. Going back to his cave he distributed his meagre possessions and pulling his feet under him (like Jacob in Genesis 49:33), where he died with a joyful expression on his face.
PACHOMIUS (AD292-346) A soldier by profession, and likely inspired by Antony, he retired to live the life of a hermit. One day, in his cell, an angel appeared to him and said, "Go and gather together unto thyself those who are wandering, and be thou dwelling
with them, and lay down for them such laws as I shall tell unto thee."
Subsequently, Pachomius organized the first monastery about AD320 at Tabennisi on the east bank of the Nile. Each member dressed similarly, had a communal work assignment, along with scheduled times of both private and corporate worship.
An ancient writer described Pachomius as "a man endowed with apostolic grace both in teaching and in performing miracles." For example, he had a visitor from the West who spoke Latin, a language he did not understand. After 3 hours of concerted prayer, Pachomius was able to converse with his visitor in Latin. Several other times too, he was reported as speaking in a language he had not learned, indicating that speaking in tongues was known within the monastic communities.
So we can continue to say that.....
THE TRUE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS ARE ONES WHO ARE OBEDIENT TO THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THEIR LIVES.
(Continued next week.)
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FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUS continuedThe Lord has asked me to compile a publication of the words Jesus spoke, as recorded in the New Testament in chronological order. I have got about halfway, and have found it very enlightening and encouraging in my relationship with Him. The final version will have changes of layout and version used, but this is a foretaste of things to come. Of course, it is not a Bible substitute! I Hope you find it helpful too, in your walk with Jesus.
The 'Sermon on the Mount' forms the basis of the 'life teachings' of Jesus. Every follower of Jesus should learn, and live out daily, the teachings of Matthew, chapters 5-7.
Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-7:29, Luke 6:17-49)
Prayer (Matthew 6:5-15)
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
“This, then, is how you should pray:
â€â€˜Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18)
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-24)
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
Do Not Worry (Matthew 6:25-34)
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
(Continued next week)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
TRUTH AND KNOWLEDGE434. Knowledge is subject to change, while truth stands firm.
435. Man seeks truth. God is truth. Shouldn’t then, man seek truth through God?
436. The one who claims to have all the answers cannot have been asked all the questions.
437. Truth is perceived through our ‘life filters.’ Unfortunately no two filters are the same!
438. The greater the truth revealed, the more room for human error to be concealed.
439. Since God is the sole source of absolute truth, shouldn’t we seek the mind of God?
440. The more of God in us, the greater our potential to reveal His truth.
441. Knowledge is too often confused with truth.
442. Yesterday the world was flat, today it is round, but God’s truth is the same forever.
443. Knowledge is fleeting, truth eternal.
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CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: A REVELATION OF....... 3 KINGDOM AGESSOCIETIES OF THE KINGDOM AGES (2nd of 2)
As we progress through the kingdom ages we see how God was able to reveal more of Himself to us. For we gradually developed a greater capacity to understand and the ability to disseminate God's revelations of Himself.
Now we have the internet! What will the future bring?
Check out all the available teachings at...
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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. ***
796. FEAR OF THE DARK
To help our four-year-old daughter overcome her fear of the dark, her father and I always reassured her at bedtime that God was watching over her.
One night after I had gone to bed, I felt a soft tap on my shoulder. "Mommy," a familiar small voice said, "I know God's in there with me, but I need somebody with skin."
795. GREAT HEALTHCARE
I bet it was really tough being an Apostle of Jesus. I mean, what if you wanted a day off? You ring up Jesus and say, "Jesus, I'm sick today. I'm running a little fever and feeling congested, so I won't be able to make it to today's sermon. What? Say that again. I'm cured?"
794. YOU MIGHT BE A PREACHER IF.......
You've ever waded into a creek wearing a necktie.
You've ever dreamed you were preaching only to awaken and discover that you were.
You'd rather negotiate with terrorists than with the church organist.
You've ever worn a suit to a church picnic.
A church picnic is no picnic.
You've ever worn wing-tips to a softball game.
You've ever wanted to fire the church and form a congregation search committee.
You've been tempted to take up an offering at a family reunion.
You've actually taken up and offering at a family reunion.
You've ever wanted to give the soundman some feedback of your own.
You've ever wanted to lay hands on a deacon, and it didn't involve praying for him.
You often feel like you're herding mules rather than shepherding sheep.
You've never preached on TV; your wife made you get down before you broke something.
And the number 1 sign you might be a preacher......
Your sermons have a happy ending; everyone's happy when it ends!
===
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FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What is the sleeping sickness?ANSWER: Sleeping sickness, or encephalitis lethargica, was a strange disease that appeared in Europe suddenly in 1915. By 1918, the disease, which took many forms, had spread throughout the world. In some cases, victims fell into a coma and never woke up. Others died from days and days of NOT being able to sleep at all. The epidemic, which is estimated to have affected five million people, vanished mysteriously in 1927. Survivors didn't fare well. The long-term effects of the sleeping sickness, which had developed into a form of Parkinson's disease, had turned many patients into motionless ‘statues’. In March 1969, neurologist Oliver Sacks began to prescribe L-dopa, a drug used to treat Parkinson's disease, to sleeping sickness patients. The effect was extraordinary. Many began to ‘wake up’ and were suddenly, after decades of not moving, able to walk and talk and think. Some patients believed they were still in the 1920s! Sadly though, many patients on L-dopa began to suffer from involuntary movements, bizarre motions and notions, and other serious symptoms. (Maybe we all would if we woke up 40 years in the future!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What is a group of flamingos called?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS 806. LAND SHY
The swift, which flies as fast as 100 miles per hour, is almost always in flight. They eat insects in the air, mate in the air, and rarely land on the ground. When they do land, it's usually in a high tree. (Could be said not to have their feet on the ground!)
807. BACHELOR BOY BUCHANAN
James Buchanan was the only bachelor ever to serve as US president. (Proves that every rule has an exception.)
808. WISE WAR
The war between England and Zanzibar in 1896 lasted only 38 minutes. Zanzibar surrendered 38 minutes after England attacked. (Why haven’t we learned more from it! Or from David and Goliath.)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
RIOTING
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...
SERMON ON THE MOUNT
6. What should you do if someone asks you to go with them for a mile?a. Say no
b. Go with them for a mile
c. Go with them for two miles
d. Go with them for a mile and carry their bag
Source: http://biblequizzes.org.uk
Heaps more fun and serious 'God Facts' are found at...
IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""'A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS!'
!!!!!!! Air Pollution is a mist-demeanor.
!!!!!! A magician might pull rabbits out of hats. but Jesus can pull habits out of rats.
!!!!! The flower that follows the sun does so even on cloudy days.
!!!! I'm trying to invent a microwave television so I can watch "Gone With the Wind" in only 30 minutes. --Lawrence
!!! What is a mosquito's favorite sport? Skin diving
!! Are dog biscuits made from collie flour?
! If you cut yourself, rub thyme into the cut, because thyme heals all wounds.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
GREAT GROANERS!
6. THE HUMBLE BUMBLEBEEConsider, if you will, the case of the awkward bumblebee who became ill while gathering pollen but continued to work. Unfortunately, he thus infected all the flowers with his virus. The consequences are recorded in the annals of horticulture as the blight of the fumble bee.
7. WILLIAM TOLD
William Tell was not only a great patriot and a great archer, he was also a great cook.
One day, after he had prepared a new dish for his friends, he said, "I think there is one or more spices missing. What do you think?"
Their answer was, "Only thyme, Will Tell!"
8. ELEPHANT STEW
1 Elephant, Medium Size
2 Rabbits (Optional)
Salt & Pepper to taste
Brown Gravy
Cut elephant into small bite-sized pieces. This should take about two months. Add enough brown gravy to cover. Cook over a hot fire for about four weeks. This will serve 3800 people. If more are expected, two rabbits may be added, but do this only if necessary as some people do not like to find a hare in their stew.
9. BUNNY ON ICE
A lady opened her refrigerator and saw a rabbit sitting on one of the shelves. "What are you doing in there?" she asked.
The rabbit replied: "This is a Westinghouse, isn't it?"
The lady replied, "Yes."
"Well," the rabbit said, "I'm westing."
10. PIGEON POWER
I was driving to work this morning when my car stalled in the damp weather. I was sitting in the car at the side of the highway, contemplating my next move, when a pigeon flew down and landed right in the middle of the hood of the car. It seemed fairly tame, and I soon became fascinated in watching it up close as it strutted around and made cooing noises.
A few minutes passed, and two more pigeons flew in and joined the first bird. Pigeons seem to be attracted by crowds, and soon I was sitting there with a whole hood full of pigeons, all cooing loudly and beginning to change the color of my hood.
Gradually I noticed that the birds seemed to be trying to get my attention, which was unnerving, since I had always regarded pigeons as rather stupid birds. But, sure enough, several of them were dragging a piece of rope around on the hood, and several others were flying out in front of the car and returning to the hood.
All of a sudden, I realized what they were doing, so I yanked open the door and wildly chased them all off.
No way was I going to be pigeon towed!
have a wry smile here.....
BIBLE TRIVIA (About The Bible)
NUTS AND BOLTSTHE TERM 'NEW TESTAMENT'.....
..... 'Novum Testamentum' was created by Tertullian around the year 200, in an attempt to move the church away from Greek towards Latin, which had become the favoured language of scholars. Interestingly, Tertullian also coined the term 'Trinity', to refer to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys

Revival in Iceland:
by Trevor Freeze : Oct 1, 2013 : Billy Graham Org.Despite a huge, concerted effort by homosexual activists to derail Franklin Graham's Festival of Hope, dramatic testimonies from thousands reveal tears, brokenness, salvation—assurance of a "new beginning" for Iceland.
Last Sunday, as Icelanders came streaming down the aisle responding to a Gospel message from Franklin Graham, an emotional night left tears of joy and real hope for a revival to sweep this nation.
It normally takes a lot to move Skúli Barker to tears.
But what he witnessed on Sunday night in his country...
He'll be the first to tell you, that simply doesn't happen in Iceland.
"My wife was sobbing next to me," Skúli said. "And I started to cry. It's just amazing."
It started off as a few souls responding at the end of Franklin Graham's Gospel message and before he knew it, throngs were flooding the stage, elbow-to-elbow, hundreds of people packed in, aisles backed up.
People wanting to meet Jesus. And willing to say that out loud. Pray that out loud.
Skúli doesn't want to be overdramatic, mind you, but he's a native Icelander in his 40s now, and he's seen the state of Icelandic people when it comes to talking about God or anything spiritual.
"There's a joke here that we are the 'Frozen Chosen,'" Skúli said. "But it's really true. In Iceland, people don't show their feelings. So for Icelanders to come forward to receive Jesus…"
Skúli's voice went silent. His eyes turned red.
"It's just been a real fight here for Christians," he said. "And this gives us hope."
In one sentence, Skúli summed up five years' worth of prayers from a core group of pastors and business leaders. He managed to put into words what this meant to the Iceland Festival of Hope executive committee members who put in nine months of hard work.
"It was like a child has been born in many ways," said Ragnar Gunnarsson, Festival of Hope director. "A tremendous experience. This is what we have been praying for."
And while nobody wanted to say it beforehand, Sigurros, an usher at the Festival of Hope, finally put into words what everyone had been thinking.
"I'm hoping," she said, "this will be the first step for revival."
Sigurros, a Believer for two decades, works for the government's environmental department. She signed up to be a Festival usher, but on Sunday night was called into emergency duty at Laugardalshöll arena after a counselor shortage on Saturday night.
Government worker by day, usher by night. And now counselor in a pinch.
"It's been very encouraging for my spiritual life," she said. "Such a blessing seeing so many people come forward."
On Sunday, Sigurros counseled Soffia, a mother in her 50s, and her teenage daughter, Sara. Both attended church "once in a while," not untypical in Iceland.
"They had both been exposed to the Gospel, but they needed a push to make the decision," Sigurros said.
Franklin Graham, preaching out of Luke 15 on the "Prodigal Son," gave a clear Gospel presentation, weaving in candid tidbits about his own rebellion in his teenage years: "If I embarrassed my parents, well, too bad."
"Both [Soffia and Sara] said they wanted to receive Christ into their hearts," said Sigurros, overwhelmed at how God used her. "It was just tears of joy; I was so happy.
"I was praying when Franklin Graham was talking that God would open the hearts of the people to hear the truth.
"He's a good preacher, that's all I can say."
After two powerful Festival of Hope nights—and nearly 6,000 in attendance—one question lingered as Icelanders filed out, spiritually charged from a weekend filled with a top-notch choir, a plethora of local artists, two Michael W. Smith worship concerts and hundreds of new Believers.
Is this the start of revival?
Perhaps the singer, himself, said it most succinctly on Saturday night, just before his final song: "He'll change a nation."
While only God knows the answer, the signs are already encouraging. Prayer for revival has multiplied in the Iceland evangelical churches. Many of the 41 involved churches at the Festival are now closely working together—with pastors praying together weekly.
"It means a lot for Iceland," Festival of Hope committee chairman Ómar Kristjánsson said. "This will be a new beginning. Something very big."
Kristjánsson—a humble businessman who five years ago simply followed a call from God to gather pastors and leaders and start praying for Iceland—was able to sum up the weekend in one word.
"Magnificent," he said. "We have no words to express our thanks and appreciation to Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association."
Source: BCN Breaking Christian News
Via OpenHeaven.com
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
WALKING WITH JESUS POSTERQuoting 1 John 2:1-6, six of the most thought provoking and important verses in scripture for walking with Jesus today. A4 size.
Download your free PDF File here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
We live through the seasons, in the natural and the Spirit. (Specially for you in the Northern Hemisphere. Here, Spring is here in full force now.)WIIIIIIIINTER
The weather has changed
It wasn't arranged,
With me at least!
What a beast!
Sitting in my office, in the cold,
Shivering - no, not getting old!
That is what I convince myself!
Too young to be on the shelf!
While winter is nearly here'
Sad for my body - oh dear!
I know Spring will one day come,
Ninety-odd days, and then some.
So I much look forward to the day,
When the warm will return to stay,
For another nine months or so,
To be shining on my torso.
So put a smile on my face
As through Winter I race.
Knowing the sun will return,
For that time, I do yearn.
Living the Summer and Winter of Life,
Some days are good, some in strife.
But in heaven, I am sure we will find,
Eternal sunshine - if you don't mind!
More of David's poetry here.....
A DAVID MUSING
By Thursday, when I had virtually finished the work involved with the sale of our business, I finally had a day where I could choose what to do. Kathy was asleep, having worked a night duty in her nursing job, on Wednesday night.I chose to work on my 'The Words of Jesus' compilation, which I enjoy doing. My greatest stress for the day was killing a blowfly that invaded the house and picking up the sultanas I had inadvertently spilled on the floor!
I then realised how much stress I had been under for the past couple of years, for our business, as with many others round the world, had been struggling. The contrast was huge.
I thank the Lord for His grace and mercy in providing a buyer for us. Incredible!
Now to see what He has planned for us in the future.
Lord, I put myself in your hands. May your will be done.
Until next week.....
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: IGNITOR
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' c. Go with them for two miles
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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 websitewwj.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