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: 676 Published: 29 Sep 2014
TWENTY-FIVE COMMANDMENTS OF JESUS
Not clearly numbered and listed, as in the Old Testament outward Law of the 10 Commandments, they are found among the teachings of Jesus in the 4 Gospels, and are available for all who have a heart to seek them.We all too easily think, with the emphasis that Jesus places on love and forgiveness, that he didn't teach any absolutes. But, as can be seen here, Jesus did place boundaries on believer's behaviour, along with instructions for Godly living.
I have grouped these into 3 categories for easier comprehension.
Don't take my word for it! Study the Scriptures!
David Tait
Walking With Jesus Ministries
www.wwj.org.nz
LOVE THE 25 COMMANDMENTS OF JESUS!
BRILLIANT!
Dr Bernie Wade
President - ICOF Global Union
You may download the PDF here.....
WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY?
THE POST APOSTOLIC CHURCHThe major question now is, "where is the church of the 21st Century heading".
Fourteen years into the new century, it is becoming more apparent that God is 'doing a new thing'. But as we have seen over the past 2000 years, through the Dark Ages, the Reformation and the Holy Spirit revivals of the 20th century, the Holy Spirit will always be to the fore of what transpires.
Regrettably from a human perspective, all past movements of the Holy Spirit have come to an end, primarily because man has codified them and taken over. Like Moses, the world's humblest man and the closest to God before Jesus, when he hit the rock, (which he had done successfully before to bring water), rather than talk to it as God had instructed him to do,(Numbers 20:13) man has always seemingly known better than God. This cost Moses the opportunity to take the Israelites into the Promised Land.
So where do we go from here? What is God doing here and now, and into the future.
THE CHALLENGE OF..... LIVING THE KINGDOM LIFESTYLE
To conclude this series on the history of the church, past, present and likely future from a Holy Spirit anointing perspective, I will finish, over the weeks ahead, by looking at the 'Parables of Jesus' which set out the principles of living a kingdom lifestyle.
The relevant Scriptures can be accessed by clicking on the blue links.
AN INTRODUCTION
Why are the parables so important to our understanding of how to live in the kingdom today? The disciples wondered this and Jesus gave them the answer.
Matthew 13:10-13
Kingdom living is not understood, indeed ridiculed by, non-believers and sadly, many Christians too. So Jesus took the step of explaining the Christian lifestyle in a way that could only be truly understood through the revelation of the Holy Spirit. In this way, no-one is offended! But all believers with a longing to discover the heart of God, are truly challenged!
The parables then, contain His secret messages to us, His followers.
Several years ago I went through these, and made a summary list of the topics referred to in them. This summary shows the emphasis that Jesus placed on the positive attributes we are to develop, but at the same time deals in detail with the areas in which we are most likely to be tempted to go astray. For He knows us better than we know ourselves! I am glad about that, for often it seems, I don't know much about myself! God is so practical!
The summary is contained in the pie chart.
What then, is the most important attribute required to live the kingdom lifestyle?
Reading the Word? Experiencing Holy Spirit anointing? Deep theology? No, no and no!
The single most important factor in kingdom living is in the production of fruit in our lives. No, it is not apples, which is a pity really, for we live in Hawkes Bay, one of the foremost apple growing areas of the world! But rather, spiritual fruit, which Paul summarised as being;
Galatians 5:22-5
Developing spiritual fruit in our lives is the key to kingdom living.
Jesus was a very practical person, understanding us better than we understand ourselves. So He also took the opportunity, through the parables, to warn us of the key areas in which we can, more likely will, go astray.
First of all, there is the logical area of living a life no, or little difference, to that which we lived before we knew Jesus. Commonly called, 'one foot in the kingdom, one in the world.' Seeking the benefits without being prepared to pay the price!
Jesus was tough on this! We will see this as we go through the parables individually. A quarter of them deal with the judgment that will come upon us if we don't bear fruit in our lives! Don't know about you, but it certainly gives me food for thought. And motivation for action too!
We live in a time when the love of Jesus is promoted, almost to the exclusion of the other side of His, and the Father's, balanced character, which is ultimately, His judgment, should we choose to continually ignore His will for us.
We need to understand that, just because we have accepted Jesus as Saviour, we are not excused from judgment. Don't believe me, believe the Word! In fact, it is repeated twice in this passage, in both verses 12 and 13.
Revelation 20:12-13
The book of life refers to Christians. How do I know that? From verse 15.
Revelation 20:15
So Jesus warned us both in the parables, written specifically for believers, and here in the description of Judgment Day, what would happen if we ignored His instructions to produce spiritual fruit in our lives. This warning is again confirmed in Hebrews
Hebrews 10:26-31
So we can continue to say.....
THE TRUE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS ARE ONES WHO ARE OBEDIENT TO THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THEIR LIVES.
(Introduction continues next week)
Find out more about us at.....
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.
Of course, it is not a Bible substitute! I Hope you find it helpful too, in your walk with Jesus.
A New Commandment Given (John 13:31-5)
“Now the Son of man is glorified, and through him God is glorified. If God is glorified through him, then God will glorify the Son himself, and will glorify him immediately. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, but I’m telling you now just as I told the Jews: you cannot come where I’m going.
I am giving you a new command: Love one another. Love one another in the same way I have loved you.
If you love one another you will prove to everyone that you are my disciples.â€
Dispute About Who is to be the Greatest (Luke 22:24-30)
Of the disciples.
“Foreign kings lord it over their subjects, and those having power even want people to call them ‘benefactors. “But it should not be so with you! Whoever is highest among you should be like the lowest, and the leader should be like a servant. Who is greater—the one who sits at the table, or the one who serves?
Isn’t it the one who sits at the table? But I’m among you as the one who serves. You have stayed with me throughout my trials. And I grant to you authority to rule, just as my Father granted it to me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.â€
Jesus Predicts a General Denial (Matthew 26:31-2, Mark 14:27-8)
Of the disciples.
“All of you will abandon me tonight,†Jesus told them. “As Scripture says, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the flock of sheep will be completely scattered.’ But after I have risen, I’ll go ahead of you to Galilee.â€
(Continued next week)
You can download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.
***DAILY EZINE!*** 'DAVID'S DAILY DOODLINGS' Subscribe Today
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'THE WORDS OF JESUS' NOW AVAILABLE FOR PDF DOWNLOAD
Join the many who have downloaded the 'The Words of Jesus'. I am sure you will be blessed by it, as I have been. There have been nearly 350 downloads to date.One key element here is the setting out in chronological order (as far as it is possible to do so) our Lord's words drawn from all the Gospels, and the elimination of repetition between Gospels.
You may be surprised by the different perspective this presentation gives you both in understanding of His life and ministry, and in achieving a closer relationship with Him.
Download the free PDF here.....
DAVID'S DOODLINGS
CHARACTER1111. Sin decreases as character builds.
1112. Sin is overcome by a godly character.
1113. Character and sin are mutually exclusive. The more we have of the one the less we have of the other.
1114. The best protection against sin is the development of a godly character.
1233. Godly character can only be developed through a submissive heart.
1234. The less of us in us, the more room in us for God!
1235. As we give our character to God, so He builds His character in us.
1236. Submission to God's will removes an 'o', transforming 'good' character into 'God' character!
1237. To receive God's character we need to give away our own!
1238. Our character is often more known by others than understood by ourselves.
1239. A godly character must be inherited from God. It cannot be developed in our own strength.
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 ...
THE WORLD'S GREATEST PROBLEM!!!!! (Next to not knowing Jesus)
THE EFFECT OF PROCESSED CARBOHYDRATES - A CASE STUDY Part 1Over this week and next we will look at 2 contrasting South Pacific Islands.
This observation is by Dr Grant Schofield, while working as a WHO consultant.
THE HAPPIEST PLACE IN THE WORLD!
Anietyum is a small island in Southern Vanuatu. It has several villages, each with its own chief & leadership structure. There are no roads, no cars and no electricity. Almost all their food is grown locally or caught from the sea.
They have a small income from tourism on the adjacent Mystery Island, which is visited by cruise ships. Money is only needed for education and for a small amount of clothing.
The Islanders staple diet fruits, vegetables, water, fish, & a small amount of imported rice. The system of community agriculture keeps them active all day. Walking 4 hours to the next village and back again is a normal activity.
Do they suffer from lifestyle diseases? Very, very, little! They are interested mainly in other health care, with a relatively well stocked dispensary and a local lad trained in nursing and other practical health care.
Quoting directly from Grant...
"This is paradise found. Real food, real people, & real happiness. Do they have problems? Yes, of course. Are they healthy specimens? Pretty much. Do they feel they are missing out on something in life? Absolutely not. Would they eat takeaways and sugary drinks if they could get their hands on them? You bet!"
Check out next week's issue for the comparison.
PS: Comments are welcomed and appreciated.
CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: A REVELATION OF……. GOD'S CALL TO HIS CHURCH Continuesas we look at a change of focus required in 2 areas in the church.
Check out all the available teachings at...
*** ANOTHER DAILY EZINE FROM WWJ!*** 'LAUGHING AT OURSELVES' Subscribe Today
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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. ***
93. IN THE 'NICK OF TIME'
A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him in front of the service station. Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a vacant Pump. "Reverend," said the young man, "sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip." The minister chuckled, "I know what you mean. It's the same in my business."
92. ARTISTIC LICENSE
A Sunday School teacher began her lesson with a question, "Boys and girls, what do we know about God?" A hand shot up in the air. "He is an artist!" said the kindergarten boy. "Really? How do you know?" the teacher asked. "You know - Our Father, who does art in Heaven."
91. WISE ADVICE
While driving in Pennsylvania, a family caught up to an Amish carriage. The owner of the carriage obviously had a sense of humour, because attached to the back of the carriage was a hand printed sign... "Energy efficient vehicle. Runs on oats and grass - Caution: Do not step in exhaust."
"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 800 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...
FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What is the hardest substance in the human body?ANSWER: Tooth enamel. (But not tough enough to beat sugar!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: The Bible is the world's best seller, but what is the world's most shoplifted book?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS 648. SOME IMPORTANT MONTHS AND DAYS IN THE USA
JANUARY: National Soup Month
FEBRUARY 9-15:Random Acts of Kindness Week
MARCH 14: Save a Spider Day
APRIL 7: No Housework Day
SEPTEMBER 22: Elephant Appreciation Day
OCTOBER 10: National Metric Day
NOVEMBER 17: Homemade Bread Day
DECEMBER 19: Underdog and Unsung Hero Day
P.S. Every month that starts with a Sunday, includes a ‘Friday 13th’.
(Some days there is still time left for living!)
649. THE SMBOL OF INFINITY
The ‘forever’ sign of infinity is not wrinkles but is called a ‘Lemniscate’. (Will always remember this.)
650. AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE
At 54 years 9months (give or take a day or 2) you will celebrate your 20,000 day birthday. (Like it or not.)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
SACHETED
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...
PRAYER
12: Who asked the Lord to take away his life?a. Isaac
b. Hezekiah
c. Elijah
d. Daniel
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"""ENCOURAGEMENTS WHEN LIFE IS DIFFICULT
!!!!!!! God's hand is in everything, so we can leave everything in God's hands.
!!!!!! God will work with us in a seemingly hopeless situation.
!!!!! No matter how far you have strayed, God still love's you.
!!!! Jesus has promised to answer whatever you ask, if its in His will for you.
!!! Great problems put you in a perfect position to watch God's big answers.
!! Just take one small step toward Me and I will meet you there.
! Concentrating on God and his power will help us see the way out.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
GREAT GROANERS
279. SOME PUNSThe violinist visited the doctor because he was high-strung.
The chef at a family-run restaurant had to have her left leg amputated
below the knee. She came into our insurance office to file a
disability claim. As I scanned the claim form, I did a double take.
Under "Reason unable to work," she had written, "Can't stand to cook."
Fred's mother knit him three socks when he was in the army because
Fred wrote he had grown another foot.
280. A TALE OF TWO BAKERS
Two bakers lived in a small town. They were highly competitive, but
both had many customers. This changed when one baker bought a new
slicing machine, that cut four loaves at once. He could serve people faster, so he soon got all the business in the town. The other baker was forced to close.
The second baker went to the first baker and asked, "How were you able to get all the business in town? It seems that you got lucky all of a sudden."
The first baker replied," I'm not sure. I think it has something to do with...
...the four-loaf clever I found."
281. SHOPPING GROANER
While shopping at a toy store, Barry came across a long line
of people waiting for a promised shipment of dolls from Mattel.
As he scanned the line, he noticed his friend, Wally, waiting
with all the others. Knowing that Wally had no daughters or
young relatives, Barry figured that Wally must like the dolls
himself.
"Wally, I didn't know you were a collector!"
"I'm not," Wally replied.
"Then why are you standing in this long line?"
"Well, I've never been able to resist a Barbie queue!"
282. A LONG WAY
The fairy Tinker Bell hoped to be Peter Pan's companion, but he rejected
her for the more mundane Wendy.
Devastated by this downturn of events, Tinker Bell decided to get as far
away from Never-Never Land as she could. Her flight from fantasy land
ended in Fresno, California, where she became a waitress at a roadside
truckstop.
One day an especially rowdy group of truckers came into the restaurant.
They got roaring drunk, spoke loudly and rudely, slopped chunks of food
all over the table and floor, and left Tinker Bell a measly quarter
gratuity per trucker.
The enraged sprite literally flew into a tantrum, pointed to one of the
paltry coins, and screamed, "It's the wrong way to tip a fairy, who's a
long way from home!"
283. ELVIS LIVES
Andrew’s mother gave him ten dollars to buy lunch for himself and his sister Terri at the diner down the street. On the way, they passed a man selling puppies for ten dollars each. Unable to resist, Andrew bought one, named it Elvis, and went home.
While he stayed outside, playing with it, Terri went inside. “Back so soon?†her mother asked.
“Yes,†said Terri. “I’m afraid we never made it to the diner.â€
“Why not?â€
“Because Andrew spent ten dollars on Elvis.â€
“Elvis?â€
“That’s right,†explained Terri. “He ate nothin’, bought a hound dog.â€
More belly laughs here.....
Wycliffe Bible Translators President on Inspiring New Generation to End 'Bible Poverty' by Translating Last 1,870 Languages
The president of the world's largest Scripture translation organization, Wycliffe Bible Translators USA, hopes that his new book, released earlier this month, will inspire more people to help finish the remaining translations of the Gospel, which he thinks will need the help of the next generation to complete the original goal of starting every translation by 2025.Since 1999 when Wycliffe and its partner ministries adopted the goal of having the Bible translation process underway for every unreached language in the world by the year 2025 as a part of the Vision 2025 movement, they have strived to put an end to the world's "Bible poverty". With close to 7,000 different languages across the globe, Creson said that Wycliffe has about 1,870 languages remaining that have yet to begin the translation process.
Although 120 different language translations processes begin each year, Creson told The Christian Post that the current pace does not put Vision 2025 in position to become a reality unless there is Divine intervention.
"Unless the Spirit of God energizes this, all of our human efforts won't accomplish it," Creson said. "We believe that we have aligned ourselves to what God is already decided He is going to accomplish."
Creson, who has spent over 30 years working in the Bible translation field, released his new book, The Finish Line: Stories of Hope Through Bible Translation. The book details the journeys of those answering God's call to spread the Gospel while breaking down language barriers. He said he wrote the book in hopes that readers will see the life changing effect Scripture has on the lives of people when it is made available in their "heart-language" and will offer their own time and services to the effort.
"What we are trying to do through the book is attract a new generation of people that will help us finish the task of Bible translation," Creson said. "It's geared to people in their 20's and maybe early 30's who we hope will be inspired to engage through praying, giving and even going."
Wycliffe is operating in 97 countries and oversees more than 7,000 people including translators, aviators, linguists, humanitarian aid workers, and educators.
Continues at.....
http://www.christianpost.com/news/wycliffe-bible-translators-president-on-inspiring-new-generation-t
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF……. THE 3 PRIESTHOODSAs we go through this study, my desire is that we will all grasp a little of the majesty and wonder of the plan of God to reconcile you and me back to Himself, after the fall of Adam and Eve to the wiles of satan through the serpent, in the garden of Eden.
As God is pure and we are not, He can only be approached through a mediator, a priest.
This study is about the establishment and development of the priesthood from the earliest of times until today.
I trust that we will all grasp the essence and magnificence of God’s perfect plan for each one who believes back into relationship with Him.
Download your free PDF Files here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
Our God is full of surprises! Comfort is not part of His vocabulary! This becomes a real test of obedience. This happened 10 years ago now- and we are still in Napier!A MINUTE IS A LONG TIME IN GOD
When you are relaxed and enjoying life,
And all is normal with kids and wife.
When you are living in such a beautiful place,
And all is going well in running your race.
You are happy with how life is treating you,
Challenges yes - not too many - just a few.
Then along comes God, with His own plan,
Designed to upset the comfort of a man.
One minute the world seems simply so good,
The next, upon its head, is now being stood!
"David, I'm asking you to shift city and church",
My comfortable brain, with pain it did now lurch!
"But surely my God, this cannot be true?"
"Yes my son, it's what I'm asking of you."
"Well Lord , please give confirmation,
To help me overcome my consternation!"
Over the past two weeks, confirmations I've been given,
Logical improbabilities so great, must be God driven.
"Oh Lord, surely this is what you want me to do,
Have your way in my life Lord, I give in to you.
For you know best Lord, your plan for me,
I accept it now Lord, on bended knee."
Yes, one brief minute is a long time in God you know,
But obey His voice we must, if in Him we are to grow.
More of David's poetry here.....
A DAVID MUSING
'All work and no play makes Jack (David) a dull boy', or so the saying goes.So my wife, Kathy, must think, for she has saved to take me on a weeks holiday on the beautiful Coral Coast of Fiji at the Wellesley Resort. (Very religious name! LOL!) Thank you Doll.
By the time you get this we should nearly be on the way.
A break is much appreciated as it has been a difficult time businesswise over the Winter here. PTL for a working wife!
We are looking forward to a relaxing time
So until next week.....
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: DETACHES
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' c. Elijah
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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