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: 701 Published: 06 Apr 2015
WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY?
THE POST APOSTOLIC CHURCHThe major question now is, "where is the church of the 21st Century heading".
Having seen how Jesus desires us to live, we will next week, after Easter is over, draw conclusions as to where we are going as a church in the years ahead.
But 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.
Find out more about us at.....
FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUSMay we hear what the Lord is saying to us.
Prayer (Matthew 6:5-15)
“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites, for they love to stand up and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that people can see them. I promise you, they have already got their reward. But you, when you pray, go indoors and close the door, and pray to your Father in private, and your Father who sees what happens in private will reward you. When you pray, don’t babble on meaninglessly like the foreigners do, who think they will be heard because of all the words they repeat. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows what you need even before you ask him. So pray like this:
“Our heavenly Father, may your name be honored. May your kingdom come! May your will be carried out in earth as it is in heaven. Please give to us today the food we need. Forgive our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. Don’t let us be tempted to do wrong, and save us from the Evil One.
“For if you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive those who sin against you, then your heavenly Father won’t forgive your sins.
Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18)
“When you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites who put on sad faces and make themselves look terrible so that everyone can see they’re fasting. Instead, when you fast, wash your face and look smart, so that people won’t see you’re fasting, and your unseen Father who sees what happens in private will reward you.
Seek Treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-24)
“Don’t pile up wealth here on earth where moths and rust ruin it, and where thieves break in and steal it.
20Instead, you should pile up your wealth in heaven, where moths and rust don’t ruin it, and where thieves don’t break in and steal it. For wherever you pile up your wealth, that’s where your heart will be too.
“The eye is like a lamp that lights the body. So if your eye is healthy, then your whole body will have light. But if your eye is evil, then your whole body will be in the dark. If the light in you is darkness, how dark is that! No one can serve two masters. Either you’ll hate one and love the other, or you’ll be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Money.
(Continued next week.)
You can download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.
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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.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
RELIGION, REVELATION AND GOD'S KINGDOM1073. Tradition moulds revelation into religion.
1074. Revelation revs 'Revs'!
1075. While knowledge is gained at a theological seminary, revelation comes from the father heart of God.
1215. The understanding that God's kingdom is available now is the greatest motivator of all for keen Christians.
1216. There's no need to wait. Seek God's kingdom now!
1308. Religion is based upon dependence, the kingdom, interdependence.
1309. Religion looks inwards, the kingdom, upwards and outwards.
1310. The kingdom is not centered round teaching and preaching, but rather, living out teaching and preaching.
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 ...
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: HOLY SPIRIT WEEKEND IN HAWKES BAY.... with Rodney Francis and David Tait
If you are in New Zealand (or Australia or elsewhere!) why not take the opportunity to join us for a weekend retreat on the theme HEARING ANOBEYING GOD'S VOICE at Stoney Creek Ranch, Maraekakaho, Hawkes Bay, from Friday evening 24 April until Sunday afternoon on the 26th April. The speakers are Rodney Francis of theGospel Faith Messenger and yours truly, David Tait of Walking With Jesus MinistriesWalking With Jesus Ministries. Check out our websites to find out more about us.It will be a weekend of Holy Spirit inspiration, guidance and participation. We would love you to attend. Am sure both we, and you, will be blessed.
Should you want more details please email david@wwj.org.nz HERE and I will endeavour to answer any questions and/or send you a registration form.
CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
Visit the Toon Fever website for more cartoon fun..... http://www.toonfever.com TO READ THIS CARTOON AND SEE THE OTHER PICTURES IN THIS EMAIL YOU NEED TO BE ONLINE. Check it out at...
TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH: 3. FROM KINGS TO KINGDOM continues... as we look at the positive side, the first of the 2 churches Jesus commended, that at Smyrna.
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. ***
161. KIDS ARE FUNNY PEOPLE
A father was reading Bible stories to his young son. He read, "The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city, but his wife looked back and was turned to salt." His son asked, "What happened to the flea?"
160. OUCH!
A man had a habit of grumbling at the food his wife placed before him at family meals. Then he would ask the blessing.
One day after his usual combination complaint-prayer, his little girl asked, "Daddy, does God hear us when we pray?"
"Why, of course," he replied. "He hears us every time we pray."
She thought on this a moment, and asked, "Does he hear everything we say the rest of the time?"
"Yes, dear, every word," he replied, encouraged that he had inspired his daughter to be curious about spiritual matters.
Then his daughter asked, "Then which does God believe?"
159. THE PENTECOSTAL PET
A Christian couple felt it important to own an equally spiritual pet. So, they went shopping. At a kennel owned by a believer that only watched Christian TV, they found a dog they liked quite a lot. When they asked the dog to fetch the Bible, he did it in a flash. When they instructed him to look up Psalm 23, he complied equally fast, using his paws with great dexterity to turn the pages to the correct passage. Amazed and impressed, they purchased the uncanny canine, and went home... not ever thinking to ask about the dog's denominational upbringing.
That night they had some friends over from their Baptist church. They were so proud of their new dog and his spiritual skills, that they called the dog to show him off. The friends were impressed, and asked whether the dog was able to do any of the usual dog tricks, as well. This stopped the couple cold, as they hadn't thought about "normal" tricks.
"Well," they said, "let's try this out." Once more they called the dog, and the man clearly pronounced the command, "Heel!" Quick as a wink, the dog jumped up, slapped him soundly on the forehead with a paw, then began to run around the room knocking over chairs and barking at the top of his lungs!
"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: Why do pigs like to wallow in mud?ANSWER: It's not because they're dirty animals or like being dirty. Pigs don't perspire and wallowing in mud simply helps them to cool off. (Do mud baths improve their complexions too?)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What is the only bone in the body that does not connect to other bones?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS 573. A LAOD OF BULL
The newspaper serving the community of Frostbite Falls, the home of Rocky and Bullwinkle, is the ‘Picayune Intelligence’. (If only we could be as imaginative in real life as in the movies!)
574. DOUBLE TROUBLE
After eating, a housefly regurgitates its food, then eats it again! (Sounds great for ice-cream – not so good for cod liver oil!)
575. FEARSOME FROG
The poison-arrow frog has enough poison to kill about 2,200 people! (A ‘weapon of mass destruction’!)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
ASCEND
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...
BIBLE TRIVIA 1
17: What was the name of the chamberlain who gave Esther food and cosmetics before being presented to King Ahasuerus?a. Shaashgaz
b. Blastus
c. Nathanmelech
d. Hegai
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"""RANDOM ACTS of THINKING
!!!!!!! Is a hypocrite someone who writes a book on atheism and prays it will sell?
!!!!!! If God *really* wanted us to use the metric system, there would have been ten disciples.
!!!!! I actually have too much will power. It's won't power that's in short supply.
!!!! The lion and the lamb may lie down together, but the lamb won't get much sleep.
!!! Exercise is a dirty word. Every time I say it I'm compelled to wash my mouth out with chocolate.
!! You can cut down on the number of mistakes you make at work by coming in late.
! I pawned my chess set.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
WHY?
110. Why are there flotation devices under plane seats instead of parachutes?111. Why are cigarettes sold in gas stations when smoking is prohibited there?
112. Why do fat chance and slim chance mean the same thing?
113. Do you need a silencer if you are going to shoot a mime?
114. Have you ever imagined a world with no hypothetical situations?
115. How does the guy who drives the snowplough get to work in the mornings?
116. If 7-11 is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, why are there locks on the doors?
117. If you're in a vehicle going the speed of light, what happens when you turn on the headlights?
118. Why do they put Braille dots on the keypad of the drive-up ATM?
119. Why isn't "palindrome" spelled the same way backwards?
120. Why is it that when you transport something by car, it's called a shipment, but when you transport something by ship, it's called cargo?
121. You know that little indestructible black box that is used on planes, why can't they make the whole plane out of the same substance?
122. Why is it that when you're driving and looking for an address, you turn down the volume on the radio?
123. If you have your finger touching the rearview mirror that says - "objects in mirror are closer than they appear", how can that be possible?
124. Why is it so hard to remember how to spell MNEMONIC?
125. If someone invented instant water, what would they mix it with?
126. Why is it called a TV "set" when you only get one?
Many more of life's imponderable questions here.
The kidney donor who came to her Bible study
March 30, 2015By Mark Ellis
When Shance “Rudge†Rudgley went in for a routine wellness check he got some unsettling news. Blood tests revealed “dangerously high†creatinine levels, a sign of serious kidney problems.
“They told him he needed to go to the hospital and he was there for 12 days,†says Tiffanie, his wife. “He was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure and put on dialysis for one year.â€
Tiffanie and her husband are strong Christians and adapting to this health trial challenged their faith as never before. “My family and friends were devastated, confused, and heartbroken over my diagnosis,†Rudge says.
Unfortunately, Tiffanie was the wrong blood type to donate a kidney to her husband. “He didn’t have any family members who could donate. They told us it would take six to eight years to get a deceased donor for him,†Tiffanie notes.
After going in for dialysis three or four hours each day at the hospital, they began doing home dialysis – about 10 hours a night. Dialysis came with a big price tag: $1750 each day for the treatment and $33,000 a month for supplies.
Rudge is blood type O and this blood type is hard to match because he could only receive a kidney from another type O. There is a separate waiting list for patients with type O at each regional transplant center in the U.S.
If a donor has the right blood type, they must also have the correct “HLA factors.†HLA stands for human leukocyte antigen, a genetic marker located on the surface of the white blood cells.
If these first two factors line up, a third is required – a test to determine if Rudge’s immune system would produce antibodies rejecting the donor’s tissues.
Rudge’s chance of finding a matching donor was estimated at one in 100,000 and explains why he was facing a six to eight year wait.
At Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he put his name on the waiting list, there are currently a thousand people waiting for kidney transplants.
Tiffanie and Rudge prayed diligently throughout their trial.
One day a young woman named Cheree Swan showed up at New Vision Baptist Church, the same church attended by Tiffanie and Rudge. Cheree learned about the women’s Bible study at New Vision called “Women’s Fight Club†and decided to visit.
“We meet in one big group and then afterward break off into small groups,†Tiffanie notes. “Our small group leader brought a lady (Cheree) who had never been to our church and had no friends here and sat her right next to me.â€
“Could you make her feel welcome?†the small group leader asked Tiffanie.
When it was time to share prayer requests, Cheree said something completely unexpected. “Please pray I find a recipient; I want to donate my kidney.â€
Tiffanie could not believe her ears. Her body began to shiver at this surprising request.
“We’re praying for a kidney for my husband – he’s in end-stage renal failure!†she exclaimed.
“What’s your husband’s blood type?â€
“O.â€
When Tiffanie realized Cheree’s blood type is O, her body began to shiver even more, she says.
A week later at Fight Club Tiffanie’s small group leader handed her a letter from Cheree. “I want to donate my kidney to Rudge…I felt led by God to do this,†she wrote.
Tiffanie began to bawl. Yet they still had to wait for more blood work to determine if this match fit all the established criteria.
On Valentine’s Day 2014 Rudge learned God provided a perfect match in Cheree.
Rudge received her kidney a month later at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and his health has been excellent since then.
“At first I thought how could this ever happen?†Tiffanie says with amazement. “How could she be a match? But she really is a match!â€
Rudge is also filled with wonder and gratitude to God. “Our God is faithful,†he says. “He is always on time. He’s there when you need Him the most. If someone told me this story I wouldn’t believe it, but I lived it.â€
Source: Godreports
Via: OpenHeaven.com
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
TABERNEAGLES (part Two)A summary of one man’s vision for God’s final ‘Tabernacle’ (Apostolic) church, preparing to become the ‘bride’ that Jesus is returning for. The vision is soundly based upon the scriptures (not included here – found in Book Too of ‘Eagles Fly High!’ – ‘The First & Last Word’) illuminating the pattern of the ‘Feasts of The Lord’ in both the Old and New Testaments.
Drawn from the trilogy ‘Eagles Fly High!’, this picture of the final church is presented through prophecy, allegory, poetry, and scripturally based vision.
Definitely a tasty morsel for the hungry in God. For those seeking to discover more about God’s plans for their lives and the church as a whole. Find out all about the ‘Taberneagle Army’ that God is starting to raise up at this critical time in our history.
Download your free PDF Files here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
One of my favourites. It’s self explanatory. From the days when my hair and beard was black!TO BEARD OR NOT TO BEARD?
To beard or not to beard?
That’s the hairy question.
For thirty years I’ve always feared.
This subject - never to mention.
For you see my friend, I am not hirsute,
To grow me a beard, too great a pursuit.
Until the Christmas of ninety- nine, you know,
When I plucked up the courage to give it a go.
Why not, I said to myself, with great bravado,
Willing to be squelched - an over ripe tomato.
If I don’t give it a try, I’ll never know,
Whether or not my beard will grow.
What a terrible fate it would be for me,
To go to the grave, not knowing if thee,
Would grow to be little more than a fuzz,
Or rather, long and strong - what a buzz!
Give it a go David, yes, that’s what I must do,
Too bad when people think I belong in a zoo.
I will break the mould, live a new life,
Then get in strife, for upsetting the wife!
Each day I look at the mirror, what do I see?
Are my hairs really growing, or is it just me?
Maybe I should count them, one, two, threeee….
One thousand, two hundred and nine – yipeeee!
Gently stroking my prickly stubble, do I detect a problem?
For there’s a bald spot here - smooth as a baby’s bottom!
Right in the middle of where my beard should be!
O Lord, please help me, please give me the key!
The Lord said calmly from way up on high,
"No trouble David, to your stylist in the sky.
The designer beard I have in mind for you,
Is just the thing, will surely see you through."
"But Lord," I said, "you’re up in heaven,
And I live down here - at number seven!
Your scissors would have be so very long,
I’m afraid, that little me, you might prong!"
There has to be a better way, was my thought,
In doom and gloom, I was now caught,
Until the Lord said, "An idea – for I know,
Shall we do it together? Let’s give it a go."
Having no experience in beard styling matters,
My confidence level is quite clearly in tatters.
So I asked the Lord, "Please show me what to do",
He said, "Don’t worry son, my Spirit’s with you."
I said, "that’s fine my Lord, but can he hold the shaver?",
"No my son, but with his help, your hand will not waver."
"I have believed you Lord for far more than this," I said,
"It is written, you have numbered the hairs on my head!"
I pick up my shaver, switch it on at the wall,
My bit’s done. Holy Spirit, now it’s your call.
My mind is so alert, my heart all a flutter,
Awaiting the advice, he’s surely now to utter.
A tentative stroke here, a subtle stroke there,
Stroke here, stroke there, strokes everywhere!
Then it’s all done - now what can I see,
Believe it or not – a designer goatee!
There must always be morals in a story so true,
As we gather life experience, on the way through.
So growing a beard,
Is not to be feared,
But stopping the itch,
Now there’s a hitch,
Reducing the grey?
No, give it away!
Appear intellectual?
Truly ineffectual!
So by all means,
Live your dreams,
It’s better late
Than never mate!
For now I know fluff I can grow,
It ain’t so weird to sport a beard!
More of David's poetry here.....
A DAVID MUSING
New Zealand lost the final of the World 50 Overs Cricket Cup to Australia, but did better than ever before by reaching the final. Oh dear, how sad that we failed at the final hurdle! But we were gracious losers, which was in particular contrast to the super confident, many would say arrogant, Australian victors. Our team got many plaudits from round the world for their grace in losing.Regrettably in life we cannot 'win' everything we do, for it is reality that there must be a number of losers for every winner, both in sport and life. Therefore how we react to relative failure is important. Jesus didn't promise us success in everything we touch but He does promise to walk with us through the ups and downs of life.
May He be with you today.
So until next week.....
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: DANCES
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' d. Hegai (Esther 2:8,15)
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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