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: 719 Published: 10 Aug 2015
THE PURGING of THE CHURCH
The Lord has led me to go back to a sermon/prophecy I received in a group mailing, and filed, some time ago. It is by David Wilkerson.David was the Founding Pastor of Times Square Church in New York City. He was called to New York in 1958 to minister to gang members and drug addicts, as told in the best-selling book, The Cross and the Switchblade.
After the introduction, he gave 11 bullet points about THE GLORIOUS FUTURE JUST AHEAD. As the Lord leads, I will expand on these challenging but inspiring aspects over the weeks ahead.
6. A people of God who will discern between the holy and the unholy!
Discernment, or rather the lack of, is a huge problem in the church today.
Why is this? At its heart, I believe, is the extra busy society in which we live. This means there is enormous pressure on all of us to do what we believe, rightly or wrongly, we have to do. The logical consequence is that we have become a 'soundbite society' where, through busyness, we only learn a little about a lot. An article over a page long is considered too long - "please summarize the highlights for me", is our attitude. We cannot concentrate to listen for long either. Our attention span has decreased as the jumble of, and in, our lives has multiplied. Relationships have fractured, problems are avoided rather than overcome. For relationships take time to build and maintain. We all (should) know the consequences ......
But mark this: there will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
This 'time deficit' has also had huge consequences for our relationship with Jesus. As with marriage, the only way we can develop a deep relationship with Him, is to spend time with Him. To spend time in His Word, to spend time in contemplation and time in prayer. Then to follow the instructions He gives us to build His kingdom upon the earth.
your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)
What is happening, indeed has happened, is that we are entering a new Dark Age in relation to biblical knowledge and discernment! We are, once again, relying upon modern day 'priests' of pulpit and TV to illuminate us with God's word in as few minutes as possible. We believe what we hear, whether it is true , false or just slightly off, as we haven't the time to check it out for ourselves. Jesus warned about this.....
True and false prophets
15 ‘Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognise them. Do people pick grapes from thorn-bushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognise them.
True and false disciples
21 ‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,†will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?†23 Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!â€
Let us look to people's fruits, not talk, before we take notice of them.
Peter too, warned about the scoffers, who will ridicule God's Word and make us doubt, or destroy, our faith.
3 Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, ‘Where is this “coming†he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.’ 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. (2 Peter 3:3-7)
Reality is, we cannot totally rely upon others to develop our relationship with Jesus. We are moving from the medieval Dark Ages where only the Roman Catholic priests had access to the Word, and manipulated it suit there own purposes to a new Dark Age, where we have lots of Bibles, but not the time (we think) to read and contemplate upon them.
Until we get back into the Word and spend time with our Saviour and Lord Jesus, our ability to discern between the holy and unholy will not change.
The choice is ours!
(Continued next week.)
Find out more about us at.....
FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUSMay we hear what the Lord is saying to us.
The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36)
On a high mountain, in front of Peter, James and John.
“Get up,†he told them. “Don’t be afraid.â€
“Don’t tell anybody what you saw until the Son of man has risen from the dead,â€
The disciples were told that the Elijah to return prior to the Saviour coming was indeed John the Baptist.
“It’s true that Elijah comes to put everything in place, 12but I tell you that Elijah has already come and yet people didn’t recognize who he was. They did whatever they felt like to him. In the same way the Son of man will also suffer at their hands.â€
Jesus heals Boy With Evil Spirit and Gives Explanation to Disciples
(Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:14-29, Luke 9:37-43)
A boy brought out of the crowd to Jesus by his father.
“You unbelieving people!â€
“How long must I remain here with you? How long do I have to put up with you? Bring him over here to me!â€
“How long has he had this?â€
“Why do you say, ‘if you can?’ “Whoever trusts has every power!â€
“Spirit that causes deafness and dumbness, I order you to come out of him and never return.â€
The disciples asked how he did it, as they had not been able to.
“Because you don’t trust enough,†“I tell you, even if your trust was as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible for you.â€
(Continued next week.)
You can download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.
***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 on@wwj.org.nz>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...
'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
GENERAL170. There are but two types of people in the world. Those who replace an empty toilet roll and those who don't.
171. Have you noticed how the most 'holey' socks always find their way to the top of the pile?
179. The one thing you can rely upon is the unreliability of weather forecasts.
191. Earthly governance is based upon society imposed rules but godly governance requires individuals to care for each other.
194. Earthly governance is imposed from without, but godly governance bubbles up from within.
192. 'To be or not to be?', that is Shakespeare's question. 'To be and to do', that is God's answer.
193. In the human body, pain facilitates the healing process. Unfortunately it's the same in the spiritual!
197. A life without pain is a life devoid of feeling.
195. Men generally think of a group in terms of averages, while women view it as a collection of individuals.
196. Men tend to focus upon the group, women upon individuals. So women find God more easily than men.
204. We must remember that without individuals, there would be no 'Law of Averages'.
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 ...
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: 4. CHARACTERISTICS OF KINGDOM PEOPLEWe look at power in the Spirit and ministry funding.
Check out all the available teachings at...
*** 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...
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. ***
212. OUCH!
After the christening of his baby brother in church, little Johnny sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong.
Finally, the boy replied, "That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, but I want to stay with you guys!"
211. MODERN TRANSLATION
A six year old was overheard reciting the Lord's Prayer at a church service: "And forgive us our trash passes as we forgive those who passed trash against us."
210. TERRORIST CELL GROUPS
Subject: TERRORIST CELL GROUPS DISCOVERED IN THE CHURCH
By Rev. Dennis Smart, alias Bin Readin
Edited by Carlton Earp, alias Bin Thinkin
Latest news reports are that five terrorist cell groups have been operating in Baptist churches. (Maybe other churches also?)
Church security identifies these as: Bin Sleepin, Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin, and Bin Missin. Their leader, Osama Bin Lucifer, trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ. The plan is to come into the church disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and destroy the pastors and the churches.
Earlier reports of a sixth group proved false. A tiny cell known by the name Bin Workin is actually the only effective counter terrorism force in the church. This group appears to be very weak. It is easy to detect because it is the only group that is active in services to Christ. Unlike the true terrorist cells, the Bin Workin team does not blend in with whoever and whatever comes along.
Bin Workin visibly does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the Body of Christ. We have noticed that the Bin Workin cell group has different characteristics than the others. They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, Bin Prayin, and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ to return.
Which cell group do you belong to?
These same groups have been detected in other denominations since Smart first filed his report. The Office of Home Church Security is co-ordinating its efforts with the Bin Workin group to interdict the activities of the five terrorist cells now known to be active throughout many churches worldwide.
"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: Who drew the original Mickey Mouse in his first short cartoon?ANSWER: Not Walt Disney, as is commonly believed. All of the sketching and animation was done by Ub Iwerks, Disney's chief animator in the early days of Disney Studios. Walt Disney had largely abandoned drawing animated characters to concentrate on the commercial side of business. However Walt did come up with the idea for Mickey and established his personality. He also supplied the voice. (And banked the money!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What do cats, camels, and giraffes have in common?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS 522. YOUSMELL GREAT LUV!
The male Emperor Moth can smell a potential female companion up to 7 miles (10km) away. (But can he make it before his rivals!)
523. FLIES FLY BUT BRIEFLY
A housefly lives for just 2 weeks. (2 weeks too long, do I hear.)
524. THE WORKOUT
A hard working adult will sweat up to 4 gallons (18 litres) per day. Most of the sweat evaporates before a person realises it's there, though! (Water, water everywhere…)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
SNIGGER
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...
WHICH BOOK?
15: …tells us about the battle of David and Goliath?a. Proverbs
b. 1 Kings
c. 1 Samuel
d. Judges
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"""!!!!!!! When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.
!!!!!! WORRYING does not take away tomorrow’s TROUBLES, it takes away today’s PEACE.
!!!!! A pat on the back is only a few inches from a kick in the rear.
!!!! Always be yourself because the people that matter don't mind, and the ones who mind, don't matter.
!!! "Be my Valentine...forever." - God
!! By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he's wrong.
! Do not believe in miracles...rely on them.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
TIL DEATH DO US PART
6. MY HEARINGS FINE!A man goes to his doctor and says "I don't think my wife's hearing is as good as it used to be, what should I do?"
The doctor replies: "Try this test to find out for sure. When your wife is in the kitchen doing dishes, stand fifteen feet behind her and ask her a question, if she doesn't respond keep moving closer asking the question until she hears you."
The man goes home and sees his wife preparing dinner. He stands fifteen feet behind her and says "What's for dinner, honey?" No response. He moves to ten feet behind her and asks again, no response. Five feet, no answer. Finally he stands directly behind her and says, "Honey, what's for supper?"
She says, "For the fourth time, I SAID CHICKEN!"
7. ALMOST READY
On their anniversary night, the husband sat his wife sat down in the den with her favourite magazine, turned on the soft reading lamp, slipped off her shoes, patted and propped her feet and announced that he was preparing dinner all by himself. "How romantic!" she thought.
Two-and-a-half hours later, she was still waiting for dinner to be served. She tip-toed to the kitchen and found it a colossal mess. Her harried husband, removing something indescribable from the smoking oven, saw her in the doorway.
"Almost ready!" he vowed. "Sorry it took me so long - I had to refill the pepper shaker."
"Why, honey, how long could that have taken you?"
"More'n an hour, I reckon. Wasn't easy stuffin' it through those dumb little holes."
8. PURCHASING POWER
I was browsing in a souvenir shop when the man next to me struck up a conversation.
Just as he was telling me that his wife was getting carried away with her shopping, a brief power shortage caused the lights to flicker overhead.
"Ah," he sighed, "that must be her checking out now."
9. TOUCHE!
A widow recently married a widower. Soon after the marriage she was accosted by a friend who laughingly remarked, "I suppose, like all men who have been married before, your husband sometimes talks about his first wife?"
"Oh, not any more, he doesn't," the other replied.
"What stopped him?"
"I started talking about my next husband."
More marriage and family humour here.....
DAVID'S DOWNLOADS
A REVELATION OF…….THE SEVEN REVELATIONS OF THE LAMBIt would be normal to think of a victorious God as a lion. But Jesus came as a lamb, the Lamb of God
The incredible story of how the Lamb of God is foreshadowed 4 times in the Old Testament, comes as the Lamb in the New, sets our example and will return to claim His kingdom.
Both a faith builder and a call to inherit the kingdom now.
Download your free PDF Files here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
Is your life's mission, mission?!THE MISSION
What ought,
Be taught,
In thought?
I aught!
Good News?
Your views?
What cues?
Pay dues.
Jesus saves!
Heaven paves!
Satan raves!
Makes waves!
My mission
Give vision.
Your decision.
With precision.
Which way?
Jesus sway?
Your day.
Him obey.
Elevate!
Celebrate!
Invigorate!
Passionate!
More of David's poetry here.....
A DAVID MUSING
Catch you soon!So until next time.....
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: UNNAMED
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' c. 1 Samuel
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.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 atenquiries@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 onlinks@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 ...
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