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: 813 Published: 29 May 2017
WELCOME TO THE NEW NEW LOOK PGIM - AND MOBILE FRIENDLY WEBSITE!
Yes we have got there! The final version!
If you haven't yet visited our new website, can I suggest you do. You will find a wealth of information from fun, to facts, to revelatory kingdom teaching, and it is now phone friendly.
The links should all be working now. Sorry for the teething problems!
David
OUR SOURCE - GOD OR MAN
CONCLUSION
It is with a sad heart that I have written this teaching. Particularly in the West, the general Christian community has succumbed to the easy way out, relying upon man to illuminate God to them, rather than seeking God for themselves.
Preaching and teaching, through church services, conferences, TV, books, videos, etc., can inform us ABOUT GOD but, in the end, is NO SUBSTITUTE for a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
How do we develop this personal relationship? As in building a successful human marriage, there is no other way than SPENDING TIME with our beloved.
Our society has rapidly changed to one where we now seek instant superficial gratification, where numbers of friends on Facebook takes precedent over developing one or several, close personal relationships.
We can see this in the church situation too, where so often it is show over substance, love over repentance, bums on seats rather than building disciples of Jesus.
And now, persecution is developing against those not prepared to 'toe the worldly line'.
A practical illustration, just this week. Margaret Court, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, is now an Australian pastor. She declared that she believed in the marriage of a man to a woman, as stated in the Bible. A furore broke loose! People were calling for the Margaret Court Arena at the National Tennis Centre in Melbourne, to be renamed. Fortunately, in this instance, sanity prevailed. But it is a certain indication of the direction our Western Humanist society is going.
Jesus is calling on us to make a decision. He will use persecution to make us take a stand. Will our source be man or God?
Are we prepared to fully give ourselves to Him.....
8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
He is calling out to His bride, to be fully prepared in righteousness and holiness for when He returns.
6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
‘Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
7 Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
8 Fine linen, bright and clean,
was given her to wear.’
(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)
(Revelation 19:6-8)
The choice is mine. The choice is yours. What will you choose?
Find out more about us here.....
FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUS
May we hear what the Lord is saying to us.
Children of Abraham (John 8:31-59)
The debate continued with the Pharisees claim to be Abraham’s children.
“If you follow my teaching then you really are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
“I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave doesn’t have permanent place in the family, but the son is part of the family forever. If the Son sets you free, then you’re truly free. I know you’re Abraham’s descendants. yet you’re trying to kill me because you refuse to accept my words. I’m telling you what the Father has revealed to me, while you do what your father told you.”
“If you really were children of Abraham, you’d do what Abraham did,” “But you are trying to kill me now, because I told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham would never have done that. You’re doing what your father does.”
“If God really was your father, you would love me. I came from God and now I am here. The decision to come wasn’t mine, but the One who sent me. Why can’t you understand what I’m saying? It’s because you refuse to hear my message! Your father is the Devil, and you love to follow your father’s evil desires. He was a murderer from the beginning. He never stood for the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies he reveals his true character, for he’s a liar and the father of lies. 45So because I tell you the truth, you don’t believe me! Can any one of you prove that I’m guilty of sin? If I’m telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me? Anyone who belongs to God listens to what God says. The reason you don’t listen is because you don’t belong to God.”
“No, I don’t have a demon,” “I honor my Father, but you dishonor me. I’m not here looking to glorify myself. But there is One who does this for me and who judges in my favor. I tell you the truth, anyone who follows my teaching will never die.”
“If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. But it is God himself who glorifies me, the one you claim, ‘He is our God.’ You don’t know him, but I know him. If I were to say, ‘I don’t know him,’ I’d be a liar, just like you. But I do know him, and I do what he says. Your father Abraham was delighted as he looked forward to see my coming, and was so happy when he saw it.”
“I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I am,”
You can download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.
A NOTE ABOUT AFRICA
KENYAN NATIONAL PRAYER WEEK
In early August, Kenya is having national elections.
Kenya is one of the few, if not the only, African country that has managed, since independence, in spite of some troubles at election time, to have a successful transition to the newly elected administration.
Could it just be that the reason for this is the prayers of its people?
The National Peace Caravan Team has just passed through Bungoma, the capital of Bungoma County, in which Webuye is located. The Governor, the Hon. Kenneth Lusaka (a supporter of our project) made vigorous declarations of peace over the area, and for the country, after being prayed for by the pastors of the County.
Kenya is unashamedly a Christian country, although of course, not all the people are Christian. According to Wikipedia.....
The predominant religion in Kenya is Christianity, which is adhered to by an estimated 84.8% of the total population. Islam is the second largest religion in Kenya, practiced by about 9.7% of the total population.
Other faiths practiced in Kenya are Baha'i, Buddhism, Hinduism and traditional religions.
Of course, as everywhere, many people who are defined as Christian are nominal believers. However, there is an openness towards God, seen in very few other places in the world.
PLEASE DO NOT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU ARE TOLD ABOUT AFRICA!
No, we wont be eaten by lions, nor trampled by elephants. Actually, you only see them now in Game Parks! One day we will have to go and have a look for ourselves!
We look forward to making a Godly contribution to Kenya's development.
Check out our website here.....
***NOW***NINE BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!!!
9 BOOKS are now available on Amazon (Kindle)!
The final one to be added is THE PURGING OF THE CHURCH. It is based on 11 bullet points David Wilkerson, noted author of 'The Cross and the Switchblade', published about changes needed in the church of today to prepare it for the return of Jesus.
All are available worldwide for electronic download on Amazon (Kindle) for $US0.99c . Unfortunately there has to be a charge in order to list.
Your support would be appreciated and they could well change your life!
They are all found at this link.....
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=david+tait+books/
BOOK OF THE WEEK
AND THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE:
THE CENTRAL FOCUS OF THE TEACHING OF JESUS
What is at the heart of the end time, kingdom church?
The answer is actually very simple in principle, if not so simple to activate! For the answer is found in one word - LOVE…..
13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)
But what is Godly love?
Let us find out.
Downloadable from Amazon for USD99c at.....
https://www.amazon.com/GREATEST-THESE-LOVE-CENTRAL-TEACHING-ebook/dp/B01HFVN6VQ/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=MHBPFCM8M5D4PC9930S1
Check out more free downloads 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, go down to the bottom of the page link below, click on the subscribe link dd-on@wwj.org.nz (or paste the address in an email yourself and send) Then it's done! If you have an Irish heritage, you will love the background coloring!
Subscription and back issue link is.....
'THE WORDS OF JESUS' REMAIN 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 KINGDOM
1041. Revelation and religion make incompatible companions.
1042. Religion resists change while revelation requires it!
1043. Revelation formalised soon becomes religion institutionalised.
1044. God's kingdom breeds revelation, religion, rules.
1045. Religion is man's adaptation of God's revelation.
1046. When religion fails you, turn to God.
1047. So often the church attempts to compete with God's kingdom rather than promoting it.
1048. God's vision is our mission.
1049. Religion is the eager repository of yesterday's revelation.
1050. Revelation is eternal truth meeting today's circumstances.
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
Check it out at...
TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: A REVELATION OF... THE FIRST MIRACLE OF JESUS - Water into Wine & THE LORDS SUPPER
Revealing the amazing underlying, spiritual meanings of the miracle itself and its relevance to the Lord's Supper that we celebrate today.
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, go down to the bottom of the page link below, click on the subscribe link lao--on@wwj.org.nz (or paste the address in an email yourself and send) Then it's done!
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. ***
FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: Where did the expression ‘red herring’ originate?
ANSWER: A ‘red herring’ is a diversionary tactic - something that draws attention away from the central issue. The term originated from the use of smoked herring (which is reddish brown and extremely strong-smelling) to distract hunting dogs from following a trail. In the seventeenth century, smoked herring was also used as a lure to train dogs to follow a scent. And, of course, it was also used by criminals to divert bloodhounds from the trail. (Still is!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What creature has infrared receptors to help it catch prey in total darkness?
SOME FUN FACTS
1. Lots Of ‘Kitten Kuddles’
Did you know that a group of kittens is called a kindle? (Kittens kindle kindly kinetics of adoration in us.)
2. Getting Things Done – Eventually!
The Procrastinators Club of America sends news to its members under the masthead "Last Month's Newsletter." (Did it contain any news?)
3. A Health Food?
Tomato Ketchup was once used as medicine in the United States. Was sold as "Dr.Miles Compound Extract of Tomato". (My sort of medicine!)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
UNTRIED
Answer at the end of A David Musing
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can download the full version of our Trivia Book at TRULY TRIFFLING TRIVIA here..... https://www.wwj.org.nz/content/wwj14p11.pdf
Or check out all 1232 online at.....
PAUL
6: Who did Paul heal at Lystra?
a. Blind man
b. Deaf man
c. Cripple
d. Dumb man
Source: http://biblequizzes.org.uk
Answer at the end of A DAVID MUSING
IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""
STILL MORE THOUGHTS
!!!!!!! Having a spirit of non-forgiveness is like drinking poison - and waiting for the other person to die!
!!!!! In answer to the question of why it happened, I offer the modest proposal that our Universe is simply one of those things which happen from time to time." - Edward P. Tryon
!!!! If I keep saving at the present rate, by the time I die I will owe $21, 473,249.13 - Lawrence Brotherton
!!!! I'm astounded by people who want to 'know' the universe when it's hard enough to find your way around Chinatown. - Woody Allen
!!! In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move. - Douglas Adams
!! I've Learned. . .
that 5,000,000 people have read "I've Learned" and passed it on to 15,000,000 who read it and passed it on to 45,000,000, and everyone of them is sending it to me.-Lawrence Brotherton
! First National Bank of Dad. Sorry, Closed.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
LIFE'S A LAUGH
A New Mum took her baby daughter to the supermarket for the first time. She dressed her in pink from head to toe. At the store, she placed her in the shopping cart and put her purchases around her.
At the checkout line a small boy and his mother were ahead of them. The child was crying and begging for some special treat. He wants some candy or gum and his mother won't let him have any, she thought.
Then she heard his mother's reply. "No!" she said, looking in her direction. "You may not have a baby sister today. That lady got the last one!"
"Please, Dad," pleaded the boy, "I promise I'll use 'em every day."
"I don't know, Michael. It's really a commitment on your part," the father pointed out.
"Please, Dad?" the boy continued.
"They're not cheap either," the father came back.
"I'll use 'em Dad, I promise. You'll see."
Finally won over, the father paid for the equipment and headed for the door.
From the corner of the store he heard his son yelp, "What! You mean I have to carry them to the car?"
TASTY NEWS TRAVELS FAST
Grateful to have received a warning instead of a ticket, I gave him a small bag of my grandmother's delicious chocolate-chip cookies and proceeded on my way.
A short time later, I was stopped by another trooper.
"What have I done?" I asked.
"Nothing," the trooper said, smiling. "I just heard you had some really great cookies.
Christian Pastor Says Many Indonesians Are Realizing Islam Is False, Finding Christ
BY STOYAN ZAIMOV , CHRISTIAN POST REPORTER
May 26, 2017 | 11:06 AM
The pastor, going by the name Kongkin, told The Christian Post in a phone interview on Thursday that his ministry in Jakarta helps persecuted Christians and makes sure their stories are heard across the country and abroad.
"When one part of the body suffers, every part suffers with it," Kongkin said.
He told CP that he is a former Muslim, and that it was the Gospel message itself that convinced him to start following Jesus Christ.
"The call of Salvation by Christ," he described as the main reason for his decision to convert. "The message of forgiveness, which extends to sinners. I realized I was without hope" while part of the Islamic faith, he explained.
"I heard the Gospel from my friend and I saw his family's testimony, [his] walk as a Christian," and the "peace and joy" that came with it, and thought "that's what I want."
"I started searching for the Lord, and accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior," he said.
Kongkin noted that his Muslim family "thought I was crazy" at first, that his conversion to Christianity was "part of my rebellious spirit," and even though they first hoped that he would go back to Islam, eventually they realized he was committed to his new faith.
The pastor explained that he did not suffer beatings and was not cast out by his family, who he described as more "modern Muslim," but he was treated differently by other relatives who follow a stricter version of Islam.
He insisted that he doesn't say that "because I am a Christian, just to excite the Christian body, but this is what I personally see happening."
The pastor noted that as part of his ministry working in the field, he has heard many stories of former Muslims who have decided to come to Jesus.
"The numbers are getting bigger and bigger in many parts of Indonesia. There is steady growth," he said, while noting that there is concern among some parts of the Islamic community over the rise of Christianity.
"Yes, the number is growing. I think a lot of Muslims are realizing that Islam is false; they see the bombings and terrorist attacks done in the name of Islam, and they wonder 'Is this it? Is this what I want?'" he stated.
"They realize there has to be a better way, and then they find Christ."
As Christian watchdog group Open Doors points out, persecution remains high in Indonesia, listing it at number 46 on its World Watch List of countries where believers are most targeted for their faith. Though it has long been considered a model of Muslim democracy and interreligious coexistence, the influence of radical Islam is growing.
Kongkin said that the biggest threat to Christians in Indonesia comes both from the government's laws and from radical Islamic elements, which are influencing and pressing into local government.
"They have more and more influence on policy, not so much the central government, but the provincial government," he explained, noting that hardliners are pressuring local representative bodies to produce bylaws that reflect Sharia law.
One example he pointed to is the Tanara district in the province of Banten, which has issued bylaws that forbid women from walking on the streets alone or with someone who is not their husband or part of their family past 10 p.m.
Kongkin noted that any woman like that "who is found on the streets is considered a prostitute or having moral problems." He said that such women who break the curfew "are taken by the local provincial police and brought to a rehabilitation center," due to suspicions that they are doing something not acceptable in Islamic society.
The women are usually held for an entire month at such rehabilitation centers before they are released.
Other troubling bylaw applications have been the prohibition on drinking alcohol. Even though Sharia law is only supposed to apply to Muslims, in order to seem fair, police have also been punishing Christians and other non-Muslims who drink.
Most recently, what has caught international attention is the blasphemy conviction of Jakarta's former Christian governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, also known as Ahok.
The politician, who in April lost his re-election bid, was found guilty of insulting the Islamic faith, stemming from an incident last September where he referenced passages in the Quran, arguing that opponents were trying to use the holy book to deceive people into voting against him.
Although Ahok has maintained that he meant to cause no offense, earlier this week he dropped his appeal against his two-year prison sentence, explaining that he is making the decision "for the sake of our people and nation," World Watch Monitor reported.
Kongkin believes that Ahok dropped his appeal because of his Christian faith, letting God be the judge at the end.
"I respect his decision," the pastor said, noting that it is between him and God.
"He also wants to make the people see that 'I am experiencing this because of injustice. And I am not going to make any appeal, so that everyone can learn from what has happened to me,'" Kongkin said of Ahok.
He claimed that more and more people in Indonesia are indeed seeing the case as an injustice carried out by the court, which has been "influenced by people who have agendas."
Kongkin shared his hopes that this realization will eventually push for the courts to be reformed, as Ahok "didn't do anything to deserve punishment."
"[Ahok] did so many good things for the people — he eradicated corruption, stopped people who like to steal money from government projects; [he] built infrastructure that beautified the city," he said.
"Across the country of Indonesia people are supporting Ahok and are crying that something is done," he added. "We do not want the radical Muslims to eventually take the whole country."
Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-pastor-says-many-indonesians-are-realizing-islam-is-false-finding-christ-185223/#XPw5L3UEdT26jHJK.99
DAVID'S DOWNLOADS
WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY?
When asking the Lord what He wanted me to write about next, He has led me to look at HIS CHURCH, not in the way of standard church history, but from His viewpoint. I will try my best to be obedient to His wishes. But any errors will be mine!
As you will soon see, the history of His church revolves around the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit's activity upon the earth, rather than what we consider the church to be.
We look also at the future church, the kingdom church for whom Jesus is returning.
I trust it will both inform and challenge you about our future, both as individuals and the church as a whole.
Download your free PDF File here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
When inspiration fails me I write a rubbish rhyme! Enjoy - or cry - or empathasise!
U 2?
Not a thought.
But I ought
To have inspiration,
Not perspiration.
In emptiness am caught!
At least it does still rhyme.
Caught the brain in time.
Rubbish 4 u 2 read,
Must get up to speed.
Many mountains yet to climb.
So now u take a rest,
Your brain do not test,
Next week will be better,
Letter will follow letter,
4 I may b back 2 my best!
More of David's 'poetry' here.....
A DAVID MUSING
We have started the process of 'farewell functions' this week. Perhaps people are pleased to see us go! (Not really)
With 3 weeks before we leave New Zealand, we are starting to realize that we are indeed going! Packing of our flat is being done. Many things given away, others prepared for storage.
We are only travelling with only 30kk of luggage each. As our Granny Flat is already furnished we only need to take clothing. But which ones! LOL!
In 3 weeks we will be on the way! The countdown has begun!
Until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: INTRUDE
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTIONS' ANSWER: c. Cripple (Acts 14)
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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