THINKING GREEK OR HEBREW?

                 BLESSINGS AND CURSES

Greek (Western) In Greek thought, blessings and curses are related to circumstances.

When something good happens such as a promotion or financial success, a person is blessed. If something bad happens, we consider we are cursed. Adore God more and we will be blessed, on the other hand, ignore him and we will be cursed. Put simply, blessings are when good things happen, curses, when bad things happen.        

Eastern (Hebrew) In Hebrew thought however, blessings are related to obedience and curses to disobedience.       

Good and bad things happen in life, which are totally unrelated to obedience and disobedience. Knowing this, we can better understand the discourse between God, the devil, and Job. God held up Job as an example of one who was willing to suffer for Him, for He knew Job's faith was not dependent upon receiving physical blessings.....       

7 The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it.” 8 Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” (Job 1:7-8)  

Satan, took the typical Greek thought attitude that Job's faith was only so high because he was materially blessed.....   

9 “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. 10 “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” (Job 1:99-11) 

So God allowed Job to be tested.....      

12 The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. (Job 1:12)  

As we know Job's 3 friends ridiculed him, and Job himself questioned God, but stood firm in his faith. God corrected them.....  

7 After the LORD had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. 8 So now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. You have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.” 9 So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite did what the LORD told them; and the LORD accepted Job’s prayer. (Job 42:7-9)       

As this is the Old Testament, where the kingdom was primarily expressed in the material as opposed to the spiritual of the New Testament, Job was rewarded with material blessings for his obedience.....      

10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before. (Job 42:10)       

We fail to understand, because of our Western way of thinking, that all the promises of God are conditional upon obedience. We all too often take the 'blessings verses' out of context, not looking at the conditions upon which the blessings are based, that precede or follow them. We do not understand that there is a cost to following Jesus.   

The classic New Testament example is the Beatitudes, where each of the 9 blessings comes at a cost. For example, if we want mercy, we need to show mercy to others.....

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Matthew 5:7)    

Jesus concludes this teaching with the statement that we must endure persecution in order to receive the blessings.....  

12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:12)

Paul too, understood this principle that he participated in the (spiritual New Testament) blessings, only because he was willing to pay the price of obedience.....

22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. (1 Corinthians 9:20-21)         

This is a profound truth, misunderstood by most believers today.       

SOME SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY  

1. The 'Father Christmas' Christianity of 'come to God and all will be well with you' that is so often taught today, is both a dangerous and false doctrine which inevitably ends in disappointment and rejection when it proves not to be true in people's life experience.

2. The primarily spiritual blessings of the New Testament are received by those prepared to pay the price of obedience to the Father's will.    

3. Wealth, success and failure, expressed in worldly terms, are normally the result of the circumstances of life, rather than the blessing or cursing of God.       
4. The spiritual blessings of God can, and often are, experienced by those in the direst physical and material circumstances.     

5. God looks to what we are, rather than how we are or how much we have.

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FROM THE WORD

THE WORDS OF JESUS
May we hear what the Lord is saying to us..... 

 

Sermon on the Mount(Matthew 5:1-7:29, Luke 6:17-49)

The primary ‘life teachings’ of Jesus. 

Oaths (Matthew 5:33-7)

“And again, you’ve heard that the law said to the people of long ago, ‘You shall not perjure yourself.

Instead make sure you keep the oaths you swear to the Lord.’ But I tell you, don’t swear at all. Don’t swear by heaven, because it’s the throne of God.  Don’t swear by the earth, because it’s God’s footstool. Don’t swear by Jerusalem, because it’s the city of the great King. Don’t even swear by your head, because you’re not able to make a single hair white or black. Simply say yes or no—more than this comes from the Evil One.

 

Eye for an Eye (Matthew 5:38-42) 

“You’ve heard that the law said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, don’t resist someone who is evil. If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other cheek to them as well. 40If someone wants to sue you in court and takes your shirt, give them your coat too. If someone demands that you go one mile, go with them two. Give to those who ask you, and don’t turn away those who want to borrow from you.

 

Love for Your Enemies (Matthew 5:43-8, Luke 6:27-36) 

“You’ve heard that the law said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so you may become children of your heavenly Father. For his sun shines on both the good and the bad; and he makes the rain fall on both those who do right and those who do wrong. For if you only love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax-collectors do that? If you only speak kindly to your family, what more are you doing than anyone else? Even the heathen do that! Grow up and become completely trustworthy, just as your heavenly Father is trustworthy.

 

(Continued next week)    

Download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.

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A MUZUNGU’S (White Man’s) THOUGHT – Issue 25

During the week I read a very interesting article explaining why young Europeans, particularly Germans, see Israel as the aggressor in the ‘battle’ over the proposed Trump peace settlement. It really awakened me to how the world is changing in this Post-Christian era.

Currently, the world has been remembering the 75^th  anniversary of the liberation of the Jews from Auschwitz Concentration Camp. Even though I was born a couple of years after World War 2 ended, it is hard to believe that that horror camp and the war finished that long ago. Indicates my age too!

Two young German reporters came and had a discussion with Yishai Fliesher, a senior Israeli journalist. Their many questions came back to the root ‘Why are you here in this dangerous place?’

I will attempt to summarize the 4 main reasons why these young Germans could not understand the Jewish call to their biblical inheritance.

 

1. THE BIBLE IS DEAD

To many Europeans, the Bible is dead, both as a religious or historical book. They have not read it, nor do they think it is of importance in the modern world.

 2. NATIONALISM IS DEAD

These young reporters see nationalism as being the root of the evils that Europe has experienced over the centuries. The European Community is an attempt to overcome this. The idea of Jewish nationalism is repugnant to them and they see it as a reason for the persecution of the Palestinians.

3. THE HOLOCAUST IS DEAD

The centuries of Jewish persecution is forgotten by these young Germans, for they were born around 50 years after the Death Camps and don’t see why they should be blamed for them. Rather they see Israel as a nationalistic aggressor against the rights of the poor Palestinians.

4. A CORE VALUES CONFLICT

Europe is now post-God, post-Nationalism, post-Family and post-Holocaust, all values contrary to those of all sides of the Israeli political spectrum. To them, Israeli nationalism is simply colonialism, with which they cannot agree.

The author indicates that these attitudes are permeating other Western regions, particularly the universities, which does not auger well for the future.

Living as we do in Africa, the general sentiment in the Christian based countries is very pro-Israel, for the Bible is held in far higher regard than in the West.

The world is not becoming an easier place to live in for Jews and Christians, for that matter. Inevitably there will be further emigration of Jews to Israel as persecution increases. Biblical prophecies are coming truer with every day that passes.

Shukrani

(Thank You)

The original article can be found here…..

https://unitedwithisrael.org/analysis-why-young-europeans-cant-understand-israeli-settlers/

Analysis: Why Young Europeans Can’t Understand Israeli ‘Settlers’

OUR AFRICAN EXPERIENCE

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OUR NEW VIDEO!

This is a must-see to get a real idea of who and what we are!
Our thanks to John Fickling for all his many, many hours of work, both in travelling to Kenya to film (where he was ably assisted by Moses) and in New Zealand, editing the many hours of film down into what is 13:40 of the essence of Kingdom, including video footage of our 1st cataract surgeries. Thank you so much, mate.

Lve Link.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np1ocYF5hoU&t=22s

PHOTO: Hi ho, Hi ho, It's off to video we go!

WOW!

I had 2 beautiful if shy visitors in my office! All dressed up in matching clothing to visit their mother who is an inpatient in our ward.

AND WOW!

Kathy and the optical outreach team talking to a school of 1000 girls about eye health. The highlight is to blindfold some students and ask them to find something on the stage. Very well received with plenty of questions being asked.

CELEBRATING KATHY's BIRTHDAY (No. XX)

In the midst of a busy day I was able to take Kathy out for lunch for her 72nd birthday (oops - let it out!) to a new resort that is being developed at Bungoma, about a half-hour drive from here and our nearest sizable town. It is the capital if our Bungoma County. Siritamu Resort and Spa is, even now, a beautiful place, and once development is finished, it will be exceptional.

The birthday girl in the jungle. Watch out for the dinosaur, Doll!

Don't drown in the Paddling Pool! (There is a beautiful, inviting, 20m swimming pool behind.)

Africa, particularly Kenya, is developing fast, and is not the jungle and spears you may think. In fact, you have to go to Game Reserves or zoos to see the animals now! There is a real contrast between the mud huts and new skyscrapers in the big cities.

Never forgetting though, that 1/3 of the population, and many in our area, still live below the poverty line of 2 dollars a day.

***NOW***NINE BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!!!

9 BOOKS are now available on Amazon (Kindle)!

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.....

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'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.....

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TUESDAY TEACHINGS

NEXT WEEK: TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH: 3. FROM KINGS TO KINGDOM continues.....

https://www.wwj.org.nz/tuesday-teachings

*** 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! 

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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. ***     

376. Chicken Dinner

After a community worship service, a farmer invited the local pastors, reverend, and priest back to the farm for dinner. At the meal, each clergy was served a whole young chicken. As the three returned to their cars, a rooster was seen strutting about, chest puffed out and held high. "He sure seems full of himself," commented the pastor. "He has good cause to be proud," answered the farmer. "He just had three of his children go into the ministry."

 

377. The Contest

Between moments of dispensing wisdom, it seems that historical religious leaders had also learned software programming. One day, a great contest was held to test their skills. After days and days of fierce competition, only two leaders remained for the last day's event: Jesus and Mohammed. 

The judge described the software application required for the final test, and gave the signal to start writing code. The two contestants feverishly typed away on their keyboards. Routines, classes, applets and applications flew by on their screens at incredible speeds. Windows, dialogs, and other intricate graphics began forming on their monitors. The clock showed that the contest would soon be finished. 

Suddenly, a bolt of lightening flashed and the power went out. After a moment, it came back on - just in time for the clock to announce that the last competition was over. The judge asked the two contestants to reveal their finished software. Mohammed angrily said that he'd lost it all in the power outage. The judge turned to the other competitor. 

Jesus smiled, clicked a mouse, and a dazzling application appeared on his screen. After just a few moments, the judge was clearly impressed and declared Jesus the victor. When asked why the decision was made, the judge pointed out the unique characteristic that set the winner apart from all the other leaders: Jesus saves. 

QWIK QWIP: “Isn’t it amazing how long a couple of hours spent at church, but how short they are when watching a movie.”

 

378. A Direct Line

Little 5 year old John ran to his Grandmother one rainy winter morning. 

"Nana! Do they have telephones in Heaven? I've got to call God right now!" he said. 

"John, why do you have to call God?" she asked 

"Because I've been praying and praying for snow all morning and look, He made a mistake. All its doing is raining!"

 

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 ..... https://www.wwj.org.nz/content/wwj18p47.pdf

Or read them all online at..... 

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A DAVID MUSING

The major event this week here in Kenya has been the burial of Kenya's longest-serving President, Daniel Moi.

Kenyans can just about 'out British the British' when it comes to ceremonial occasions, for we learned the art from then! And the hyperbole at the funeral was incredible, far distant from reality.

Unfortunately, this is the case at so many funerals. How often does it seem a different person that is being spoken about! 'Am I at the right funeral?', you may sometimes ask yourself.

On the other hand, we sometimes hear and say things that should have been said during the person's life. This is even sadder. For the person - it could be me next time - in the coffin, would have so much more appreciated the comments during their life.

Let us then tell those close to us how much we love and appreciate them now, for none of us know when our time will come to depart this world.

Until next week.....                                                                                   

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD

His servant and yours 

David Tait

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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 website
wwj.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!

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