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: 782 Published: 24 Oct 2016
WHO WILL DARE TO BE A DISCIPLE? (Part 13)
THE KINGDOM PARABLES - THE WAY OF DISCIPLESHIP - continuedLast week we looked at the first of the kingdom parables of Matthew 13.
1. The Parable of the Sower
Now we will continue with the second.....
The Parable of the Weeds
24 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ 28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’†(Matthew 13:24-30)
This basically follows on from the Parable of the Sower, as it talks about the field in which the good seed was planted. Remember - disciples produce the 100 fold crop.
However, our crop does not grow without disturbance! As all who give there all to the Lord, know! For the enemy does not like us and he sows counterfeit seed, mentioned in another parable as tares. The tares grow much like the wheat in the early stages of the crop, but as we become more like Jesus, the difference becomes more apparent.
The primary purpose of this parable though, is to warn His people of the judgement at the end of the age. Jesus, unsurprisingly, can explain it better than me!.....
The Parable of the Weeds Explained
36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.†37 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. 40 “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear. (Matthew 13:36-43)
Let us not forget that disciples, the 'overcomers' of the enemy, those sold out to Jesus, are the bride for whom Jesus is returning.....
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 essence of this parable from a discipleship perspective is the battle that exists between the enemy, who hates disciples, as opposed to those who are less committed in their faith. Sadly too, disciples are very often misunderstood and disliked by those less committed believers - but I digress.
Disciples are enabled through the armour of God.....
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (Ephesians 6:10-11)
Please remember from earlier studies, that the armour is not that of the Roman soldier, as much of the church believes, but rather the garments of the High Priest, primarily represent holiness. For the bible is clear, we are to live holy lives. Holiness is the best protection against the enemy. In fact.....
Warning and Encouragement
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)
We will continue with the next parables in this chapter next week.
Will you dare to be a disciple? I will.
(Continued next week)
FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUSMay we hear what the Lord is saying to us.
Jesus Healing an Official’s Son (John 4:32-54)
Who was near to death.
“Unless you see signs and wonders you people really won’t trust me,â€
“Go on home,†“Your son will live!â€
Jesus Driving Out an Evil Spirit (Mark 1:21-8, Luke 4:31-7)
At the synagogue in Capernaum.
“Be quiet! Come out of him.â€
Jesus Praying in a Solitary Place (Mark 1:35-8, Luke 4:38-44)
Is advised that the people are looking for Him.
“We have to go to the other towns around here so that I can tell them the good news as well—for that’s why I came,â€
Healing From Leprosy (Matthew 8:1-4, Mark 1:40-45, Luke 5:12-16)
At a man’s request.
“I am willing,†he said. “Be healed!†Immediately he was healed from his leprosy. “Make sure you don’t tell anyone,†Jesus told him. “Go and show yourself to the priest and give the offering which Moses required as public proof.â€
Healing the Paralytic (Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26)
As Jesus returned to Nazareth.
“My friend, cheer up! Your sins are forgiven.â€
When queried about being able to forgive sins.
“Why are you thinking evil thoughts in your hearts? What is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Get up and walk’? But to convince you that the Son of man does have the authority to forgive sins…†“Get up, pick up your mat, and go home!â€
You can download the complete 'Words of Jesus' 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 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
TWENTY-FIVE COMMANDMENTS OF JESUSAS DETAILED IN THE 4 GOSPELS
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!
Downloadable from Amazon for USD99c at.....
https://www.amazon.com/TWENTY-FIVE-COMMANDMENTS-JESUS-DETAILED-GOSPELS-ebook/dp/B01IE633VE/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1475806537&sr=8-10&keywords=david+tait
***DAILY EZINE!*** 'DAVID'S DAILY DOODLINGS' Subscribe Today
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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.....
DAVID'S DOODLINGS
SUBMISSION AND OBEDIENCE934. Doing what God wants us to do when it differs from what we want to do is our true test of obedience.
935. "I will obey You", is the ultimate form of worship.
936. The path of obedience takes a different route to that of our natural understanding.
937. To do what we don't understand, because God said it, is the ultimate test of obedience.
938. It may be easier to die as a martyr, than to die to one's self!
939. As I die, so God grows in me. There is only room for one of us!
940. In God, submission is a sign of success, not one of failure.
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
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: THINKING GREEK OR HEBREW continues.......... looking at WHO DOES IT?
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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. ***
384. CONSTIPATION
Q: Where is constipation mentioned three times in the Bible?
A: (1) Satan is bound. (2) Elijah said, "Nothing will move me." (3) Moses took 2 tablets.
383. WHAT NOW?
The young priest rushed into his superior's office. "Father Murphy," he exclaimed. "Come quick! Our Savior is in our church!"
The two clerics rushed into the church and sure enough, there was the Lord Jesus praying at the Altar.
"What should we do?" whispered young Father McLaughlin.
"Try to look busy!" answered the older priest.
382. MORE KIDS LETTERS TO GOD
DEAR GOD:
If you give me a genie lamp like Aladdin, I will give you anything you want except my money or my chess set. Ralph
Please send Dennis Clark to a different camp this year. Peter
I want to be just like my Daddy when I get big but not with so much hair all over. Sam
Of all the people who work for You, I like Noah and David the best. Rob
"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: Is it true that it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile?ANSWER: Yes. Seventeen muscles to smile and 43 to frown is an oft-repeated figure, especially all over the Internet (and, yes, at university-related sites too) as well as in the popular press. But it's nowhere to be found in any text devoted to anatomy (especially of the head), surgery (esp. maxillofacial or reconstructive), neurology, or the analysis of human facial expressions.
In fact, Paul Ekman -- an authority on human facial expression tells me that he has no idea where this notion originated. It takes as few as two muscles to produce a universally recognisable smile and as few as three to produce a frown. There is simply no confirmation of the saying ‘it takes 17 muscles to smile and 43 to frown’ in any medical text. (‘Two smile or not three frown!’ With apologies to the Bard.)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Why do scientists describe cancer cells as ‘immortal’?
SOME FUN FACTS 339. LIVING IN
The skin of the armpit harbours up to 516,000 bacteria per square inch, while drier areas, such as the forearm, have only about 13,000 bacteria per square inch. (But after deodorant is applied? Killers are we?)
340. WHAT IS YOUR PHONE NO.?
The short-term memory capacity for most people is between five and nine items or digits. This is one reason that generally, phone numbers are kept to seven digits, excluding the area code. (What was that?)
341. PROLIFIC READERS
Warsaw, in Poland, holds the distinction of opening the world's first public library in 1747. (Was silence first imposed there too?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
CAMINO
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 OR NOT
Is this saying in the Bible or not?17. "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."
a. BIBLE
b. NOT BIBLE
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"""FOR ALL YOU LEXOPHILES (LOVERS OF WORDS)
9. With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.
10. Show me a piano falling down a mine shaft and I'll show you A-flat minor.
11. When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.
12. The man who fell into an upholstery machine is fully recovered.
13. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.
14. You feel stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.
15. Local Area Network in Australia: the LAN down under.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
LIFE'S A LAUGH
247. HELLOJoe woke himself up with a loud "Hello!" to someone in his dream.
As the next day came and went, Joe thought the nocturnal outburst was his alone to remember. But that night, as he and Margaret were getting ready for bed, she said dryly, "If you see anyone you know tonight, just wave."
248. THOUGHTFUL
It was one of the worst days of my life: The washing machine broke down, the telephone kept ringing, my head ached, and the mail carrier brought a bill I had no money to pay. Almost to the breaking point, I lifted my one-year-old into his high chair, leaned my head against the tray, and began to cry.
Without a word, my son took his pacifier out of his mouth and stuck it in mine.
249. READ - OR IS IT REID?
A friend and her young son, Reid, were browsing in a large bookstore. Engrossed in making a selection, my friend had lost sight of her child.
"Reid!" she called out, racing through the aisles. "Reid!"
Just as she spotted the boy, she bumped into another customer. "Pardon me, ma'am," he said, "but most folks come here because they already like to read. No sense in wasting your time trying to convince them."
250. CHEAP RIDE
I owned a taxi service with my husband William. While sitting in his cab waiting for a fare, William saw that a downpour had left puddles stretching to the curb.
Then he heard someone open the back door and get in. When he turned around to ask the destination, William saw the would-be passenger exiting the other door.
"Thanks," said the 'passenger,' "I just wanted to get over the water."
251. ARGH!
My wife asked me to help one of our neighbors, a young mother whose sailor husband was at sea. Her car had to have a freeze plug replaced, a job that took two days. Then I discovered that the battery was dead, and the starter was shot, so I fixed those too.
Days later, I proudly handed the woman her keys saying, "Now your car is good for many more miles."
"Thanks," she said. "All I care is that it runs long enough to make it to the dealer. I'm trading it in tomorrow."
Enjoy another life laugh here......
Great Revival In Iran Brings About 3 Million New Believers Despite Having Just 100,000 In 1994!
A great revival is going on inside the Islamic Republic of Iran, Christian believers who have planted an “Internet church†in that heavily restricted Middle East country have disclosed.“Right now you can see the results of the Holy Spirit,†Reza, one of the believers, told CBN News in Turkey where he was interviewed. “From 1994, there were about 100,000 believers. Right now, there are 3 million. You can see what the Holy Spirit is doing with the people,†Reza said.
He said this is happening despite the constant threat, danger, and risk for the believers.
Reza explained that since churches are banned in Iran, believers use the Internet to connect to churches in the United States, Canada, Germany, and Malaysia via Skype.
“The main church is my house, and through the Internet I connect to everybody,†Reza said. “That’s why it’s become like an Internet church.â€
He said many of the new believers embraced Jesus Christ after having a dream or vision of Him.
He himself dreamt of Jesus a “long time back†and since then Jesus has been with him. “And in all of my life, He was helping me and I didn’t know who was this person. Suddenly Jesus Christ was over there and He said, ‘Come to me.’ And I came to that side and He accepted me,†Reza told CBN News.
He said many of the believers have fled to Turkey for fear of their own lives. Despite the hardship they are facing at the moment, the believers exude joy as they remain hopeful that they would eventually achieve refugee status and immigrate to other countries, he said.
Some of the Iranian refugees who have fled to Turkey said they are glad to have “come out of the darkness.â€
As he waits for the U.N. office to grant him refugee status, Christian Afshin told CBN News that he can now do things in Turkey that he could not do in Iran like speaking about “God’s Word to other guys,†freely praising the Lord and attending church service.
Afshin said he attended the church led by American Pastor Saeed Abedini, who languished for years in an Iranian prison. That church was disbanded following Abedini’s arrest in 2012, he said.
“As a result, I came out of Iran because day by day it was more difficult and it was more risky for me also,†he explained.
Reza is urging Christians worldwide to pray for the Church in Iran.
“And I’m just begging, really, from the other believers, from other sisters and brothers from all over the world, to pray for Iran and to all the people of Iran to find new God and be familiar with God, with Jesus Christ,†he said.
Source: CBN News
DAVID'S DOWNLOADS
A REVELATION OF... GOD'S CALL TO HIS CHURCHA call for change.
We live in a church system that has evolved over the past, nearly 2000 years. It is obvious that the church had problems of doctrine and organisation right from its formation. Many people are reluctant to admit to this, but there were difficulties between Jews and gentiles in a theological sense, as well as practical organisational problems in terms of looking after the needy widows. However, over the centuries, church structures developed and became formalised along human lines. While the Reformation saw some changes, both in theology and organisation, the old, unbiblical, structures have tended to replicate themselves within our modern denominations and groupings. The Bible warns of this.
8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (Colossians 2:8)
Today, in these end times, God is calling His church back to basics. To its relational roots rather than formal structural organisation and methods that restrict, through human intervention, the Holy Spirit from truly working in the way He would wish.
Yes, God is calling us today to return to the principles set out in the New Testament, not to create the 'perfect church', for it will still have you and I in it, but rather, one capable of absorbing the promised bountiful end-time harvest.
Download your free PDF File here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
When writing my book, ‘Eagles Fly High!’ I would go sometimes go up and stay at somefriends’ holiday home about half an hour north of where we live. This poem relates one of my experiences there. Ironically, I eventually left the words I wrote out of the book – saved them for another time. I thought the poem though, was worth leaving in.
THE SHEEP AND THE GOAT!
Before starting this story, I had better expand
On what I am doing here, in Bowentown land.
I came to write more of this book you see,
Without interruption, in peace and tranquillity.
My day started well, out of bed not too late,
In shorts and T-shirt, went down to the gate,
From there to go running, but what did I find,
Goodness gracious, my energy was left behind!
I plodded down the road at a snail’s pace,
Praying I wouldn’t meet a familiar face.
For vanity comes quickly, out there on the road,
Jogging an easy way, your friends so to goad.
There was a reason for my slowness you see,
For on the previous night, I had had no tea.
No meals indeed, on the day before that!
My body for me, would not go out to bat.
For I am fasting, seeking the Lord you know,
Praying for his inspiration to help me grow.
But in case you think I’m a super spiritual nut,
I’m also expecting now, a shrinking of the gut!
Next, sitting at my computer, uninspired,
Felt really down to it, suddenly so tired.
I was to write about ‘The Sheep and the Goats’ you see,
Expecting God’s revelation - that should have inspired me!
I looked at the computer, viewed the writing on the screen,
‘The Blood and the Lamb’, left from last night, it had been.
Then the computer, it asked me to save,
The answer no, was the one I gave!
In no time at all, I realised my mistake,
No corrective action, could I now make!
Gone forever, fifteen hundred words,
A day’s inspiration, lost to the birds.
I merely shrugged my shoulders, reacted very well,
Not like earlier days, when in anger I would dwell.
For the Lord had prompted me on the previous night
To print out a copy. Thanks to him, all would be right.
But I’m afraid I was still most unenthusiastic,
More hours of typing, don’t seem so fantastic!
For on my mind was ‘Life’s a Lawnmower Mate!’
So I sailed into it, all twelve verses did I create.
This philosophical piece took right through ’til lunch,
Not when fasting though, you’re not allowed to munch!
So I had a short walk, now taking time to ponder,
About my mistake, my sanity beginning to wonder.
A little happier now, for the poem was fun to write,
Too bad I have to work, so far on into the night.
I got down to it, typing my lost copy in,
Wasted hours really, but that was no sin.
The typing finished, took a wee drive,
To see the area, view how people thrive.
At 7pm I started again by gently rebooting the computer,
But ‘The Sheep and the Goats’, it came not one word nearer!
What would I do? Was my day to be a waste?
Because of one decision, that too made in haste.
But the Lord, he had another idea – you wait and see,
‘The Sheep and the Goats’, came flooding into me.
For hours I tapped furiously on the keys,
Fingers hard at work, like ten busy bees.
Five hours later, here it is - it’s finished!
My earlier despondency, quickly vanished!
Now it all goes to show, I guess,
The Lord can get us out of a mess.
On those days when everything goes wrong,
We can rely in Jesus, if to him we belong.
More of David's poetry here.....
A DAVID MUSING
Holiday weekend here today.Relaxing!
Until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: MONICA
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: a. BIBLE (James 4:14)
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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