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
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Issue No: 1069 Published: 11 Apr 2022
TRANSITION FROM ‘THE CHURCH’ TO ‘THE KINGOM’
FROM “PAID” TO “CALLED” Part 2
Examples of 'love sacrifice' in the New Testament include Paul who wrote from prison.....
17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. (Philippians 2:17)
.....while Stephen was a literal sacrifice....
The Stoning of Stephen
54 When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:54-60)
And the apostles suffered too.....
39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” 40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name (Acts 5:39-41)
In the future, as the world continues to ramp up its opposition to the Gospel, these experiences will become more and more frequent, both in the spiritual and the literal!
For me, so far, the cost has been primarily financial. When I was called into full time ministry, I used the money we had acquired from the sale of our mail order business, to undertake a property development. The idea was to build and rent out house to support ourselves, so that we didn't have to rely on others. An excellent idea - in the human! Prices went down, costs went up and we lost it all!
"Now you will be reliant upon me!" said the Lord. A lesson not forgotten and still lived by.
I appreciate this is a hard word for many to accept, but kingdom ministry is based on trust in God to provide, not a wage. On faith, not security, on being called, not simply applying for a job.
It costs everything but the rewards are eternal.
Are we prepared to pay the price?
'The first requirement for specific ministry (of course, we are all to be ministers - literally, servants!), is a definite call from God through the Holy Spirit.'
The second requirement is to be prepared to do what God calls you to, irrespective of the cost.
Now, thirdly, true, God called ministry, comes without a salary attached! Surely not, David! We have to live! And doesn't the Bible say.....
17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” (1 Timothy 5:17-18)
Yes, it does. But the real question is, "Where is this money for living expenses to come from?" Which comes first? Is it the salary or the calling? For a guaranteed salary transforms a calling into a job, no matter what gloss is put on it. We now we have a church run by professionals, many of whom do an excellent job, but who (and particularly their spouses) are reliant upon man's organisation and goodwill, rather than trusting in God to supply. This is a hard word, I know.
Jesus modelled this when He sent out the 12 and the 72…..
5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; 10 take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep. (Matthew 10:5-10)
I literally experienced this when the Lord sent me on my last trip to Africa. He provided the airfares but no spending money. We had no money other than $100 in our bank account. I drew out $30, leaving the rest for Kathy to live on until she was paid again. I spent the $30 in 5 days in South Africa, before any money started to come in. I finally left Africa 2 months later, having been provided for by the people whom the Lord ministered to through me. This was both testing for me who was used to giving and for the Africans, who are used to receiving from the West.
When Paul wrote the words contained in 1 Timothy, he did not mean to receive a salary, but to be supported by the people being ministered to on a voluntary basis. He preached the gospel free of charge.....
7 Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? (2 Corinthians 11:7)
He received gifts from people....
8 I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. 9 And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. ((2 Corinthians 11:8-9)
..... and carried on with his trade of making tents.
After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3 and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. (Acts 18:1-3)
A number of years ago, I was involved with a Pentecostal denomination, whose initial leaders had joyously shared the revelation of the Lord in house meetings and halls to all who would listen. The church grew rapidly, for the call and blessing of the Lord was upon them. As the group grew, other leaders came in who determined a central organisation was required. A Bible school was set up. Churches built. Ministers offered a salary. Then qualifications became compulsory. Today numerical growth has stalled and spiritually, the denomination has declined dramatically. I was able to speak to some of the original leaders, all of whom desired to go back to the old days of life and vibrancy, even though it was accompanied by financial insecurity. For the initial Holy Spirit led calling had now become a job.
This is a radical word, but its implementation is a key to kingdom growth. For the Western church and its leadership has got too comfortable in its ways. Are we prepared to pay the price?
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FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUS
May we hear what the Lord is saying to us.....
Jesus Teaches Against Greed (Luke 12:13-21)
And to the crowd, including a man who asked about sharing an inheritance.
“My friend,” “Who appointed me as your judge to decide how your inheritance should be divided?” “Watch out, and beware of all greedy thoughts and actions, for a person’s life isn’t summed up by how many possessions they have.”
Using the example of the Parable of the Rich Fool.
“Once there was a rich man who owned land that was very productive. The man said to himself, ‘What shall I do? I’ve nowhere to store my crops?’ ‘I know what I’ll do,” he decided. “I’ll pull down my barns and build bigger ones, and then I’ll be able to store all my crops and everything I own. Then I’ll tell myself, ‘You have enough to live on for many years, so take life easy: eat, drink, and enjoy yourself!’ But God said to him, ‘You foolish man! Your life will be demanded back this very night, and then who will get everything you’ve stored up?’ This is what happens to people who hoard up wealth for themselves but are not rich as far as God is concerned.”
We are Not to Worry (Luke 12:22-34)
Speakng to the disciples.
“That’s why I tell you don’t worry about life, about what to eat, or about what clothes you sking to the disciples.hould wear. Life is about more than food, and the body is about more than wearing clothes. Look at the ravens. They don’t sow or reap, they don’t have any storerooms or barns, but God feeds them. And you’re far more valuable than birds! Can you add an hour to your life by worrying about it? If you can’t do anything about such small things, why worry about the rest? Think of the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work, and they don’t spin thread for clothes, but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory was as beautifully dressed as one of them.
“So if God clothes the fields with such beautiful flowers, which are here today but gone tomorrow when they are burned in a fire to heat an oven, how much more will God clothe you, you who have so little trust!
Don’t be concerned about what you’re going to eat or drink—don’t worry about it. These are all the things that people in the world worry about, but your Father knows you need them. Search for God’s kingdom, and you’ll be given these things as well. Don’t be afraid, little flock, for your Father is happy to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have, and give the money to the poor. Get yourselves purses that don’t wear out: treasure in heaven that will never run out, where no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. For your heart will be wherever your treasure is.
Be watchful (Luke 12:35-40)
“Be dressed and ready, and keep your lamps lit, 36like servants waiting for their master when he returns from his wedding feast, prepared to open the door quickly for him when he comes and knocks. How good it will be for those servants that the master finds watching when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will get dressed, have them sit down for a meal, and will come and serve them himself!
“Even if he comes at midnight, or just before dawn—how good for them if he finds them watching and ready! But remember this: if the master knew when a thief was coming, he would keep watch, and not allow his house be broken into. You must also be ready, for the Son of man is coming when you don’t expect him.”
Download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.
OUR AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
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So sorry there are no stories and pictures this week. It has been qnother difficult one for us.
Please pray the Hospital and for Kathy and myself so that the many challenges may be overcome.
Thank you.
BOOK OF THE WEEK
AND THE GREATEST OF THESE IS – LOVE
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 love?
Let us begin…..
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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.
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
895. In religion, roles are nouns, in revelation, adjectives.
896. In religion, roles are expressed by Title, in revelation, identified through action.
897. Revelation changes hearts, religion tickles the mind.
898. An ounce of revelation is more precious than a tonne of religion.
899. Revelation meeting religion, ignites revolution!
900. Religion is built upon structure; revelation, servanthood.
901. Give me an ounce of revelation rather than a tonne of religion, any day.
902. Religion breeds division, revelation, unity of Spirit.
903. Religion claims to be truth, revelation is truth revealed.
904. Religion panders to people, revelation reveals God's truth.
905. Religious love is a theory, revelatory love an experience.
906. As soon as man starts interpreting revelation, you get religion.
907. Revelation expands, religion contracts.
908. Revelation builds, religion demolishes.
CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
TUESDAY:
That simply won't work. Have tried several times now. So sadly, will have tp skip it and go onto something else. It fially willbe The First Miracle of Jesus and The Lord"s Supper.
So sorry for the technical problems we have had.
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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. ***
QWIK QWIP: “You have the capacity to learn from your mistakes. You will learn a lot today.”
179. You Can't Win
The local post office received a letter addressed "To God." Not knowing where to deliver it, they forwarded it to one of the nearby churches.
The pastor read it at the next charity committee meeting. "Dear God," began the writer. "I hate to bother you, but my family is having it tough right now. The rent is two month's due, my wife is expecting, and my car is broke down. Plus I just lost my job as a nightwatchman due to sleeping on the job. Please send us $1,000 and I won't bother you again."
The pastor read the name and one of the committee members recognized it. "He lives right down the street from the church," she said. "This might be a good way to witness to him and show him we care."
The others agreed but the church fund was only to help members. Finally, after much discussion, they decided to pool their resources and give from their own pockets. They came up with $500, then wrote out a check from the church and sent it to him.
Months passed with no word of thanks or even acknowledgement. Some time later they received another letter forwarded to them addressed to God. It was from the same fellow. "Dear God," it read. "I hate to bother you again, but I lost my new job at the shoe store, my car was wrecked, and my wife is in the hospital again. Please send me $1,000 to get these creditors off our backs. Thanks again. P.S. Please send it to me directly this time. Last time you sent it through the church next door and those dirty crooks kept half of it."
QWIK QWIP: “As you grow older, you'll find that most of the things you regret are the things you didn't do.”
180. Church Marquee Signs
"The best vitamin for a Christian is B1"
"Under same management for over 2000 years"
"Soul food served here"
"Tithe if you love Jesus! Anyone can honk!"
"The wages of sin is death. Repent before payday"
"Never give the devil a ride. He will always want to drive"
"Beat the Christmas rush, come to church this Sunday!"
"Don't wait for the hearse to take you to church"
181. The Final Word
The sermon went on and on. Finally the minister paused and asked, “What more can I say, my friends, what more can I say?”
From the back of the congregation came a voice that elicited a ripple of snickers. “Amen.” it suggested.
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
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A DAVID MUSING
It is easy to praise God in the good times, but much harder when times are tough for us!
But the Bible tells us to praise Him at all times, for He never changes.
I need to hear that today. How about you?
Until next time.
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
P O Box 2
Webuye 50205
Kenya
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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