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: 14 Published: 28 Jan 2002
THE 'FLIP' SIDE OF THE COIN
Once upon a time, as all good fairy tales start, there was a small continent off the coast of New Zealand, called Australia. This vast and mainly arid land, a land settled by convicts, deported, banished forever from the mighty motherland of England.They worked hard in their new land, encouraging the occasional blade of grass to grow in the barren landscape. So at the end of a long hot day they had to think of some entertainment, before embarking on another day's toil. They came up with two ideas.
The first was the game of 'two-up'. This game of 'chance', in keeping with their convict heritage, provides the opportunity to take money off one another. You simply (a necessary requirement) toss two coins and call. If both coins fall the way you called, you get to keep them. The opposite way, you lose. One each way, you toss again. Of course the easiest way to beat the system is to use a double headed penny, the production of which in folklore, has become regarded as an art form, rather than a sin.
For their second entertainment, they sought out the ultimate way in which they could get revenge upon the English society that had banished them to this far away land. This was simple. They would beat the English at their most prized invention - the glorious game of cricket. So successful have they been in this goal, that they have generally thoroughly beaten them ever since.
But one day God looked down upon this now apparently happy land, and thought to himself, "These Aussies have become a very proud race, with all their cricketing success. They really need to learn some humility, if they wish to enter my heaven. How can I best do it? I know! I will send the one team over to Australia that they beat even more often than England, to teach them a lesson." And so he sent New Zealand.
New Zealand defeated them once. But they were not humbled. So He arranged for South Africa to defeat them too. But still they weren't humbled. So He arranged for New Zealand to defeat them again!
But then, in His great mercy, God took pity on them, allowing them to defeat South Africa. But not yet New Zealand! For New Zealand, while savouring the rare moment of success, had not yet lost its humility. But maybe it too, in view of its amazing achievements, is in danger of doing so. We will see over the next weeks, as the tri series between the three counties continues, whether our tale will have a true fairy tale ending or not!
There is, as with all good fairy tales, a moral in here somewhere! It's not only Aussie bashing! Incidentally, we have an Australian friend staying with us at the moment. Beryl has lived in New Zealand for 35 years now, so she is almost one of us! Beryl and her 'kiwi' husband Roger are going to spend a year in Britain on a working holiday. So although we may spar with the 'Brits and the Aussies', we do really love 'em, as we do all of you, wherever you may be.
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FROM THE WORD
" "Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?" "Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away." (Matthew 22:17-22)"Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:5-7)
DAVID'S DOODLINGS
*** It's hard to be humble when you always win. So God doesn't let that happen!*** Learning humility in defeat trains us to remain humble in success.
*** Boasting is of the human heart, but humility is God's heart for us.
There are more than 30 recent David sayings (Nos. 178-212) on the web at...
TWO TRUE STORIES
Firstly...One of our readers who works amongst the homeless in New York, commenting that stories of increased homeless since September 11 have been exaggerated tells this beautiful story of his son.
"A personal note. My son made me laugh yesterday. He is 7 and the kind
of Pastor's kid who gets all the answers right in Sunday School. He
asked me if I could advocate to get all the Christians in the world to
stop praising God for one minute. The reason being that he thought it
would be great to see the "rocks cry out." Its nice to know he takes the
Bible literally. God bless!
Rick"
Then...
When I was out running this morning (instead of completing this!) I saw that another runner had stopped in her tracks. When I got closer I realised she had stopped to answer her cellphone! Modern Society!
For more true life stories to make you think and chuckle see...
TAPE OF THE WEEK
In association with Inspirational Tapes Ministriesinspirational.org.nz
we are pleased to offer you this inspirational tape - absolutely free of charge!
BLESSINGS AND CURSES
By Dr Derek Prince
A very well balanced presentation of this important, yet controversial subject. The reality is that spiritual forces may be operating in our lives, bringing peace and joy or defeat and frustration. Derek, a rare Doctor of Philosophy in philosophy, is a truly international Christian leader. Born in India in 1915, a Fellow of Kings College, Cambridge, England, he lives in the USA and Israel. Undoubtedly New Zealand's favourite Bible teacher over many years, Derek is well known and respected around the world.
Order your free tape today at...
IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
!!!!! A careful study of economics usually reveals that the best time to buy anything is last year.!!!!! A perfectionist is one who takes great pains, and gives them to everyone else.
!!!!! A picture may be worth a thousand words but it uses up a thousand times more memory.
!!!!! A pessimist complains about the noise made when opportunity knocks.
!!!!! Truth does not need a defender - only an investigator.
!!!!! It used to be only death and taxes were inevitable. Now, of course, there's shipping and handling, too.
Forty new fun and thoughtful thoughts this week on ...
A RELECTIVE SITE TO VISIT
LESSONS IN LIVINGA uniquely presented , contemplative website which is well worth a look. Whether you are feeling down, need encouragement or simply would like to spend some time in contemplation with the Lord, this is a most peaceful site to visit.
FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEK'S QUESTION: Which Shakespearean play is the only one that has a dog in its cast? The Taming of the Shrew, A Mid Summernight's Dream, Othello, Two Gentlemen of Verona or MacBeth?Answer: The dog's name is Crab, appearing in "The Two Gentlemen of Verona".
THIS WEEKS QUESTION: What invention has resulted in less sleep times for humans?
Answer next week.
DID YOU KNOW?
?!? LONGEVITY:
If heart disease, cancer and diabetes were eliminated, life expectance for both men and women would increase to 99.2 years. (Of course, if death were eliminated…… )
?!? ON THE STRAIGHT AND WIDE
The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies. (Unfortunately no-one realised that the interstate is also a ‘moving parking lot.’ Where would the cars park to let the planes land?)
?!? WHO TAKES THE CREDIT FOR THIS?
There are two credit cards for every person in the United States. (Why are credit cards always in debit?)
Another WORD PUZZLE for you.
DRESSED
bit
Answer at the end of ‘A David Musing’
Many more Fun Facts at...
LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
***Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused.***TRUE REDEMPTION
While handing a 25 cent-off coupon to the supermarket clerk at the checkout counter, a woman inadvertently missed her hand, and the coupon slipped beneath the
scale and was gone.
The checker looked distressed, so I the woman said, "That's Okay, it's in coupon heaven now."
"Coupon heaven?", the checker said.
"Yes", the woman said, "That's where coupons go when they die."
"Only the redeemed ones!", said the checker.
Fifteen more new gems of Christian humour this week at ...
IF YOU HAVE THE TIME TAKE A LOOK AT ...
LIFE WITH THE WIFE!This poem is the abridged, 'authorised version'! The full version would take nearly 32 years to read!
Take a look at ...
A DAVID MUSING
We are all products of the society we are brought up in. I am a westerner and have been brought up in the increasingly secular and humanist society of New Zealand. Sadly, one of the most ungodly features of this form of upbringing, no matter how much we might try and overcome it, is an almost total reliance upon the human medical system for our health requirements. The harsh reality is that most of us find it hard to believe in miracles of healing - as they apply to ourselves, at least. Those who are reading this in Africa, (I am really looking forward to visiting some of you soon) Latin America and Asia have different ways of thinking that more readily allow for the present day reality of God's miracles of healing.For most of the past year, I have been visiting a friend with severe epilepsy in hospital. The first miracle is that 'the system' would keep him in hospital that long, in our budget conscious age! Gavin has had 8 types of epilepsy, and all the drug treatment programmes that had been tried had failed to neutralise the condition's affects.
His case was hopeless - until last Tuesday morning in the shower, that is! For when his carer took him into the shower, the Holy Spirit descended upon them both and Gavin received his miracle. From 40 seizures a day to now nearly a week of being seizure free. From being nearly ready to die (although as an evangelist he is a very resilient character) to a new life. From a mattress on the floor to stop him getting hurt when falling out of bed, back into a bed. From drinking from a baby cup to prevent spillage and scalding, to drinking from a normal cup. From seizures making him run away in a trance like state, to walking and jumping for joy in his healing.
A healing that the even the medical staff (non-Christians included) are acknowledging as a miracle, for there is just no other explanation. What a witness to them! What a witness to me! The age of miracles is not dead, irrespective of what our brain might try to tell us!
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's Word Puzzle Answer: A bit under dressed.
LINKS
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ABOUT US
WALKING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES is a non-profit, non-denominational, Bible based ministry located in Mount Maunganui, 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
P O Box 5160
Mount Maunganui
New Zealand
Phone: (07) 575-7164 International (0064) 7575-7164
Fax: (07) 575-7124 International (0064) 7575-7124
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 http://