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: 153 Published: 27 Sep 2004
THE REAL YOU
Is the impression you give to others the real you? Is there someone different inside wanting to get out, but too afraid to?It's hard to be real! Particularly, in my case, in front of the TV cameras. I like being real! But it takes a good while to relax in front of those little machines on legs that magnify every wrinkle - and there are plenty of those - showing you as you really are, not what you like to think you may be from the inside looking out!
As a visionary risk taker (so the personality tests say!), I have been subjected to heaps of criticism over the years for the things that I do. In spite of my supposed 'thick skin' - my wife's observation - criticism does hurt, and so easily inhibits us from reaching our full potential. Know the feeling?
Inside of me, there has always been this comedian wanting to "Come out" - but I have been too afraid to let him loose! What might people say? Get enough criticism now! Just be quiet, David. It's the easiest way!
But the time comes when you have to take a risk - or you will die unfulfilled and wonder what might have been.
The final segment of our pilot TV programme required me to become 'Professor Tommy Trifle'. "Trifle by name, trifling by nature! HA! HA! HA!" And I enjoyed it! It was easier than being natural! A bit scary really! Maybe he is the natural me! And I am writing this before seeing the results! The editors though, are wonderful at making the best of things that aren't so good! Phew! But then, on the original filming day, our Producer decides to 'produce' a baby instead of a TV programme! A pretty good excuse! Congratulations Elaine and Ray!
But the real point is that I have stepped outside of my self-imposed limitations. And, irrespective of how it turns out, it feels great!
God has done so much over the years to bring me into new freedoms. In worship, in creativity and expression. He encourages me. He releases me. And today, He can do the same for you.
So this week, please step out and do something you have always wanted to do, but have been afraid of. For God wants to make you into a complete, whole, fulfilled person, reflecting his glory. Walk right through that illusory wall of limitations that the devil has built round your life! In the Lord's strength, you too, can do it!
Now, what about that parachute jump.......
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FROM THE WORD
'For I know the plans I have for you,†declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,†declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity." (Jeremiah 29:11-14a)"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:37)
THE CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL
"Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.â€" (John 8:42-47)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
130. The path of a successful life is built with many paving stones of failure131. The Jesus in us, makes us invincible in Jesus!
132. Life brings strife. Overcoming strife brings back life.
169. Challenge and opportunities are bedfellows. For the one is inevitably born out of the other.
209. On God's 'Order of Merit' a Z+ far exceeds an A- as effort outranks ability every time.
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A MESSAGE FROM ROY
Although this PGIM! e-letter is sent free, some readers have decided to support this Ministry one or more times a year by sponsoring a week's PGIM! @ USD $50.00. Can I ask you to consider sponsoring a specified week/s? You will get an acknowledgement on your particular week/s of sponsorship (unless you do not want it). If you are interested to help this very informative & helpful newsletter, please email me, Roy McGreevy, as it is God who authored this idea through me in the USA. roy@kscbtv.com. I look forward to hearing from you... thanks. RoyFROM YOU - TO ME - TO YOU
David.A comment to add re the Barna research on the US divorce rate amongst Christians and especially amongst Pentecostals.
As a Pastor from Australia wrote suggesting reasons "why" the Pente' rate might be higher, I would like to add some further reasons that I am sure DO contribute to the numbers. The reasons are particular to Pente's but also apply to other denominations.
Having been divorced myself and involved in two separate Church based groups that give help to those divorced, there have been an increasing number of divorces amongst Christians that have stemmed from an imbalance in the married couples beliefs, faiths etc. Many of those I have talked with have become divorced over one spouse having a strong or relatively strong Christian walk whilst the other having none or little. Not that that is grounds for divorce...it is not... but it often leads to the other spouse indulging in activities that are definitely grounds for divorce. Some of those (Christians) I talked with expressed sadness at their divorce and especially where their non Christian spouse virtually 'created' an atmosphere for a divorce by deliberately indulging in extra marital relations.
In other words some of the divorce numbers amongst Christians stem from reasons that are not even a factor in the non-Christian divorce rates.
Roy (USA)
Dear David,
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is so wonderful when I start my week with the words , God has inspired you to write. I open it on my office address and the 2 men in my office always ask what you have new to offer. I love being able to go back to message throughout the week. May God richly bless you and let you know that you have spoken to this heart in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Norma McD
Your comments to me or fellow readers are always welcomed at... david@wwj.org.nz
This is an opportunity for you to express your views, which may not be my views. But none of us have a mortgage on all the truth - except for Jesus!
TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: THE FIRST MIRACLE OF JESUS: Part 1 of 4When Jesus changed the water into wine, it meant much more than helping the hosts out and proving he was someone special. Find out the remarkable revelations of the deep meanings of this miracle over the next 4 weeks. You will be amazed - and your faith increased.
Mailed to subscriber's mailboxes tomorrow. If you are not on the mailing list you can register at tteach-on@wwj.org.nz
The teaching on the Book of Ruth can be viewed at...
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LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
303. IT MIGHT BE A COUNTRY CHURCH IF...
1. The doors are never locked.
2. The Call to Worship is ,"Y'all come on in!"
3. People grumble about Noah letting coyotes on the Ark.
4. The Preacher says, "I'd like to ask Bubba to help take up the offering" - and five guys stand up.
5. The restroom is outside.
6. Opening day of deer hunting season is recognized as an official church holiday.
7. A member requests to be buried in his four-wheel drive truck because, "I ain't never been in a hole it couldn't get me out of".
8. In the annual stewardship drive there is at least one pledge of "two calves."
9. Never in its entire 100-year history has one of its pastors had to buy any meat or vegetables.
10. When it rains, everybody's smiling.
11. Prayers regarding the weather are a standard part of every worship service.
12. A singing group is known as "The O.K. Chorale."
13. The church directory doesn't have last names.
14. The pastor wears boots.
15. Four generations of one family sit together in worship every Sunday.
16. The only time people lock their cars in the parking lot is during the summer and then only so their neighbors can't leave them a bag of squash.
17. There is no such thing as a "secret'' sin.
18. Baptism is referred to as "branding.''
19. There is a special fund-raiser for a new septic tank.
20. Finding and returning lost sheep is not just a parable.
21. You miss worship one Sunday morning and by 2 o'clock that afternoon you have had a dozen phone calls inquiring about your health.
22. High notes on the organ set dogs in the parking lot to howling.
23. People wonder when Jesus fed the 5,000 whether the two fish were bass or catfish.
24. It's not heaven, but you can see heaven from there.
25. The final words, of the benediction are, "Y'all come on back now, ya hear!"
26. On Sunday morning the parking lot looks like the parking lot at the livestock auction.
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FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: How were microwave ovens invented?ANSWER: Microwave energy was in use a decade before the advent of a microwave oven, being used for radar defense, not for cooking. In 1946, however, Raytheon Co. engineer Percy Spencer was testing a magnetron tube (the tube that produces microwave energy) when he went to have a bite of his candy bar. The bar, in his pocket, had melted into a gooey mess - despite the fact that he'd felt no heat. Spencer began to experiment with other products (popcorn, eggs) and soon discovered that microwave energy could cook food!
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Can anything go faster than the speed of light?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS
771. ROYAL BEGINNINGS
The British Post Office grew out of the carrying of royal dispatches. As red was considered a royal colour, so uniforms and letterboxes were, and still are, coloured red – round most of the world. (Does ‘seeing red’ then, come from late mail deliveries?)
772. NOOSE UNDER TENSION
A ‘springe’ is a snare consisting of a noose attached to something under tension, such as a bent tree branch. (Spring the springe.)
773. STILL A GRAT INVESTMENT
In July 1934, Babe Ruth paid a fan $20 dollars for the return of the baseball he hit for his 700th career home run. (Today worth the value of the park then?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
EPODES
Answer at the end of A David Musing
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BE INSPIRED WITH A MESSAGE FROM INSPIRATIONAL TAPES
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This week's free download is...
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS - KEEP THE SABBATH, HONOUR YOUR PARENTS
By: David Pawson
A series on the 10 Commandments by one of the worlds most respected Bible teachers.
If you have any problems downloading, please let me know at david@wwj.org.nz
Download your free tape today at...
UNDERLYING SPIRITUAL MEANINGS OF BIBLICAL WORDS
ROCK---------JesusSAND---------People
STARS--------Holy Spirit, Christians
STONES------Christians
SUN----------God the Father
THUNDER-----Voice of God
WATER-------Cleansing, Purification
WIND---------Holy Spirit
Many more interesting spiritual match-ups at...
DO YOU KNOW?
Q. Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible?Answer at the end of A DAVID MUSING.
THE COUCH POTATO OLYMPICS
Top Events!1) Beating around the bush
2) Jumping to conclusions
3) Climbing the walls
4) Swallowing your pride
5) Passing the buck
6) Throwing your weight around
7) Dragging your heels
8) Pushing your luck
9) Making mountains out of molehills
10) Hitting the nail on the head
11) Wading through paperwork
12) Bending over backwards
13) Jumping on the bandwagon
14) Balancing the books
15) Running around in circles
16) Eating crow
17) Tooting your own horn
18) Climbing the ladder of success
19) Pulling out all the stops
20) Adding fuel to the fire
21) Opening a can of worms
22) Putting your foot in your mouth
23) Starting the ball rolling
24) Going over the edge
25) Picking up the pieces
Many more humorous 'extensive explanations' at...
INTERESTING WORDS AND PHRASES FROM THE BIBLE
WOE IS ME!Common in 19th Century literature, the comes from Isaiah 6:5, when Isaiah came face to face with God. An understated reaction?! It also appears in Jeremiah as an expression of sorrow or self pity, as it still is today.
Lot's more interesting God Facts at...
‘WALKING WITH JESUS’ COURSE
A 3-part course of understanding based on Revelation 12:11. An easily understood, practical series on living the Christian life today. Compiled in 1993-4, the 3 studies, each accompanied by 6 hours of audio downloads, have been used by over 10,000 New Zealanders plus many overseas, to gain an increased understanding of what ‘walking with Jesus’ is all about. Is useful for enquirers, new Christians and particularly, those seeking an extra dimension to their faith. Ideal for home groups and church teaching sessions too. A non-denominational course, it is supported by Christians from diverse backgrounds. The 3 parts cover1. The Way of Salvation Finding Jesus as your personal Saviour.
2. Life Through the Spirit: Christian living through the teaching
of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. Jesus is Lord: Living our lives for Jesus.
So if you desire a deeper relationship with your God, this can help point you in the right direction. You still have to make the effort though! Can’t do that for you!
You can download the course for free at...
A DAVID MUSING
The cost and ease of communications is rapidly improving. While writing this, I have been having a 'Messenger' conversation with my friend Asher Peri in India. Blame him for any mistakes! Not really!But it has set me musing again. In spite of the explosion in communications technology, are we getting any better at relationship building?
The answer for most of us will be - a big NO! As a society we are retreating into ourselves. We don't know our neighbours as we used to. We are even too busy to spend time with family and friends. Forgetting that the most valuable gift we can give someone is - our time.
Isn't it ironic that in this Communication Age that our human relationships are weakening? And I am the worst! Don't just talk about it - do something David!
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: DEPOSE
Today's 'Do You Know?' A: Pharaoh's daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.
REPRODUCTION OF NEWSLETTER CONTENT
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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
3 Hetley Crescent
Taradale
Napier 4001
New Zealand
Phone: (06) 8449-377 International (+64) 8449-377
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