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: 167 Published: 03 Jan 2005
A SURVIVORS EXPERIENCE
We received this letter from our friend Colleen, a missionary in Cambodia, after returning from holidaying in Malasia.29th December
Colleen calling
Just a quick little update to let you know I am OK and am now back in Phnom Penh after a very memorable 10 days holiday in Penang Malaysia.
Boxing Day, as usual I was up before the others, had had my morning cuppa and was sitting on my bed reading when I felt strange feeling not once but twice, I said to Alta a bit later did you feel anything it felt like an earthquake, she said no so I was thinking what is up with my head!! Later in the morning the three of us headed off to the beach and I tell you it was just a perfect Boxing Day scenario, sitting there in the shade of some beautiful big trees watching paragliding I felt some movement again and thought I really will go and have a check up when I get home.
Eventually we wandered off to a local beach front eating place that we had been recommended, we had just finished and everyone started commenting on white surf line out to sea. No one around us (locals) had seen anything similar however the jet ski and other water sports operators were bringing people in and pulling things well up onto the beach. In rolled the first wave and I thought well that wasn't much but was quickly followed by a second one then the much, much larger and very forceful third one and I tell you that got us moving, there was a pillar just by me so I hung on to that. It happened so fast, when I looked around what table and chairs that were left were piled up together, I never knew I could mover so fast.
It was a couple of hours before we got back to the car and headed back to the apartment. That was a bit of a scary drive with all sirens and rescue vehicles screaming past both ways on the narrow winding road. There were many casualties and deaths at the beach just over from where we were, it so easily could have been us. It was very sobering as we say some of the injured and dead people being carried to waiting vehicles. The apartment we were staying was well off the beach up hill a bit but saw the sea do another turn around and boats got moved around and smashed around like matchsticks. Was watching TV broadcast tonight and heard that the beaches around where we were, were the ones with most deaths and casualties in Malaysia.
Like the rest of the world it was horrifying seeing the true extent of the loss of life and damage to families and communities. Having something like this happens especially on such a huge scale reminds one again of the fragility of life and the need to keep short accounts and be ready for when we are called to the next.
Obviously was not my time for promotion so I will have to get back to work tomorrow.
Sent with lots of love
Colleen
May we not need to individually experience such a tragedy to truly appreciate the fragility of life.
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FROM THE WORD
LIVING FOR GODTherefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:1-11)
CAUSING TO SIN
" “And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where â€â€˜their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’ Everyone will be salted with fire. “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.†(Mark 9:42-50)
Read and research the Bible one at...
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
SERVANTHOOOD561. It is better to be ‘led’ by God than ’bled’ by life.
562. In God, to obey is the better way.
563. Our Christian walk in a ‘t’ – from rust to trust!
564. To serve is to…
… love the unlovely
… help the helpless
… befriend the lonely
… rebuild the brokenhearted
… soothe the sick
… bless the poor
… raise up the downtrodden
… seek the lost
… comfort the dying
565. True servants add their own desires to the end of the queue.
566. Pride demolishes, while servanthood builds.
567. Leaders of character understand the twin character difference between serve and slave.
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FROM YOU - TO ME - TO YOU
Dear David,I run a ministry among the homeless and street folk in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. I am regularly confronted by people angry that Christians and God hate homosexuals. So far, with God's direction, I have been able to soothe what could very well be a nasty situation, by explaining that I don't hate homosexuals, nor does God. I explain that each of us is loved by God, we are His creation after all. However, sexual immorality is against God's direction, and sexual immorality is any sexual act outside of marriage, which God has decreed as an eternal union between one man and one woman. Once they realise that even heterosexuals who engage in sexual activity outside of marriage are breaking God's law, they are much more open to receiving the Good News of the Gospel and God's grace.
As the number of heterosexuals engaged in sexual activity outside of marriage is perhaps as large as those who are engaged in homosexual activity, perhaps the focus should not merely be on those in same sex relationships but shifted to sexual immorality of all types. To portray one particular group as committing mortal sin, while apparently condoning the actions of others who are equally guilty is corrupting the true message of the Bible I believe.
I hope the New Year brings many blessings to yourselves and all your readers.
God bless.
Margaret Richardson
Hi Margaret
Excellent contribution!
In numbers, heterosexual relationships outside marriage would be far greater.
All the best for the New Year.
Cheers
David
Thanks David, I just am so tired of seeing and hearing heterosexuals who I know are in relationships outside of marriage, even some in leadership positions in Churches (sadly) moralising on homosexuality. Sort of the pot calling the kettle black. No wonder there is such animosity against Christians as a group.
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Hello from Spokane, WA,
I'm sure you've had many other messages, but aren't we 1/20 the way to the
next century and less than 1% the way to the next millennium?
Just wondering??
Glen
Hi Glen
1 Jan 2000 to 31 December 2004 is 5 years. Seems like two!
If the millennium had been celebrated at 1 Jan 2001, when it should have been, you would be right!
Cheers
David
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David,
You wrote: My earnest wish is that we may each get what we deserve!
If I get what I deserve, I'm in a world of hurt! I pray for God's mercy. I
am so thankful that He is so generous with His grace.
Blessings,
Dal
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Dear David,
In "Who Will Lead This Year?" you wrote:
"At times, particularly after the Reformation, Christian principles
powerfully influenced society. Those responsible for the industrial
reforms in Britain and the abolition of slavery in the US were motivated
by Godly principles."
While I'd prefer to avoid discussing the Christian sectarian violence
that marked the Reformation - between Protestants, by Protestants
against Catholics, and by Catholics against Protestants, all in the name
of Godly principles - I think we need to be cautious about identifying
any civil movements as Godly.
If the Name of God was invoked on the side of industrial reform in
England (and the U.S.), Biblical texts (largely from Deuteronomy) were
also quoted to show that no reform was needed: Obviously those who were
successful, it was claimed, were those favored by God! In the United
States some of the Abolitionists (not all) described their stand as
religious. But on the other side, preachers and laymen alike cited the
cursing of the descendants of Ham (Genesis 9:20-27) to uphold the
enslavement of Africans. Paul's statements on slavery (e.g., 1
Corinthians 7:20f) were used from the pulpit as well as in the
legislative halls to confirm the slaves in their condition against those
who wanted to free them.
"Godly" principles of government, in my experience, have more to do with
contending groups' conflicting interpretations of God's will - often
using "sound bites" out of the Bible - than with God's will itself.
They tend to be remarkably politically partisan in a way that I can't
imagine God being. Each, like the Devil himself in the old saying,
"quoteth scripture to his own use" - and ignores scriptures that don't
suit his purpose. Personally, I'll stand with Psalm 146:3 -
Put not your trust in princes,
[nor] in the son of man, in whom [there is] no help.
Read the full psalm. It speaks volumes to me about what principles are
in fact Godly: executing justice for the oppressed, providing food for
the hungry, liberating the prisoners, upholding the widow, the orphan,
and the stranger in the land. Those were the principles that Jesus
preached about over and over, and that no human government nor
widespread social movement in all of history has ever done more than
make clumsy, half-hearted efforts to apply.
Grace and peace - Phil Anthony.
--
Phil Anthony, Coordinator, Salem Quarterly Meeting
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the
Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
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Dearest Bro. Tait,
We must allow the Holy Spirit to fit us to what the Bible teaches.
People who try to secularise The Word of God are trying to make the Bible fit their political correct ideas, which is absurd.
The Bible is a one size fits all book either people are compliant with it or they are not. The Bible's teachings will work in any culture, any race, any continent, any place that The Bible's teachings are obedied then eternal results are gained. The Bible is as culturally relevant and timely as it always is.
Maranatha,
Bro.Scott Hutchinson
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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!
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. RoyTUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: THE TWO MARATHONERS (An Allegory): Part 1 of 3Now for something completely different!
When the Lord first requested me to start in ministry, this story was the first thing given to me. 'Gobsmacked' me at the time! Please enjoy - and I trust you will find it helpful too - and less painful than running the real thing!
Mailed to subscriber's mailboxes tomorrow. If you are not on the mailing list you can register at tteach-on@wwj.org.nz
Previous teachings on this subject, the First Miracle of Jesus, the Book of Ruth, God's Character and Servanthood and Leadership, can be viewed at...
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LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
331. SPARSE CHURCH ATTENDANCE
The preacher was growing concerned about sparse attendance, so he published this item in the church bulletin:
This . . . is . . . the . . . way . . . the . . . church . . . sometimes . . . looks . . . to . . . the . . . preacher . . . when . . . he . . . goes . . . into . . . the . . . pulpit.
Itwouldlooklikethisifeverybodybroughtsomebodyelsetochurch.
330. SLEEPING IN CHURCH
Perturbed that a man had fallen asleep during his sermon, the pastor called on an usher to wake the man. The usher retorted, "Why should I do that, Pastor? You should wake him up yourself, after all, you put him to sleep."
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can now download the book 'Laughing At Ourselves' in PDF format at LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
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FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: Who discovered the speed of light?ANSWER: We look to French physicist Armand Fizeau as being the first to approximate the speed of light. In 1849, he obtained a value for the speed of light only about five percent too high. Thirteen years later, Jean Foucault obtained the first accurate measurement (within just one percent of the correct speed) in 1862.
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Do people really shrink as they grow older?
Answer Next Week.
729. TAKING PERCAUTIONS
Duelling is legal in Paraguay - as long as both parties are registered blood donors. (Increases numbers of donors – temporarily!)
730. SAY IT - OFTEN!
The strongest muscle in the body is the tongue. (For it gets the most exercise!)
731. A HIGH PRESSURE PUMP
The human heart creates enough pressure when it pumps out to the body to squirt blood 30 feet. (But how far when you fall in love?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
SMOKIER
Answer at the end of A David Musing
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BE INSPIRED WITH A MESSAGE FROM INSPIRATIONAL TAPES
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DO YOU FEAR GOD?
By: Derek Prince
He may now be dead. but his words of wisdom live on. One of the world's leading Bible teachers of the past 50 years.
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DO YOU KNOW?
Q. Which area of Palestine was especially wealthy?Answer at the end of A DAVID MUSING.
Heaps more fun and serious God Facts are found at...
SOME FAMOUS PEOPLE'S VIEWS ON THE BIBLESOM
George Washington."It's impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible."
John Jefferson.
"A studious perusal of the Sacred Volume will make better citizens, better fathers, and better husbands."
John Quincy Adams.
"The Bible is the first and almost the only book deserving of universal attention."
Andrew Jackson.
"The Bible is the rock on which our Republic rests."
Woodrow Wilson.
"A man has deprived himself of the best there is in the world who has deprived of this." (a knowledge of the Bible).
Herbert Hoover.
"There is no other book so various as the Bible, nor one so full of concentrated wisdom."
Ulysses S. Grant.
"To the influence of this Book we are indebted for the progress made in civilisation, and to this we must look as our guide in the future."
John Bacon.
"What can I do with respect to the next world without my Bible?"
Napoleon Bonaparte.
"The Bible is more than a Book; it is a living being with an action; a power which invades everything that opposes its extension."
Check out the 'God Facts' page on our website at...
ACADEMIC PHRASES AND MEANINGS
The following list of phrases and their definitions might help you understand the mysterious language of science and medicine. These special phrases are also applicable to anyone working on a Ph.D. dissertation or academic paper anywhere!"It has long been known"... I didn't look up the original reference.
"A definite trend is evident"... These data are practically meaningless.
"While it has not been possible to provide definite answers to the questions"... An unsuccessful experiment, but I still hope to get it published.
"Three of the samples were chosen for detailed study"... The other results didn't make any sense.
"Typical results are shown"... This is the prettiest graph.
"These results will be in a subsequent report"... I might get around to this sometime, if pushed/funded.
"In my experience"... once
"In case after case"... twice
"In a series of cases"... thrice
"It is believed that"... I think.
"It is generally believed that"... A couple of others think so, too.
"Correct within an order of magnitude"... Wrong.
"According to statistical analysis"... Rumor has it.
"A statistically oriented projection of the significance of these findings"... A wild guess.
"A careful analysis of obtainable data"... Three pages of notes were obliterated when I knocked over a glass of pop.
"It is clear that much additional work will be required before a complete understanding of this phenomenon occurs"... I don't understand it.
"After additional study by my colleagues"... They don't understand it either.
"Thanks are due to Joe Blotz for assistance with the experiment and to Cindy Adams for valuable discussions"... Mr. Blotz did the work and Ms. Adams explained to me what it meant.
"A highly significant area for exploratory study"... A totally useless topic selected by my committee.
"It is hoped that this study will stimulate further investigation in this field"... I quit.
You can probably use some of these or variations!
Check out many more 'Extensive Explanations' at...
BIBLE BITS
The garment given by Jacob to Joseph in Genesis 37:3, generally known as the 'coat of many colours', is the same expression that is used for King David's daughter Tamar's garment. the Greek and Latin however translates it as 'a sleeved tunic'. (2 Samuel 13:18) So many scholars believe that it was a long undergarment with sleeves, rather than a coat. The working class usually wore a short tunic, while the aristocracy was set apart by a long tunic with sleeves.Lots more Godfacts are found at...
A LAUGH FOR THE NEW YEAR
JUST GIVE UP!George set out on a very windy night to see his friend Sam, who was sick in bed. Hours later, George dragged his weary body into Sam's house, and collapsed on the couch, exhausted. "I'll tell you," George said, when he had caught his breath, "it was just brutal. For every step I took forward, I fell back two."
"So how did you ever make it over here?" Sam asked.
"Well," George replied, "after a while I decided to give up, so I turned around and headed for home."
EMERGENCY PROCEDURE
My uncle Joe and his best buddy, Bubba, went hunting a couple of weeks ago. Somehow they got lost. Uncle Joe reassured his buddy, though.
"Don't worry. All we have to do is shoot into the air three times, stay where we are, and someone will find us."
They shot in the air three times, but no one came.
After a while, they tried it again.
Still no response.
When they decided to try once more, Bubba said,
"It better work this time. We're down to our last three arrows."
Hundreds more jokes, just to make us smile at...
A DAVID MUSING
The New Year - a time of renewed hope, yet this year yet this year overwhelmed by sadness as a result of tsunami in the Indian Ocean.At the time the Sri Lankan Cricket team was in New Zealand and about to play a match in our city, which my sons and I were looking forward to attending. Quite rightly though, the interests of the country were put before our entertainment and the team have now returned to Sri Lanka to be with family and offer what help they are able.
We would encourage to support the relief efforts in any way you can.
So until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: IRKSOME
Today's 'Do You Know?' A. The area around the Jordan. The banks were always overflowing.
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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) 6 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!
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david@wwj.org.nz