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: 200 Published: 22 Aug 2005
WE ARE 200 TODAY!
Let's celebrate together as we publish this, the 200th issue of PGIM.It has been an interesting and challenging journey for us and I trust, a time of encouragement and challenge for you too, as together we seek to grow and to change, in order to become more like Jesus.
Your friends
David (and Kathy) Tait
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GOD'S FAVORITE WORSHIP!
On Saturday afternoon, instead of mowing the lawns (any excuse!), I simply sat, contemplating worship. What suits us? More importantly, what does one God prefer? Of course, in asking people such questions, you get as many answers as the number enquired of! Often more! Yes, it's an area of huge controversy within the church. The usual result is, in trying to satisfy most congregants, we end up with a compromise that satisfies few! And God gets left out of the picture!So I thought, "Let's get really radical David, do something completely different! Why not ask God himself." After all, it's Him we're worshipping!
I was surprised at the response I received!
Now then - for the answer! Is God's favorite worship fast or slow, happy-clappy or traditional, choruses or hymns, shouting or silence? Wait for it!....... Although He enjoys them all, it's none of these!
Pardon? How come? Must be one or another!
No. God showed me His favorite worship is not found in our singing at all but rather, in our actions! Not those of raising or waving arms, which I enjoy, but in godly behaviour towards Him - and others! Then, not just for an hour on Sundays, but 24/7! Our worship is not just to be an experience, but rather, a lifestyle. As we honour God through our actions, becoming Jesus to others, we are reflecting the heart of worship God truly desires. For true worship is not simply words of adoration, but a lifestyle of obedience and submission to the will of the Father. Wow! What a Word! What a revelation!
An understanding which is bound to surprise and disappoint most Christians, who simply are looking for an experience to titillate the senses. But one of great comfort to those who seek the Lord "with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Yes, the worship God most desires, is centred upon the 'Golden Rule', the perfect principle of the love of God and others.
God's favorite worship is found amongst those who "worship in spirit and in truth.†Not simply in 'spirit' for a few songs at the beginning of a meeting, but continually, in 'truth'. Truth means 'accurately shaped or adjusted' which, in a Christian context, is conforming to the image of Jesus.
Therefore we need to radically change our mindset about worship. From one of an time limited emotional experience to that of a permanent lifestyle of submission and obedience. This indeed, is the worship our God truly desires.
One of the most powerful worship times I've ever experienced was in a church on the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda. We met in a hall. The people were too poor to pay for electricity, so dimly the room with two kerosene lanterns. The backing music was provided by 2 bongo drums and a shaken chocolate box, half filled with sand. But soon, we were face down on the floor in the awesome presence of our Lord. A Moslem lady came to Jesus without any appeal for salvation. This is unheard of! Certainly sets one thinking about our accepted precepts doesn't it? Do we really need that new 'woofer' - or would a renewed heart be more effective?
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FROM THE WORD
THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT"One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?†“The most important one,†answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.†“Well said, teacher,†the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.†When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.†And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions." (Mark 12:28-34)
"“Sir,†the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.†Jesus declared, “Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.†The woman said, “I know that Messiah†(called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.†Then Jesus declared, “I who speak to you am he.â€" (John 4:19-26)
"Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,†he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.†Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’†Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him." (Matthew 4:8-11)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
LOVE(Photo is of a Jewish Bride)
514. Jesus loved us to death!
533. My goal as I grow less lovely on the outside is to become lovelier from the inside out.
534. We become whom, or what we love.
535. It is said that the longer 2 people are happily married, the more like each other they become. This is particularly so with Jesus and us.
536. Love is both the first requirement and the ultimate experience of our walk with Jesus.
537. Our freewill is the ultimate gift we can give to our God.
538. True love is motivated to give, rather than to get.
541. Love motivated kindness reflects Jesus to the world.
542. Love is to be found in actions rather than words.
543. Love talk is for the pillow. Love in action spreads the Kingdom.
820. When all else fails, try love.
837. Love lubricates the engine of life.
Please feel free to quote these quotes. Acknowledgement of David Tait as the author would be appreciated. There are now well over 1000 David sayings for you to view at ...
CRANWELL'S CARTOON
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone
through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly
to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest
who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have
one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was
without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace
with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace
to help us in our time of need.
Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed
to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts
and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with
those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself
is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer
sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the
people. 4 No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be
called by God, just as Aaron was. 5 So Christ also did not
take upon himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God
said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your
Father.†6 And he says in another place, “You are a priest
forever, in the order of Melchizedek.†7 During the days of
Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions
with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from
death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.
8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he
suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of
eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated
by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
(Hebrews 4:14-5:9)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
A REVELATION OF... REVELATION 12:11 WALKING WITH JESUSPart 5 of 7 THE WORD OF OUR TESTIMONY - 2
This week we are going to look at further aspects of the role of the Holy Spirit.
And finish off with some 'word plays' that are of significance when looking at His role in our life.
Check it out in your letterbox tomorrow. If you aren't on the mailing list, you can register now 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, the Parable of the Sower, The Two Marathoners, The 3 Rivers of God The Spring Feasts, The Power of 3 in God & the Church, A Layman's History of the Times of the Feasts and The Autumn Feats, can be viewed at...
*** ANOTHER DAILY EZINE FROM WWJ!*** 'LAUGHING AT OURSELVES' Subscribe Today
As Christians, if we can't laugh at ourselves, others will! A fun way to start your day.To register today, simply click here lao-on@wwj.org.nz and press send. Then it's done!
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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." ***
407. HAROLD
A dad was listening to little Carol say her prayers.
"Dear Harold," Carol prayed, "please bless mom and daddy and..."
At this point, the dad interrupted and said, "Wait a minute, sweetie. Why are you calling God 'Harold'?"
Carol looked up and said, "That's what they call Him in church. You know -- the prayer where we all say, 'Our Father who art in Heaven, Harold be Thy name.' "
406. MADE IT
A pastor who enjoyed bragging on his son was talking one day with a friend, who happened to be a rabbi.
The pastor said "My son was a star on his high school baseball team."
"That's nice," said the rabbi, "and after that?"
"Well," said the pastor, "after that he went to Harvard and graduated summa cum laude."
"Not bad," said the rabbi thoughtfully, "and after that?"
"So then he went to law school at Georgetown and was editor of the law review."
"Hmmm. And after that?" asked the rabbi.
"Well, as soon as he graduated from law school, the biggest law firm in New York immediately made him a full partner!"
"Not bad. Is that all?" the rabbi quietly asked.
The pastor, clearly irritated, said, "Is that ALL! What do you expect -- that my son should become God or something?"
The rabbi shrugged and said, "Well -- one of OUR boys made it."
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 750 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...
FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: Do sword swallowers really swallow the sword?ANSWER: : It's not a trick: they really do swallow the sword. It's not easy though. Sword swallowers must relax the throat muscles and keep them completely relaxed while the sword is inside. The swords are dull, but without a steady hand – or sword - they can do damage to the throat, oesophagus, or stomach. (Wouldn’t want to sneeze half way!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: In terms of chemical composition, what substance does human blood most closely resemble?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS621. PLANTS LIKE SALT
Surprisingly, about 85% of all plant life lives in the world’s oceans. (Plankton Pudding please!)
622. BUT OF COURSE, TEXAS IS THE BIGGEST!
So influential in fact, that it is the only state allowed to fly its state flag at the same height as the Stars and Stripes. (You can’t top Texas!)
623. HOME OF TULIPS
The city of Vernon in Washington State, USA, grows more tulips than the whole of Holland! (It just has to be bigger in America!)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
SPRIG
Answer at the end of A David Musing
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can download the full version of our Trivia Book at TRULY TRIFFLING TRIVIA
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DO YOU KNOW? (About Relationships)
How are Mary and Lazarus related? Relateda. Daughter/Father
b. Wife/Husband
c. Sister/Brother
Answer at the end of A DAVID MUSING.
Heaps more fun and serious 'God Facts' are found at...
IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! For every action, there is an equal and opposite government program.
!!!!!! If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.
!!!!! A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.
!!!! Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places.
!!! The peak years of mental activity are between the ages of four and eighteen. At four they know all the questions, at eighteen they know all the answers.
!! You have the capacity to learn from your mistakes. You will learn a lot today.
! Lead your life so you won't be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
BIBLE RIDDLE
Q. Who was the first tennis player in the bible?>
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A. Joseph, when he served in the King's court.
Find out more Bible Facts at...
THE WORLD'S GREATEST GROANS
THE PUNY PUNNERThere was the person who sent ten different puns to friends, with the hope that at least
one of the puns would make them laugh. Unfortunately, no pun in ten did.
THE POURER
Years ago there was a baker's assistant whose sole job was to pour the dough mixture for making sausage rolls (apparently the royal family loved sausage). Because people were identified by their professions, he was just called Richard the Pourer.
One day Richard ran out of some key ingredients, namely a secret spice he used in the batter. He called his apprentice and sent him to the store to buy more spices. When the apprentice arrived at the store, he found that he had forgotten the name of the ingredient. Hoping that the storekeeper might be able to figure it out, he described it to him,
"it's for Richard the Pourer for batter for wurst."
BIRD BAGGAGE
As migration approached, two elderly vultures doubted they could make the trip south, so they decided to go by aeroplane. When they checked their baggage, the attendant noticed that they were carrying two dead racoons.
"Do you wish to check the racoons through as luggage?" he asked.
"No, thanks," replied one of the vultures. "They're carrion."
Lots and lots more at...
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS IN BIBLICAL LANDS
JEWISH CLOTHINGThe Law of Moses forbade men to wear women's clothing and vice versa. (Deuteronomy 22:5)
Women's dress varied to men's in detail only, not in style. Women too wore a tunic and coat, but the dress was always a little more elaborate. The veil was distinctive, women's apparel, worn by all except maid-servants, women of low status and prostitutes.
Lots more 'God Facts' are found at...
DAVID'S DOWNLOADS
As this is our 200th issue it is appropriate to mention the book that started it all, 'Eagles Fly High!' The first year in fulltime ministry was spent writing this book. The website and emails followed afterwards.A BOOK REVUE……
David Tait has written an exciting and challenging book of ‘three halves’ revealing God’s desires for both His followers and His Church in the 21st Century. Firmly based upon Scripture, its unique, down to earth style will appeal to a wide range of readers from the ordinary Christian to the Biblical student.
David built Kaydees Gardens to become the largest mail order garden company in New Zealand before selling it to devote his time fully to the Lord. The ‘Walking With Jesus’ course promoted through Kaydees catalogues has helped many thousands of New Zealanders to better understand and further their walk with Jesus.
In David’s unique terms, ‘Eagles Fly High!’ is a "book of three halves."
The ‘first half’ of the book is a selection of ‘David’s Musings’ in both poetry and prose; some thoughtful, others wistful or humorous – an entertaining insight into the man behind the words!
The ‘middle half’ deals with God’s Word, revealing His master plan for both and Church. God the Father gave Moses detailed design specifications for the first church, Moses Tabernacle, on Mount Sinai, accompanied by principles of Godly living as set out in the ‘Feasts of the Lord.’ These patterns were confirmed 1500 years later in the New Testament teachings of Jesus, with the modern Church being birthed in Holy Spirit power on the Day of Pentecost, now finally to be fulfilled by the ‘Tabernacle (Apostolic) Church’ before Jesus returns as the Father’s representative to rule and reign on Earth.
The ‘third half’ of the book reveals a challenging, God-given vision of the future, both of Christian living and Church maturity. A necessary read for all who desire a deeper understanding of God’s purpose for their life, as well as Church leaders seeking an understanding of God’s direction for their Church in these difficult yet exciting times.
This is something you cannot afford to miss out on! And yes – it’s free – well almost!
(ITT Newsletter, 2000)
You can download it free of charge at...
THE PERSONAL BENEFITS OF FAMILY LIFE
Despite controversies over what the "family" is, there is considerable evidence about what the consequences of family life are for individuals. For instance:* Between 1973 and 1981, Yankelovich found that about three-fourths of Americans interviewed claiming that family life was their most important value.
* Studies of the various life spheres Americans report as being sources of a "great deal of satisfaction" consistently show family life being the most important.
* Married individuals are healthier than their never-married, divorced, and widowed counterparts, according to the CDC report "Marital Status and Health: United States, 1999-2002." Marriage increases life-expectancy by as much as five years. James Goodwin and his associates (Journal of the American Medical Association 258:3125-3130) found in their analyses of 25,000 cases listed in the New Mexico Tumor Registry, which tracks all malignancies in the state, a higher percentage of married people survive cancer at nearly every age (see "Health and Selected Socioeconomic Characteristics of the Family: U.S., 1988-90" from the Centers for Disease Control (pdf format))
* In Lewis Terman's famous longitudinal study of gifted California children (n=1,521), begun in 1921 with follow-ups every 5 or 10 years, it was found that those whose parents divorced faced a 33 percent greater risk of an earlier death (average age at death=76 years) than those whose parents remained married until the children reached age 21 (average age at death=80). According to Dr. Howard Friedman, who did the analyses, there was no such mortality effect for children whose parents had died (cited in Daniel Goleman. 1995. "75 Years Later, Study Is Still Tracking Geniuses." New York Times [March 7]).
Source: http://www.trinity.edu/~mkearl/family.html
Many more facts about the family are available at...
A DAVID MUSING
In this, the 200th issue of PGIM! I must honour my wife, Kathy. For without her selfless, sacrificial work as a Theatre Nurse at our local hospitals over the past 5 years (and before that when we were in business) none of this would have been, or remain, possible. For Kathy provides the money in order that we might live, and often too, has had to pay the expenses necessary to keep the website operational, so enabling us to send out the emails.We have twice been through the cycle of making a million, then losing it in bankruptcy. For a wife to remain faithful through such thick and thin, then make possible yet another change in lifestyle of our faith walk of the past 5 years, takes a remarkable lady, which Kathy surely is.
Doll - you are one in a zillion! Without your sacrifice PGIM! would be but a dream. Thank you so much on behalf of myself and all our readers.
So until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: GRIPS
TODAY'S 'DO YOU KNOW?' ANSWER: c. Sister/Brother Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.†(John 11:1-3 )
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 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
290 Flaxmere Avenue
Flaxmere
Hastings
New Zealand
Phone: (06) 8799 911 International (+64) 6 8799 911
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