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: 219 Published: 02 Jan 2006
THE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP
Again we come one year closer to the return of the Lord. As chaotic times inevitability increase, believer's faith will be tested and the Bible promises many will fall away. So the necessity for discipleship, of becoming one with Jesus, is vital. This applies firstly, to both you and me. Then it is our responsibility to encourage a similar commitment in others. For the harsh truth is, only those truly discipled to follow Jesus will survive spiritually in the turbulent times ahead.Interestingly, throughout history, the church has grown stronger during times of persecution, than in easy times. Two examples. The Dark Ages quickly followed the initial social acceptance and institutionalisation of the church. On the other hand, today, church growth under persecution in China, is incredible.
In end times too, along with the falling away, there is also a promised harvest! While the two might seem contradictory, this is not really so. For as persecution increases, many who have but a shallow faith, or no real faith at all, will fall by the wayside, while many others, inspired by the real message of Jesus, will be attracted to Him. Persecution will build, or kill, faith.
Unfortunately for many, the belief that as soon as the going gets tough, they will be 'zapped' out of here on a fluffy white cloud, will prove wide of the mark. For it is simply not Biblical, rather, simply wishful thinking. While the Bible does tell us we will finally meet with Jesus in the clouds, it is likely to be later than many would wish!
The books of Hebrews and Revelation are the hardest, and last, of the New Testament books to be understood, as they foreshadow the final days. Over recent years our understanding of Hebrews has grown immensely and that of Revelation will follow as the time nears.
Hebrews is primarily a book of discipleship, a book of preparation for the difficult end times ahead. On the one hand, a book about perseverance, faith and discipline balanced by the confirmation of Jesus as the High Priest of the New Covenant, the one in whom we can trust, whatever the circumstances of life brings. It is a call for people to enter the Holy of Holies, using the terminology of Moses Tabernacle. A place of 100% commitment to the Lord!
Interestingly, in the book of Revelation, amongst the vivid pictures of the misfortunes to fall upon mankind prior to Jesus return, the 'temple' is mentioned 16 times, both as a place of action and one of protection from the turbulent times. In each and every case, the word used specifically means the 'Holy of Holies', excluding the Outer Court and the Holy Place. It is only here, in the very place where the presence of God dwells, that effective action against the evil forces and protection from the consequences of the punishment of the world will be found.
Therefore, as we enter 2006, let us examine our own lives. How committed are we to the will of God for us? Are we hot for God? Or simply lukewarm?
When it comes to your church or ministry, whatever it may be, can I encourage you, this year, not to be disappointed or distraught if other's ministries seem bigger or better than your own. For the call of the Lord today is towards discipleship, not merely numbers. And the reality is, discipleship is primarily developed one on one, or in small groups. Your church, your group, may be small. You may feel insignificant and weak in the Lord's eyes when compared to others. You aren't! For if you can build a group of disciples, strong in faith, strong in the values of the Lord, strongly walking in His footsteps, you will have done the same as Jesus did with His 12 followers!
No, not all will be willing to make the necessary commitment. Even Jesus had a failure in Judas! But Jesus never gave up, even when the Disciples were way out of line. Then finally, all were sufficiently 'discipled' to give up their lives for Him, first spiritually, finally physically. Except John, of course! And tradition has it that when he faced martyrdom, being boiled in a huge basin of boiling oil during a wave of persecution in Rome, he didn't die, so was banished to Patmos where he wrote the book of Revelation! A book of persecution and protection, one written out of real life experience!
As we become disciples, we learn to rest in the Lord, and mankind's adulation and measures of success become meaninglessness. Yes, your ministry may seem hard and unproductive at times in your own and other's eyes, yet if you are able to grow a disciple or two, as Jesus did, you too will receive the victor's crown and share in His glory! And one day hear those wonderful words, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!"
The crown was actually a garland or wreath similar to those given in the early Olympics for winning the race! All fits in, doesn't it!
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FROM THE WORD
"Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:4-14)"“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.â€" (Revelation 3 :14-21)
"Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?†I answered, “Sir, you know.†And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.â€" (Revelation 7:13-17)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
DISCIPLESHIP214.-235. Discipleship is...
... doing the right thing because we want to, not because we are expected to.
... being a servant both to God and man.
... honouring God with body, soul and spirit.
... loving the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind.
... being 100% committed to the Lord's cause.
... putting the Lord first in all things.
... placing the Lord's desires ahead of our own.
... applying the Lord's will to our mind and emotions.
... accepting the Lord's correction graciously.
... being joyful in the Lord - even while being corrected!
... subverting our will to His.
... centred upon giving rather than receiving.
... becoming a little more like Jesus every day.
... being prepared to die for our Lord.
... honouring and worshipping God as Lord, rather than a 'holy Father Christmas.'
... being the one God would like us to be.
... placing God's needs and others godly needs ahead of our own.
... helping others attain to their ministries, even to the expense of our own.
... being Jesus to others.
... retaining the joy of the Lord in times of personal sadness.
... putting wrongs right - graciously!
... walking as one with the Lord, night and day.
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 ...
FROM YOU - TO ME -TO YOU
DavidOK, now I know the answer is cereal, but what was the question???
Sandy Glenn
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.
Hi Sandy
RESCALE
Perfection is elusive!
Cheers
David
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David
Common assumptions.......
1. No where does it say that there were THREE wise men. Because three gifts are named it has always been assumed there were three givers!
2. The wise men went to the HOUSE not the stable. Most likely people moved on next day leaving plenty of room in more suitable accommodation.
3. They worshipped the CHILD not the baby! By the time the wise men travelled so far (maybe from as far away as China) after collecting what they needed for such a long journey, almost 2 years could have elapsed. Hence
Herod's order to kill all babies under 2 years.
4. Another thought......It was appropriate for the Lamb of God to be born in a stable (cave) where other lambs were born.
5. As for the shepherds and their sheep......Most likely those sheep were destined to become temple sacrifices, being raised so near to Jerusalem.
The Lamb of God did away with the necessity for continual sacrifices. If they only knew, those sheep would have rejoiced at the birth of the Lamb whose death paid for the sin of all mankind for all time. Hallelujah!
Lois
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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!
CRANWELL'S CARTOON
20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
UP THE MOUNTAIN Part 3 of 4Now we are getting to the heart of the matter. For God, this week, is calling out those who have a real heart for Him. The eagles. Those who will respond to His trumpet call.
Let's read on.
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, The Autumn Feats, Revelation 12:11, The Way of Holiness and 3 Miraculous Conceptions can be viewed at...
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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." ***
449. MY BEST
A man died and went to heaven. He was met at the Pearly Gates by St. Peter who led him down the golden streets. They passed mansion after beautiful mansion until they came to the end of the street where they stopped in front of a shack. The man asked St. Peter why he got a hut when there were so many mansions he could live in.
St. Peter replied, "I did the best I could with the money you sent us."
448. VERY RELIGIOUS
My husband is very religious.....
He won't work if there's a Sunday in the week.
447. AS JESUS DID
Old Pastor McTavish was dying. He sent a message for an IRS agent and his lawyer, both church members, to come to his home. When they arrived they were ushered up to his bedroom.
As they entered the room, Pastor McTavish motioned for them to sit on each side of the bed. Then he grasped their hands, sighed contentedly, smiled and stared at the ceiling.
For a time, no one said anything. Both the IRS agent and Lawyer were touched and flattered that the old preacher would ask them to be with him during his final moments. But they were also puzzled because Pastor McTavish had never given them any indication that he particularly liked either of them.
They both remembered how his many long, uncomfortable sermons about greed and covetousness had made them squirm in their seats.
Finally, the lawyer said, "Preacher, why did you ask the two of us to come?"
Pastor McTavish smiled weakly and said, "Jesus died between two thieves, and that's how I want to go, too."
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: When was the first animal cloned?ANSWER: Surprisingly, as far back as 1952, when scientists successfully cloned tadpoles. They were drawing on research that went back to 1938, when a German scientist developed a theory on how to clone vertebrates by nuclear transfer. (But did they develop into frogs?)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: How far can a kangaroo jump?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS564. ‘HARD AS’
Human teeth are almost as hard as rocks! (But both have a bad habit of breaking with age.)
565. THE ‘TERMITERITY’ OF IT!
The world's termites outweigh the world's humans 10 to 1. (Fortunately they are considerably smaller than we, so we don’t often notice.)
566. STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN?
There are more than 10 million bricks in the Empire State Building. (Beats the Tower Of Babel, any day!)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
DISHING
Answer at the end of A David Musing
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DO YOU KNOW? (About Relationships)
Are Saul and Mephibosheth:a. Husband/Wife II Samuel 4:4
b. Father/Daughter
c. Grandfather/Grandson
Answer at the end of A DAVID MUSING.
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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach that person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks.
!!!!!! I read recipes the same way I read science fiction. I get to the end and I think, "Well, that's not going to happen."
!!!!! Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.
!!!! The other night I ate at a real family restaurant. Every table had an argument going.
!!! Have you noticed since everyone has a camcorder these days no one talks about seeing UFOs like they used to.
!! All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.
! Have you noticed that a slight tax increase costs you two hundred dollars and a substantial tax cut saves you thirty cents?
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BIBLE RIDDLE
Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible? (3rd of 4)>
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A. Honda--because the apostles were all in one Accord.
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REAL LIFE FUNNIES
FOLLOWED!Before shipping out to Europe with the Army Air Corps during World War II, my father loaned his buddy $20.00. The two were assigned to different units and lost touch. Months later, my father's plane was shot down. Bleeding from shrapnel wounds, he bailed out and was greeted by German soldiers who took him as a prisoner. After a long train ride, little food, and days of forced marching, he arrived at his assigned stalag.
As he entered the compound, he heard a familiar voice. "You followed me all the way here for a measly $20.00?"
BEEP
A friend of ours was puzzled by the odd messages left on his answering machine. Day after day, friends and family would talk and then say, "Beep."
He discovered the reason for the joke when he decided to listen to his greeting. "Hi," it said. "I'm not in right now, so please leave a beep after the message."
WASH LAWYERS' MOUTHS OUT WITH SOAP
When it comes to frivolous lawsuits, fact can truly be stranger than fiction. Example:
The Bonaventure Town Center Club in Weston, Fla. has banned soap in its showers. Why? Lo and behold, people can slip in the shower and then file lawsuits. As the club's executive director, Bob Fedderwitz, has said, "We've been sued. We've settled. We've lost a lot of money."
So the club has simply turned its showers into soap-free zones. Not only has bar soap
been banned but also body wash, shampoo, hair conditioner and even shaving cream.
No wonder Americans are increasingly lathered up about lawyers.
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MANNERS AND CUSTOMS IN BIBLICAL LANDS
DOUBLE INVITATIONSDouble invitations are sometimes given. At some time before a feast an invitation is sent. Nearer the time a servant comes to announce that things are now ready. A Biblical example is seen in the parable of the great supper. (Luke 14:16-17) One is also expected to refuse an invitation the first time. Although fully intending to come, one must allow the host to compel one to come. (Luke 14:23)
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
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10 GOOD REASONS MARRIAGE WORKS
(1) It's safer: Marriage lowers the risk that both men and women will become the victims of violence, including domestic violence.(2) It can save your life: Married people live longer and healthier lives and the power of marriage is particularly evident in late middle age. Nine out of 10 married men and women alive at 48 will make it to 65 against six out of 10 unmarried men and eight out of 10 unmarried women.
(3) It can save your child's life: Children lead healthier, longer lives and tend to stay out of trouble if parents get and stay married.
(4) You will earn more: Men today tend to think of marriage as a consumption item but a vast body of scientific literature suggests that for men especially marriage is productive - as important as education in boosting earnings.
(5) You'll be richer: Married people not only make more money, they manage money better and build more wealth together than either would alone.
(6) You'll tame him/her: Marriage increases sexual fidelity. Cohabiting men are four times more likely to cheat than husbands and cohabiting women eight times more likely to cheat than wives.
(7) You'll stay sane: Marriage is good for mental health. Married men and women are less depressed, less anxious and less psychologically distressed than singles, the divorced or widowed.
(8) It will make you happy: Overall, 40 per cent of married people, compared with about 25 per cent of singles or cohabitors, say they are "very happy" with life in general.
(9) Your children will love you more: Adult children of intact marriages keep more regular contact with their parents than do those of divorced or cohabiting couples. And they are far more likely themselves to marry for life.
(10) You'll have better sex, more often: Despite the lurid Sex in the City marketing that promises singles erotic joys untold, both husbands and wives are more likely to report that they have an extremely satisfying sex life than are singles or cohabitors.
SOURCE: Maggie Gallagher, 'The Case for Marriage'
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A MINUTE IS A LONG TIME IN GOD
This happened to us 3 years ago at this time of year.A MINUTE IS A LONG TIME IN GOD
When you are relaxed and enjoying life,
And all is normal with kids and wife.
When you are living in such a beautiful place,
And all is going well in running your race.
You are happy with how life is treating you,
Challenges yes - not too many - just a few.
Then along comes God, with His own plan,
Designed to upset the comfort of a man.
One minute the world seems simply so good,
The next, upon its head, is now being stood!
"David, I'm asking you to shift city and church",
My comfortable brain, with pain it did now lurch!
"But surely my God, this cannot be true?"
"Yes my son, it's what I'm asking of you."
"Well Lord , please give confirmation,
To help me overcome my consternation!"
Over the past two weeks, confirmations I've been given,
Logical improbabilities so great, must be God driven.
"Oh Lord, surely this is what you want me to do,
Have your way in my life Lord, I give in to you.
For you know best Lord, your plan for me,
I accept it now Lord, on bended knee."
Yes, one brief minute is a long time in God you know,
But obey His voice we must, if in Him we are to grow.
David 'waxes lyrical' lots at...
A DAVID MUSING
Christmas has come and gone and all too quickly, and the New Year will soon do the same!Worldwide, New Year is a time of taking stock, one of ruminating on the past and planning for the future. As I know through personal experience, good intentions don't necessarily bring about change in life. Change is difficult! We slip back into old and comfortable behaviour patterns all too easily!
Discipleship requires discipline. But, again from experience, motivation needs to come from God in order for change to be effective. Our own efforts lead to disappointment as we invariably fail. But as we give in to God, so we become more open to the Holy Spirit's working to impart into us the character of Jesus.
Kathy and my own New Year's wish then, both for ourselves, and you, is that we each will be open to God's will operating in our lives during 2006.
So until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: SHINDIG
TODAY'S 'DO YOU KNOW?' ANSWER: c. Grandfather/Grandson: 4 (Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in both feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she hurried to leave, he fell and became crippled. His name was Mephibosheth.)
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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