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: 227 Published: 27 Feb 2006
DO WE 'DO' OR DO WE 'DONT'
During the week, here in the office we share with Redeemed Media, Elaine and I were discussing levels of faith, when in my head popped up "do's and don't's".Why "do's and don't's"?
Simply because we can classify Jesus followers into these two categories, those who 'do', and those who 'don't'.
Upon first receiving Jesus we are primarily 'don't' believers. We start our walk by implementing the 'don't commandments'. Don't have other Gods, don't sleep round, don't murder, steal, lie, gossip, etc. In other words, developing a wholesome moral code within our lives.
When travelling through Africa one sees lots of houses with only the foundations built. As mortgages are generally neither available nor affordable, houses can only be completed as the money is gathered. Of course, once they are built, they are debt free! In the meantime, they look forlorn, lonely, and sadly incomplete.
The 'don't's' then, relate to the foundations of our faith - necessary to get our lives in order. They help build a solid foundation for our new life. Based primarily on Old Testament Law, the 'dont's are summed up within the Ten Commandments. They are the beginning of our walk with Jesus and not the end, the foundations, not the walls and roof, the basis, but not the completion.
Unfortunately though, when we look at a 'suburb of Christians', we see many houses with only the foundations built, and not many 'life houses' completed with walls, roof and landscaped gardens! Many churches too, are similar. When living primarily by the Law, the don'ts of the Christian walk leads to religiosity, condemnation, and exclusivity.
But the real message of Jesus is one of "do's". He took the 'Golden Rule', others had expressed in a negative fashion, and turned it into a positive statement of how we are to lead our lives in Him. The disciples that Jesus is seeking, indeed requires, are those who will live as He lived, who will 'do' as He did. Summed up in the one word - love.
The walls and roofs of our lives then, are the positive things we do for Jesus, our obedience to the Father's will for us, the fruit of the Spirit, the character of Jesus we develop in our lives. It is only once we live as 'completed houses', that others can see the glory of God in us. The foundations of the 'don'ts' are full of promise but it is the completed house of 'do's' that reflects our light of Jesus to the world.
"But Lord, do you want me to change even more!" "Yes, David." "But Lord..... Okay Lord, I will."
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FROM THE WORD
"Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be said in the future. But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast." (Hebrews 3:1-6)"Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?†Jesus replied: â€â€˜Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.â€" (Matthew 22:34-40)
"But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises. For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. But God found fault with the people and said: “The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord. This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.†By calling this covenant “new,†he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear." (Hebrews 8:6-13)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
CHARACTER1089. Character to a Christian is as water to a ship. Without it we are left high and dry!
1090. To be as one with the character of Jesus is our highest call.
1091. To believe in Jesus is wonderful, but to develop His character, divine.
1092. Many say, "Lord, give me faith." But I say "Lord help me develop my character" and faith will automatically come.
1093. It is easy to believe, but a godly character reflects the true disciple.
1094. Our character is truly visible in the reflection of our love for God and for others.
1095. Rather than asking God for gifts, develop character, and gifts will automatically follow.
1096. A sin forgiven is of the moment, but developing godly character lasts a lifetime.
1097. The only proven way to avoid sin is to develop the character of Jesus in our lives.
1098. Character is 'walking the talk.'
1099. Testing builds a godly character. Many Christians do their best to avoid both!
1100. As the church develops the character of Christ, so it will conquer the world for Him.
1101. To fulfil our potential in God we need to inherit His character.
1102. Character cannot be bought but must be developed through the trials of life.
1103. Salvation is instant, but developing godly character takes a lifetime.
1104. Feeling come and feelings go but character is eternal.
1105. An ounce of character outweighs a ton of enthusiasm, any day.
1106. Gifts are given, character developed. We prefer gifts but God seeks character, for the gifts are already His!
1107. Spiritual gifts are temporary while character lasts through eternity.
1108. Believers believe in God, while disciples build a godly character.
1109. Spiritual fruit grows on 'Character Trees'!
1110. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are the fruit of the 'Character Tree'.
1111. Sin decreases as character builds.
1112. Sin is overcome by a godly character.
1113. Character and sin are mutually exclusive. The more we have of the one the less we have of the other.
1114. The best protection against sin is the development of a godly character.
Please feel free to quote these quotes. Acknowledgement of David Tait as the author would be appreciated. There are now over 1200 David sayings for you to view at ...
FROM YOU - TO ME -TO YOU
David,I read with interest your newsletter each week. Thanks for keeping it out there. Generally I don’t respond but today I just had to because of the letter you wrote to the Christian politician (apparently that’s NOT an oxymoron!) from the U.S. I’m not sure where he got the notion that the U.S. was a Christian nation. The denomination of which I am a member has for many years considered the United States a mission field, even though the international headquarters are located in the heart of this nation. We don’t live in a “post-modern†society any more, whatever that is. We live in a heathen nation and would do well to recognize the open hostility we are beginning to face in America.
I’m glad there are Christians who feel called to be involved in the political process by holding elected office. All things being equal, I will vote for one who holds to the moral and ethical values of Jesus. But you’re right when you say there’s no such thing as a Christian Nation. Recently I had the opportunity to visit Romania with a team from the State of Maine, to do a short-term missions assignment. While there I was privileged to preach at a local church. In the congregation were people from Romania, Germany, The Netherlands, Northern Ireland and the United States. I was immediately struck by the truth that the church of Jesus Christ knows no political boundaries (or denominational ones for that matter). We are, and must be, the Body of Christ – no more and no less.
Thanks for your always thought provoking messages. May the Lord bless your efforts with much fruit.
Bill Young,
Maine, USA
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David
Your openness is amazing! When you just printed out the walls deal and his frankness in the minute details (which always escape me anyway due to my brain damage) of how they were out instead of in, I grew even stronger of my appreciation of you and how totally honest and outright you are. Of the multitude of e-mail's you get, you showed that one, and I pity those who find it upsetting. You always make my day, brother.
Greg
Hobbs, NM
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Hi David,
For all those sceptical folks out there, there really is a Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Saskatoon is named for the small berry-like fruit that still grows wild in the area, but is now being commercially cultivated in "Berry Farms." While in appearance it resembles a blueberry it is actually in the apple family - which is why I said berry-like, and put "Berry Farms" in quotes. The Saskatchewan part is even more interesting - it is adapted from an aboriginal Cree word, "kississaskatchewanissippi" which means swift flowing river. One look at a map will show the North and South Sakatchewan Rivers as predominant physical features on the lower provincial landscape.
Not very spiritual, that but some such trivia can be interesting, and on occasion, helpful even.
Cheers and Blessings in Christ!
Arni Schmeichel
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
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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.
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
A REVELATION OF....... THE TABERNACLE OF MOSES - PART 1 (2)Most discussions of Moses Tabernacle centre round its form and furniture.
What I am trying to do here is bring the Tabernacle to life by illustrating what it may have been like for an ordinary person of the times to visit.
Let's join our friend!
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, the 3 Miraculous Conceptions, Up the Mountain and Giving to God 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." ***
468. HEALTHY COMMUNION
Being a new pastor to an ageing congregation, I told them I would be serving them prune juice in Holy Communion. When asked why I would dare entertain such a thought, I said, "If the Holy Spirit won't move you - the prune juice will!"
467. MATURE PASTORAL WISDOM
The Old Preacher was out fishing one afternoon when he heard a noise beside him. He looked down and saw a frog sitting next to him. The frog said, "Buddy, I've had a spell cast on me. If you'll kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess and I'll make you happy for the rest of your life."
The Old Preacher smiled, picked up the frog and put it in his pocket. A little later, he looked into his pocket to see how the frog was doing. The frog said to him again, this time with exasperation, "Buddy, I've had a spell cast on me. If you'll kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess and I'll make you happy for the rest of your life."
The Old Preacher just smiled and kept on fishing. A little later he checked on the frog again. This time it said, "What's wrong with you, fella. I said I've been bewitched. Just kiss me and I'll turn back into a beautiful princess and make you the happiest man on earth for the rest of your life."
The Old Preacher just smiled and said, "Frog, I hate to tell you this, but at my age, I'd rather have a talking frog than a beautiful princess!"
466. VOICE FROM ABOVE
Because our former small-town parish was not a wealthy one, our pastor was dependent on parishioners for upkeep and maintenance of the church. Once he asked my husband, Sam, to rewire the confessionals. The only way to reach the wiring was to enter the attic above the altar and crawl over the ceiling by balancing on the rafters.
Concerned for my husband's safety, I waited in a pew. Unbeknownst to me, some parishioners were congregating in the vestibule. They paid little attention to me, probably assuming I was praying. Worried about my husband, I looked up toward the ceiling and yelled, "Sam, Sam -- are you up there? Did you make it okay?"
There was quite an outburst from the vestibule when Sam's hearty voice echoed down, "Yes, I made it up here just fine!"
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: What percentage of a watermelon is water?ANSWER: A watermelon is 92 percent water. Strawberries are approximately 99% water! (Both mouth-watering treats!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Who invented Khaki military uniforms?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS542. IN ALL ROME'S, DO AS THE ROMANS DO
There is a city called Rome on each of the world's continents. (Romans roam the world.)
543. SMALL BUT LARGE
A ‘hamlet’ is a ‘group of houses smaller than a village’. Usually consisting of around 20 people it has no Mayor and is without any form of municipal government. The largest hamlet in the world is Sherwood Park in Alberta, Canada, with a population of 45,000 and no local government. (No bureaucrats? Unbelievable!)
544. PRE-PREPARED - NATURALLY!
Pecan nuts are the only food that doesn’t need to be treated or dehydrated for Astronauts to take into space. (Helps keep down the costs of the Space Programme?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
STERLING
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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BIBLE QUESTION - THE GOSPELS
True or False? All four gospel books tell of Jesus' arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection.a. True
b. False
Answer at the end of A DAVID MUSING.
Source: "TwoPaths Bible Study, www.twopaths.com"
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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! One nice thing about egotists: They don't talk about other people.
!!!!!! When the only tool you own is a hammer, every problem begins to look like a nail.
!!!!! A flashlight is a case for holding dead batteries.
!!!! Why do people say "close proximity"? Is there a "far proximity?"
!!!My weight is perfect for my height -- which varies.
!! I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.
! The cost of living hasn't affected its popularity.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
BIBLE RIDDLE
Q. Why was Goliath so surprised when David hit him with a slingshot?>
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A. The thought had never entered his head before.
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REAL GROANERS!
TIED UPA piece of string walks into a bar, and the bartender says to him, "Hey buddy! We don't serve pieces of string here! Can't you read the sign?" And kicks the piece of string out of the bar.
So the piece of string sneaks back into the bar, and sits down, and the bartender catches him. "Hey buddy! How many times do I have to tell you? Get outta' here!" And kicks the piece of string out again.
So the string is outside the bar, and decides to create a disguise for himself to get inside. So he ties his head in a knot, and roughs up the end on top and walks confidently
back into the bar and sits down. The bartender walks up to him handing him a drink, and looking suspiciously at him, says "Hey... weren't you that piece of string I kicked out
of here just a little while ago?"
And the piece of string replies "No, I'm afraid not!"
THE JERSEY
David Beckham, the famous English soccer player, is teaching his new son Romeo the finer points about soccer. After a while Romeo asks his Dad what number he should have on his uniform when he starts playing for a team.
David replied "Wear 4 out there Romeo."
OLD AGE
Many people assume that Earl Gray tea got its name by being the favorite of that English earl. However, it seems that there is a small town in Wales named Earl Gray where the town's citizens are getting concerned about the ability of their mayor to continue in office.
The incumbent was initially elected in 1972 and she has run unopposed in every election since. Unfortunately, her age now hinders her from getting about. What the citizens are saying is that . . . the Earl Gray mayor, she ain't what she used to be!
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MANNERS AND CUSTOMS IN BIBLICAL LANDS
HOSPITALITY AND HONORING GUESTSUpon entry, bowing between guest and host takes place. An expressive custom is saluting with the head erect and the body reclined forward by raising the hand to heart, mouth and forehead, meaning my heart, voice and brain are at your service. A more complete bow may be given afterwards.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
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TIME TAKEN TO READ THE BIBLE
A fairly rapid reader can read the books in the New Testament in the following minutes...Matthew----83 minutes
Mark----46 minutes
Luke----85 minutes
John----60 minutes
Acts----80 minutes
Romans----35 minutes
1 Corinthians----28 minutes
2 Corinthians----23 minutes
Galatians----13 minutes
Ephesians----13 minutes
Philippians----08 minutes
Colossians----07 minutes
1 Thessalonians----07 minutes
2 Thessalonians----04 minutes
1 Timothy----10 minutes
2 Timothy----07 minutes
Titus----03 minutes
Philemon----01 minute
Hebrews----26 minutes
James----08 minutes
1 Peter----10 minutes
2 Peter----07 minutes
1 John----08 minutes
2 John----01 minute
3 John----01 minute
Jude----02 minutes
Revelation----34 minutes
Do we REALLY not have time?
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WWJ PRAYER LETTER - February 2006
If you would like to find out more about our ministry and ourselves, why not read our latest Prayer Letter. You might even like to join our prayer team!It can be found at...
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF……. 3 MIRACULOUS CONCEPTIONSAnd how they mirrored aspects of the life of Jesus up to 2050 years before He was born. Our God is amazing!
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WEB OUTREACH FOCUS DAY SCHEDULED FOR MAY
"The Internet is one of the most key tools that God has given us in the church today. Internet Evangelism is a dynamic, effective, cutting-edge ministry that more people should get involved in!" says George Verwer, of Operation Mobilization.Other Christian leaders are also asking churches to learn more about the potential of the Web to communicate the Gospel. Building on the success of the first web awareness day held last year, a second annual Internet Evangelism Day is set for 7 May 2006.
It was initiated by the Internet Evangelism Coalition, an umbrella group of major organizations involved in web ministry, of which NAMB is a founding member.
The IE Day website contains many resources to help Christians understand and use the Internet to touch the world. It explains how to build a church website that can reach out into the community, or start an evangelistic blog. There is even a free evangelistic screensaver to download.
The site also offers downloadable resources so that any church or Christian group can easily create a web awareness focus within their services or other meetings, on 7 May (or at any time they choose). These include a PowerPoint presentation, video clips, music, drama skits, posters, handouts and many other ideas.
Churches who used these materials last year were excited. "I want to thank you for the free resources you have provided through your website. This is a huge help for small churches such as ours," said Evangel Baptist Church, Sacramento, California.
"We wanted to hold an IE Day to increase awareness of changing technology in our congregation. We launched our website on this day and the whole service focused on global and local evangelism, particularly on adapting the way we do evangelism to reach an appropriate audience," said a church in Australia.
One surprising aspect that the IE Day team emphasize: web evangelism is for anyone, not just the technically gifted. "There are many ways to share your faith online, without any technical background at all," says IE Day Coordinator Tony Whittaker.
The Internet Evangelism Day website is at...
A DAVID MUSING
This week, our second son, but last to leave home (for the third time), took himself off to university to complete his studies. And Kathy and I have, after 35 years of marriage, had the house to ourselves. Darby and Joan! A second honeymoon! Wonderful!Life goes through phases. You are never quite sure when one might end and another begin. Particularly in God! For He springs change on us at the most unexpected times! But if we want the best in Him, we must always be ready to respond to His will. However big the change required might be! Sometimes frightening - but He always has our best interests at heart.
Wonder what is next!
So until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: RINGLETS
TODAY'S 'DO YOU KNOW?' ANSWER: a. True All four gospels have long narratives of Jesus' last days on earth.
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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