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: 246 Published: 10 Jul 2006
GOD OR MAN?
Who do we hear from?......................GOD OR MAN?
Whom do we follow?
......................GOD OR MAN?
Whom do we serve?
......................GOD OR MAN?
The answers to these simple, basic questions are at the heart of future of the church today!
Of course, most Christians are going to answer GOD to all three. But is that really so? Is it simply the PC (not the electronic one!) answer? Or do we possibly say the one yet live the other?
It is with great sadness that I have observed, much, even most, of what goes on in the church today comes out of the spirit of man rather than through the Holy Spirit. This applies to clergy and laity (the division of which, in itself, is unscriptural, under the New Covenant) alike. If are honest, much of the church, serves man rather than God.
As leaders, most too yearn human spiritual leadership, we seek 'spiritual fathers' here and there, and in turn, we encourage others to become our spiritual children.
As followers, we look to our leaders to provide our spiritual enlightenment, to intercede on our behalf before God, and because we pay them, to do God's work for us!
At times, I wonder if too much has really changed between the Old and the New Covenants. Did Jesus really make a difference? Or are we simply living out the Old once again under the guise of the New. Only this time with numerous 'temples' (church buildings) full - or not so full. Of people looking up to 'priests' (clergy) to intercede for them, and even to be as God to them. An impossible task ultimately doomed to failure, for all men - and women - have human failings. Even me! Just ask Kathy! Then, of priests, who in turn look to numerous 'High Priests' (bishops, denominational or non-denominational heads, formal or informal, depending upon your favorite flavour) to provide God's leadership, to in turn guide or dictate how to lead the people. (I am so pleased my parents named me David Tait, not Richard Tait, for then I would be 'Dick-Tait'! Bad pun! Sorry!)
Jesus came, taught a new way, then died with terrible suffering on a criminals cross. He did this to reopen the way to a direct relationship to our heavenly Father. One available to each and every person prepared to believe in and accept His sacrifice on his or her behalf. The relationship Adam and Eve enjoyed with God walking in the garden in the cool of the day until the day of eating the forbidden fruit. Then they hid from Him behind trees, as we still do, behind supposedly 'more spiritual people', today.
Yes, in spite of all Jesus has done for us to open the way directly to God, we still want priests and high priests to hear from God for us, to guide us, to tell us what to do!
In turn, the bishop, being human, hears imperfectly from God, or perhaps only from his own spirit. The priest, also being human, interprets the high priests message imperfectly. Then passes on their more imperfect interpretation to the people. The people too, receive their understanding through the particular coloured spectacles they are wearing that day, be they red, yellow or blue! What a mess we have! Division, disunity, a church far from God's will.
We attempt to correct this by formalising our group's particular theology, and imposing man made rules so as to bring order to our group. Inevitably, our movements become sterile and in conflict with others who do not believe precisely the same as ourselves.
It has been proven time and time again over the past 2000 years that God speaks and acts through those that are prepared to put aside man made church to listen to the leading and instruction of the Holy Spirit. Even during the spiritual oppression of the Dark Ages, God would talk to those few prepared to listen to Him through Holy Spirit outpourings to the truly faithful. His light, in spite of the efforts of the established church of the time, never went out.
In the last 500 years, since the Reformation, we have had numerous Spirit outpourings amongst open-hearted people, where God has revealed and re-established more and more of His will and ways. Yet, invariably, people take over, 'help God out', new revelation gets 'humanised' and 'legalised'. God then has to seek a new group to reveal His next truth too.
Particularly today, as we are in the 'end, end times', God is calling out a people prepared to put aside their own ways and to fully listen to Him, to understand the true meaning of the sacrifice of the Cross. Those prepared to move out of the comfort zone of seeking their spiritual enlightenment through others, ones prepared to make their own sacrifice of seeking the Lord's will for themselves. This is not easy! It requires time, commitment to prayer and fasting, being prepared to die to our own desires and ambitions to do what God requires of us. Put simply, to pay the price of discipleship.
Are you, am I, then, prepared to break the mould of traditional church ways and truly seek God individually? To be both the kings and priests we are called to be. He is waiting to hear from each of us personally.
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FROM THE WORD
"When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?†He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.†And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?†The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.†Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?†The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.â€" (Genesis 3:6-13)A TREE AND ITS FRUIT
"“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:15-23)
GREETINGS AND DOXOLOGY
"John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,†says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.â€" (Revelation 1:4-8)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
BELIEVERS v DISCIPLES236. A believer praises the Lord in good times, the disciple at all times.
237. The Holy Spirit resides in the believer but shines through the disciple.
238. A believer loves God with heart and mind while a disciple commits the will.
239. A believer loves God and others, but they are the disciple's life.
240. A believer lives in hope, but for the disciple, God's hope is certain.
241. A believer seeks forgiveness for sin but the disciple also determines not to walk that path again.
242. A believer has faith in God but the disciple's faith is tempered in the fire of testing.
243. A believer loves the Lord, but the disciple's love is unconditional.
244. The believer serves the Lord in strength, but the disciple is made perfect through weakness.
245. God is part of the believer's life, but the central focus of the disciple.
246. A believer forgives, but the disciple also forgets.
247. A believer communicates with God at their own convenience, but the disciple's heart is open to the Lord at all times.
430. A believer knows, but the disciple does.
1077. Believing is free, discipleship costs your life.
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 ...
CRANWELL'S CARTOON
13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.†16 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.â€
17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,†they answered. (Matthew 14:13-17)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
A REVELATION OF....... THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID - Part 9A TENT OF SIMPLICITY
The amazing thing about David's tent is that it was so simple. So insignificant in fact, that the Bible does not bother to describe it. So we don't even know what it looked like! Yet the presence of God lived there!
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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." ***
512. FROM WHERE?
A group of boys at a church camp were asked the meaning of an archangel.
No one knew.
Then, one boy asked, "One of the angels that came out of the Ark?"
511. THE CROSS EYED BEAR
"Mommy," said little Heather, "did you ever see a cross-eyed bear?"
"Why no, Heather," chuckled her mother, "but why do you ask?"
"Well, in church this morning, we sang about the 'consecrated cross-eyed bear.'"
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 were the Buccaneers?ANSWER: Today, ‘buccaneer’ is simply another word for pirate. Buccaneers started out as hunters on the islands we now know as Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Their name came from the French word ‘boucan’ (meaning barbecue), as they liked to barbecue their meat on grills. The Buccaneers were driven out by the Spanish in the sixteenth century and to get revenge they teamed up with other persecuted peoples, such as escaped slaves and deserters, and began attacking Spanish ships, particularly those bringing goods to the Spanish American colonies. By the seventeenth century, the word ‘buccaneer’ was used to describe pirates and privateers based in the West Indies. (Do ‘buccaneer businessmen’ have West Indian Tax Havens?)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Which two books in the Bible do not mention God?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS488. DANGEROUS RIDING
If going on safari on horseback in Zimbabwe's outback savannah, it is recommended by safari guides that travellers not touch any of the trees, as they may be poisonous. (A tree-mendous problem.)
489. FLOWER POWER
The biggest and best funeral for a gangster ever held in Chicago was for a flower shop entrepreneur named O'Banion. The shop, at the corner of State and Superior Streets, was a front for O'Banion's bootlegging and hijacking operations. Ten thousand mourners attended, with the most expensive wreath — costing $1,000 — coming from Al Capone, who had ordered that O'Banion be rubbed out. (Good g-wreath!)
490. HOW SAD
The film Cleopatra (1963) was banned in Egypt for 15 years because its star, Elizabeth Taylor, had converted to Judaism. (Tolerance lacking both in Cleopatra’s time, and now.)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
EPICS
Answer at the end of A David Musing
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BIBLE QUESTION - THE EXODUS
The Israelites faced many perils as they continued on their journey to the Promised Land. When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water because it was bitter. The people grumbled against Moses, saying, "What are we to drink?" How did Moses, with the Lord's help, solve this problem?a. He asked the Lord for rain and when it came they were able to drink their fill.
b. He struck a rock with his staff and sweet water poured forth.
c. He struck the water with his staff and the bitterness went away.
d. He threw a piece of wood in the water and it became sweet.
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"""!!!!!!! In 10 years there will be radio stations playing classic rap.
!!!!!! "Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about puppies." (Gene Hill)
!!!!! I feel so miserable without you, it's almost like having you here." (Stephen Bishop)
!!!! "He has never been known to use a word that might send a reader to the dictionary." - William Faulkner (about Ernest Hemingway)
!!! "Thank you for sending me a copy of your book; I'll waste no time reading it." (Moses Hadas)
!! "He is not only dull himself, he is the cause of dullness in others." (Samuel Johnson)
! "He had delusions of adequacy." (Walter Kerr)
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
HAVE A LAUGH!
NOW WHAT?A retiree was given a set of golf clubs by his co-workers.
Thinking he'd try the game, he asked the local pro for lessons, explaining that he knew nothing whatever of the game. The pro showed him the stance and swing, then said, "Just hit the ball toward the flag on the first green."
The novice teed up and smacked the ball straight down the fairway and onto the green, where it stopped inches from the hole. "Now what ?" the fellow asked the speechless pro.
"Uh... you're supposed to hit the ball into the cup." the pro finally said, after he was able to speak again.
"Oh great ! NOW you tell me." said the beginner in a disgusted tone.
THE FRIENDLY PIG
A man was on a a long walk in the country. He became thirsty so decided to stop at a little cottage and ask for something to drink.
The lady of the house invited him in and served him a bowl of soup by the fire. There was a wee pig running around the kitchen, running up to the visitor and giving him a great deal of attention. The visitor commented that he had never seen a pig this friendly.
The housewife replied: "Ah, he's not that friendly. That's his bowl you're using."
AT THE AUCTION
One day a man went to an auction. While there, he bid on a parrot. He really wanted this bird, so he got caught up in the bidding. He kept on bidding, but kept getting outbid, so he bid higher and higher and higher. Finally, after he bid way more than he intended, he won the bid - the parrot was his at last!
As he was paying for the parrot, he said to the Auctioneer, "I sure hope this parrot can talk. I would hate to have paid this much for it, only to find out that he can't talk!"
"Don't worry." said the Auctioneer, "He can talk. Who do you think it was who kept bidding against you?"
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MANNERS AND CUSTOMS IN BIBLICAL LANDS
THE OLIVE TREEA single large olive tree in Biblical times provided an entire family with all the oil it required for food and lamps - up to half a ton a year. The tree gave a year round crop as both ripe and unripe fruit are edible. The olive leaf then, in the dove's beak, surely promised a rebirth of life to Noah and to all his family.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
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CHRISTIAN VALUES REACH BEYOND THE FAITHFUL (ENGLAND AND WALES)
By Jonathan Petre(Filed: 10/04/2006)
The vast majority of Britons think that Christian values are good for the country even if they do not personally believe in God, according to research.
Seven in 10 believe that Christian principles are still valid in today's society, the survey found, and that view was supported by half of those who said that they professed no faith.
Moreover, 74 per cent of those questioned said that children should be brought up with Christian values and 71 per cent agreed that Christianity should continue to be taught in schools.
The poll, by an independent agency for two Christian organisations, will encourage those who argue that Britain remains an essentially Christian country despite growing secularism.
Joel Edwards, the general director of the Evangelical Alliance, one of the organisations, said that millions of people recognised the positive benefits of Christian values.
"Forgiveness, respect, hope and trust are rooted in the Christian faith and they are the antidote to a culture that is being railroaded into an individualistic, rights-orientated mentality," he said.
Fewer people - 33 per cent - believed in the Christian idea of heaven, however, suggesting that New Age beliefs are creeping in.
But the devil and hell still exert a powerful grip on people's imagination, with a fifth of those questioned professing a belief in both. In the poll, 27 per cent of the population said that they still regarded the Bible as a reliable guide to how they ought to live.
In nearly every category, Wales emerged as the most God-fearing part of the country, followed by the North-West.
The survey polled 2,077 members of the general public in January and was carried out by CommunicateResearch for the Evanglical Alliance, an umbrella body representing one million Christians in Britain, and Premier Christian Radio.
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DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF... THE CHARACTER OF GODUnderstanding God takes more than a lifetime! Through into eternity. Even then, I suspect he may come up with a surprise or two! But this simple revelation may help you understand Him better, as it has helped me.
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VICTORY!
The inspiration for the first two parts of this poem came from a cross-island trek Kathyand I went on when we were staying on the beautiful Island of Rarotonga, in the Cook
Islands. For those who don’t know, The Cooks are situated around the Tropic of Capricorn
in the Pacific Ocean. A great place to visit! The last part is based loosely on the book
of Revelation, Chapters 21 and 22, the biblical promise of what is to come. Hope it is
both enjoyable and challenging to you. Of course it is just verse, so is not all strictly
theologically accurate! Called poetic licence! (Part 7 of 9)
Having got to the top of the mountain and come down, we can now enjoy the beautiful waterfall, a picture of the Holy Spirit. Now desiring to move on to the realm of living in the Father's will.
VICTORY!
RIDING THE RIVER OF LIFE
Looking back at numerous people in the pool,
All happily swimming, many playing the fool,
Yelling out to them, “Hey, look what I have found!â€
But no one hears me, by pleasure they are bound.
The stream is so inviting,
The journey so exciting.
Now I can no longer wait,
Others to join me at the gate.
Do a fine swallow dive, deep into the river,
Bounce in the current, hither and thither.
It is a new sensation to be unable to stop,
The water too deep, me on my toes to hop.
Hearing that gentle voice again inside,
“Relax now David, in me you do abide,
Obey me implicitly on this journey of life,
That’s the only way to keep out of strife.â€
So relax I do, and float down the stream,
No effort on my part, life is but a dream!
So this is what living is all about!
For me there is, now no doubt!
Looking up to the sky, what do I see,
An eagle high above, flying so free.
Eagle eyes searching the river below,
A victory song, he does now bestow.
“But where will this stream take me?†I think,
Once again questioning, not wanting to sink,
“To the heavenly city,†the voice inside replies,
I believe him again, to me he never, ever lies.
“The heavenly city, wonder what its like?
I know!†The thought to me, then did strike.
For it is described in the guidebook Jesus gave,
The last two chapters - here it is - for it I did save.
Pondering this greatest of all cities as I float along,
“Is it possible that to it, one day, I will belong?â€
Where the very glory of God has its home,
Living in perfect peace, no more to roam.
(To be continued next week)
More of David's poems at...
A DAVID MUSING
This week has seen great celebrations for some and great heartache for many more. Emotions and enthusiasm have overflowed, before many hopes were dashed.What am I referring to? The 2006 Football World Cup, of course.
Now it is all over. Just a few minutes before this email was sent to you! You get the latest news here! Today the Italians are celebrating, the French licking their wounds, along with Germany and Portugal from earlier in the week. (A little secret! I wrote this the day before the match and guessed at France winning! Had to come out and change it 4 minutes before sending out the ezine! Obviously not a word of knowledge!)
Sadly, football, and other sports, have become the 'religions' of many throughout the world, particularly men. Interestingly though, 40% more women are watching the World Cup on TV this time than last.
But God promises that His team will finally score the winning goal, even though appearing, at times, to be being beaten in the match of life. Ultimately, the losers will suffer 'weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
Whose team are you on?
PS: When I play soccer I look a bit like the guy pictured! Bring on the 2007 Rugby World Cup! The game for real men!
So until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: SPICE
TODAY'S 'DO YOU KNOW?' ANSWER: He threw a piece of wood in the water and it became sweet. Exodus 15:23-25
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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