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: 247 Published: 17 Jul 2006
YES IT'S TRUE, GOD LOVES YOU!
AN ODE TO THOSE IN MINISTRY(That's all of us!)
God loves us all,
The big, the small,
The short and the tall,
At home, at the mall.
Yes it's true, God loves you!
We look at others, see the exterior,
So easy to feel, greatly inferior.
Their ministry is so much bigger than mine!
I'm on the wrong side, of the thin red line!
But it's true, God loves you!
Yesterday, I went past the church down the road,
Everything about it was surely made, me to goad!
From the Mercedes in the carpark, to the automatic door,
Me, in my faithful old jalopy, with four on the floor.
But it's true, God loves you!
With all the trappings of success, God is surely blessing him,
When it comes to my church, expenses, we have to trim!
Oh God, my God, what have I done wrong?
My ministry - it would sell for a song!
But it's true, God loves you!
This man, he's so annointed,
Me - I'm just disappointed!
My Lord, I've given my whole life to you,
Every day, my commitment, I do renew.
But it's true, God loves you!
I love all my people,
More than the steeple.
Many, over the years, have let me down,
But still I bless them, with Your crown.
But it's true, God loves you!
What more can I do for you Lord?
Thought we were of one accord!
But when I see what others have done,
Why have I missed out on all the fun!
But it's true, God loves you!
"I hear you, I hear you, my faithful one,
For you, just for you, I gave my Son,
You are so very precious in my sight,
A shining star, radiating my light."
Yes it's true, God loves you!
"What you perceive, will not always be true,
You don't see things, from my point of view,
For I am looking always, to the heart,
Don't put the horse, before the cart."
Yes it's true, God loves you!
"I do not judge my own by numbers or wealth,
These can be achieved by the human self,
But by how much of yourself you will give to Me,
Commitment and submission - that's what I see."
Yes it's true, God loves you!
"The order in Heaven is so different to earth,
For I am only interested, in spiritual girth!
Not beauty, nor success, nor intelligence, nor size,
I know your heart is for me, that much I realise."
Yes it's true, God loves you!
"So when the glorious day arrives, to finally come, stay with me,
You have built up treasure here, will last throughout eternity,
No, don't get yourself deceived by the glitter of earthly ways,
You are destined to rule and reign with Me - now and always!"
Yes it's true, God loves you!
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FROM THE WORD
CHRIST THE WISDOM AND POWER OF GOD"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.†Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.†When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
WISDOM FROM THE SPIRIT
We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love himâ€â€” but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment: “For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?†But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:18 - 2:16)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
LOVE510.“It is better to have loved and lost…†is not true of God’s love. For He never fails us.
511. Jesus specialises in loving the unlovely – fortunately for me!
514. Jesus loved us to death!
515. It is much harder for the worthy to accept God’s love than the unworthy. Always has been, always will be.
521. True love is a verb, rather than a noun.
531. I can’t possibly understand why “Jesus loves even me†but I’ll accept it anyway!
549. Love means acceptance – by God if not by others.
538. True love is motivated to give, rather than to get.
539. No one is beyond God’s love. Not even me!
541. Love motivated kindness reflects Jesus to the world.
542. Love is to be found in actions rather than words.
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CRANWELL'S CARTOON
THE FLINTSTONES DILEMNA!
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God’s work—which is by faith. (1 Timothy 3-4)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
A REVELATION OF....... THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID - Part 10DAVID - A TYPE OF THE FUTURE
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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." ***
523. 16 BIBLICAL WAYS TO ACQUIRE A WIFE
*** Find an attractive prisoner of war, bring her home, shave her head, trim her nails, and give her new clothes. Then she's yours. - Deuterononmy (Deuteronomy 21:11-13)
*** Find a prostitute and marry her.
- Hosea (Hosea 1:1-3)
*** Find a man with seven daughters, and impress him by watering his flock. - Moses (Exodus 2:16-21)
*** Purchase a piece of property, and get a woman as part of the deal. - Boaz (Ruth 4:5-10)
*** Go to a party and hide. When the women come out to dance, grab one and carry her off to be your wife. - Benjaminites (Judges 21:19-25)
*** Have God create a wife for you while you sleep. Note: this will cost you a rib. - Adam (Genesis 2:19-24)
*** Agree to work seven years in exchange for a woman's hand in marriage. Get tricked into marrying the wrong woman. Then work another seven years for the woman you wanted to marry in the first place. That's right. Fourteen years of toil for a woman. - Jacob (Genesis 29:15-30)
*** Cut off 200 foreskins off of your future father-in-law's enemies and get his daughter for a wife. - David (1Samuel 18:27)
*** Even if no one is out there, just wander around a bit and you'll definitely find someone. (It's all relative of course.) - Cain (Genesis 4:16-17)
*** Become the emperor of a huge nation and hold a beauty contest. - Xerxes or Ahasuerus (Esther 2:3-4)
*** When you see someone you like, go home and tell your parents, "I have seen a ...woman; now get her for me." If your parents question your decision, simply say, "Get her for me. She's the one for me." - Samson (Judges 14:1-3)
*** Kill any husband and take HIS wife. (Prepare to lose four sons though). - David (2 Samuel 11)
*** Wait for your brother to die. Take his widow. (It's not just a good idea, it's the law). - Onan and Boaz (Deuteronomy or Leviticus, example in Ruth)
*** Don't be so picky. Make up for quality with quantity. - Solomon (1 Kings 11:1-3)
*** A wife?...NOT!!! - Paul (1Corinthians 7:32-35)
*** Become sinless, and die in atonement for others, and you can marry a whole bunch of people. - Jesus (Revelation 15?)
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FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: Which two books in the Bible do not mention God?ANSWER: The Books of Esther and Song of Solomon. (But He was there and is still everywhere!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: 1. What is the youngest book in the Old Testament?
2. What is the oldest book of the New Testament?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS485. SOUND AND SMELL CONTROL
In Massachusetts, USA, snoring is prohibited unless all bedroom windows are closed and securely locked. Plus, it is illegal to go to bed without first having a full bath. (Clean and green, to the extreme!)
486. A SMILE ON YOUR DIAL - OR ELSE!
In Milan, Italy, there is a law on the books that requires a smile on the face of all citizens at all times. Exemptions include time spent visiting patients in hospitals or attending funerals. Otherwise, the fine is $100 if citizens are seen in public without a smile on their face. (Go the extra smile!)
487. NOT MUCH FUN LEFT!
In London, England, it is illegal to drive a car without sitting in the front seat. (How is it that ‘back seat drivers’ usually sit in the front seat?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
ENIGMA
Answer at the end of A David Musing
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BIBLE QUESTION - THE EXODUS
About two months after leaving Egypt, the Israelites were suffering from severe hunger. They grumbled against Moses and wished they had stayed in Egypt. But the Lord sent quail and manna for them to eat. Where did this happen?a. The desert of Sin
b. The desert of Shur
c. The desert of Moab
d. The desert of Elim
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"""!!!!!!! Life is a journey...not a destination. Enjoy the trip!
!!!!!! The biggest lie on the planet: "When I get what I want I will be happy."
!!!!! The best way to escape your problem is to solve it.
!!!! I've learned that ultimately , 'takers' lose and 'givers' win.
!!! Life's precious moments don't have value, unless they are shared.
!! If you don't start, it's certain you won't arrive.
! We often fear the thing we want the most.
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
FOOD: ORDINARY FOODThe ordinary food of the average Hebrew of Biblical times was bread, olives, oil, buttermilk and cheese from their flocks, fruit and vegetables from their orchards and gardens, plus meat on rare occasions.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
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MARTYRDOM
LARGEST MARTYRDOM SITUATIONS1. 1921-1950, Christians die in Soviet prison camps 15,000,000
2. 1950-80, Christians die in Soviet prison camps 5,000,000
3. 1214, Genghiz Khan massacres 6 million Christians 6,000,000
4. 1358, Tamerlane destroys 15-million-strong Nestorians 4,000,000
5. 1929-37, 14.5 million Orthodox killed by Stalin 2,700,000
6. 1560, Conquistadors kill 15 million Amerindians 2,000,000
7. 1925, Soviets attempt to liquidate Roman Catholics 1,200,000
8. 1258, Baghdad captured in massacre by Hulaku Khan 1,100,000
9. 1214, Diocese of Herat sacked by Genghiz Khan 1,000,000
10. 1939, Nazis execute thousands in death camps 1,000,000
MOST SEVERE MARTYRDOM SITUATIONS
1. 1630, all 400 Tibetan Christians wiped out. 100.00%
2. 1938, Nazis exterminate 500,000 Gypsies 89.74%
3. 1975, Khmer Rouge slaughter 2 million 88.79%
4. 1570, Huguenot corsairs murder 52 Jesuits 86.67%
5. 1241, Mongols ravage Hungary killing Christians 86.67%
6. 287, Martyrs of Agaunum 83.33%
7. 1933, Assyrians (Nestorians) murdered by Iraqi troops 80.00%
8. 1843, Turks use Kurds to massacre 20,000 Nestorians 80.00%
9. 1970, Massacre of 40,000 Vietnamese Catholics 76.92%
10. 1918, Turks massacre 80% of all Syrian Orthodox 75.00%
PERSECUTORS OF MOST MARTYRSCOUNTRIES WITH THE MOST MARTYRS (in the past)
1. USSR 23,260,000
2. Uzbekistan 4,000,000
3. Iraq 1,954,000
4. Russia 1,544,000
5. Turkey 1,047,000
6. Sudan 668,000
7. Turkestan 600,000
8. Yugoslavia 450,000
9. Uganda 203,000
10. Western Empire 200,000
TRADITIONS WITH THE MOST MARTYRS
1. Russian Orthodox 21,626,000
2. Assyrian or Nestoran (East Syrian, Messihaye) 12,379,000
3. Latin-rite Catholic 11,024,000
4. Ukrainian Orthodox 3,500,000
5. Armenian Orthodox (Gregorian) 1,215,000
6. Coptic Orthodox 1,068,000
7. Pentecostal (Protestant; Classical Pentecostal) 1,021,000
8. Messianic Jewish 1,000,000
9. Quasi-Christians 1,000,000
10. Lutheran 987,000
CENTURIES WITH MOST MARTYRS
1. 1900s 41,323,000
2. 1600s 11,484,000
3. 1200s 7,228,000
4. 1300s 4,906,000
5. 1500s 3,418,000
6. 300s 2,761,000
7. 1800s 1,577,000
8. 1400s 763,000
9. 400s 513,000
10. 200s 409,000
(c)2001 World Christian Trends, William Carey Library, David Barrett and Todd Johnson.
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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 8 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. This week, we are entering the New Jerusalem.
VICTORY!
RIDING THE RIVER OF LIFE
To view its great high wall, with twelve large gates,
Going in past the angels, now to be with my mates!
Seeing the names of the twelve tribes there inscribed,
With those of the Apostles on the foundations inside.
The wall is made of jasper, shining as clear as crystal,
The foundations of precious stones, emerald to beryl.
A main street of pure gold, like transparent glass,
Like everything else in this place, it has real class!
Floating down the stream,
Ever content in my dream,
I’m being cleansed inside,
No longer any sin to hide.
The voice inside now cries out – “Look! Look!
A city ahead – greater than any picture book!
The glory of God surrounds it from above,
And the light of the Lamb bathes it in love.â€
Struggling against the flow to take a look around,
The voice said, “Don’t David, you’ll run aground,
Just rest in me, only I know the way to take you in,
Your own effort now, would merely end up as sin.â€
So lying back, enjoying the current’s flow,
For the Holy Spirit, he knows where to go.
The goal of my life is now about to be achieved
With the Spirit’s help; ’tis what I’ve perceived.
One last bend, the river runs through the gate,
To a life full of gladness, no bitterness, no hate.
Entering the city, to be completely surrounded by gold,
More magnificent even, than the stories I’ve been told.
(Final verses next week)
More of David's poems at...
A DAVID MUSING
I am one who likes getting things done (other than jobs round the house for Kathy!) and out of the way.I saw a wonderful illustration of this once. Our Post Office in New Zealand was turned into a government corporation, expected to provide service and make a profit. One of the first things they did was to get the mail sorters to work overtime and arrange delivery of all the backlog of letters that were in the mailrooms. Instead of it taking 3 days to deliver a letter, once the backlog was dealt with, mail could be delivered in 1 day.
You see, even when there was a backlog, a full day's mail had to be dealt with each day in order that the backlog didn't increase. So it was just a matter of catching up with the backlog, then doing their normal amount of work, in order to offer an efficient service.
We tend to be like that too. We allow a backlog of email, and all tasks in life, to accumulate before dealing with them. And worry because we have so much to do!
It is amazing the freedom we achieve when we deal with life's challenges as they occur, rather than letting them multiply until they get out of hand. 'Keeping short accounts' in all areas of our life is a great idea, and Biblical too.
I try to (most of the time), but have also had to learn to relax when others don't respond in the same way. It is called GRACE! And remember that Jesus patiently waited 42 years for me to give my life to Him! Touche!
So until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: IMAGEN
TODAY'S 'DO YOU KNOW?' ANSWER: a. The desert of Sin. Exodus 16:1-18. The food the Lord gave the Israelites each Morning was called "manna." Whatever it was, it was a rather strange substance, like "flakes of frost on the desert floor."
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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!
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david@wwj.org.nz