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: 256 Published: 18 Sep 2006
WEALTH AND SELF
The other day, I was in a shop where I regularly buy fresh fruit and vegetables. We call it a 'roadside stall', as the people grow, on the property, much of the product they sell. This is always a nostalgia trip for me as our first business was one of a similar nature, many, many moons ago.When passing pleasantries with the lady behind the counter, she asked how I was. I responded with my standard 'joke' of, "It's no use complaining." Upon thinking about it, this is not a very positive response, particularly as I am feeling 'fighting fit' at the moment! But it was said with a smile, so I thought she would understand what I really meant.
Her response startled me! "It's just as well not to complain, for nobody cares these days anyway. People are only interested in themselves."
How true that is! Words of wisdom from a lady of the land! Sad to say, this has become the state of our selfish world.
It is also largely reflected in church life too. Our attitude so often is, 'What can we get out of it', rather than, 'How can we help others'. If our church doesn't satisfy our needs, we find another. Then another...
Upon leaving the shop with my bag of delicious Pacific Rose apples (Adam and Eve, eat your heart out!) I got a-thinking! Why is our world as it is today?
As I pondered, driving along with my eyes on the road and my mind elsewhere, the Lord said to me, "Jew and Greek". I didn't crash, although I may have swerved a little! (Just joking!)
The magnetic grip of Humanism that is attracting so much of the world today is based in Greek philosophy. The Romans inherited it from the Greeks and we, in turn, have inherited it from them.
It is a philosophy that has always appealed to the well off financially, for they can truly live for themselves, becoming independent through their own efforts. It is not just a modern problem though. In Jesus' time too, the wealthy elite of Jewish society were Hellenists, adhering to the culture of the Greeks who ruled Palestine before the Romans.
What is different today however, having developed over the past 60 odd years since World War 2, is that wealth and prosperity has multiplied dramatically, reaching down to many, many people in the developed countries. And our reaction has been the same as it was in the time of Jesus. We are now capable of looking after ourselves without God's help - and we do! Money, education and self-interest reign as gods in the place of God. And yet, many in the church continue to preach a prosperity doctrine promoting a lifetimes supply of caviar and champagne in place of 'our daily bread'! This simply serves to turn people away from God, firmly into the clutches of the worldly system.
Even worse than, and related to, the 'wealth' syndrome, is the insidious way Humanism beguiles us into placing 'self' above others, as my lady friend in the shop so clearly understood. We have seen the breakdown of the family unit and the substitution of the state as the provider in its place. Ironically, in an era of so-called independence we are becoming increasingly dependent upon the state to take over the God ordained role of the family unit. In the less developed world though, where the state is unable to be Father Christmas every week of the year, the family unit generally remains the backbone and backstop of society.
This is predicted in the Bible where in these final days, it tells us people will become lovers of themselves.
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
The good thing though, is that by following 'The Way' of Jesus, by putting others needs before our own, we can be identified as being different to the world. For the darker the darkness, the brighter the light will be seen that shines within it. (A new 'David's Doodling' here!) So let us not be seduced and beguiled by the humanistic world system, but as Jesus preached and displayed by His own example, be servants of God and others rather than lovers of wealth and self.
We can make a world of difference by being different to the world!
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FROM THE WORD
DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:15-17)
THE WORLD HATES THE DISCIPLES
"“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’ “When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning. "All this I have told you so that you will not go astray. They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you. I did not tell you this at first because I was with you. (John 15:18-16:4)
THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT
"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.†(Matthew 22:34-40)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
DARKNESS AND LIGHT408. The only way to turn off darkness is to switch on the light.
409. The laws of both Nature and the Spirit reveal that light will always penetrate darkness.
410. Most people try to switch off darkness when in reality, they need to turn on the light.
411. There is nowhere so dark that it cannot be penetrated by light.
412. So often we don't appreciate the true value of light until we find ourselves in darkness.
413. Light doesn't shine brightly through a dirty window.
414. We must pull back the curtains to let light shine into the room of our life.
415. Light and darkness cannot co-exist. The one will always mingle with the other.
416. There must always be a barrier to separate light and darkness.
417. There are only two ways to turn light into darkness - building walls to exclude the light, or turning the light off at its source. The second is by far the easiest.
1276. For the darker the darkness, the brighter the light will be seen that shines within it.
Please feel free to quote these quotes. Acknowledgement of David Tait as the author would be appreciated. There are now over 1270 David sayings for you to view at ...
FROM YOU - TO ME - TO YOU
DavidIn your recent posting you wrote: "I see the 'over the top' security, of treating all passengers as potential terrorists, as a complete overreaction to the problem". I don't see what else can be done unless they only screen persons who seem of Arab nationality, since all the terrorists were Arabs.
Lisa
A good idea - David. But then, I can look like an Arab.....
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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
THE GREAT COMMISSION
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.†(Matthew 28:16-20)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
A REVELATION OF....... THE SEVEN REVELATIONS OF 'THE LAMB' Part 3LAMB OF VICTORY
Over Satan (1st of 2)
The 'good' story starts after Jesus dies!
This week is the first of a 2 part look at His victory over the age-old enemy, satan.
Check out all the available teachings 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." ***
534. CAN'T HEAR
The rector of a church in Nottinghamshire (England) was visiting an aged and ailing parishioner. She fixed him with a stern gaze. "When I die, rector," she insisted, "I want you to take my funeral. I can't hear that young curate at all."
533. LEFT HANDED
The story told of a little girl and her mom discussing the morning Sunday school class. The child told her mom that they talked about Jesus is going up to heaven, and that He is now sitting beside God. As they continued to look at the Sunday school paper, the mother noticed a picture of a rainbow. She said, "Look at that beautiful rainbow that God pointed for us!" The little girl replied, "And just think, Mommy, God did it all with His left hand." The mother replied, "What do you mean? Can’t God use both His hands?" The girl stated, "Of course not, Mom, my Sunday school teacher said that Jesus is sitting on His right hand."
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can now download the book 'Laughing At Ourselves' in PDF format at LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
One of the most comprehensive sources of Christian Humour on the Net with 768 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...
FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What is an ‘interrobang’?ANSWER: For a short time in 1967, the American Typeros Association made a new punctuation mark that was a combination of the question mark and an exclamation point called an interrobang. It was rarely used and hasn't been seen since. (Why not?!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Do penguins live at the North Pole?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS454. PETER PAN PROCEEDS
All the proceeds from James M. Barrie's book ‘Peter Pan’ were bequeathed to the Great Ormond Street Hospital for the Sick Children in London. (A fairy tale ending.)
455. ANCIENT ROOTS
Gin (Rummy) and Canasta are both descended from the ancient Chinese game, mah-jongg, which is more than a thousand years old. (Mah-vellous fun!)
456. ALL GOOD THINGS TAKE TIME
It takes the same amount of time to age a good cigar as it does good wine. (And good people?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
STONIER
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 PARABLES
In the Parable of the Hidden Treasure, why did Jesus compare the kingdom of God to a treasure hidden in a field?a. We may stumble upon the kingdom unexpectedly.
b. The kingdom is worth more than all a man's possessions.
c. A diligent search is needed to find the kingdom.
d. Like finding a far away field, a long spiritual "journey" is required to find the kingdom of God.
Answer at the end of A DAVID MUSING.
Source: "TwoPaths Bible Study, www.twopaths.com"
Heaps more fun and serious 'God Facts' are found at...
IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! Sometimes friends are just two people mad at the same person.
!!!!!! Never express yourself more clearly than you are able to think.
!!!!! Better to understand a little than to misunderstand a lot.
!!!! If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.
!!! When you've raised your children, stop raising them.
!! Need rain? Wash and wax the car.
! If someone offers a breath mint, take it.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
EXTENSIVE EXPLANATIONS
KITCHEN SIGNSSigns found in the some of the best kitchens……
*^* So this isn’t ‘Home Sweet Home’ – Adjust! *^*
*^* Ring Bell for Maid Service. If no answer - do it yourself! *^*
*^* I clean the house every other day. This is the other day! *^*
*^* If you write in the dust, please don’t date it! *^*
*^* I would cook dinner but I can’t find the can opener! *^*
*^* My house was clean last week – too bad you missed it! *^*
*^* I came, I saw, I decided to eat out. *^*
*^* If you don’t like my standards of cooking…. lower your standards! *^*
*^* Although you’ll find our house a mess, Come in, sit down, converse. It doesn’t always look like this: Some days it’s even worse. *^*
*^* A messy kitchen is a happy kitchen, and this kitchen is delirious! *^*
*^* A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand. *^*
*^* Thou shalt not weigh more than thy refrigerator. *^*
*^* Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves for they will never cease to be amused. *^*
*^* Countless numbers of people have eaten in this kitchen and gone on to lead normal lives. *^*
*^* My next house will have no kitchen – just vending machines. *^*
*^* I’d live life in the fast lane, but I’m married to a speed bump. *^*
Many more extensive explanations at...
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS IN BIBLICAL LANDS
TWO MOST WIDELY USED VEGETABLESBeans and lentils were the most common of all vegetables. The most famous mention of lentils was Esau selling his birthright for a meal of lentil stew and bread. (Genesis 25:34)
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Lots more 'God Facts' are found at...
***NEW*** 'PSALM OF THE WEEK' FREE AUDIO DOWNLOAD ***NEW***
PSALM 18 (Selection)A Psalm of David.
David's thanks to the Lord for rescuing him from the hands of his enemies, and from King Saul.
Each week, be encouraged, comforted and inspired by listening to a track from our Psalms CD, 'The Mighty Lord Reigns'.
My thanks to Keith Duncan, in Scotland, for making this possible.
You may download your audio recording here...
http://www.personal.dundee.ac.uk/~kmduncan/wwj/mp3/track_05.mp3
The Simple GOSPEL FACTS !
Presently, more than 70% of Christian effort and ministry is directed at people who already profess to be Christians, WHY is this so ?? While less than 5% of our total missionary activity is focused on those who have never once had a chance to hear about the good news of the Gospel, not even once ! This is a scandal ! (World Missions Global News 2006 No.57)Many more God Facts can be found at...
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF... HOLINESSA Christian is called to walk towards holiness. While not pretending to give you the complete answer, the 5 examples included here should help you in your understanding of what true holiness is about. And if you so desire, in its application to your life too!
Check it out and download your free PDF File now at...
WAXING LYRICAL
MR BUMBLE (Part 3 of 3)"But I believed you," Mr Bumble sadly said,
"Look at me now, I could easily be dead!
Thank God for the leaves of the tree,
Now I know, He is looking after me"
"Forgive me please," I cried out loud,
Feeling foolish for being so proud,
So full of worldly knowledge is my brain,
To consider others feelings, too much strain.
"Mr Bumble, you are a scientific miracle,
My understanding, insufficiently empirical,
For it is obvious you can soar far above,
Which I simply can't, for money or love!"
"I feel a lot better now," said Mr Bumble,
"To see you on your knees, so humble,
Maybe I can fly again without a fumble,
I'll give it a good go - LET'S NOW RUMBLE!
Wings flapping,
Slowly at first,
Then revving,
Give it a burst!
Now into the air again, Mr Bumble flew,
"Yes, I can still fly!" that he now knew,
Up, up, into the blue,
Buzz, buzz, it's true!
There are two lessons here, in life to be learned,
Neither pull another down, nor be the one spurned,
For word's are so powerful you see,
When taken and used by our enemy.
We're to encourage one another to fly high,
Sometimes it's difficult, but let's give it a try.
Yes, twill give a whole new outlook on life,
As well as keeping Mr Bumble, out of strife!
For the 'Fruit of the Spirit' we are to develop,
Yes, love, peace and joy, our life will envelop.
So when we meet the Mr Bumbles of our daily walk,
We can help them fly higher, through our godly talk.
NOTE: 'Artistic Licence' has been taken in describing the nesting habits of the bumble bee. Unlike honey bees, they are solitary creatures! But that would spoil a good story!
More of David's poems at...
A DAVID MUSING
It is now Spring, here in New Zealand. Sorry for all you people in the Northern Hemisphere where Autumn (or Fall) is now falling upon you.Spring is the time of new life, of new growth - in the garden, at least.
As I am leaving New Zealand for Africa in 10 days time, I have rushed to get planting done before I go. While I am now planting, the plants are just sitting, waiting for the soil temperature to rise before beginning to grow. The days here are beautiful now but the nights are still relatively cool, so soil temperatures rise only slowly.
Had I not been leaving so soon, I would not have planted heat loving plants for another 3-4 weeks. But aeroplanes wait for no man!
Our life in coming to know Jesus can be like that too. Unless the 'soil temperatures' of our lives have warmed up to a receptive temperature, we hear the Word without acting upon it. Often the seed we sow remains dormant in a person's life until they are 'heated up' sufficiently to act upon it. We get disappointed when we get little or no response from those with whom we share. We feel it is a waste of time and can easily become discouraged.
However, we need to remember that God's seasons are not our seasons, and where one sows, another may well reap. If we are not prepared to sow seed, or plant plants, in other's lives, there can never be a harvest. So next time we get discouraged at other peoples response, let us remember that Spring may well be 'sprung' in their lives in times ahead.
I look forward to coming home in the middle of Summer and seeing how well my plants have grown while I have been away. I cannot see the results now, but I will then. If I hadn't planted now though, there would then be nothing to see upon my return.
So I must stop typing and get on and finish my planting...
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: ABRIDGE
TODAY'S 'DO YOU KNOW?' ANSWER: b. The kingdom is worth more than all a man's possessions. Matthew 13:44
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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