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: 261 Published: 23 Oct 2006
THE WAYS OF GOD ARE GREATER THAN MAN'S WAYS
Let's face it, we think God should think just like us! And when he doesn't, it surprises us! But His ways are greater than ours.During the past week, God has had us meet 2 people who will be keys to the future development of Walking With Jesus. Instead of just introducing them face to face, He has gone through a process that has tested me considerably!
To meet our new friend from Ghana, who has accompanied us throughout our Nigerian visit, 2 plane flights by my host had to be missed, one through a breakdown. The person then arranged as pickup left before my plane arrived, and I had to spend a night sleeping on a hard chair at the Hertz desk in Lagos Airport. Next morning, after finally meeting with Collins, we boarded one bus out of many and Collins sat beside Maxwell, 1 out of 60+ passengers. Maxwell, for his part, had his car break down in Lagos, having driven through Togo and Benin without a problem to get there, or he wouldn't have been on the bus in the first place. Finally, once we arrived at our destination, very late, and after a difficult journey, our host wasn't able to get out of his locked up compound! So we got a hotel together, and Maxwell, to our great pleasure, has been with us ever since!
The next meeting was completely different. We were ministering in a difficult situation, but making the best of it, and wondering why God had sent us to that particular place! We went into an internet cafe to send some emails. I overheard a Nigerian nearby saying that email was faster in Texas where he lived! Not a surprise! I shared with him about the time I saw the Texan actor Larry Hagman in a restaurant, with a huge Texan Cowboy Hat.
Collins and I left, but Maxwell stayed, and was given a card to ring Martin. Which we eventually did. We arranged a meeting, finding out he was in the oil industry. After asking politely about me, he stated his gratitude of Jesus in his life and offered to help! We hope to meet in Houston, Texas, during my visit to the USA on the way home. He is a very busy man with good connections into the areas we need assistance with, both in Nigeria and the US.
You see, God puts us through trials and tribulations before breakthroughs are made.
This may well be your situation today. Let us both remember to give God thanks in all situations. Thank you Lord!
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FROM THE WORD
THE MIGHTY LORD REIGNSPsalms of intimacy, encouragement, healing and comfort.
Psalms updated from the King James Version by David Tait.
PSALM 29
A Psalm of David.
Praising God for his holiness and majesty.
Give to the LORD, O mighty ones; give to the LORD glory and strength. Give to the LORD the glory due to his name. Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. The voice of the LORD is upon the waters. The God of glory thunders. The LORD is upon many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful. The voice of the LORD is full of majesty. The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; yes the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon. He also makes them skip like a calf, Lebanon and Sirion, like a young wild ox. The voice of the LORD divides the flames of fire. The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness. The LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare. In his temple, everyone speaks of his glory. The LORD sits enthroned over the flood, yes, the LORD sits enthroned as King forever. The LORD will give strength to his people. The LORD will bless his people with peace.
PSALM 32
A Psalm of David.
David, celebrating the joy of God's forgiveness.
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him, and in whose spirit is found no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me, my vitality being turned into the drought of summer. I acknowledged my sin unto you, and have not hidden my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD," and you forgave the guilt of my sin. For this, every one who is godly will pray to you, in a time when you may be found. Surely the mighty floods will not reach him. You are my hiding place. You shall preserve me from trouble. You will surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you shall go. I will guide you with my eye. Do not be like the horse or the mule, who have no understanding, but must be controlled with bit and bridle or they will not come near you. Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but he that trusts in the LORD is surrounded by his unfailing love. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, you righteous. Shout for joy, all who are upright in heart.
PSALM 42
For the sons of Korah. (The Levitical Choir)
A prayer for deliverance, yearning for God at a time when the people were denied access to the Temple, most likely through enemy conquest.
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me continually, "Where is your God?" These things I remember when I pour out my soul. For I used to go with the multitude. I went with them to the house of God - joyful and praising, along with the pilgrim throng. Why are you downcast, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope you in God! For I shall yet praise him, my Savior and my God. O my God, my soul is downcast within me. Therefore will I remember you from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, and from the hill Mizar. Deep calls unto deep, at the sound of your waterfalls. All your waves and breakers have swept over me. Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, as my prayer to the God of my life. I will say to God my rock, "Why have You forgotten me? Why must I mourn because of the oppression of my enemy?" Like breaking my bones, my enemies taunt me, while daily saying to me, "Where is your God?" Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope you in God. For I shall yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Copyright: Walking With Jesus Ministries Charitable Trust: As this material is freely received, use is freely given, indeed encouraged, for non-commercial purposes.
A weekly Psalm in audio is available at 'PSALM OF THE WEEK' below.
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
HEAVENLY TRUTHS GOD HAS SHOWN ME739. - 809. God has shown me that...
... as pride comes before a fall, so repentance precedes restoration.
... there is nothing good in me until I am touched by His healing hand.
... I can't be found until I admit I'm lost.
... to be a servant is indeed the highest calling.
... He is to be obeyed, even when I don't understand why.
... He lives outside of time, but I don't.
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 ...
CRANWELL'S CARTOON
5 Jonah went out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. 6 Then the LORD God provided a vine and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the vine. 7 But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the vine so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.†9 But God said to Jonah, “Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?†“I do,†he said. “I am angry enough to die.†10 But the LORD said, “You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?†(Jonah 4:5-11)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
A REVELATION OF....... 3 KINGDOM AGES OF GOD - Part 2SOCIETIES OF THE KINGDOM AGES (1st of 2)
Understanding the organisation of society throughout the various kingdom ages also helps us better understand how God worked as He did with the Patriarchs, Israel and now, us!
This is truly fascinating to me - and I hope to you also!
We will investigate.
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*** ANOTHER DAILY EZINE FROM WWJ!*** 'LAUGHING AT OURSELVES' Subscribe Today
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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." ***
542. SINK OR WALK?
A church had to hire a new pastor. Over the protests of one vocal male member a woman was hired as the new senior pastor.
After the new pastor had been there a few weeks, a member of the congregation offered to take then new pastor fishing. The vocal objector reluctantly agreed to allow them to use his boat and to go along.
The trio got into the boat and motored out on the lake. When they got ready to fish, they realized that all their tackle had been left on the dock. One of the men commented that he
guess they would just have to go back and get it.
The pastor said that wouldn't be necessary, and she got out of the boat and started walking across the water toward the dock.
The old grouch said, "See I told you we never should have hired that woman. She can't even swim."
541. NEW SERVICES
A church congregation that decided to have four worship services each Sunday.
There was one for those new to the faith. Another for those who liked traditional worship. One for those who'd lost their faith and would like to get it back. And another for those who had bad experiences with churches and were complaining about it.
The church came up with names for each of the services: FINDERS, KEEPERS, LOSERS, WEEPERS.
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 ...
AN AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
Travel is the greatest way of getting to know the people - and the source of many experiences! Three notable experiences this week!1. We went to the airport to met my friends Barney, from America, and Dr Kumar from India. As they are involved with the Army Chaplaincy, we were given an army convoy ride back to town. (Very different to our usual motorbike pillion rides!) Suddenly the convoy stopped! One of the cars had run out of petrol and so we had to stop at the nearest petrol station and wait for him! I saw the funny side of it, even if the army types didn't!
2. We were taken by an army chaplain, after the next days medical clinic by Dr Kumar, (wonderful - 250 people treated), to our new ministry location. We got stuck in a huge traffic jam. Nigerians have developed 'long suffering' but 'patience' is one 'fruit' that is not a natural characteristic! Suddenly, sirens blared and an African Cheif in a brand new 4wd pushed past. This is illegal. Our friend took exception and pulled in behind. The police stopped, and put a gun in his chest and demanded he get out of the car. He finally did, but wouldn't submit to their pressure, as it would have resulted in a beating! They didn't know that previouly our chaplain had been the National Nigerian Olympic Coach in contact sports! That is boxing, wrestling, judo etc.! The police had met their match!
3. Coming from Orlu to Jos involved a 12 hour ride in a cramped taxi. Not the recommended way to travel! Sadly, passing through a town on the way, we collided with a motorcyclist. Fotunately he wasn't seriously hurt or we could have been lynched. Two hours were spent looking after him and the police. The excellent driver's first accident in 14 years of taxi driving. A sad Nigerian experience!
FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: Which American first lady carried a gun in her purse?ANSWER: First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, was advised by the Secret Service to carry a pistol with her. The sombre advice followed a large number of letters threatening her life after her husband, Franklin D. Roosevelt, took office. (Some things don’t change!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: When Sesame Street's Big Bird has a birthday, he luckily always remains the same age. How old is he?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS442. YOYOS FOR YOUYOU TO VIEWVIEW
The world's largest yo-yo rests in the National YoYo Museum in Chico, California. Named "Big Yo," the 256-pound yoyo is an exact scale replica of a Tom Kuhn "No Jive 3 in 1 YoYo." Fifty inches tall and 31.5 inches wide, this monster yo-yo is made of California sugar pine, baltic birch from the former USSR, and hardrock maple. It was first launched in San Francisco on October 13, 1979. (Wouldn’t want to be around if the string broke!)
443. HAY POWERED
Licensed London taxis (the famous black cabs) are required by law to carry a bale of hay at all times. This dates from the days of the horse drawn cab and the relevant law has never been revoked. (Travel at the same speed as their earlier counterparts, due to the traffic, but cost heaps more!)
444. A WISE PRECAUTION
It is against the law to remove your shoes if your feet smell bad while you're in a theatre in Winnetka, Illinois, US. (But you have to take them off before you know whether they do smell or not!)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
SIDEMAN
Answer at the end of A David Musing
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BIBLE QUESTION - THE PARABLES
Why did Jesus compare the kingdom of God to yeast or leaven?a. Yeast was considered a symbol of power.
b. Yeast was considered a symbol of purity.
c. Like yeast in dough, the kingdom will grow from a tiny beginning to encompass the entire world.
d. Like yeast turns grape juice to a fine wine, the kingdom will transform the world.
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"""!!!!!!! The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.
!!!!!! How long a minute is depends on ... what side of the bathroom door you're on.
!!!!! Want to have your husband remember your anniversary? Get married on his birthday.
!!!! It isn't that life is short. It's that death is so long.
!!! If we are what we eat, I'm fast, cheap and easy.
!! I run things at my house! (e.g. the vacuum cleaner, washing machine, iron, etc.)
! Takes him 1.5 hours to watch "60 Minutes".
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
ANOTHER AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
We seek to minister both the Word and the Spirit. This was beautifully expressed during our 2 nights in Orlu. On the first night, the Holy Spirit came powerfully and little Word was able to be ministered, as He dealt with people's lives.On the second night we had a wonderful time of sharing the Word.
This is the third time I have been to this church and it is amazing to see its development over the years. The Lord surely is active in Nigeria!
A really beautiful Nigerian experience.
WORLD'S GREATEST GROANS
WHAT WAS THAT?Three retirees, each with age related hearing loss, were playing golf one fine March day.
One remarked to the other, "Windy, isn't it?"
"No," the second man replied, "it's Thursday."
And the third man chimed in, "So am I. Let's go have a beer.
THE DISASTER
A husband and wife had a human cannonball act in the circus. One day the wife ran off with the lion tamer. The husband was extremely dejected. The strong man asked him what he was going to do.
"This is a disaster," the husband answered, I don't know where I'm going to find another woman of her caliber."
THE HOUSE SPECIAL
A very thirsty man goes into a bar. As he's sitting down, he hears the man next to him tell the bartender, "I'll have another waterloo."
The bartender gives the fellow a tall, well-iced drink, then asks the newcomer what he would like to drink. Thinking the other man's drink may be a specialty of the house, he says, "I'll have a waterloo, too."
The bartender gives him the tall, well-iced drink, and the customer takes a big drink.
"Hey," he says, "this isn't any good. It tastes just like water!" The man next to him looks at the bartender and says, "Well, it is water.! Right, Lou?"
Many more groaners here...
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS IN BIBLICAL LANDS
MILKMilk was drunk by people of all ages. The Promised Land was to be 'flowing with milk and honey.' A commonly used milk amongst Arabs today is 'leben', similar to sour milk curds. This probably is what Abraham gave to his guests (Genesis 18:8).
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 46For the sons of Korah. (The Levitical choir)
God is the rescuer of His people and the conqueror of the nations. A song sung by those in the liturgical procession as it made its way to the Temple.
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_10.mp3
ATTENDANCE AT CHURCH IN BAGHDAD REACHES 900
Attendance is booming at Rev. Andrew White's church in Baghdad as Iraqi Christians seek solace in religion to cope with a life of car bombings, kidnappings and deprivation. White, a 41-year-old British Anglican priest, travels to Baghdad monthly to minister to Protestants from the West and Iraqi Assyrian Christians who must be bused into the protected Green Zone to hear White preach after al-Qaeda put a price on his head. During the past three years the number of Iraqis attending his services has grown to about 900. "People turn to religion when they are desperate," he said. White began visiting Iraq regularly in 1998 and has witnessed profound changes since then. Under Saddam Hussein he found a more secular society where tensions between religious groups seemed nonexistent. Later he learned the divisions were there, Iraqis were just afraid to speak frankly. [RELIGION TODAY, '06] (Via World Missions Global News)Many more God Facts can be found at...
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
‘WALKING WITH JESUS’ COURSEA 3-part course of understanding based on Revelation 12:11. An easily understood, practical series on living the Christian life today. Compiled in 1993-4, the 3 studies, each accompanied by 6 hours of tapes, have been used by over 10,000 New Zealanders plus many overseas, to gain an increased understanding of what ‘walking with Jesus’ is all about. Is useful for enquirers, new Christians and particularly, those seeking an extra dimension to their faith. Ideal for home groups and church teaching sessions too. A non-denominational course, it is supported by Christians from diverse backgrounds. The 3 parts cover
1. The Way of Salvation: Finding Jesus as your personal Saviour.
2. Life Through the Spirit: Christian living through the teaching
of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. Jesus is Lord: Living our lives for Jesus.
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WAXING LYRICAL
A GOOD MAN GOES TO HEAVEN? (Part 2 of 2)One of the greatest misunderstandings of man over the two millennia since Christ has been that you can earn your passage into heaven through being a good person – that is by works alone. The message of Jesus however was that the only way into heaven was through belief in Him – called faith. Perhaps why this poem was given to me.
The man I met, he suddenly died
His funeral was very well attended.
A pillar of the community the family cried,
Their grief so great, for a life sadly ended.
But surely, a good man goes to heaven?
He took the path to the heavenly gate,
Full of confidence, had nothing to fear,
More than willing to meet his fate,
His ears so eagerly waiting to hear.
For surely, a good man goes to heaven?
Jesus was waiting there; he’s on the way in!
Then seeing God’s face, hope turned to pain,
What if the requirement was forgiveness of sin?
And repentance the key that brings with it gain.
"But surely God, a good man goes to heaven!"
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life.
No-one comes to the Father except through me."
These words cut through his soul like a knife,
They gutted him, oh how wrong could he be.
"But, I thought a good man goes to heaven!"
"I tell you the truth, I don’t know you", Jesus replied,
The lake of burning sulphur now eternally his fate.
Forever to burn, he cried, "To me the devil has always lied,
Don’t make my mistake – repent now before it’s too late!
For I’ve found out, a good man doesn’t go to heaven!"
I heard the man’s screams - not so far away,
As Satan ever tortures him with his sword.
My sins to Jesus readily confessed that day,
"Thankyou my Jesus, please be my Lord."
Yes surely, a forgiven man goes to heaven!
Thanks to Julian Batchelor for the inspiration of his little black book,
"Why Good People Don’t Go To Heaven".
More of David's poems at...
A DAVID MUSING
Today (Suday) I attended the Oasis of Love Church, here in Jos (Stands for Jesus my Saviour), my home church in Africa. It was wonderful to be back amongst my friends. Sadly, Kathy wasn't with me this time! They all miss her.It is amazing to move into an environment where you are known, accepted and loved. The pastor, Rev. Gloria, was absent at another church, but she trusted me not to destroy her congregation! Thank you so much for all those who made me so welcome and for your generous financial support. I trust you were as blessed as I have been. I, we, look forward to returning soon.
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: MAIDENS
TODAY'S 'DO YOU KNOW?' ANSWER: c. Like yeast in dough, the kingdom will grow from a tiny beginning to encompass the entire world. Matthew 13:33. The parables of the mustard seed and yeast are sometimes interpreted differently as predicting the growth of evil within the Christian church.
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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