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: 270 Published: 25 Dec 2006
A YOUNG AFRICAN'S INSIGHT
While wondering what to write this week, I received an email from my young African friend, Mbogo Zakayo. Mbogo is not not a pastor - in fact, when he is not busy with the youth of his church or sending out PGIM and Tuesday Teachings to his many friends in Africa and round the world, he cuts men's hair, under a tree, in Kenya.His email shows amazing insight into what God is doing in the world today.
......the Lord is doing some wonderful stuff. All over the world actually.
I am aware what He has done here, He is at a different stage in different
other nations, and so I have been monitoring what is going on in both
places. There is a new move of the Spirit coming, and it will be like
none other. It is a very ordinary anointing. Ordinary people in their
ordinary situations doing ordinary things and sometimes extraordinary
things as the Lord empowers. It is a move of God that has no discernable
leader, no-one to elevate and put on a pedestal and get upset about when
they come tumbling down because they do not belong there. And
it is a cross denominational thing, and it is something that will see
children appreciated for who they are, and it be recognised that they
too have a relationship with Christ that is as alive and vibrant as that
of any adult. There will be signs and wonders, but do not look to them,
instead look to Christ, because the last thing we need is elevation of
the gift over the giver. – a marvelling at the signs. They have always
been there. God has always, and will always bless his people, etc.
We are people that has the anointing to be able to turn the fathers
hearts back to their sons and the mothers hearts to their daughters .I
always love this scripture ! iI is one of my life verses ......
Thank you Mbogo, for listening to the 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 138
A Psalm of David.
A royal song of praise sung to God for helping Israel defeat its enemies.
I will praise you with my whole heart! Before the gods I will sing praise to you. I will worship toward your holy temple, and praise your name for your love and your truth. For you have exalted your word and your name above all things. In the day I cried out, you answered me, made me bold, and strengthened my soul. All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth. Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD. Though the LORD is on high, he respects the lowly; but the proud he knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of troubles, you preserve me. You will stretch out your hand against the anger of my enemies; your right hand will save me. The LORD will perfect his purpose for me. Your love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not abandon the works of your hands.
PSALM 139
A Psalm of David.
A prayer for God to search David's heart to see his true devotion. A call to us all!
O LORD, you have searched me, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I stand. You understand my thoughts from afar. You understand my path and my lying down, and know all my ways. For there is not a word I speak, but you know it completely, O LORD. You hem me in, in front and behind, and have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is lofty, I cannot attain to it. Where shall I go from your spirit? Or where will I flee from your presence? If I ascend up to heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in hell, yes, you are there. If I rise up on the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand will lead me. Your right hand, it will hold me. If I say, "Surely the darkness will cover me," even the night shall become light about me. The darkness will not be dark to you, but the night shines as day. Darkness and light are both alike to you. For you created my inner being. You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are your works; I know that very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was made in secret, woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; and in your book all my days were written, before any of them came to pass. How precious also, are your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the total of them! If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you. If only you would slay the wicked, O God. Away from me, you bloodthirsty men! For they speak evil against you: your enemies take your name in vain. Do I not hate those, O LORD, that hate you? Do I not loathe those that rise up against you? I hate them with perfect hatred. I count them as my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
PSALM 142
Maschil (instruction in godliness) of David.
David's plaintive prayer for deliverance from his enemies, in what appeared to be hopeless circumstances.
I cry aloud to the LORD! I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy! I pour out my complaint to him! Before him I declare my trouble! When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, you knew my path. In the path where I walk, men have laid a snare for me. I looked to my right: behold, there was no one who would acknowledge me. I have no refuge! No one cares for me! I cried unto you, O LORD! I said, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living. Hear my cry, for I am in desperate need! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I. Bring me out of prison, so that I may praise your name. The righteous will gather around, because you deal bountifully with me."
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...
... happiness comes and happiness goes, but joy stands firm.
... we have second chances in life but not in death.
... we only get to live life once.
... my time invariably runs ahead of His time for me.
... to wait is still to grow.
... my job is simply to be available to Him.
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
JOHN THE BAPTIST PREPARES THE WAY
3 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.†3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’†4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.†(Matthew 3:1-12)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
A REVELATION OF....... 3 KINGDOM AGES OF GOD - Part 11GOVERNING THE KINGDOM
A big problem in the church is the way we structure authority. For, in many cases, we apply structures that apply to previous kingdom ages.
So let's see what is applicable to today's third kingdom age.
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." ***
562. LIFE IN THE DEEP, DARK PIT
A man fell into a pit and couldn't get himself out.
A subjective person came along and said, "I feel for you down there."
An objective person walked by and said, "It's logical that someone would fall down there."
A Pharisee said, "Only bad people fall into pits."
A mathematician calculated how deep the pit was.
A news reporter wanted the exclusive story on the pit.
An IRS agent asked if he was paying taxes on the pit.
A self-pitying person said, "You haven't seen anything until you've seen my pit."
A fire-and-brimstone preacher said, "You deserve your pit."
A Christian Scientist observed, "The pit is just in your mind."
A psychologist noted, "Your mother and father are to blame for your being in that pit."
A self-esteem therapist said, "Believe in yourself and you can get out of that pit."
An optimist said, "Things could be worse."
A pessimist claimed, "Things will get worse."
"Jesus, seeing the man, took him by the hand and lifted him out of the pit."
561. NO ROOM
A college drama group presented a play in which one character would stand on a trapdoor and announce, "I descend into hell!" A stagehand below would then pull a rope, the trapdoor would open, and the character would plunge through.
The play was well received.
When the actor playing the part became ill, another actor who was quite overweight took his place. When the new actor announced, "I descend into hell!" the stagehand pulled the rope, and the actor began his plunge, but became hopelessly stuck.
No amount of tugging on the rope could make him descend. One student in the balcony
jumped up and yelled: "Hallelujah! Hell is full!"
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 ...
A BRITISH EXPERIENCE
Last Sunday evening, for the first time, I heard my son Andrew preach in the church where he is an assistant pastor.Of course it was a great moment for me, to hear the next generation speak the Word well.
I am particularly reminded though, that God has no grandchildren, that each one needs to build their own relationship with Jesus, to inherit their own gifts directly from the Father, and be personally taught by the Holy Spirit.
I can't say that he learned from his father, for he has never heard me speak! He has been living in Scotland for round 10 years now, which is over all the time I have been speaking!
But it doesn't stop a father from being a little proud, does it? But I must be careful not to fall into sin's pride!!!!! (Just joking!)
FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: Sharks and Rays are the only animals known to man that cannot get this disease. What is it?ANSWER: Cancer. Scientists believe this is related to the fact that they have no bone, only cartilage. (How about boneless humans? Are we part way there with spineless ones?)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: King Edward II of England (1324) decreed the standard measurement of the ‘inch’ to be equal to what?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS415. FLY HIGH
A jet powered aircraft uses more fuel flying at 25,000 feet than at 30,000 feet. The higher it flies the thinner the atmosphere and the less atmospheric resistance it encounters. (The Concord used too much at any height.)
416. GET THE GEARS
A car with a manual shift gets 2 miles more per gallon of gas than a similar one with an automatic gearbox. (The effort is worthwhile for both economy and fun.)
417. FIRST PRIZE
You may call it Britain, Great Britain, United Kingdom, or the U.K. However, if you purchase a stamp there, you won't find any name on it. Great Britain was the first country in the world to issue postage stamps, and still today, they are the only nation in the world that doesn't use a national name on their stamps. (Because they wouldn’t know which name to put on?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
INSURES
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 Two Sons, in Matthew 21:28-32, a father tells his two sons to work in his vineyard. The fist son refuses, but later changes his mind. The second son agrees, but never goes to work. What group of people does the first son represent?What group of people does the second son represent?
a. The Gentiles
b. Pharisees and hypocrites
c. Sinners who have repented and turned away from sin
d. Sinners who have not repented
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"""!!!!!!! A man may make many mistakes, but is not a failure until he starts blaming someone else for them.
!!!!!! When people deserve your love and support the least, that is when they need it the most.
!!!!! If you wish to dwell in the house of many mansions, you must make your reservation in advance.
!!!! It seems like every time history repeats itself, the price doubles.
!!! Children are natural mimics; they act like their parents in spite of every effort to teach them good manners.
!! It is when we forget ourselves that we do things that are most likely to be remembered.
! If we find life on other planets, what would happen to the Miss Universe pageant?
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
JUST JOKES!
FLYING HIGHA young lady went to a flight school, insisting she wanted to learn to fly that day. As all the planes were currently in use, the busy owner agreed to instruct her on how to pilot the helicopter solo by radio.
He took her out, showed her how to start it and gave her the basics and sent her on her way.
After she climbed 1000 feet, she radioed in. "I'm doing great! I love it! The view is so beautiful, and I'm starting to get the hang of this."
After 2000 feet, she radioed again, saying how easy it was becoming to fly. The instructor watched her climb over 3000 feet, and was beginning to worry that she hadn't radioed in.
A few minutes later, he watched in horror as she crashed about half a mile away. He ran over and pulled her from the wreckage.
When he asked what happened, she said,
"I don't know! Everything was going fine, but as I got higher, I was starting to get cold.
I can't remember anything after I turned off the big fan."
CHIMP LOGIC
Passing by the primate area one day, a zoo attendant happens to notice a chimpanzee sitting on a rock with an open book in either hand, looking first at one and then at the other. Upon closer examination, he identifies the books: the Bible, and Darwin's
"Origin of Species".
Curious, he asks the chimp, "What's with the books?"
The chimp replies, "I'm trying to decide whether I'm my brother's keeper, or my keeper's brother."
MORE STEPHEN WRIGHT WISDOM
!!! There aren't enough days in the weekend.
!!! I got a garage door opener. It can't close. Just open.
!!! I moved into an all-electric house. I forgot and left the porch light on all day. When I got home the front door wouldn't open.
Heaps more laughs here.
ANOTHER BRITISH EXPERIENCE
I have always wanted to walk on water. Now I can officially announce that I have! No, it wasn't a stormy sea, but a placid pond - frozen over!Kathy and I have been experiencing the heavy frosts of the north of Scotland and enjoying many new experiences. The frost is so heavy that it remains all day in many places. Really looks like snow - which we haven't yet experienced!
We have seen how the frost 'grows' just like miniature plants on many surfaces. Incredible what God has created, just for us to enjoy.
I must admit to being a warm blooded creature, and although I enjoy the frost and cold as a 'guest', am pleased that I don't have to live in such conditions at home!
We are still hoping against hope for a 'White Christmas' though! But the frost has certainly been an unexpected 'snow substitute'!
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS IN BIBLICAL LANDS
MEALS WERE EATENThe commoners ate off a mat on the ground or at a low table. People would sit on the floor, either cross-legged or kneeling.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Lots more 'God Facts' are found at...
'PSALM OF THE WEEK' FREE AUDIO DOWNLOAD
PSALM 95Composed for the Temple Liturgy.
A call to worship and to obey the Lord, presented by a priest or Levite to the assembled Jewish worshippers at 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_20.mp3
THE REAL ROOT CAUSES OF VIOLENT CRIME: THE BREAKDOWN OF MARRIAGE, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY (OVERVIEW) 1st of 3
by Patrick F. Fagan - The Heritage FoundationOVERVIEW
• Over the past thirty years, the rise in violent crime parallels the rise in families abandoned by fathers .
• State-by-state analysis by Heritage scholars indicates that a 10 percent increase in the percentage of children living in single-parent homes leads typically to a 17 percent increase in juvenile crime .
• The type of aggression and hostility demonstrated by a future criminal often is foreshadowed in unusual aggressiveness as early as age five or six.
• The mother's strong affectionate attachment to her child is the child's best buffer against a life of crime.
• The father's authority and involvement in raising his children are also a great buffer against a life of crime.
RACE AND CRIME
... a closer look at the data shows that the real variable is not race but family structure ... The incidence of broken families is much higher in the black community.
Full Article - http://www.heritage.org/Research/Crime/BG1026.cfm
More facts on Marriage and Family here...
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF... THE BOOK OF RUTHIn one of the oldest books of the Bible, God reveals His plan for the Church in these end times. Unbelievable! No! For God's plan has been there from the beginning of time. He is now revealing more of it to us. Wondered about the Church and Israel? Read on...
Download your free PDF File now at...
WAXING LYRICAL
Knew runners were mad? This proves it! Another Bowentown adventure. It is amazing how the Lord communicates with you when you are genuinely seeking Him. I am one of those strange people who enjoys running – well, most of the time anyway. This poem shows how the Lord is not 2000 years behind the times, but communicates with us in ways that are relevant to ourcircumstances and life.
ON THE RUN (1st of 4)
Running down the beach, exhausted I was feeling,
Reaching the end, before long I would be keeling.
So I stopped, taking some time to look around,
It was perfect, sea beaten rocks there did abound.
Stark cliffs, forcefully thrusting through the sand,
So powerful there, showing God’s mighty hand.
But from wee crags, big trees were able to grow,
A loving God too, one who we can get to know.
I sat down on a rock to rest my weary legs,
The water is close by, my attention it begs.
As I watched the meandering of the sea
The Lord said, "It has a meaning for thee."
So I looked through the rocks at the lip of a wave,
Rolling gently towards me, as though through a cave.
"Was the tide going out or was it coming in?"
"It could it be the Spirit", I thought with a grin.
I watched the waves, resting on my perch of ease,
Flitting in, sliding out, look at us! they did tease.
"What is it Lord, you’re trying to show me here?"
"Bide your time, my son, no need to shed a tear."
Patiently I waited as the waves lapped on the beach,
The Lord had a lesson, me he was trying to teach.
Yes, the tides coming in – no, maybe it’s going out,
My decision making process, churned all about.
I can see it now, for the water’s coming close,
An answer revealed, before I become morose!
"But what does it mean Lord, please reveal it to me,
This incoming tide, the meandering of your sea."
"Now I have your full attention, the time is here,
For in the right direction, you I will now steer.
The waves are those of My Spirit, my son,
With the tides of life, in and out, they do run."
(Continued next week)
More of David's poems at...
A DAVID MUSING
Kathy and myself extend Christmas greetings to you from Aberdeen.Actually we are much closer to the North Pole here in Scotland, (20,000km closer actually!) than when at home in New Zealand. So maybe Santa can bring us bigger presents as he doesn't have so far to travel? Only trouble is, we would have to carry them home on an airline with which we haven't negotiated Santa's bulk freight discounts! Maybe another time!
I did see two of Santas reindeer though! At a garden centre here in Aberdeen! They don't look big enough to be able to haul all those presents round the world to New Zealand!
The best gift of all, Jesus, is light ("my burden is light...), and it is free too, but it also costs us our all, if we are to truly become His disciples. No wonder the world doesn't understand! The best illustration to them is our lives, not our words. May we truly be reflections of Jesus to others at this Christmas time.
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: SUNRISE
TODAY'S 'DO YOU KNOW?' ANSWER: b. Pharisees and hypocrites. The second son paid "lip service" to his father, but refused to obey him. In the same way the Pharisees of Jesus' time professed to be very holy. In fact, they had become hard-hearted, legalistic, and disobedient to God. More generally, if we profess faith, but do not obey God's commandments, then our faith is empty - we are merely disobedient hypocrites like the second son. Sinners who have repented and turned away from sin. In verse 31 we see that the first son actually did his father's will, even though he refused at first. In the same way, repentant sinners have at fist refused to follow God's commandments, but later turned away from sin and become obedient. As in verse 31, these repentant sinners are welcomed into God's kingdom.
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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