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: 275 Published: 29 Jan 2007
THE CHALLENGE OF AFRICA ON 50cents A DAY!
The Lord has the horrible habit of testing you in your areas of weakness!When travelling to Africa last year, the Lord graciously provided my fare (+$3! See all our teachings on 3's in God!) by the date it was due, one month before I left. And then, He also provided money for our living expenses for the next week until Kathy, my wife, got paid again! Wonderful!
"Thank you Lord. You are really looking after us for you know that for this trip I am completely reliant upon you, as we have nothing left of our own."
Naturally, over the next month, I expected the Lord to provide spending money so that I could meet my expenses and bless the people I visited. Three weeks to go - nothing. Two, weeks, one week, one day - nothing! Oh well, maybe someone will turn up at the airport! (For you always hear those stories!) At the airport in Napier - no-one! Fly on up to Auckland - no-one! Nothing! Had a look at our bank account. $100. Kathy had to live for another week before she got paid once again, so I needed to leave some money for her.
At the bank at the airport I changed $NZ40 ($US30) into 200 Rand, for South Africa was my first port of call. I 'looked forward' (wry smile!) to 60 days in Africa on 50 US cents a day! "Oh Lord, what are you doing!"
Arriving in South Africa, I was picked up by my friends, Peter and Melodie. No problem. I knew they would look after me for 2 days. But I saw a cake I liked, and a tube of toothpaste I would need before the end of the trip, so a few Rand went. Then, a ticket for my bus trip to Durban - another 120 Rand.
Arriving in Durban, I was picked up by Colin and Val and taken to Stanger (little India!) where I was to minister. They looked after me well. First two meetings. Very ordinary. No gift or offering. Went to a ministers meeting. Put some money in the collection. (I know, I should have put all I had in, but I am only human!) 15 Rand left after 1 week in Africa and still 53 days to go. No money to buy my return bus ticket to Pretoria. "Oh Lord, have I got this all wrong? Did I not really hear from you to come to Africa?"
At this, my lowest time, the Lord came to the rescue. Four more meetings. Radically different churches! Churches who understood the message of the end time call of the Lord to holy and righteous living, to truly becoming the 'bride of Christ'. They worshipped the Lord fervently, they absorbed the Word hungrily, they gave sacrificially! What an amazing difference! Lord, there is yet hope for Your church! And for me to survive this trip!
Onward through Nigeria, the Lord continued to provide. Then to Uganda, where I had a commitment to contribute towards expenses. Just able to meet my obligations. Through Kenya, just enough to buy a phone card or two. I left Nairobi after 60 days without a penny in my pocket, but having survived the 60 days. Thank you so much to those who looked after me, ones who were more interested in the Word and the Spirit of God than Westerners money.
No, it wasn't easy. There were many times that I desperately wanted to help others but was unable to. There were times when I didn't know if I would make it. Then there were some who didn't want to know me, sadly, even in the church, as a Westerner without money.
You see, we have done a disservice to the church in underdeveloped countries by our chequebook ministry. Of course, the needs are great. Of course the people need physical help. But, most of all, like us all, they need God first.
All over the world we relate spiritual blessing to financial gain. This simply is a human application of worldly values to the church.
As the Lord confirmed again to me through my experiences on this trip, the principle blessing of the New Testament is sacrifice. For we now live under a New Covenant. Our role models are no longer Abraham and Solomon, but Paul, Stephen, Peter and all the disciples, who sacrificed everything they had for Jesus, even their lives.
I know that this is not a popular message. In the natural, I would much rather have had money to take to the people than being, from my perspective, a burden upon them. But God's ways are not mans ways. He will build His church. We are simply to be obedient to Him. Thank you Lord for helping me walk in Your way.
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FROM THE WORD
PAUL BOASTS ABOUT HIS SUFFERINGS"I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool. Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast. You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise! In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or pushes himself forward or slaps you in the face. To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that! What anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands." (2 Corinthians 11:16-33)
THE STONING OF STEPHEN
"When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,†he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.†At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.†Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.†When he had said this, he fell asleep." (Acts 7:54-60)
PETER
"I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.†Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!â€" (John 21:18-19)
You may read and study the 'New International Version (NIV)' online at...
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
254. You can't truly live by faith until you have nothing else to live on.255. Our faith is like the air we breath. It is only the current breath that gives life.
256. As we build our faith, so faith builds in us.
257. Past faith is but a memory, future faith but a dream, but today's faith defines our relationship with God.
258. Our faith ebbs and flows as the tide, but God's faithfulness never wavers.
259. While yesterday's faith is but a memory, it provides the inspiration to reach higher today.
260. Funnily enough, faith to move mountains, is generally given to those first prepared to remove the mountain of rubbish from their own lives.
261. The journey of faith starts with a single step.
262. Faith is a current stock item, available to all. Some however leave it on the shelf for fear the price may be too high.
263. Faith is one of the few things in life where the more you take, the more you get given.
264. If faith was easy, it would be of little value.
265. Faith to God is like breathing to life. Without it we are spiritually dead.
266. To believe in the essential goodness of man is perfectly normal. But to believe in God takes too much faith. Something is basically wrong here!
267. We all hope for a better future. But few are prepared to exercise the faith required to guarantee 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 ...
CRANWELL'S CARTOON
Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. 2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. (Genesis 2:1-3)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
A REVELATION OF....... THE 3 GARDENS OF GODHaving spent much of my life involved in the gardening industry, as a grower, wholesaler of flowers, bulbs and plants, and finally as a mail order sell of the same, this revelation has reached into my 'gardener's heart'.
Gardens and nature have a special place in God's heart too. This is not surprising for He is their creator! Not surprising then that He should choose garden settings for key events in His interaction with man to take place.
When given this revelation, I was busy (our eternal excuse!) so I put it to one side until now. But as I am starting to meditate upon it again, my initial excitement is returning.
I trust you will share my enthusiasm, as together we explore the ramifications of the crucial events that took place in these beautiful garden settings.
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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." ***
572. WAKE UP
My two-year-old daughter, Paige, was with her mother while her older sister was being examined by a dentist. Paige kept herself busy playing with toys in the waiting room until she noticed that her mom was resting, her eyes closed.
With about six other patients waiting, Paige marched up to her mother, looked her straight in the face and shook her shoulder.
"Mommy," she yelled, "wake up! This is not church!"
My wife, Lani, woke from her doze to the sound of other patients laughing.
571. QUOTES 2001
Actual Bible College quotes! 2001
"When you boil water in the cattle the steam is very hot." (For "cattle" read "kettle")
"Sometimes I have my quiet time before I wake up in the morning."
"The spirit of the diseased will haunt the family that are living until they have sacrificed." (For "diseased" read "deceased")
"We read in the newspapers how the Pop travels around the world." (For "Pop" read "Pope")
"We need to read the Bible as a hole to determine what God's will is..." (for "hole" read "whole")
"Jesus expects the world to bow beaver Him." (For "beaver" read "before")
"Freedom of Religion has allowed Buddhists... to influenza the society." (For "influenza" read "influence")
"They say Jesus is just a good person like Guatemala, Krishna and Confucius." (For "Guatemala" read "Gautama")
"When I was growing up I was exposed to all sorts of evil...things like girls..." (ASM Application)
"The call on me to save God was so intense such that I could not just help it." (For "save" read "serve"; ASM Application)
"The draft faculty policy document "is a complication of all the policies made over the past few years." (For "complication" read "compilation") Faculty Meeting Minutes
"God allows His people to go through tuft times to test their faith." (For "tuft" read "tough")
"People should do good things and live sin..." (For "live" read "leave")
"...And surly I am with you always to the very end of the age." (For "surly" read "surely")
"...Jesus resurrection will bring about... our waling in newness of life." (For "waling" read "walking")
"the greatest single cause of atheism today is those who acknowledge Jesus with their but..." (Read "acknowledge Jesus with their mouth, but deny him with their lives.")
'First I am trying to start a relationship with people and missionaries that stay in Madagascar so that I have a staring point when I get there." (For "staring" read "starting")
"God will show me in which aria he wants to use me in." (For "aria" read "area")
"He is helping me to start care-to-shear groups that can look after me while I am on the mission field. (For "shear" read "share")
"I got an extension due to a power failure from the lecturer." (Read "I got an extension from the lecturer due to a power failure!")
"We are not to put the yolk of tradition upon their heads." (For "yolk" read "yoke")
"Israel went into the dessert and at Sinai God made a covenant with them." (For "dessert" read "desert")
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can now download the book 'Laughing At Ourselves' in PDF format at LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
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FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: Is there violence in Grimms Fairy Tales?ANSWER: More than a little! You may recall that doves peck the eyes out of Cinderella's stepsisters, that Snow Whites stepmother arranges a 'hit' on her stepdaughter, and that Sleeping Beauty's suitors bleed to death on the hedge surrounding her castle. And that's just some! Grimm's fairy tales are full of infanticide, murder, mutilation, cannibalism, and incest. But they are also rich with heroism and adventure and generally end with the bad gys getting their just desserts. (PC lovers beware!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What is the real name of the painting now known as the 'Mona Lisa'?
Answer Next Week.
399. AD BLITZ
The average American sees or hears an amazing 560 advertisements a day. (How much money do they have to spend per advertisement seen?)
400. NOT SNOT
Blowing your nose in public is considered rude in Japan (and in many other countries). The handkerchief is use primarily for wiping the mouth or drying your hands when leaving a restroom. (Truly a ‘hand’kerchief, not a ‘nose’kerchief.)
401. A BIG NOISE
'Brontology’ is the study of thunder. (Clap your hands to thunderous applause, A thunderclap will further your cause.)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters. (Can you remember from last week?)
ADHERED
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 - BOOK OF JUDGES
3) Who was the fat king that Ehud killed?A - Ekron
B - Eglon
C - Elah
D - Eker
Source: www.biblequizzes.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"""!!!!!!! Seen it all, done it all, can't remember most of it.
!!!!!! Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all.
!!!!! The problems that exist in the world today cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them. - Albert Einstein
!!!! A good way to forget your troubles is to help others out of theirs.
!!! The best vitamin for making friends: B1.
!! No husband has ever been shot while doing the dishes.
! Junk is something you've kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
MORE BIBLE RIDDLES
Thought we had done all possible Bible riddles in our last, very popular series. However, I have now found some more for you to enjoy, courtesy of Frank Schaefer of javacasa.comQ. How do you know that Jesus is Irish?>
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A. From his last name --- Jesus O' Nazareth.
Lots more riddles found at...
TILL DEATH DO US PART
FEAR OF THUNDEROne summer evening during a violent thunderstorm a mother was tucking her small boy into bed. She was about to turn off the light when he asked with a tremor in his voice, "Mommy, will you sleep with me tonight?"
The mother smiled and gave him a reassuring hug. "I can't dear," she said. "I have to sleep in Daddy's bed."
A long silence was broken at last by his shaky little voice, "The big sissy."
MAN WAS FIRST
It's obvious that God made man first, then woman. Man is like a rough draft, woman is the finished copy.
QUICK QUIP
Don't marry for money. You can borrow it cheaper!
-Primatutu
WHICH LAW
John was brought before the court on the charge of refusing to obey a police Officer. "Why did you refuse to move on when asked to do so by the officer?" the judge inquired, obviously wondering what unexplained force could have given such a man strength to buck a strong minion of the law.
"It's like this, your honor," explained John. "My wife said I was to meet her at exactly twelve noon at that spot - and I was forced to choose between man's law and wife's law."
Laugh (or cry!) at marriage at...
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS IN BIBLICAL LANDS
NEW TESTAMENT JEWS...lacked knowledge of medicine, so sought help from the most pious rather than the most educated man, believing sickness was punishment for sin of the person or a relative. The disciples asked Jesus, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" (John 9:2) (Look up the reply of Jesus!)
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Lots more 'God Facts' are found at...
CAMEROON BUS BIBLE MINISTRY
from: Mission Network News (http://www.mnnonline.org) - December 7, 2006 (via The Outreach Files)Back to the Bible (http://www.backtothebible.org) shares good news from Cameroon. A partner there launched a Christian bus ministry so commuters are now hearing their Australian-produced radio programs.
He plays program CDs in transport buses that travel the city streets. A typical bus carries more than 200 passengers in each of its four daily rounds, so the potential impact of the gospel multiplies with five buses now taking part in the program. Please pray that the message takes root in the hearts of the listeners.
As for the origin of the broadcasts, Christianityworks (http://www.christianityworks.com) in Australia marks a sharp rise in responses to their radio programs. According to their staff, it's skyrocketed to more than 1500 new responses in the last four months in Australia and New Zealand alone.
As for the ideology behind Back to the Bible, they have found that radio goes behind political, geographical, and religious barriers into places where people can't go. It proclaims the gospel message to millions who follow the oral tradition or are illiterate.
Source (http://mnnonline.org/article/9351)
EDITOR'S NOTE: Christianityworks (http://www.christianityworks.com) is the Australia Pacific arm of Back to the Bible.
More facts on evangelism are found at...
VISIT MY FRIEND RODNEY FRANCIS AT GOSPEL FAITH MESSENGER MINISTRY
THE GOSPEL FAITH MESSENGER Ministry was founded in 1964. We are a non-profit-making Charitable Trust set up to see people released into the Ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ through the printing, publishing and distribution of Christian books, manuals, Free Bible Correspondence Courses, teaching articles, audio tapes, E-mail Ministry, Web Page, a monthly Prayer Support Letter, and Barnabas Bulletin. Since 1995 we have launched into the running of "International Training Schools," "Schools Of The Holy Spirit," "Holy Spirit Prophetic Conferences," and individual ministry by invitation. We are involved in the developing of prophetic ministry teams who go out on short term - and some longer term - missions in New Zealand and other nations. The GFM Ministry is based in Hamilton, New Zealand, where a weekly "Equipping Station" for prophetic training and team ministry is conducted.Visit my friend, Rodney Francis now, at...
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...
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WAXING LYRICAL
This was written 6 years ago. Life moves on. Perhaps I should add some more verses to bring it up to date! We'll see! (Not done yet!)LIFE WITH THE WIFE - 2nd of 2
Not to say that we never, ever disagree!
That ‘perfect’ couple, I have yet to see!
But we are learning to respect each other’s opinions,
So opening our marriage to exciting new dimensions.
Valuing our differences, to paint a finer picture,
Our thought processes, an interesting mixture,
For women think differently, as all men know,
Frustrating sometimes, but helps us to grow!
As we go through turbulent times once more,
My God - no, not again! I am losing the score!
But this time, with God and Kathy on my case,
I’m no longer alone, in running life’s race.
‘When the going gets tough, the tough get going’,
We face things together, our love ever growing,
Amazing the miracle that God has done,
For we enter life’s battles, victory won.
So, looking back on those first twenty years,
Could have avoided the flow of Kathy’s tears.
If only then, I had been willing to talk with the wife,
Would have banished earlier, much strife in our life!
Now, as we cuddle together, under the covers at night,
Here, ‘in the best bed in the world’, it is our delight,
To share together, all the adventures of the day,
And so our love blossoms - Lord, long may it stay.
Looking forward to the future, with excitement and hope,
For the Lord’s on our side, with problems we can cope.
Our maturing love, gently tightens the bonds of unity,
In the service of Jesus, we’re fulfilling our destiny.
More of David's poems at...
A DAVID MUSING
Another 2 days this week were spent in Palmerston North with Kathy's mother.She is so much better and we now feel happy that she will be able to cope on her own again, as she desires to do. Prayers aplenty, all over the world, have surely helped. Thank you so much!
Last week we talked about 'routine'. This week, being out of routine in Palmerston North, I increased my normal half-hour run to 1 hour, for 1 day, to see how I would get on. It is quite a long time since I have run for this length of time. Not a problem! Exceeded my expectations - or self-imposed limitations.
So lets not let our routine, our comfort zone, stop us from stepping out into the scary unknown. You might be pleasantly surprised at what you can do too!
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: REDHEAD
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: 3) B - Eglon (Judges 3:17)
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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