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: 278 Published: 19 Feb 2007
FROM UPWARDS AND OUTWARDS TO INWARDS
It is most interesting to look at the pattern of the estabishment and growth of a church.Most new churches start off with a small group of enthusiastic people, genuinely reaching out to God for His help in getting established. Most often than not there is no, or very little, monetary support available to the pastors or leaders. They need to earn income outside the church.
Meetings are held in homes or rented premises, as the church seeks to establish itself in the local community. Evangelism and/or recruitment (not the same thing!) takes place in order to grow numbers. As expenses are low, the people's giving is often distributed to the poor or used to support other worthwhile ministries, very often those involved in evangelism, for that is likely the heart of the church.
So, at this early stage of development, there is a focus upwards to God and outwards to the local and wider communities.
However, as the church builds and matures, changes take place. As numbers grow, there will arise the perceived need for a paid pastor to look after the flock. With a larger group of people too, the desperate need to add numbers to the congregation will lessen. Programmes will be introduced, along with formal church structures, in order to 'provide value' for the people within the congregation. Holding on to your people now becomes a higher priority than adding new converts. Then, of course, you will need a building, in order to comfortably house the flock. Anciliary buildings follow, and/or a bigger church, for we all know that there is a barrier to more people joining once the seats are 80% full. Provide more seats and more people will automatically come! Or will they? Of course, the increased giving now being received needs to be spent on wages, administration of programmes, and naturally, on providing better and better facilities for the church and its members.
Many, indeed most, will applaud these moves as signs signaling the successful establishment of a new church.
While, to our human eyes and understanding, this appears to be real success, I wonder how it seems to God? For all these, upon the surface, very good things, in reality, result in a reduction in our dependence upon God, for we do most of it in our own strength. Also, because so much is happening within our church community, absorbing most of our time, energy and financial resources, our focus loses it outward outreach, becoming focused inwards upon ourselves.
It is a fact that mature churches grow, if at all, at a far slower rate than newly planted ones. I do hope you are starting to understand the reasons why. For success in man's eyes, reflected through paid pastors, programmes and ever better facilities, is very different to success as seen by God.
There is but one 'Golden rule' - to love God and to love others. Ultimately, the love God likes best, is dependence upon Him in all we do. Putting Him first in our lives, yes even above 'the church! Loving others, is simply helping the poor and spreading the Word to unbelievers. In being the light of Jesus to all we meet.
Today, God is bringing about a change in His church. More and more people are being challenged to move away from 'playing church' in the traditional, sadly humanistic way, clothed in religiosity, to seek a deeper personal experience of Jesus and becoming Him to the community and the lost.
The challenge the established church has now, is to break out of its self-centred and self-satisfied patterns, largely based upon human understandings, and adapt to the call of God in today's world. To move back into the community, fully relying upon God to lead the way.
This is difficult to achieve in our 'Martha based' church system, where getting things done in an efficient manner is all important. Mary, on the other hand, spent time at the feet of Jesus, to the ridicule and contempt of Martha. But Jesus said that Mary's was the better way. May we too learn the Mary-Martha lesson!
We must understand that God's ways are not our ways. In fact, His ways seem foolish to human eyes. Until we trust Him fully, through listening to the Holy Spirit, to be our leader, teacher and guide, the conventional church will continue to see its impact upon society reduce.
We need to seek excellence in hearing from God. Obeying His instructions, looking after the poor and evangelising the world. We must follow the example of Jesus rather than seeking excellence of facilities, programmes and pastors, the foundations upon which the modern church is based.
May we be prepared to listen to God and obey Him today.
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FROM THE WORD
"I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ."(Philippians 2:19-21)
"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:1-11)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
RELIGION, REVELATION AND GOD'S KINGDOM1030. Religion is really 'the opiate of the priests'.
1031. To get closer to God we need to swap the bonds of religion for the liberation of His kingdom.
1032. Religion creates its own standard mould of monotonous mediocrity. God breaks moulds!
1033. Religion is centred upon man, the kingdom, upon God.
1034. Religion is the outcome of the institutionalisation of a God given vision.
1035. Religion is based upon rules, God's kingdom upon obedience.
1036. Religion seeks to control the Spirit of God which His kingdom releases.
1037. Religion controls, God's kingdom releases.
1039. Religion seeks to interpret the answers to life found in God's kingdom. Surely a direct approach is best.
1040. As religion goes, God's kingdom grows.
1041. Revelation and religion make incompatible companions.
1042. Religion resists change while revelation requires it!
1043. Revelation formalised soon becomes religion institutionalised.
1044. God's kingdom breeds revelation, religion, rules.
1045. Religion is man's adaptation of God's revelation.
1046. When religion fails you, turn to God.
1047. So often the church attempts to compete with God's kingdom rather than promoting it.
1048. God's vision is our mission.
1049. Religion is the eager repository of yesterday's revelation.
1050. Revelation is eternal truth meeting today's circumstances.
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
12 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14 to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: 15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.†17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.â€
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
A REVELATION OF....... THE 3 GARDENS OF GODTHE GARDEN OF THE TOMB: A GARDEN OF VICTORY
Without the resurrection, Jesus would have been just another good man, who lived and died, as we all do.
Therefore the resurrection in the garden is a key event in the story of Jesus and in our faith walk.
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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." ***
579.CUTTING KINDNESS
A preacher was called upon to substitute for the regular minister, who had failed to reach the church because he was delayed in a snowstorm. The speaker began by explaining the meaning of substitute.
"If you break a window," he said, "and then place cardboard there instead, that is a substitute."
After the sermon, a woman who had listened intently shook hands with him and wishing to compliment him actually said, "You were no substitute. You were a real pane."
578. WHERE AM I?
I grew up Catholic. During the service, there comes a time during the mass when the Holy Eucharist is lifted up by the priest, and simultaneously, to bring everyone to attention to the reverent moment, the altar boy rings a little bell.
One day at that precise time, my 4 year old God Child immediately stood to attention and yelled "The Ice Cream Man!"
Even though it was supposed to be a reverent moment, the parishioners couldn't help but break into laughter.
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 769 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...
FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What or who is the Cardinal Bird named after?ANSWER: The bright red bird is named after the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Innocent IV proposed they wore red robes in the 13th century as a symbol of their willingness to die for their faith. (Would they - and we - still?)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What is a 'red dog'?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS390. LEAVING YOUR STONE
Among the Danakil tribesmen of Ethiopia, a male’s grave is marked with a stone for every man he killed. (Run out of men before stones!)
391. HAPPY HELEN
Helen of Troy was Queen of Sparta. (worked like a trojan but did not live a spartan life!)
392. MAGNIFICATION
If a glass of water were magnified to the size of the Earth, the molecules comprising it would be about as big as a large orange. (Large multiplication giving a small answer.)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters. (Can you remember from last week?)
OPPOSER
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
6) Who sang the song of victory for Israel?A - Isaac and Rebekah
B - Moses and Aaron
C - Deborah and Barak
D - the angels
Source: www.biblequizzes.com
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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""YOUNG LOVE
!!!!!!! * "If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend whom you hate." (Nikka - age 6)
!!!!!! * "Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday." (Noelle - age 7)
!!!!! * "Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well." (Tommy - age 6)
!!!! * "My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night." (Clare - Age 5)
!!! * "Love is when mommy gives daddy the best piece of chicken." (Elaine - age 5)
!! * "Love is when mommy sees daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford." (Chris - age 8)
! * "Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day." (Mary Ann - age 4)
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. Where did Bathsheba get her name?
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A. King David saw her when she was taking a bath.
Lots more riddles found at...
LIFE'S A LAUGH
116. DOBBED INWhen conductor Leonard Bernstein took the New York Philharmonic on tour, he found this
note under his hotel room door one night: "I think you should know that the fellow in your
band who plays the instrument that pulls in and out only bothered playing during the odd moments you were looking straight at him."
117. TOUCHE!
When I managed a chemical plant, I instituted a rule that there would be no playing games on our computers. So I wouldn't be a hypocrite, I had an information technologist get rid of the games on my laptop. Therefore I was surprised to find my grandson playing solitaire on it one weekend. I asked if he had loaded the game...
"No," he answered, "it was already there. It was just hidden - taken off the main menu."
On Monday I chided our information technologist for not getting rid of the game.
"But," he explained, "I thought I just had to keep it away from *you* - not from a nine-year-old!"
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MANNERS AND CUSTOMS IN BIBLICAL LANDS
PROFESSIONAL MOURNERSWere called in at the time of sorrow to express mourning from the dead. They are mentioned by the Hebrew prophets. ((Jeremiah 9:17-18) Professional wailers were hired as we sometimes would singers at a funeral today.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
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GOD'S KINGDOM
God's kingdom only knows one direction: Forward. Most Christians in the Western world are unaware of how the Kingdom of God is advancing more than ever before. Christianity is growing three times faster than the world's population! Every day, nearly 200,000 people come into the Kingdom of God! Christianity is the fastest growing religion in the world, with a 6.9 percent growth rate, compared to 2.7 percent for Muslims, 2.2 percent for Hindus, and 1 .7 percent for Buddhists! More than 40 percent of the progress in world evangelism from the time of Christ until today has occurred in the past three years!More facts on evangelism are found at...
SHEA MINISTRIES(TSM)
A non-profit New York State corporation, publicly educates by distributing and disseminating religious historical facts and theological convictions pertaining to Judeo-Christian heritage and the teachings of First Century Christianity as applied to practical every-day experience; to distribute and share this information through publication in the form of newsletters and other related printed information, and through the use of legal media such as audio and video cassette tapes, CDs, the World Wide Web, and other electronic media; and to conduct worship, discussion, and prayer meetings.Join the team at...
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF……. 3 MIRACULOUS CONCEPTIONSAnd how they mirrored aspects of the life of Jesus up to 2050 years before He was born. Our God is amazing!
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WAXING LYRICAL
Just couldn’t leave out this story of the sailing of my friend Neil’s yacht from Whangarei to Tauranga, a 30 hour journey down the North Island of New Zealand’s east coast.One of the longest 30 hours of my life!
DAYS OF ‘CHUNDER’! (Part 2 of 2)
For an hour or two throughout the night,
I enjoyed the trip – the stars were a sight.
My mate Neil, was able to have a snooze,
Confidence in me, again starting to ooze.
But the sea, was not yet ready to finish,
Determined my pride, to fully diminish!
Yes, the swells they did rise in an uncomfortable way,
‘Old man sea’, always determined to have the last say!
By now my stomach, surely was bare,
Empty of food, with the sea to share!
But how little about myself, do I know,
For there was still a little left, to let go!
And let go I did, four times more,
The sea now, really settling the score.
Before calming down all the rest of the way,
"Beginning to enjoy this," I could now say.
Of course, all adventures do come to an end,
Back on solid earth, my time now to spend.
I had conquered the challenge inside of me,
My fear overcome – with a little difficulty!
As I reflect upon what I have done,
Of a victory earned, a race won.
The surprising parallel of life at sea
With God’s working, occurs to me.
For as He continues to purify us in the fire,
To remove the dross of sin, as is His desire.
It can be likened to the act of ‘chunder’,
Which wrenches the stomach asunder!
To empty ones gut, overboard,
With some, will strike a chord.
An example of removing sin from life,
As God seeks, to keep us from strife.
Letting go of things, is not always easy,
Amazing, how we hold on to the sleazy!
But once we have given our homely habit away,
We wonder, why so long, we allowed it to stay.
But surely Lord, there can be no more!
I’m good enough now, to be in your store.
But like the spew spraying forth, from the gut to the sea,
The Lord finds more that needs changing, inside of me.
No more Lord! Please – I’ve had enough,
My life’s spew is horrible tasting stuff!
But as the seemingly endless bouts of ‘chunder’ go on,
A voice says "eat my food, and your sickness will be gone."
For as we give over our desires to Him,
He then rebuilds us, limb upon limb.
Until we come into His likeness you see,
Yes, that’s the place, He wants us to be.
More of David's poems at...
A DAVID MUSING
Today, our third son, Nigel, leaves on his big 'OE' (Overseas experience)Because New Zealand is an isolated country, situated below Australia, many of us travel overseas, particularly to the UK and Europe, once our education is completed. Kathy and I did so shortly after we were married.
Our two oldest sons have done this and now is the turn of Nigel. And, no doubt, Cameron will follow in his older brothers stead in the years ahead.
Unfortunately for us, our oldest, Andrew, hasn't returned, having met a lovely lady, Catriona, whose attraction was and remains more powerful than that of his parents! And they have multiplied, producing 3 Kiwi/Scottish cross, Tait grandchildren.
As you receive this, Kathy and I will be in Auckland farewelling Nigel at 4:30am in the morning! His mother is determined to be there, just in case he too, decides not to return anytime soon!
Life goes on, the kids grow up and the generations continue.
That is the way it is for us all. (Nigel - on the left - and Cameron, pictured.)
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: PROPOSE
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: C - Deborah and Barak (Judges 5:1-31)
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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