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: 281 Published: 12 Mar 2007
GOD'S CALL
Last weekend Kathy and I were 'out of town'. On Sunday we went to church. It is always interesting going into another church, particularly as an anonymous member of the congregation. The service was good, but what really caught my eye was an item in the newsletter. It's an item that's in many church newsletters. In both form and the information the article contained, it is typical of that seen in churches everywhere. Yet, this time, it hit me in the face! You could say I had a revelation, or a prompting from God, or perhaps, I just understood something I had not seen before. The item was:Offertory last week:
$2742.70
Budget average:
$1711.54 (+1031.16)
Mission: $15.00
Foodbank: $10.00
At first glance, our automatic reaction is "Wow, what a good collection last week!" That is not a revelation, but more a celebration, particularly for the Treasurer!
This time however, my attention was drawn to the last 2 lines. Mission: $15.00 Foodbank: $10.00. The Lord really challenged me as I sat there, having one ear on the sermon and one ear musing on what He had put on my mind. "What is the priority of My church?" "WHAT IS THE PRIORITY OF MY CHURCH!"
The church itself was a relatively modern construction of a very traditional design. After the service we were taken out to the beautiful new hall that had recently been completed, for a cup of tea. The people were proud of what they had built. "What is the priority of My church?" "WHAT IS THE PRIORITY OF MY CHURCH!" It kept ringing in my ears!
What did Jesus say?
"“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
(Luke 12:32-4)"
And then the final words of Jesus...
"He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation."" (Mark 16:15)
Represented, in this church, by food bank and missions! A total of $25, or less than 1% of the collection. To be fair, there was also some food donated, which would have taken it to near 2%.
It is a truism that our real heart is found in our wallet! In what we do with what it contains. In churches generally, our first priority, as reflected here, is to the maintenance of the paid priesthood (or pastorhood!) and the provision and maintenance of the buildings we meet in. Of course a small proportion of the general giving may be used for missions and helping the poor, but reality is, most isn't!
I am not being critical of this church in particular, for it is simply typical of most.
What I am saying though, is that God is challenging His church today to get their priorities right, to get back to the basics of the New Testament, to get back to the teachings of Jesus.
Church is not a comfortable social club where we cut ourselves off from the rest of the world within four walls, to worship God in isolation.
The true church is a vibrant living community of disciples, reflecting Jesus to the world. We do this by putting our resources and energy into feeding the poor, training and assisting them to rise out of poverty, and in sharing the Good News of Jesus to rich and poor alike, to all who have a heart to listen.
It is purely co-incidental (truly!), that today, we are announcing the establishment of 'africa arise'. www.africaarise.org.nz (See article below) If you wish to support what we are doing, that would be great. However, this message is not about one ministry or mission. It is far greater than that. It's about the necessity for a change in priorities throughout the whole church.
God is calling upon us to change the habits and traditions of nearly 2 millennia! We ignore His command at our peril!
Find out more about us at...
FROM THE WORD
"Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? But give what is inside the dish to the poor, and everything will be clean for you. “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone. “Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. “Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which men walk over without knowing it.â€" (Luke 11:39-44)"Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the saints there. For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings." (Romans 15:25-7)
THE GREAT COMMISSION
"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.†(Matthew 28:16-20)
You may read and study the 'New International Version (NIV)' online at...
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
THE FOOLISH, THE WISE AND THE GODLY ('Taberneagle' Thoughts)4. The foolish seek pleasure on earth. The wise build treasure in heaven. But the godly seek to build heaven on earth.
5. Earthly possessions are perceived to be:
- Owned - by the foolish.
- Rented - by the wise.
- Administered - by the godly.
6. Our true heart is found in our wallet:
- The foolish spend all on themselves.
- The wise tithe 10% to the provider.
- The godly use all they have been given on the provider’s behalf.
7. The foolish reject God, the wise respect God, while the godly live for their God.
8. The foolish speak before they think, the wise think before they speak, while the godly let their lives speak for them.
9. The foolish are satisfied with reading the Word, the wise follow the Word, while the godly are as one with the Word.
1273. The foolish give seeking earthly return, the wise, to build up treasures in heaven, while the godly give their all out of love for God, with no need of reward.
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 ...
ANNOUNCING 'africa arise'
When travelling in Africa last year I was introduced to the second hand clothing and general goods market. In a roundabout way the Lord led me to set up 'africa arise' to help the people there financially as well as spiritually through Walking With Jesus.Our approach is a unique combining elements of both business and charity to meet the huge needs in an efficient manner, taking into account the inherent problems that exist in sending aid to the Third World.
This is entirely a 'faith venture'. So far we have been blessed with a vehicle and the free use of premises for 4 months in order to get started. These are what I asked the Lord to supply to confirm in a practical way that what we were doing was not just GOOD but GOD! (One less O!)
Have a look at our new website africaarise.org.nz to see what is it is all about. My huge thanks to David Harris for all his work in designing the web site for us! It is best viewed using Internet Explorer currently. I am sure you will agree that David has made a great job of it!
As you know, we don't ask for money for ourselves or for WWJ Ministries. The Lord provides. However, I don't hesitate to ask for africa arise as the people there are generally so poor, through no fault of their own - and we, in the West, have so much. We have a need for a minimum of $2,500 in order to pay the initial set up expenses both here and in Africa. If you were able to contribute towards this it would be hugely appreciated and enable us to become fully operational more quickly and easily, to the ultimate benefit of African people.
You can donate through the banking system on the Donations page on the new website. Bank Donations Credit Card donations however, need to be processed through our facility on the Walking With Jesus website. Credit Card Donations
Please enter under the MINISTRY DONATION heading and we will ensure that all donations received are transferred to 'africa arise'
If you live in New Zealand and would be prepared to help as a Church Representative or Organiser, or in any other way, please contact me on david@africaarise.org.nz Some churches have already committed to collecting clothing and goods for us.
Check out the new website at…
FROM YOU - TO ME - TO YOU
Dear David Tait,Thank you for your inquiry. I came to know if you on www.wwj.org.nz http://www.wwj.org.nz> and for the past two months I have been reading through your work, vision and the programs of your ministry. I came to know your ministry when I was just resting and checking some websites and fortunate enough I came a cross you and your wife's e-mail. On your website I came across so many teachings that pulled me because they are agreat blessing to my church given that we are in a remote and rural area we dont have such good teachings. Hope this satisfy you and your question. We were thinking of developing more relationship with your ministry.
Blessings,
Richard
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Hi Richard
Thanks for letting me know. We are always interested as to how people get to know of us. Sometimes it seems as if one is doing it all to empty cyberspace but to get an email like this makes it all worthwhile! There is someone out there who is benefiting after all!
Please keep in touch.
His servant and yours
David
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Your comments to me or fellow readers are always welcomed at... david@wwj.org.nz
This is an opportunity for you to express your views, which may not be my views. But none of us have a mortgage on all the truth - except for Jesus!
CRANWELL'S CARTOON
49 While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,†he said. “Don’t bother the teacher any more.â€
50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.†51 When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. 52 Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,†Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.†53 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!†55 Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56 Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened. (Luke 8:49-56)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
REVELATIONS REVELATION! (Part 2)We will look at the first 2 of the 7 churches, those in Ephesus and Smyrna to see what rewards were promised to the overcomers there.
Check out all the available teachings at...
*** ANOTHER DAILY EZINE FROM WWJ!*** 'LAUGHING AT OURSELVES' Subscribe Today
As Christians, if we can't laugh at ourselves, others will! A fun way to start your day.To register today, simply click here lao-on@wwj.org.nz and press send. Then it's done!
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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." ***
586. BIBLE COLLEGE QUOTES
"In this lesson we are going to learn how to assist a person in drowning." First aid notes
"Stephen was stoned to death right at the end of his life." (unusual time to die!) Acts notes
"In your counselling career you may have to minister to victims of murder." Counselling notes (Communicating with the dead?)
"The Spirit of God was hoovering over the face of the waters." (for "hoovering" read "hovering. Maybe an Indiana thing? No, that would be hoosiering.)
"God really spoke to into my life through the lectures on Victorian Christian Living"(for "Victorian" read "Victorious")
"The Pastor spoke on 1 Corinthians 13 and this chapter has never meant as mush to me before." (for "mush" read "much")
"There are numerous angels from which one can approach this assignment." (for "angels" read "angles")
"Without the help from God, man is just a mere morsal wondering aimlessly." (for "morsal" read "mortal"; and for "wondering" read "wandering")
"Rebekah conceived and had two sons and even in her worm Jacob took hold of Esau's heel." (for "worm" read "womb")
Guatamala Buddha was deified by his followers long after his death. (for "Guatamala" read "Guatama"; or is it a new Latin Cult?)
585. BELLY BUTTONS
Did Adam and Eve have belly-buttons?
Of course they did. But they did not get them until God poked each one in the stomach and said; "Your done and your done."
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: Is Mayday a workers or a pagan holiday?ANSWER: It is both, but in the first instance a pagan celebration of the return of the sun after a long hard winter. The festival (named Beltane) included dancing round the May Pole. (Not much work is done on May Day!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Why do mockingbirds imitate other birds?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS381. Now That’s Real Inflation!
During the early 1920s, at the height of the inflation in the German Weimar Republic, one American dollar was equal to 4 trillion German marks. (Truly, ‘money not even worth burning’! Helped Hitler Hijack His Country)
382. Don’t Expect to Win
According to Gambler's Digest, an estimated $1 million is lost at racetracks in the US each year by people who lose or carelessly throw away winning tickets. (Those who literally ‘throw their money away’!)
383. Cat Love
Felix the Cat's girlfriend was named Phyllis. (Good to ‘phyll-is’ in on that!)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters. (Can you remember from last week?)
CONKER
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
9) What was Gideons other name?A - Ben Manoah
B - Ben Hur
C - Jerubbaal
D - Zerubabel
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"""!!!!!!! Should I call you in the morning or just nudge you?
!!!!!! A man who lives in a glasshouse should change in the basement.
!!!!! Forgiveness is like the fragrance a flower gives after it’s been stepped on.
!!!! A drunk man’s words are often a sober man’s thoughts.
!!! Amateurs made Noah’s Ark, professionals the Titanic.
!! Never lick a self-adhesive stamp.
! A wise leader delegates, the inept dictate.
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 was King Solomon's temple located?
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>
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A. On his head.
Lots more riddles found at...
GROANS GALORE!
58. THE MINISTER AND THE PAINTA Minister had a group of trustees over to paint the parsonage. It was getting late and it looked like they were going to run out of paint, but by that time the paint store was closed. The pastor looked and noted that it was water based paint, so they added water to thin the paint and finished the job.
That night it rained cats and dogs. The pastor worried that the paint which wasn't dry would be washed from the house. Sure enough, in the morning all the paint to which they had added water was washed from the house. At that moment the clouds parted and the pastor heard a voice from above. It said "Repaint and thin no more."
59. JEOPARDY!?
Did you hear about the big winner on JEOPARDY!? He went home the next day, and his wife demanded, "Who were those women I saw you outwit last night?"
60. THE BUTCHER
The woman said to her butcher, "Those sausages you sold me yesterday were meat at one end and nothing but cornmeal at the other end."
The butcher replied, "Well, you know how it is . . . it's difficult these days to make both ends meat."
Groan now at...
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS IN BIBLICAL LANDS
3 CLASSES OF ARABS......are found in Palestine. The Bedouins are nomads who live in tents, unaffected by societal changes. The Fellahin are farmers, usually living in villages in single room houses and are only slightly changed from olden days. Belladin Arabs do business in the cities and have been greatly affected by modern society.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Lots more 'God Facts' are found at...
MARRIAGE STILL IN VOGUE
According to new figures released by A C Nielsen this week, New Zealanders still value marriage. The survey looked at 500 participants from New Zealand, as part of an international study on marriage and relationships, and found that there is still a strong appreciation for marriage in New Zealand, with 58 percent of participants considering marriage as one of their lifetime ambitions. It was also found that a large amount of support exists for cohabitation, as 64 percent of New Zealanders surveyed were of the opinion that a "stable, long-term relationship" was of equal value to a marriage.There is a danger in placing this kind of faith in cohabiting relationships. A number of studies exist on the substantial differences between marriage and cohabitating relationships. The commitment to marriage offers far greater family stability, even after taking into account socio-economic factors. This research tends to show that those in cohabiting relationships are generally less committed, and therefore the relationships have a tendency to break down more often, regardless of how ‘stable' they appear to be. Some studies suggest that a connection exists between commitment and levels of depression, with lower levels of depression found in those who are married, due to the committed and permanent nature of their relationship.
It is promising that within our society, respect can still be found for the value of marriage. This report shows that stability and commitment are still considered to be of high worth, a fact that should persuade us that marriage needs to be sought after and encouraged. (Source: Maxim Institute Real Issues 8 March 2007)
More family facts at...
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF....... THE TABERNACLE OF DAVIDSandwiched between Moses Tabernacle, representing the church, and Solomon's Temple, representing the Millennial reign of Christ, David's simple tent is a picture of the end time church that will last for but a short time before Jesus returns.
Check it out to find out about the people God is seeking for Himself today.
Download your free PDF File now at...
WAXING LYRICAL
This poem was 2 years in the writing! The inspiration came, half was written, then I got busy on other things! In the last day or two I have had some spare time, so thought to finish it. (Actually I have had more spare time during the two years but never quite got 'a round tuit'!) I hope the result is worth waiting for!MR BUMBLE (Part 1 of 4)
The other day I met with a bumble bee,
The two of us together, just him and me.
I asked, "How are you, my high flying friend,â€
As our way down the road, we did gently wend.
“A ‘box of buzzes’ " said Mr Bumble, rumbling along,
In the prime of life - yes, a bee so buzzingly strong.
“I'm on the way to the garden down the road,
Plentiful pollen there, will get me a load.â€
“For I’m a worker bee you see,
One of many, in our big family,
We have a purpose for which to live,
Honey aplenty, to our hive, to give.â€
“Your life is a fulfilled one then,
A privilege not given many men.â€
“I guess it is, in following family tradition,
Feeding the hungry hive’s a real mission.â€
“I learned what to do from my brother,
The Queen you know, is our mother,
It was Jimmy who taught me how to fly,
Led by example, encouraged me to try.â€
“But soon flight, I did learn to master,
With practice, went faster and faster.
Till now I’m known as the ‘brmm-brmm bee,’
Always winning the race to the cherry tree.â€
More of David's poems at...
A DAVID MUSING
Our web server has been down for the past 14 hours so must run to get this finished in time to send out!See you next week/././././
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: RECKON
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: C - Jerubbaal (Judges 7:1)
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LINKS
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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