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: 282 Published: 19 Mar 2007
WHY DO WE GO TO CHURCH?
This is a hugely interesting question! One pastors and leaders frequently seek an answer to. For if we could work out why people go to church, surely we could attract more of them.Do we attend through habit? I am sure we all fit into that category from time to time, when a warm bed on a cold day has magnetic attraction, as does the beach (if we live near one) on a summer scorcher. But as we wrestle with conflicting desires, our conscience, or simply habit, generally wins the day and off to church we go, usually with a bad attitude! Church goes on week after week, year after year, in much the same way, because that is the way we have always done it.
An equally popular, or maybe even more popular, reason for going to church, is to have our needs met. We go for healing, be it physical, emotional or spiritual. We go for a blessing. We go expecting a good return on the investment of time and money we spend at the meetings we attend. Leaders with a pastor's heart push this, for it is the nature of their gifting to see people helped and blessed.
Or maybe, we go to meet with our friends. To have a good time with people whose company we enjoy. Maybe even to find a spouse!
Then again, we might love music and a good singsong.
Over the years different churches have catered to these desires in order to appeal to a particular 'market segment' of Christians large enough to support their (Shouldn't it be God's?) particular church. Some churches try and incorporate all these 'attractions', but will still major on 1 or 2.
But are these the right reasons for going to church?
I would suggest the answer is no! Indeed, these recruitment methods are a major reason why the church as an institution is declining today.
Being a Christian is not all about 'me'! Indeed, it is not about me at all! Rather, it is all about 'Him'! It's all about Jesus!
The primary purpose for each one of us in going to church should be to worship God! To honour Him, to glorify Him, to submit our lives anew to Him! The focus is to be upon Jesus, not ourselves!
Wow! That is a bit radical, David! Surely no-one would come if their needs weren't being met!
I want to suggest today that indeed, the reverse would be the case. For when we focus upon Jesus, upon doing the will of the Father as He did, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit He promised to us, our needs will become His desires for us, and we will be renewed. Be changed. Develop a new and different set of priorities, with a focus upon God and others rather than upon us. We will develop an outward rather than an inward mentality. A great medicine for most of our human problems!
Just as Jesus instructed, when debating with the Pharisees:
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?†37 Jesus replied: â€â€˜Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:36-28)
Once we truly understand and apply this instruction of Jesus, our churches will be revolutionized and contrary to popular, human understanding will grow into a powerful force in society.
Will we dare to be different?
May we never forget this foundation principle; "IT'S ALL ABOUT HIM!"
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FROM THE WORD
PRESSING ON TOWARD THE GOAL"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! (Philippians 3:12-4:1)
IMITATING CHRIST'S HUMILITY
"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
GROWING IN GOD25. To the believer Jesus is Saviour, but to the disciple he is also Lord.
27. Our most dearly held beliefs often inhibit God’s further revelation to us.
28. The foundation of our spiritual house is to be built upon the solid rock of Jesus, the walls constructed using the insights of the fathers of the faith, while the ‘roof of truth’ is God’s revelation to us today.
29. As we grow in God, what we are to do assumes greater importance, than what we are not to do.
30. A new believer focuses upon the ‘thou shalt not’s’, while a mature disciple develops the ‘thou shalt’s.’ in their life.
32. To believe in God is good, to hear from God is great, but to obey God reaps the ultimate reward.
314. The major difference between childhood and adulthood is taking responsibility. Many Christians dislike responsibility!
315. In nature, human growth occurs naturally. We expect the same in the Spiritual and get offended when others grow more quickly than us.
316. Human growth is measured in height, girth and wrinkles, spiritual growth by the 'fruit of the Spirit.' Often we confuse the two.
987. To see the view we must first climb the mountain.
989. To grow in our God we must first shrink in our self.
990. 'Going down' is the secret to 'growing up' in God.
Please feel free to quote these quotes. Acknowledgement of David Tait as the author would be appreciated. There are now over 1300 David sayings for you to view at ...
'africa arise' IS UNDERWAY
This week has seen our first clothing and other goods collection for 'africa arise'. Thank you Flaxmere Christian Fellowship for your support. We are underway but we do need your help too!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 (Thank you Napier Christian Fellowship) and the free use of premises for 4 months in order to get started. These are the items 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 (but gratefully accept) 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 need 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 urgent need (whatever amount you are able) it would be hugely appreciated and enable us to become fully operational more quickly and easily, to the ultimate benefit of African people. Thank you.
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
Hello David,Read your article on "visiting another church last weekend" and the apparently poor Missionary giving.
You would possibly be under the same impression if you visited our church, as specific gifts for mission are shown separate to general offerings and may be small, but the overall giving to mission from our general funds sent out on a monthly basis amounts to some 23 to 25% of the churches total income. (and we support a Full time Pastor and Full time Youth Worker). The church you visited may have a similar policy?
Hope you don't mind these comments, but sometimes we can get it wrong without the full picture.
Yours in Him
Harold
Liverpool. England.
Hi Harold
Thanks for the comments. You are right that things may not be what they seem, in some cases.
Unfortunately though, the worldwide statistics on mission giving would indicate that your church is the excellent exception rather than the general rule. Mission giving is around 5% of church income and that includes all giving by individuals to missions outside of the church. The actual church proportion may be half that figure. That is the harsh reality. Your church is the 'good' exception to the rule!
Thank you for your contribution - both to PGIM and missions!
Cheers
David
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Hi David,
I am grateful for your encouraging words and the newsletter you send to me today. I know many people are so much disturbing and due to poverty many of us in Africa are forced to borrow and cheat on the international making the god of stomach be our God. I pray that God shall forgive us. However the fact remains we are poor in Africa that is why people go on cheating. I am grateful that you have a great experience for Africa. I feel to let you know that we are there to serve one another and we love your ministry not for anything else but due to the good teachings you have. We have notice the anointing of God upon you and your ministry. I am also surprised that you have a burden for Africa and that is wonderful. We are still also a young ministry and the church I pastor with my wife is also young. Pray for us to grow by your teachings.
Pastor Richard and Selpher
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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
14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
“Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.†(Ephesians 5:14)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
REVELATIONS REVELATION! (Part 3)We will consider the promises made to overcomers in the next 2 churches, those in Pergamum and Thyatira.
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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." ***
588. BEST MAN
Jeff had been my best friend since kindergarten, so it was no surprise to me when he asked me to be the best man at his wedding. On the appointed day, as we were getting
dressed for the ceremony, Jeff got a rather severe case of "cold feet". "I can't go through with it," he said.
"I'm nauseous, my stomach cramps, my knees are like spaghetti."
I said, "It's just PMS."
"PMS?" he asked.
"Yeah," I quipped, "Pre-Minister Syndrome"
587. THE SOUP
Betty and Jane were making soup for a church potluck. Betty asked Jane:"Wanna see somthing Amazing?"
Jane said, "Sure"
Betty than picked up a turnip she was about to cut and started squeezing it. After a few minutes blood started coming out of it.
"I cant believe it!" Said Jane, "How did you do that?" Jane replied,
"Did you forget? I'm the church treasurer."
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: Why do mockingbirds imitate other birds?ANSWER: To attract the opposite sex! The female likes to hear up to 30 different songs. But they are sufficiently different from the originals for her to know they are coming from her suitor. (That's not mocking his talent either!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What and when is universal children's day?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS378. UP IN SMOKE
A perfectly clean fire produces almost no smoke. Smoke simply means that a fire is not burning properly and that particles are escaping unburned. (Maybe ‘money gone up in smoke’ could be reconstituted?)
379. IN LESS THAN A FLASH
A nanosecond is one billionth of a second. (It took 96,587,403,521 nanoseconds to write this, to be exact!)
380. FROM THE SUBLIME TO THE RIDICULOUS
Dry ice does not melt. It sublimes, meaning it goes directly from a solid to a gaseous form. On the other hand, dirty snow melts faster than clean snow. (How about dirty dry ice?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
FORENSIC
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
10) In Gideons first test of faith what was the dew on?A - the grass
B - the ground
C - the clothes
D - the fleece
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"""!!!!!!! Why do people say "close proximity"? Is there a "far proximity?"
!!!!!! My weight is perfect for my height -- which varies.
!!!!! I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.
!!!! The cost of living hasn't affected its popularity.
!!! What was the greatest thing before sliced bread?
!! How can there be self-help "groups"?
! Is there another word for synonym?
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. What is the blood group of Jesus?
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>
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A. "O." Remember, we sing "Oh, the blood of..."
Lots more riddles found at...
JUST JOKES!
332. SEVEN WORDSA woman from the deepest, most southern part of Alabama goes into the local newspaper office to see that the obituary for her recently deceased husband is written. The obit editor informs her that the fee for the obituary is 50 cents a word.
She pauses, reflects and then says, "Well, then, let it read, 'Billy Bob died'."
Amused at the woman's thrift, the editor says, "Sorry ma'am, there is a 7 word minimum on all obituaries."
Only a little flustered, she thinks things over and in a few seconds says, "In that case, let it read, 'Billy Bob died - 1983 Pick-up for sale.'"
331. CHICKENS
The farmer's son was returning from the market with he crate of chicken's his father had entrusted to him, when all of a sudden the box fell and broke open. Chickens scurried off in different directions, but the determined boy walked all over the neighborhood scooping up the wayward birds and returning them to the repaired crate. Hoping he had found them all, the boy reluctantly returned home, expecting the worst.
"Pa, the chickens got loose," the boy confessed sadly, "but I managed to find all twelve of them."
"Well, you did real good, son," the farmer beamed.
"You left with seven."
330. LOOKING
"I hear the First National Bank is looking for a new teller."
"I thought they just hired a new teller last week."
"Right. That's the one they're looking for."
Enjoy many more jokes now at...
BIBLE TRIVIA
THE TRINITYAlthough a very common Christian term, the Bible never actually mentions the Trinity as such, although it is alluded to in a number of places. It was a doctrine developed much later once the church was established.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
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EXPLOSION OF CHRISTIANITY IN NEPAL
In a Virtue Online report, Dr. Robert Sanders writes that in February of 2007 he, among a team of four, went to Nepal under the leadership of the Norman Beale. Map of NepalSays Sanders: "In the 1950s there were no Christians in Nepal. By the 1960s there were a handful of Christians, but in the 70s and 80s, there was explosive growth. At the present moment, the number of Christians in Nepal is unknown, but is probably somewhere around 800,000. How did this explosive growth occur? Norman had told me that this growth occurred exactly the way it did as narrated in the book of Acts or in the Gospels. As the New Testament makes clear in repeated statements, He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and further, His aching love was clearly revealed on the cross. None of the gods, goddesses, spirits, or powers known, avoided, feared, or worshipped by the Hindus or Buddhists can withstand or compare to the mighty Name of Jesus." ...
Read on here...
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF…….REVELATION 12:11How to 'walk with Jesus.' The verse upon which this ministry is based. The first revelation received by David Tait, introducing him to ministry.
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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 2 of 4)
“Of course, you know you can’t really fly!†I rashly said,
As diplomatic as taking a sledgehammer to his head!
“For the ‘Laws of Aerodynamics’ you know,
State that ‘up in the air,’ you cannot go.â€
‘Your shapes all wrong
To push you along!
Your body’s far too big!
Ever seen a flying pig?’
In full swing now, big in my bumble bee knowledge,
Intensively learned during five full years of college.
“Your little wings wear out beating ten thousand times a minute,
Therefore your life span is only sixty days – at the very limit!â€
Was somewhat surprised at my clever words’ effect,
For these, I thought, he would automatically reject.
But to take on board my knowledge, he did elect,
My erudite words, to him they did only deject!
“You humans are simply so superior
Us bumbling bees, greatly inferior!
You know more about me than I do!
So what you say, must surely be true.â€
“It's true then! I can’t really fly?
Yes, about to fall from the sky!
Life now seems just not worth the living!
Even with all the effort, I’ve been giving!
More of David's poems at...
A DAVID MUSING
A really common complaint is, 'there are not enough hours in the day!'This Sunday in New Zealand, our wish for more hours - well, at least one more hour - was granted. As it is every year when we change back to normal time from our summer, daylight saving, time.
Of course, the first thought and temptation is to say gleefully, 'An extra hour in bed, this morning!' A temptation to which I normally succumb!
This year however, being very busy, I decided to get up and make use of the extra hour. It was amazing how much extra I got done, before going to church.
At church too, we had our first clothing collection for africa arise. Successful it was too!
Would you or your church like to be involved? Please contact me if you would be prepared to help make a difference to Africa and its people.
Had better get on with sorting clothing! I Haven't spent much time in clothing shops - other than accompanying my wife Kathy occasionally! When I couldn't get out of it! A quick learning curve coming up! If only there were 25 hours every day!
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: CONIFERS
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: D - the fleece (Judges 6:36-38)
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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