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: 287 Published: 23 Apr 2007
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY! (Part 1 of 3)
If you have been reading PGIM! for a while you will understand that life with Jesus is a process, not simply an event. Of course, it is wonderful to be 'born again' but this is just the first step in building a relationship with Jesus, not the only one. As in marriage, where we get to know our spouse more intimately as we live together, so with Jesus our relationship develops, grows and deepens as we walk with together with Him. He is not simply to be 'Saviour' but also the 'Lord' of our life.The problem that most of us have is in understanding how this process works. The major role of WWJ Ministries is, as our mission statement says, "GROWING BELIEVERS INTO DISCIPLES, UNITED IN CHRIST, REFLECTING JESUS TO THE WORLD."
There are many ways in which we need to grow into relationship with Jesus. As we live in a highly materialistic world, we will concentrate, in this series, on what we very often (wrongly actually!) consider to be the prime blessing of God, that is, money.
As we grow in Jesus our attitude towards money should change. For what we do with our wallet is a highly accurate indicator of where we are spiritually in Jesus! Let's consider the first of 3 stages today.
BLESS ME
This is the 'Father Christmas' mentality. When we come to Jesus as a reborn child, we naturally expect childish things. And God generally provides them! There are numerous testimonies - you will likely have some - about how God blessed you in your work, your home, your bank account, and many other ways. "God is good" - as long as he continues to give me presents, to make me rich, or at least, better off, than I was before!
Sadly, many Christians like this time so much that they wish to remain spiritual children, receiving gifts from 'Daddy God' forever, until they are whisked off the earth in the pre-tribulation rapture to an eternal free gift heaven without suffering any pain in the pocket, forever! Wow! The whole world will inevitably become Christians then, if believing in Jesus makes one rich both now and for eternity! For we all are children at heart and love receiving gifts.
While this may sound extreme, reality is, it is the doctrine that much of the church preaches today. Easy Christianity! A walk without personal cost or sacrifice! Then we wonder why so many people leave the church disillusioned, having given it a go for some time before finding out it simply isn't true.
This is also the foundation for the teaching of the extreme prosperity preachers. Of course, qualified with, 'Give your tithe to God (through me!) and you will get rich. The more you give the more you will get.' The extreme prosperity preacher gets rich, but do you? I have experienced these 'hard on' prosperity based congregations round the world, in countries both rich and poor. The common thread in them all is that the preachers have the airplanes, flash homes, Mercedes and gold jewelery, while the people drive 'bombs', ride bikes, travel on the (often preacher provided) bus, or walk. The only difference between America and Africa is one of degree.
God wants us to grow up! To grow beyond believing in 'Daddy Christmas'! To move beyond the delights of the honeymoon to the reality of developing a deep relationship with Jesus. So as we grow, He withdraws the gifts, He tests us with trials and tribulations, He encourages us to move deeper into Him.
Does our understanding prepare us for what is to come?
Let's see next week, as we continue our look at monetary blessing.
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FROM THE WORD
THE RICH YOUNG MAN"Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?†“Why do you ask me about what is good?†Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.†“Which ones?†the man inquired.
Jesus replied, â€â€˜Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’†“All these I have kept,†the young man said. “What do I still lack?†Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.†When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.†When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?†Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.â€" (Matthew 19:16-26)
"Give us today our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11)
THE PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL
"Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.†Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?†Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.†And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.â€â€™ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.â€" (Luke 12:13-21)
You may read and study the 'New International Version (NIV)' online at...
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
177. Earthly prosperity is 'just a little more'. But heavenly prosperity is learning to be content with what the Lord has given.382. There is no absolute measure of prosperity for our perception of it relates to what we see others have. I wonder what God sees?
383. The problem with prosperity is that we all want to own God's 'cattle on a thousand hills' personally.
385. It is a sad fact that if the rich gave all they had to the poor, poverty would merely be delayed, not allayed.
811. In the Old Testament, success is measured by prosperity, in the New, by sacrifice. Many believers prefer to live in the past!
812. May I learn to rest content with my 'daily bread'.
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 we had our first clothes street collection where people left clothes in bags on the kerb for us to collect. This was very successful. And we have found a shop to lease, which we will be opening in 10 days time. The pace of progress is increasing.Take a look at our new website africaarise.org.nz to see what is it is all about.
If you were able to support us (actually the people of Africa) financially it would sure help get the project off the ground more quickly. 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. Thanks this week to Napier Christian Fellowship for your collection.
Check out the new website at…
CRANWELL'S CARTOON
"Then Leah said, “God has presented me with a precious gift. This time my husband will treat me with honor, because I have borne him six sons.†So she named him Zebulun. Some time later she gave birth to a daughter and named her Dinah. Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and opened her womb. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, “God has taken away my disgrace.†(Genesis 30:20-23)
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PICTURES IN THIS EMAIL YOU NEED TO BE ONLINE.
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
A REVELATION OF... DIVIDING THE WATERS (Part 3) - The second part of our look at the crossing of the Red Sea and its application to today's church.Check out all the available teachings at...
*** 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." ***
598. CHURCH SIGNBOARDS
Work for the Lord. The pay isn't much, but the retirement plan is out of this world.
Interested in going to heaven? Apply here for flight training!
Since you can't take it with you, why not leave it here?
You can't take it with you, but you can send it on ahead.
No parking. Violators will be turned into a pillar of salt.
We have a prophet-sharing plan for you.
The Lord loveth a cheerful giver. He also accepteth from a grouch.
Remember, "If you can laugh at it, you can live with it."
597.THE FUNERAL
A minister well known for his beautiful singing voice came home visibly upset after consulting with a new widow about funeral plans for her recently deceased husband. His wife asked him what was wrong, and he revealed that the wife had asked him to sing her
husband's favorite song, "Jingle Bells," at the funeral. He was troubled that it wasn't appropriate to the solemn occasion. He struggled and prayed about it, and finally decided to honor the grieving widow's wishes.
At the funeral, still sensitive about how some of the mourners might react to hearing "Jingle Bells" at a funeral, he carefully introduced the song with words about appreciating the sense of humor and lightheartedness of the deceased. The widow had been very tearful during the service. Hearing the introduction to her late husband's
"favorite song" she sat up and began to appear quite interested. As the preacher began the song, the widow began to smile, and her tears dried up. She was actually giggling as he concluded, and he felt glad he'd decided to honor her request since it obviously had been so comforting.
After the service she thanked the pastor for sharing his music ministry, and with a big grin she added, "Actually, pastor, the favorite song I requested was 'RING them Bells!'"
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 fawns have spots?ANSWER: ANSWER: Fawns are wobbly-legged and vulnerable to predators. Their
spots help them out a bit by making them less visible. Because they often
hunt in dim light, predators have specialised eyes that are sensitive to
motion, but poor at distinguishing colours, details, and shapes. So a
spotted fawn sitting quietly in the leaves is virtually invisible to the eyes of
potential attackers. Fortunately, fawns know instinctively to stay still when
danger lurks nearby. Fawns are further protected by their almost
complete lack of odour as during the first two weeks of their lives, they're
scentless. When they grow up, they no longer need their spots. As adults,
they instead rely upon their speed and acute senses to avoid attack.
(Why do teenagers have spots?)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What is the fastest time someone has climbed
102 flights of stairs?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS363. ANY COLOUR AS LONG AS IT IS BLACK
All gondolas in Venice, Italy, must be painted black, unless they belong to a high official. (So that’s where you got your idea from, Henry Ford! Nothing is new. Particularly privileges for the wealthy!)
364. WHAT'S IN IT
A-1 steak sauce contains both orange peel and raisins while Worchester Sauce is basically anchovy ketchup. (Just forget this and enjoy them anyway.)
365. REPELLING BUT ATTRACTIVE
'Dracula' is the most filmed story of all time. (Who ‘count’-ed this?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
PAWNER
Answer at the end of A David Musing
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can download the full version of our Trivia Book at TRULY TRIFFLING TRIVIA
Or view all 1232 online at...
BIBLE QUESTION - BOOK OF JUDGES
15) How big was the Midianite/Amalekite army?A - 185,000
B - Several Thousand
C - Unknown Multitude
D - One million men
Source: www.biblequizzes.com
Heaps more fun and serious 'God Facts' are found at...
FROM A READER - THE WORLD'S EASIEST QUIZ
Thanks Ian, for sending this. Hope your score was better than mine!This is for all my "Bright" Friends. Good Luck and be Honest. (Passing Requires 4 Correct Answers) Answer all Questions, as Scrolling down to the Answers is Prohibited!
1) How long did the Hundred Years' War last?
2) Which country makes Panama hats?
3) From which animal do we get catgut?
4) In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?
5) What is a camel's hair brush made of?
6) The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal?
7) What was King George VI's first name?
8) What color is a purple finch?
9) Where are Chinese Gooseberries from?
10) What is the color of the black box in a commercial airplane?
All done? Remember, you need 4 correct answers to pass. Check your answers below.
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1) How long did the Hundred Years War last? 116 years
2) Which country makes Panama hats? Ecuador
3) From which animal do we get cat gut? Sheep and Horses
4) In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution? November
5) What is a camel's hair brush made of? Squirrel Fur
6) The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal? Dogs
7) What was King George VI's first name? Albert
8) What color is a purple finch? Crimson
9) Where are Chinese gooseberries from? New Zealand
10) What is the color of the black box in a commercial airplane? Orange, of course.
What do you mean, you failed? Me, too. (And if you try to tell me you passed, you lie!)
Pass this on to some brilliant friends, so they can feel rotten, too.
IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! People are never too busy to tell you all they have to do.
!!!!!! Snowflakes are some of nature's most fragile things but look what happens when they stick together.
!!!!! Some minds are like concrete; all mixed up and permanently set.
!!!! You know what happens when you play country music backwards? You quit drinking, you get your wife back, you're rehired and your lost dog comes home.
!!! Inflation's at zero? Wow, it's finally keeping up with my salary.
!! In 10 years there will be radio stations playing classic rap.
! "Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about puppies." (Gene Hill)
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. Who was the greatest sinner in the Bible?
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A. Moses: He broke all the Ten Commandments at once.
Lots more riddles found at...
GREAT GROANERS!
113. A NEW EXCUSEA young family, feeling cramped in their small apartment, went shopping for a house. The parents looked at houses for a month before deciding on a two-story house in the country.
While driving to their new home, the mom was telling the children about the house; it was a big two-story house with lots of room. She told them about the big back yard with a swing-set; the playroom, big enough for all their toys; and each child would finally have a room of their own.
On their first night in their new home, the parents got the kids to bed later than usual, so they said they could only read one story.
The 4-year-old piped up, "No, this is a two story house!"
114. CHRISTMAS CHEER
My husband and I were returning home from our childbirth class at Manhattan's Beekman Hospital.
Noting my obvious pregnancy, the taxi driver, a Mr. Ho, proceeded to tell us about his wife's experience at the same hospital. She had been admitted one December 24 and the next day delivered triplets.
Visitors and staff were amused Christmas morning when they saw the newborns in the nursery and read the names on the three bassinets:
Ho, Ho, Ho.
115. QUICK TAKE ... !
Joe and Frank were in the office, and noticed that someone had put up a suggestion box with some 3x5 cards next to it. Both decided that this was a great idea, and each took a card to fill out.
Joe wrote, "The office workers should all be given raises!"
When he looked at Frank's card, it said "Can we all have raises, and keys to the executive washroom, and personal secretaries, and new company cars, and new coffee cups, and longer lunch breaks, and an extra three weeks vacation each year, and a holiday on St. Patrick’s Day, and Columbus Day and Martin Luther Kings Birthday?"
Joe said, "Frank, that isn't the right way of getting things changed around here. . . . You shouldn't put all of your begs in one ask-it."
Groan some more at...
BIBLE TRIVIA
THE ARKThe original Hebrew word for 'ark' means 'box' or 'chest' in English.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Lots more 'God Facts' are found at...
MISSIONS LEADER BELIEVES UNREACHED COULD BE REACHED IN 20 YEARS
In the early 1990s, missiologists estimated there were 14,000 language groups without access to a viable church. Mr Elliott (World Outreach) says that since then, there has been much better co-ordination between different mission organisations to avoid duplication of effort.“Just this year we have heard that the number of least-reached people groups is down to 6100, so great inroads have been made in the past 12 years. There are some great signs all round the world that in the next 10 to 20 years we are going to see the Gospel established among all people groups. Right now, it’s picking up.â€
Because much of the growth is in sensitive areas, missions are careful about what information they give out so as not to jeopardise either their workers or the fledgling churches. But he says that in the Muslim world, and to a certain extent the Hindu world, converts are coming to Christ in the tens of thousands.
“In one place over five years 300,000 of one particular people group has come to Christ. I got an email this morning from our guy in north-east India, where we’ve adopted a church planting model developed by the Southern Baptists. He says just this month they have been able to plant 45 new churches among what would be designated an unreached people group in that region.â€
New strategies are being developed to reach these groups: “We know the white-skinned guy is not going to be the one to do it in most cases.â€
Read the whole article here...
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF... PARABLE OF THE SOWER - Find out the meaning for today of this famous parable, as it applies to Christians.Download your free PDF File now at...
WAXING LYRICAL
THE SHEEP AND THE GOAT! (Part 2 of 3)Next, sitting at my computer, uninspired,
Felt really down to it, suddenly so tired.
I was to write about ‘The Sheep and the Goats’ you see,
Expecting God’s revelation - that should have inspired me!
I looked at the computer, viewed the writing on the screen,
‘The Blood and the Lamb’, left from last night, it had been.
Then the computer, it asked me to save,
The answer no, was the one I gave!
In no time at all, I realised my mistake,
No corrective action, could I now make!
Gone forever, fifteen hundred words,
A day’s inspiration, lost to the birds.
I merely shrugged my shoulders, reacted very well,
Not like earlier days, when in anger I would dwell.
For the Lord had prompted me on the previous night
To print out a copy. Thanks to him, all would be right.
But I’m afraid I was still most unenthusiastic,
More hours of typing, don’t seem so fantastic!
For on my mind was ‘Life’s a Lawnmower Mate!’
So I sailed into it, all twelve verses did I create.
More of David's poems at...
A DAVID MUSING
Life is really hectic as we get africa arise up and underway as well as continue the full time WWJ job! I enjoy being busy, so regard it as a challenge rather than a problem. This, in my experience, makes a huge difference!However, it is essential to also make time to spend with God and to have some relaxation too.
This week sees the semi-finals and finals of the Cricket World Cup where New Zealand has unexpectedly qualified for the final four along with Australia, Sri Lanka and South Africa. For those of you who don't know cricket, even the shortened version of the game takes 7 hours to play! As the Cup is being played in the West Indies, the games take place overnight, New Zealand time, so there will likely be 3 sleepless nights this week as I snuggle up in bed not only with my wife Kathy, but also with the radio!
Call that relaxation - or punishment if you wish!
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: ENWRAP
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: C - Unknown Multitude (Judges 7:12)
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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