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: 3 Published: 04 Nov 2001
THE ROAD BACK TO ‘NORMALITY’…
According to the International Programs Center, U.S. Bureau of the Census, the total population of the World, on 10/27/01 at 17:52:48 GMT, (10/27/01 at 1:52:48 PM EDT) was 6,182,402,019.According to the US Department of State there were 29 active terrorist groups operating world wide in the year 2000. Although some have ‘armies’ of a few thousand activists, hard core ‘terrorist operatives’ range from 6 to a few hundred. At an average of 200 operatives per organisation, this roughly equates to 1 terrorist per 1,000,000 of the world’s population.
International terrorism has been around for a long time. Over the last 2 decades there have been an average of 459 incidents per year. These range from a high of 666 in 1987 to a low of 274 in 1998. Interestingly, the average of 494 incidents per year during the 1980’s has dropped to an average of 381 in the past decade.
Two primary factors though, that have struck fear into the hearts of people in the western world through these latest incidents. These are the audacious nature of the attacks and their closeness to home. For now all share in the vulnerability that so many others, residing in trouble spots around the world, have lived with for decades.
Because of their small numbers, the most effective weapons of terrorist organisations are fear and intimidation. While the effects on individuals as a result of their actions are tragic, the reality is that our personal chances of being involved in such an attack are far less than the risks we face daily, living normal lives.
The social and economic results of changed behaviours resulting from these latest tragedies, will prove to be of far greater effectiveness to the terrorist’s cause than the attacks themselves – if we let them be. However, with our faith in Jesus, we as Christian leaders, have both the opportunity and the responsibility to guide the Church and the nations back to a state of ‘vigilant normality’. For the terrorist war, like the spiritual war in which we are all soldiers, is a battle for the hearts and minds of people. God’s Church, reflecting the message of the hope of Jesus to the world, is well poised to play a leading role in countering the terrorists' psychological warfare, over the vital days and months ahead.
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TO BE LED OR BLED?
It is a truism, (amongst leaders, at least!) that Christian leadership is one of, if not the most difficult job in the world today. Surveys of pastors have shown worrying levels of dissatisfaction in, and even hopelessness about, their occupation. The Church too, is littered with people who should be in leadership but have been hurt by past experiences, or have observed others’ hurts, and do not wish to be involved.Christian leadership is just so different to that of the world, for the principles upon which it is based are quite different to those that apply there.
To start with, it is not merely a job, but A CALLING:
“In God, being led to lead is a calling. Leading when not led, guarantees an appalling mauling!”
But WHO IS CALLED?
“A Christian leader is but an ordinary person called to an extraordinary task. Both leaders and the led need to be reminded of this!”
And what is THE LEADERSHIP ROLE?
“Worldly leadership builds up self, but godly leadership builds up others.”
Yes, we are all very human and vulnerable, so are open to the attacks of the enemy. If we were perfect we would be as Jesus, having no need of His loving grace. So, if you are feeling down at the moment, please appreciate that you are not unique. Leadership is difficult! To succeed on a long-term basis we must both strengthen our relationship with Jesus and share our vulnerabilities with others. We need to be real with each other as leaders, and with those we lead. For, unlike the world,
“In God, understanding and sharing vulnerabilities is a sign of maturity and success, not an acknowledgement of failure.”
May God be with you this week as you seek to fulfil His calling.
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FROM THE WORD
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." (1Peter 3:12-17)Have a look at some interesting ‘God Facts’ on…
FROM THE WORD
“You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” (Isaiah 40:9-11)“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:3-8)
Have a look at some interesting ‘God Facts’ on…
DAVID’S DOODLINGS
“The foolish (wo)man rejects God, the wise (wo)man respects God, but the godly (wo)man lives for God.”“Life brings strife. Overcoming strife brings back life.”
For more David sayings check out…
DAVID’S DOODLINGS
“In God, if you’re not led to lead, you’ll be bled to death.”“To lead or be led? A difference of ‘a’ for attitude!”
“Only God has the glue to attach the ‘super’ to ‘natural’.”
For more David sayings check out…
TWO INTERESTING COMMENTS ARISING FROM LAST WEEKS NEWSLETTER
FROM GERRY CLARK REGARDING THE HARDEST SUSTANCE IN THE HUMAN BODYI thought the hardest substance in the human body was the head or the heart! (Not tooth enamel!)
And that the neck was the stiffest part!
That's what the bible says.
AND A TRUE STORY FROM NANCY KEITH
… I must report a funny thing that really happened in our children's church last week. An 8-yr.-old boy punched another little boy for praying too long at the prayer rails. Apparently the "puncher" had an urgent request...at least that was what he told us!!!! (A sign of the times!?)
Have a look at our ‘Extensive Explanations’ file for some entertaining explanations of some of life’s challenges and experiences at…
IF ONLY I’D THOUGHT OF IT!
***Should I call you in the morning or just nudge you?***Forgiveness is like the fragrance a flower gives after it’s been stepped on.
***Amateurs made Noah’s Ark, professionals the Titanic.
***Most children seldom misquote you; they repeat what you shouldn't have said word for word.
***If you wish to dwell in the house of many mansions, you must make your reservation in advance.
***Worrying about something is like paying interest on a debt you don't even know if you owe. (Mark Twain)
Many more thoughts, including 47 new ones this week on…
LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
I COULDN’T LEAVE THIS ONE OUT! INSPIRATIONAL HUMOUR!A man dies and goes to Heaven. Of course, St. Peter meets him at the Pearly Gates. St. Peter says, "Here's how it works. You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you've done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in."
"Okay," the man says, "I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart."
"That's wonderful," says St. Peter, "that's worth three points!"
"Three points?" he says, slightly concerned. "Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service."
"Terrific!" says St. Peter. "That's certainly worth a point."
"One point!?!" he moans, now really getting worried. "I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans."
"Fantastic, that's good for two more points," he says.
"Two points!" the man cries. "At this rate the only way I’ll get into Heaven is by the grace of God!"
St. Peter nods and says with a smile, "You’ve made it! 100 points! Come on in, my son!"
Much more Holy Humour at...
TAPE OF THE WEEK
In association with Inspirational Tapes Ministries<inspirational.org.nz<
we are pleased to offer you this inspirational tape - absolutely free of charge!
“PRIORITIES AND PITFALLS OF THE PASTOR”
By David Ravenhill
David, son of the late Leonard Ravenhill, (A New Zealander, incidentally!) currently pastors in Gig Harbour, Washington, US, where he continues to minister across denominational lines. A missionary and pastor for 30 years, his burden is to see the church come to maturity through intimacy with God. Married to Nancy, they have 3 grown daughters. A practical message, of value to everyone in ministry.
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FREE AUDIO 'TAPE OF THE WEEK'
In association with Inspirational Tapes Ministries (http://www.inspirational.org.nz) we are pleased to offer you this inspirational tape - absolutely free of charge!"A GOD WE CAN TRUST"
By Joni Eareckson
In 1967 at age 17, Joni dived off a pontoon, smashing into the sea bottom, so becoming a tetraplegic, confined to a wheelchair for life. In what turned out to be a ‘divine diving’ accident, this amazing testimony tells of Joni’s journey from anger at God, frustration and not understanding, to learning to trust God and finding that He is in control. And of the amazing ministry He has given her to the disabled and enabled alike. A real inspiration to us all.
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IF YOU HAVE TIME TAKE A LOOK AT “ ’TIS ME”
A poem about me (David, that is!) that forms an introduction to my book “Eagles Fly High!” An honest self-appraisal – well as honest as a self-appraisal can be! Find it on the web at…FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: King Edward II of England (1324) decreed the standard measurement of the ‘inch’ to be equal to what?ANSWER: Three barleycorns laid end to end.
THIS WEEKS QUESTION: Sharks and Rays are the only animals known to man that cannot get this disease. What is it? Answer next week.
UNREPEATABLE?
The only 15 letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is uncopyrightable. (Copyrighted for sure!)
IT'S A PLASTIC WORLD!
There is a Tupperware Party held somewhere in the world every 2 seconds. (Can’t contain(er) my excitement! - sorry - couldn't resist!)
Another WORD PUZZLE for you.
____
stand
Answer at the end of ‘A David Musing’
Many more Fun Facts at...
IF YOU HAVE TIME TAKE A LOOK AT “DAYS OF CHUNDER”
The humorous (after the event!) poem of a ‘non-sailors’ yacht journey of ‘chunder’, (seasickness) with a spiritual twist. Share in the agony and the ecstasy at...FACTS FOR FUN
Last weeks question: “Which 'King' in a pack of cards doesn’t have a moustache?”Answer: The King of Hearts.
This Weeks Question: King Edward II of England (1324) decreed the standard measurement of the ‘inch’ to be equal to what? Answer next week.
COCONUT KILLERS
More people are killed each year by coconuts than sharks. (It is safer to look heavenward than earthward if you are worried about this – is best too, even if you aren’t!)
DANGEROUS OCCUPATIONS
In 1996 more people died on the job working in advertising than in the petroleum refining industry. (A fact that isn’t well advertised!)
Another WORD PUZZLE for you. What saying is this?
HAABIRDND = BUTWOSH
Answer at the end of ‘A David Musing’
Many more Fun Facts at...
CHECK OUT THIS SUPERB NEW PRESENTATION
Treat yourself to an interview with God. You really will be blessed! Found at...A DAVID MUSING
I am one of those strange people who reads the Bible right through - from Genesis to Revelation. Like most of us, I stick with my favourite version and its associated Study Bible notes. (In our church, the NIV is known as the Newly Invented Version or the Nearly Infallible Version, depending on your perspective!) I am familiar with my favourite version, knowing its strengths and weaknesses, finding it easy to follow and familiar.A few weeks ago however, I got to the end of Revelation and had a radical thought! Why not try something completely different! So this time through, I have started reading the Living Bible with Life Application notes. What a great decision it has been! For it has given a new lease of life to my personal devotional time. I am getting a different and refreshing perspective on many of my favourite Bible passages. Makes me even keener to get into ‘God’s Word’.
As I thought about this, I realised just how easily we slip into a comfortable routine, both in our life with God and life in general. While 'routine' is comfortable and often even efficient, it does tend to stifle the creative potential God has gifted us. Can I encourage you then, to take a chance and do something new and different in one area of your life this week. Like me, you are likely to be highly delighted with the results!
Let me know how you get on.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Word Puzzle Answer: A bird in hand equals two in the bush.
LINKS
IF you would like to link your web site to ours, and ours to yours, please advise us onlinks@wwj.org.nz
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ABOUT US
WALKING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES is a non-profit, non-denominational, Bible based ministry located in Mount Maunganui, 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 website www.wwj.org.nz or by contacting us as follows.Walking With Jesus Ministries
P O Box 5160
Mount Maunganui
New Zealand
Phone: (07) 575-7164 International (0064) 7575-7164
Fax: (07) 575-7124 International (0064) 7575-7124
Email: enquiries@wwj.org.nz
Web: www.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