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: 295 Published: 18 Jun 2007
GOD v US!
Have you ever considered that ...* In one second, our sun emits more energy than man has been able to create since Adam and Eve (or evolution, depending on your viewpoint)
* Our sun is only an average-size star. One star, the Pistol Star, produces 1 million times the energy of the sun and has 100 times its mass.
* Our sun and entire solar system are just a pinpoint, or small speck, in our Milky Way galaxy.
* Quasars, at the extreme edge of the known universe, some 1,000 times brighter than our Milky Way galaxy, emit as much energy every second as our sun does in 10 million years.
* There are perhaps 200 billion stars just in our galaxy.
* If our galaxy were the size of the North American continent, our solar system would only be the size of a tea cup.
* While estimates continue to rise, our galaxy is just one of more than 125 billion galaxies in the universe, many of which are comprised of 200 billion or more stars.
* Astronomers say that the total number of stars in space could equal or surpass the total number of grains of sand on all the seashores of the world, and in most cases they are separated by trillions of miles.
“This is what the LORD says— the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or give me orders about the work of my hands? It is I who made the earth and created mankind upon it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts. (Isaiah 45:11-12)
A mystery, beyond our human understanding, is that Jesus and the Father are one, working together in perfect harmony.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Colossians 1 15:20)
Humankind's most powerful energy creation, on the other hand, is the nuclear bomb, ironically designed to kill and destroy itself! The power of the estimated total worldwide arsenal of round 23,000 warheads, while it could destroy life on earth many times over, is infinitesimal, even in comparison to just our own sun! And contrary to our popular perception, our sun is infinitesimal also, an invisible pimple on a pumpkin, even in relation to energy production in our Milky Way galaxy, let alone the Universe!
Yet, in harsh reality, humankind, by our arrogant actions, effectively still sees itself as being the centre of the universe, as did the early astronomers. We may deny the existence of a creator, which is very sad, but our choice. However, even when we do recognize Him, in truth, most believers believe that we know more than He does, manipulating His authoritative Word to us, the Bible, to suit ourselves.
In light of the energy evidence, in whom will you believe?
Whose word will you follow?
Whom will you serve?
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FROM THE WORD
PSALM 19A psalm of David.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
You may read and study the 'New International Version (NIV)' online at...
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
ON REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS163. True repentance is - a godly principle applied.
164. Personal repentance is a verb, not an adjective.
165. True repentance is an action that results in a life changing reaction.
166. Show me one who walks in forgiveness and talks with their wallet, and I will show you a true believer.
167. It is amazing how a sprinkling of forgiveness can calm a raging sea of hurts.
168. Sadly, the human mind subtly subverts the holy, ‘I Am’, into the unholy, ‘I am’!
187. Forgiveness is unique. The more you give the more you get.
188. Forgiveness is the one thing you can have more of by giving it away.
189. There are two inexplicable things in life - that the bumblebee can fly and that the more forgiveness I give, the more I get.
190. Forgiveness flies away, a leaf borne by the wind, soon to be returned upon the wings of an angel.
378. Medicine heals the body, while forgiveness heals the soul.
379. Forgiveness is a mind soothing balm.
380. Repentance brings peace with God - forgiveness, peace with ones self.
381. The simplest way to avoid repentance is not to sin. All too often I forget to follow my own advice!
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 ...
CRANWELL'S CARTOON
In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day,
while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens
were opened and I saw visions of God. 2 On the fifth of the
month—it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin—
3 the word of the LORD came to Ezekiel the priest, the son
of Buzi, by the Kebar River in the land of the Babylonians.
There the hand of the LORD was upon him. 4 I looked, and I
saw a windstorm coming out of the north—an immense cloud with
flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light.
(Ezekiel 1:1-4a)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
NEXT WEEK ELISHA’S MINISTRY AS A PATTERN FOR THE CHURCH TODAYThe first of a two-part look of the amazing way in which God showed the pattern of the church today so long before it ever existed!
Check out all the available teachings at...
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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." ***
614. THE CHANT
Once there was a monestary well-known for the magnificent voices of the choir in their Gregorian chants. To attain this level of excellence, of course, intensive practice is needed.
The monks would rise from their beds at 4:30 am, attend their morning prayers, and gather for ninety minutes of rehearsal at 5. Finally at 6:30 they would get their breakfast.
One morning, though, the monks gathered in the chancel to rehearse; the director was not there. Ten minutes passed... fifteen. No director.
The monks were cold, sleepy, hungry and growing impatient. Most of them took the opportunity to meditate and improve their souls, but all were finding it difficult.
Finally at 5:25 the director came in (brushing crumbs from his cassock, to make matters worse). As he always did, he chanted on a descending fourth, "Mor-ning!" and the monks, as they always did, replied on a further descending fourth, "Mor-ning!" All that is except one young monk, irritated beyond endurance, who sarcastically (but softly) replied "Evening!"
He didn't count on the sharp ear of the director, though, who cocked his head, frowned, and chanted in a melody made famous on Broadway...
"Someone chanted 'evening'!!"
613. THE HOTEL IS FULL
Jewish lady named Mrs. Rosenberg many years ago was stranded late one night at a fashionable resort - one that did not admit Jews. The desk clerk looked down at his book and said, "Sorry, no room. The hotel is full."
The Jewish lady said, "But your sign says that you have vacancies."
The desk clerk stammered and then said curtly, "You know that we do not admit Jews. Now if you will try the other side of town..."
Mrs. Rosenberg stiffened noticeable and said, "I'll have you know I converted to your religion."
The desk clerk said, "Oh, yeah, let me give you a little test. How was Jesus born?"
Mrs. Rosenberg replied, "He was born to a virgin named Mary in a little town called Bethlehem."
"Very good," replied the hotel clerk. "Tell me more."
Mrs. Rosenberg replied, "He was born in a manger."
"That's right," said the hotel clerk. "And why was he born in a manger?"
Mrs. Rosenberg said loudly, "Because a jerk like you in the hotel wouldn't give a Jewish lady a room for the night!"
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 is an ‘inclined elevator’?ANSWER: Quite logically, ‘Inclined Elevator’ was another term used at
the turn of the twentieth century for what we now call an escalator. The
first one was installed at Harrods department store in London and was
scary enough that store personnel served brandy to customers who felt
faint while riding it. (Most today feel faint at Harrods prices!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What is a Welsh rabbit?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS
339. NOT JUST RATS AND MICE
The largest order of mammals, comprising about 1,700 species, is rodents. Bats are second with about 950 species. (Another one for the road!)
340. SUN SHINES
The Sun is about midway in the scale of star sizes, but most are smaller ones. Only five percent of the stars in our galaxy are larger than the Sun. (You are my sunshine, my only sunshine…)
341. LIVING IN
The skin of the armpit harbours up to 516,000 bacteria per square inch, while drier areas, such as the forearm, have only about 13,000 bacteria per square inch. (But after deodorant is applied? Killers are we?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
MALIGNED
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...
339. NOT JUST RATS AND MICE
The largest order of mammals, comprising about 1,700 species, is rodents. Bats are second with about 950 species. (Another one for the road!)
340. SUN SHINES
The Sun is about midway in the scale of star sizes, but most are smaller ones. Only five percent of the stars in our galaxy are larger than the Sun. (You are my sunshine, my only sunshine…)
341. LIVING IN
The skin of the armpit harbours up to 516,000 bacteria per square inch, while drier areas, such as the forearm, have only about 13,000 bacteria per square inch. (But after deodorant is applied? Killers are we?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
MALIGNED
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 - PAUL
3) Paul was born outside of Israel in this city:A - Rome
B - Antioch
C - Athens
D - Tarsus
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"""!!!!!!! If the pen is mightier than the sword, and a picture is worth a 1000 words, how dangerous is a fax?
!!!!!! A single death is a tragedy. A million deaths a statistic.
!!!!! If you think you are important, just remember that a lot of famous men from a century ago have weeds growing over their graves today.
!!!! Wisdom is made up of two parts. 1) Having a lot to say, and 2) not saying it.
!!! There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate. (Charles Dickens)
!!If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.
! Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but doesn’t get you anywhere. (Dorothy Galyean)
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. Why didn't Noah catch fish to feed his hungry family?
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A. He only had two worms!
Lots more riddles found at...
WHY?
136. Shouldn't there be a shorter word for "monosyllabic"?137. Why is the word "abbreviate" so long?
138. Why doesn't "onomatopoeia" sound like what it is?
139. Why do tourists go to the tops of tall buildings and then put money into telescopes so they can see things on the ground close-up?
140. Why is there only ONE Monopolies Commission?
141. Why is it when two planes almost hit each other it is called a "near miss"? Shouldn't it be called a "near hit"?
142. What does Geronimo say when he jumps out of a plane?
143. How can there be "self help GROUPS"?
144. Why are we afraid of falling? Shouldn't we be afraid of the sudden stop?
145. Why is it called a bust, when it stops right before the part it is named after?
146. Why is it a good thing to brush your teeth, brush your hair, or brush your cat, but it is NOT a good thing to have a "brush with death"?
147. Before they invented drawing boards, what did they go back to?
148. Why are there 5 syllables in the word "monosyllabic"?
149. A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where the train stops. On my desk, I have a work station...
150. Why do they put pictures of criminals up in the Post Office? What are we supposed to do ... write to these men? Why don't they just put their pictures on the postage stamps so the mailmen could look for them while they delivered the mail?
151. How much deeper would oceans be if sponges didn't live there?
152. Since light travels faster than sound, why is it that people appear bright until you hear them speak?
153. If it's zero degrees outside today and it's supposed to be twice as cold tomorrow, how cold is it going to be?
154. Is it good if a vacuum really sucks?
155. Do Lipton Tea employees take coffee breaks?
156. What hair colour do they put on the driver's licenses of bald men.
158. Why do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front?
159. Why is it necessary to check into a hospital to be an out patient?
160. Why does the sun lightens our hair, but darken our skin?
161. Why can’t women put on mascara with their mouth closed?
162. Why you don't ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?
163. Why you have to click on "Start" to stop Windows 98?
164. Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavour, while dishwashing liquid is made with real lemons?
165. Why there isn't mouse-flavoured cat food?
166. Who tastes dog food when it has a "new & improved" flavour?
Many more of life's imponderable questions at...
BIBLE TRIVIA
APPLE TREES are mentioned in only 2 Bible books, Proverbs and Song of Songs. It is not sure whether 'apple trees' bore apples, or maybe apricots, or even figs!Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Lots more 'God Facts' are found at...
CHURCH IN THE PARKS FOR THE HOMELESS
"It's the kind of ministry that Jesus did."Staff Reports/AH (Mar 10th, 2007)
More and more ministries these days seem to be "taking it to the streets," in effect, bringing the Gospel outside the walls of the church, and making it more accessible to the homeless.
According to an article on the Citizen Link website, one group; Ecclesia Ministries in Boston, has helped to begin around 30 outdoor churches throughout the U.S.
"It's the kind of ministry that Jesus did," said Ecclesia's minister of church relations, Kathy McAdams. "He spent a lot of His time with people who were outcast and people who were downtrodden and people who needed healing. So that's what we feel called to do."
Source: Citizen Link via The Outreach Files June 07
Many more facts on the Bible and evangelism are found at...
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF... THE POWER OF THREE IN GOD AND THE CHURCHIn walking further with Jesus, I increasingly appreciate that this particular revelation of 'threes in God' has been hugely important in developing my understanding of God and how He works both in the church and in our lives.
It matters not whether you are a 'oneness', 'twoness', or 'trinitarian' believer. The concept still applies. For we're all very good at putting God in a box, limited to the walls of our theology and understanding. But, one day, we will know all the truth of the great mystery of God.
In the meantime, if you can grasp this simple, yet profound concept, I'm sure it will open up new realms of understanding for you too about God and His plans for His people in these end days.
It certainly developed my faith tremendously, being able to grasp more of God's mighty plan for me. And for you too!
Download your free PDF File now at...
WAXING LYRICAL
The inspiration for the first two parts of this poem came from a cross-island trek Kathyand I went on when we were staying on the beautiful Island of Rarotonga, in the Cook
Islands. For those who don’t know, The Cooks are situated around the Tropic of Capricorn
in the Pacific Ocean. A great place to visit! The last part is based loosely on the book
of Revelation, Chapters 21 and 22, the biblical promise of what is to come. Hope it is
both enjoyable and challenging to you. Of course it is just verse, so is not all strictly
theologically accurate! Called poetic licence! My longest poem too, so will print it in small bits!
VICTORY! (Part 5)
UNDER THE WATERFALL
Finally the track bursts out into a clearing,
A sigh of relief, so many of us are feeling,
But the few who noticed the grin, those minutes ago,
With a new sense of anticipation, now begin to glow.
Here is a sparkling, different world.
Vines aplenty with leaves unfurled,
Spreading their wings with reckless abandon,
We can see we are entering a heavenly garden.
Centre of the landscape is a refreshing waterfall,
Cascading gently down over a sheer rock wall,
Bouncing, dancing into a delightful rock pool,
Over which the waterfall, as master, does rule.
The pool is bordered with trees so lush,
The sound of the water, they seem to hush,
And flying among them I see a pure white dove,
Which Jesus tells me, is the sign of perfect love.
Is something about this place I can’t work out,
So I seek out Jesus asking, “What is it all about?â€
He looks at me, as only a father looks at his son,
“Enjoy it my son, It’s all for you, my job is done.â€
To be continued over the weeks ahead.
More of David's poems at...
A DAVID MUSING
Many of the problems in the church today arise because we tend to believe what we hear or read without checking it out first. Of course, the Bible is the best place to do it.However, you wont find my poor maths in the Bible!
I realised, too later that I had added one too many '0's to the number of people equivalents I calculated as listening to a 1 hour sermon, from our website visitors. The number was 900, not 9,000.
Now, either no-one read it, everyone's maths was as bad as mine, people couldn't be bothered writing, or you just accepted my word at face value.
A real reminder to me that we all need to check out what we read and hear for ourselves.
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: MEDALING
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION': Tarsus (Acts 9:11)
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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