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: 305 Published: 27 Aug 2007
R U A 2ND-HAND CHRISTIAN?
For the past 6 months we have been collecting second-hand clothing to send to Africa, in order to help the poor. One of the things we have learned is that many people, here in New Zealand, who can well afford to buy new clothes, still enjoy 'finding a bargain' at second hand shops. Of course, this promotes recycling, which is of benefit to all.When I was a boy (about the time of Adam my kids would tell me!) my mother would buy material and make clothes for my sister and myself. When we got holes in our socks, Mum would darn the hole to make them last longer. Clothes were relatively more expensive than they are now and people had less disposable income than we, in the West, currently enjoy.
Today, our young mothers do not sew, darn or knit, for they have not been taught how, and generally, it is uneconomic anyway. We just buy more from the shop, new or second hand.
So what does this have to do with our faith in Jesus?
A lot really!
For we take our consumer culture into the church with us. We want instant information, revelation and inspiration. When we are dissatisfied with what we are receiving, we look elsewhere. So our churches become oriented towards meeting their 'customers' (ie congregation's) needs. It is a very competitive environment, attracting 'bums on seats', ones who will pay for their entertainment and edification with tithes and offerings.
Okay, I may be exaggerating a little, in order for you to get the point. But the reality is, as with sewing and even cooking, we are prepared to pay someone else to provide our spiritual requirements, as well as those of the physical realm.
Unfortunately, this is not how the Bible, the ultimate self-help manual, works! With God, as in any successful marriage, building a relationship takes time and effort. There are no easy answers or shortcuts. In Him, we get what we give.
Now I am about to slit my own throat! For others, surprisingly to me, seem to think that I have a gifting as a teacher. Our 'Tuesday Teachings' are studied by 1,000's of people around the world, most of them, pastors and leaders. For me, along with surprise, is the satisfaction of sharing with others what the Lord has shared with me.
Yet today, I want to encourage you to read and learn from the Word, all of it, for yourself! Put me out of a job! Get your own revelation and understanding from the original source, the Bible! Contemplate it! Pray about it! Let the Holy Spirit reveal what He wants to show you! No, you don't need a theological education to do it (I have none) but simply a willing and submissive heart. Yes, it takes time. Hours, and hours, and hours, in fact. No apologies for this, it's simply the truth. There is no such thing as a 'minute-a-day' Christian! Just as a human marriage cannot work successfully on that basis, nor can our spiritual marriage to Jesus.
Here in New Zealand, our national Christian radio network distributes, for free, tens of thousands of a daily devotional called 'Word For Today'. It would be the prime resource material for Christians in New Zealand. It is excellent. Well written and full of truth. Yet it makes me sad! For too many Christians here substitute personal study of the Word for that of the revelation of the writer. It is good, but no substitute for delving into the depths of the Word for oneself.
Please do not fall into the trap of becoming a '2nd-hand Christian'. By all means, listen to pastors and teachers, but don't let their revelation become a substitute for getting your own. God wants to teach you personally! He desires intimacy with you as an individual! Do not believe the lies of the devil that you are not gifted or anointed enough! All He needs is you! Your time, your willingness to study the Word, your openness to allowing the Holy Spirit to minister into your life.
Are you willing to make the investment today?
Find out more about us at...
FROM THE WORD
THE WISE AND FOOLISH BUILDERS"“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.â€" When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. (Matthew 7:24-9)
A TREE AND ITS FRUIT
"“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’" (Matthew 7:15-23)
TEST THE SPIRITS
"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood." (1 John 4:1-6)
You may read and study the 'New International Version (NIV)' online at...
SPECIAL NOTICE: ANOTHER NET PROBLEM!
This week a number of names 'disappeared' from DAVIDS DAILY DOODLINGS.You can resubscribe (or subscribe for the first time!) by sending a blank email to ddd-on@wwj.org.nz
***DAILY EZINE!*** 'DAVID'S DAILY DOODLINGS' Subscribe Today
Receive one of David's sayings in your mailbox each day to inspire, challenge or maybe, amuse.To register today, simply click here ddd-on@wwj.org.nz
and press send. Then it's done!
If you have an Irish heritage, you will love the background coloring!
Should you wish, check out current and back issues (where you can also subscribe) at...
DAVID'S DOODLINGS
32.0000BELIEVERS v DISCIPLES
236. A believer praises the Lord in good times, the disciple at all times.
237. The Holy Spirit resides in the believer but shines through the disciple.
238. A believer loves God with heart and mind while a disciple commits the will.
239. A believer loves God and others, but they are the disciple's life.
240. A believer lives in hope, but for the disciple, God's hope is certain.
241. A believer seeks forgiveness for sin but the disciple also determines not to walk that path again.
242. A believer has faith in God but the disciple's faith is tempered in the fire of testing.
243. A believer loves the Lord, but the disciple's love is unconditional.
244. The believer serves the Lord in strength, but the disciple is made perfect through weakness.
245. God is part of the believer's life, but the central focus of the disciple.
246. A believer forgives, but the disciple also forgets.
247. A believer communicates with God at their own convenience, but the disciple's heart is open to the Lord at all times.
430. A believer knows, but the disciple does.
1077. Believing is free, discipleship costs your life.
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
13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be
self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace
to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
14 As obedient children, do not conform to the
evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be
holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be
holy, because I am holy.†(1 Peter 1:13-15)
TO READ THIS CARTOON AND SEE THE OTHER
PICTURES IN THIS EMAIL YOU NEED TO BE ONLINE.
Check it out at...
TUESDAY TEACHINGS
'NEARER MY GOD TO THEE, NEARER TO THEE'A short, 2 week study on THE POWER OF INTERCESSION.
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!
Should you wish, check out early issues (where you can also subscribe) at...
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." ***
635. GETTING THE MESSAGE
A spiritualist who'd recently been widowed met a colleague and reported excitedly that she'd just received a message from her dead husband - asking her to send him a pack of cigarettes.
"The only thing is," she mused, "that I don't know where to send them."
"Why not?" asked her friend.
"Well, he didn't actually say that he was in Heaven - but I can't imagine he'd be in Hell."
"Hm," responded the friend. "Well, maybe I shouldn't bring this up, but...he didn't mention anything about including matches in the package, did he?"
634. LESSONS FROM THE 23RD PSALM
A pastor was giving a lesson to a group of children on the 23rd Psalm. He noticed that one of the little boys seemed disquieted by the phrase "Surely, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life..."
"What's wrong with that, Johnny?" the pastor asked.
"Well," answered Johnny, "I understand about having goodness and mercy, for God is good. But I'm not sure I'd like Shirley following me around all the time."
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: How long was the world's longest prayer meeting?ANSWER: How long does prayer meeting last in your church? Do the
‘fidgits’ set in after ten or twenty minutes? Let’s say the average prayer
meeting is an hour. But the world's longest Prayer Meeting? Multiply an
hour by 24; multiply that by 365; and then multiply that by 100! That
tallies up to 876,000 hours. The longest prayer meeting in the world
actually lasted even longer than that! It began on August 27, 1727, in
Herrnhut, Germany, when Moravians under Count von Zinzendorf
commenced an around-the-clock prayer chain that lasted more than one
hundred years! (Generations of prayer warriors involved?)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Is it true that it takes more muscles to frown
than it does to smile?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS308. FINE FEATHERS
The whistling swan has more than 25,000 feathers on its body. (A walking, swimming, feather mattress.)
309. A NEW STAR IS BORN___
___in our galaxy every 18 days. Our galaxy though, comprises 100,000 million stars. (So it makes little noticeable difference.)
310. MUCH HEAVIER
A bucket filled with earth would weigh about 5 times more than the same bucket filled with the substance of the Sun. However, the force of gravity is so much greater on the Sun that a man weighing 150 pounds on our planet would weigh 2 tons on the Sun. (Would still be instantly ‘sunfried’!)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
TERMITES
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
14) God sent this man to cure Paul:A - Ananias
B - James
C - Apollos
D - John Mark
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"""ON DRIVING
!!!!!!! Better to be patient on the road, than a patient in the hospital.
!!!!!! Always drive so that your license will expire before you do.
!!!!! It is better to be last in the traffic lane, than first in a funeral procession.
!!!! Safety hint: The moment you forget for a moment; you may remember a lifetime.
!!! Drive carefully… Remember, it is not only a car than can be recalled by its maker.
!! Safe driving will keep your car out of the junkyard, and your body out of the graveyard.
! What has not happened to you in 10 years of driving, may happen to you in the next 10 min.
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 are the 2 smallest insects in the Bible?
>
>
>
>
>
>
A. The widow's mite(Mark 12:42) and the wicked flea.(Proverbs 28:1)
Lots more riddles found at...
EXTENSIVE EXPLANATIONS
44. WHAT GOD IS LIKEGod is a little like General Electric
He lights your path.
God is a little like Bayer Aspirin
He works wonders.
God is a little like Hallmark Cards
He cared enough to send the very best.
God is a little like Tide
He gets out the stains that others leave behind.
God is a little like VO-5 Hair Spray
He holds through all kinds of weather.
God is a little like Dial Soap
Aren't you glad you know Him? Don't you wish >everyone did?
God is a little like Sears
He has everything.
God is a little like Alka Seltzer
Oh, what a relief He is!
God is a little like Scotch Tape
You can't see Him but you know He's there!
God is a little like The Copper Top Battery
Nothing can outlast him.
God is a little like American Express
Don't leave home without Him!
45. YOU MIGHT BE A PARENT OF TEENS
By Lee Seese
...if your blood pressure is higher than your weekly income.
...if you thought "Dawson's Creek" was a Monopoly property.
...if your kids can't stand listening to your 8-tracks.
...if your favorite prayer is "Come quickly, Lord Jesus."
...if you thought "Smashing Pumpkins" was a Halloween prank.
...if your favorite sayings are:
"When I was your age..."
"Money doesn't grow on trees!"
"Because I'm your Mother/Father!"
You might have a teenage daughter if her curfew is 6pm and she
can start dating at 28.
You might have teenage drivers if your car insurance is the
same as the National Debt.
You might be a father of teens if you are losing your hair
and hearing; and lost your patience long ago.
Laugh and cry more at...
BIBLE TRIVIA
SYCAMORE TREES.......vary around the world. Those in the Bible are sturdy evergreens, bearing figs. The Egyptians used it for timber as well as fruit, while in Israel it was grown for its fruit - and for Zacheus to climb up on to see Jesus!
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Lots more 'God Facts' are found at...
VIETNAM GIVES UNPRECEDENTED PERMISSION TO PRINT 100,000 BIBLES
MNN Staff/TN (June 9th, 2007)(Vietnam)—President of WorldServe Ministries Dr. David Hunt says the country of Vietnam might be allowing more religious freedom. "In spite of the difficulties over the years and the challenges in Vietnam still today, to some extent, we are seeing some of the greatest opportunities and openings in the history of the nation," he said. According to a report in Mission Network News (MNN), the reason for this is that the government has given approval to do something unprecedented. "Our friends in Vietnam have written permission from religious affairs to print 100,000 Bibles that will be released to the unregistered church in Vietnam. That is stunning," said Hunt.
The Bibles are needed because of incredible growth, adds Hunt. "The Church has grown so explosively since 1975; from about 55,000 baptized Believers to well over [nobody knows for sure] 1 million believers today, and maybe as close to 1.5 million Believers. And the Church is growing by leaps and bounds."
The report also noted the need for finances to help in the printing of the Bibles.
Source: Mission Network News via The Outreach Files.
More facts on evangelism are found at...
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF…….THE 3 GARDENS OF GODHaving spent much of my life involved in the gardening industry, as a grower, wholesaler of flowers, bulbs and plants and finally as a mail order seller of the same, this revelation has reached into my 'gardeners' heart!
Gardens and nature have a special place in God's heart too. This is not surprising, for He was their creator! Nor is it surprising then, that He should choose garden settings for key events in His interaction with man to take place.
Let's see what they are.
Download your free PDF File now at...
WAXING LYRICAL
A little fun about a real ‘mans’ problem!‘GRUTS’
But the ‘Jockeys’ did have one advantage,
To Grandmothers, who never seemed to age,
The right size was all they ever needed to know,
When Christmas shopping, they decided to go!
Sad to say, this well depicted the age,
When conformity, was all the Kiwi rage,
Even though the nations ‘Jockeys’ you could not see,
You knew for sure, all men had a certain similarity!
‘Hanes’ came along with ‘Jockey’ to compete,
Their fit was much better, but far from replete,
And of course, they were still the standard white,
So no man, about his underpants, was able to skite.
But times did change, as they are wont to do,
No longer was fashion restricted to the shoe,
Coloured shirts then, made an appearance,
Providing us men, with a further dalliance.
To be continued next week.
More of David's poems at...
A DAVID MUSING
WAITINGWait for a time,
Then a little more,
Seeking a rhyme,
What's it all for!
I want it now!
Not next week!
You do know how!
To me now speak!
God, all is in your power,
Don't let my life go sour!
I already know what is the best!
No need to put me to the test!
Still nothing happens this week!
"Just wait for Me my son,
Rest in Me, let Me to you speak,
One day, all will be done."
(To be continued next week! We'll both have to wait! Oh dear!)
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: EMITTERS
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION': Ananias (Acts 9:10-17)
REPRODUCTION OF NEWSLETTER CONTENT
Most weeks we get enquiries about reproducing, in electronic or print form, articles contained in 'PGIM!' We welcome and encourage you to utilize this material. Freely received, freely given. We would ask though, that the source be acknowledged as an encouragement to others to subscribe to this newsletter also.Subscription opportunities are available here Subscribe Here
at the bottom of each newsletter or at...
https://www.macnet.co.nz/wwjesus/pay.html
DONATIONS
Each month, because of the size and nature of our web site and maintenance of our sophisticated emailing system, it costs over $200 in provider fees to bring this ministry to you. If you are able to help us meet this expense your credit card donation would be very much welcomed at Make Donations Here as a live connection or at https://secure.macnet.co.nz/www.wwj.org.nz/pay.phpif you prefer to paste the address into your browser. Thanks.
CHANGING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS? NEWSLETTER STOPS COMING?
Each week we can lose up to 2% of our readers when they change email addresses without letting us know. Or sometimes, by your server acting strangely and just cutting us off! If you are about to change your address, please advise us of both your old and new addresses here atenquiries@wwj.org.nz and we will happily change our records to ensure ongoing delivery. Thanks.
Please also keep our address in your address book, as sometimes servers will automatically delete your address if there is even a one off problem in delivery. If your newsletter doesn't arrive, please let us know and we will reinstate you.
LINKS
If you would like to link your web site to ours, and ours to yours, please advise us onlinks@wwj.org.nz
DOES THIS EMAIL HAVE A BLUE BACKGROUND AND RED HEADINGS?
YES - Great!NO - Your web browser needs to be set to 'Rich Text'. If you have an older 'Text Only' browser, this email may also be viewed on our web site at ...
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