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: 341 Published: 05 May 2008
TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH: 3. FROM KINGS TO KINGDOM (continued)
Jesus did not have a 'ministry' of His own!What a ridiculous statement, David! But it's true! Jesus came into the world not to make a name for Himself by promoting God, but simply to do His Father's will, 100% of the time - to do absolutely whatever His Father asked.
5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; 6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. 7 Then I said, ‘Here I am — it is written about me in the scroll — I have come to do your will, O God.’†(Hebrews 10:5-7)
His role, and that of His followers, was to promote the kingdom of God. When he sent out the 72 He instructed them:
8 “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. 9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’ (Luke 10:8-9)
Jesus did not promote Himself, or His ministry. This was always God's plan, even being prophesied through Isaiah.
GOD'S CHOSEN SERVANT
15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, 16 warning them not to tell who he was. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 18 “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. 19 He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. 20 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. 21 In his name the nations will put their hope.†(Matthew 12:15-21)
His major display of divinity, the transfiguration, was reserved for His 3 closest disciples, as an encouragement for the difficult days ahead.
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. (Matthew 17:1-2)
And came with a 'pre-death publicity ban'.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.†(Matthew 17:9)
His mode of transport was the same as that of the people - walking. On His 'special day', 'Palm Sunday', He rode a donkey. What we need to understand is, no leader of the time would have been seen dead riding a donkey! It was the mode of transport of the poorest people only. Much like the Queen of England travelling to her coronation, not in a gilded coach, but on a bicycle or on a public bus!
He 100% served His Father, even when He knew it would bring unimaginable pain and suffering, resulting in death. He didn't want to die this way, but was prepared to put aside His desires for His Fathers will.
39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.†(Matthew 26:39)
He did not glorify Himself nor allow the people to glorify Him. Instead, that was done by the Father Himself.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:8-11)
As part of the transformation from kings to kingdom we are to be the same as Jesus:
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, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:1-7)
This leadership style is not easy for us to comprehend and even more difficult to put into practice! Next week I will share some personal testimony of the struggles I have had, and continue to face, in this area.
(To be continued next week)
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FROM THE WORD
"Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; 6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll— I have come to do your will, O God.’†First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them†(although the law required them to be made). Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.†He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (Hebrews 10:5-10)"THE TRANSFIGURATION
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.†While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!†When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,†he said. “Don’t be afraid.†When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.†The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?†Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.†Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist." (Matthew 17:1-13)
"GETHSEMANE
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.†He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.†Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.†Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?†he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.†He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.†When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!â€" (Matthew 26:36-46)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
RELIGION, REVELATION AND GOD'S KINGDOM1051. Revelation is from God's heart, religion, a product of the heart of man.
1052. Today's revelation becomes tomorrow's religion.
1053. One dose of God is worth more than a billion of religion!
1054. When mankind cannot accept God's revelation, they adapt it to become religion.
1055. The cost of God's kingdom is obedience, religion's, money. Most of us take the easy option!
1056. Religion goes as God's kingdom grows.
1057. Revelation tells us God's kingdom is available now, while religion places itself in the now, with the kingdom to be found in the future.
1058. Religion may well be the opiate of the masses, but God's kingdom is possessed by the godly, right now!
1059. Religion comes and religion goes, but God's kingdom goes on forever.
1060. God's kingdom now isn't freely given, but possessed through godly obedience.
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
46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: â€â€˜I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’†48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. (Acts 13:46-48)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THE MOSAIC COVENANT concludes...with a look at the sacrifice and the seal of this important covenant that God made with His people at the time of their escape from Egyptian captivity.
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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." ***
716. THE RICHEST MAN
Did you hear about the town's richest man who met with the minister after the Sunday service?
"Why does everyone call me cheap and stingy?" complained the man. "I've told everyone I'm leaving half my money to the church when I die."
The minister nodded. "It reminds me of the story about the pig and the cow. The cow was much loved by the farmer and his neighbors, while the pig was not popular at all. The pig could not understand this and asked the cow about it.
'How come you are so well liked, cow? People say you're good because you give milk and butter and cream every day. But I give more than that. From me they get bacon and ham; they even pickle my feet. Yet I'm not popular and you are. Why do you think that is?'
The cow looked down at the pig and answered, 'Perhaps it's because I give while I'm still alive.'"
715. LORD, HEAR MY PRAYER
I'm sure you have all heard (and maybe prayed) the prayer: "Lord, give me patience, and give it to me right now!" The following list of similar prayers has been made up. As usual, the author is unknown.
God, help me to begin relaxing about little details tomorrow at 11:41:32 am.
Lord, help me to be more laid back, and help me to do it exactly right!
Lord, help me not to be a perfectionist. (Did I spell that correctly?)
Lord, keep me open to the ideas of others, wrong though they may be!
Lord help me to stand up for my rights! (If you don't mind my asking)
Lord, help me to finish everything I sta.....
Lord, help me be less independent, but let me do it my way.
God, help me to take responsibility for my own actions, even though they're usually not my fault!
God, help me keep my mind on one th.... LOOK, A BIRD! ... ing at a time.
God, help me to slow downandnotrushthroughwhatIdo.Amen!
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: Are pigeons and doves of the same family?ANSWER: Yes, they're in the same family. But pigeons are the poor
relations. They are pretty much looked down upon as city annoyances.
But doves have become recognised as symbols of peace, and in
Christianity, the Holy Spirit. The birds are so closely related, though, that
some companies offering to release doves at a wedding are really using
pigeons. The pigeon and dove family Columbidae consists of 309 species
ranging from the sparrow-sized ground-dove, to turkey-sized crowned
pigeons. (Is that deception the reason why marriages aren’t peaceful?)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Why do some animals have eyes that glow in
the dark?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS546. NAILED!
There is enough iron in the human body to make a small nail. (Doesn’t help me with the iron-ing though!)
547. HEARTY APPETITE
A single elephant can consume up to 500lbs (220 kilos) of hay and 60 gallons (260 litres) of water in one day. (How would they feed themselves without a trunk?)
548. HAIRY LEFTIES
All Polar bears are both left-handed and are the only mammals with hair on the soles of their feet. (Does one cause the other? Let me look at my feet! Phew! No!)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
SARGENT
Answer at the end of A David Musing
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BIBLE QUESTION - WORKERS AND TOOLS
10) This borrowed tool fell into the water and Elisha miraculously recovered it.A - Axhead
B - Hammer head
C - Grinding wheel
D - Saw
Source: www.biblequizzes.com
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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""RANDOM THOUGHTS
!!!!!!! Never leave your wife's anniversary present in a Wal-Mart bag.
!!!!!! The person who pays for the pizza gets the toppings that fall off in the box.
!!!!! Definition of a will: It's a dead giveaway.
!!!! I don't need beauty sleep, I need a coma.
!!!When you breathe, you inspire. When you do not breathe, you expire.
11 A skeptic is a person who when he sees the handwriting on the wall claims it's a forgery.
! You'll notice that a turtle only makes progress when it sticks out its neck...
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
GREAT GROANS!
147. AS THEY GET OLD.......Old hackers never die, they just go to bits.
Old hardware engineers never die, they just cache in their chips.
Old hippies never die, they just smell that way.
Old horticulturists never die, they just go to pot.
Old hypochondriacs never die, they just lose their gripe.
Old investors never die, they just roll over.
Old journalists never die, they just get de-pressed.
Old knights in chain mail never die, they just shuffle off their metal coils.
Old laser physicists never die, they just become incoherent.
Old lawyers never die, they just lose their appeal.
Old limbo dancers never die, they just go under.
Old mathematicians never die, they just disintegrate.
Old milkmaids never die, they just lose their whey.
Old ministers never die, they just get put out to pastor...
Old musicians never die, they just get played out.
Old number theorists never die, they just get past their prime.
Old numerical analysts never die, they just get disarrayed.
Old owls never die, they just don't give a hoot.
Old pacifists never die, they just go to peaces.
Old professors never die, they just lose their class.
148. GIMME!
A man goes into the doctor. He says "Doc, you gotta check my leg. Something's wrong. Just put your ear up to my thigh, you'll hear it!" The doctor cautiously placed his ear to the man's thigh only to hear "Gimme 20 bucks, I really need 20 bucks."
"I've never seen or heard anything like this before, how long has this been going on." The doctor asked.
"That's nothing Doc. put your ear to my knee."
The doctor put his ear to the man's knee and heard it say "Man, I really need 10 dollars, just lend me 10 bucks!!"
"Sir, I really don't know what to tell you. I've never seen anything like this." The doctor was dumbfounded.
"Wait Doc. that's not it. There's more, just put your ear up to my ankle." The man urged him.
The doctor did as the man said and was blown away to hear his ankle plead, "Please, I just need 5 dollars. Lend me 5 buck please if you will."
"I have no idea what to tell you," the doctor said. "There's nothing in about it in my books!" he said as he frantically searched all his medical reference books. "I can make a well educated guess though. Based on life and all my previous experience I can tell you that your leg seems to be broke in three places."
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BIBLE TRIVIA
THE CAMEL...in the Bible has one hump, and is often called a dromedary. Excellent in the desert, as it adapts to the conditions well, it has few other redeeming features. The female has only one baby every 3 years, or longer, it has little ability to learn so it is difficult to train. It is so bad tempered, particularly the male, that Roman soldiers kept them outside the walls of their posts.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
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WORLD'S LARGEST PRAYER MEETING GATHERS MOMENTUM
By Dan WoodingFounder of ASSIST Ministries
LONDON, UK (ANS) -- This Pentecost Sunday, May 11, millions of Christians, from 210 nations around the world will be gathering to worship and pray for God's kingdom to come on earth as part of the fourth Global Day of Prayer.
According to www.christiantoday.com, there will be over 38 events across the UK in cathedrals, civic centers, stadiums, high places, parks, churches and houses of prayer.
"The Global Day of Prayer started in South Africa in 2005 and is based on Acts 1 and 2 - ten days of constant prayer (May 1-10); 1 day for the whole church to gather (May 11) and 90 days of blessing (May 12-August 10). The aim is to see local churches united in prayer to see communities transformed by the Holy Spirit," said the Christian Today story.
"Six Anglican cathedrals will host united prayer events in Birmingham, Chester, Norwich, Beverley Minster, Sunderland Minster and York Minster. In Belfast, Christians will be meeting in the Great Hall of the Parliament Buildings in Stormont to worship, pray and give thanks for God's answers to prayer in the province. Christians in Edinburgh will prayer-walk the seven hills surrounding the city and Swansea will host a gathering in Castle Gardens.
"Churches across London have been invited to use sections of the Prayer for the World on the Sunday morning. There will be three stadium events in Redditch, on the Isle of Wight, and the UK's biggest event will be at Millwall football stadium in London where plans are being made for 30,000 Christians to gather."
Jane Holloway, UK coordinator of the Global Day of Prayer and head of the World Prayer Centre, Birmingham, said, "We hope that many people will join in and be part of this unprecedented prayer meeting on 11 May and then put feet on their prayers taking part in all the initiatives planned for the rest of the year with Hope08."
For more information, go to www.globaldayofprayer.co.uk or www.hope08.com
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DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF... THE BOOK OF RUTHIn one of the oldest books of the Bible, God reveals His plan for the Church in these end times. Unbelievable! No! For God's plan has been there from the beginning of time. He is now revealing more of it to us. Wondered about the Church and Israel? Read on...
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WAXING LYRICAL
God can talk to us when we are relaxing too. Some of my best inspirations and timeswith God come when I relaxed in the spa pool we once had. Great excuse to stay in!
DRIPS AND DROPS
Relaxing in the spa, after my workout,
Pondering awhile, what life is all about,
When a drip of rain, upon me, it did fall,
These musings to my mind, it did recall!
A drip of inspiration for me!
After a shower, I ran to my office downstairs,
Recording my thoughts – yes, somebody cares,
Then upstairs again, to help the wife,
Always good, to keep out of strife!
Going back down on my computer to type,
Now getting caught up with all the hype,
Punching out the words I have been given
Before I forget them - with joy I am driven.
And so this poem begins to flow,
Full of good cheer, with me aglow.
The keyboard is now being punched so fast,
Sweat on my forehead, it breaks out at last.
A drip of perspiration for me!
But as so often is the case,
When the words I do chase,
They decide to run away,
No longer know what to say.
Sitting staring at the screen,
With frustration I do scream!
A teardrop falls from my eye,
No one’s here, on me to spy!
A drip of desperation for me!
"Do you want my help?" says a voice inside,
"Now I have your attention, you cannot hide!"
"Yes Holy Spirit, you sure have it indeed,
Need you – please bring me up to speed!"
"David, there’s a difference between a drip and a drop,
You need to learn it, if your education’s not to stop,
I’ll show you some disciples, from the Bible my son,
How they learned their lessons, a real good job done!"
A drip of revelation for me!
(Continued next week)
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A DAVID MUSING
STOP PRESS!!!We have just heard that we are now the proud 'grandparents' of the first litter of our 'adopted daughter' in Uganda! (Top Photo) Mother plus 6 female and 4 male piglets are doing fine.
This is the 'first fruit' of Africa Arise and a very joyful occasion for us!
We would like you to share in this too! If you have any suggestions for names please let us know at david@wwj.org.nz
Hopefully a picture of the whole family soon.
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: STRANGE
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION': A - Axhead (2 Kings 6:5-7)
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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