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: 354 Published: 04 Aug 2008
TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH: 3. FROM KINGS TO KINGDOM (continued)
Over the past 2 weeks we have considered the first 2 of 3 relationships we are to have as disciples of Jesus; that with the Father through Jesus, and secondly, with fellow believers.The third area of relationship required of us is interaction with non-believers.
This is, of course, highlighted in what we call 'The Great Commission'.
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20a)
Over my Christian life I have tried, in my own way, to do my best to fulfill this command of Jesus. I am not an evangelist in terms of gifting, and am, in the natural, shy about sharing as much as I personally should about Jesus on a one to one basis. I am not ashamed of Christ but, as I mentioned last week, tend to be a better listener than talker.
However, I did pen the Walking With Jesus discipleship course, which has helped numbers of people to be pointed in the direction of Jesus, as well as helping many believers deepen their relationship with Him. A few weeks ago, a lady came into our shop. She saw WWJ course on the counter and commented and commented to Kathy Mumby, our shop manager, that she became a Christian through the course. Unfortunately I was not there to speak to her. But it was a boost when Kathy M. told me!
Over the years of being in full time ministry, I have been able to share the Gospel message in many different countries and have seen good numbers of people come to Christ through the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Many more have received Holy Spirit baptism, and large numbers have also committed to a deeper level of discipleship, of obedience to the will of the Father in their lives.
To be honest, I thought I had been doing a reasonable job in doing my bit to fulfill the Great Commission - and that I would continue to do similar things over the years to come.
Imagine my surprise then when, during my last trip to Africa, the Lord changed my direction! "How could you Lord? Surely, 'full-time ministry' is what you have called me to, and is the ultimate way of serving you?"
God is full of surprises! More often than not, we don't want to know of them, preferring to carry on carrying on in our comfortable ways! GOOD in themselves, but are they really GOD? (one less O!)
I thought I had left the commercial world behind forever. In the natural I love the challenge of business. But God had called me to the 'better things' of full time ministry forever, or so I thought.
I have had to change my thinking on 2 counts. Firstly, the assumption that full time ministry is better, and secondly, that forever is not in God's vocabulary when it comes to His desires for me as an obedient servant. For a servant must always by available to, and obedient of, his or her master's call.
God called me back into business of second hand clothing, but this time in a different way to that in which I operated previously.
He has shown me, as we will continue to look at next week, that my attitude needed to change from 'kings' to 'kingdom'.
(Testimony to be continued next week)
Find out more about us at...
FROM THE WORD
THE GREAT COMMISSION"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.â€" (Matthew 28:16-20)
GOD'S CHOSEN SERVANT
"Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, warning them not to tell who he was. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “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. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope.â€" (Matthew 12:15-21)
THE FAITH OF THE CENTURION
"When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “Lord,†he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.†Jesus said to him, “I will go and heal him.†The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.†When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.†Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! It will be done just as you believed it would.†And his servant was healed at that very hour. (Matthew 8:5-13)
Read the Bible (NIV Version) online at...
***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
BELIEVERS v DISCIPLES236. 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
15 Finding a fresh jawbone of a donkey, he grabbed it and struck down a thousand men.
16 Then Samson said, “With a donkey’s jawbone I have made donkeys of them. With a donkey’s jawbone I have killed a thousand men.†(Judges 15:15-16)
TO READ THIS CARTOON AND SEE THE OTHER
PICTURES IN THIS EMAIL YOU NEED TO BE ONLINE.
Check it out at...
TUESDAY TEACHINGS
GOD AND MAN continuesAs we look at the parables of Jesus and His 25 specific commandments to us.
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." ***
744. NEW IDEAS
Said the elder priest, "I know you were reaching out to the young people when you had bucket seats put in to replace the first four pews". It worked. We got the front of the Church filled first.
The young Priest nodded and the old one continued. "And, you told me a little more beat to the music would bring young people back to Church, so I supported you when you brought in the Rock'N'Roll gospel choir."
So,? asked the young priest, "Whats the problem?"
Well, Said the elder priest "I'm afraid you've gone too far with the drive through confessional and the flashing neon sign which reads 'Toot'N'Tell or Go To Hell'."
743. RECALL NOTICE
The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to the serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in
the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.
This defect has been technically termed, Subsequential Internal Non-morality, or more commonly known as SIN, as it is primarily expressed.
Some other symptoms:
[a] Loss of direction
[b] Foul vocal emissions
[c] Amnesia of origin
[d] Lack of peace and joy
[e] Selfish, or violent behavior
[f] Depression or confusion in the mental component
[g] Fearfulness
[h] Idolatry
[i] Rebellion
The Manufacturer, Who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect.
The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required. The toll free number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.
Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
[a] Love
[b] Joy
[c] Peace
[d] Patience
[e] Kindness
[f] Goodness
[g] Faithfulness
[h] Gentleness
[i] Self-control
Please see the operating manual, HOLY BIBLE, for further details on the use of these fixes. As an added upgrade, the manufacturer has made available to all repaired units a facility enabling direct monitoring and assistance from a resident Maintenance Technician, the Holy Spirit. Repaired units need only make Him welcome, and He will take up permanent residence on the premises!
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids the Manufacturer's warranty, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list, and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded.
For free emergency service, call on JESUS.
Thank you for your attention. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice.
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: a. What exactly defines a planet?b. Which is the only planet to have an orbit that crosses that of
another planet?
ANSWER: a. There is actually no scientific law defining a planet, but
generally the planet must directly orbit a star, be small enough that it has
not undergone internal nuclear fusion (i.e. is not a star or star like object),
and must be big enough that its self-gravity gives the general shape of a
sphere.
b. Pluto, usually the farthest planet from the sun in our solar system,
crosses Neptune's orbit. Pluto is a tiny planet, smaller than Earth's moon,
and its elliptical orbit takes 248 years and carries it as close as 2.8 billion
miles (4.5 billion km) from the sun and as far as 4.6 billion miles (7.4
221 billion km) away from the sun. In 1979, Pluto crossed Neptune's orbit on
its way closer to the sun, making Neptune the farthest planet for most of
the 1980's. Pluto recrossed Neptune's orbit again in 1999 as it headed
away from the sun and once again became the most distant planet. (Bye
bye ‘til next time.)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: When did camouflage become standard
military practice?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS507. MUCH PERSEVERANCE REQUIRED
If you counted steadily 24 hours a day, it would take 31,688 years to reach one trillion! (With sleep, 42251 years, with a stutter – don’t start!)
508. THAT'S REALLY HOT!
A lightning bolt generates temperatures five times hotter than those found on the sun's surface! (‘Lightening hot’ as well as ‘lightening fast’.)
509. GIANT TOWELS
Tablecloths were originally designed as giant towels with which dinner guests could wipe their hands and faces after eating! (Some still do – and they are really right!)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
INVERTS
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 - YOU BE THE JUDGE!
2) Who was instrumental in the downfall of Samson?A - Tamar
B - Zerubabel
C - Jezebel
D - Delilah
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"""!!!!!!! No man is poor who has had a godly mother. (Abraham Lincoln)
!!!!!! Remember, the lesser of two evils is still evil.
!!!!! "One seventh of your life is spent on Monday." (Hank Caruso)
!!!! Why is it that when you talk to God you're praying, but when he talks to you, you're crazy?
!!! Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level then beat you with experience.
!! Never wrestle with a pig: You both get all dirty, and the pig likes it.
! The Truth is Out There. So what are you doing Here?!
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
LIFE'S A LAUGH
21. A FAIRY WIFEFor a while my husband and I had opposite schedules. He worked during the day, and I worked at night.
One morning I noticed he had left a note to himself on the kitchen counter
that read, "STAMPS!" As a helpful surprise, I bought him some at the post office and put them on the counter before going to work.
The next morning I found the same note. "STAMPS!" was crossed out. Underneath it he had written, "ONE MILLION DOLLARS!"
22. A RARE MOMENT!
My wife and I were lunching at a sidewalk cafe in Huntington Beach, CA. Our waitress looked like a real surfer girl - athletic with a great tan and blond hair. Mulling over the menu, my wife asked her if the roast beef was rare. The waitress gave us a long blank look, then replied, "Well, no - we have it, like, just about every day."
23. NOT A TOUR GUIDE
On a cruise to Alaska, I saw my very first glacier in the magnificent Inside Passage. Excitedly, I asked a ship's officer what it was called. "It's some dumb glacier," he replied.
Disappointed by his attitude, I bought a map to figure it out myself. I spotted our location and found the name of the ice mass. It was called, just as he'd said, "Sumdum Glacier." (Pictured)
More real life experiences here...
BIBLE TRIVIA
PIGS...were unclean under the Law and therefore not domesticated by the Hebrews. References to them are always negative. eg, the demons entering the pigs and the prodigal son tending pigs.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Lots more 'God Facts' are found at...
JAPAN: VIP Clubs Leading Japanese to Christ
Evangelism is difficult in Japan. Neal Hicks with The Mission Society explains: "The Japanese basically are not able to embrace the Gospel because there's bondage from generations of Buddhism and Shintoism. The Japanese basically believe that they can't really be Christians because they would no longer be Japanese."Hicks says, they're taking a top-down approach. "As we share Christ with these Japanese men who have some stature and clout, they're able to be more visible and transparent about their relationship with Christ, and it flows from the top down. To come in from the bottom and work your way up is almost impossible."
Top Christian business people from IMB or known banks come to arenas and stadiums to help with the evangelistic outreach. "They share how Christ has come into their lives, changed their lives, and given them wisdom to do business. And of course all these Japanese people know who these folks are, and they're probably a bit overwhelmed to hear them talk about their personal relationship with Jesus Christ."
Source: Mission Network News via GO GLOBAL MISSIONS REPORT 2008 No. 64
Many more Godfacts at...
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
TABERNEAGLES (part two)A summary of one man’s vision for God’s final ‘Tabernacle’ (Apostolic) church, preparing to become the ‘bride’ that Jesus is returning for. The vision is soundly based upon the scriptures (not included here – found in Book Too of ‘Eagles Fly High!’ – ‘The First & Last Word’) illuminating the pattern of the ‘Feasts of The Lord’ in both the Old and New Testaments.
Drawn from the trilogy ‘Eagles Fly High!’, this picture of the final church is presented through prophecy, allegory, poetry, and scripturally based vision.
Definitely a tasty morsel for the hungry in God. For those seeking to discover more about God’s plans for their lives and the church as a whole. Find out all about the ‘Taberneagle Army’ that God is starting to raise up at this critical time in our history.
Part 2 of the download this week.
Check it out and get your free download here...
WAXING LYRICAL
Feeling dejected that you don't seem to be doing as well as the ministry down the road? Then, this poem is a message of reassurance for you. Yes, God love you too!YES IT'S TRUE, GOD LOVES YOU!
God loves us all,
The big, the small,
The short and the tall,
At home, at the mall.
Yes it's true, God loves you!
We look at others, see the exterior,
So easy to feel, greatly inferior.
Their ministry is so much bigger than mine!
I'm on the wrong side, of the thin red line!
But it's true, God loves you!
Yesterday, I went past the church down the road,
Everything about it was surely made, me to goad!
From the Mercedes in the carpark, to the automatic door,
Me, in my faithful old jalopy, with four on the floor.
But it's true, God loves you!
With all the trappings of success, God is surely blessing him,
When it comes to my church, expenses, we have to trim!
Oh God, my God, what have I done wrong?
My ministry - it would sell for a song!
But it's true, God loves you!
This man, he's so annointed,
Me - I'm just disappointed!
My Lord, I've given my whole life to you,
Every day, my commitment, I do renew.
But it's true, God loves you!
(Continued next week.)
More of David's offerings at...
A DAVID MUSING
This week has seen us run into the challenge of dealing with the local Councils, both of Napier and Hastings. While our Hastings shop is informally open, with the Council's permission, we cannot advertise the fact until our formal Resource Consent is received. Sales so far, are looking most promising.In Napier, we received Resource Consent before opening the shop 9 months ago. Now, another department of the Council is trying to make our landlord spend an impossible amount of money to insulate the building to enable us to keep trading!
Your prayers for the Councils to resolve these two situations quickly and fairly would be hugely appreciated.
Of course, the Bible tells us to obey the rulers set over us. In days gone by that meant fighting wars. Today it seems that bureaucracy is the new battleground for most of us!
Sorry about the lack of a photo of the new shop. Left the camera behind once again. Perfection is yet to come!
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: STRIVEN
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION': D - Delilah (Judges 16:18-20)
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
7 Bull Street
Ahuriri
Napier
New Zealand
Phone: (06) 835 0567 International (+64) 6 835 0567
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