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: 365 Published: 20 Oct 2008
TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH: 4. CHARACTERISTICS OF KINGDOM PEOPLE
LIFE OF POWERThe vexed question of 'spiritual gifts'!
Under the current kingly church system spiritual gifts are closely controlled, to be exercised by the king and princes, not ordinary 'pew people'.
We are controlled by a misunderstanding of the application of the principle of 'good order' spoken of by Paul in 1 Corinthians 14. We take the sensible advice of Paul about the restriction of prophecies and tongues speaking and interpretation in larger gatherings to mean only the 'elevated experts' should be allowed to participate at all times. In fact, the way our church meetings are organised encourages spectatorship rather than participation, just as we are used to at a big football game. The crowd (congregation) may cheer (hallelujahs), but only the teams (worship team, prophets, preacher, etc.) play, under the watchful eye of the coach (pastor). Most often the pastor is a 'player/coach' in the church situation.
However, the more we develop a kingdom understanding and lifestyle, the more we realise the truth of the first words of Paul in chapter 14 of 1 Corinthians, that set the scene for the discussion to follow. We are ALL to seek spiritual gifts.
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. (1 Corinthians 14:1)
Indeed, every follower of Jesus has been given spiritual gifts.
7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:7)
Christianity is a participatory, living organism, not a spectator sport!
Recently I attended a seminar by Rodney Francis and team of 'The Gospel Faith Messenger' ministry, Visit the GFM website here where a group of people from many different church situations, hungry for more of God, were encouraged to utilise their spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of prophecy.
Small groups were held where EVERYONE was encouraged to prophecy over the others in the group. The results amazed all who took part. The accuracy of the words was amazing. Both to the receivers and the givers! Most had never tried to prophecy before! If we are simply content to spectate rather than participate, these gifts will pass us by.
The closer we get to God, the closer He gets to us, and the more of Himself and His ways He reveals to us. Closeness to God is not limited to the realm of the professional. He is waiting with arms outstretched for every follower to embrace His ways, the ways of the kingdom.
Within the formal church there is little opportunity for the majority of Jesus followers to exercise their spiritual gifts. Indeed, I have observed that kingdom seeking people, when exercising their spiritual gifts,
8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)
are often rejected by others, working in the human spirit, for the revelation and understanding they have. We need to seek out others with a desire for more of God.
Walking with Jesus is to be a life of power. We are all meant to walk in the power of the Spirit of God. We need to seek and develop these gifts in our life, learning not to be content with what we have.
31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:31)
May we apply the promise of Jesus today.
7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8)
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FROM THE WORD
GIFTS OF PROPHECY AND TONGUES"Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified. Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church. For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say “Amen†to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified. I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. In the Law it is written: “Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners
I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me,†says the Lord. Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!â€
ORDERLY WORSHIP
What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God. Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church. Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored. Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." (1 Corinthians 14:1-40)
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
"Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,†and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,†except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Corinthians 12:1-11)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
RELIGION, REVELATION AND GOD'S KINGDOM1031. To get closer to God we need to swap the bonds of religion for the liberation of His kingdom.
1032. Religion creates its own standard mould of monotonous mediocrity. God breaks moulds!
1033. Religion is centred upon man, the kingdom, upon God.
1034. Religion is the outcome of the institutionalisation of a God given vision.
1035. Religion is based upon rules, God's kingdom upon obedience.
1036. Religion seeks to control the Spirit of God which His kingdom releases.
1037. Religion controls, God's kingdom releases.
1038. Religion seeks to define an infinite God. By definition, it is doomed to failure.
1039. Religion seeks to interpret the answers to life found in God's kingdom. Surely a direct approach is best.
1040. As religion goes, God's kingdom grows.
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
THE GREAT DISAPPEARING DINOSAUR DEBATE! WERE THEY LEFT OFF THE ARK FOR LACK OF ROOM?
13 On that very day Noah and his sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth, together with his wife and the wives of his three sons, entered the ark. 14 They had with them every wild animal according to its kind, all livestock according to their kinds, every creature that moves along the ground according to its kind and every bird according to its kind, everything with wings. 15 Pairs of all creatures that have the breath of life in them came to Noah and entered the ark. 16 The animals going in were male and female of every living thing, as God had commanded Noah. Then the LORD shut him in. (Genesis 7:13-16)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
GOD AND MAN continues...as we look at 'The 3 Waters' to see God's plan for mankind from the very beginning.
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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." ***
765. THE PERFECT PASTOR
1. Preaches exactly 20 minutes and follows it with an invitation in which everyone is convicted but no one is offended.
2. Works from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in every type of work from counseling to custodial service.
3. 27 years old with 30 years of preaching experience.
4. Tall and short.
5. Thin and heavy set.
6. Handsome but not overpowering.
7. One brown eye and one blue eye.
8. Hair is parted in the middle and is straight on one side and wavy on the other side, with a balding spot on top revealing his maturity.
9. Has a burning desire to work with teenagers and spends all his time with the older folks.
10. He smiles constantly with a straight and sober face because he has a sense of humor that keeps him seriously at his work.
11. Invests 25 hours a week in sermon preparation, 20 hours in counseling, 10 hours in meetings, five hours in emergencies, 20 hours in visitation and evangelism, 6 hours in weddings and funerals, 30 hours in prayer and meditation, 12 hours in letter writing, and
administration, and 10 hours in creative thinking.
12. Spends 5 evenings at home with his family, plus a day off, and always stops for interruptions.
13. A seminary graduate, but uses only one- and two-syllable words.
14. Makes 15 calls a day.
15. Spends all his time evangelizing the unchurched.
16. Attends all retreats, goes to all youth retreats.
17. Is always available in his office.
18. His kids are perfect.
19. His mother is rich.
20. His wife plays the piano.
21. His house is large.
22. His bank account is small.
23. His car is in the shop.
24. He is paid too much, too little, and he gives it all away.
25. He is talented, gifted, scholarly, practical, popular, compassionate, understanding, patient, level headed, dependable, loving, caring, neat, organized, cheerful, and above all, humble.
Copntrubuted by Allen Beane allan.beane@coe.murraystate.edu Allen does some great seminars for churches that are awaiting a new pastor, to help the church be better prepared to support the pastor in ministry.
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: Which country has the lowest crime rate in the world? Is it Japan, Singapore, Togo, New Zealand or Canada?ANSWER: Togo. At 11 reported crimes annually, per 100,000 population. (All will now want ‘to go’ to Togo.)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What happens to butterflies if their body temperature goes below 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30C)?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS474. FALSE PRETENCES?
The British flag is correctly known as the Union Flag. It should only be called the Union Jack when flown from the jack mast of a ship. (Sounds like a 'jack-up' to me!)
475. FOR HOW LONG?
The world consumes 1 billion gallons (4.5 billion litres) of petroleum a day. (As the earth lightens from massive mining, will it fly away one day?)
476. MILKED!
A glass of milk contains about the same weight of air as the weight of an aspirin tablet. (Even cows have caught on to making less seem like more!)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
RESOUNDS
Answer at the end of A David Musing
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can download the full version of our Trivia Book at TRULY TRIFFLING TRIVIA
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BIBLE QUESTION - YOU BE THE JUDGE!
13) What did these men do to be in Gideon's army?A - they were strong
B - they were accurate shots
C - they lapped water
D - they were courageous
Source: www.biblequizzes.com
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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! Having a spirit of non-forgiveness is like drinking poison - and waiting for the other person to die!
!!!!!! In answer to the question of why it happened, I offer the modest proposal that our Universe is simply one of those things which happen from time to time." - Edward P. Tryon
!!!!! If I keep saving at the present rate, by the time I die I will owe $21, 473,249.13 - Lawrence Brotherton
!!!! I'm astounded by people who want to 'know' the universe when it's hard enough to find your way around Chinatown. - Woody Allen
!!! In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move. - Douglas Adams
!! I've Learned. . .
that 5,000,000 people have read "I've Learned" and passed it on to 15,000,000 who read it and passed it on to 45,000,000, and everyone of them is sending it to me.-Lawrence Brotherton
! The Ten Commandments aren't prefaced with "If you're in the mood." -Laura Schlessinger
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
EXTENSIVE EXPLANATIONS
10. MURPHY’S LAWS OF COMPUTING@ When computing, whatever happens, behave as though you meant it to happen.
@ When you get to the point that you really understand your computer, then it’s probably obsolete.
@ The first place to look for information is in the section of the manual where you least expect to find it.
@ When the going gets tough – upgrade.
@ For every action, there is an equal and opposite malfunction.
@ To err is human…. To blame your computer for your mistakes is even more human - it is downright natural.
@ If at first you do not succeed, blame your computer.
@ A complex system that does not work is invariably found to have evolved from a simpler system that worked perfectly.
@ The number one cause of computer problems? Computer solutions offered by family members.
@ It is amazing how often there is a problem with the interface between the chair and the keyboard.
12. PROCRASTINATION
The procrastinator’s creed.
1. I believe that if anything is worth doing, it would have been done already.
2. I shall never move quickly, except to avoid more work or find excuses.
3. I will never rush into a job without a lifetime of consideration.
4. I shall meet all of my deadlines directly in proportion to the amount of bodily injury I could expect to receive from missing them.
5. I firmly believe that tomorrow holds the possibility for new technologies, astounding discoveries, and a reprieve from my obligations.
6. I truly believe that all deadlines are unreasonable regardless of the amount of time given.
7. I shall never forget that the probability of a miracle, though small, is not exactly zero.
8. If at first I don't succeed, there is always next year.
9. I shall always decide not to decide, unless of course I decide to change my mind.
10. I shall always begin, start, initiate, take the first step, and/or write the first word, when I get around to it.
11. I obey the law of inverse excuses which demands that the greater the task to be done, the more insignificant the work that must be done prior to beginning the greater task.
12. I know that the work cycle is not plan/start/finish, but is wait/plan/plan.
13. I will never put off until tomorrow, what I can forget about forever.
14. I will become a member of the ancient Order of Two-Headed Turtles (the Procrastinator's Society) if they ever get it organised.
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BIBLE TRIVIA
MIGRATORY QUAIL...are short-winged and only have weak powers of flight. They often are blown off course by the wind and fall exhausted to the nearest land. God used this characteristic when the Bible tells us there was a wind that brought the quail from the sea and that they fell to earth in the evening.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
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SWEDEN: Stockholm church uses pub for outreach
A small church in Stockholm, Sweden is using a local pub to reach out to its community. Every Saturday in the middle of the night, this church planted by Greater Europe Mission sets up a table outside the pub where it meets for Sunday services. Church members offer hot coffee and tea to passersby and invite them to church on Sunday. Pray that these believers, most of them immigrants from Iraq, will continue to shine the light of the Gospel in a secular society.Source: GO GLOBAL MISSIONS REPORT 2008 No. 64
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DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF....... THE AMAZING TABERNACLE OF MOSESThe first modern revelation of the importance of Moses Tabernacle as being the pattern of a godly walk, and one of church development and life, came out of the Latter Rain Movement, after World War 2.
In more recent times the teaching has been neglected, but it is still applicable today. And the Lord is today, giving even more revelation about it, as we move still closer to the end of the age.
Yes, an understanding of Moses Tabernacle is vital for every Christian with a heart to know God and His plans in a deeper way.
I pray that you will find it as illuminating, challenging, yet encouraging, as I have in my life.
Download your free PDF File here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
This poem was 2 years in the writing! The inspiration came, half was written, then I got busy on other things! In the last day or two I have had some spare time, so thought to finish it. (Actually I have had more spare time during the two years but never quite got 'a round tuit'!) I hope the result is worth waiting for!MR BUMBLE
Wings flapping,
Slowly at first,
Then revving,
Give it a burst!
Now into the air again, Mr Bumble flew,
"Yes, I can still fly!" that he now knew,
Up, up, into the blue,
Buzz, buzz, it's true!
There are two lessons here, in life to be learned,
Neither pull another down, nor be the one spurned,
For word's are so powerful you see,
When taken and used by our enemy.
We're to encourage one another to fly high,
Sometimes it's difficult, but let's give it a try.
Yes, twill give a whole new outlook on life,
As well as keeping Mr Bumble, out of strife!
For the 'Fruit of the Spirit' we are to develop,
Yes, love, peace and joy, our life will envelop.
So when we meet the Mr Bumbles of our daily walk,
We can help them fly higher, through our godly talk.
('Artistic Lisence' has been taken in describing the nesting habits of the bumble bee. Unlike honey bees, they are solitary creatures! But that would spoil a good story!)
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A DAVID MUSING
'USING'It's amusing
Is no musing.
Mind abusing.
Now accusing.
Brain fusing.
Never 'using'!
My wife Kathy, is the real wordsmith, the crossword queen, of the family. I prefer Sudoku!
Whatever we like, it is important for us to keep using our brain. 'Use it or lose it' is the referees cry in the game of rugby, talking about using the ball for another play.
It is the same for us in our walk with Jesus. If we rely upon yesterday's knowledge, yesterday's experience, yesterday's revelation, our spiritual walk also atrophies. (Now that is a Kathy crossword word! PTL for spell checkers!)
One thing I have learned is that, like a pendulum, we are either going forwards or going backwards in our walk. There is no standing still. No marching time.
We are in a personal battle. God is seeking us to become more like Jesus while the world is constantly bombarding us to conform to its ways. Continually we are being influenced to 'swing' one way or the other.
Which way is your life pendulum moving today?
And yes, I speak to myself too!
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: DOURNESS
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION': C - they lapped water (Judges 7:6)
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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
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