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: 383 Published: 23 Feb 2009
SERMON ON THE MOUNT - THE KINGDOM WAY
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:1-3)EXPOSITION
Jesus gave this sermon, having been driven out into the desert, on a common mountain. Unlike the Rabbis He had no adornments of ministry. He did not even have a place to lay His head.
The Beatitudes, which start the 'Sermon on the Mount', are all about living life in the opposite way to the values of the world. The world believes it is blessed to be rich and powerful. On the physical level Jesus is saying it is blessed to be poor, if that is what we are called to be.
However, on a deeper level, there is a place in Christian maturity that we are all called to. As Matthew Henry in his Bible commentary says;
It is to acknowledge that God is great, and we are mean; that he is holy and we are sinful; that he is all and we are nothing, less than nothing, worse than nothing; and to humble ourselves before him, and under his mighty hand....Now, (1.) This poverty in spirit is put first among the Christian graces. The philosophers did not reckon humility among their moral virtues, but Christ puts it first. Self-denial is the first lesson to be learned in his school, and poverty of spirit entitled to the first beatitude. The foundation of all other graces is laid in humility. Those who would build high must begin low; and it is an excellent preparative for the entrance of gospel-grace into the soul; it fits the soil to receive the seed. Those who are weary and heavy laden, are the poor in spirit, and they shall find rest with Christ. (Regarding Matthew 5:3)
TESTIMONY
My upbringing and early life was one of confidence and success. Then... I went bankrupt in the 1987 share market crash! Financially, I was brought down with a thud! I met Jesus. He built me up again, restored my business fortunes, gave a ministry that was successful - very successful. He brought the ministry to a virtual standstill through criticism, because the Holy Spirit was working through me. Both Kathy and I were devastated. Then I went bankrupt again. I was at both a financial and spiritual low, but this time had Jesus in my life. Pride was being ground out of my life.
A deeper understanding and ministry began to develop. I have foresworn personal earthly possessions. We own only our household furniture. We really do have to trust in the Lord to provide for the future and am often told that this is wrong and irresponsible.
Spiritually, I have deliberately avoided the titles and honorary degrees that have been offered. From Bishop to Apostle, to Pastor, to Doctor, titles come with pride attached, no matter how good the motivation of both the giver and receiver.
Without 'reverse humility', which some automatically prescribe to these situations, I, like Paul, am simply happy to be known as a servant of Jesus.
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus... (Philippians 1:1)
The deeper we get into Jesus, the greater the trials and temptations we face. The greater the revelation received, the greater the cost in terms of a comfortable life. For pride is always but one step away. If you aren't prepared to pay the price, don't desire the (wrongly) perceived glory!
Godly humility only comes at a price - the price of brokenness.
It is an ongoing battle within each one of us. One not always won, as I know. Every compliment, and they of course help motivate us, has the potential to foster pride in our life. To truly give all the glory to Jesus (not just in words!) is the only antidote to the poison of pride.
Lord, you have my permission to break me, so that I may be transformed into your image.
Do not pray this unless you really mean it, for it will cost you everything. But if you do make this sacrifice, you will be blessed in ways beyond human comprehension and will inherit the kingdom of heaven!
(To be continued next week.)
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FROM THE WORD
"For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.’ “Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.â€"(Acts 3:23-6)"I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. (Philippians 4:10-14)
"For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Whether, then, it was I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed." (1 Corinthians 14:9-11)
"Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:1-2)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
SIN1161. Overcoming sin is a lifelong process of eliminating the 'self' from our life.
1162. God never asks us to deal with more than we can currently handle. So eliminating sin is a lifelong process!
1163. The revelation of sin in our lives deepens, as our walk with Jesus intensifies. But we only need to deal with the revelation of our current step.
1164. Sin is like an onion. God reveals it and we peel it off, with tears, a layer at a time!
1165. Sin is neither to be loved, nor feared, but dealt with!
1166. We cannot truly say we hate the sin in our lives if we are not prepared to do something about it!
1167. Contrary to common Christian exhortation, sin can be enjoyable - for a time. Many of us test the limits!
1168. Sin grows as it onward goes!
1169. Sin intensifies with repetition.
1170. Finally, thrills turn into spills!
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 PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN
25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,†he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?†26 “What is written in the Law?†he replied. “How do you read it?†27 He answered: â€â€˜Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’†28 “You have answered correctly,†Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.â€
29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?†30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?†37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.†Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.†(Luke 10:25-37)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
GOD AND MAN continues......as we take a more detailed look at the goal of our walk with Jesus, that is, 'holiness'.
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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." ***
17. RALPH
"I hope you didn’t take it personally Pastor," the embarrassed women said after a church service, "when my husband walked out during your sermon."
"I must admit, I did find it rather disconcerting," he replied.
"Its not a reflection on you," said the now red faced lady in a confidential tone, "Ralph’s been walking in his sleep ever since he was a child."
16. MORE CHURCH BULLETIN BLEEPERS
*** The Low Self Esteem group will meet on Thursday at 7pm. Please use the back door.
*** Ushers will eat latecomers.
*** The third verses of Blessed Assurance will be sung without musical accomplishment.
*** For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
*** The Rev. Merriwether spoke briefly, much to the delight of the congregation.
15. GETTING PRIORITIES RIGHT
Coming out of church Mrs Peterson asked her husband, "Do you think that Johnson girl is dying her hair?"
"I didn’t even notice her," admitted Mr Peterson.
"And that dress that Mrs Hansen was wearing," continued Mrs Peterson, Really, don’t tell me that you think that’s a proper outfit for a mother of two."
"I’m afraid I didn’t notice that either," replied a resigned Mr Peterson.
"Oh, For heavens sake," his wife snapped. "A lot of good it does you to go to church!"
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can now download the book 'Laughing At Ourselves' in PDF format at LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
One of the most comprehensive sources of Christian Humour on the Net with 769 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...
FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What do you call a group of turtles?ANSWER: Often called a ‘herd’, but the correct collective term is a ‘bale’
of turtles. (Turtles are very particular about this!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What is a ‘Limey’?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS419. ‘IF AT FIRST…..’
X-rays of the Mona Lisa show that there are three completely different versions of the same subject, all painted by Leonardo da Vinci, under the final portrait. (‘….. you don’t succeed, don’t give up’ or you just might miss out on producing arguably the world’s most famous painting.)
420. AN EMERALD FOR ME
While diamonds are usually considered the most precious of stones, a large, near flawless emerald is worth considerably more than a diamond of similar size. (‘Emeralds are a girls best friend’ somehow doesn’t have the same ring to it – fortunately for men!)
421. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOLLARS
Warner Communications paid $28 million for the copyright to the song ‘Happy Birthday’. (Now have to find a way to collect royalties every time we sing it!)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
This is a new, clever and amusing series I came across recently. The answers relate to the original word. AND FOR THE GRAND FINALE!
MOTHER-IN-LAW (Two word answer.) (Doesn't apply to my Mother-in-Law!)
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 - HILLS AND MOUNTAINS
11) As Jesus walked to the cross, he warned the 'Daughters of Jerusalem' that they would say this to the mountains:A - Run from us
B - Rise for us
C - Fall on us
D - Protect us
Source: www.biblequizzes.com
Heaps more fun and serious 'God Facts' are found at...
26 April is an International Web Focus Day for Churches
“I recently discovered that over 500,000 of the population of my home town use the networking website Facebook,†writes a surprised computer user. Remarkably, 1.5 billion people now access the Web for a wide range of activities. A new internet service called ‘Twitter’ recently enabled eyewitnesses to pass on to thousands of other people their firsthand accounts (with pictures) of the jet that ditched in the Hudson River, well before TV and radio could tell the story. The digital world seems to change every time we blink!How can Christians use this bewildering mix of technologies to share the good news? One place to find answers is Internet Evangelism Day’s website. It provides detailed resources, ideas and strategies to help Christians use what many leaders have called a ‘God-given medium’. These include a self-assessment tool for church websites, enabling them to better reach out into their communities.
Internet Evangelism Day – as the name suggests – is also an annual web-awareness focus day. Churches and other Christian groups can build a short focus spot into their meetings on 26 April, to explain to their members more about the potential for online evangelism, and how anyone can be involved in this rewarding ministry. A customized presentation (anything from 5 minutes to 50) can be easily created using free downloads from IE Day’s website: video clips, Powerpoint, handouts, music and drama.
One surprising fact is that online evangelism is for anyone, not just the technically gifted. “There are many ways to share your faith online, without any technical knowledge at all,†says IE Day Coordinator Tony Whittaker.
Church leaders who have already used these materials are excited. “This is a huge help for small churches such as ours,†writes a minister from California. “I am glad to commend Internet Evangelism Day,†says elder statesman John Stott.
IE Day’s website is at InternetEvangelismDay.com
IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! The trouble with staying at home is you never find out just how good it is to get back.
!!!!!! Life is better when you open meals with a prayer instead of a can opener.
!!!!! They serve a balanced diet in the Army. Every bean weighs the same.
!!!! I don't want candles on my birthday cake. I don't want to make light of my age.
!!! A pessimist complains about the noise made when opportunity knocks.
!! "Truth does not need a defender - only an investigator."
! It used to be only death and taxes were inevitable. Now, of course, there's shipping and handling, too.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
JUST JOKES
159. OUT OF THIS WORLDA flying saucer was low on fuel, so it landed near a local gas station. On its side were the letters "UFO."
The gas station attendant was stunned, but his curiosity got the best of him.
"Does that stand for Unidentified Flying Object?" he asked.
"No," one of the other-worldly travelers responds. "It stands for "Unleaded Fuel Only."
158. LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE
A sloth named Herman is walking through the forest one day. A gang of snails approach him and beat him up. He is left at the bottom of a tree with several cuts and bruises.
Several hours later he gathers up enough strength to go to a local police station. Herman walks into the Sergeant's office. "What happened to you? the officer asks.
"A gang of snails beat me up," Herman replied.
"Can you describe what they looked like?"
"I don't know," the sloth says. "It all happened so fast."
157. YOUR JOB?
A career military man, who had retired as a corporal, was telling the younger men how he handled officers during his years of service...
"It didn't matter a hoot if he was a Major General, an Admiral, or the Commander-in-Chief. I met these guys every single day and always told them exactly where to get off!"
"Wow, you musta been something," the admiring young soldiers remarked. "What was your job in the service?"
He replied, "Elevator operator in the Pentagon..."
Many more jokes joust for a laugh here...
BIBLE TRIVIA
Isaac's name meant 'laughter'.Isaac married Rebekah and they had 2 sons, Esau and Jacob, who were twins. They were very different to each other, Esau was a hunter, while Jacob was closer to his mother, and appeared both clever and crafty.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
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15,000 people find Jesus in Finnish Revival
Michael Ireland (January 10, 2009) Breaking Christian News 11 Jan09(Finland)—The Finnish town of Nokia, 15 kilometers west of Tampere, is home to one of the world's lea ding cell phone companies. But what is less known is that over the past 18 years an estimated 15,000 people have encountered Jesus in the so-called "Nokia Revival."
According to Joel News International (JNI) the Nokia Revival dates to 1991 when Lutheran vicar Markku Koivisto was miraculously healed from terminal cancer.
JNI cites a report from German news agency Idea which says that over the past 18 years 15,000 people have found Jesus through the Nokia Revival, thousands have been healed, and numerous church cell groups have been planted. Sunday meetings are still drawing up to 6,000 people.
JNI reports that one day, when Koivisto was about to leave for the hospital, a visiting Pentecostal preacher from Australia called and said God had awakened him three times during the night telling him to "go pray for the Lutheran vicar."
Full story at: ASSIST News Service
Via: The Outreach Files: December 08. beautifulfeettaskforce.injesus.com
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DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
THE TWO MARATHONERSA thought provoking and entertaining allegory about our journey through life. How will we run our race?
Download your free PDF File here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
This poem was written after becoming saddened, almost disillusioned, by the disagreements and arguments I have been witnessing on an internet forum I belong to, between supposedly 'mature' Christians, mainly ministers, who are meant to working together towards unity! How God must cry! I do!Incidentally, we have had severe floods in New Zealand over the past few days. God's tears? Maybe increased floods aren't a result of global warming after all! But of the divisions in His church!
NOT SURE I WANT TO GO TO HEAVEN ANY MORE!
My friend, we simply have the choice,
To disagree, or speak with one voice.
To defend to the end where we come from,
Or get on with it, and build His Kingdom.
His Kingdom now, has is to be within you see,
Comes as we let Him deal with you and me.
When we go on to seek His heavenly will,
Division and strife, His will, will kill!
The kingdom that disagreement sows,
Is built by treading on other's toes.
But the heavenly kingdom that God does see,
Is founded upon co-operation and unity.
Will you help ease God's frustrations,
By taking the gospel to the nations?
Putting aside, that which does now divide,
The salvation message, others to provide.
Not one has entered through division and strife,
For words spoken in anger do not bring life.
Theological argument hasn't saved a single soul,
Nor a dearly held doctrine made a seeker whole.
But what works every time is a witness of love,
Putting aside the jackal to become the dove.
Yes, as we build His Kingdom on earth you see,
Together, we can all look forward to eternity.
David Tait 21 July 2004
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A DAVID MUSING
The recession is biting more and more, all round the world. What does it all mean? Depends which 'guru' you ask. If you ask 10 economists you will have 15 opinions! Unfortunately, much the same can be said about Christian prophets and 'end time experts' also.One thing I have learned about Biblical prophecy is that it becomes very clear after it has been fulfilled! I think God has a sense of humour and specialises in letting us try to outthink Him, then does it His way anyway!
We have, this week, signed up a lease for a new shop in a place called Masterton. We have lots of excess stock from our clothing collections, so do not believe we are taking excessive risk. As well, we have an out clause in the lease should sales not come up to expectations. Nor will we be entering into debt to do it.
Having been millionaires and bankrupt twice in my life, I now place other things ahead of money. Yes, we need to be good stewards of what we have, but these times certainly test where the source of our faith truly is. Do we trust in God to provide or is our real security found in our assets and pension schemes?
If these tough times help us focus on our real Provider, they will have been truly worthwhile.
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: WOMAN HITLER
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION': C - Fall on us (Luke 23:28-30)
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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