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: 389 Published: 06 Apr 2009
SERMON ON THE MOUNT - THE KINGDOM WAY
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)EXPOSITION
This is talking about making peace amongst groups of people with divergent opinions, often considered to be the role of a pastor or minister. It is not referring to world peace, which we know will not happen, until temporarily, during the time of the antichrist. True universal peace will only come with the return of Jesus.
TESTIMONY
Peacemaking would not be a natural attribute of mine! Ask my wife!
I am not deliberately antagonistic, but in the natural, have been driven to achieve the goals I set myself.
Over the years however, as Jesus has changed my life (and perhaps also with the more years) I have 'mellowed' in my attitudes and behaviours. While peacemaking is still not my strongpoint, it is not so much a negative in my life either.
One problem I have observed in the church is that peacemaking, by its very nature, leads to compromise. While this is a good thing in inconsequential areas, as Paul pointed out,
5 One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. 8 If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. (Romans 14:5-8)
However, when it compromises basic truths, which is often the case in our modern society, based upon relative morality, peacemaking can so easily slip into error.
Oh, if only life was easy!
So, I need to stand on the truths the Lord has imparted to me to share, but with wisdom, appreciating and understanding that you may not have the same revelation, and certainly not to condemn you for that. Humility and peacemaking walk hand in hand.
I look forward to that seemingly impossible day (in human understanding, at least) when
... we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:13)
Then we will be at peace - with one another, if not the world.
To be seen as sons of God we must be peacemakers. May we both remember, next time we feel to provoke or continue an argument!
(To be continued next week.)
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FROM THE WORD
THE WEAK AND THE STRONG"Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: â€â€˜As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’†So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin." (Romans 14:1-23)
UNITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST
"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit— just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.†(What does “he ascended†mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." (Ephesians 4:1-16)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
PEACE670. Peace is to be found in the eye of the storm.
671. A soul truly finds peace in God’s rest.
672. Strive for strife, rest for peace.
673. Internal peace can flourish amongst external turmoil.
674. Peace is not a feeling, but a place.
675. World peace is an impossibility, inner peace a personal choice.
676. How is it that people rejoice when a peace agreement is reached, yet remain at turmoil within themselves?
677. Peace in our time – simply impossible. Peace within – always available.
678. Inner peace is a treasure of far greater value than gold.
679. Peace and riches are seldom bedfellows.
680. War within? Sign the Lord’s ‘Peace Treaty’ today!
681. Our internal battles are bloodier than man’s wars.
682. War is of the world. Peace is of God. Therefore we need to seek peace in the right place.
683. The ‘War of the World’s’ is fought within each one of us. Satan versus God.
684. The person with peace has more than all the riches of the world have to offer.
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
2 One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, 3 and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, “Isn’t this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?†4 Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (She had purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then she went back home. (2 Samuel 11:2-4)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
NEXT WEEK: TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH: 1. RESTORATION OF HOLY SPIRIT POWER AND DIRECTIONWe look at the concept of greater personal participation in our meetings together.
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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." ***
35. HELP?
Several women were visiting an elderly friend who was ill. After a while, they rose to leave and told her; "We will keep you in our prayers."
"Just wash the dishes in the kitchen," the ailing woman said, "I can do my own praying."
34. CHURCH BULLETIN BLOOPERS CONTINUE...
*** Twenty-two members were present at the church meeting held at the home of Mrs Martha Crutchfield last evening. Mrs Crutchfield and Mrs Rankin sang a duet, ‘The Lord Knows Why.’
*** Thursday night potluck supper. Prayer and medication to follow.
*** The rosebud on the altar this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Rev. and Mrs Julie Belzer.
*** This afternoon there will be a meeting in the north and south ends of the church. Children will be baptised at both ends.
*** On Tuesday there will be an ice cream social at 4pm. All ladies giving milk, please come early.
33. THE JOYS OF MARRIAGE
A newly married pastor was taking a walk with his father one day, who asked how he was enjoying his young wife’s home cooking.
The pastor replied, "My wife’s cooking is so bad, we pray after we eat."
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: Can your eyes pop out when you sneeze?ANSWER: It’s simply not possible. For you can’t keep your eyes open
during a sneeze. The reflex to close them is too great. (Try it out for
yourself! You can have one of my sneezes, for I have plenty to share.)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: If you cut an earthworm in half, will it grow into
two new worms?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS401. LUCKY?
In 1060 a coin was minted in England shaped like a lucky four-leaf clover. The user could break off any of the four leaves and use them as separate pieces of currency. (Spreading your money around?)
402. ‘OZOSTOMIAâ€
If you are suffering from ‘ozostomia’, you are suffering from halitosis – actually, bad breath. (Polluting the ozone layer? Would have to be very bad!)
403. FIREPROOF
As it is 12,000 feet above sea level, there is barely enough oxygen in La Paz, Bolivia to support combustion, so the city is virtually fireproof. (But not gunfire proof though!)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
SONLESS
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
17) Jesus was on this mount when he delivered a famous prophecy about the times of the end:A - Mount of Olives
B - Mount Sinai
C - Mount Hermon
D - Mount Zion
Source: www.biblequizzes.com
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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! "It's not hard to meet expenses... they're everywhere."
!!!!!! Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.
!!!!! Archeologist: A man whose career lies in ruins.
!!!! California smog test: Can UCLA?
!!! A watched clock never boils.
!! To a worm, digging in the hard ground is more relaxing than going fishing.
! A tree never hits an automobile except in self-defence.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
PETS RULE!
47. KITTEN CAPERSAs chaplain in a university residence hall, I am supposed to uphold all of the school rules, which include a ban on pets. That changed when a kitten adopted me.
The freshmen in my dorm kept my secret. They covered for me by calling my kitten "the Book," since I had so many in my room.
One morning I was leaving the dorm with the kitten in a carrier. A student stopped me and asked, "Where are you taking the Book?"
I explained that I was taking the kitten to the vet. "She's getting neutered today," I told him.
"Hmmm," the student responded, "no sequels."
48. PERFECT!
My sister-in-law, a truck driver, had decided to get a dog for protection. As she inspected a likely candidate, the trainer told her, "He doesn't like men."
"Perfect," my sister-in-law thought and took the dog.
Then one day she was approached by two men in a parking lot, and she watched to see how her canine bodyguard would react. Soon it became clear the trainer wasn't
kidding. As the men got closer, the dog ran under the nearest car.
49. DR CUTTER
Dr. Cutter is the local Veterinarian, known for his wry humor. He surpassed himself one summer day when a city dog was brought to him after an encounter with a porcupine. After almost an hour of prying, pulling, cutting and stitching, he returned the dog to its owner, who asked what she owed.
"A hundred and fifty dollars, Ma'am," he answered.
"Why that's simply outrageous!" she stormed. "That's what's wrong with you Maine people, you're always trying to over charge summer visitors. Whatever do you do in the winter, when we're not being gypped here?"
"Raise porcupines, Ma'am.
More pet-ty humour found here...
BIBLE TRIVIA
Egyptian texts confirm...... that about the time Moses became angered at seeing an Egyptian overseer beating a Hebrew worker, the Hebrews were being used to drag stones for temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II. The Bible says Moses killed an overseer and ran for his life into the desert of the Sinai Peninsula for 40 years.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
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97% of Iraqis have satellite TV and 18.8% of those watch SAT-7!
By Dan WoodingFounder of ASSIST Ministries
BAGHDAD, IRAQ (ANS) -- Iraq is a country in transition. Its newly created government is experiencing growing pains. Its major people groups, the Kurds, Sunnis and Shia distrust each other. Christians are being targeted and many are worried that their rights to freely exist and worship may be lost. And yet, despite these hardships, many parts of the country are functioning, and some are thriving. While some churches are experiencing massive losses in membership as congregants move to other nations, others are flourishing as people in distress cry out to the Lord for help.
According to a news release from SAT-7, in this kind of environment, satellite television has become the most effective way to reach and encourage not only the Iraqi Christians but also the entire population of Iraq.
“Most Iraqi families spend many hours in the relative security of their homes watching satellite television,†said the release. “Many have turned to SAT-7 for hope and encouragement. We are excited to share a recent study about SAT-7's impact in Iraq.â€
Data just released from a nation-wide study in Iraq found that 97% of the population has access to satellite television and that 18.8%, or 5.3 million people in that country alone (out of an estimated 2008 population of 28 million), watch SAT-7. The study also found that 2.6 million are watching on a regular daily or weekly basis!
Intermedia, the independent audience research firm which conducted the study, also provides data on such channels as Al Jazeera and BBC Arabic. In fact, according to the study SAT-7 is only 1.7 percentage points behind BBC Arabic in the number of people aware of the channel!
In addition to reaching a high number of viewers for a low cost, SAT-7 is also providing vital support to the struggling Christian community in Iraq.
“Iraqi Christians have really suffered in recent years and many have fled the country,†says David Harder, SAT-7's Communications Manager. “Iraqis often call and text us asking for prayer. Fortunately, through our programs SAT-7's Arabic producers and hosts can show God's love and offer encouragement. We've had responses from Iraq for years, but now we know that literally millions of Iraqis, Christian and non-Christian, are watching the broadcasts.â€
Source: (ANS) www.assistnews.net
via openheaven.com
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Free Evaluation Reports on Church Websites
Internet Evangelism Day offers an online self-assessmentquestionnaire, enabling churches to enhance their websites to reach
out into the community. "Your church website is a 'shop window' for
your community," says IE Day coordinator Tony Whittaker. Yet very few
church websites are designed with these outsiders in mind. The
questionnaire creates a free evaluation report to highlight areas of
a site that can be developed.
Find out more here.
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
TABERNEAGLES(part one) - 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.
A 72 page read to both inform and inspire you to make Jesus the Lord of your life.
Download your free PDF File 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!
I love all my people,
More than the steeple.
Many, over the years, have let me down,
But still I bless them, with Your crown.
But it's true, God loves you!
What more can I do for you Lord?
Thought we were of one accord!
But when I see what others have done,
Why have I missed out on all the fun!
But it's true, God loves you!
"I hear you, I hear you, my faithful one,
For you, just for you, I gave my Son,
You are so very precious in my sight,
A shining star, radiating my light."
Yes it's true, God loves you!
"What you perceive, will not always be true,
You don't see things, from my point of view,
For I am looking always, to the heart,
Don't put the horse, before the cart."
Yes it's true, God loves you!
"I do not judge my own by numbers or wealth,
These can be achieved by the human self,
But by how much of yourself you will give to Me,
Commitment and submission - that's what I see."
Yes it's true, God loves you!
"The order in Heaven is so different to earth,
For I am only interested, in spiritual girth!
Not beauty, nor success, nor intelligence, nor size,
I know your heart is for me, that much I realise."
Yes it's true, God loves you!
"So when the glorious day arrives, to finally come, stay with me,
You have built up treasure here, will last throughout eternity,
No, don't get yourself deceived by the glitter of earthly ways,
You are destined to rule and reign with Me - now and always!"
Yes it's true, God loves you!
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A DAVID MUSING
Sunday really marked the end of summer for us here in New Zealand, as it was the end of daylight saving. I guess, for those in the Northern Hemisphere, daylight saving may now be, or about to be, introduced. Our days have shortened and now our long summer evenings have finished for another year.The best thing about coming out of daylight saving is that we had an extra hour of sleep on Sunday morning. Just imagine it, if you forget, you will be an hour early for church! That would be revolutionary!
Time has again been at a premium this week as last Monday, we opened our 4th Seekers store in Masterton. Located in an old picture theatre, the ceilings are intricately plastered in a fashion that could not be repeated today except an enormous cost. It is trading really well. In addition, our Wairoa store has shifted into larger premises this weekend also. IU would have shown you a photo, if I could find the transfer cord from the camera to the computer! Next week!
There are both times of change, and of stagnation, in our lives. Each has challenges!
But God is primarily a God of change - in our lives that is, not His!
As our clothing operation has grown this week, so we too, are continually called to grow spiritually in Him.
How is your 'spiritual time' today?
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: LESSONS
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: A - Mount of Olives (Mark 13:3)
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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