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: 398 Published: 08 Jun 2009
SERMON ON THE MOUNT - THE KINGDOM WAY
Love for Enemies43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)
EXPOSITION: This is an exposition of the true meaning of the fundamental law, 'love thy neighbour'. The Jews had incorrectly, according to the Law, come to the understanding that loving their Jewish neighbour was different to loving their enemies in the area, eg Samaria, or country, eg Egypt, next door. They had fought with these people for centuries and now Jesus was reminding and telling them, and us, to love our enemies!
Jesus realised that this would be the ultimate challenge, hence the call to perfection.
TESTIMONY: I am of a generation born after World War 2, living in an island nation that has had no real human enemies during my lifetime. While we have been caught up in other people's wars, our army has consisted solely of volunteers, not conscripts. Therefore personally, I have not experienced war. I appreciate that this may be different for you. So I cannot honestly testify in that area.
Inevitably, in the course of life, particularly if we are ones who stand up for principles, and do things, rather than simply go with the flow, we are likely to offend, indeed anger, others. Sadly, it is a fact of life that relationships do break down from time to time. This is particularly hurtful when it is with those whom we have previously been close to. 'Family feuds' are classic cases of this.
In our church family too, disagreements easily grow out of control, the devil sticking in and twisting his knife with great glee in order to separate and alienate God's people. And we, all too often, are willing targets! Friends become enemies, all in the name of 'religion' or 'theology'. Certainly not in the name of Jesus!
While hatred has never been a particular trait of mine, lack of love certainly has. Interestingly, I have learned that enemies in the personal area are largely created by my actions, not theirs. An enemy becomes an enemy only when we allow them to be one.
For sure people may hate us, but if we react to them in love rather than respond in like manner, their hatred is likely to be challenged. Hatred builds hatred. While we might hate peoples actions we are to love the people. Unfortunately, when we rightfully stand on moral principles, we too often condemn the person as well. And hatred develops.
Homosexuality is an example of this. I do understand that people will attempt to vilify us for our stand, but the ideal of Jesus, expressed here, is that our reaction is not to match theirs, but rather, still to be as Jesus to them. Even when we are misunderstood. As Jesus well understood, this is particularly hard to do. Hence His perfection comments.
It is hard for us not to let hatred affect us. I have had a family experience of this. My father (unwittingly) became one of the leaders of the anti-homosexual lobby at the time of the bill to legalise homosexuality in New Zealand. Undoubtedly, the criticism and undeserved hatred he received shortened his life.
None has reached perfection yet (if we had we would not die!) so we are all 'work in progress' in this area.
(To be continued next week.)
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FROM THE WORD
Laws of Justice and Mercy"“Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness. “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, and do not show favoritism to a poor man in his lawsuit. “If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to take it back to him. If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help him with it. “Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits. Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty. “Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous. “Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were aliens in Egypt." (Exodus 23:1-9)
Pressing on Toward the Goal
"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!" (Philippians 3:12-4:1)
Final Greetings
"Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints send their greetings. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." (2 Corinthians 13:11-14)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
FORGIVENESS583. Forgiveness is the healing balm of life.
584. ’Tis the oil of forgiveness that lubricates the journey of life.
585. ’Tis only by grace, we run the race.
586. To win life’s ‘race’, start it with a ‘g’!
587. Forgiveness first heals the forgiver.
588. Forgiveness heals both the forgiver and the forgiven.
589. To forgive is Christian, to forgive and forget - Godly.
590. Lord; please forgive me for forgetting forgiveness!
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CRANWELL'S CARTOON
14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
“Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.†(Ephesians 5:14)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH: 3. FROM KINGS TO KINGDOM continuesWe look at the positive side, the first of the 2 churches Jesus commended, that at Smyrna.
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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." ***
56. IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
There was a little old lady who was nearly blind and she had three jealous sons who each wanted to prove that they were the best son to her.
The first son bought her a 15 room mansion, thinking it would be the best any of then could offer.
The second son bought her a beautiful Mercedes with a chauffeur, thinking this would certainly win her approval.
The third son had to do even better, so he bought her a trained parrot, that had been in training for 15 years to memorize the entire Bible. You could ask him any verse of the Bible, and the parrot could quote it word for word. That certainly would be the best gift of all!
Well, the lady went to the first son and said, "Son, the house is beautiful, but it's just too big for me. I only live in one room, and it's just too hard to clean and take care of the rest. Thank you anyway."
Then to the second son she said, "The car was gorgeous, but I really don't go out much, and it's such a waste. Besides, the driver is pretty irritating and I really don't like him that well. I appreciate your effort, but could you please return the car?"
Then she spoke to the third son. "Son, I'd like to thank you for the most thoughtful gift of all! That chicken was delicious."
55. SIGNS YOUR CHURCH HAS SOLD OUT TO CORPORATE SPONSORS
- Nike "swoosh" on the cross
- Communion now sponsored by Welch's Grape Juice
- Taco Bell's talking dog now reading announcements
- In Christmas play, Joseph seen drinking can of Coke.
- Greeters all dressed like Ronald McDonald.
- Personal pew licenses now sold
- Baptismals include dolphin show from Sea World
- Statue of Moses seen holding keys to a Jeep
- The 12 disciples replaced by Disney characters
- Scripture verses brought to you by Windows '98
- Pastor doing subliminal product messages during sermon
- Bulletin has coupon section
- Choir members wear Dockers
- In the restrooms, an attendant hands you a towel
- There is a credit card swiper on the collection plate
- Offering envelopes bearing Visa or Mastercard emblems on them
- Handicap parking sponsored by the Family Medical Group, LLC
- Wednesday night suppers sponsored by KFC
- Sunday morning televised services sponsored by the FOX network
- Church vans traded in for Ford Broncos
- Church bell chimes to the tune of the NBC chimes
- Choir robes with the Lands' End emblem on front
- Sunday bulletins with the CNN logo
- Free Perrier at all baptism
- Church flag football team sponsored by the XFL
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can now download the book 'Laughing At Ourselves' in PDF format at LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
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FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: Why do pigs like to wallow in mud?ANSWER: : It's not because they're dirty animals or like being dirty. Pigs
don't perspire and wallowing in mud simply helps them to cool off.( Do
mud baths improve their complexions too?)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What is the only bone in the body that does not
connect to other bones?
Answer Next Week.
373. THE HORSE
The name of the Lady Godiva's horse was Aethenoth. (Now why don’t we remember the name of the horse? It was unclothed too!)
374. WHY DOES ICE FLOAT?
It’s simple really. Water has a greater molecular density in a liquid form than as a solid. And that’s why ice floats. (It’s the same for an ice cube or an iceberg.)
375. WHIRLY GIRLS
Is the name of the International Association of Women Helicopter Pilots. (So much more imaginative than IAWHP would be.)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
MARINA
Answer at the end of A David Musing
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BIBLE QUESTION - WATER WATER EVERYWHERE!
6) Which of the following was not one of the rivers which watered Eden?A - Chebar
B - Tigris
C - Euphrates
D - Gihon
Source: www.biblequizzes.com
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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""GOD SAID
!!!!!!! If you never felt pain, then how would you know that I'm a Healer?
!!!!!! If you never went through difficulties, how would you know that I'm a Deliverer?
!!!!! If you never had a trial, how could you call yourself an overcomer?
!!!! If you never felt sadness, how would you know that I'm a Comforter?
!!! If you never made a mistake, how would you know that I'm forgiving?
!! If you knew it all, how would you know that I will answer your questions?
! If you never were in trouble, how would you know that I will come to your rescue?
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
GREAT GROANS!
148. GIMME!A man goes into the doctor. He says "Doc, you gotta check my leg. Something's wrong. Just put your ear up to my thigh, you'll hear it!" The doctor cautiously placed his ear to the man's thigh only to hear "Gimme 20 bucks, I really need 20 bucks."
"I've never seen or heard anything like this before, how long has this been going on." The doctor asked.
"That's nothing Doc. put your ear to my knee."
The doctor put his ear to the man's knee and heard it say "Man, I really need 10 dollars, just lend me 10 bucks!!"
"Sir, I really don't know what to tell you. I've never seen anything like this." The doctor was dumbfounded.
"Wait Doc. that's not it. There's more, just put your ear up to my ankle." The man urged him.
The doctor did as the man said and was blown away to hear his ankle plead, "Please, I just need 5 dollars. Lend me 5 buck please if you will."
"I have no idea what to tell you," the doctor said. "There's nothing in about it in my books!" he said as he frantically searched all his medical reference books. "I can make a well educated guess though. Based on life and all my previous experience I can tell you that your leg seems to be broke in three places."
149. THE GIRL
A couple lived near the ocean and used to walk the beach a lot. One summer they noticed a girl who was at the beach pretty much every day. She wasn't unusual, nor was the travel bag she carried, except for one thing; she would approach people who were sitting on the beach, glance around furtively, then speak to them. Generally the people would respond
negatively and she would wander off, but occasionally someone would nod and there would be a quick exchange of money and something she carried in her bag. The couple assumed she was selling drugs, and debated calling the cops, but since they didn't know for sure they just continued to watch her.
After a couple of weeks the wife said, "Honey, have you ever noticed that she only goes up to people with boom boxes and other electronic devices?"
He hadn't and said so. Then she said, "Tomorrow I want you to get a towel and our big radio and go lie out on the beach. Then we can find out what she's really doing." Well, the plan went off without a hitch and the wife was almost hopping up and down with anticipation when she saw the girl talk to her husband and then leave. The man walked up the beach and met his wife at the road.
"Well, Is she selling drugs?" she asked excitedly.
"No, she's not," he said, enjoying this probably more than he should have.
"Well, What is it, then? What does she do?" his wife fairly shrieked.
The man grinned and said, "She's a battery salesperson."
"Batteries?" cried the wife. "Yes," he replied.
(You're gonna hate me for this...)
She sells C cells by the sea shore.
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BIBLE TRIVIA
JERICHODouble walls nearly 30 feet high, with each wall about 6 feet thick, were discovered by archaeologists at Jericho. It is clear the city had a violent end. Sections of the wall crumbled and there was fire so intense that it burned bricks and cracked stones.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
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London Flooded with Prayer during Pentecost Weekend
By Peter WoodingSpecial to ASSIST News Service
WESTMINSTER, LONDON (ANS) -- As the British government deals with the credit crunch and politicians come under continual media scrutiny over expenses claims, Christians across London flooded the city with prayers during Pentecost weekend with a series of events that's hoped will help turn the tide of a country in crisis.
On Saturday morning Christians gathered outside Westminster Abbey for a prayer service organised by the Evangelical Alliance. Daniel Webster parliamentary officer for the Evangelical Alliance led those attending in this prayer:
"Father as we think of our common humanity for those Members of Parliament who have failed to be responsible servants we ask for your forgiveness. We also acknowledge those in parliaments who have worked so hard for change yet are caught up in the same disillusionment.
"Conscious all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God we ask that the light of your life will continue to bring that which is in darkness into the cleansing power of your light. We ask for your compassion to embrace every individual parliamentarian each family and all their loved ones. We ask that your rule and reign be established in our parliament."
As the service concluded those attending set off on a prayer walk stopping at strategic London landmarks to pray specifically into local, national and international politics.
That night Premier Radio hosted a Faith in Parliament evening at Westminster Central Methodist Hall. During a question time session a panel of Christian members of parliament candidly shared about the challenges facing those in politics and how they've handled the MP's expenses scandals. Labour MP Stephen Timms said: "I believe we need to see people coming into parliament with a strong belief in Jesus and that could make a key contribution to reviving and renewing our whole political culture in the UK."
Martyn Turner Superintendent Minister for Methodist Central Hall concluded the evening by praying:
"We give thanks to you for the hard work and dedicated public service of those in the political sphere. We pray that as those women and men of integrity who have not bowed the knee to all these things going on, who struggle with being tainted by the same brush, that you will assure them that they are worth value."
On Pentecost Sunday churches in all 33 boroughs gathered for Global Day of Prayer celebrations. Jonathan Oloyede convener of the Global Day of Prayer London explained why they chose to move this year's event from one stadium: "This year God told us to go all over the city and hold an event in all the 33 boroughs of London. That's never been done before and we feel the grace of God is doing to help us saturate the whole city with prayer. Also around the M25 road around London we're setting up prayer rooms and we're going to pray round the clock for ten days consistently around London. All these prayers we feel have to have an affect. According to Revelations 8 our prayers are mingled in God's presence and thrown back into the earth by the angels with earthquakes and thundering and noises to shake our nation."
The GDOP London event for Westminster took place at the Emmanuel Christian Centre. With dozens of flags draped along the walls of the multi-cultural church, believers from across Asia, Africa and the UK gathered together in unity, but the focus of prayer was very much on a local level:
"We've encouraged the churches in the Westminster borough to come together where we're going to pray for issues pertaining to this community," explained Emmanuel Christian Centre church leader Colin Williams.
He added: "This year there's a desire to focus on the more local needs, especially in the boroughs we represent. So here for example we are part of what's known as the governmental gate where we have the Houses of Parliament and we have the Home Office just opposite the church. So we really want to pray for our government and especially the local government with the elections coming up."
Finally I asked Colin how he felt about millions of other Christians around the world simultaneously praying together as part of the Global Day of Prayer: "I think it's fantastic. This is something that is sure to please God that the church as a whole is united together in faith to believe that God can make a difference today and in this generation."
Source: (ANS) www.assistnews.net
and via OpenHeaven.com
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DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF....... THE TABERNACLE OF DAVIDSandwiched between Moses Tabernacle, representing the church, and Solomon's Temple, representing the Millennial reign of Christ, David's simple tent is a picture of the end time church that will last for but a short time before Jesus returns.
Check it out to find out about the people God is seeking for Himself today.
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WAXING LYRICAL
Today Sunday, (many Sundays ago now) I was late starting to write PGIM, for I listened in the early morning on the radio to the New Zealand 'All Blacks' beating Ireland 22-3 in a Rugby Union international. By way of explanation, the game was played in Ireland, who are currently 11 hours behind New Zealand time.Finally, coming to write, A David Musing, I had no inspiration, so asked the Lord what to write! 'A poem!' 'No Lord, takes too long! 'Call it Tick Tock!' (God has a sense of humour!) 'Okay Lord.'
The result follows. And it didn't take too long, after all!
TICK TOCK
Hours fly by,
Oh me, oh my!
Deadlines come, deadlines go,
Need to go, with the flow.
Tick tock goes the clock.
The day dawns nice and bright,
Summer's here, heaps of light.
Enjoy the sun,
Have some fun.
Tick tock goes the clock.
Months do pass,
All too fast.
Christmas will soon be here,
Time of goodwill and cheer.
Tick tock goes the clock.
The years, they roll by,
Oh my, how they fly!
From youth, onwards to middle age,
Life proceeds, stage by stage.
Tick tock goes the clock.
A new generation takes the stage,
What's happened? 'Tis called age!
Time flies by now, even faster,
Get ready to meet thy master!
Tick tock goes the clock.
The clock stops... silence reigns.
Now is it loss, or is it gains?
Where will you be the day your time is up?
In hell, or in heaven, with Jesus to sup?
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A DAVID MUSING
Seems that last week was a long time ago! Have now had to think what has happened this week. With concentration on, and the thrill of, getting the container of clothes away to Africa, this week could easily have become a letdown. But thinking about it now, I have been busy and some good things have happened.Life is like that. It is so easy for a low to follow a high in the rollercoaster of life. And in life with Jesus too! One day we are on a spiritual high, the next, way down. Some people’s answer is to avoid the highs and potter along always at a low level.
But Jesus desires us to seek Him with all of our selves. Sure, there will be ups and downs, but He also sees us through the down times, if we are truly prepared to give Him our all.
Where are we at today?
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: AIRMAN
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: 5) A - Jordan (Joshua 3:13)
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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