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: 42 Published: 12 Aug 2002
WHO IS HOLIEST?
There is a perception within much of the Evangelical Church, that to be 'truly holy' you need to work full time for the Lord, preferably within the church itself. Similarly, there is a related, strong movement for the church to withdraw from the wider community, in order to protect itself from the evil influences of the world. In many cases a 'siege mentality' has developed. Where people believe Christians can only live holy lives by separating themselves from the world.While there are scriptures that can be, and are, quoted to justify this approach, I would suggest that the general tenor of scripture, so well illustrated in the life of Jesus, is one of involvement to bring about change, rather than isolationism.
Last weekend we had a General Election in New Zealand. For the first time, to the surprise of the commentators and media generally, and to me also I must admit, a party consisting of mainly Christians, unexpectedly won 9 seats out of the 120 in our Parliament. There had been a lot of prayer throughout the country for such a result, but I am sure even most of the participants have been surprised at the effectiveness of their petitions!
While a cause for celebration, the battle has only just begun. For 8 new parliamentarians now have to both expound and live up to their principles, under the gleeful eye of a hostile media who will take every opportunity and great delight, in exposing and vilifying every smallest slip they make. And of course, knowing they, like us, aren't perfect, slip-ups will inevitably occur. While in God, there is a way back through repentance, in the hostile parliamentary cauldron, mistakes are not only remembered, but regularly regurgitated, ad infinitum.
So who is holiest? Those who live a 100% life for God within the relatively protected cocoon of the church environment, or those who expose their life and faith in the goldfish bowl of politics? And who will have the greatest effect for God?
Of course God doesn't think this way. He simply requires us to live 100% for Him in whatever we do. But let us not look down on those who are out living their faith in the world. It is up to the church to encourage and support, through prayer and practise, those whose calling it is to work in, and make a difference to, the world.
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FROM THE WORD
" “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)" “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.†" (John 16:33)
"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men — the testimony given in its proper time." (1 Timothy 2:1-6)
DAVID'S DOODLINGS
##### A foolish man speaks before he thinks, a wise man thinks before he speaks, but a godly man lets his life speak for him.##### Why is it that I continue to walk round and round the mountain when I know when the path to the top goes up?
##### Oh for more than two cheeks to turn!
You can find more than 250 David sayings at...
TAPE (MP3) OF THE WEEK
In association with Inspirational Tapes Ministriesinspirational.org.nz we are pleased to offer you this inspirational tape - absolutely free of charge!
GOD DIRECTS OUR LIVES
BY: Kathryn Kuhlman
Although this sometimes controversial, but undeniably greatly used woman of God, died 26 years ago, her teaching on God's direction for our lives is as relevant today as it has ever been. A voice from the past but a message for today.
Order your free tape or run the MP3 today at ...
LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
***Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused***JONAH AND THE WHALE
A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales. The teacher said it was
physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though they were
very large mammals, their throat was very small. The little girl stated that Jonah
was swallowed by a whale.
The teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was impossible.
The little girl said, "When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah."
The teacher asked, "What if Jonah went to hell?"
The little girl replied, "Then you ask him."
100 more sermon fillers at ...
CHURCHSPEAK
There are many facets of nature that have underlying spiritual meanings. Some of these are:CLAY---------Man
DARKNESS-----Sin, Satan
DEW----------Devotion
DROUGHT------Judgement
DUST---------Natural man
FIRE---------Judgement, Testing, Purification
FLOOD--------Judgement
Many more 'churchspeak' explanations can be found at...
JUST JOKES
WHY NOT!Old man Johnson limped into the doctor's office and said, "Doc, my knee hurts so bad, I can hardly walk!"
The doctor slowly eyed him from head to toe, paused and then said, "Mr. Johnson, just how old are you?"
"98!" Johnson announced proudly.
The doctor just sighed, and looked at him again.......
Finally he said, "Sir, I'm sorry. I mean, just look at you. You're practically one hundred years old, and you're complaining that your knee hurts? Well, what did you expect?"
The old man said, "Well, my other knee is 98 years old too, and it don't hurt!"
You can find a further 100 clean jokes at...
FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: Who invented Khaki military uniforms?ANSWER: The light-yellowish brown cloth, used generally for military uniforms , gets its name from the Persian word "khak," meaning "dust" or "ashes." The word "khaki" can be used to refer to the colour, the cloth, or the garment made from the cloth. Lt. Harry Burnett of the Queen's Own Corp of Guides developed the cloth in 1846. The goal was to produce a mud-coloured uniform that would camouflage English soldiers attempting to hide in dusty areas.
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What percentage of a watermelon is water?
Answer Next Week.
***SOME FUN FACTS***
A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
Rene Descartes came up with the theory of co-ordinate geometry by looking at a fly walk across a tiled ceiling. (No wonder I couldn’t understand it – for the fly has now flown away!)
ILLITERATE!
The term ‘the 3 R’s’ (for reading, writing and arithmetic) was coined by Sir William Curtis, who was illiterate. (Naturally, he couldn’t spell either!)
A SHOW OF INDEPENDENCE?
Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later. (An independent spirit dies hard – look at America today!)
TUNELESS
About half the pianos in England are thought to be out of tune. (explains the quality of singing at their football matches!)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU!
Oholene
Answer at the end of ‘A David Musing’
Find 150 fun facts and trivial trivia at ...
IF YOU HAVE TIME YOU MIGHT LIKE TO READ... (A PDF File Download)
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ....The response to the download of 2 weeks ago for the booklet TABERNACLE TO TABERNACLE was amazing. (http//www.wwj.org.nz/pdf/bk7.pdf) It shows how the pattern of the first Church, The Tabernacle of Moses, has applied to the Church through the ages and predicts the Church to come.
Thought you might now like to take a unique look at what it may have been like to visit the Tabernacle of Moses itself, by joining a Jew of the times, on a visit to make a sacrifice of repentance. A mixture of fun, understanding and revelation that brings the daily operations and purpose of the Tabernacle to life.
You can find it at...
A DAVID MUSING
FAITHI wonder why, when 'faith' is an issue,
So often then, we reach for a tissue,
To mop up the tears of doubt you see,
That assail us now, both you and me.
For on the one hand, we trust God with our all,
On the other, human doubt, our faith does stall!
"Will He or wont He?" we are wont to think,
Our faith, once so strong, begins to sink.
"You've always proved faithful to me, my Lord,"
While former blessings, I wish I could hoard!
Each new level requiring greater trust in Him,
Memories of past successes faded, now so dim.
If today's faith was the same as in the past,
Our belief in Him, just simply wouldn't last.
It would just be our own strength that had won,
Not that of our Lord, Jesus Christ the Son.
Now, today's challenge is to break new ground,
Then our faith in Him, it will be truly found.
Oh Lord, please help me in my unbelief!
You've come through again - what a relief!
Put simply, it's the way God's faith works,
Though to our human spirit, it still irks!
So if now, we are to mature and grow,
Trusting Him's, the only way to go!
David Tait 4 August 2002
My thoughts on the finances for our trip to Uganda in 10 days time. Last Friday morning we had nothing. By the evening we were half way there! Thank you Lord! The other half would be nice this week though, so we can pay our fares on Friday! In the words of Africa - Hallelujah, Praise the Lord - Praise the Lord, Amen.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's Challenge Answer: Hole in One. Much easier than getting one! I need more faith!
LINKS
If you would like to link your web links@wsite to ours, and ours to yours, please advise us on links@wwj.org.nzDID THIS EMAIL HAVE A BLUE BACKGROUND AND RED HEADINGS?
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ABOUT US
WALKING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES is a non-profit, non-denominational, Bible based ministry located in Mount Maunganui, 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
P O Box 5160
Mount Maunganui
New Zealand
Phone: (07) 575-7164 International (0064) 7575-7164
Fax: (07) 575-7124 International (0064) 7575-7124
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