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: 479 Published: 27 Dec 2010
JESUS TALKS ABOUT THE KINGDOM (Kingdom mentions in the Gospels)
The Beatitudes
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.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5;1-12)
There is no more kingdom orientated passage in the Bible than the beatitudes, for they contain the secrets to kingdom living.
Let's see who gets the blessings of the kingdom?
* the poor in spirit
* those who mourn
* those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
* the meek
* the merciful
* those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
* the merciful
* the pure in heart
* the peacemakers
* those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
when people insult you, persecute you and falsely
say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
And what is the reward? To be 'blessed' now and also.....
great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
So what does 'blessed' actually mean? Unfortunately, most of us have a false understanding of what it means to be blessed. We naturally think of physical things, of health, wealth and happiness. But this is not what Jesus was saying. For in the New Testament we primarily move from the physical of the Old to the spiritual. I quote from a source far more knowledgeable than myself!
BLESSED: In the NT it is given a strong spiritual content, as revealed in the Beatitudes (Mt. 5:3-11) and elsewhere (Lk. 1:45; Jn. 20:29; Acts 20:35; Jas. 1:12). The word seems also to contain a congratulatory element, as a note in Weymouth’s New Testament suggests: ‘People who are blessed may outwardly be much to be pitied, but from the higher and therefore truer standpoint they are to be envied, congratulated, and imitated.‘
The New Bible Dictionary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1962.
Yes, kingdom living is diametrically opposite to the world's idea of blessing!
One further explanation is needed. Jesus said that the 'meek' would inherit the earth. An explanation follows.....
MEEKNESS: In the NT meekness (prauteµs and adjective praus) refers to an inward attitude, whereas *gentleness is expressed rather in outward action. It is part of the fruit of Christlike character produced only by the Spirit (Gal. 5:23, av). The meek do not resent adversity because they accept everything as being the effect of God’s wise and loving purpose for them, so that they accept injuries from men also (as Moses above), knowing that these are permitted by God for their ultimate good (cf. 2 Sa. 16:11). The meekness and gentleness of Christ was the source of Paul’s own plea to the disloyal Corinthians (2 Cor. 10:1). He enjoined meekness as the spirit in which to rebuke an erring brother (2 Tim. 2:25, av), and when bearing with one another (Eph. 4:2). Similarly, Peter exhorted that the inquiring or arguing heathen should be answered in meekness (1 Pet. 3:15, av). Supremely meekness is revealed in the character of Jesus (Mt. 11:29, av; 21:5, av), demonstrated in superlative degree when he stood before his unjust accusers without a word of retort or self-justification.
The New Bible Dictionary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1962.
Meekness is not weakness! It is an inward strength that Jesus displayed throughout His life when unjustly accused by others. It is the ability to act like Jesus in all situations that the world may throw at you, even up to martyrdom.
12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)
The world does not understand meekness. But then, they don't understand or accept the kingdom of God coming to earth either! Nor do most Christians for that matter!
May our kingdom lifestyle in 2011 and beyond, reflect the virtues expressed in the Beatitudes of Jesus.
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FROM THE WORD
Mary Visits Elizabeth"At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!â€" (Luke 1:39-45)
Jesus Appears to Thomas
"Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!†But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.†A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!†Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.†Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!†Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.†Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:24-30)
"“Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’â€" (Acts20:32-5)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
TO BE or TO DO701. Man expects 'to do' in order 'to be', but God requires us 'to be' in order 'to do'.
702. In God's dictionary, 'doing' follows 'being'.
703. 'To do' is simply living out our 'to be'.
704. If 'to do' does not follow out of our 'to be', then our 'to be' is 'not to be'!
705. 'To be' a witness is 'to do' God's will.
706. We are first called 'to be', then 'to do'.
707. Too often we try 'to do' when God is simply calling us 'to be'.
708. 'To do' good, it is best 'to be' good!
709. To best know what 'to do', we must first learn how 'to be'.
710. If 'what to do' is your question, look to 'what to be' to find your answer.
711. When 'to be or not to be' is the question, 'to be and to do' is the answer.
712. True 'being' results in 'doing'.
713. 'Being' without 'doing' is like a motor without a car. Makes plenty of noise but takes you nowhere!
714. 'To be' is the salt, 'to do' the light. We are called to be both.
1220. Our walk with Jesus is to start off with applying the 'don'ts' of the Law and to end up doing the 'do's' of His will.
1221. The sign of maturity in Jesus is when we live not only the 'dont's of the Law' but live the 'do's of righteousness, submission and obedience to God's will' in our lives.
1222. The 'don'ts of the Law' form firm foundations, but walls and roofs of a godly house are built of submission to God's will.
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 ...
MIRTHFUL MOMENT
A new series of cartoons to bringa 'smile on the dial'!
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: A REVELATION OF... LIVING THE KINGDOM LIFESTYLE continues.....Another busy week coming up, so will just look at the Parable of the Wedding Feast. Seems appropriate at this time of year!
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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." ***
281. JONAH AND THE WHALE
After telling the story of Jonah and the whale to her Sunday school class, the teacher decided to quiz them. She asked, "Timmy, what is the moral of the story?"
Timmy thought for a minute, then said, "People make whales throw up."
280. CHURCH FUNNIES
*** I asked our six-year-old, "How did you like the service?" She said, "I liked the music, but I thought the commercial was too long."
*** Pastor, I've got some terrible news. Someone broke into our church last night and stole ninety thousand dollars worth of pledges.
***Does a good beginning and a good ending make a good sermon? Yes, if they're close enough together.
*** A new pastor preached a stirring sermon on "Gossip" but then made a fatal error by closing the service by singing "I Love to Tell the Story."
*** Sunday school teacher: "Cleanliness is next to what?" Little boy answers, "Next to impossible."
279. THE BARBER
After twenty years of shaving himself every morning, a man in a small Southern town decided he had had enough. He told his wife that he intended to let the local barber shave him each day. He put on his hat and coat and went to the barber shop, which was owned by the pastor of the town's Baptist Church.
The barber's wife, Grace, was working that day, so she performed the task. Grace shaved him and sprayed him with lilac water, and said, "That will be $20." The man thought the price was a bit high, but he paid the bill and went to work.
The next morning the man looked in the mirror, and his face was as smooth as it had been when he left the barber shop the day before. Not bad, he thought. At least I don't need to get a shave every day. The next morning, the man's face was still smooth. Two weeks later, the man was still unable to find any trace of whiskers on his face.
It was more than he could take, so he returned to the barber shop. "I thought $20 was high for a shave", he told the barber's wife, "But you must have done a great job. It's been two weeks and my whiskers still haven't started growing back."
Expecting his comment, the expression on her face didn't even change. She responded, "You were shaved by Grace. Once shaved, always shaved."
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 mockingbirds mimic other birds?ANSWER: To attract the opposite sex! The female likes to hear a wide repertoire of up to 30 songs at a time. But she’s not fooled by them, for they are sufficiently different from the originals for her to know that they are coming from her suitor. (That’s not mocking his talent either.)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What and when is Universal Children's Day?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS130. SUPER CELLS
The cells making up the antlers of a moose are the fastest growing animal cells in nature. (If I’m not ‘moose-taken’!)
131. DON'T LOOK PLEASE
If you are a ‘scoptophobic’, you have an intense fear of being seen. (I see!)
132. SNAILS PACE
Snails sleep a lot. In addition to several months of winter hibernation, they crawl into their shells to get out of the hot sun, which dries them, or heavy rain, which waterlogs them. Desert snails may even doze for three or four years. (Become shell-shocked?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
PERUSE
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 - JOSHUA
8) Where was Achan put to death?A - Ashan
B - Achor
C - Axar
D - Ahoib
Source: www.biblequizzes.com
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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! No wonder I feel so tired - I'm older now than I've ever been before.
!!!!!! No wonder I'm so confused - one of my parents was a man, the other was a woman.
!!!!! I hope there is a next life because I'll definitely need another life to understand this one.
!!!! I can't trace my family back very far, but still proudly believe that I, too, had ancestors.
!!! I'm sorry for not communicating but sometimes it's hard to write on a moving planet!
!! My strange behaviour as a child is easily explained; I was training to be an adult.
! I know so little that it astonishes me how many people know even less.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
WHY!?!
Some of Life’s Most Puzzling Questions - Can You Provide the Answers?82. Why is it that there are always more last-minute details than there are last minutes?
83. Why are natural, unprocessed foods so much more expensive than their synthetic, over-processed counterparts?
84. Why does Hot Point make refrigerators while Frigid Air makes stoves?
85. Why is the man who invests all our money called a broker?
86. If its called chilli, why is it served hot?
87. Why is it can you "slow up," but you can't "speed down."?
88. Why do banks charge you a "insufficient funds fee" on money they already know you don't have?
89. Why do you ask someone without a watch what time it is?
90. Why is it that the guy who comes up behind you while you're waiting for an elevator presses the already lit "up" button - as though he somehow has magical powers that you didn't when you pressed it the first time?
91. Day light savings time - why are they saving it and where do they keep it?
92. How do you throw away a garbage can?
93. Why are buttons on guys' shirts on a different side than girls' shirts?
94. Why does caregiver and caretaker mean the same thing?
95. If you were on a plane going the speed of sound and walked from the back of the plane to the front, would you be walking faster than the speed of sound?
96. What does OK actually mean?
97. Why do we feel "blue"?
98. Why don't you hear thunder with heat lightning?
99. If one man says, "It was an uphill battle," and another says, "It went downhill from there," how could they both be having troubles?
100. Why is it you walk down a road, even if it goes uphill?
101. Why is it that it's bad to be mean, but for something to have "mean"ing can be good?
102. Why do we play in recitals and recite in plays?
103. Why is it that one person lives and many people live? Shouldn't it be one person live and many people lives?
104. If time heals all wounds, how come the belly button stays the same?
105. How is it that ‘back seat drivers’ usually sit in the front seat? (David Tait)
106. What would chairs look like if our legs bent the other way?
107. How is it that those who hate mice can still manage to operate a computer? (David Tait)
100's more of life's most puzzling questions for you to answer here.....
BIBLE TRIVIA (Manners and Customs - Houses)
THE ROOF.......... of an Arab's house, then and now, was used for many things. Storage (Joshua 2:6), to sleep (1 Samuel 9:26), public proclamation (Matthew 10:27), worship and prayer (Zephaniah 1:5), and escape from danger. (Matthew 24:13, Mark 13:15, Luke 17:31)
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Middle East: Sharing Jesus with the Taliban
JOEL NEWS INTERNATIONAL | 14 DECEMBER 2010"Peace is not the end of conflict and war, nor the result of so called 'peace talks'. It's rooted more deeply in inner peace with God and people around us," says Anne van der Bijl, the Dutchman who's better known as Brother Andrew. Now in his eighties, he still serves the persecuted church and preaches the Gospel to her persecutors. "Peace is a fruit of justice, as the prophet Isaiah says, not of prayer. That's why Jesus said: 'Blessed are the peacemakers'; He didn't say: 'Blessed are the peacetalkers'."
"The main thing that's preventing peace today is our own 'enemy mindset'," says Van der Bijl. "We build defenses and send out troops all over the world to 'bring peace', but everyone knows that we're not able to establish peace. As the Church of Jesus Christ we've lost the art of bringing the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to our enemies. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus teaches that we don't really have enemies: 'Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you'. This is followed by: 'Blessed are the peacemakers.' I can't love my enemy if he remains my enemy, so I first have to clear the barrier that makes me think there is an enemy."
"What makes us unique as the Church of Jesus Christ is our call to the 'ministry of reconciliation', to be peacemakers in our time. Where do we make peace? Wherever there's conflict and war. When we become friends with those who are considered our enemies, we become effective fighters against terrorism. You will see that the doors and hearts of people are wide open, and if we do what Jesus commands us, there will be supernatural results as well. That's how I got entrance to the Hizbollah, the Hamas and the Taliban."
How did you get access to the Taliban?
"I just go there. I find out where they live and show up at the door step. They ask what I come for and I tell them about Jesus. We've become way too diplomatic and careful in our approach. Next week I hope to visit the Taliban again. They now say: 'Anne, this is your second home'."
"One day I visited a large, notorious Quran school where 90% of the graduates immediately join the ranks of the Taliban and al-Qaeda. A war factory of human weapons, targeted to wage war against the infidels, which is the Americans and NATO. I arrived at a square where hundreds of these students waited in line for military exercise. There was a microphone in the front. The head of the school and a minister of the government gave a short talk, and suddenly the microphone was handed to me: 'Anne, it's your turn'."
"I was surprised as I only came to visit. So I went to the microphone, pulled out my Bible and said: 'This is the only book in the world that tells us that God loves us, that our sins can be forgiven, and how we can go to Heaven when we die.' I told them about Jesus. I believe every Christian should be able to speak about his faith in Jesus unprepared for at least 15 minutes. Sometimes you get a chance like this to share the Gospel, and it would be pity to waste such an opportunity."
"After my talk, the leader of the Quran school, who's also a high official in the Taliban and government circles, came up to me and said: 'Anne, would you please come back and tell us more about Jesus, also to our graduate class?' By the time they graduate, they all have a beard and a high degree, and are ready to take on the battle against the 'great satan', America and NATO. I asked the leader how many guys he had in his final class, and he said: 1,300. This is an amazing mission field! They also ask for Bibles, books and computers. Together with the Bible Institute we already brought them hundreds of Bibles, and I believe many more will follow. We want to reach 300 Quran schools!"
"Recently I visited a leader of the Islamic Jihad. I told him that so many Muslims come to Jesus because they've seen Him in a vision, a dream, a revelation. He looked at me with such a hunger, that I stopped talking and prayed with him that the Lord Jesus would give him a fresh revelation of the Peacemaker, the Son of God. At the end of my long evangelical prayer he said: 'Amen!', straight from his heart. I thought: 'Just one more step. Lord, you have to give him a revelation of Yourself. I did what I could do'."
What can we do ourselves?
"The solution is to make Jesus Christ king of our lives. To ask Him: 'Lord, what do You want me to do?' To submit our whole life as a voluntary service to Jesus Christ. This gives incredible peace, where-ever we go."
Source: Anne van der Bijl
Via: OpenHeaven.com
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DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF... HOLINESSA Christian is called to walk towards holiness. While not pretending to give you the complete answer, the 5 examples included here should help you in your understanding of what true holiness is about. And if you so desire, in its application to your life too!
Download your free PDF File here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
So often we 'live for the day' but the reality is, we don't know how many more days we will have to live! What will be our eternal future of endless days! A reality to think about for the new year.PLANNING AHEAD
Reality is, today's life is ever so uncertain,
Never know when God will pull down the curtain!
Yes, we all like to think it will never end,
That forever, death's punches, we can fend!
But that is not the way with real life,
Never know when we'll end up in strife.
Yes, it's true our life may be long - or it may be short,
But, one day, by death's clutches, we'll all be caught.
When that day comes, what will we say?
For there's no longer any time to pray.
Yes, it's time now to be held accountable,
Will we then rejoice - or be miserable?
We only get one shot at living,
Too late now for any misgiving.
Yes, the reality of heaven and hell has come,
Can't change our mind, what's done is done.
"Oh Lord, give me another chance,
My claims to heaven to advance!"
"No, you've had your chance, it's now too late,
With a loud clang, He closes the heavenly gate."
Where will you be found on that inevitable day?
On which side of the gate will you forever stay?
Yes, I know now where I'm going to be,
How will it, my friend, be with thee?
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A DAVID MUSING
The past year has not been an easy one financially, all round the world. It brings home the reality of how important money is to each one of us in our everyday life! Even if we do deny it!May we be prepared to change our priorities in 2011.
Kathy and I wish you a joyful New Year. May Jesus be with you at all times, and in all circumstances. Jesus is Lord!
Until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: RUPEES
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: 8) B - Achor (Joshua 7:24-26)
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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!
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david@wwj.org.nz