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: 503 Published: 13 Jun 2011
JESUS TALKS ABOUT THE KINGDOM (Kingdom mentions in the Gospels)
23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.†25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?†26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.†(Matthew 19:23-4)PART 2 - TESTIMONY
Last week we had a look at what Jesus said about money and wealth. I am sure that many readers would have concluded that what was said didn't really apply to them! "I am not wealthy", or, "I rely on God", or, "I can handle what I have", or, "God wants me to be financially prosperous", etc., etc.
When asked how much money we and possessions we need, the almost universal answer is, "Just a little bit more." Very few of us are satisfied with what we have. Unfortunately, this is the lie the devil uses to take our eyes off Jesus!
Kathy and I have been millionaires twice (when a million meant something!), and twice bankrupted. We know, all too well, both ends of the spectrum! We understand that, in the natural, it is much nicer to have money than to be without. But we have also discovered that the world does not end when we haven't had it! Going bankrupt makes or breaks marriages and sure makes you reconsider your priorities in life.
There are so many people who say that they are not tied to their possessions, but the harsh reality is, we nearly all are. Whether we have much or little, we hold what we have tightly. This is illustrated by the following joke. A Pastor was speaking to the Secretary of the US Treasury and was asked by him, "What can I best do for the church?" The Pastor's brilliant reply was, "Stop making dollar bills!"
Then there are others who tithe and give, but from a (false) motivation, taught by prosperity teachers. Give 10% and you will receive a 100 fold! That is not giving to God out of the desire to further His kingdom, but simply bribery and deception, in order to get more than you already have. And it doesn't work, for it is not God's way. That is why the prosperity preacher's meetings are attended by the poor, not the rich, whether in America or Africa. Have been to both - and cried. For the preachers are the primary ones who get rich! Gold chains in Africa, airplanes in America! How gullible we are, for deep down, we desire for more than we have.
At the time of my second bankruptcy, I came to understand how, in spite of my protestations to the contrary, of double tithing and giving generously to God's work, that I was still really reliant upon me for provision, not God. In fact, I believe that this bankruptcy was God's way of showing me this.
So some 10+ years ago, I made the decision that I would no longer own assets, other than minimal household ones necessary for living, and would work for God for free, for the rest of my life. While not understanding the full implications of this at the time, (a man's bad communication skills!) my amazing wife Kathy, who genuinely does not hold material things tightly, came along for the ride. It has not always been easy, and at times, we wonder about the decision made.
Kathy is a nurse, and we rely on her income to pay the rent, food and other bills of life. Until 4 years ago, when we were led to start Seekers, our second hand clothing business, helping both the local community, with reasonably priced clothing, and people in Africa start businesses, the situation was clearcut. I worked in ministry and relied upon the Lord to provide money for travel, etc. Travelling in Africa for 2 1/2 months on 50 cents a day was an experience! In a sense though, the spiritual was still separated from the secular.
With Seekers however, the Lord has brought us back into 'the whole of life' which, the reality of kingdom living is. I have to endeavour to 'live what I preach', in a world full of the practical daily problems of running a business, whether they be staff, customers who love something for nothing (ie. thieves!), the truck breaking down, the opposition buying our Head Office building, and Christians who always know how to do it better and who cannot see why we would do all this work and live frugally, without taking a salary!
No, I do not have all the answers! And my walk is not your walk. I am not saying you need to go out and sell everything you have - although Jesus did tell at least one man to do that very thing!
My prayer is that these words will challenge you to look at your life and possessions in a different way, then to ask God what His 'best' plan for your life is, and be prepared to act upon what He tells you.
I am far from perfect (confirm with Kathy!) but I do have a desire to follow His purposes for my life, including in the field of finance. Are you prepared to trust Him too? For that is what it comes down to, in the 'hurly burly, nitty gritty' of living!
May the Lord guide you into His best plan for your life.
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FROM THE WORD
Riches Are Meaningless"If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still. The increase from the land is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields. Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them? The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep. I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when he has a son there is nothing left for him. Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand. or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when he has a son there is nothing left for him. Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand. This too is a grievous evil: As a man comes, so he departs, and what does he gain, since he toils for the wind? All his days he eats in darkness, with great frustration, affliction and anger. Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart. I have seen another evil under the sun, and it weighs heavily on men: God gives a man wealth, possessions and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires, but God does not enable him to enjoy them, and a stranger enjoys them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil. A man may have a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. It comes without meaning, it departs in darkness, and in darkness its name is shrouded. Though it never saw the sun or knew anything, it has more rest than does that man— even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place? All man’s efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied. What advantage has a wise man over a fool? What does a poor man gain by knowing how to conduct himself before others? Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Whatever exists has already been named, and what man is has been known; no man can contend with one who is stronger than he. The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone? For who knows what is good for a man in life, during the few and meaningless days he passes through like a shadow? Who can tell him what will happen under the sun after he is gone?" (Ecclesiates 5:8 - 6:12)
"Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you." (James 5:1-6)
To the Church in Laodicea
"“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.â€" (Revelation 3:14-21)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
PROSPERITY1223. The curse of prosperity is its uncanny ability to draw our attention away from God.
1224. For most, prosperity is a magnet that attracts people away from its source.
1225. Prosperity comes, prosperity goes, but God's provision is eternal life.
1226. Prosperity is human indulgence, sacrifice, a godly command.
1227. Faith is of more value in affliction than in prosperity.
1228. A general rule in God's economy is that faith grows through affliction, but dies with prosperity.
1229. Want to build your faith? Then ask God for affliction, not prosperity. Not surprising there is so little faith today!
1230. It is an enigma to me to see the carparks at prosperity preacher's meetings full of old jalopies!
1231. History proves that God's kingdom grows faster through affliction than prosperity.
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 ...
CRANWELLS CARTOONS
JESUS CALMS THE STORM22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.†So they got into a boat and set out. 23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. 24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!†He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25 “Where is your faith?†he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.†(Luke 8:22-25)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: A REVELATION OF... THE POWER OF THREE IN GOD AND THE CHURCHWhen I speak to groups of pastors and leaders, this teaching on the progressive nature of the development of 'the Church' opens new realms of understanding of the church system or order, and of the dynamics that sadly, so often divide the Church today.
Unfortunately, Christians have a reputation in the world of being more concerned about criticising each other, than evangelising non believers!
I trust this week's study will give you a better understanding of where you, and others, are at in terms of God's plan for His Church. And to help each of us develop a greater level of tolerance and co-operation with other Christians and Churches.
And finally, to point the way to the future. For the Church has not yet 'arrived' at its final destination. To become 'the bride dressed in pure white linen', fully ready for the return of Jesus.
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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." ***
351. BACKWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS
Backward Christian Soldiers, Fleeing from the Fight
With The cross of Jesus nearly out of sight
Christ our rightful Master stands against the foe
But forward into battle we are loathe to go
Like a mighty tortoise moves the church of God
Brothers we are treading where we've often trod
We are much divided many bodies we,
Having different doctrines not much charity
Backward Christian soldiers fleeing from the fight
With the cross of Jesus nearly out of sight!
350. HOW CAN I GET THERE?
There's the story of the new Pastor in town who got turned around on his very first Sunday on the way to the new church He stops the paperboy and gives him the street address and then adds "you know that's First Baptist Church."
The kid wants to help so he very politely says, "Oh sure, down three blocks, make a right, 2 blocks make a left and it's in the next block on your right."
The preacher is moved by this kind of friendship to a newcomer like himself so he says, "son, how'd you like me to tell you how you can get to Heaven?"
At this the kid laughs slightly and says, "How you gonna do that, you can't even find First Baptist?"
349. PIOUS CHRISTIAN
Once there was a Christian, he had a pious look
His consecration was complete except his pocketbook.
He'd go to Church and give his dollar and meekly close his eyes,
So glad his weekly rent was paid for his mansion in the skies.
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: Is it true that it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile?ANSWER: Seventeen muscles to smile and 43 to frown is an oft-repeated figure, especially all over the Internet (and, yes, at university-related sites too) as well as in the popular press. But it's nowhere to be found in any text devoted to anatomy (especially of the head), surgery (esp. maxillofacial or reconstructive), neurology, or the analysis of human facial expressions.
In fact, Paul Ekman -- an authority on human facial expression tells me that he has no idea where this notion originated. It takes as few as two muscles to produce a universally recognisable smile and as few as three to produce a frown. There is simply no confirmation of the saying ‘it takes 17 muscles to smile and 43 to frown’ in any medical text. (‘Two smile or not three frown!’ With apologies to the Bard.)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Why do scientists describe cancer cells as ‘immortal’?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS58. MIGHTY 'ANT'!
An ant can lift 50 times its own weight, equivalent to a human being pulling a 10-ton trailer. (Just as well they stay small!)
59. A CLEAN CLOUD?
A large cumulonimbus cloud can hold enough water for 500,000 baths. Most of the water droplets in a cloud re-evaporate and never reach the ground, only one-fifth actually falling as rain. (Saving some for next time.)
60. ARTY
In a study, there was found to be more than 100 art galleries in Scottsdale, Arizona, which exceeded the number in either Los Angeles or San Francisco. (Perfect painter’s paradise?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
PATRONESS
Answer at the end of A David Musing
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BIBLE QUESTION - BIRDS AND CREEPING THINGS
12) On which day were birds created?A - Second
B - Third
C - Fourth
D - Fifth
Source: www.biblequizzes.com
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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! A boiled egg in the morning is hard to beat.
!!!!!! He had a photographic memory which was never developed.
!!!!! A plateau is a high form of flattery.
!!!! When you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall.
!!! Those who jump off a Paris bridge are in Seine.
!! When an actress saw her first strands of gray hair she thought she'd dye.
! Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.
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PETS RULE
27. FRIDAYOur veterinarian gave us the following instructions for our cat Friday, who was scheduled for surgery: Don't give Friday any food after 8 P.M. on Wednesday. Bring Friday in first thing Thursday morning. You can pick Friday up on Thursday evening, but if you want,
Friday can also stay until Friday.
28. WHY A KITTEN IS BETTER THAN A BABY
Veterinarians have evening hours.
Your kitten won't be able to disturb the whole movie with its crying. Heck, you don't even have to take the kitten with you, and if you don't, you don't even have to worry about whether or not the sitter is available tonight.
Your kitten won't grow out of those cute but expensive clothes within three months.
Kittens look cute if they haven't had a bath in a month.
You probably don't have to lie awake nights wondering how you're going to finance your kitten's college education.
No one will question your abilities to function normally at your job when they hear you just got a kitten.
You only have to change the litter box once a day.
29. TEN THINGS CATS THINK ABOUT
1. I could have sworn I heard the can opener.
2. Is there something I'm not getting when humans make noise with their mouths?
3. Why doesn't the government do something about dogs?
4. I wonder if Morris really liked 9-Lives, or did he have ulterior motives?
5. Hmmm ... If dogs serve humans, and humans serve cats, why can't we cats ever get these stupid dogs to do anything for us?
6. This looks like a good spot for a nap.
7. Hey -- no kidding, I'm sure that's the can opener.
8. Would humans have built a vast and complex civilization of their own if we cats hadn't given them a reason to invent sofas and can openers in the first place?
9. If there's a God, how can He allow neutering?
10. If that really was the can opener, I'll play finicky just to let them know who's boss!
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BIBLE TRIVIA (Famous Words and Phrases)
THE APPLE OF MY EYEGod's description of Israel from Deuteronomy 32:10. Literally the pupil of the eye. Poetically described as someone highly regarded by another. eg. David asking God in Psalm 17:8 'Keep me as the apple of your eye'.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Incredible Forgiveness Featured in 'Heaven's Rain'
By Paul StrandCBN News Washington Sr. Correspondent
Brooks Douglass watched as both his missionary mother and father died after being gunned down before his young eyes.
"They never got to see the age I'm living now, and they never got to meet their grandkids," Douglass told CBN News.
He too was shot and left for dead, as was his sister after the two killers who invaded the Douglass home, violently raped her.
Douglass was only 16 at the time. His sister was just 12. Both survived, but then had to re-live the horror over and over as the killers were tried and then made several appeals.
Douglass remained bitter for many years before having a face-to-face encounter in a prison cell with one of the killers.
The result was a Godly experience filled with such surprising and divine forgiveness that Douglass felt he had to make a movie about it. "Heaven's Rain" is the result of that encounter and is now available on DVD at the film's website.
Douglass explained that the movie was given an 'R' rating because of one scene where the rape of his sister is discussed graphically.
"There's no offensive language," he said. "There's no s...x or n.....y or any of that. "You can invite your lost friends. Friends that would never go in a church."
"And you can see this movie and be proud of the production quality," he added. "We didn't spend this, but the Hollywood crowd all thinks we spent at least $20 million."
Douglass has traveled across the country, showing the movie in friendly venues like churches.
"If we've got people who are asking us to come, then we will go to their city and we'll make sure it gets where they can see it," he said.
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.
Find out about the people God is seeking for Himself today.
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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!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
A week or so ago, we lost our truck driver. That has meant that I have had to go back to driving the truck, being the only one with a Heavy Traffic License. I enjoy driving so it is not a burden in that sense, but I do now struggle to find enough hours in the day to do everything!There is a programme, being shown on TV here, called 'Undercover Boss USA'. It is very interesting to see what happens when a boss of a large corporation has to do the work the staff does! It certainly gives them a better understanding of their business and a greater appreciation of their staff!
It is like that in the church too! Learning theology and running a church may be altruistic, but Jesus is really about getting 'down and dirty' with people, sharing in their experiences of life. Jesus lived, walked and talked with His followers, being highly critical of the religious leaders of the day who saw themselves as being different, and superior, to the people.
Wonder what He would say to our Christian leadership today?
Until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: TRANSPOSE
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: 11) C - The tongue (James 3:7-8)
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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