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: 522 Published: 24 Oct 2011
ARE YOU KINGDOM OR CHURCH FOCUSED?
"What do you mean, David?" "Surely the kingdom and the church are one and the same thing?" Or..... "The church is the earthly representation of the heavenly kingdom." Or again..... "The kingdom is where we go when we die. The church guides us on the way." Or.....The reality is, the majority of believers are focused upon the 'church', rather than the 'kingdom'.
Yet Jesus Himself came to reveal the kingdom to us. In the Gospel of Matthew He mentioned the word 'kingdom' 53 times and the (mistranslated) word 'church' (ekklesia - an assembly or congregation of people) but twice, and then, in relation to a specific situation. His teaching was all about the 'kingdom'. From the beginning.....
17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.†(Matthew 4:17)
To the middle.....
16 “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. (Luke 16:16)
And for us to share to the very end.....
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)
Let's have a little fun, go back to schooldays, and take a simple multi-choice test! It may be fun, but the result is important, so please take it seriously.
CHURCH/KINGDOM ORIENTATION QUESTIONAIRE
1. What do you see your primary ministry as being?
a. Serving in a role in your church.
b. Serving those in the community.
2. How do you view the primary message of the Gospel?
a. As living for and with God now and forever.
b. As being Good News about the after life.
3. I understand 'discipleship' as being
a. Enjoying a relationship with God that grows me towards spiritual maturity.
b. Sacrificing my life and desires in order to now do God's will for me.
4. I desire
a. A ministry simply loving and serving others.
b. A large, well known, popular ministry.
5. How do I desire to be known?
a. By a title. eg Pastor, Rev, Bishop, Apostle.
b. No title. A servant of God and man.
6. What is more important in building relationships with other believers?
a. Their love of Jesus.
b. Their doctrine agreeing with mine.
7. Is my evangelistic ministry
a. To develop disciples, sons and daughters of God.
b. To save souls.
8. Are you living in expectation of?
a. Being an overcomer, a victor over evil in this age and in that to come.
b. A rapture to take you out of the problems of an evil end time world.
9. Do you desire?
a. To have people follow and help you implement your God given vision.
b. To help others seek, find and implement God's visions for them.
10. Do you see ministry gifts as providing
a. A role within the body to help it function effectively.
b. A position, worthy of honour within the church.
How have you got on?
The answers as to your spiritual orientation are found at the end of 'A David Musing'.
To conclude, I leave you with the words of Jesus.....
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:31-3)
44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. (Matthew 14:44-6)
2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:2-4)
8 “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. 9 And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called ‘teacher,’ for you have one Teacher, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. 13 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. (Matthew 23:8-13)
10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. 11 They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. (Revelation 12:10-11)
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FROM THE WORD
Jesus Begins to Preach"When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.†From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.â€" (Matthew 4:12-17)
"Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. “Do you see all these things?†he asked. “I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.†As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,†they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?†Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
(Matthew 24:1-14)
Do Not Worry
"“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:25-34)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
RELIGION, REVELATION AND GOD'S KINGDOM1067. Religion is a gathering of like minds, God's kingdom, one of godly natures.
1068. Religion insidiously enters the church through repetition.
1069. Repetition is religion's close ally.
1070. As people we are inherently religious, for we enjoy feeling comfortable - even in our discomfort!
1071. Religion is revelation become tradition.
1072. Tradition is religion's friend, but the deadly enemy of revelation.
1073. Tradition moulds revelation into religion.
1074. Revelation revs 'Revs'!
1075. While knowledge is gained at a theological seminary, revelation comes from the father heart of God.
1215. The understanding that God's kingdom is available now is the greatest motivator of all for keen Christians.
1216. There's no need to wait. Seek God's kingdom now!
1308. Religion is based upon dependence, the kingdom, interdependence.
1309. Religion looks inwards, the kingdom, upwards and outwards.
1310. The kingdom is not centered round teaching and preaching, but rather, living out teaching and preaching.
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
“Can you pull in the leviathan with a fishhook or tie down his tongue with a rope? 2 Can you put a cord through his nose or pierce his jaw with a hook? 3 Will he keep begging you for mercy? Will he speak to you with gentle words? 4 Will he make an agreement with youfor you to take him as your slave for life? 5 Can you make a pet of him like a bird
or put him on a leash for your girls? (Job 41:1-5)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: 3 KINGDOM AGESSOCIETIES OF THE KINGDOM AGES (1st of 2)
Understanding the organisation of society throughout the various kingdom ages also helps us better understand how God worked as He did with the Patriarchs, Israel and now, us!
This is truly fascinating to me - and I hope to you also!
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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." ***
410. A RUMOUR
Rumour has it that Billy Graham Ministries is starting up a Emotional Support Group for men who are experiencing the trauma of hair loss. Reportedly they close every meeting with the benediction, "Go, and thin no more!"
409. SPIRIT IN A VACUUM
I once heard a preacher say that it's man's spirit that makes him different from animals.
That may be true, but I think there's one other thing that separates us from animals. We aren't afraid of vacuum cleaners.
408. THE PURCHASE
I don't know what's wrong with my television set. I keep getting Christian TV and the Home Shopping Network on the same channel. I actually bought a church choir the other night.
407. HAROLD
A dad was listening to little Carol say her prayers.
"Dear Harold," Carol prayed, "please bless mom and daddy and..."
At this point, the dad interrupted and said, "Wait a minute, sweetie. Why are you calling God 'Harold'?"
Carol looked up and said, "That's what they call Him in church. You know -- the prayer where we all say, 'Our Father who art in Heaven, Harold be Thy name.' "
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FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: How long can honey be stored and still safely eaten?ANSWER: Apparently, honey can last forever, if stored well. The ancient Egyptians left honey, among other assorted luxuries, in burial chambers to make the dead happy. Some of it, unearthed in modern times, is still edible! (Though one wonders how they determine this. Are archaeologists eating the evidence?)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What is the sleeping sickness?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS1. COMMON CORN
The most mentioned crop in the Bible is ‘corn’. (A staple then, a staple now. Did they have corn fed beef?)
2. A COOL CAVE
Jesus Christ, son of Mary, was most likely to have been born in a cave. Caves were used to keep animals in because of the intense heat. The carpenters of Jesus day were basically stone cutters, as wood wasn’t used nearly as much as it is today. (Jesus is the foundation stone.)
3. A NEW TASTE
The first chocolate chip cookie was developed in the kitchen of a Whitman, Massachusetts, country inn in 1937. Simple experiments led to a recipe combining bits of chocolate candy with shortbread type, cookie dough. (The world hasn’t been the same since!)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
LUNGFISH
Answer at the end of A David Musing
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BIBLE QUESTION - THE KINGDOM OF GOD
11: When Jesus sent out the twelve disciples to preach the Kingdom of God, what other activity were they also to carry out?a. Performing miracles
b. Teaching children
c. Speaking in tongues
d. Healing the sick
Source: http://biblequizzes.org.uk
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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""THOUGHTS FOR THINKERS
1. Faith is the ability to not panic.
2. If you are worried, you didn't pray. If you prayed, don't worry.
3. As a child of God, prayer is like calling home every day.
4. Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape.
5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.
6. Do the math. Count your blessings.
7. God wants spiritual fruit not religious nuts.
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LIFE'S A LAUGH
209. CRISISAs my wife and I were sitting on the front porch, our oldest daughter, Amy, came out of the house looking discouraged. It seems all her classmates knew their life's calling, but she didn't have a clue as to her own. "I don't know where to go to college," she moaned.
"And even if I did, my grades probably aren't good enough."
Her mother and I were searching for the right words of reassurance when Amy suddenly smiled. "Golly," she said, "I'm having a pre-life crisis!"
210. NO VACATIONS
A young lady applied for a job and when she returned home, her mother asked how the interview went. She said, "Pretty good, but if I get the job, I won't get a vacation unless I'm married."
Her mother had never heard of such a thing and asked, "Is that what they told you?"
The young lady replied, "No, they didn't tell me that, but on the application it said that vacation time is not available until after your first anniversary."
211. WHERE IS THE VIEW?
As a realtor, I deal with all types of people. Recently, I showed a home to a couple who seemed eager to check out the fantastic view from the living room. But when I dramatically
pulled back the drapes, the disappointed husband asked, "Where is the view? Those mountains must be blocking it."
212. THE LIMP
While making rounds, a doctor points out an X-ray to a group of medical students.
"As you can see," she says, "the patient limps because his left fibula and tibia are radically arched. Michael, what would you do in a case like this?"
"Well," ponders the student, "I suppose I'd limp too."
Laugh lots at life here.....
BIBLE TRIVIA (Famous Words and Phrases)
ALL THINGS TO ALL MENPaul explains in 1 Corinthians 9:22 how he became all things in order to win people to Jesus. Now understood as being the difficulty of being everything to everyone while keeping sight of your own welfare.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Luis Palau to proclaim the Good News to millions throughout the Spanish-speaking world
PORTLAND, OR (ANS) -- This November, Luis Palau will host Continente 2011, a mass-media evangelistic campaign spanning the entire Spanish-speaking world.In partnership with Spanish television network Enlace, the Luis Palau Association will produce four nights of Night Talk, a live Q-and-A program featuring Luis Palau, November 7-10. Callers from 26 countries can receive Biblical guidance on matters of faith from Palau and a team of trained counselors.
During each broadcast, Palau will share the Good News of Jesus Christ with his characteristic candor and clarity and field tough questions spanning all aspects of the spiritual life. The live broadcasts will air at 8:00 a.m. (PST) each day.
More than a television show, this outreach is a multi-media, saturation evangelism event with the goal of reaching millions of individuals with the Gospel. 5,070 partner TV stations will air live and repeat broadcasts of the program. It will also be available via online streaming at www.luispalau.net and broadcast on several satellite programs and radio stations in Latin America and across the United States. Extensive online resources and 691 partner churches will help facilitate follow-up efforts to connect new believers to a church in their area and provide materials such as copies of the New Testament in Spanish.
"This is a rare opportunity. It's not often that the Lord gives us the chance to reach an entire continent with the clear message of Jesus Christ through live television. It has only happened on a few God-appointed times. Yet even those had their limitations," Palau said of the event. "But now, for the second year in a row, I'm excited to join with Enlace to truly saturate the Spanish-speaking world with the Gospel. I pray millions will tune in."
Last year, Continente 2010 reached millions of people on each evening of the broadcast. Palau first started counseling people on live television 45 years ago when in 1965 he was invited by HCJB-TV in Quito, Ecuador, to take calls from spiritual seekers and questioning skeptics. Since then, he has reached more than 1 billion people through radio, television, and other media.
Source: (ANS) www.assistnews.net
via openheaven.com
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
UP THE MOUNTAINAn exciting yet challenging allegory of one man’s spiritual journey and his participation in the fulfillment of God’s plan.
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WAXING LYRICAL
This poem was 2 years in the writing! The inspiration came, half was written, then I got busy on other things! In the last day or two I have had some spare time, so thought to finish it. (Actually I have had more spare time during the two years but never quite got 'a round tuit'!) I hope the result is worth waiting for!MR BUMBLE (Part 1)
The other day I met with a bumble bee,
The two of us together, just him and me.
I asked, "How are you, my high flying friend,â€
As our way down the road, we did gently wend.
“A ‘box of buzzes’ " said Mr Bumble, rumbling along,
In the prime of life - yes, a bee so buzzingly strong.
“I'm on the way to the garden down the road,
Plentiful pollen there, will get me a load.â€
“For I’m a worker bee you see,
One of many, in our big family,
We have a purpose for which to live,
Honey aplenty, to our hive, to give.â€
“Your life is a fulfilled one then,
A privilege not given many men.â€
“I guess it is, in following family tradition,
Feeding the hungry hive’s a real mission.â€
“I learned what to do from my brother,
The Queen you know, is our mother,
It was Jimmy who taught me how to fly,
Led by example, encouraged me to try.â€
“But soon flight, I did learn to master,
With practice, went faster and faster.
Till now I’m known as the ‘brmm-brmm bee,’
Always winning the race to the cherry tree.â€
“Of course, you know you can’t really fly!†I rashly said,
As diplomatic as taking a sledgehammer to his head!
“For the ‘Laws of Aerodynamics’ you know,
State that ‘up in the air,’ you cannot go.â€
‘Your shapes all wrong
To push you along!
Your body’s far too big!
Ever seen a flying pig?’
In full swing now, big in my bumble bee knowledge,
Intensively learned during five full years of college.
“Your little wings wear out beating ten thousand times a minute,
Therefore your life span is only sixty days – at the very limit!â€
Was somewhat surprised at my clever words’ effect,
For these, I thought, he would automatically reject.
But to take on board my knowledge, he did elect,
My erudite words, to him they did only deject!
“You humans are simply so superior
Us bumbling bees, greatly inferior!
You know more about me than I do!
So what you say, must surely be true.â€
“It's true then! I can’t really fly?
Yes, about to fall from the sky!
Life now seems just not worth the living!
Even with all the effort, I’ve been giving!
So at that very moment he gave up trying,
Knew he should, no longer now be flying,
From a rapid ten thousand beats a minute,
To wings folded, his heart no longer in it.
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A DAVID MUSING
It is early Monday morning here in New Zealand. It is also our annual 'Labour Day' Public Holiday, celebrating the introduction of the 40 hour working week, the first country in the world to do so. The street is so quiet. But why? Are we all sleeping in because of the holiday? Perhaps a little.But the main reason for the quietness is that the country is recovering from a very late night! For after 13 months of tragedy following tragedy, and 24 years of painful waiting, THE NEW ZEALAND ALL BLACKS HAVE FINALLY REGAINED THE RUGBY WORLD CUP, beating a valiant France 8-7, in the closest, most pulsating, and lowest scoring World cup final ever!
The match did not start until 9pm New Zealand time in order that TV viewers across the world could watch the match at a saner hour than us! The match finished round 11pm and the celebrations went on into the early morning hours.
The French, in spite of losing 2 matches on the way to the final, were the better team on the night, but we won where it counts - on the scoreboard!
Some nations are defined by football - soccer or gridiron - but New Zealand's passion is for rugby. Despite regularly being the best team in the world, when it came to the World Cup we would lose, again and again, 5 times out of 6, in fact. Until now!
Sadly, in New Zealand and much of the world, sport has become the modern day religion. Until the inevitable day comes when we are to die! At that time World cups, of whatever code, are forgotten. How prepared are we to play the game of life - and death?
Until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: FLUSHING
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: d. Healing the sick (Luke 9:2)
CHURCH OR KINGDOM ORIENTATION QUIZZ ANSWERS: Church Orientation: 1a,3a,5a,9a,2b,4b,6b,7b,8b,10b Kingdom Orientation: 1b,3b,5b,9b,2a,4a,6a,7a,8a,10a
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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