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: 551 Published: 14 May 2012
THINKING GREEK OR HEBREW? continues
We are looking at the differences between the Jewish (Eastern) and Greek (Western) ways of thinking, so that we can better understand the ways and teachings of Jesus. (See the last 17 weeks issues of PGIM!)WORSHIP - AN EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE v A WAY OF LIFE
Greek (Western) Worship is an experience to be entered into and enjoyed at specific times.
Our approach to worship derives from the Greek concept of proskuneo, a specific act of reverence or homage. Many large coliseums were built in which to worship and honour the many different gods of Greece on their various designated celebratory occasions, with music, singing and dancing. People were happy and content after having worshipped.
Does this not sound like our church? We go to special purpose buildings to sing, and perhaps dance, to music provided by the worship team, generally on a Sunday morning. Like the Greeks, it is a special occasion experience, not a general part of our day to day life. Pseudo worship today too, is found at sports events, where we are generally given to more overt displays of enthusiasm than at church! Again, these are an experience taking us away from the reality of day to day life, for a period of time.
Eastern (Hebrew) Worship is a continuous act, being a part of work or service, as well as being practised on special occasions.In Hebrew culture, worship is considered to be a part of everyday life.
Psalm 100
A psalm. For giving thanks.
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
There is no separation of the theological from the practical. Worship is found in looking after your spouse, being at work and while participating in community service.
12 The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. 13 The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. (Deuteronomy 28:12-13)
Worship is found in the beauty of nature.....
1 The Mighty One, God, the LORD,
speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.
2 From Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth. (Psalm 50:1-2)
Worship is seen in our work....
17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17)
A practical example of this is found in the Wife of Noble Character of Proverbs 31.....
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. (Proverbs 31:30-31)
Observant Jews consider our Western 'worship services' of 1-2 hours a week as serving a part-time God! For we then move back into the secular world until the next week or other worship occasion. While we might get down on bended knees to worship God in the safe environment of our place of worship, we would not dream of doing so at work. For, unlike the Jews, we separate the two, the religious from the secular. I know, for it applies to me too!
SOME SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY
1. We need to learn to give God thanks in all things, at all times.
2. We need to learn to rely upon God in the secular as well as the spiritual.
3. To do so is the only way we can truly become 'the light of the world' that Jesus desires us to become.
The Lamp of the Body
33 “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness. 35 See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. 36 Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you.†(Luke 11:33-6)
(To be continued next week.)
Acknowledgements: http://www.followtherabbi.com and http://hethathasanear.com
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FROM THE WORD
Psalm 90A prayer of Moses the man of God.
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.
2 Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
3 You turn men back to dust,
saying, “Return to dust, O sons of men.â€
4 For a thousand years in your sight
are like a day that has just gone by,
or like a watch in the night.
5 You sweep men away in the sleep of death;
they are like the new grass of the morning—
6 though in the morning it springs up new,
by evening it is dry and withered.
7 We are consumed by your anger
and terrified by your indignation.
8 You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence.
9 All our days pass away under your wrath;
we finish our years with a moan.
10 The length of our days is seventy years—
or eighty, if we have the strength;
yet their span is but trouble
and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
11 Who knows the power of your anger?
For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.
12 Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
13 Relent, O LORD! How long will it be?
Have compassion on your servants.
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.
16 May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your splendor to their children.
17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.
Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
THANKS GIVING, PRAISE AND WORSHIP629. A true believer is thankful whatever the circumstances.
630. Praise gladdens the heart. Worship strengthens the soul.
631. True worship is reflected in positive actions.
632. Our actions reflect our true worship.
633. Thanksgiving brings forth praise. Praise leads on to worship.
634. With thankful praise, I worship my maker.
635. The freedom to worship is not truly appreciated until it is taken away.
636. God gives us praise and worship so they may be returned to Him.
637. Worship is available to all, but only availed of, by some.
638. True worship is a way of life.
639. Freedom in worship sets us free!
640. Worship is a gift made to be returned to the sender.
641. More worship, worship more.
642. One person’s curse is another’s praise.
643. Praise is an attitude, not an emotion.
644. Praise blesses both the giver and the receiver.
645. Worthy worship works wonders with worshippers wellbeing.
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 ...
CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: NEXT WEEK: 25 SPECIFIC COMMANDMENTS OF JESUS continues..........with commandments related to 'Living the Christian Life.'
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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." ***
490. I'LL HELP
Burglar: "One move and you're dead. I'm looking for your money".
Vicar: "Hang on, let me get a light and I'll help you".
489. STEADY PROGRESS
The pastor told the search committee, "If I am voted in as pastor of this church, I will work hard to bring us into the 19th century." Someone spoke up, " Uh, Preacher, don't you mean the 20th century?" The pastor replied, " Let's take it one century at a time."
488. THE DREAM
A young curate went to a conference at which most of the gathering consisted of bishops, archdeacons and high officials of the Church. The weather was very cold and it was natural perhaps that the older clergy should cluster around the cheerful fire in the dining room as often as possible.
The curate thought that it was about time he did something about this, so next morning he said in a loud voice: "I had a strange dream last night, I dreamt I had died and gone to hell". After a few moments of dead silence one of the number said "and what did you find there?"
"Just the same as here" was the reply, "I couldn't get near the fire for bishops".
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can now download the book 'Laughing At Ourselves' in PDF format at LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
One of the most comprehensive sources of Christian Humour on the Net with 800 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...
FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: Who invented Asprin?ANSWER: Aspirin wasn't really invented, but discovered. Scientists in 1829 discovered that a compound called Salicin in Willows relieved pain. But they weren't really the first to understand that. Hippocrates, who lived sometime between 460 BC and 377 BC, wrote about the use of powder made from the bark and leaves of a willow tree to treat headaches, fever, and pain. (Cheaper but enough work to bring on a headache!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What percentage of its body weight can a pelican consume in a single meal?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS1018. AHEAD OF HIS TIME
The brilliant inventor Gail Borden, Jr. invented condensed milk in the 1850's and later the Lazy Susan, but he struck out with one other invention: the poorly-received "meat biscuit." (Before the Pet Food market evolved.)
1019. SELECTIVE DIGESTION
The gastric juices of a snake can digest bones and teeth — but not fur or hair. (The fluff is tough!)
1020. ANCIENT WEED KILLER
The primary purpose of growing rice in flooded paddies is to drown the weeds surrounding the young seedlings — rice can, in fact, be grown in drained areas. (Is diced rice nice?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
CEREALS
Answer at the end of A David Musing
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BIBLE QUESTION - THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
19: What story were the soldiers told to tell to explain how Jesus disappeared from the tomb?a. He came back to life and walked away
b. The Sadducees stole him
c. The disciples stole him
d. He didn't actually die and escaped
Source: http://biblequizzes.org.uk
Heaps more fun and serious 'God Facts' are found at...
IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! People are like tea bags - You never know their strength until they get into hot water.
!!!!!! The easiest crops to grow are weeds and pests.
!!!!! Before having a midlife crisis, it's good to have a life.
!!!! Life is like snow: you don't know when it will come or how long it will last or how much you will get.
!!! For every reason there is for doing something, there are three for not doing it.
!! Integrity is like oxygen. The higher you go the less there is.
! There's more to life than increasing its speed.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
TIL DEATH DO US PART
155. THE TAPSDuring an attack of laryngitis I lost my voice completely for two days. To help me communicate with him, my husband devised a system of taps. One tap meant, "Give me a kiss," two taps meant "No," three taps meant "Yes," and 95 taps meant "Take out the garbage."
156. NOT ENOUGH TIME
My wife was complaining that I spend too much time on the computer, and not enough time with her. I decided to fix that by having a `movie night` with her.
We watched `Hackers`, `The Net`, `Anti-Trust`, `You've Got Mail` and The Matrix.
She's still mad at me. What did I do?
157. THE PROPOSAL
Mr. Jones patted his daughter's hand fondly, and told her, "Your boyfriend came to me today, and told me that he wants to marry you, and I gave my consent."
"Oh, Daddy, I'm so happy....." gushed his daughter, "but it's going to be so hard to leave mother after we're married."
"I understand perfectly, my dear," beamed her dad. "You can just take her with you.
157. LAWS OF PARENTING
--The later you stay up, the earlier your child will wake up the next morning.
-- For a child to become clean, something else must become dirty.
---Toys multiply to fill any space available.
---The longer it takes you to make a meal, the less your child will like it.
---Yours is always the only child who doesn't behave.
---If the shoe fits...it's expensive.
---The surest way to get something done is to tell a child not to do it.
---The gooier the food, the more likely it is to end up on the carpet.
---Backing the car out of the driveway causes your child to have to go to the bathroom.
More marriage and family humour here.....
BIBLE TRIVIA (Music in the Bible)
INSTRUMENTS..........ranged in types and styles, but the necessary elements for an orchestra were there, being strings, wind instruments and a percussion section. Though instruments were often played alone, orchestras did exist. David was said to have 4000 instrumentalists available to meet his musical requests.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Africa: Christians targeted from east to west
By Elizabeth KendalReligious Liberty Prayer Bulletin (RLPB) 157
Special to ASSIST News Service
AUSTRALIA (ANS) -- Security is deteriorating rapidly for Christians along Africa's notorious ethnic-religious fault-line: roughly between the 5 to 10 degree north parallels. Genocidal Islamic jihad has displaced Christians in Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Nigeria, Mali and Ivory Coast.
Multitudes of predominantly Christian, ethnically southern Ivorian refugees feel forgotten. Displaced during the French-backed Islamic coup of April 2011, they remain desperate and vulnerable, unable to return home because their homes and farms have been occupied by pro-Ouattara supporters who are being protected by armed 'dozos' from the north. Appointed by Ouattara's Republican Forces (former 'rebels') to crack down on crime, 'dozos' are a 'brotherhood of initiated traditional hunters renowned for their mystical powers'.
Further to this, terrorist groups such as al-Shabaab in Somalia and Kenya, the Government of Sudan, Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria and eastern Mali and Ansar Dine in Northern Mali are targeting C hristians continually. These groups are seeking at the very least the subjugation of Christians and in some places their total eradication. The jihadists receive support from Islamist governments and from al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) which gets most of its funds from trafficking drugs, weapons and human beings.
TERROR IN KENYA
After Kenyan troops crossed into Somalia to fight al-Shabaab in October 2011 the Somalia-based jihadists threatened Kenya with 'a long, protracted war'. On Saturday evening 31 March militants believed to be from al-Shabaab hurled explosives into a prayer meeting in the coastal town of Mtwapa, just 16km from Mombasa. A woman and a nine-year-old boy were killed while around 30 others were wounded. On Sunday 29 April some 50 believers were worshipping in God's House of Miracles International Church in Nairobi when a militant simply walked in and hurled a bomb at the altar. 'I heard a blast and then around me everyone was covered in blood,' said Steven Mulinge, the church pianist. One perso n was killed while 15 others were treated in hospital for shrapnel wounds. Four victims with critical injuries have been transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital.
TERROR IN NIGERIA
On Sunday 29 April believers worshipping at Bayero University in the northern city of Kano were targeted by militants from Boko Haram. The jihadists attacked the open-air service outside the faculty of medicine, throwing explosive devices amongst the worshippers then chasing and shooting believers as they fled. They also attacked a worship service being held in the sporting complex, again throwing explosive devices amongst the believers who were then chased and gunned down as they fled. Twenty-one people were killed and more than 20 were treated in hospital for gunshot wounds. In an almost simultaneous attack, six Boko Haram gunmen burst into a Church of Christ in Nigeria chapel the northeast city of Maiduguri, spraying bullets throughout the sanctuary. Whilst the worshippers escaped with wounds but no fatalities, the pastor and three oth ers who were preparing to serve communion were found dead in the sanctuary.
PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT GOD WILL --
cut the lines of support that keep these jihadists armed and paid; may he sever relationships, smash networks, destroy trade and smuggling routes and remove key players so that the jihadists will be starved of resources. May the 'horns' [strength] of the wicked be cut off, and the 'horns' [strength] of the righteous be lifted up. (Psalm 75:10)
' . . . in the name of the LORD I cut them off!' (Psalm 118:10 ESV.)
intervene for the sake of his imperilled people to infuse wisdom, courage and commitment into fearful, reluctant, equivocating and short-sighted African governments. 'The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.' (Proverbs 21:1 ESV)
be a shield and provider for his displaced and frightened people; may he heal their wounds, shelter and protect them, provide their every need and increase their faith. (Psalm 18)
Via: OpenHeaven.com
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF... THE FIRST MIRACLE OF JESUSI have never been happy with the explanations I have heard of the meaning of the changing of the water into wine. So I asked Jesus! And He told me! Find out what He said through the Holy Spirit.
Check it out and download your free PDF Files here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
All too often we don't consider the long term consequences of our choices in life.CHOICES
Life comes, life goes,
Brings peaks, and lows.
We surely reap what we sow!
Our tide does ebb and flow.
When I look back on what I've done,
I see the storms, but also the sun.
For I have done good, at times been bad,
Sometimes am happy, sometimes am sad.
No, the time past I cannot now change,
But my future, yes, I may rearrange.
What will I do? Where will I go?
I may think, but God does know.
Will I put my life in His hand?
On His Rock, my days to stand.
Or will I build my house on the sand?
And His will for me, not understand.
Today I am charged to live the call.
Am I prepared to give Him my all?
Or will I continue in my earthly ways?
Seeking my own pleasure, all my days.
My time may well be short, it may be long,
Before joining Jesus, forever to belong,
What will He say that glorious day I see His face?
Knowing I've been saved, by His amazing grace.
Will it be, "Well done good and faithful servant",
Or will I seek my actions to quickly recant!
For on that day, I will surely see
The result of choices, made by me.
The past I can't change, the future neither,
But by my today's actions I can either
Build His kingdom here upon the earth,
Or make my own! My decision, my worth.
What will I do? Where will I go?
Will it be wheat or tares I sow?
Today I now have the choices to make,
Of what direction my life will take.
You too, my friend, today are in the very same boat,
To be a sheep of the Shepherd, or to be the goat.
What will be your choice of 'the way' to live?
All your life to Jesus, will you now give?
One day we will meet together with Jesus in heaven,
Having lived lives of fruitfulness, or of leaven.
The choices we now make on earth today,
Do determine what role we will play.
Let's now look towards
Our heavenly rewards.
The choice is mine,
The choice is thine!
More of David's offerings at...
A DAVID MUSING
BLANK?
!
*
-
?!*-
Um...
Ah...
Go...
No...
Um,ah,go,no...
A light!
At night!
No way!
It's day!
Next week,
Then I'll speak.
Surely will.
Peace is still.
Until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: RESCALE
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: c. The disciples stole him (Matthew 28:11-5)
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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