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: 583 Published: 17 Dec 2012
TRANSITION FROM 'THE CHURCH' TO 'THE KINGDOM'
A new series, looking at the some of the changes we need to make to move from a 'church' to a 'kingdom' mindset. (See the last 7 weeks of PGIM)FROM “RECEIVING†TO “GIVINGâ€
At this Christmas season there is a focus on both the giving and receiving of gifts. It is possibly one time of year when we may be motivated to give to others without thought of return to ourselves. Although we would likely be pretty miserable if we didn't receive anything! (The joys of being a grown man - socks and handkerchiefs aplenty! LOL!)
Joking and Christmas aside, there is a a basic principle in Jesus that is generally ignored today, both in the world, and sadly, all too often, in the church.....
remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’†(Acts 20:35b)
While this focus on receiving is to be expected in a humanist, self-focused world, it should not be the focus of the church! Yet it is, in many ways, not all financial.
How often do we hear people complain of a service, or indeed a church, "I got/get nothing out if it!" The worship was too loud/not loud enough! The sermon was too long/too short! (not too many complain about the 'too short' option though! LOL!) Nobody spoke to me. Nobody cares about my problems, etc., etc..
The focus of our church attendance then, is upon what we want to receive. Yet we call our services 'Worship Services'? Whom then, are we worshipping? God - or self?
True worship is us giving both the glory and ourselves to our God. This is beautifully illustrated by the angels worshipping before the very throne of God.....
8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.†9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.†(Revelation 4:8-11)
How might our attitude and services change if we copied the example of the angels!
In essence, this brings us back to the primary commandment of God the Father in the physically based Old Testament, to love Him and others.....
These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. 3 Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you. 4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:1-5)
.....and of Jesus in the spiritually based New.....
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?†37 Jesus replied: â€â€˜Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.†(Matthew 22:26-9)
Loving God and loving others is a function of 'giving'. It is also what separates the kingdom from the world. For the kingdom is based upon obedience, to giving ourselves completely to the will of God. Again, both in the Old Testament.....
22 But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. (1 Samuel 15:22)
.....and in the New.....
5 And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. (2 John 4-6)
Yes, the giving of our whole life to our Lord is the very heart of kingdom living. Are we prepared to make the sacrifice of obedience today?
(Continued next week)
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FROM THE WORD
"“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. “Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. “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.’†When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed." (Acts 20:22-36)The Throne in Heaven
"After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.†At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.†Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.†"(Revelation 4:1-11)
2 John
"The elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth— because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love. It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work. I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. The children of your chosen sister send their greetings." (2 John 1-14)
Read the Bible (NIV Version) online at...
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
RELIGION, REVELATION AND GOD'S KINGDOM1073. 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 ...
CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: THE DAVIDIC COVENANT concludes.We complete our study of the major Old Testament covenants as we look at the sacrifice and seal of the Davidic Covenant.
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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. ***
580. TIMELY SERMON
A local preacher gave an especially long-winded sermon at a small country church. As he was winding down the sermon, he apologized saying that he had forgotten to wear his watch that day.
At the end of the service as the minister was being greeted by members of the congregation down front, a parishioner smiled and gently reminded the pastor that all he had to do was turn around.
When the minister looked behind the pulpit, he realized there was a rather large calendar on the wall in back of him.
579. CUTTING KINDNESS
A preacher was called upon to substitute for the regular minister, who had failed to reach the church because he was delayed in a snowstorm. The speaker began by explaining the meaning of substitute.
"If you break a window," he said, "and then place cardboard there instead, that is a substitute."
After the sermon, a woman who had listened intently shook hands with him and wishing to compliment him actually said, "You were no substitute. You were a real pane."
578. WHERE AM I?
I grew up Catholic. During the service, there comes a time during the mass when the Holy Eucharist is lifted up by the priest, and simultaneously, to bring everyone to attention to the reverent moment, the altar boy rings a little bell.
One day at that precise time, my 4 year old God Child immediately stood to attention and yelled "The Ice Cream Man!"
Even though it was supposed to be a reverent moment, the parishioners couldn't help but break into laughter.
" 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: What and when is Universal Children's Day?ANSWER: Every day! But International Children's Day, November 20, is celebrated as the international day for children. The United Nations General Assembly recommended in 1954 that all countries institute a Universal Children's Day. The holiday is to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children and of activity promoting the welfare of children around the globe. The particular day arose as November 20 was the day on which the Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, in 1959, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in 1989. (Adults rights don’t seem to feature.)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What do you call a group of turtles?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS 936. A MARRIED POPE?
Adrian II (867-872) was the last married Catholic Pope. He was actually married before he became Pope, but refused to adopt celibacy or to give up his wife when he ascended the papal throne. (Knew he was on to a good thing – most of the time!)
937. MULTITUDINOUS HEADACHES
Americans consume an incredible 42 tons of aspirin per day. (What would happen if the aspirin-making machine broke down?)
938. SMELL TO LEARN
According to a Dr. Hirsch's research, the answer is yes. Floral odours can increase learning for some people. Now there’s even a line of toys that give off strong scents in the hope that this will help infants become smarter faster. (Infant-ile perfume?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
SECRETOR
Answer at the end of A David Musing
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can download the full version of our Trivia Book at TRULY TRIFFLING TRIVIA Or view all 1232 online at...
66 BOOKS... 66 QUESTIONS
30: Amos: In a vision what was the Lord holding in his hand while standing by a wall?a. Lamp
b. Plumbline
c. Unleavened bread
d. Sword
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""" SAYINGS FOR YOU TO PONDER!!!!!!! Make sure you have finished speaking before your audience has finished listening.
!!!!!! Measure your wealth not by the things you have, but by the things you have for which you would not take money.
!!!!! The best mirror is an good friend.
!!!! The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail and not his tongue.
!!! There are worse things than getting a call for a wrong number at 4 AM. It could be a right number.
!! When people complain that they don't get what they deserve, they don't know how fortunate they are.
! You were born an original. Don't die a copy.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
WHY?
63. When an octopus puts on deodorant, how does he remember where he started?64. Why is it, when a door is open it's ajar, but when a jar is open, it's not a door?
65. Why are they called buildings, when they're already finished? Shouldn't they be called builts?
66. Why do people without a watch look at their wrist when you ask them what time it is?
67. Why do women wear evening gowns to nightclubs? Shouldn't they be wearing night gowns?
(some seem to!)
68. Why is it that if someone tells you that there are billion stars in the universe you will believe them, but if they tell you a wall has wet paint you will have to touch it to be sure?
69. Why do psychics have to ask you for your name?
70. Why put off 'til tomorrow what you'll never do anyway?
71. Why is the alphabet in that order?
72. Why is a carrot more orange than an orange?
73. Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?
74. Where do forest rangers go to "get away from it all?"
75. Have you ever wondered why just one letter makes all the difference between laughter and slaughter.
76. Why, when I wind up my watch, I start it; but when I wind up a project, I end it?
77. Does the reverse side also have a reverse side?
78. If a book on "Failure" doesn't sell, is it a success?
79. Does a bankruptcy lawyer expect to get paid?
80. Why does food with half the calories costs twice as much?
81. Why is it that the only vacant parking space is always on the other side of the street?
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."?
Lots more of life's imponderable questions here.....
BIBLE TRIVIA (The Bible Lands)
OPHIR.......... may well have been located in India or Ceylon, as the Bible states the round trip took 3 years, and that the ships brought back "gold, silver, ivory, apes and peacocks." (1 Kings 10:22 KJV)
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Christian radio programming growing in Muslim world
Posted: 12 December, 2012HCJB Global has joined with seven different indigenous groups of believers to plant 52 FM radio stations across Indonesia.
Indonesia (MNN) ¯ As Christians are bracing for increasing persecution against them by the majority religions around the world, the door is open, for the time being, in the largest Muslim nation of the world: Indonesia.
President of HCJB Global Wayne Pederson tells MNN that the ministry is partnering with Christians on the ground to plant community radio stations. "We've worked with a local church planter there. We put in 50 radio stations. He has planted 1,600 churches in Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world."
Pederson says these aren't huge mega churches. "These are house churches of 30-35 people. But the fact is, as a result of this partnership, we have 1,600 groups of believers throughout Indonesia gathering and worshiping Christ and reaching out to others who need to know Christ."
Indonesia has been known for Muslim/Christian conflict over the years. Pederson says many Muslims within the country would like to implement Sharia law, which would make overt Christian radio almost impossible.
That's why HCJB has helped start community radio stations. "We talk about health and nutrition and how to have a better marriage; and we talk about culture, news and agriculture. So, the stations are well received in their community."
These stations also talk about Jesus, who is well received in the Muslim culture. "We're finding the Muslims are listening. Muslim clerics are listening. There's a whole movement inside Islam that people are following Jesus as the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and presenting Jesus in the mosques even as the way to salvation."
Pederson is reminded of John chapter 3: Where the Spirit or the wind of the Spirit blows, you don't know where it's going, but you can't stop it.
There's still one nagging question that remains, says Pederson. "How long will the enemies of the Gospel allow this to go on? We don't know. There is concern by our partners in Indonesia, Wycliffe and others, that the door may be closing. [That's] all the more reason to be more aggressive in planting radio stations today."
Source: Mission Network News
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 File here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
As did King David and the other psalmists, we all go through ups and downs in life. This explains one of my harder downs, having been rejected by friends, followed by an up!A PSALM
Of David (Tait)
A cry of despair, trust and victory, during a time of difficulty in life.
Peering through the gloom,
All one can see is doom.
Mind in a place now, that can only see the worst,
No more, through the clouds, does the sun burst.
O Lord, my Lord, how did I miss your will!
Where are you Lord, my void to fill?
My God, My God, you seem so far away,
I so need you Lord, in my life today.
Together we did map out the road ahead,
Started on the journey, as I was led.
Travelled nicely along, until coming to a sharp bend,
Around the corner - suddenly - the road came to an end.
I screeched to a halt!
Hit by a thunderbolt!
My God, My God, this wasn't in the plan,
Is my way of you, or simply, my own man?
Those wise after the event say,
"We knew it would never work."
You should have said so yesterday!
Not stab me now, with my dirk!
Where can I hide?
Lost in my pride!
Hate being wrong!
It's not my song!
With back so sore, I'm hurt and dejected,
Did it helping those, who me rejected!
Life's a misery, that much I know,
To whom can I turn, where can I go!
But in you Lord, I put all my trust,
Without you, I am nothing but dust.
For Lord, You've always proved faithful to me,
Again, show me Your way Lord, help me to see.
The phone rings, once, twice, thrice,
An encouragement? That would be nice!
The voice on the phone settles my ruction,
By giving to me, a brand new introduction.
Back on the road, I see a mighty big change,
Where the road did end, is now an exchange,
A super-highway has been put into place,
I am back again, now running my race.
Your vision Lord, is much greater than mine,
Not surprising really, for You are divine!
As the Good Book says, Your ways are not my ways,
May I follow your path, through all my days.
For you Lord, know the road ahead,
Without you, I'm as good as dead.
I trust you with my life, my Master,
For you deliver me from disaster.
Forevermore I place my hands in Yours,
Lead me Lord, to fulfil your cause.
More of David's offerings at...
A DAVID MUSING
INSPIRATION ZERO!Busy week,
As we speak,
But what to write,
As blank as night!
Inspiration's a funny thing,
Comes and goes on a wing.
Often there, sometimes not,
Have no outline of a plot.
Well David, why not try a rhyme?
In for a penny, in for a dime.
Something may come of it, you never know,
It's working, from a beginning so slow.
Whether or not this is inspiration, is for you to decide,
You may think it is, or very well my intelligence deride.
But the lines of verse are getting longer and longer and longer,
The hitting of keys, stronger and stronger, yes, even stronger!
So if you lack inspiration,
A rhyme brings impartation.
It may not make sense,
Rather be nonsense!
Bit it fills the page.
Likely a sign of age!
Another job done!
Wasn't that fun!
(NO..... IT WASN'T! .....Well, at least I tried! .....Christmas madness, perhaps?)
Until next week.....
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: ERECTORS
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: b. Plumbline (Amos 7:7)
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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