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: 7 Published: 10 Dec 2001
A THANKSGIVING 'GIFT'! AN APOLOGY
Here in New Zealand, we don't follow the American custom of Thanksgiving. Told one American friend that we give thanks every day of the year! The quick response was that we must be fat - or 'phat', as she put it!Unfortunately however, our 'gift' was given, not only to us, but to you all, in that our mail server was very cleverly 'hacked' on that day. This resulted in several unauthorised messages being sent out to each of you, while we were asleep, incorrectly indicating you had been subscribed to another list. You have not. The only way we could prevent even more messages (up to 100 each) being distributed was to shut down and reconfigure the mail server, this time with even more security features built in. Our service providers also required us to reconfirm our subscriptions, which we really appreciate you having done. Hence there was no newsletter last week.
I apologise for the inconvenience caused and wish to assure you that we have done our best to ensure that this doesn't happen again. Unfortunately in the world of cyberspace there can be no absolute guarantees, as even the largest and supposedly most secure installations have discovered. eg The Pentagon and Microsoft.
Obviously it has not been an easy time for me, as my mother has had to go into residential care this week too and a couple of other unexpected 'challenges' have arisen as well. The Lord's word to me has been to persevere - with good humour! So I will! Well most of the time..... Thanks for listening with your eyes! I feel much the better for it!
We do however, feel 'real turkeys' that this happened, and hope your Thanksgiving, or normal day of thanks, was not too disturbed by it.
GIVING THANKS
“Giving thanks works wonders for the receiver, while working miracles in the giver.”Naturally we all love being thanked and appreciated for what we do. Unfortunately, in ministry, we often have to rely upon our thanks being in heaven, for there is, all too frequently, little appreciation amongst those whom we are called to help! Such is the reality of the calling.
In the natural, when we truly make a friend, we feel comfortable with them and our words and actions let them know that we are accepting and appreciative of them. A friend, who makes constant demands of us, isn’t likely to remain our friend for too long.
But in the spiritual we are called upon to love the unlovely and the unappreciative. It’s not easy! Yet, giving thanks in every circumstance is at the very heart of our Christian faith. Why? Because, contrary to our natural thought process, the greatest beneficiary of thanks isn’t the receiver, but the giver.
This principle is stated in one of the most humanly frustrating yet spiritually important short paragraphs in the Bible, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. “16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” The shortest verses can contain the greatest truths. (Sermons too?)
For we find that as we give thanks to our God, our circumstances seemingly miraculously lift off us. I can’t understand it with my limited comprehension, but it works! Praise the Lord for that!
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FROM THE WORD
"This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!(2 Corinthians 9:12-15)
View some interesting factrs about the Bible on...
DAVID'S DOODLINGS
"To believe in God is good, to hear from God is great, but to obey God reaps the ultimate reward.""100% success is unattainable, but 100% effort is available to all."
"Easy success breeds arrogance, but success hard-earned, builds character."
For more David sayings check out…
TAPE OF THE WEEK
In association with Inspirational Tapes Ministriesinspirational.org.nz
we are pleased to offer you this inspirational tape - absolutely free of charge!
THE LAW OF FAITH IN THE STORMS OF LIFE
By Rob Wheeler
The introduction to his New Zealand radio programme, FAITH FOR TODAY, sayes,
"Pastor Rob Wheeler shares parallels from the Old Testament to the New, and how these impact your faith day by day. Having served over 50 years in ministry, Rob gives insight as a father and a pastor on living the faith. Take encouragement in your daily walk from the down-to-earth outworking of Biblical events."
Order your free tape today at...
IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
*!* I was always going to tell you that I was a procrastinator - but I just never got around to it. (Rev. Paul Woolley)*!* Some ulcers are caused by inflammation of the wishbone.
*!* Be true to your teeth, or they'll be false to you.
*!* He who dies with the most toys is, nonetheless, still dead.
*!* Egotist, n.: A person of low taste, more interested in himself than me.
*!* Egotist: One who is me-deep in conversation.
Many more fun and thoughtful thoughts including 50 new ones on ...
FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: The strongest muscle in our body is found in our leg, arm, hand or head? Answer next week.ANSWER: In the Head! Yes, the strongest, and also most troublesome, muscle in the body is the tongue! (James 3:1-12)
THIS WEEKS QUESTION: Thomas Edison did not invent, as many people believe, but improved upon electric lights. But which of these were Edison inventions? The phonograph, the motion picture camera, the mimeograph machine, the electric vote recorder, the dictating machine, and wax paper?
DID YOU KNOW?
1. INCREASED STRENGTH THROUGH EXERCISE?
On an average day a man will speak a mere 2000 words while a woman will speak 7000 words during the same time. (A man expresses himself succinctly or has little worthwhile to say depending upon the ‘point of words’ you come from.)
2. MUSCULAR HEADSHIP
The average garden caterpillar has 248 muscles in its head. (Leaving little room for a brain! But who counted them?)
3. TEA FOR TWO?
Tea was round for a long time before the British claimed it for their own. The Chinese were drinking it as far back as 2700 BC.
Another WORD PUZZLE for you.
JURISMOMPRUDENCE (A little lateral thinking required here!)
Answer: mother-in-law
Answer at the end of ‘A David Musing’
Many more Fun Facts at...
LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
***Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.***HEALTHY LESSONS?
Two fellows died at ripe old ages and went on to Heaven. It was, of course, the most beautiful, wonderful place imaginable.
One of them, eyes misting with tears, remarked to the other, "Isn't this marvellous?"
His friend replied. "Yes! And to think we could have gotten here so much sooner if we hadn't eaten all that oat bran!"
IT DOES HAPPEN!
A minister was opening his mail one morning. Drawing a single sheet of paper from an envelope he found written on it only one word: "FOOL".
The next Sunday he announced, "I have known many people who have written letters and forgotten to sign their name. But this week I received a letter from someone who signed his name and forgot to write a letter."
Much more Holy Humour - including 15 new ones this week- at...
IF YOU HAVE TIME TAKE A LOOK AT 'TO BEARD OR NOT TO BEARD'
The saga of one not overly hirsute man endeavouring to grow a beard! Ended up staying on for 18 months. Interestingly, those who said they most liked it were the same ones who now most like it chopped off! You can make up your own mind by looking at with and without photos on <wwj.org.nz<Read the poem at...
A RESTFUL PLACE TO VISIT - THE SOJOURNERS
Every so often you come across a site that is truly inspirational. This site is a must to visit. Currently includes the first few verses of 'A Truly True Tale', the life story in verse of an anonymous, humble man. More to follow each day. Be inspired with Alan atA DAVID MUSING
There is a truism in ‘ministry’ that the Lord best uses us in our areas of weakness, where we have to rely upon Him, rather than in those areas in which we are confident, strong and independent.For me this is particularly true in writing these emails. While I can write, having written Mail Order Catalogues successfully for many years, and while I am used to and enjoy communicating with large numbers of people through the written word, my natural nature is not that of an ‘encourager’. Just ask Kathy, my wife of 31 years, who probably has got to know me slightly over that time!
Nor, I am sorry to have to admit, have those in ‘ministry’ been my favourite people. Coming from a business background, ‘ministers’ as a group, both think and react differently to those I am used to dealing with.
So, when the Lord asked me to do this, I naturally had some - well lots actually - feelings of inadequacy! How could I encourage! And those in ministry, of all people! “Trust me David, trust me”, was the reply I received. So I am. Even through a week like this one, which with 2 major computer problems, has not been easy. “Be determined David, and face it with good humour”, I was told. So I am.
Dear reader, I want to compliment you, for I have been forced to change my mind radically about those in ministry. From a feeling of disillusionment with the ‘church’ and its leadership, you have shown me, through your collective grace, that the leadership of ‘God’s Church’ is in good hands. Sure, none of us is perfect, but I now understand that there is a collective desire amongst you, mostly at a considerable personal cost, towards building and extending God’s kingdom. Take a bouquet for your efforts. Your God loves and appreciates you, no matter how ineffective you may feel.
Had better stop now, or I may even become encouraging, and Kathy might have a new husband! Would she like it?
His servant and yours
David Tait
LINKS
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ABOUT US
WALKING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES is a non-profit, non-denominational, Bible based ministry located in Mount Maunganui, 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.nzor by contacting us as follows.
Walking With Jesus Ministries
P O Box 5160
Mount Maunganui
New Zealand
Phone: (07) 575-7164 International (0064) 7575-7164
Fax: (07) 575-7124 International (0064) 7575-7124
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