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
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Issue No: 874 Published: 23 Jul 2018
WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY? Part 51
THE CHALLENGE OF..... LIVING THE KINGDOM LIFESTYLE
PARABLE OF THE WEDDING FEAST
7 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8 “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this man your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. 10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” 12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:7-14)
While not strictly a kingdom parable, it certainly is a parable about kingdom behaviour. The story is about a feast, but the implications of what Jesus is saying extend far wider than eating! Jesus is teaching a lesson on motivation. Why do I do something? Am I thinking, "What is in this for me?" For that is the way of the world, the way of human nature. We are born selfish. Watch a child's behaviour. It is all too often about 'I'. "I will be good if you give me a play station!" We know it! We are manipulated by it! For we love our kids. Unfortunately, as we grow older, we don't change, we just get more subtle about it! Much of our behaviour remains motivated by self-interest. In this parable Jesus 'takes a dig at' our pride of position and self-serving generosity. A sideswipe at two of the three motivators of men - 'girls, gold and glory'! This story really gets to the heart of what true Christianity is. For genuine, mature, Jesus believers are required to put God and others before themselves. The Pharisees and Sadducees asked Jesus about the requirements of following in His ways.
"37 Jesus replied: ”‘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 22:37-40)
We all know this, but do we live it? It worries me when I hear evangelists say, "Come to Jesus and life will be wonderful." Many too, will (falsely) preach health and wealth to accompany conversion. They are both right and wrong. But they are wrong viewed from the natural perception of the non-believers they are preaching to. Misleading in fact! For the non-believer will understand what they are saying to be more of the values they already have. But the reality of Christian living is that happiness comes not from receiving, but giving, not from power and position, but from humility, of placing others ahead of one’s self. Of values that are very different, the opposite of those that apply in the world. The form of 'evangelism' applied by Jesus in the parable involving the rich young ruler was very different!
22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Luke 18:22)
Do we preach the sacrifice that brings true happiness?
29 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30 will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.” (Luke 18:29-30)
That the meek, the humble, obtain the inheritance?
5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
May we be more honest in how we present the kingdom. And lead by example, through living a genuine kingdom lifestyle.
(Continued next week)
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FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUS
May we hear what the Lord is saying to us.....
Jesus Heals the Centurion’s Servant (Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7;1-10)
Through the faith of the Centurion, without visiting his home.
“I will come and heal him,”
“I tell you the truth, I haven’t found this kind of trust anywhere in Israel. I tell you that many will come from the east and the west, and sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the heirs of the kingdom will be thrown out into utter darkness where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.”
“Go home. Because you trusted that it would happen, what you asked for has been done.”
Jesus Raises the Widow of Nain’s Son(Luke 7:11-17)
When the boy’s body was being taken outside of the town.
“Don’t cry,”
“Young man, I tell you, get up.”
Jesus Commends John the Baptist (Matthew 11:1-19, Luke 7:18-35)
When approached by John’s disciples asking Jesus if He truly was ‘the one who was to come’.
“Go and tell John what you’ve seen and heard. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers cured, the deaf hear, the dead raised back to life, the poor are told the good news. How good it is for those who are not offended because of me!”
“About John: what did you expect to see when you went out to meet him in the desert? Some reed blown about by the wind? Did you come looking for a man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who have stylish clothes and live in luxury are found in palaces. Were you looking for a prophet? Yes he is, and I’m telling you, he’s much more than a prophet. “It was written about him in Scripture: ‘Look, I’m sending my messenger to go before you to prepare your way.’ “I tell you, no one born of women is greater than John, but even the most unimportant person in God’s kingdom is greater than he is!”
But the Pharisees disagreed.
“What shall I compare these people to?” “What are they like? “They’re like children sitting in the market who tell one other, ‘We played the flute for you but you didn’t dance; we sang sad songs but you didn’t cry.’ When John the Baptist came he didn’t eat bread or drink wine, but you say he’s demon-possessed. Now the Son of man is here, and eats and drinks with people, but you say, ‘Look, he spends his time eating too much food and drinking too much wine. Plus he’s a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ However, God’s wise ways are proved right by all who follow him!”
(Continued next week)
You can download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.
OUR AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
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KATHY (LITERALLY) GIVES THE SHOES OFF HER FEET TO A SERIOUS 'JIGGERS' SUFFERER!
Jiggers is a flea that burrows under the skin. Here is the info about it.......
"Jigger infestation is caused by an impregnated female sand flea (Tunga penetrans) which burrows into various parts of the body, such as finger nails, ankles, elbows, palms, toes, knees, lips, eyelids and buttocks. As the flea feeds on a person's blood, it grows and lays eggs the shape and size of a pea that can cause pus-filled sores. Serious cases can lead to ulceration, fibrosis, gangrene, loss of toe nails, amputation of fingers and even death. The major cause of jigger infestation is poor hygiene."
Kathy found this boy (who is being circumsized shortly, as the sign of manhood) with a very bad infestation on his feet..... Here Kathy gives him her sandals.
A CLOSE UP!
A real closeup of another, older patient, being treated for Jiggers, which he has had for many years. He was very pleased.
WE ARE GROWING!
Our KINGDOM hedge is growing really well.
GUESS WHO CAME TO OUR EYE CLINIC?
We can go months without seeing a white face but today Marilyn turned up, from about 20km away, with a young boy, to be checked over at our Saturday morning Eye Clinic. He has had a bad squint in 1 eye since birth, which we will try and treat with glasses, If that doesn't work by December 2019, we will operate on him in our theatre, which will be well operational by then. Kathy met Marilyn for the first time. An American who has lived in Kenya for 9 years. The other lady is Rosemary, our Eye Nurse for the day - and a very competent one too!
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All are available worldwide for electronic download on Amazon (Kindle) for $US0.99c . Unfortunately there has to be a charge in order to list.
Your support would be appreciated and they could well change your life!
They are all found at this link.....
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=david+tait+books/
***DAILY EZINE!*** 'DAVID'S DAILY DOODLINGS' Subscribe Today
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'THE WORDS OF JESUS' REMAIN AVAILABLE FOR PDF DOWNLOAD
Join the many who have downloaded the 'The Words of Jesus'. I am sure you will be blessed by it, as I have been.
One key element here is the setting out in chronological order (as far as it is possible to do so) our Lord's words drawn from all the Gospels, and the elimination of repetition between Gospels.
You may be surprised by the different perspective this presentation gives you both in understanding of His life and ministry, and in achieving a closer relationship with Him.
Download the free PDF here.....
DAVID'S DOODLINGS
170. There are but two types of people in the world. Those who replace an empty toilet roll and those who don't.
171. Have you noticed how the most 'holey' socks always find their way to the top of the pile?
179. The one thing you can rely upon is the unreliability of weather forecasts.
191. Earthly governance is based upon society imposed rules but godly governance requires individuals to care for each other.
194. Earthly governance is imposed from without, but godly governance bubbles up from within.
192. 'To be or not to be?', that is Shakespeares question. 'To be and to do', that is God's answer.
193. In the human body, pain facilitates the healing process. Unfortunately it's the same in the spiritual!
CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
Visit the Toon Fever website for more cartoon fun..... http://www.toonfever.com
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
NEXT WEEK: A REVELATION OF.......THE TABERNACLE OF MOSES - Continued
Having made his sacrifice, our friend now talks to the priest to discover more about the Tent and what goes on inside.
*** ANOTHER DAILY EZINE FROM WWJ!*** 'LAUGHING AT OURSELVES' Subscribe Today
As Christians, if we can't laugh at ourselves, others will! A fun way to start your day. To register today, go down to the bottom of the page link below, click on the subscribe link lao--on@wwj.org.nz (or paste the address in an email yourself and send) Then it's done!
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. ***
163. Pastoral Visiting
A new pastor moved into a town, and he went out one day to visit his parishioners. All went well until he came upon this one house. It was obvious that someone was home, but no one came to the door even after he had knocked several times. Finally he took out his card, wrote on the back "Revelation 3:20" and stuck it on the back of the door.
Revelation 3:20: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me."
Later in the week, as he was counting the offering, he found his card in the collection plate. Below his message was the notation "Genesis 3:10."
Genesis 3:10: "And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked: so I hid myself."
164. Theme Songs For Bible Characters
Noah: "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head"
Adam and Eve: "Strangers in Paradise"
Lazarus: "The Second Time Around"
Esther: "I Feel Pretty"
Job: "I've Got a Right to Sing the Blues"
QWIK QWIP: “Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace... and your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace. ”
165. Move Over, Rover
A rather absent-minded pastor observed an interesting sight at the reception for a couple he had just united in marriage. The new husband rose to speak.
"I have a confession to make to my bride in front of all of you. I confess, dear, that before I married you, I spent many happy hours in the arms of another man's wife - my mother." All present enjoyed it and the minister made a mental note to use it at the occasion of his golden wedding anniversary to be celebrated that week at his church.
The big night arrived. The fellowship hall was full of guests to honour the pastor and his wife. He rose to speak. "After fifty years of married life, my dear, I have a confession to make to you in front of all our friends. Before I married you I spent many happy hours in the arms of another man's wife."
He paused for dramatic effect, but his wife's look made him lose his train of thought and he finished weakly, "And for the life of me I can't remember who she was!"
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 ..... https://www.wwj.org.nz/content/wwj18p47.pdf
Or read them all online at.....
A DAVID MUSING
During the week I was advised to read a powerful book, "I HAVE SEEN GOD" by a German man, Klaus - Dieter John, who God called, with his wife, to go and open a hospital in Peru.
It is an amazing story of perseverance through 'thick and thin', and remarkably, he and his wife have experienced many of the same developing country challenges that we have!
The message of the book is that perseverance is the key to success, perseverance through the frustrations of bureaucratic interference, and time, seemingly designed to hinder rather than help. Not to mention corruption, which is rampant in both Peru and Kenya, where we are based!
It was most encouraging to read that we weren't the only ones facing these problems!
However, there is a bigger lesson too, wherever we reside. Living the Christian life to the full requires perseverance, for it is not an easy walk, as sadly, many churches and leaders portray. Sharing with others our experiences in 'walking with Jesus' is the best encouragement we can get, and to walk firmly in our faith together. When 2 or 3 are gathered together..........
Amen.
Until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
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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!
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