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: 51 Published: 21 Oct 2002
? TOMORROW
Three hours ago (Friday afternoon), I got a call to say that my elderly mother had fallen and broken her wrist. The injury is not too serious, but she lives in another city, 300km away from us. So instead of travelling 200km north tomorrow to attend our niece's 21st birthday (the traditional 'coming of age' in New Zealand), we will instead be travelling 300 km south to be with my mum in her time of need. One phone call changed our weekend arrangements - and got me on to writing this week's newsletter earlier than normal!The point is that we really do not know what is going to happen tomorrow - or even later today for that matter! One instant of time can change everything. Things that were important are suddenly viewed in a different perspective, as more critical circumstances take priority.
It's at times like this that you ask yourself, "Have I done the important things today that I would have done had I known what was ahead?" Inevitably our answer will be "NO", for it is almost impossible to live every day as though it is our last. We can't. Well I can't anyway, be 100% up to date with everything in every area of my life, every day. I would die trying! But we can take care of the really important things.
As I grow in maturity (a nice way of saying 'getting older'!) I am realising that 'people' out rate 'possessions' every time. Of course, the most important 'person' in my life is my God, closely followed by my family and then my friends. Having twice been bankrupt, I can, through considerable personal experience, confirm that these precious people far outweigh 'possessions' every time.
As I write this, my wife has telephoned friends to see if we can stay with them when we go to visit my mother tomorrow. Kathy was told that the husband has just been referred to a specialist for a potentially serious chest problem. Please could we come and stay.
Yes, life is uncertain. Let's make sure that all the important people in our life know we love them. Let's put all wrongs right, as far and as soon as we are able. Then, when the unexpected does happen, as it inevitably will one day, we will be at peace with ourselves. What is even better, we will enjoy being at peace with ourselves now too!
Now if I could also write the newsletter earlier every week......!!!!!
P.S. When you write early, events can so easily overtake you. The horror of the bomb blasts in Bali yesterday gruesomely reinforces this point. To any directly affected by this terrible tragedy, our thoughts and prayers are with you. A Travel Agent friend of ours was (is?) meant to be on her way there today....... (See also, 'A David Musing')
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FROM THE WORD
"“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.'" (Matthew 6:19-21)"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 6:31-4)
"And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.†“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.â€" (Luke 12:19-21)
DAVID'S DOODLINGS
ON WORRY (More than normal - decided not to worry about which ones to leave out!)!!! Definition of a worrier – one who worries that they have nothing to worry about.
!!! I can never catch up with my worries, for they are all about tomorrow.
!!! Rarely does tomorrow’s worry become today’s problem.
!!! Today’s worry rarely solves tomorrow’s problems.
!!! An apple a day keeps the Doctor away, but a worry a day keeps him fully employed.
!!! Repentance is when you change a ‘worry’ into a ‘sorry.’
!!! Laughter is the only medicine I know where the side effects are even more beneficial than the medicine itself.
!!! After birth on earth, a dearth of mirth reduces self-worth, leading to an increased girth.
!!! The ultimate worrier does not have the time to concern themselves with today or tomorrow for they are still too busy worrying about what happened yesterday.
!!! An optimist tackles a problem while the worrier lets the problem tackle them.
!!! Magicians and worriers both create illusions. Magicians entertain others, while worriers entertain themselves.
!!! Worry is like the fast breeder nuclear reactor, which feeds upon itself. Unsurprisingly, neither has proved to be of lasting benefit to mankind.
!!! Somehow, it seems easier to build a mountain of worry than a molehill of achievement.
!!! A worry a day keeps the psychiatrist in business.
There are now over 400 David sayings for you to view at ...
TAPE (MP3) OF THE WEEK
In association with Inspirational Tapes Ministriesinspirational.org.nz we are pleased to offer you this inspirational tape - absolutely free of charge!
CHURCH HISTORY: AD30-400
By David Pawson
One of England's and the world's best Bible teachers. His studies have formed the backbone of Inspirational Tapes over the past 35 years. He is still going strong.
Order your free tape or run the MP3 today at ...
LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
***Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused***VISITING CHURCH - AGAIN!
A one-dollar note met a twenty-dollar note and said, "Hey, where have you been? I haven't seen you around here much."
The twenty answered, "I've been hanging out at the casinos, went on a cruise and did the rounds on the ship, back to the United States for a while, went to a couple of baseball games, to the mall, that kind of stuff. How about you?"
The one dollar note said, "You know, same old stuff - church, church, church."
125 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...
FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: Are birds born with the ability to sing?ANSWER: Young songbirds appear to learn singing from their parents or adult birds of the same species. If separated from their species at a young age, the birds do not develop normal song patterns and may simply produce odd warbles.
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What bird migrates from the Arctic to the Antarctic each year?
Answer Next Week.
A PUZZLE FOR YOU!
EZ
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I
Answer at the end of A David Musing
Find 150 fun facts and trivial trivia at ...
IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
***Suffering from truth decay? Brush up on your Bible.***Exercise daily - walk with the Lord.
***Never give the devil a ride - he will always want to drive.
***Nothing else ruins the truth like stretching it.
***Worry is the darkroom in which negatives can develop.
***Give Satan an inch and he'll be a ruler.
***Be ye fishers of men -- you catch them and He'll clean them.
***God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
Hundreds of sayings to illuminate and amuse at...
AN EXPLANATORY WEBSITE WELL WORTH A LOOK
NEW ZEALAND ANGLICAN CLERIC EXPLORES BASICS OF CHRISTIANITY: ONLINE BOOKLETS ON THE CHRISTIAN FAITHExploring Christianity has published a series of booklets on the Christian faith, particularly popular with churches using the Alpha program of evangelism. 20 books are available to date - all free, and in full text online. This site, taken from the entire series of the "Exploring Faith Today" booklets by Rev Dick Tripp, Anglican clergyman from New Zealand, is clear and informative. Tripp explains, "There are 18 articles written to be easily understood by seekers and believers alike.
See them at...
IF YOU HAVE TIME YOU MIGHT LIKE TO TAKE A LOOK AT...
DAYS OF CHUNDER!In Auckland, New Zealand the world's premier yachting trophy, the Americas Cup (held by New Zealand!) is being competed for. My yachting experience was neither so extensive nor expensive! Find out about it, in rhyme, at...
A DAVID MUSING
As I complete this final article of this week's newsletter, on Monday morning in New Zealand (still Sunday in most of the world), the radio is detailing the dastardly Bali bombing in the background. Yet the hardest, most important message, is that we as citizens of the world, and as Christians, must not allow the effects of such despicable actions be magnified by our overreaction to them.Huge though the cost of the New York Twin Towers terror was, both in human and economic terms, an even greater effect has been caused by the worldwide reaction to the event. Yes, we all are all now potential targets of terrorist vengeance, but we must keep this extremely minute personal probability in proper perspective. For a terrorists most potent weapon is not explosives, but fear. It is still much more dangerous to cross the road, the 'risk' of which we take often many times a day without giving it a second thought.
Satan will take and use such events as fuel in his fight against the followers of Jesus. We must not be seduced by his strategy. For satan is the greatest illusionist of all, and such events provide perfect platforms for him to perform his pernicious art. He must not beguile us! As members of the 'winning team' we must provide all possible assistance to the victims of these dreadful happenings while at the same time working to calm fears within our Christian and secular communities. As Christians we should know that we are in an escalating battle with the forces of darkness. But we are on the winning side! And the best way of showing this, while hunting down those responsible, is to live normal lives, not being intimidated by an enemy who desires to 'scare us to death'! We will not allow him to succeed!
His servant and yours
David Tait
P.S. COMMENT ON LAST WEEK'S MUSING
"Just read your article about mountains and valleys - just a thought - look around you on the mountain tops, the view is great, you can see where to go - but not much grows on the mountain tops, growth happens in the valleys!" Bryan Keyworth
Today's Word Puzzle Answer: Easy on the eye.
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.nz or 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