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: 53 Published: 04 Nov 2002
WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?
Happily jogging along the foreshore of the beautiful Mount Maunganui beach, soaking in the sunshine, one eye on the road, the other on the watch that motivates me, my run was going well. Suddenly my eyes were drawn to a broken, brown beer bottle, lying in ambush, ready to wound a passing pedestrian or puncture a car tyre. "What an inconsiderate lout to do this" was my immediate thought as I carried on towards my goal. Suddenly my mind stopped, startled, while my legs plodded on, running on automatic. "What would Jesus do?" "Pardon!" "What would Jesus do?""Pick up the glass, I guess. But it will ruin my run! How will I know my time? .... All right Lord, I'll go back and do it." So I told my reluctant legs, who were happily striding out to reach the end of the run, there to get a well earned rest, to stop, turn round, go back and pick up the offending article. They obeyed. The glass was picked up and placed in a convenient, nearby rubbish bin. And surprisingly, I felt good about it! I made a generous adjustment (a tangible reward!) to my time and continued on my way. I was happy. The Lord was happier still!
How often people in ministry get so focused upon the laudable visions and goals the Lord has given, but somehow forget to live as Jesus did. Yes, it's simply simple to become so involved with the task the Lord has given us that we neglect to walk with Jesus. Our families suffer, our reservoirs of compassion empty, as our life's journey gradually becomes a 'Christian' reflection of a worthy worldly walk. For we can get so tied up in 'our vision' that others dreams and needs are relegated to second place.
I was sad to read the other day, a pastor's comment that pastors find it more difficult to say sorry than do their people. Makes one think doesn't it?
So, let's remember to 'be', before we 'do'. That way, what we do 'do', will surely more effective 'be'!
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FROM THE WORD
"We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, “I know him,†but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." (1 John 2:3-6)"“My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.â€" (John 13:33-35)
DAVID'S DOODLINGS
*** Our human desire is 'to do', but God wants us 'to be'.*** Our highest call is to be the ‘Living Word.’
*** Our job is 'to be', so that God can use us 'to do'.
*** A foolish man seeks nothing, a wise man seeks 'to do', while the godly man desires 'to be'.
There are now over 430 David sayings for you to view at ...
TAPE (MP3) OF THE WEEK
Because of a tripling in mailing costs, due to our envelopes being recategorised in the postal system, we are no longer able to provide free tapes as in the past. We will however, complete all outstanding orders this week.From next week, we will again be offering free MP3 downloads.
We're sorry that we can't continue, but would encourage those who have not yet ventured into the world of digital downloads to master the technology. It isn't too difficult and the potential benefits are enormous.
Try it out on Inspirational Tapes MP3 Downloads page now at ...
http://www.inspirational.org.nz/cat.php?cid=A&displayMP3=true
LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
***Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused***OCCUPATIONAL HYMNS
The Dentist's Hymn.............Crown Him With Many Crowns
The Weatherman's Hymn..........There Shall Be Showers of Blessing
The Contractor's Hymn..........The Church's One Foundation
The Tailor's Hymn..............Holy, Holy, Holy
The Golfer's Hymn..............There is A Green Hill Far Away
The Politician's Hymn..........Standing on the Promises
The Optometrist's Hymn.........Open My Eyes That I Might See
The IRS Agent's Hymn...........I Surrender All
The Gossip's Hymn..............Pass It On
The Electrician's Hymn.........Send the Light
The Shopper's Hymn.............Sweet By and By
The Realtor's Hymn.........I've Got A Mansion Just Over the Hilltop
The Pilot's Hymn...............I'll Fly Away
The Paramedic's Hymn...........Revive Us Again
The Judge's Hymn...............Almost Persuaded
The Psychiatrist's Hymn........Just a Little Talk With Jesus
The Architect's Hymn...........How Firm A Foundation
The Credit Card Telemarketer's Hymn.....A Charge To Keep I Have
The Zookeeper's Hymn...........All Creatures of Our God & King
The Postal Worker's Hymn.......So Send I You
The Waiter's Hymn..............Fill My Cup, Lord
The Gardener's Hymn............Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
The Lifeguard's Hymn...........Rescue the Perishing
The Criminal's Hymn............Search Me, O God
The Baker's Hymn...............When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder
The Shoe Repairer's Hymn.......It Is Well With My Soul
The Travel Agent's Hymn........Anywhere With Jesus
The Geologist's Hymn...........Rock of Ages
The Haematologist's Hymn.......Are You Washed in the Blood?
The Mens' Wear Clerk's Hymn....Blest Be the Tie
The Umpire's Hymn..............I Need No Other Argument
The Librarian's Hymn...........Whispering Hope
Now over 150 (25 new) sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...
FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: Why do scientists describe cancer cells as "immortal"?ANSWER: Normal cells divide a limited amount of times (usually no more than 50-60 times) before they die. Cancer cells, however, proliferate indefinitely in culture. A cancer cell will go on and on doubling, so one cell becomes two, then four, then eight, etc.... Normal cells, when placed in a tissue culture dish, proliferate until the surface of the dish is covered by a single layer of cells just touching each other. Mitosis (cell replication) then stops. Cancer cells, on the other hand, show no such "contact inhibition." They continue to divide, piling up into actual mounds. It is this that makes cancer cells so damaging to an organism.
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Is it true that it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS
!!! REDNECK HEAVEN
You name it; Americans will turn it into a contest. At the annual Redneck Games in East Dublin, GA, contestants compete at seed spitting, bobbing for pigs' feet, and mud pit belly-flopping, to name just a few of the unique events. More than red necks after this lot!
!!!ALL BY CHANCE?
The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, sheds itself at a rate of about a million cells every 40 minutes. In the second it takes to turn the page of a book, you will lose about 3 million red blood cells. During that same second, your bone marrow will have produced the same number of new ones.
The average square inch of skin holds 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, 60,000 melanocytes (pigment cells), and more than a thousand nerve endings. Not all by chance!
!!! THE ULTIMATE MOTHERLY SACRIFICE
The cecidomyian gall midge, a fly, can reproduce either by laying eggs or by parthenogenesis (reproduction without a male). In the latter method, the female's offspring develop within her tissues and when the time for their birth arrives, they eat the mother from inside. The male still comes in handy!
A PUZZLE FOR YOU!
FUNNY FUNNY
WORDS WORDS
WORDS WORDS
Answer at the end of A David Musing
Find 150 fun facts and trivial trivia at ...
CHURCHSPEAK
UNDERLYING MEANING OF NUMBERS IN THE BIBLE8-----New Beginnings, Resurrection
9-----Eternal perfection
10----Trial and testing
12----Divine government
40----Trial and testing
Lot's more interesting information on the Bible at ...
LIFE'S A LAUGH
### Real life situations provide the best humour of all. You can either laugh or cry!###MORTIFIED
I was self-conscious about going to the gym because I thought the pounds I had put on would make me stand out among the spandex-clad regulars. I chose a treadmill in the corner so that I'd be inconspicuous.
However, as I exercised, my worst fears came true. At least a dozen people turned to stare at me periodically. I thought it might be my imagination, but then one woman even squinted to get a better look. Mortified, I stepped off the machine to leave. When I turned around, I realized that the gym's only wall clock was hung only inches above where my head had been.
Many more humorous real life incidents at ...
A DOWNLOADABLE DISCIPLESHIP COURSE FROM WWJ MINISTRIES
‘WALKING WITH JESUS’ COURSEA 3-part course of understanding based on Revelation 12:11. An easily understood, practical series on living the Christian life today. Compiled in 1993-4, the 3 studies, each accompanied by 6 hours of tapes, have been used by over 10,000 New Zealanders plus many overseas, to gain an increased understanding of what ‘walking with Jesus’ is all about. Is useful for enquirers, new Christians and particularly, those seeking an extra dimension to their faith. Ideal for home groups and church teaching sessions too. A non-denominational course, it is supported by Christians from diverse backgrounds. Given to me, (David, that is!) as a relatively young Christian, but all I did was hold the pen while the Holy Spirit wrote. The 3 parts cover
1. The Way of Salvation: Finding Jesus as your personal Saviour.
2. Life Through the Spirit: Christian living through the teaching of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. Jesus is Lord: Living our lives for Jesus.
So if you desire a deeper relationship with your God, this can help point you in the right direction. You still have to make the effort though! Can’t do that for you!
Download your free course now at ...
A DAVID MUSING
In a fortnight's time, my Associate and friend Tony Richardson and I, are travelling to India for a month of ministry. We are excited about this opportunity to share the ministry message of discipleship, unity, and reflecting Jesus to the world with people in another culture. At the same time, we know that our Indian friends will teach us a lot more than we impart. For that is what happens when you extend your boundaries in God.Yes, God rewards our endeavours when we step out and do the things he desires of us. While it is wonderful to see the Holy Spirit working powerfully in people's lives in the places we visit, there have been significant changes in our lives too. It is often hard to see changes in ones self, but I can see and thank the Holy Spirit and people of Uganda for giving my wife Kathy, an expanded spiritual dimension, over and above the good one she already had. And it's not just my opinion!
Don't despair, you can teach an old dog new tricks - provided the dog is willing to learn. The Lord has proven that with me. All that He requires is our availability. The new tricks, in spite of our doubts and concerns, improve our lives too. So let's give Him a go, shall we? We can trust Him!
His servant and yours
David Tait
Word Puzzle Answer: "too funny for words"
CHANGING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS?
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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