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: 1053 Published: 20 Dec 2021
CAN IT BE CHRISTMAS?
A few weeks ago, the world appeared to be coming more back towards normality.
Now comes Omicron, and here we are, going back to square 1.
To me it shows that man is not as smart as he thinks he is! Nature is winning the battle. Of course, vaccines and public health measures are reeducing the impact, but they are not controlling it.
Here in Kenya over the past week, our positivity rate has gone from 1% of tests to over 20%. Another peak is on the way.
Fortunately, in most African countries, other than those in the cooler south of the continent, the effect of Covid has been relatively mild compared to elsewhere in the world.
One study has shown that those who have had Malaria have a resistance to the visus.We live in s high malaria area, and Covid has not been seen in our facility.
Christmas is upon us when we are reminded of a birth, over 2000 years ago, a birth that has had a larger effect on the world than Covid will ever have. The birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus, my Saviour and Lord, and I hope yours to, is still the standout event in history.
As we come to Christmas may we not let the present overwhelm us, but remember the greatest, most influential person of all time, JESUS!
Christmas greetings from Kathy and myself, from here in Kenya.
THE TWO MARATHONERS
BACKGROUND
In 1992, when I was but a 3 year old Christian, the Lord stopped me as I was nearing the end of reading the Bible right through – at Revelation 12:11 to be precise.
“They overcame him (meaning satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”
As clear as you are reading this, He explained basically what the verse meant, and told me to base my life’s work for Him upon it.
Now, for a relatively new Christian, this came as a bit of a surprise! However, I was prepared to give it a go. So the next day, I can still clearly remember sitting on the couch in our lounge, wondering what to do and where to start.
While sitting there, the Lord gave me this allegory of ‘The Two Marathoners.’ I hurriedly wrote it down, not wanting to forget, fully understanding my notoriously poor memory. The following day He gave me the interpretation. Of course, it took a couple of weeks to flesh out the outline and make the grammar acceptable to you, the reader.
The allegory was given in three parts, relating both to the three parts of the key verse and of our walk with Jesus. Over the next 18 months the three-part ‘Walking With Jesus’ course evolved. One part of the allegory was included with each part of the course. However, it wasn’t until I had just about completed writing the course, or more correctly, holding the pen while the Holy Spirit wrote it, that I realised that the allegory lined up with the course perfectly. It had to be God, for I had no idea of what was to come when I was first given it.
The 30-hour ‘Walking With Jesus’ course, consisting of 3 booklets and 18 hours of tapes, has been used by over 10,000 people over the past 8 years or so. Many people have found it helpful to a better understanding their walk with Jesus while others have found the Lord for the first time through it.
I trust this story will inspire you too, to find or deepen your walk with Jesus.
THE TWO MARATHONERS
Note: The gaps between the brackets ( 1) are there for you to write in the underlying ‘spiritual’ meanings of the CAPITALISED words that proceed them, if you print this. The letters and numbers in Italics refer you to the answers that are found, along with the interpretation, at the end of each of the 3 parts. The first two are given for free, so you can get the idea. Have fun – and get the Lord’s message too!
Part 1: The Decision ( a)
Two friends, Jeremy Jogger and Roger Runner were watching the Olympic Marathon on TV. As they relaxed on the couch with an ALE (worldly pleasure 1) in their hands, they chatted to each other about life as good friends do. Roger remarked to Jeremy how the RUNNERS ( Christians 2) in the RACE ( 3) appeared to be focused, to have a purpose in life. Jeremy agreed and upon reflection, both conceded that the MARATHONERS ( 2) had a source of inspiration and motivation their own lives lacked, a worthwhile GOAL ( 4) to strive for.
The race leader and eventual WINNER ( 5) impressed them most of all, inspired them even, for the way in which he led, and the manner in which he won the RACE.( 3) The obvious sacrifice and pain he suffered, particularly over the LAST KILOMETRE, ( 6) was far in excess of the other competitors, but the joy of victory, coupled with his obvious humility, seemed to make all the pain and suffering worthwhile.
At the end of the RACE ( 3) a FRIEND OF THE OLYMPIC CHAMPION ( 7) was interviewed. He talked about the amazing of the WINNER, ( 5) how he was a great guy, of the places he had been too, his good health, the money he had earned, and how good marathon running was for his whole life! Both Jeremy and Roger were enthralled and inspired. Jeremy was so excited with the emotion of the moment that he could already see himself on the podium, being presented with the GOLD MEDAL. ( 8) In his excitement he missed hearing the WINNERS FRIEND ( 7)
mention, almost in passing, that the CHAMPION( 5) had had to spend many hours training before he had reached the STANDARD OF FITNESS ( 9) required to win the race. Roger was also very enthusiastic, but he listened intently, in order to hear everything the OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS FRIEND ( 7) said, not wanting to miss a word that might help him to emulate the VICTOR’S ( 5) feats.
Our two intrepid TV sportsmen, COUCH POTATOES, ( 10) were finally convinced when the CHAMPION’S FRIEND ( 7) told them that all they had to do to become successful marathoners, to become like the OLYMPIC CHAMPION, ( 5) was to believe in their hearts that they could do it. While perhaps they might not be able to run the race as fast as him, but BELIEF ( 11) in their ability to complete the COURSE ( 3) would enable them to do it. As the interview with the CHAMPION’S FRIEND ( 7) concluded, Jeremy and Roger looked at each other, amazed by the enthusiasm the INTERVIEW ( 12) had generated in them.
Our two COUCH POTATO ( 10) mates realised that they didn’t look at all like the MARATHONERS ( 2) they had seen on the television. In fact both were amply endowed with ROLLS OF FAT ( 13) around that mythical, middle area. In spite of this, they turned to each other and made THE DECISION ( 14) that they were going to become MARATHONERS. ( 2) In line with the CHAMPIONS FRIEND’S ( 7) positive self motivation suggestion, they declared to each other, “We are now MARATHONERS.”( 2) Both felt on top of the world!
The enthusiasm of the moment was dampened a little however, when Roger thoughtfully asked, “Jeremy, when are we actually going to run this RACE
( 3) to prove that we really are MARATHONERS?” ( 2) Jeremy was stopped in his tracks! “Well Roger, I guess you are right. I was having so much fun imagining myself on the podium receiving the GOLD MEDAL ( 8) that I hadn’t given the race itself a thought!”
“I know,” said Roger, “the other day a MARATHONER ( 2) friend of mine was telling me that the next ROTORUA MARATHON
( 15) is on the 2nd of May next year. I guess you know that it is New Zealand’s biggest marathon and there will be plenty of OTHERS ( 2) to run with, which should make it easier for us. What do you say?”
“I guess you’re right Roger,” said Jeremy, we will have to run THE MARATHON ( 16) some day.” (To himself he quietly thought, “that doesn’t sound too bad – it’s still 9 months away!”) “O K Roger,” Jeremy spoke aloud again, “we’ll meet in Rotorua on RM DAY.” ( 15)
So both of them went their separate ways, amazed at the events of the day, while wondering what they had let themselves in for.
UNDERLYING SPIRITUAL MEANINGS
FOR WORDS IN ‘THE DECISION’
ALLEGORY WORDS SPIRITUAL MEANINGS
a. The decision Of life’s direction
1. Ale, Christmas spirit Worldly pleasure, Satan’s deceit
2. Runners, Marathoners, Friends Christians
3. Race, Course Race of life
4. Goal Eternal life
5. Winner, Olympic champion, Him, Jesus
Champion, President, Victor Jesus
6. Last kilometre The Cross
7. Champions friend, His friend, He The evangelist (pastor or teacher)
8. Gold Medal Eternal life
9. Standard of fitness Death on the Cross
10. Couch potato Worldly
11. Belief (& derivatives), Knew Faith (& derivatives)
12. Interview Crusade, Meeting
13. Rolls of fat, Flab, Kilos Worldly pleasures
14. The Decision, Will do it Decision for Christ
- 15. Rotorua Marathon, Marathon, Judgement Day
RM day, The day Judgement Day
16. Run the marathon Face Judgement HHHH
INTERPRETATION OF
‘The Decision’ (of Life’s Direction)
The allegory compares two men, both of whom realise they need a new direction in life, ‘coming to Christ’.
The first, Jeremy Jogger, sees Christianity as a religion. He believes in the theory of Jesus as shared by the evangelist. He is sold on the benefits he expects to receive. He believes in the evangelist. He realises that he will have to face God’s judgement one day, but it still seems a long way off. He is prepared to fit religion into his lifestyle.
The second, Roger Runner, however, accepts Christianity as his new life. His conversion is focused on Jesus and the cross, not on the evangelist. (pastor or teacher) He realises that there will be costs as well as benefits in attaining his goal of eternal life with Christ. He believes in Jesus.
Let’s carry on with parts two and three to find out how our two friends made out!
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FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUS
May we hear what the Lord is saying to us.....
Second Rejection in Nazareth (Matthew 13:54-8, Mark 6:1-6)
When teaching in the local synagogue.
“A prophet is treated with respect except in his home town, among his relatives, and in his own family,”
Workers are Few (Matthew 9:35-8)
Talking to His disciples.
“The harvest is large, but there are only a few workers. Pray to the Lord of the harvest, and ask him to send more workers for his harvest.”
Sending Out the Twelve (Matthew 10:1-42, Mark 6:7-13, Luke 9:1-6)
After giving them spiritual authority and power.
“Don’t go to the foreigners, or to any Samaritan city. You are to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Wherever you go, tell the people, ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal those who are sick. Resurrect the dead. Cure the lepers. Drive out demons. You received freely, so give freely! Don’t carry any gold, silver, or copper coins in your pockets, or a bag for your journey, or two cloaks, or sandals, or a walking stick, for a worker deserves to be supported. Wherever you go, whatever town or village, ask for someone who lives according to good principles, and remain there until you leave. When you enter the house, give it your blessing. If the home deserves it, let your peace rest on it, but if it doesn’t deserve it, let your peace return to you. “If someone doesn’t welcome you, and refuses to listen to what you have to say, then leave that house or that town, shaking its dust off your feet as you go. I tell you the truth, it will be better for Sodom and Gomorrah at the Day of Judgment than for that town!
“Look, I’m sending you out like sheep among wolves. So be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Watch out for those who will hand you over to be tried by town councils and will whip you in their synagogues. You will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, to witness to them and to the foreigners. But when they put you on trial, don’t worry about how you should speak or what you should say, because you’ll be told what to say at the right time. For it’s not you who will speak but the spirit of the Father will speak through you. Brother will betray brother and have him killed, and a father will do the same to his child. Children will rebel against their parents, and have them put to death. Everyone will hate you because you follow me, but everyone who endures until the end will be saved.
“When you’re persecuted in one town, run away to the next. I’m telling the truth: you won’t finish going to the towns of Israel before the Son of man comes. Disciples are not more important than their teacher; servants are not more important than their master. Disciples should be satisfied to become like their teacher, and servants like their master. If the head of the house has been called the head demon Beelzebub, then the members of his household will be demonized even more! So don’t be frightened of them, for there’s nothing covered that won’t be exposed, and nothing hidden that won’t be made known. 27What I tell you here in the dark, declare when it’s light, and what you hear whispered in your ear, shout from the rooftops. Don’t be afraid of those who can kill you physically, but can’t kill you spiritually. Instead, be afraid of the One who can destroy you physically and spiritually in the fires of destruction. Aren’t two sparrows sold for just one penny? But not a single one of them falls to the ground without your Father knowing about it. Even the hairs on your head have all been counted. So don’t worry—you’re worth more than many sparrows!
“Anyone who publicly declares their commitment to me, I will also declare my commitment to them before my Father in heaven. But anyone who publicly denies me, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.
Don’t think I’ve come to bring peace on earth. I haven’t come to bring peace, but a sword. I’ve come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be those of your own family! If you love your father or mother more than me you don’t deserve to be mine, and if you love your son or daughter more than me you don’t deserve to be mine. 38If you don’t pick up your cross and follow me you don’t deserve to be mine. If you try to save your life, you will lose it, but if you lose your life because of me you will save it. Those who welcome you welcome me, and those who welcome me welcome the one that sent me. Those who welcome a prophet because that’s what they are will receive the same reward as a prophet. Those who welcome someone who does right will receive the same reward as someone who does right. I tell you the truth, those who give a drink of cool water to the least important of my disciples will definitely not miss out on their reward.”
(Continues next week)
Download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.
NEW: 10 WITH DAVID
The Lord has led me to start doing 10 minute video presentations of my life experience with the Word.
This is a new adventure!
Of course, you have to learn as you go, but I am generally happy haw they are turning out so far. Well, for the 2 I have recorded!
They ere about the FOUINDATION OF THE CROSS in my life, and hopefully yours also.
This first one is sharing a poem the Lord gave me many years ago 'Seven Times Shed For Me', about the horrific death of Jesus on the cross for your sins and mine.
Currently they are on Facebook only. Have not worked out how to get them onto YouTube yet! LOL!
This is an extension to the Lord's ministry He has me do, so I would request your prayers, that I might represent Him well.
This episode is about THE LORD'S SUPPER
And here is the link.....
https://www.facebook.com/david.j.tait/videos/653673782305461
AND THE SECOND.....
This episode is entitled DO WE TRULY BELIEVE?
Link here.....
https://www.facebook.com/david.j.tait/videos/453435006247674
10 WITH DAVID
Here we are looking at THE BLOOD OF LIFE
Here is the link.....
https://www.facebook.com/david.j.tait/videos/441316130924747
OUR AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
FOR MORE DETAILED AND REGULAR UPDATES, VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
AN EYE 4 Africa - https://www.facebook.com/aneye4africa/
African time is telling time by the position of the sun.
Of course all now have a cellphone, so all should know time. However, old habits die hard and lateness is an ongoing, if reducing, problem here.
DECEMBER AND CHRISTMAS ARE ABOUT FOOD!
But also here in Kenya Jamhuri Day, on 12 December, celebrating becoming a Republic in 1963. That was a Sunday, but the holiday was also Mondayized!
Here we see Judy cooking the chickens we had killed specially to celebrate the Public Holiday at work! Such is the life of a medic and support staff, for people get sick every day of the year.
Chickens here don't come packaged from the Supermarket, but are killed, plucked in hot water, gutted and cut into pieces on the job!
Then cooked over a charcoal fire. In the background is a pot of cabbage and the round 'cake' of Kenyan's favorite food, Ugali. It is a simply a cooked mixture of maize flour and water. A meal without Ugali is not a meal at all!
SORTING BEANS
Still on food, Judy here sorts out, bean by bean, before cooking lunch. Not the most efficient, but the traditional way! The beans are those we use in bean salad in the West.
BOOK OF THE WEEK
SERMON ON THE MOUNT - THE KINGDOM WAY
JESUS’ GUIDE TO LIVING THE KINGDOM LIFESTYLE TODAY
Let us begin…..
***NOW***NINE BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!!!
9 BOOKS are now available on Amazon (Kindle)!
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
Receive one or more of David's sayings in your mailbox each day to inspire, challenge or maybe, amuse. To register today, go down to the bottom of the page link below, click on the subscribe link dd-on@wwj.org.nz (or paste the address in an email yourself and send) Then it's done! If you have an Irish heritage, you will love the background coloring!
Subscription and back issue link is.....
'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
702. In God's dictionary, 'doing' follows 'being'.
703. 'To do' is simply living out our 'to be'.
704. If 'to do' does not follow out of our 'to be', then our 'to be' is 'not to be'!
705. 'To be' a witness is 'to do' God's will.
706. We are first called 'to be', then 'to do'.
707. Too often we try 'to do' when God is simply calling us 'to be'.
708. 'To do' good, it is best 'to be' good!
709. To best know what 'to do', we must first learn how 'to be'.
710. If 'what to do' is your question, look to 'what to be' to find your answer.
CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
Visit the Toon Fever website for more cartoon fun..... http://www.toonfever.com
Check it out at...
TUESDAY TEACHINGS
TUESDAY: LIVING THE KINGDOM LIFESTYLE continues
.....with the Parable of the Weeds and the Parable of the Ten Minas
*** 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. ***
135. Church Billboards
ï‚· Come work for the Lord. The work is hard, the hours are long and the pay is low. But the retirement benefits are out of this world!
ï‚· It is unlikely there'll be a reduction in the wages of sin.
ï‚· Forbidden fruit creates many jams.
ï‚· Try our Sundays. They are better than Baskin-Robbins.
ï‚· Searching for a new look? Have your faith lifted here.
ï‚· Have trouble sleeping? We have sermons-come hear one.
ï‚· People are like tea bags--you have to put them in hot water before you now how strong they are.
ï‚· Where will you be sitting in eternity - smoking or non-smoking?
QWIK QWIP: “The Ten Commandments aren't prefaced with "If you're in the mood." -Laura Schlessinger
136. Church Bulletin Bombs
I've come across various incarnations of this Church Bulletin Bloopers list, and figured so has everyone else in the world so I haven't included it on Bag O Laughs until now. This list was recently sent to me, and I found that several of the items were new so, I delete those that were old and there you have it, a fresh list for your humour consumption. These are ACTUAL announcements from ACTUAL church bulletins:
1. Don't let worry kill you - - let the church help.
2. Thursday night - Potluck supper. Prayer and medication to follow.
3. Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community
4. Wednesday the ladies liturgy will meet. Mrs Johnson will sing "Put me in my little bed" accompanied by the pastor.
5. Thursday at 5:00pm there will be a meeting of the Little Mothers Club. All ladies wishing to be "Little Mothers" will meet with the Pastor in his study.
6. This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar.
7. Next Sunday a special collection will be taken to defray the cost of the new carpet. All those wishing to do something on the new carpet will come forward and do so.
8. A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
9. At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.
10. The preacher will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, "Break Forth With Joy."
11. During the absence of our pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when A. B. Doe supplied our pulpit.
12. The Rev. Adams spoke briefly, much to the delight of his audience.
13. The church is glad to have with us today as our guest minister the Rev. John Green who has Mrs. Green with him. After the service we request that all remain in the sanctuary for the Hanging of the Greens.
14. The eighth graders will be presenting Shakespear's "Hamlet" in the church basement on Friday at 7:00pm. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
QWIK QWIP: “The most powerful force in the universe - gossip.
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 even more online at.....
A DAVID MUSING
The spiritual world is real!
When you are serious for God, the enemy does not want to see you succeed in what the Lord asks you to do.
Kathy and I have faced this a number of times in our lives when the Lord has taken us into a new thing.
Such has happened this time, as I have moved, at the Lord's request, into recording, currently on Facebook only, the video programmes '10 WITH DAVID'.
Our time at work in the hospital this week has been a horror show, completely out of character with what is normal.
We have prayed against it, and trust that the matters will resolve themselves in the coming week or weeks.
Moving on in God is not a bed of roses! Ask Paul in the Bible. Finally, it cost him his life in Rome, but only after many, varied persecutions along the way.
Yet his obedience to His Lord has produced 2/3 of the New Testament we have today!
We are not Paul, but the Lord is seeking our obedience to His desires for us still today.
May we both be obedient to His personal desires for you and for me.
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 website
wwj.org.nz or by contacting us as follows.
Walking With Jesus Ministries
P O Box 2
Webuye 50205
Kenya
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