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: 1056 Published: 10 Jan 2022
TRANSITION FROM ‘THE CHURCH’ TO ‘THE KINGOM’
THE PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS
INTRODUCTION
The more I grow in Jesus, the more I study history, and the more revelation the Lord gives me, the more I see differences between where we are as 'the church' and where we should be as integral members of 'the kingdom' of God.
Surely the two are the same? Yes, they are meant to be. But the reality is that they are not. For over the 2000 odd years since Jesus, the church has become an 'institution', with a life of its own, rather than being an 'instrument' to build God's kingdom.
Please don't get me wrong! The church does many good things. It has spread the Good News of Jesus around most of the earth. It is the leading supplier of social services worldwide. It has influenced society and history over the last 2000 years more than any other institution. One third of the world's population is Christian, or nominally so. Considerable milestones have been achieved.
Yet, is the church today truly ushering in the kingdom of God? Do we really mean, or believe it, when we pray.....
10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)
Sadly, the reality is, in much of the church, God's kingdom has become man's kingdom, where the protection and promotion of the individual church, denomination or grouping, has become more important in men's minds than building the kingdom of God. We have moved from a single church kingdom in the 1st century to over 30,000 church kingdoms now!
From the death of the Apostle John round AD100, we saw the gradual erosion of the Apostolic foundations of the church. With the conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine, the church became a human based institution furthering the ends of the state, or the clergy, or both. The Reformation brought some of the foundational truths back into the church which has been built upon over the centuries since. However churches, whether of traditional, evangelical, charismatic or pentecostal hues have created further division, instead of unity, within the body of Christ.
'Why is this?' and 'What are we to do about it?' are at the heart of what we will look at here.
TESTIMONY
When the Lord started speaking to me about the church, 30+ years ago now, people were generally not interested in what He was saying to me. It was like hitting your head against a brick wall!
But over the past 20 years there has been a lot more interest and understanding of what the Lord is saying and requiring of us, His people, in these end days. All round the world He is giving a similar kingdom or apostolic message and vision to individuals and groups of people.
None has it all, or gets it all right, for there is a huge change in mindset required for the messengers as well as the people. Yes, we are nearly all imbued in church ways! As well, all are human, able to make mistakes in hearing from God, adding in bits from our own minds and experience. No-one is perfect, least of all, me!
But, in spite of this, there is gradually arising a body of people who are becoming increasingly sold out to Jesus, ones whose desire it is to put His kingdom ahead of their own, both as individuals and as a church, those whose whole desire is to be in the bride for whom Jesus is returning.....
7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)
(Revelation 19:7-8)
Come Jesus, come.
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FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUS
May we hear what the Lord is saying to us.....
Canaanite Woman’s Faith (Matthew 15:21-8, Mark 7:24-30)
When requesting healing for her demon-possessed daughter.
“I was only sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel,”
As she persisted.
“First let the children eat until they’re full,” “It’s not right to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.”
Agreeing with Jesus.
“For such an answer you may go—the demon has left your daughter.”
Jesus Heals a Deaf man (Mark 7:31-7)
Brought by people in the Decapolis area.
“Ephphatha,” (which means, “Open!”)
Jesus Feeds 4000 (Matthew 15:32-9, Mark 8:1-10)
Where another crowd had gathered.
“My heart goes out to the crowd because they have already stayed with me for three days and they have nothing to eat. If I send them home without food, they’ll faint on the way. Some have come from a long way away.”
“How many loaves do you have?”
Found some fish also and Jesus blessed them.
“Take these and share them too.”
(Continues next week)
Download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.
OUR AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
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May 2022 bring better things for us all!
THE PART OF OUR CHRISTMAS LETTER RELATING TO THE HOSPITAL
KATHY AND DAVID PERSONAL
We have now been here in Kenya for 4 ½ years! How time flies! We remain living in our hosts David and Selina Walukhu’s Granny Flat. Obviously we would like to build a house of our own one day.
Obviously, like people everywhere, we have not been able to travel because of Covid restrictions. In any case, our Pension has been required to keep the hospital afloat! So travel would have been out of the question in any case!
This has put a strain on us as, of course, our family is all far Away, 2 at each end of the earth! Entry into New Zealand is virtually impossible, with the quarantine facilities unable to cope with the demand of those wishing to return home.
On the positive side though, Covid has not been a big issue here in Kenya as is the case in most of Africa, apart from the southern countries who have a temperate rather than a tropical climate.
Interestingly, a study about why Africans seem to be immune, has found a link with Malaria. Those who have had Malaria seem to have a natural resistance to Covid. Our area is a high Malaria area, with well over half of our clients suffering from it. Additionally, most people here live on 1 acre plots, so the population density is not great.
Kenya has had some Covid restrictions, but it is impossible to shut the country down as many people rely upon what they earn during the day to sustain them until the next day, when the process starts over again. Truly is hand to mouth survival for a large part of the population. Nor does the country have financial reserves to fall back on in an emergency.
As far as we are aware, we have not had any patients with Covid symptoms visit our facility. We test temperatures’ of all arrivals. Should a case be found, we are to isolate them and request a Government Hospital pick up to take them to a quarantine facility.
We have kept well health wise, and the simpler diet here is better for us than in the West.
If it weren’t for the severe financial pressures life, comparatively speaking in the current world situation would have not been too bad. Good in fact. Being honest, we really need $NZ50,000 to get back on a sound financial footing, getting rid of back bills caused by a delay in the approval of NHIF from January to June. In terms of the overall investment here of $NZ800,000+ it is not a large amount. It is hard for us to comprehend people’s generosity, over the years. The investment is now starting to bear real fruit.
And from her…..
Hi Everyone
It’s Kathy here and I’m to talk about family. The main thing is they are missed as you can imagine. I’m bound to admit, if I’d known before we left that we would be in the Covid- travel-finance conundrum we currently face, I would very probably still be there.
However, seeing folk going from sightlessness to seeing with a 10 minute cataract procedure is very rewarding. My monthly trips with surgeon Lily to her home County of Baringo also brings its joy. We do fewer cataracts there but with almost no eye treatment available and a free consultation, we’ve been able to help many.
Our NZ boys Brendan and Cameron are doing well. Brendan manages his MS with positivity most of the time. He knows how to pace himself and can do a small job delivering pizzas. Driving can be a problem as he gets double vision when he tires which doesn’t bode well for driving. At present he feels he is in a remission phase. He is well watched over by Heppie and Peter and gets many dinner invitations from cousin Gladys with whom both boys will share Christmas dinner.
After many months of frustration, Cameron left the tyre business he was managing and has returned to landscaping. He kindly keeps up with his worrisome parents and leads a busy social life. He needs a wife. Any likely candidates will be welcomed and vetted by his mother…..
The Londoners, Nigel, Savi and Maya are having a very happy reunion with Savi’s parents, Nandini and Devadas in Utrecht, Netherlands. They’re with their other daughter Vidi and her husband and Maya is charming them all. We talk to each other on video chats and I send her little movies of the animals and staff antics etc. here. She enjoys the Thursday chapatti making stories. She’s able to feel she knows us which is all we can do right now; an absolute charmer would be a good description of her.
The Thurso contingent is well into their Christmas with the huge tree Catriona always has and lovely decorations. Their fellowship has a Carol service on Christmas Eve with some mulled wine to follow; just great. Highland Christian Church has been doing some amazing work up there in the far North and they’ve impacted many. Their Sunday night Connect on Facebook is a short devotional service and it’s good to see them and to hear their hearts for God and the Highlanders. Eva, almost 21, is continuing with her law studies in Edinburgh; Charis and Nathan, 16 &1/2 are gorgeous young things and no longer look alike!
My dear Auntie Tuppy, aged 100 years and 10 months died on 21st December; a life well lived. She’ll be missed. She’s just always been there! My Healy cousins from Wellington and Blenheim were with her for her final few days, including staying with her overnight. Huge thanks to Christine for that.
So, Happy Christmas to one and all; may the preciousness of the Christmas season not pass us by.
Love from Kathy
And Cheers from him!
David
If you would like our full Christmas letter, please write to me at david@wwj.org.nz
Photo: Kathy sterilizing instruments in the round sterilizer on the floor.
BOOK OF THE WEEK
WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY?
THE TRUE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS ARE ONES WHO ARE OBEDIENT TO THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THEIR LIVES.
INTRODUCTION
When asking the Lord what He wanted me to write about next, He has led me to look at HIS CHURCH, not in the way of standard church history, but from His viewpoint. I will try my best to be obedient to His wishes. But any errors will be mine! As you will soon see, the history of His church revolves around the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit's activity upon the earth, rather than what we consider the church to be. Before I start I must give you a little personal testimony. I hope my testimony will show you that what is to come has to be of God, for it is outside my personal nature, experience and inheritance. I was brought up in a traditional Baptist church in the 1950's and 60's. (Yes I am that old! On the outside but not the inside! Well.....) My grandparents on both sides of the family were traditional churchgoers, as were my parents, as is my sister, and most have been active in church leadership. I was brought up to believe, yes, it was ingrained deep within me, that one had it all, when you gave your heart to Jesus and were water baptized (on the Baptist side) or attended church (on the Presbyterian side). I tried giving my heart to Jesus. Nothing happened. My (younger than me) sister was getting water baptized, so I decided to as well. Nothing happened. I attended church until I was 30ish, and to all, including my wife Kathy, was a reasonable Christian. In fact, a pastor of mine suggested I should go to Baptist College and train for the ministry! If only he had known what was inside of me! During my time at university, I went with some friends to an AOG Pentecostal meeting, hated it, and vowed and declared I would never go back! I didn't. After a disagreement with the church, I left and went into the world, where I remained until I was 42, when we went bankrupt. At that time I was truly 5 desperate, not being able to look after my family, so truly gave my heart to Jesus when waiting in the queue to register for the dole (Unemployment Benefit) at the Social Welfare Office in Takapuna, Auckland, where we were living at the time. Over my time away from the church, Kathy got involved with the things of the Spirit. Didn't like it, but couldn't really complain, could I? After my true conversion, we went back to a traditional Baptist church. Kathy did a Holy Spirit course at another church also. I could not understand the notes and ridiculed them. Not a good move! For the next year the Lord told me to go and do the course! Had to eat humble pie! Over that year of doing the 'Word of Life' course, I came into the things of the Holy Spirit, which changed my life. We eventually joined the Abundant Life Church, where we remained until the Lord took us away from Tauranga to the city of Napier, where we now live. In Tauranga, while working in the fields attending to the flowers on our flower farm, the Lord, in an audible voice, called me to set up Walking With Jesus Ministries, to be based on Revelation 12:11, one of the results of which you are reading now. 11 They overcame him 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. (Revelation 12:11) (Emphasis added, as the Lord gave it to me.) I do not want to go into now all the things the Lord has done. I just want to say that I now do my best to follow the leading of the Lord, through His precious Holy Spirit residing in me. (And in you too, if you truly believe.) What follows will be a real test of this, for as you can see from the above, it is far outside my natural nature and inheritance, to understand the ways of the Spirit. May the Lord help me as I endeavour to bring His revelation to you.
Let us begin…..
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***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.
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
... to go down is to go up.
... He can do it better than me.
... to strive is to ensure failure.
... to rest in Him brings success.
... it is better to give in to Him the first time.
... I need to be broken before being restored.
... repentance benefits me even more than the one I have wronged.
... the nearer I get to Him, the further away I find I really am.
... fear of the Lord is positive, not negative.
... the more I fear Him, the more He loves me.
CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
TUESDAY: LIVING THE KINGDOM LIFESTYLE continues
..... as we continue our look at one of the most important parables of Jesus, the Parable of the Sower.
*** ANOTHER DAILY EZINE FROM WWJ!*** 'LAUGHING AT OURSELVES' Subscribe Today
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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. ***
QWIK QWIP: “When praying, don't give God instructions -- just report for duty.”
142. Abraham and Windows 95
Avraham (Abraham) wants to upgrade his PC to Windows 95. Yitzhak (Isaac) is incredulous.
"Pop," he says, "you can't run Windows 95 on your old, slow 386. Everyone knows that you need at least a 486 with a minimum of 16 megs of memory in order to multitask effectively with Windows 95."
But Abraham, the man of faith, gazed calmly at his son and replied, "God will provide the RAM, my son."
143. Acts 2:38
An elderly woman had just returned to her home from an evening service when she was startled by an intruder. As she caught the man in the act of robbing her home of its valuables, she yelled "Stop, Acts 2:38".
The burglar quickly turned around and pointed his gun at her when she yelled again "Stop, Acts 2:38".
Well this time the man stopped, dead in his tracks. The woman calmly called the Police and explained what she had done. As the Officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked him "Why did you just stand there? All the old lady did was yell a Scripture to you."
"Scripture?" the burglar exclaimed, "I thought she said she had an AX and 2 38s."
144. Know The 10 Commandments
A student was asked to list the 10 Commandments in any order. His response was: 3, 6, 1, 8, 4, 5, 9, 2, 10, 7.
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
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A DAVID MUSING
Today is the first day of the rest of our life!
Wow! That is a truism!
How are we going to spend it?
Are we going to use it productively - or wait for tomorrow, when our life will be a day shorter?
'Time stops for no man,' is a well known, and very true statement.
We don't know how many more tomorrows we will have, do we?
So let's use today to keep short accounts with God and to treat our fellow humans in the way we would like to be remembered.
Until next time.
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