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: 900 Published: 21 Jan 2019
OBSERVATIONS FROM AFRICA
THE WORLD'S VIEW OF AFRICA
Kathy and I were away in Britain visiting family over the Christmas period, and meeting our new granddaughter, born on 3 January.
The perception you get from so many people in the West is that Africa is a 'basket case' and not worthy of help to come up into the modern day world. But is this true?
From my personal viewpoint, God sent us to this specific place, both to express His kingdom physically through the hospital we are building, and spiritually, through ministry. So here is my experience.
In my view, the primary criticism of Africa is racist! Why? Because white people see white skins as being superior. Brown skins are tolerated, but black is a step too far. The difference is too great. So sadly, it 'colours' people's viewpoints.
Black people suffer discrimination of those of lighter coloured skins round the world. The greatest proof of this is America, where black and white, plus various shades of brown, have co-habited together for 200 years. But this situation applies not only in the US but round the world.
But have Africans had a fair go? Definitely not. Colonized and exploited for round 150 years, taken as slaves, treated in most cases as an inferior people, it is little wonder that there appear to be problems in society here, from a Western perspective.
Secondly, independence is a relatively new feture of African life, Exploitaion takes time to recover from. Moving from a tribal based society into artificially bordered states created by colonizers, has led to huge challenges in building modern nation states. Melding tribes of different personalities and cultures has caused huge disruption.
Thirdly, Africans generally have a different mindset to Europeans and Asians. It is neither better nor worse, simply different, as we well know through our experience here in Kenya. Unfortunately, people who are different are discriminated against by the majority everywhere. We all want everyone to be like us.
Finally, there is no difference in blood or brains. I have seen plenty of blood in the hospital, and you can't tell the difference from mine! Also, I have met many highly intelligent people. Most of the uneducated simply have not had a chance. Education is a highly prized commodity. Africans will make any sacrifice to see their children receive an education. which proportionately, compared to their incomes, is a much heavier burden than in the West.
Yes there are huge problems in Africa. But let us overcome the barrier of skin colour that prejudges our thinking wherever we are from. In Christ, white, brown and black skins are alike. We are all at fault.
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FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUS
May we hear what the Lord is saying to us.....
Repentance Required (Luke 13:1-5)
Jesus asked about sinful Galileans who were killed while offering sacrifices in the Temple.
“Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than any other Galileans because they suffered like this?” “No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you will all perish as well.
What about those eighteen people that were killed when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Do you think they were the worst people in the whole of Jerusalem? No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you will all perish as well.”
Parable of the Fig Tree (Luke 13:6-9)
Jesus explained more with a parable.
“Once there was man who had a fig tree planted in his vineyard. He came to look for fruit on the tree, but he didn’t find any. So he told the gardener, ‘Look, for three years I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and I haven’t found any. Chop it down! Why should it be taking up space?’
“‘Master,’ the man replied, ‘please leave it alone for just one more year. I’ll dig the soil around it and put
down some fertilizer. If it produces fruit, then that’s fine. If not, then chop it down.’”
Crippled Woman Healed on the Sabbath (Luke 13:10-17)
Contrary to accepted religious thought, with Jesus being criticized by the synagogue leader.
“You’re freed of your sickness.”
“You hypocrites! Doesn’t every one of you untie your ox or donkey from the stall and take it to drink? Why shouldn’t this woman, this daughter of Abraham whom Satan has kept tied up for eighteen years, be untied and set free this Sabbath day?”
(Continued next week)
You can download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.
OUR AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
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WE ARE UNDERWAY - OUR FIRST DELIVERY!
These are rocks for the foundations delivered from a quarry at Mount Elgon which is about 30km away.
Unloading by hand from the rear. A heavy task.
ACHIEVING MY DREAM!
Finally I have been able to achieve my dream! A dessert of strawberries and raspberries, coated with passion fruit, all from our own garden. It was delicious!!! (Particularly as I added a coating of icing sugar after taking the photo! LOL!)
***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!
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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
539. No one is beyond God's love. Not even me!
540. Love overcomes hate ' if we let it!
541. Love motivated kindness reflects Jesus to the world.
542. Love is to be found in actions rather than words.
543. Love talk is for the pillow. Love in action spreads the Kingdom.
544. In God's economy, 'Love and marriage, go together like a horse and carriage,' or else societies wheels fall off!
545. Lust brings temporary pleasure, love, long term happiness.
546. Lust reduces, love reproduces.
547. The difference between young and old lovers is proven commitment.
CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
Visit the Toon Fever website for more cartoon fun..... http://www.toonfever.com
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: REVELATION'S REVELATION! (Part 3)
A look at the spiritual promises of the 7 levels of heavenly reward promised to those 'overcomers' who are prepared to fully sacrifice their lives to become 'sold out' disciples of Jesus.
*** 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. ***
QWIK QWIP: “God has two dwellings - one in heaven and the other in a grateful heart.”
226. Married in Heaven
A couple is driving to the chapel to get married. Tragically, they have an accident and both are instantly killed. They arrive in heaven, still so very much in love and petition an audience with God. They then ask God if they can still get married in heaven. God says that there is no reason to do so, it is not done, etc. The couple is persistent in professing their love and desire to be wed. God finally relents just a bit and says, "Okay, but first you must wait five years.
Five years go by; they are still eager to be wed, so they go to see God. And again, God tells them that they must wait another five years. The five years go by, and finally the couple has the wedding that they always dreamed of. However, after a few months, they begin to learn that being married is not the same as being engaged, and they appear before God seeking a divorce! God's response to their request: "What? It took Me 10 years to find a clergy person up here, and now you expect Me to find a lawyer?"
227. Timothy and Antonio
There were two Catholic boys, Timothy Murphy and Antonio Secola whose lives paralleled each other in amazing ways. In the same year Timothy was born in Ireland, Antonio was born in Italy.
Faithfully they attended parochial school from kindergarten through their senior year in high school. They took their vows to enter the priesthood early in college, and upon graduation became priests. Their careers had come to amaze the world, but it was generally acknowledged that Antonio was just a cut above Timothy in all respects. Their rise through the ranks of Bishop, Archbishop, and finally Cardinal was meteoric to say the least, and the Catholic world knew that when the present Pope died, it would be either Timothy or Antonio who would become the next Pope.
In time the Pope did die, and the College of Cardinals went to work. In less time than anyone expected, smoke rose from the chimney and the world waited to see whom they had chosen. The world, Catholic, Protestant, and secular were surprised to learn that Timothy Murphy had been elected Pope.
Antonio was beyond surprise, he was devastated because, even with all Timothy's giftedness, Antonio knew he was the better qualified. With gall that shocked the Cardinals, Antonio asked for a private session with them in which he candidly asked, "Why Timothy?"
After long silence one old Cardinal took pity on the bewildered Antonio and rose to reply, "We knew you were the better of the two, but we just could not bear the thought of the leader of the Roman Catholic Church being called "Pope Secola."
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
As you read this, my wife of 48 years will have arrived back in Kenya, after spending time with our new granddaughter, Maya Grace Tait.
I am very much looking to have her home here in Kenya. Hopefully, and in our case, when you have been married so long, you do really become more and more as one. Of course, never 100%, if you are honest, but over the years, you do tend to meld together and may even look more alike. I am sorry for Kathy in that regard!
Time is important in building relationships, both in the natural and the spiritual. Time shows commitment.
Co-incidentally, this is the 900th edition of PGIM, meaning it has been published every week for over 17 years. God takes the glory, as He has given me both the health and stamina to do it.
As in a good marriage, it takes time and commitment to God to build a deep relationship with Him. There are no short cuts. Time in the Word, in prayer and meditation are vital in building a relationship with the Father.
I was a late starter, over 40 years old, but it is never too late to start.
He is calling out to you and me today.
Unltil 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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david@wwj.org.nz