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: 908 Published: 18 Mar 2019
OBSERVATIONS FROM AFRICA
GOVERNMENTAL SYSTEMS NEED CHANGING FOR PROGRESS TO REALLY BOOST AHEAD
Africa has been based on a tribal system of authority for thousands of years.
When the colonizers came, the continent was divided into countries with no regard to tribal areas. So you ended up with the situation today where parts of several different tribes are thrust together within a historical land area.
Obviously, this leads to problems within the countries that now exist.
The extreme, idealistic view, is that the whole of the map of Africa should be redrawn in line with tribal boundaries. This simply won’t happen as the vested interests for the status quo are too many, and with every passing day, infrastructure and development are proceeding along present country lines.
As cities develop too, people are gradually losing their tribal roots, becoming citizens of their country first.
However, the main challenge to be faced is in the creation of an independent bureaucracy, based upon merit, not tribal or political considerations.
Political patronage, rather than ability, is the almost essential first requirement for government jobs. This leads to an inefficient bureaucracy whose main objective is to protect their jobs, and to make as much money out of them as possible before they lose them, if another group of people come to power. The polite names are facilitating and appreciation, but the truth is bribery and corruption!
For us 'Kiwis' coming into Kenya to live and work, promoting a kingdom lifestyle, this is a huge challenge. New Zealand, together with Denmark, are rated the least corrupt countries in the world. So it has been a huge shock for us moving into this environment. How do we handle it? We won’t pay bribes to get a job done, and this has cost us, but we do occasionally give a little appreciation to those who have gone the extra mile for us. A compromise, I guess, but the best solution we have been able to find so far.
Here in Kenya the bureaucracy is unnecessarily endless. For example, because we weren’t aware of new rules for importation of goods, we didn’t get the goods inspected in the country of origin. It has taken us 5 weeks so far to get the goods released including letters from Central Government Ministers, and KEBS, a new organization set up to control the importation of goods into Kenya. The Agency has thousands of shipments in the same position as ours so delays are extreme.
But this is life in Africa, and the people here are philosophical and hugely patient.
Inevitably, until there are changes in the political and bureaucratic systems, putting the country before personal interest, development and growth will be far below the continent’s potential.
Find out more about us at.....
FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUS
May we hear what the Lord is saying to us.....
Divorce (Matthew 19:1-12, Mark 10:1-9)
Jesus is questioned by the Pharisees.
“Haven’t you read that God who created people in the beginning made them male and female?
He said, ‘This is the reason a man will leave his father and mother, and join with his wife, and the two shall become one. Now they’re no longer two, but one. What God has joined together no one should separate.”
Then asked why Moses permitted divorce.
“Because of your hard-hearted attitude Moses permitted you to divorce your wives, but it wasn’t like that in the beginning,” “I tell you, anyone who divorces his wife except on the grounds of sexual immorality and then marries another woman, commits adultery.”
The disciples also thought the teaching was too difficult.
“Not everyone can accept this instruction, only those it’s given to,” “Some are born as eunuchs, some are made eunuchs by men, and some choose to be eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Those who can accept this should accept it.”
Jesus Blesses the Children (Matthew 19:10-12, Mark 10:3-16, Luke 18:15-17)
When the disciples rebuked them for approaching Jesus.
“Let the children come to me! Don’t stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t welcome the kingdom of God like a child won’t enter it.”
The Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-30, Mark 10:17-31, Luke 18:18-30)
Asked Jesus what is good to obtain eternal life.
“Why do you ask me what is good?” “There’s only one who is good. But if you want to have eternal life, then keep the commandments.”
“Don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t give false testimony, honor you father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself,”
These he had done.
“If you want to be perfect, then go and sell your possessions, give the money to the poor, and you’ll have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me.”
This was too hard to accept.
“I tell you the truth,” “rich people find it hard to enter the kingdom of heaven. I also tell you this: It’s easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
The astonished disciples asked, “Who then, can be saved?”
“From a human point of view it’s impossible, but all things are possible with God.”
The disciples asked about their reward.
“I tell you the truth: when everything is remade and the Son of man sits on his glorious throne you who’ve followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. All those who because of me have left their homes, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children, and fields, will receive back a hundred times more, and will receive eternal life. For many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.
(Continued next week)
You can download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.
OUR AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
FOR MORE DETAILED AND REGULAR UPDATES, VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
AN EYE 4 Africa - https://www.facebook.com/aneye4africa/
READY FOR THE ROOFING IRON!
Has been a slight delay, but should be on this week.
OUR FIRST BIRTHDAY!
Thursday 14 March was our first birthday. Had a small celebration but will wait for Kathy's return to get one of her special cakes!
COULD IT... COULD IT...BE TRANSFORMER TIME?!?!?!
After 18 months of perseverance, are we are starting to see action!
Tie them round the tree and drive off to unload.
***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 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
634. With thankful praise, I worship my maker.
635. The freedom to worship is not truly appreciated until it is taken away.
636. God gives us praise and worship so they may be returned to Him.
637. Worship is available to all, but only availed of, by some.
638. True worship is a way of life.
639. Freedom in worship sets us free!
640. Worship is a gift made to be returned to the sender.
641. More worship, worship more.
642. One person's curse is another's praise.
643. Praise is an attitude, not an emotion.
644. Praise blesses both the giver and the receiver.
645. Worthy worship works wonders with worshippers wellbeing.
CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
Visit the Toon Fever website for more cartoon fun..... http://www.toonfever.com
Check it out at...
TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: A REVELATION OF..... DIVIDING THE WATERS (Part 6) TYPES AND PATTERNS CONTINUED
To understand the application of this incredible event today, we need to understand who and what the three major players in the story represent now. For the Scriptures are full of patterns and types that relate to today’s world.
*** 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: “Never give the devil a ride - he will always want to drive.”
245. Best Preacher
Two ladies were praising the merits of their respective pastors. “Our minister is so wonderful, he can preach a dozen sermons from the same text,” said the first woman.
“Why that’s nothing,” the second responded. “Our minister can take any text in the Bible and preach the same sermon from it!”
246. Drinkin' 'Til He's In Heaven
Father Murphy walked into a pub and said to the first man he met, "Do you want to go to heaven?"
The man said, "I do Father."
The priest said," Leave this pub right now!" He then approached a second man. "Do you want to got to heaven?"
"Certainly, Father," was the man's reply. "Then leave this den of Satan!" said the priest.
Father Murphy then walked up to O'Toole and asked, "Do you want to go to heaven?" O'Toole replied: "No, I don't Father."
The priest looked him right in the eye and said, "You mean to tell me that when you die you don't want to go to heaven?"
O'Toole smiled, "Oh, when I die. Yes, Father. I thought you were getting a group together to go right now."
QWIK QWIP: “Nothing else ruins the truth like stretching it.”
247. For Sale Items - Jerusalem Times AD30
10. For Sale: Used Tomb. Good location! Like new! No longer occupied!
9. For Sale: Temple Curtain. Subdivided by owner. (Mat. 27:51)
8. For Sale: Used Wrap Collection. Excellent condition. You can have it for a song!
7. For Sale: Large selection of sackcloth (mourning clothes)--men's and women's, various sizes and styles. No longer needed.
6. Looking For Work: Two former guards. Willing to lie for right price. No Cemeteries! (Mat 28:11-15)
5. Companions Wanted: Long-term relationships desired. I am dying to meet you!--JC
4. Lost Item: One body lost. Big Reward for its return!--the Sanhedrin.
3. Personal to Mr. S: nah-nah, nah-nah, nah, nah--you lose!
2. Personal to JC: Well-done, Son! You da man!--Dad And the number one classified to appear in the Jerusalem Times that First Easter is:
1. For sale: One Cross. Well used! Priceless! Best offer!
248. Pipe Organ
A local church built a new sanctuary. They moved their very fine old pipe organ from to the new sanctuary. It was an intricate task that was completed successfully.
The local news heralded . . . "St. Paul Completes Organ Transplant.
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
CHRISTCURCH NEW ZEALAND, TERROR ATTACK
As a born and bred 'Kiwi', having lived there for 70 years before coming to Kenya, I am appalled at what has happened in our beautiful and gererally peaceful country.
My heart's cry goes out from a distance to the families of the 97 victims, either killed or injured, and others in the mosques at the time. This just does not (until now) happen in New Zealand.
The perpetrator is an Australian who has abused the hospitality he has received in New Zealand over the past couple of years.
New Zealand is a country where people of different races and cultures generally live side by side and integrate into society as in few other places.
Sadly, there is little doubt that extremism is growing throughout the world, day by day.
I am sure that social media has much to answer for in this regard. People can now readily find an outlet and audience for extreme, anonymous views that simply was not available, even 20 years ago. The vitriol, hatred, and simple criticism of any action with which you do not agree, is easily expressed on the platforms now available. In turn, this influences other vulnerable people who are manipulated by those with ulterior objectives.
Social media has enabled people without fear of retribution, to express their inner thoughts freely, without the personal accountability of society limiting them, as in former times.
In a spiritual sense, it is increasingly obvious that all of us sin and fall short of the glory of God. What has changed now is that this is more readily seen through the portals of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and more.
The only permanent cure for sin is to fully give one's life to Jesus Christ, and allow Him to make the necessary changes in your life, to learn to love God and your neighbour as yourself. I know this through personal experience of my own life.
Others may say that other 'religions' can do this or that simply living a good life is sufficient. This has not proved to be the case.
The rising extremism in the world, usually accompanied by anti Christian and anti Jew hatred, is showing the truth of this conclusion, for light and darkness cannot co-habit, one with the other.
We cannot change the world, but we can change our own life today for the better, by the decisions we make.
Becoming a sold out disciple of Jesus, while not easy, is the only answer I know. It simply works!
How about you?
Unltil next week.....
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD
His servant and yours
David Tait
Visit us here.....
REPRODUCTION OF NEWSLETTER CONTENT
Most weeks we get enquiries about reproducing, in electronic or print form, articles contained in 'PGIM!' We welcome and encourage you to utilize this material. Freely received, freely given. We would ask though, that the source be acknowledged as an encouragement to others to subscribe to this newsletter also.CHANGING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS? NEWSLETTER STOPS COMING?
Each week we can lose up to 2% of our readers when they change email addresses without letting us know. Or sometimes, by your server acting strangely and just cutting us off! If you are about to change your address, please advise us of both your old and new addresses here atenquiries@wwj.org.nz and we will happily change our records to ensure ongoing delivery. Thanks.
Please also keep our address in your address book, as sometimes servers will automatically delete your address if there is even a one off problem in delivery. If your newsletter doesn't arrive, please let us know and we will reinstate you.
LINKS
If you would like to link your web site to ours, and ours to yours, please advise us onlinks@wwj.org.nz
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!
For comments upon and contributions to this service, please contact
david@wwj.org.nz