“Whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” – Revelation 22:17

“Worrying won’t

STOP

 the bad stuff from happening,

it just

STOPS

you from enjoying the good.”

This was written on a blackboard I saw today! The blackboard was standing on the footpath of our main road here in Kaitaia in front of a hairdresser’s establishment.

Sunrise and Sunset at Wellington, New Zealand 2013 on the SHORTEST DAY:

JUNE 22

RISES: 7.47

SETS: 16.59

TIME

9 hours and 12 minutes daylight

Sunrise and Sunset at Wellington, New Zealand 2013 on the LONGEST DAY:

DECEMBER 21

RISES: 5.44

SETS: 20.54

15 hours and 10 minutes daylight

THERE IS ALMOST A DIFFERENCE OF 6 HOURS BETWEEN THE SHORTEST AND THE LONGEST DAY!

FREE COMMUNITY CONCERT

The Salvation Army Auckland City Corps Brass Band in KAITAIA

The Salvation Army Auckland City Corps Brass Band

Supper is being served

6.30 pm Saturday 8th June

The Salvation Army Auckland City Corps Brass Band, Te Ahu Community Centre, KAITAIA

Te Ahu Community Centre, Kaitaia

“Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger.” – Job 17:9

HARAKEKE – FLAX

“We know of no cure for the love of evil in a Christian like abundant communication with the Lord Jesus. Dwell much with Him, and it is impossible for you to be at peace with sin.” – C. H. Spurgeon

Having been a missionary myself  in Thailand for 13 years and in New Zealand for 24 years, I can well identify with what I read in the German magazine called WELTWEIT on page 10. (3.2013)

In a prayer letter Hans-Walter and  Rosi Schuetze are giving us eight reasons why we burn ourselves out.

I am translating the eight reasons as good as I can:

1.  Our expectations are too high.

Not only our own expectations, but also the expectations of others.

2.  Our desire  is to please everybody.

3.  We have to deal with difficult external conditions: climate, culture and reprisals.

4.  We are disappointed that we don’t see more fruit.

5.  Difficulties with fellow missionaries.

6.  Our feeling of responsibility, if not healthy, can drive us over the edge.

7.  Having not enough sleep, exercise and insufficient diet.

8. Attitude to take the work into our hands instead of leaving things with the Lord.

MISSIONARY WORK IN THAILAND Picture / Allan Collingwood

Maybe you are a missionary somewhere working in the vineyard of the Lord at the present time and you are reading this. I hope this is helpful.

I wish I would have known about the eight reasons, when I arrived in Thailand just  before Christmas 1966!

STOP

“‘Listen to this, Job; STOP and consider God’s wonders.'” – Job 37:14

“‘Take your evil deeds out of my sight! STOP doing wrong, learn to do right'” – Isaiah 1:16,17

“STOP trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?” – Isaiah 2:22

“‘STOP grumbling among yourselves,’ Jesus answered.” – John 6:43

“‘STOP judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.'” – John 7:24

“Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. STOP doubting and believe.'” – John  20:27

“Brothers, STOP thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.” – First Corinthians 14:20

“Therefore let us STOP passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.” – Romans 14:13

“I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never STOP doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me.” – Jeremiah 32:40