NOTE: When writing about God and Jesus, The Daily Jot means YHVH as God and Yeshua Ha Mashiach as Jesus–the actual original names and the true nature and character of them.
Many would agree that the “Church” in the United States is not what is described in the book of Acts. The latter days prophecy of Jesus in Matthew 24:24 is in full swing: “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” False teaching, even heresy, has permeated our society. The out of context Word of God is used to justify many things from abusive government to corporate greed to specific doctrines of churches and ministries. It has come to the point where just quoting the Bible creates a vitriolic reaction–especially among Christians who disagree with how one views that quote.
It is grievous that man has purposed to follow other men in believing how God’s word is to be dispensed and interpreted. It is a curious condition of the human soul and spirit that would accept teaching that is in great error rather than seek out what is truth. It is amazing that if a wrong concept is repeated enough times, it becomes as if it is correct and true, even if it is not. Even more, it is perplexing that men will condemn others viewpoints, belligerently attack the personal character of another, call into question one’s faith and walk with the Lord, over doctrine and theology that they have never bothered to study themselves, but someone they follow said is true.
There are far too many doctrines, far too many theologies, far too many versions of truth in the “Church” that not all of them can be correct. The proponents of them cause arguments. Friends become estranged. Evil becomes good and good becomes evil. I was once in a conversation with a friend about a certain subject of the Bible. I read to him the exact verse that refuted his errant belief that was taught to him by a false teacher. He told me that I had a right to be wrong and began arguing semantics of various words in the simple verse. When that didn’t work, he argued scientific plausibility. When that argument failed, it became a personal attack. We decided it was best not to discuss it anymore.
Study the Bible for yourself. Take the time to understand. If you do, then you will find the truth. And often, that truth will be far from what is being taught. Psalm 146:3 says, “Do not trust a prince or upon a son of man, for there is no salvation in his hand.” When you stand before the Lord, it will not be that teacher, preacher, apostle or prophet who saves you. Jesus warns in Matthew 7:22,23: “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” A word to the wise: know the Word.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
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Ghana: Food + Water = Transformation for the poor
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A water truck being loaded with water from our water system for needy households
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By Pastor William Agbeti
[ NOTE: This is an account of just one of many clean water, feeding and clothing programs conducted by The Daily Jot and our ministry partner Redeem West Africa in the rural areas of Ghana, West Africa. Your donations that make this possible–Blessings, Bill W]
A young African mother, holding a plastic bucket in hand, set off this morning on a 5-minutes walk from her little makeshift home to the Redeemer House, with the hope of fetching water.
On arrival, she was told the water system had developed a fault and was being fixed, and would not be ready until probably the next day. Her countenance changed all of a sudden. The joy with which she came, singing all the way, dissipated. Hope was gone. She didn’t know what to do. There was no other place within a short distance to go fetch water. Being poor, buying sachets of water for her household chores was obviously out of the question. She left with sadness written all over her face.
Undoubtedly, lack of clean water would bring along in its trail various forms of water-related stresses for this young mother and her family; not to mention water related diseases and possible deaths over the long term. The family may have to do without cooking of meals, washing of clothes and utensils today. The stress increases when one has to go to town, school or work, without showering in this 100 degrees-plus weather, with high humidity.
The same goes for food – the types of stress the poor deal with when there is no food on the table or in the stomach is unimaginable. A case in point is that of another young mother and her little child of six who came to our free feeding program last month. Both were hungry and desperate for food. As two disposable bowls of cooked food were handed over to them, the mother set one side and ferociously started eating the other with the child, completely oblivious to onlookers. In this part of the world, like elsewhere, hunger and inability to obtain food can create a vicious cycle of stress for many.
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Children line up to fetch free clean water from our ministry faucet
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The situation leads to child labor, child trafficking, juvenile delinquency, child prostitution, child sales, and various other heart-rending conditions. In Ghana, many parents are reported to have sold their children for less than $5 each, in order to put food on the table! Reports reach us from various other poor communities about very young school girls selling their bodies in prostitution for as low as $1 per swing!
In the light of the above and others, we at Redeemer MINISTRIES have come to learn the hard way that Food + Water = Transformation.
“The little food and water we regularly give out to the needy go a long way to help transform individuals and whole communities. Our water project at Amrahia in a rural section of Accra, and our monthly feeding programs deep inside rural areas, bring about hope, change and inspiration to many; even if it’s for a day!”–Pastor William Agbeti
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| Some children waiting to be served with free meals at one of our feeding programs. |
Without these little efforts, the situation could be much worse, with a spill out that could easily affect individuals, families and communities all the way in the US, for instance, through illegal immigration, refugee crisis and human trafficking.
Therefore, anytime you donate towards the provision of food and water to the poor rural folks in Ghana, know that you may be doing it for yourselves – for your own good.
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The Daily Jot is totally reader supported. My wife, Chris, and I do not take a salary or receive any remuneration for this work. Your gifts go directly to assisting us in maintaining this column, the website, outreach, and the Lord’s work we do in Ghana, West Africa. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day,
Bill Wilson
The Daily Jot |
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