Monday, March 2, 2015

“A GREAT AND EFFECTIVE DOOR”

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 16

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

Like the ancient harbour in Corinth, this Greek harbour in Kavala represents a place of hard work and transportation. Kavala is the site of ancient Neapolis, where Paul’s boat landed on his way to Philippi (Acts 16:11). It was the seaport of the inland town of Philippi, which was at a distance of 10 miles from the port. From this port Paul also embarked on his last journey to Jerusalem (Acts 20:6).

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 16:9

For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

Corinth was a major commercial and transportation hub. People with initiative and a hard work ethic had great opportunity to prosper and to enjoy the blessings of their labour. Getting material possessions may have been their goal. Giving to the needs of others, such as the people of Jerusalem who were in a period of famine, or to the support of God’s work in preaching and teaching the message of Jesus Christ may not have had priority. Paul again emphasizes love (final verse of 1st Corinthians). Where love is lacking, it seldom occurs to people to give sacrificially, generously, and consistently. When Paul first arrived in Corinth to plant the Church, he supported himself through his trade of making and selling tents. Now he asks, without apology, for their financial support. He refers to three of his financial supporters (verse 17) who gave to make up the needed funds for the continuation of his ministry of winning souls to Jesus, which the believers of Corinth had failed to give. In this appeal for finances, Paul says, “A great and effective door has opened to me.” When we receive an appeal letter, check out the cause and the effectiveness of the ministry outreach. Pray about it, and if we are convinced the ministry is worthy, let us give as God has given to us.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, You gave Your all for me. Teach me to give as You would have me give. I know I can never even begin to repay You for all You’ve done for me, and You are not asking for repayment. Your love is unconditional! I pray that You will pour into me as much of Your love as I am able to contain and then overflow my life, enabling me to express my love for You in my giving to the causes You have presented…causes which You want me to support. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I realized a long time ago that I can’t support every cause. I would take the request letters which I received, open them up, read them, perhaps a second time, lay them out before the Lord in my prayer time, and trust the Lord to draw my attention to the ministries to which He wanted me to send money. I’ve checked out the financial accountability, the character of the leadership, and results which can be verified. Is there an audit of all finances done by an independent firm of accountants? Are they members in good standing of an association which checks up on them, such as the Canadian Council of Christian Charities (the 4C’s), of which Crossroads is a member? You can check out the CCCC online (click here), or in the USA, the ECFA (click here). Find out whether or not the Ministry you have been asked to support has met the high standards which we should expect of those who do God’s work. The Bible speaks of the necessity of having “a good report” (KJV) or a “good testimony” (NKJV) in the eyes of the world outside, as well as inside the body of believers (1 Timothy 3:7). I’ve just read the whole of 1 Timothy chapter three (click here). There is a very high moral standard set for those who would lead in God’s work. Ron Mainse, who posts this blog for me for 6 a.m. every morning, writes a monthly letter to all who’ve shown an interest in supporting the Crossroads Family of Ministries. Crossroads is a federally chartered non-profit charity which issues tax receipts valid for government-approved tax deductions. Crossroads operates under the authority of a strong Board of Directors (all of whom are volunteers) and under the management of the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. John Hull, who reports directly to the Board (click here to find out more about Crossroads and scroll to the bottom to read about our accountability).

Yours to emphasize the high importance of regularly supporting what God wants supported,

David

P.S. (From Ron Mainse) By the way, Dad failed to mention in his blog that a few years back, he received an award, along with Billy Graham, from the Canadian Council of Christian Charities (CCCC) for A Lifetime of Integrity in Ministry. This was the first time the CCCC instituted this award of recognition.

Overview of the seaport of Kavala (ancient Neapolis).

17 thoughts on “Monday, March 2, 2015

  1. “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say”
    by Horatius Bonar, 1808-1899

    1. I heard the voice of Jesus say,
    “Come unto Me and rest;
    Lay down, thou weary one, lay down,
    Thy head upon My breast.”
    I came to Jesus as I was,
    Weary and worn and sad;
    I found in Him a resting-place,
    And He has made me glad.

    2. I heard the voice of Jesus say,
    “Behold, I freely give
    The living water; thirsty one,
    Stoop down and drink and live.”
    I came to Jesus, and I drank
    Of that life-giving stream.
    My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
    And now I live in Him.

    3. I heard the voice of Jesus say,
    “I am this dark world’s Light.
    Look unto Me; thy morn shall rise
    And all thy day be bright.”
    I looked to Jesus, and I found
    In Him my Star, my Sun;
    And in that Light of Life I’ll walk
    Till traveling days are done.

    The Lutheran Hymnal
    Hymn #277
    Text: John 6:35
    Author: Horatius Bonar, 1846
    Composer: John B. Dykes, 1868
    Tune: “Vox dilecti”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBsoiLKxvT0

  2. I can give no greater trust to anyone in ministry than you, Rev. David Mainse. Your credibility has stood the test of time.

  3. I watched 100 Huntley St. with my mother many, many years ago. Any institution that has been around that long and still in good standing with the public definitely has the Lord on it’s side and is on the Lord’s side. God’s continued blessings on you all.
    20 or so days till Spring!!

  4. I marvel at the beauty of the pictures you present…thank you Reynold for these posted this morning…they are spectacular!!!

    Thank you Rev. David for the links for CCCC and ECFA. Something I plan to do. It is worthwhile information.
    My prayer for you and your family that the Lord continue to strengthen and guide you in all His ways.

  5. Amen David, the pictures Renold are wonderful Beverlee thanks for the link it
    made me think of when I use to be in a choir. Now in the church I attend it’s
    drums, guitars, and pianos . I do enjoy ours as well too.
    Lianne Hogg

  6. Thank you Ron for making us aware of the award from the CCCC.
    Congratulations to all of you!
    We have been a part of the Cross road family for a long time, and trust it completely, praying daily for all of you!

  7. yep! pray before you donate; always sign YOUR OWN cheques, check, check,, double, triple check out charities, I do not give further than where I live! I mentioned when I stand and put my arms out to the side, that is as far as I can touch someone with my fingers and that is the farthest I can help and see what is going on….I appreciate that the Board of Directors in Crossroads are volunteers!
    That is another issue to check out!

    I mentioned I swim alot. I met Scott , 12 years of age, an excellent swimmer; a Christian and he wants to be a “pilot” for the Lord, he already knows what he needs for an education and where to go to get the pilot`s training! I nearly feel off my chair, another Christian in 2 nights! We had a great conversation! Please keep him in your prayers!

    Handels Messiah sure does something for the heart! I really appreciate all the music links on these blogs, very uplifiting….

    I thank the Lord for He has been guiding in getting my `mess` cleaned up and when He leads, I find it so much more easier to get things done! Thank you Lord God for this day, this blog, Your Word, bless our leaders both in our churches and governments and in our schools. help us all to remember that You Lord God know everything that is going on, and You see all, may our actions and talk bring glory to You AMEN

  8. I would like to congratulate David on his life time award from the CCCC it is one of the life examples I have had the joy of following thru my parallel life span. It has been as been like walking with a friend like Jesus has been to me .kids these days have a quicker connection with tablets better than chalk and slate only if they look up and imagine you are seated in that plane high above showing a direction to travel like your compass magazine. But realize they see you up close and personal with their tablets. And you could tell them there are no rules or laws against doing good for each of our life partners. As our veterans of all creeds were expropriated to sacrifice as Jesus that when the victory was won the survivors would look after our families or widows and orphans as equal partners to the resources available,with no hate names named and shamed ,because all peoples had to have surrendered to the peace in the hands of God. For those that accepted my gift of life asfreelygiven to a child, and freely accept the guardianship of a child, to be able to repent in conflict to save his nation, to those he will grant Samaritan principle protection to their whole family,and you should be able to expropriate more than a tortuous existence . As the canadian government wish to pas reform laws back past conferation, to redress failures of excessive liberalization from excessive restraint. My education has been in the same time zone of Christs work and your blog has grown in its pleading for us to see fully him as the creator of ALL good life. As prophet Elijah as God to let his assistant to see the help around the city about to be attacked and when past his cloak to the prophet that asked for a double portion of his mentors wisdom. Do we go back to the principle of First Nations which is a primary source of conflict and sharing, what God gave freely freely share the necessity of life to have partners in the life extending growth to maturity. It makes me begin to wonder if First Nations should begin charging a rent per thousand square miles within national borders,when national courts declare they should recognize gods equal give of life to share. I am beginning to worry that death in the snow of boy in a wheelchair and Elijah Marsh do to lack of a duty to care,is a sign and wonders example of assention when body and soul are separated as a gift of Jesus ? Amen and good morning David

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