“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. 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, Lorna Dueck.
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).
congratulation David on your award. Great to hear well deserved.
Amen.
Yes!
You are certainly worthy of the Lifetime of Integrity in Ministry award, dear David! Stunning photos, today, Reynold. Wishing all saints a blessed day in our Lord.
God was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory.
1 Tim 3:16
Elevation Worship – Here As In Heaven (Live)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxTc98K9OeU
I’m not at all surprised, David, that you received the Lifetime of Integrity in Ministry award the very first time it was given out! Your ministry carries on in this blog and is much appreciated.
I agree Pastor David with the others, that you are certainly worthy of this prestigious award.
Thank you Ron for sharing this with us, your dad is a very humble man .
Blessings to all. Eleanor M.
Amen!!
Amen! Also an interesting way of discerning which charities to give to as far as laying them out on desk top and praying.
I give to American ministries also but have problems with them. They all do not indicate their Canadian registration number! I have looked them up and found one or two but I still cannot locate a couple. I wonder why they don’t show that number. Last year my tax preparer just through out the ones with no registration number. I have given to Crossroads for years (and still do monthly). It is a pleasure to do that.
Amen, Doreen!
Yes
Amen!!! You are certainly worthy of this prestigious award Pastor David. Have always recommended 100 Huntley St. as a safe place to invest. Beverlee you can’t see me in the photo as I am farther back and to the left sitting with my tour group. Thanks for asking. God bless you. Finished reading the novel you recommended David and as the author said,”I hope it never happens.” Regret that I was only 10 miles away from Kavala and never saw it. Snow was predicted here but the sun is peeking through!!! Blessings everyone.
I Corinthians is a powerful Book of the Bible. This church had a lot of problems. But the blessing is… because of their problems…”we have a lot of answers”
Congratulations to David for the “Lifetime Integrity in Ministry” award. Ongoing prayers for David’s health and strength for him & Norma-Jean & Family. “Take it to the Lord in prayer”.
So many needs for prayer and finances daily on radio, tv etc. a problem to know how to spread out our giving. All are worthy, needs are huge and heart-breaking. So, more and more, “Lord, who or what should I concentrate on praying for, who should I concentrate on giving to” …rather than giving a little bit to everyone who asks which I am glad to do..because the needs are justified…but is it the most effective way. I am torn about this as all who ask have legitimate needs….
Finally, to whom it may concern
I have not received the daily 100words since Feb. 26. This seems to be happening quite a bit. What is the problem? Would like to receive this regularly – even though I can access it through other means. I have had to re-register a number of times. Will do so again today. Are others having this difficulty?
Having been a supporter of 100 Huntley Street, from its early beginnings, it is no surprise to me that you received the award. Congratulations!!!
In 1972 I was blessed to be one of your guests on 100 Huntley Street in your facility in Toronto. And have been a supporter of Crossroads Communications through these many years.
May God continue to bless you and your family together with all who minister in and through this TV ministry.
Paul’s emphasis re giving to those in ministry comes through loud and clear. And David your comments on being wise and seeking the Lord for guidance in that area is much appreciated.
Sharing from my devotion this morning, from “Streams in the Desert”
“Begin the day with God!
He is your Sun and Day!
His is the radiance of your dawn;
To Him address your day.
Sing a new song at morn!
Join the glad woods and hills;
Join the fresh winds and seas and plains,
Join the bright flowers and rills.
Sing your first song to God!
Not to your fellow men;
Not to the creatures of His hand,
But to the glorious One.
Take your first walk with God!
Let Him go forth with thee;
by stream, or sea, or mountain path,
seek still His company.
Your first transaction be
With God Himself above;
]So will your business prosper well,
All the day be love.
Horatius Bonar
Have a blessed day all you bloggers!
Thanks Irene. I read this in Streams as well. Love the text, Exodus 32:2,3 “Be ready in the morning, and come up…present thyself to me..”
..and the poem,..”Begin the day with God!”. I also read an interesting verse in Psalm 19:14 (The Message)m “These are the words of my mouth,,,accept them when I place them on THE MORNING ALTAR..”
Blessings. Sam
Thank you Samuel for the encouraging words!!
Yes, amen to Streams in the Desert, Irene and Pastor Samuel! 🙂
sah on March 2, 2017 at 1:06 am said:
needing prayers please!
my car broke down on Saturday night in front of my place! Thank God it was not on the road however I need a vehicle,
please pray that the Lord will provide a vehicle for me at a very decent price or preferably someone may donate a vehicle; I’ve talked with 2 people who had 3 vehicles and 5 vehicles donated to them over the years, complete with gas in the tank! What a blessing!
God bless everyone.
Reply ↓
in regards to donating moni8es: be careful, it is best to find one or two very sound charities with good reputations and proper documents to donate monies to and yes, check before that they have a Charitable number, if the charity has a 800 number I sometimes phone them to find out more, where are they located? etc?????
I found some scams….I reported them but that is all that can be done!
I understand some charities seem to be Canadian, but are not! May the Holy Spirit give us all wisdom, discernment, Thank you Jesus.
I also like the idea of putting all the requests on the table, lay them out so God can see them all and then listen for the Holy Spirit to speak?
I pray you have seen my prayer request! I am in desperate need of a reliable vehicle!
Blessings to all
Lord God You have heard Sah’s desperate cry.
she is in need of a vehicle!! I join with Sah and trust You will supply her need according to Your riches in Glory. I pray for peace of mind for you Sah as you wait for an answer, Amen!
thank you Irene, yes please pray for me! My mental illness is very difficult at the best of times, but now, it it spirlling out of control!
Yes Lord I need a reliable reasonably priced vehicle! Thank you Lord in Jesus Name I Pray amen
Keep faithful Sah