“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).
What an honour that David was the first to receive the CCCC’s “Lifetime of Integrity in Ministry” award!
Agreeing with Eleanor re: David’s award for recognition. Great photos, this morning. Praying for God’s blessings on all the saints, today.
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 ESV
Great are You Lord by All Sons and Daughters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uDEGx_cmDk
Thanks again,Beverlee.Philippians 2:3 describes David but only partially.He is in good company with Billy Graham.Thank you for the songs you post too.
Agree with you, Bill, most definitely! Have a wonderful day!!
Thank you Beverlee, Yes, Great is Our Lord!
I also agree with Ger on David’s award of recognition,what a wonderful man he was. Beverlee, I just read your comment from late last night, I have an infection and thought I wouldn’t get much sleep but I did sleep well. Thank you for that prayer for all of us, I feel much better this morning and am on medication.
Praise the Lord OH my soul praise His Holy Name!!! Amen
Praise the Lord, indeed, Eleanor. God is taking care of you. Amen!
Amen Beverlee!
God bless you and heal you Eleanor! PRAISE THE LORD! amen amen amen
Thank you Sah, God Bless you as well.
We’re in the same boat,Eleanor.My doc is on vacation so I went to out patients 2 days ago and I’ve had Bronchitis for 3 weeks.I’m on a puffer and antibiotics.I’m sleeping better and functional.Trust Him and He will see us both through. God bless
PS:I find Fisherman’s Friend lozenges very helpful also.
Sorry Eleanor C. I guess Ger was on my mind. ❤️I
Hope you feel better William ????
Hope you feel better soon Bill????????
Yes, hope you are resting and warm, Bill. ????????
Praying for a speedy recovery for you, William!
Good advice from David concerning giving and receiving. That was Eleanor C who mentioned about David’s award Eleanor M. Notice that even the Apostle Paul although a strong leader did not operate alone, in fact he could not have done so. He even called Timothy his son. I read all the posts on here and find them inspiring and interesting. Have been following closely what is going on in the government in the last week both in Canada and US also in Israel. Lord help us to pray as it affects us all to live a peaceful life. Still snowed in but the Lord is giving me peace and providing. The snowbanks are so high on this country road. Keep well saints!
Stay warm, Ger!
Yes. stay warm Ger!
Thanks Ger .
Thank you for continuing this good nutrition each day. We are blessed by the insight and dedication of the walk of David Mainse. Lord bless 100 Huntley financially, increase the number of prayer partners in Jesus name amen
Amen, Dale!
Blessings to all
I am still asking the Lord what does He want Donald Trump to do? The people voted him in and God sees, knows,hears all; so what is to happen? I believe God wants us to pray for the US and Canada and Mexico, sometimes I believe that God has a very special role for Mr. Trump; BUT then he says things that are confusing; so I ask everyone to pray for Mr. Trump, Mr. Trudeau and the Leaders in China; that the Lord’s Will be done in all areas in our countries;
I pray also that the governments will realize they need to be working for our children and their safety and education for the elderly and for those who cannot do for themselves; I pray the Holy Spirit will enter the hears of all our leaders and instill in them the desire to do God’s Will while they are in government…..
we did have a government who did that very thing and life was good in Canada;…
so Lord God we ask for Your Divine Intervention; bless the people in Canada; bless our families;neighbours;missionaries;children,the elderly,bless our leaders and may we pray for them all daily…..
in Jesus Name we Pray amen
Praying with you for all political leaders, Sah.
Amen Sah!
Yes, David certainly was worthy of receiving the (CCCC) Award for a “Lifetime of Integrity in Ministry”; Being the first to receive this Award!
The emphasis of today’s scriptures is on the integrity and zeal of the Apostle in carrying out the ministry given to him by Jesus, to preach the Word fo the Gentiles!!
Agreed with David’s prayer in the Name of the Lord!
Hope you bloggers are staying warm; the weather here is -28, feels like -35 with the wind chill; brrrr!
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in HIS law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither, and whatever he does shall prosper. (Psalm 1:1-3)
be blessed in the Lord!