Wednesday, March 10, 2021

THORNS

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 12-13

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

 

Smyrna was the second city to receive a letter from the Apostle John in the book of Revelation. Acts 19:10 suggests that the church there was founded during Paul’s third missionary journey. Scholars believe the city grew to about 100,000 by the time of the Apostles Paul and John. That’s my eldest son and photographer Reynold in the picture.

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

 

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

 

The smaller we are in our own eyes, the bigger we see Christ to be. There’s more room for Jesus who lives in the believer when the believer does not have a large opinion of himself. We start next week in 1st Samuel where we will find King Saul. Samuel said of him, “When you were little in your eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel?” (1 Samuel 15:17). Saul became so big that he thought he no longer had to obey God. This resulted in his loss of the throne. The Apostle Paul, before his conversion, was a “Mr. Big.” He went directly to the High Priest and received the authority to persecute the Christians. We don’t know what the “thorn in the flesh” was, but we do know God gave it to him to keep him from becoming “Mr. Big” again. When Paul was “Mr. Small,” God could be “Big” in his life and ministry. Paul, a most powerful man, was blinded and confused on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9). For God to be strong in Paul, he had to become weak in himself, not depending on his own abilities, but in the strength of Christ, Himself.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, Your servant Paul prayed three times for deliverance from the “thorn.” Each time You answered, “No.” Please help me to learn this difficult lesson. You said that “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). I bow at Your feet, and I exalt You above all in praise and worship. Use me, O Lord, in any way You desire. In Your exalted Name I pray, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

There is a big man (physically) who is one of my heroes in the Christian ministry. He’s also a humble man. He would never claim any exalted status for himself, but God exalted him. Many years ago, he was elected by those of us who are his peers as our District Superintendent for Western Ontario for the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. He was over 90 when he passed into the immediate Presence of Christ.  I’m sure that if he were to write here, he would speak of weakness, and most of all he would testify to God’s strength in him. I’m referring to Rev. Homer Cantelon. His son, Jim, who hosted the 100 Huntley Street telecast for years and founded Visionledd, a mission to the AIDS sufferers of Africa, said on one occasion, “When I grow up, I want to be like Homer.” I feel the same way. I used to remind Homer from time to time that years ago he agreed to preach my funeral service. We had a good laugh. Here is a video of Jim interviewing his dad Homer a few years back on 100 Huntley Street (part one click here…part two click here). Throughout the years, I’ve found humble people who may be leaders or may be everyday people. I’ve sat at their feet and learned from them. I’m still learning!

Yours for growing bigger in Christ and smaller in self,

David

7 thoughts on “Wednesday, March 10, 2021

  1. Update on Joseph:

    He was discharged from hospital last week . He is receiving Home Care services at home. He is bedridden and very tired. Right now he is unable to have more chemo treatments, due to his weak condition. The prognosis is not great, however, we are continuing to pray and believe for a miracle.
    Please believe with us and continue praying for him and our family.
    Thank you.

    • Praying for your husband Joseph’s comfort, for you Luisa, and your entire family. May you all find strength and peace in the Word of God and feel everyone’s prayers for you. May Joseph rest and know he is safe in the loving arms of Jesus. In Christ our Saviour’s Name, we pray. Amen, amen, and amen. 🙏🙏🙏

  2. David’s message about Paul and today’s scripture reading is so important. “For God to be strong in Paul, he had to become weak in himself, not depending on his own abilities, but in the strength of Christ, Himself.” May we all humble ourselves in the same way, especially when we fall ill and have to rely on our God to strengthen us. It is only in Him that we remain. Wishing all saints a blessed day in the Lord. His mercy, love and grace be ever for us. In Jesus Name. Amen.

    And He arose and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still.
    Mark 4:39 RSV

    Hope Darst – Peace Be Still
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsIpGiz3SfQ

  3. What an interesting interview with Jim & his dad. Great to hear that Joseph is home. Thank You Lord. Blessings on him & on the family. I haven’t heard anything more about Jacob yet. He was doing well & is expecting to go home anytime. What a beautiful day here in S Ontario! Thank You Lord. Blessings all.

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