Friday, March 3, 2023

TROUBLE

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 1

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

 

Goreme, Turkey, is located in ancient Asia Minor. In Goreme you will find spectacular 10th- and 11th-century cave churches. There are hundreds of churches cut into the rock. This one is among the most elaborate.

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

 

Key Verses: 2 Corinthians 1:8, 11

For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life…. you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

 

Between writing these two letters to the believers in Corinth, Paul spent time in Asia Minor, a former Roman province. It is now Turkey. There he suffered much persecution as a result of his bold witness for Christ. He had spent much time in Corinth, establishing the Church. This very strong Apostle showed himself to also be very human. His need for the fellowship of those to whom he felt close is evident. He uses the word “comfort” six times, and the word “consolation” five times. As followers of Christ, we need each other so very much. I’ve chosen two key verses for today. They reveal Paul’s heart. He felt he could share his burdens and even his despair. He knew his Corinthian friends were praying for him and also supporting him so that he could spend full time preaching and teaching without stopping to make tents, as he had done when he planted the Church in Corinth. Other words which stand out are “faithful,” “promises,” “sealed” (denotes security), and “deposit” (indicates that the entire amount is yet to come). Paul is encouraged by the progress of the Church.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, You are building Your Church. Grant, I pray, a gift of optimism to me concerning Your Church worldwide, as well as in my home church. Thank You that there are people who care about me and pray for me, as did the Corinthian people about Paul. Amen! As 2 Corinthians 1:20 says, “Yes and in Him, Amen!”

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’m so very thankful for the notes I receive from you who read my blog. I’m greatly encouraged by you. You are doing for me what Stephanas, Fortunatis, and Achaicus did for Paul. You have “Refreshed my spirit” (1 Corinthians 16:17-18). Norma-Jean and are currently living with our daughter Ellen, her husband Nizar Shaheen, and three of their six children still at home.  They have built an extension onto their home for us. Our children are so good to us.  I’m encouraged by Paul to ask for your prayers, as well as your ongoing support for the ministry of Crossroads (click here for information).

Yours for the comfort and consolation we have in Christ,

David

The early Christians escaped from the persecution of the Roman Empire in the 2nd century and upon finding the underground cities in Cappadocia, they settled there (Modern Central Turkey). The gates were made in such a way in which they couldn’t be easily observed. Because they lived in the underground cities for long durations without being able to go to the surface, they developed provisions rooms, ventilation chimneys, wine production places, churches, abbeys, water wells, toilets and meeting rooms.

4 thoughts on “Friday, March 3, 2023

  1. Thank You, Father, for Your ever-present help in out lives. We commit our leaders, our pastors, our teachers, our families, and ourselves into Your care. Guide us in doing and saying things that are good and useful, to serve You and our fellow man. All praise to You, Lord God, forever, in Jesus’s name, amen

    And, from Michael Youssef this morning:

    “Christian, you have been called to emulate Christ. Are you following in His footsteps? He has called you out of darkness and into His marvelous light; is it not glorious? Do not be burdened with the injustices of this world. But by the power of the Holy Spirit, love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you, and trust God even when you face trials and suffering. Remember the care of your Father, who did not spare even His own Son, and look forward to the day when He will wipe away every tear.

    Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are worthy of all praise. Your love is astounding; Your hope is glorious. Help me to trust in You, looking to the cross for my strength, peace, and joy. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

    “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23).”

  2. I find it mind boggling – the underground society built through rock. I wonder how they managed garbage! A very uplifting read today. I know of 2 close by people suffering depression and discouragement. Please pray for them and the many in the world who are so discouraged. Many have lost everything (war, earthquakes, fire, & flood). Also, for Israel, surrounded by enemies. Thank you. Amen and amen.

    • Amen Doreen.
      Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for all in the world
      who are discouraged and suffer.
      Please grant them strength and hope in You Lord
      that they will be saved by the power of the Holy
      Spirit, when they trust in Jesus Christ, Amen.
      Psalm 130: 7 Hope in The Lord.

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