DO NOT LOSE HEART
Suggested Reading: 2 Corinthians 4-5
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Ruins of ancient Corinth. These buildings were temporary. Paul wrote, "We have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens." 2 Corinthians 5:1
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:1, 17
For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
The tent-maker, Paul, calls our bodies “tents.” Our new dwelling is a “building…a house…a new creation.” He uses the present tense. Faith says that the new is already ours.
Seven times the word, “therefore” is repeated. This word could be replaced by “as a result” or “the conclusion is that.” (1) “We do not lose heart.” (2) “We are renewed day by day.” (3) “We are always confident.” (4) “Our aim . . . to be well pleasing to Him.” (5) “Now we know Him.” (6) “All things have become new.” (7) “We are ambassadors for Christ.”
Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian believers produced the desired result, a correction in their doctrines and in their practices. This second letter, we may be sure, also produced the desired results. A result is something brought about by a cause. Our reading today is producing in us strength, courage, confidence, inspiration, and a resolve to live to the fullest measure of our potential in Christ. AMEN!!!!!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, You are the pure, holy, sinless Son Of God. Yet I read in 5:21 that You were made to be the very embodiment of sin itself for me. I’m overwhelmed by this truth. Enable me, I pray, to live the “new creation” life, which You have provided for me by taking my sin upon Yourself. Amen! Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I noticed a Latin inscription in the picture below and wished I could find my old Latin text book from 60 years ago to help me figure out what it says. Instead, I emailed my friend Dr. Paul Maier, Professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University, and asked him what it meant. He replied right away with the following…”The inscriptions are incomplete, hence the brackets in this attempt at translation: ‘Built by N.P. Caesar, [descendant of] the divine [emperor] Antoninus Pius [and] grandson of Minerva.'” Dr. Maier explained that Antoninus Pius was Emperor of Rome from A.D. 138-161.
It’s interesting how many of the Roman Emperors claimed to be divine, or a god. Jesus said to Pilate, “My Kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). The Roman-appointed Jewish leaders said to the Roman Governor, “If you let this man go, you are not Caesar’s friend” (John 19:12). I’ve just read from John 18:28 to John 19:22 (click here).
Yesterday I started another seven days of chemotherapy at the Juravinski Cancer Centre. I identify totally with Paul when he wrote, “We who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life” (5:4). What a great start for the week. I am filled with joy, and each day as I sit in the waiting room or in the treatment chair, I am there, not filled with despair, but I’m there as an ambassador for Christ. Throughout the months of treatment, I’ve had opportunity to pray with many people in the hospital. The first words of our reading today, “Since we have this ministry . . . we do not lose heart” are so very true.
Yours for a great day!!!
David
This inscription was discovered in ancient Corinth and was likely above a main entrance to a building. The translation of the inscription is in the "100 Personal Words" section above.
Your journey with this illness makes the words of Paul even more real to me. We are here only temporarily and as you have stated in other posts, God cares so much for us that this tent here and this life should not be our ruin for we know that someday, we will see Him face to face. I have always said that when I get to Heaven, I will have a lot of questions as to why this happened or that caused me discomfort. In more lucid moments, I realize that when I am there, none of this temporal time with its discomforts will even matter. I will be sitting their saying, “What was that question, I don’t remember…..”
You are an inspiration David Maines of how we must keep on keeping on no matter what. Thanks for the insight and inspiration each day…
Amen David !
AMEN!
Ours is a faith built for eternity, primarily because God has placed His Holy Spirit within each of us to help us on the journey. Today’s scripture reading is so powerful, Paul was a master communicator and spoke with authority. Like Paul, we too have the authority to speak on behalf of our Heavenly Father, for we are His beloved children and we are His ambassadors to this lost and weary world. Indeed, in Christ as the scripture pronounces “old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.” Never forget that we are God’s new creation now that we are forever eternally sealed by the Holy Spirit, in the love of Christ. Amen!
Our prayers go out to you today David, may God give you strength and a spirit of endurance as you enter into another series of chemo treatments at the Juravinski Centre. May God be ever close to you at this time and create a healing within your body throughout this process. In the precious name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen!
So happy you are praying with others at the hospital and keeping your thoughts on Jesus during chemo, David. You never cease to be a wonderful example. Praying God gives you strength and healing, ultimately. Praying also that He will ease the side effects. We love you, David Mainse!
2 Cor 4:6: For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. WOW–just love that!
Wishing fellow saints, a blessed day!
Inspiration coming from every corner!! Such spirit filled elements from your words, today’s reading and photographs! Have a great day to all!
God bless you David as you begin another series of treatments. May His glory shine through you to the others you meet. Paul’s words are so encouraging today and I pray the Holy Spirit will sear them into our hearts.
I love Psalm 18 part of which says “so shall I be saved from my enemies.” I consider cancer part of my enemies and though it is out of context I hold on to that. Blessings to all today. Prayers for you and Norma-Jean today.
I love that, Catherine! Read Psalm 18 and it is full of power and fight from the Lord! God bless you!
What an opportunity you have, David. I thank God for His love for His creation and for your love for them also. You have a unique opportunity indeed.
Praying for strength and healing as you undergo another series of chemo treatments. Do not lose heart – God is in control!!! You, David are an inspiration for all of us.
I say AMEN & AMEN to all the other comments this morning as well!!! Blessings to all today.
I say “Amen” as well. I find myself reading this portion of Scripture phrase by phrase and meditating on it. Packed full of truths. You are a marvel, David and an inspiration for me when I go into the hospital shortly. Praying the chemo works well for you. God bless you all.
God bless you, Ger!!
My prayers are with you Ger. May God give you strength and the doctors wisdom.
Praying for you Pastor David as you are having more treatments.
Our prayers include Norma Jean and the rest of the family.
Cancer touches loved ones in so many ways as well.
Thank you David!!!!!!!!!
Hi David, The word of God, again this morning lifts me up and inspires me, how blessed we are! David, when l was younger l had to have an operation and l was terrified,(l didn’t know the Lord at the time) however l know he knew my anguish. A young girl was in the bed beside me and we had some good conversations,not about the Lord but it so comforted me to know that she was there going through her problem,it helped me through and lifted off half the fear. How much more must it be for a person to meet you while they are in such a valley.l also pray that you will be greatly comforted. by another patient as well. May every thing work out successfully!We love you dearly!
Dear David:
You are such an inspiration! I went through extensive chemo and cancer treatment last year and I know the challenges it presents. It was difficult not to be afraid of suffering and death but I know that the Lord was with me every step of the way. I started my own bible reading every day and then when your blog started, I joined you as well. Now I have double-readings — my own study and your’s. I am doubly- blessed.
Thank you for your faithfulness and devotion. I pray that I may be on fire for Christ like you are! You are in my prayers and may God continue to uplift you with his joy, love and comfort.
God bless you and your family.
My prayer for you David is the same as what Ruby is praying for you as
well
Lianne Hogg
Dear Mr. Mainse,
I am in agreement with the comments and prayers of Scott, David, and the other bloggers.
You are an inspiration 🙂
Still enjoying your blog 🙂
Diane
David this is such a wonderful devotional journey we are taking with you, following our beloved Lord and Saviour Jesus. I think this would make a fantastic book. Can we agree in prayer for God’s boldness in sharing the Good News of salvation? Joining hands with all God’s people to bring Him glory,
Thank you for your blogs- so insightful.
I’ll be praying for you during this week of chemo treatments!
God’s peace and blessings on you and your family during another week of Chemo!!
Well being to you!! We need you here!!
Amen!! Amen!! & Amen!!
Nancy
Lord Jesus Christ have ‘mercy’ on David during these next seven days of treatment. David, this is so incredible to those who read your blog, to realize that the Lord is leading you, yet in another ministry, to those who are physically ill during this time. It is such an inspiration of a faith-filled life, and seeing God’s promises revealed through you. I will picture you in your treatment chair, spreading the gospel of Christ to others. Amen David Amen!
Dear David, I pray Our Loving Father God will give you strength to go through this week. I pray you will feel His loving arms wrapped about you as He comforts you with His presence.
You are such a testimony to me dear David, your light shines so brightly before God and all us and all those at the treatment center this week wiIl see it and be encouraged by it and God in His riches mercy will lead precious souls to you. Psalm 31:24 comes to mind, ” Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart , All you who hope in the Lord .”
David thank you again for doing this blog faithfully every day and Reynold and Ron Norma jean and all who contribute as well. I am blessed every day.I also appreciate the comments of my dear brothers and sisters in the Lord as well. My heart and prayers are with you David and Norma Jean. Love in Christ Nancy
Good evening, Pastor: It has been incredible to experience such enriching love and attentive concern and understanding offered by all of the members of this blog fellowship. Why are you so loved, David? The answer for me, personally, is that your witness reaches right into the depths of my soul. There is no other word but ‘heroic’ to adequately describe how you are allowing yourself to so passionately co-existent with the Holy Spirit in order to embody – so strikingly – the ‘resulting’ proclamation: Do Not Lose Heart! God Bless you, David, and may our merciful Saviour grant you complete physical healing and a continued reservoir of stunning faith! Yours to always share ‘Love Divine and Love Excelling’!
“Love”! “LOVE” will not and can not fail. Praise God!
Inspiring words for me today, thank you pastor mainse. My prayers to you for full healing of your body. Continued Blessings to you, your family and to fellow bloggers.