GO WHEN THE LORD OF THE HARVEST SAYS, "GO." From 1 Corinthians 16

GIFT COLLECTIONS ON THE FIRST DAY OF EVERY WEEK

Paul the apostle told the Corinthians what he told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each should set aside a sum of money in keeping with each income, saving it up, so that when he arrived no collections had to be made. At his arrival, he would give letters of recommendation for the messengers that were chosen to deliver their gift to Jerusalem. If it seemed advisable for the Apostle Paul to go also, they would accompany him.

LORD, the Apostle Paul at one time said to follow him as he followed Christ. We see him always ministering to others, and getting people to also cooperate in material ways to send to others. LORD, as we are given opportunity and as You have blessed us, may we have also give with this same love and spirit. Give us this grace also, LORD, so that others and our lost loved ones can be blessed by the ministers You send out, well equipped, to preach Your gospel.

THE APOSTLE PAUL TRAVELS

AND THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY

When the Apostle Paul went through Macedonia, he would then go to the Corinthians. He wanted to stay with them for a while, or even spend the winter. He did not want to see them right away for only a passing visit. He said he hoped to spend some time with them, if the Lord permitted. He wanted their help on his journey, wherever he went. He would stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work had been opened to him, and there were many who opposed him.

LORD, here is an example of submission to your will and not being presumptuous. Though what we are doing looks legit before You, we should always be humble before You and ask Your permission. LORD, help us not to miss opportunities for effective work that has been opened to us, be it for us or other ministers that You’ve called. This could also benefit the lives and souls of our lost loved ones.

TIMOTHY

When Timothy came, Paul the apostle told the Corinthians to see to it that Timothy had nothing to fear while he was with them, for he was carrying on the work of the Lord, as he was. He said no one should treat Timothy with contempt but to send him on his way in peace so that he returned to Paul that was expecting him along with the brothers.

LORD of the Harvest, we thank You for the Timothys that carry Your work along side with the Pauls. The lost need such brethren, and we pray You send them to our lost loved ones. May we be careful to show our appreciation to them in the way You expect us to.

APOLLOS

The Apostle Paul strongly urged Apollos to go to the Corinthians with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go at that time, but he would go when he had the opportunity.

LORD, if this was justified or not, we just want to make sure ourselves that we don’t justify ourselves when You say “Go.” May we not miss these opportunities You give to us to be fruitful. We also pray for those that You send to our lost loved ones that they obey and go to them with Your gospel of salvation.

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CHURCH

By God’s Spirit, Paul tells the church to

be on guard,
stand firm in the faith,
be courageous,
be strong,
to do everything in love.Heavenly Father, we pray for ourselves and the church, not to let our spiritual armor down, to stand firm in the faith, to be courageous, strong, and to do everything in Your love. We want to be an instrument of Your peace to win the souls of the lost and our own lost loved ones. Help us Holy Spirit, for we want to be filled with You. We know it’s not by might, nor by power, but by You that gives us all the victory and delivers those that are in bondage to sin with Your unction.

FIRST CONVERTS IN ACHAIA

The household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia and had devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. Paul the Apostle urged the church to submit to such people and everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. The Apostle Paul was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus arrived because these brethren had supplied what the Corinthians were lacking and refreshed the Apostle Paul’s and the Corinthians’ spirit also. He said such men deserve recognition.

Father God, what joy You have in the presence of Your holy angels when sinners get saved, and then they devote themselves to Your service. May we support and join in as co-laborers with them. You use converts to make more converts. Send such brethren that are “on fire for the Lord Jesus” to our lost loved ones, LORD. We pray our lost loved ones too will be converts that devote themselves to Your service as Your people, being blessed and being a blessing.

GREETINGS FROM THE CHURCHES

The churches in the province of Asia sent the Corinthians greetings. Aquila and Pricilla greeted them warmly in the Lord as did the church that met at their house. All the brothers and sisters where the Apostle Paul was sent the Corinthians greetings and he told the Corinthians to greet one another with a holy kiss. He made notice that he himself wrote this greeting in his own hand. He said, “If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed!” He ended this epistle by saying, “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen”

Father we pray for our brothers and sisters in the Lord, and ourselves to be godly affectionate, showing Your love in us to one another. We very much want for the lost to see Your love when they come to church. We don’t want anyone to be cursed. Help the lost Lord, help our lost loved ones to get saved and get right with You through Your Son. May Yur grace be with us all in Christ Jesus. AMEN

From 1 Corinthians 16