Devotionals for April 4, 2022
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READ
ACTS 6:1-7
1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.
2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”
5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). 6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.
1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.
2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”
5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). 6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.
REFLECT
The people of God had a legitimate concern to bring to the Apostles. It appeared that widows were being treated differently based on ethnicity. This was not a good look for the early church, nor did it give glory to our just and righteous Jesus. Instead of blame-shifting, the leaders empowered catalysts (faithful disciples of Jesus) to address the problem. They didn’t hide from the issue. Rather, they solved it. The church can be a light to the world in its use of delegation.
APPLY
Q: What solution did the apostles propose for solving the problem (verses 2-3)?
Q: How can you obey the staff of TNLC to help them lead? Some possibilities could include leading a Discipleship Community, joining an Impact Team or asking where you are needed to serve.
Q: Whom can you invite to Easter weekend services, including Good Friday and Saturday’s Family Day?
Q: How can you obey the staff of TNLC to help them lead? Some possibilities could include leading a Discipleship Community, joining an Impact Team or asking where you are needed to serve.
Q: Whom can you invite to Easter weekend services, including Good Friday and Saturday’s Family Day?
SING
"Yes I Will” by Vertical Worship
PRAY
"Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy."
Lord God, May we honor you in obedience.
Help us remember that you are Creator, and that we are creation. We owe you the obedience of our whole lives.
Lord God, May we honor you in obedience.
Help us remember that you are Creator, and that we are creation. We owe you the obedience of our whole lives.