The Book of Acts: Turn Your World Upside DownSample

Today’s Devotional:

Just like the Church today, the first-century Church had issues that arose from time to time. Our enemy, Satan, always looks for ways to divide the Church through "issues." He schemes to distract and destroy the power and potential of the Church through disunity, but those early disciples took action. They wouldn't allow a disagreement to disrupt their unity and the ministry of the Word. A particular group in the Church, Grecian Jewish widows, was being neglected in the daily food distribution. Mummering and complaints were beginning to rise, and the disciples were being pulled from preaching the Word and prayer to wait on tables. What did the disciples do? They brought the right people into the room and agreed on a game plan to grow the ministry team.

Before we move forward, it's important to note that waiting on tables is no less important than preaching the Word and prayer. At Christ Fellowship, we have a leadership value that says, “What we are a part of is bigger than the part we play, but the part we play matters.” Without proper food distribution, the Church would be stunted and distracted. Finding the right people to help the disciples wait on tables meant that the Word of God spread (verse 7). Sidenote, as someone who worked as a server in some of America's most fabulous restaurants like Applebees and Bob Evan's (haha), everyone should wait on tables for at least a few months. Trust me, that experience will change how you interact with and tip your server.

In the early Church, as today, everyone has a part to play in the ministry. From hospitality to prayer. From helping us “Get There First” in kid's ministry to parking cars. Every one of us. Every day of our lives. Everywhere we go—we have a part to play. Acts 6:3 tells us what they looked for to grow their ministry team and invite others to participate. They looked for people with three godly traits—one, a good reputation; two, those full of the Holy Spirit; and three, those full of wisdom.

What a list to consider. Two names of those selected to serve on the team stand out for us: Stephen and Philip. While Stephen and Philip started serving, God sent them out and used them incredibly. Stephen did signs and wonders that led to opposition from the religious leaders and eventually his death. Philip became an evangelist, bringing the Good News to the Ethiopian eunuch and changing a nation forever. Acts 6 reminds us of the power of serving together and that our serving leads to transformation.

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Today’s devotional was written by Pastor Dave Simiele.

Questions to Consider:

• What's my reputation? Am I making much of Jesus or much of myself? What do others see in me and say about me?
• Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh and anew today so you will walk in step with the Spirit.
• Ask God to give you wisdom and direction in where and how you are serving others. In our serving, we fulfill our purpose and identity.

Prayer:

God, thank you that I have a part to play in your Church and kingdom. I pray that you would fill me afresh today so I can walk in step with your purpose and your Spirit. Amen.