Day 6 - 28 Day Challenge

Situations Vacant - Serving Tables

Seems like the explosive growth that the early church had seen at its inception had finally brought some growing pains. We have read over the last few chapters of how the early converts had met together and met each others needs. Here in Ch 6 we have the fist sign of any tension in the church.

Seems like a section of the church felt like they had been discriminated against. Their widows were not being looked after as well as other widows. Difficult to know if their concerns were genuine or not but what we do know is that the Apostles reacted to their complaint.

They did however recognise their role of leadership of the church. At a moment like this it would have been so easy for them to leave their responsibility and get involved in meeting the need. I feel if they had done this the church would have suffered. Their gifting and responsibility was to lead and teach. Too often leaders tend to be working in the church rather than on the church. This means that leadership is lacking.

What did they do? They hand picked some men to do the job of serving at tables. What is enlightening to me is the calibre of the men they chose. We get a glimpse at one of the in this v 5, Stephen.

He was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. It goes on to say in v8 that he was full of faith and power and did wonders and miracles. And this was the man they chose "just" to serve at tables. Somehow I feel that my CV may not have been strong enough to demand a place in the early church to serve at tables.

My Prayer

Thank you God for the incredible privilege of serving you each day. Give me the strength I need and fill me again with your spirit.

Day 5 - 28 Day Challenge

Mark spoke last Sunday from this Chapter particularly on the story of Ananias and Sapphira. You can listen to it here.

The later story in the chapter reminds me of a great movie the Shawshank Redemption. I love it when the guard angrily goes to get Andy out of his cell shouting at him as he walks towards the door only for his eyes to bulge with disbelief when Andy was gone. The cell door had been locked but mysteriously Andy was gone.

I would have loved to have seen the guards faces as the reached the cell to get the apostles and they were nowhere to be seen. Vanished into thin air. Then they had to tell a disbalieving High Priest. Of course Andy's escape from Shawshank owed its self to a hidden tunnel the Apostles escape was all about the power of God. Nothing can stand in the way of God's mission to the world certainly not a few iron bars.
Later in v34 we find Gamaliel coming up with a solution to the priests problems. Basically if this new movement was just some man made idea it would just fade away if it was inspired by God then it would succeed whatever they did so he suggested they leave it alone to see what would happen.

v39 but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it—and you better not be found fighting against God!

The determination of the disciples is incredible nothing could stop them in their determination in sharing the good news and of course nothing could stop God.

My Prayer

God keep my mind open today to what you want to do in my life I really don't want to be found fighting against you. Fill me again today with your Holy Spirit so I can see the supernatural past the natural.

Jesus take the wheel

Maybe you have got to like country music to appreciate but American Idol winner Carrie Underwood had a huge hit with the song Jesus take the wheel.

Now Clitus is in charge.

Going to the Gym v Working out

Liked this post by Michael of Oakleaf Church

Going to the Gym is not the same as working out.

By the way I am with the girls.