Daily Devotional for December 18, 2015
Acts 6
Scripture:
1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Observation:
I love the way God has designed the church to function. It is clear throughout the New Testament that we each have purpose and we each have a role. In other words, God has a place of ministry for everyone. He has given each one of us the ability to do certain things well (Romans 12:6). God has chosen you to be a part of advancing His Kingdom. It takes all of us, with all of our unique gifts and all of our different passions coming together to glorify Him and fulfill that purpose.
In Jim Collins’ book Good to Great, he discusses the importance of a business not only getting the right people on the proverbial bus, but also getting all those people in the right seats. Likewise, we each have a seat and a purpose to fulfill in the Kingdom of God.
If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to find a place to serve in your local church. If you are having a difficult time finding your place of ministry, schedule a meeting with a leader or pastor in your church and ask for his help. I have found discovering a spiritual gift and using it to glorify God brings incredible joy to my life. During this Christmas season—a season of giving—give your gifts and abilities back to the Lord.
Application:
- Personal Application: Find your place of ministry by discovering the gifts, abilities, and passions that God has placed in you. Use those gifts and abilities to bless your local church.
- Family Devotional: Read this chapter to your family. Ask them if anything spoke to them as you read. Talk about their answers and show them that one important aspect of this chapter is that God has gifted us and given us purpose, value, and significance in His Kingdom. Pray for them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you find your place of ministry and to fulfill the purpose He has called you to.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that your family will uncover the spiritual gifts God has placed into their life as they walk on this discipleship journey.
Three-Year Reading Plan for Sunday, December 13 – Sunday, December 20:
- Sunday, December 13: Acts 1
- Monday, December 14: Acts 2
- Tuesday, December 15: Acts 3
- Wednesday, December 16: Acts 4
- Thursday, December 17: Acts 5
- Friday, December 18: Acts 6
- Saturday, December 19: Acts 7
- Sunday, December 20: Acts 8
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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