Tuesday, June 7 – Acts 6:5-7

The announcement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. And they brought these men before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.

The word of God kept spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

There is something special about inspirational stories. Typically, these stories are meant for more than entertainment; they are told to spark action. They evoke feelings, excitement, and purpose that remind us we have the potential for great things as well.

In this passage, a chain reaction was forming. The service of Jesus had overflowed to the disciples which overflowed to the deacons, who were starting to make an impact on the priests and those they served. This is the extraordinary model God has given us. He fills us up with His Spirit so that we may serve others and that Spirit may shine and overflow to others. It is easy to cast blame or think of who should be doing more, but we forget sometimes we are a part of the chain reaction God has working in His kingdom.

When we serve in joy, through His Spirit and for His glory, our actions and joy are shared with the people around us, even when we don’t expect it. Before we look at the things in our church and our world that need to be done, we can first ask what part we have to play in the process. These chosen men were not pastors or public speakers, they were ordinary men with a passion to serve God where He led. You don’t need the most inspirational story or to have it all together for God to use you today. Give Him what you have, ask Him where to serve and love and He will guide you.

• Who is a strong Christian that has helped you in your walk with Jesus?
• How have you seen the love of God overflow in your life to those around you
• Pray and ask God to fill you up so that His love may overflow to others.