Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Acts 6:15 A "Good Reputation" (June 22)
You don't get the message that Stephen was out looking for a successful ministry. He was just being faithful and serving right where he was. And look at the reasons why they chose this guy for ministry. No strategy. No big name. No administrator. No popularity. Acts 6:15 Stephen was chosen because he had a good reputation and was full of the Spirit and wisdom. And what was the measure of success for Stephen's ministry? Did he produce numbers? Was he recognized for his wisdom? What he successful in ministry? What happened to Stephen? Stephen counted himself worthy to suffer for the sake of Christ. And in the midst of suffering for The Name, anyone who gazed at Stephen saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
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First....great news...Sally's first of three spinal taps showed NO cancer...praise the Lord. She has another one this Friday and then next Friday, so I imagine it will be about two weeks from now before we know the final diagnosis of the taps.
ReplyDeleteI don't see a successful ministry as counted in numbers or programs. The number of people saved is not nearly as important to me, as the number of people growing in the Lord and reproducing themselves and the body of Christ building one another one and caring for the lost. That must be the way that Stephen and the others felt for it seems to be that is the way they lived. Oh, that was the way I lived.
So grateful for Sally to hear no cancer. Will be praying for her!
ReplyDeleteShe has an opportunity to know God in ways she would never know Him in comfort. It's just---that's an unbelievable amount of suffering and she's so young and little children and God sees. God continually is changing my definitions of life. Is suffering ever good? Is it always bad? So much good can come out of it. In this world we will have tribulation. Be of good cheer...yes! Our God has overcome and if we just knew what that meant for us in the middle of our sufferings. Press on. Rejoicing with Sally!
Mary Lou, I just received your message/update last night and thank you so much. Prayed for you then, praying for you now. While I am traveling, I can always get Twitter and I can comment back. Rarely can get Facebook and not able to comment back. Sometimes can get e-mails. My personal e-mail is sixbrandonsatgmaildotcom. You will hold fast to the One Who holds you together. May you have Wisdom from Above as you walk by faith. All is well cause He walks with you. Love you so!
ReplyDeleteGreat news, indeed, Mary Lou. She brings Him great glory through all of this. Thanking Him right now and praying for continued good news.
ReplyDeleteI've always wished we knew more about Stephen. But we know enough--martyred, counting himself worthy to suffer for Christ. Worthy! So foreign to see that type of wisdom. Obviously, it was not earthy wisdom but granted generously to Stephen by the Holy Spirit.
Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. And when they gazed on him, they saw the face of an angel.
That same Spirit works today in each of us--if we can just get out of the way. Are we truly ready to not only suffer, but count ourselves worthy to suffer for His sake? Lord, have mercy on me. Forgive my half-hearted devotion. Truth be known, I'm afraid of what it would look like to be totally sold out to You. Fortify us with Your Spirit to stand strong like Stephen and to be such instruments of Your Hands.
We are now in Santa Fe, taking a few days before the wedding of some dear friends' son. My daughter, Lauren, and her husband, Mike, are on a plane right now for South Africa. The last time she attempted this trip, she had a Grand Mal seizure on the tarmak in Heathrow Airport, London. She ended up in the hospital for several days over there. Anyway, I'd appreciate prayers for her safety and health as when she gets tired and doesn't eat, she is more vulnerable to seizures. Now, she's aware of this and is taking precautions, but she's dealing with a lot of anxiety, too. If you feel led, please pray for them. They're going to meet his parents for the first time in Cape Town.
Hey Annette, I'm sitting at a coffee shop in lovely Seattle wrapped up in a winter jacket. Lauren may be married, but she'll always be your girl. That is unnerving for her to board the plane. I had major problems on my flight here with claustrophobia in a commuter plane, a 50-seater. We have flown here for past 31 years & have never been on a commuter flight for part of the leg of the trip. I think my resources have been depleted with what I just went through last week in Dallas with dehydration. Anyway, we made it fine. Sitting here thinking about how God had been talking to Bob right here in this town since the day Bob was born and especially in college at UW. Bob heard Him. Praying this morning that all our children will hear the God Who is speaking to them. And, as always, that their moms will hear The Gardener first! Love you so!
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I thought of when I read this passage today was of Psalm 34:5, "They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces will never be ashamed."
ReplyDeleteOh that we may all reflect His presence whatever circumstances in which we find ourselves!
I am rejoicing with the good news about Sally and will be praying for you, Annette, and your family during this time.
I am still reading along daily and am encouraged by each of you. Know that I am thinking about each of you today.
Bloom where you're planted!
I am flabbergasted. We are a few miles from the foothills of Mount Rainier. Sitting in Grandpa's country home way outside of Eatonville. Just did a Wi-Fi search and we are shocked that we've picked up internet service. At least for this moment! Summer Solstice in Seattle - greenest longest days I've ever seen...the sun was still setting at 9pm. Praying for all of you that your repentance finds God not just makes you feel better. May you be disturbed, disrupted, and delighted forever! Love you so!
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