Hosanna Restoration Church

One of the main things that the enemy tries to do to believers in Jesus Christ is to render them ineffective in the body of Christ. He spends a whole lot of time convincing them that they can not do much if anything, and that they will do well if they just manage to struggle through themselves. Well the devil is nothing but a liar, and the 6th chapter of Acts is a good thing to throw at him when he tries to hold you down.

In this chapter the Apostles are preaching away and some complaining starts about the personal care that the people are getting. Someone was getting more food or better pieces of chicken or something. Maybe someone always was first in line or did not help with the dishes. The same could be said for who is going to shovel the snow or mow the weeds. In any event, there was grumbling going on and they needed to take care of it.

Well, the Apostles said that they had to keep doing what God had called them to do, so they were going to seek God for some Holy Ghost filled folks to guide the flock in the daily things. So they said look around and find seven well respected people who are filled with the Holy Spirit and Wisdom and we will put them in charge of this. And so that is what they did. Let me just say here, that it is important that the people who direct things are people who are respected and Godly, not just the ones who get the most votes.

The goal that God is pressing toward, is that we all are prepared to do any and every part of the ministry. I have to think, that when the people saw what these seven were capable of they all became encouraged to go and do more as well. Often people will come to me with ideas that they have, and I will say, that must be something God is calling you to do. Go for it, and let us know how we can help.

Moving along, we see that Stephen, who is one of the seven, becomes the focus of much attention. Scripture says the he was full of God’s grace and power. Wow, only a few short verses ago he was just another guy in the church. The thing is, that while he was a guy in the church, he was about the business of God. He was seeking God, growing in wisdom and favor with God and the people. He was faithful and was therefore chosen. Being chosen, encouraged him to go further and so now here he was, the brunt of peoples
lies. The devil was trying to get him stopped. But of course, they could not stop him. They could not stand are argue against the wisdom or the power of the Spirit that enabled Him.

May I just say to all of you that the same Spirit is working today in you and for you, and there is much in God’s plans for you. Just as they selected seven, God selected you for a purpose, and you can do it. Be encouraged. Go in the wisdom and Spirit of God, and God will bless you as you go.