Month: July 2023

The Holy Spirit Gives Wisdom

Reading: Acts 6:1-7

Key verse: “… but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:4 (NKJV)

As the followers of Jesus continued to grow, a divisive issue came up among them (Acts 6:1-2). Some felt neglected in the distribution of food among the poor and the widows. The first disciples of Jesus became the church leaders and were called apostles. When the grievance was brought to the attention of the apostles, they all had a meeting together to address the issue – proper distribution to those who were in need. With the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, the apostles made a recommendation to appoint qualified men who were full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom to take care of the needs of the poor:

“…but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:4 (NKJV)

The apostles knew the heart of God and Jesus – to preach the Gospel of salvation, heal the sick, encourage the downcast, set people free from sin and evil, feed the hungry, etc. As the church was growing, the apostles realized the task of taking care of everyone and everything was beyond themselves.

As the Holy Spirit gave wisdom and guidance to the apostles to address the issue and meet the needs of everyone, they were able to keep their focus and priority, which were prayer and the ministry of the Word.

Staying connected to the Lord through prayer was very important for church leaders, so they would have the power and wisdom they needed to lead the new and growing church. The ministry of the Word – studying the Word of God so that they could preach and teach with power – was very important too for new believers and disciples to grow in their faith.

Besides freeing church leaders from unnecessary responsibilities, this plan also gave opportunity for other disciples to step up and use their skills, gifts, and talents which God had given them by helping the poor, the needy, and the widows. The apostles did not just choose or recommend any member, but highly qualified men who were full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom such as Stephen and the others. The church leaders also prayed and laid hands on them. Thus, the conflict was resolved, the issue was properly addressed, and the needs were met. As a result, the word of God spread more, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly (Acts 6:7).

Reflection:

For followers of Jesus, the Holy Spirit gives wisdom to resolve issues and meet needs. The Holy Spirit also gives wisdom to keep our focus and priorities straight as we follow the leading and call of God in our lives.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, please give us your followers your spirit of wisdom to keep our priorities right. Amen!

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

The Power of the Holy Spirit Leads to the Fear of God!

Reading:  Acts 5:1-11

Key verse: “So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.” Acts 5:11 (NKJV)

The disciples of Jesus were beaten and threatened by the Jewish religious leaders not to preach Jesus (Acts 4). However, the disciples continued to gather and pray. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they had courage and strength to persevere in the faith. The followers of Jesus continued to grow in numbers. They shared everything including their earthly possessions (Acts 4:32-37).  They lived and supported each other spiritually and materially (Acts 4:35). Then a married couple named Ananias and Sapphira joined the disciples’ group.

Ananias and Sapphira joined the group and told the apostles that they sold their property and gave all the money to them. However, through the Holy Spirit, Peter knew that they both lied and pretended that they gave all they had. Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead the same day (Acts 5:6-10). So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.  Acts 5:11 (NKJV)

The power and presence of the Holy God was strong upon the early church of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was the first church and the first-born church. They were also the first model of love, sharing in all things and caring for one another as they distributed to the needs of everyone. This was the very first church of the Lord Jesus Christ and His first disciples upon which the church was founded and built. Thus, God required perfection and holiness. It was God’s holy presence through the Holy Spirit that was with them, so God did not allow sin in their midst. Ananias and his wife committed sin and made plans to hide it thinking no one would know. They kept back part of the money and lied about it. But God is holy and would not tolerate sin. God did not allow lies, deceit, and sin in their midst. So, the couple received the just reward of death to stop sin in the camp.  God knew the power of sin to destroy the church. God also wanted to express and demonstrate to the church that He was a holy God, righteous and just; there is no sin in Him.

God loves people but hates sin because He is holy. God requires the same standard of holiness in His church today. Holiness is the fear of the Lord. This is God’s plan for His church, the followers of Jesus, to be holy through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Aren’t you glad God does not do the same in His Church today like what happened to Ananias and Sapphira? As Peter wrote, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)

Thought for Today:

The power of the Holy Spirit leads the followers of Jesus to revere and have the fear of God.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit help us as followers of the Lord Jesus to be holy and fear God. Please forgive our sins and cleanse us by Your blood. Help us to be Your Bride, perfect and blameless. Help us obey Your Word. Amen.

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

Bible Verses quotes are from Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+5&version=NKJV

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