Be An Observable Model (In Your Faith)

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday February 7, 2017

Topic: Be An Observable Model (In Your Faith)

Text: Acts 6:8 - And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.         

Stephen was one of the deacons (managers of food distribution) in the early church (Acts 6:5). In the early Church, one of the things required of those to do any kind of Christian service is that they should be filled with God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. By the power of the Holy Spirit, Stephen distinguished himself. He was a wise servant (Acts 6:3), a miracle worker (Acts 6:8), and an evangelist (Acts 6:10).

Stephen is the first non-apostle to whom miracles are ascribed, as well as the first non-apostle whose sermon is recorded, in the book of Acts. Above all he is a man of faith and a typical of Christ in forgiving those who killed him. What a model for us Christians. It is unknown how long Stephen’s ministry continued before the events of this chapter and the next occurred, but he obviously had a powerful, visible, and influential ministry.

The life of Stephen is very challenging because of the faith he demonstrated. He was appointed to serve food but he used every opportunity he had to preach the gospel and probably mentor people that come to him. He didn’t decline preaching because he wasn’t an Apostle. He was very vast in the scriptures and traditions of the Patriarchs. When he was called to defend his faith, he stood his ground and wasn’t afraid of being martyred.

Looking at his life, in what area can you be compared with Stephen? Is it his faith, his service, his preaching, his belief in Christ Jesus, etc? Can you dare to be a Stephen in our generation, willing to die for the gospel? God is counting on you. Don’t disappoint Him. Show your faith and it will encourage someone in this Christian race. Surely you will be glad you did.

Food for Thought: “Faith is kept alive in us and gathers strength, more from practice than from speculations” - Addison in Power Bible CD.

Memory verse: Acts 6:8 - And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.

Prayer: God, grant me the kind of faith of Stephen so I will live an exemplary life for my generation and posterity in Jesus name. Amen.