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Thoughts Archived > Equality, Dedication, Delegation, And Focus


6 Jul 2014

                                   

 

  July 6, 2014

Equality, Dedication, Delegation, and Focus

Acts 6: 1 -7

 

 

 Luke

But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent.  Those who spoke Greek complained against those who spoke Hebrew, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.  So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers.

"We apostles should spend our time preaching and teaching the word of God, not administering a food program," they said.  Now look around among yourselves, brothers, and select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.  We will put them in charge of this business.  Then we can spend our time in prayer and preaching and teaching the word."

This idea pleased the whole group, and they chose the following:  Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Phillip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (a Gentile convert to the Jewish faith, who had now become a Christian).  These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.

God's message was preached in ever-widening circles.  The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.    

 

 

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Thoughts....

 

Equality, dedication, and focus.

In the first paragraph it appears that there might have been some inequality.  Appearance is not everything despite what you might have heard.  There has always been malcontent when the masses have been brought together regardless of the cause.  It is unfortunate and sad that this occurs.  God called all of us to the table of mercy.  He also calls all of us to the table to eat food.  And go forth for him.

Regarding food, in different cultures, there can be more emphasis placed on food than others.  It might also have been assumed that others were getting more.  There may have even indeed been an inequality in distribution.  And all of the concerns surrounding this need based endeavor kept the apostles from being focused on preaching the Word of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  What is food without the foundation for life?

So, the apostles decided to organize the business, if you will.  They addressed the men (because in that day and age men only were in charge of everything), telling them to decide who among them would be best suited to oversee the food distribution program.  They then chose men among themselves..  One, it seems, Stephen, had the pulse of God, shown by how he expressed God in his life, which was visible enough to be recognized as he lived his life daily.  Did the others not have full faith or Holy Spirit?  That cannot be said, because they were to select men who were well respected, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. 

Oftentimes in church, folks are there to worship, some to let others believe them as religious....which they are, if they religiously go to church, which is not the same as being there to religiously worship God.  Some go to worship and are actively dedicated to causes.  The religious goers may be dedicated to causes as well....to show off and show their selves as approved by others....surely God is not fooled.  Some are fully and wholly worshipful, religious in their devotion to God, dedicated to causes, and focused on living, teaching and preaching with wisdom, all God has to share, give to all.  Some stop at the point of going to church.  Some stop at causes.  Some have wisdom and heart....others have only a heart that others see how wonderful THEY are instead of God. Certainly not God's ideal, nor dedicated TO GOD.

But, with all kidding aside, if there were a perfect church with perfect people, would you fit in?  Where do you fit in with the scenarios I just gave?  Are you focused on teaching and preaching the Word of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ?  If yes, then you are called to do that.  God may also call you to do everything else until others step up to do their part in the Kingdom of God....and the local church you may preside over for him.  On another hand, unless you let go to open the door for others TO step up and recognize their calling, you will keep doing it all.  DELEGATE.  The apostles did.  God and Jesus did.  Even Holy Spirit did.

And if you are one who goes to church to worship God and be involved in various causes, please continue to share the Gospel message sincerely.  God is really tired of hypocrisy.  People cry hypocrisy, but they refuse to look in the mirror.  Folks think everyone and every way is wrong except them and their way.  Some believe they are called out of the church.  But they do little to step into the role God may be calling them....to start another church.  Some may be imprisoned by God until they find HIS way again. 

Let's look briefly at Joyce Meyer's life.  She was an ardent local church go-er and do-er.  She felt led/called by God to preach.  She had not obtained a ministerial degree from a seminary, nor was she 'ordained' by her local church....but she certainly was by God.  2 Corinthians 1:22.  She was laughed at and then cast aside.  She answered to God.  She now has the last laugh, if you will, because she not only stepped up with full faith, she stepped forth preaching and teaching the Word of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and, she does so to millions of people daily who, I might add, accept Jesus Christ as their Savior in massive numbers, much more than her little local church who laughed her out.  Beyond that, she had the wisdom to organize, like the apostles set forth.  Millions of dollars go to helping others survive life as a result of her ministry.  As a teacher and preacher, she is paid well by those who listen and learn and she appropriately invests.  Galatians 6:6.  She invests in the business so the Word can go farther, and she invests in the people who help, as well as those who need help. 

In 1 Corinthians 12 we learn there are many parts in the body of Christ...the Kingdom of God.  It says SOME are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who can get others to work together, those who speak in unknown languages.  Then the questions are posed, is everyone a prophet, teachers, have the power to do miracles, give the gift of healing?  No.  But what it doesn't say, but implies, is that even though not everyone may have all of these and more, A person MAY have them all. 

If we are to emulate God and Jesus, and we are, then Holy Spirit will instill within all who ask for his baptism, all those things listed and more, so we can indeed go forth preaching and teaching with equality, dedication, and focus, as we also delegate to grow the church...the Kingdom of God.  Being a Preacher/Minister/Pastor/Priest/Rabbi, isn't just about reading the Word, and expounding on it's meaning then and now.  It's about also being a teacher by showing how to apply that to one's life, both personally and for others.  It's about going into the Word and bringing out the intricate details or the necessary components to insure the path is clear on the journey to heaven....to the arms of our Lord.  It's about learning how to be wise, how to live every day for THE Lord, with THE Lord, bringing HONOR and GLORY to THE Lord by how we live and carry ourselves.  How we walk the walk and talk the talk.  Notice I said it in reverse of how mainstream says it.  Because we should engage in life that way for the Lord. 

Many people say 'talk the talk and walk the walk'.  But shouldn't our walk come before we talk, so that people can see we are one with THE GOD?  How else will they want to have anything to do with us?  Many can talk the talk.  Most cannot walk the walk.  Are you walking with God today?  I didn't say perfect.....but are you walking in communion with him, hearing his voice, doing what he says, most of the time?  Have you added fruit to the Kingdom?

If so, and you are preaching and teaching, then you can expect to preach God's word in ever-widening circles, as the apostles did per todays Scripture reference.  You will begin to see numbers of believers increasing.  Will Jewish priests be converted as a result of your actions?  Perhaps you were only called to preach to the Gentiles and non-Christians.  Whatever your path, do so WITH God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.    

Is it necessary to have hands laid upon you to go forth?  No.  That was a Jewish tradition, not a New Testament mandate given by God or Jesus.  If God calls you to go forth, in whatever capacity for him, you've already been touched by the hand of God, first, when he gave you life.  See Psalm 139.

Revelation for many:  I was about to say, 'he has already placed his hand upon you when he gave birth to you....when he breathed life into you.'  But life begins at conception [when he gave birth to you], not when one takes their first breath.  Look at any sonogram in progression and you can see growth actually occurring, and responses from a child in the womb when spoken to, when hearing music, when the abdomen is touched.  God's Spirit and life is upon and within a child from the very moment a mommy and daddy connect.  Don't let an abortion deter you from seeking God, God's forgiveness, going forth for and with him.  

Will you stand before God when the last trumpet is sounded?  Will he say you've done a good job and been a faithful servant? 

Answer his call today and delegate in the Kingdom of God.  God's called people to surround you.  Start delegating to grow the church...the Kingdom of God....for all.   

 

 

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  Let Us Pray

 

Gee, God, I didn't realize I could start delegating without a gathering place, but you will see to that.  I shall not lord over people with a title, but offer an embrace in equality.  I shall delegate, appoint, as gifts arise....folks step up.  I will apply myself, with dedication and focus, to that which I am called.  I will make every effort to bring honor and glory to you, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.  And please help me along the way of life.  I know I have journeyed in such a way as to learn what I needed to to bring me to this place of building the church....the Kingdom of God....for you.  May all others realize their journey is for the same, and begin to step up and go forth for you, and with you, now.  May many hear the Word of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ preached in ever-widening circles, just as it was in Jerusalem, so that the number of believers will be greatly increased today.  And every day hereafter.  Please open and reopen doors that have been closed.  Bring the masses back.  Help to let your voice be heard through me and others.  Religious freedom allows me to speak of you anywhere anytime per the laws of the nation of the United States of America.  May all countries respect religious freedom regardless of how measured and however far away.  Thank you, God, for giving me life, helping me grow, now make me wise....please.  I pray for wisdom for all others in the world, God.  And Lord, please forgive all persons of all sins everywhere....including me.  Thank you!  I praise you!  Amen.                   

         

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More love.... 

  Benediction....Blessing

 

Let us hear from Paul as he prays:  

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God!  By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.  May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.  Amen.  Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT         

 

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Scroll down to read Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving...'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'.

 

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Definition of a Christian:  Anyone who believes in God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, and accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Regardless of church name or religious affiliation. 

'All who have been united with Christ in baptism have been made like him.  There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female.  For you are all Christians - you are ONE in Christ Jesus.'  Galatians 3: 27

 

  It is not how we worship, but that we worship....the Trinity!

 

Teach tolerance....reach in acceptance....worship as one!

 

Embrace....Respect....Encourage!

 

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  Our Continual Cause

 

It is time to reach into the community and the world around you to see wherein lies the greatest need.  As you choose to focus on these areas, do so with a servant's heart.  Whether the need is for children, adults, or animals, or any cause in between that will help those in need, ask God how you can best serve his needs, what path you must take, and how long you should persevere.  Sometimes we are to be in the lives of others merely as stepping stones.  Sometimes we are to touch those lives forever.  Whatever journey you are called to take, whatever team you will be a member, know this:  God is with you always...even til the end of time.  He loves you, is grateful for you, and will help you along life's way, especially if you are helping others along theirs, persevering with a servant's heart.  

    

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    One last thing....

 

 Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving

'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'

 

"Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer:  "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.  You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.  Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work."

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly.  "The Father has given me all these things to do and say.  This is a unique Father - Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge.  No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does.  But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen."

"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly.

 

   Matthew 11:  25-30

  The Message

 

And the people said,

"Amen."

 

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 I now write most prayers in the position of ' I ' (first person) because most people are sitting at their computer alone, not in groups, and it allows those reading and praying to personalize the prayer as coming from them going to God.  Variations may appear on holidays when families may wish to use the prayer provided.  I encourage you to pray your own prayers as well.

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  Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved.

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NOTE:  I said it long ago, but let me say it again.  If you are wanting to lead a group, start a church, or are confined in an institution, or live in a country where the Gospel is not preached, and you don't know what to say or how to say it, and yet feel led to share, teach, or preach, besides just reading straight out of the Bible and sharing what God puts on your heart, please feel free to share any or all of what I've written, if it will help you, as long as you include where it comes from, due to copyright laws.  Jesus gave God's love and healing freely, as well as his message.  Our responsibility is to get the Word out to those who need to hear it.  If what I've written....by the power and direction of the Holy Spirit....or what he has said through me....has helped you, it may help others that you know.  You are welcome to share it.  God calls all of us to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world.  Please share it with the fullness of love that God, Jesus, Holy Spirit....and I....have given it.  Amen!

 

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Bible Authors and Minister