Good morning! Today we begin our reading in Acts chapter 6. Join me as we learn more about the early church.

“6 But as the believers^[a] rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

² So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. ³ And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. ⁴ Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”” – Acts 6:1-4 NLT

In these verses we learn that there were at least two ethnic groups of believers Greek speaking and Hebrew speaking. One group was complaining that their widows were being discriminated against. Instead of the apostles losing focus on the ministry at hand, they immediately addressed the issue, put the appropriate people in leadership roles (e.g., well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom) to address the discrimination that was happening amongst the believers.

The apostles didn’t argue with the believers over perspectives, they knew what Jesus taught them about the widow, how to care for the needs of the people and James 1:27 says, “pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” The apostles took their leadership roles seriously and taught others to do the same. The church learned that in the midst of grumbling, complaining, and discrimination that the church must stand together, address the issues as Christ would, and continue to preach the word of God to transform hearts, change lives and bring more to knowing Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

• What are you grumbling or complaining about?
• What does the Bible say about that issue?
• What is the Holy Spirit prompting in your heart?
• How will you continue to share the word of God with others?

Father God we thank you for another glorious day, a perfect sunrise, and your faithfulness. Lord our hearts are aching and our need for your peace within us is evident. Lord strengthen us and make us new in you. Lord without allowing us to be too complacent calm our fears, give us boldness of speech and a firm footing to stand for the things you stand for. Help us to love one another as Christ loves the church and calls us to love. Help us to stand up and say send me, but instead of the nations heart being calloused like those in Isaiah 6, help our nation to see You at work with our eyes, to hear You with our ears, to understand You with our hearts, so that we may turn to You and be healed. Lord this journey can be tiring and we know that you know this, but renew us each day. Our hope remains in you – your word says “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:30-31) Lord, you know our hearts forgive us for doing things that did not please you. Stir in us a desire to do your will with an obedient heart. Strengthen us and equip us for the journey. In Jesus name, amen.

Registration for our next women’s retreat is open.

Theme: Hope Anchored by Faith – “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19

When: Saturday, July 25, 2020
Time: 9:00 AM Pacific Standard Time
In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 the retreat will be held online as a virtual retreat. Register in advance:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_h8mL9soyReqwrVZGjMx1gg

Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to: prayerrequest@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://biblegateway.com