January 30, 2012 (Exodus 25-27; Acts 6)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke.” Acts 6:10 NLT
Observation: The men from the First Synagogue of Freed Slaves could not out wit Stephen and his gospel message. The Holy Spirit that filled Stephen flummoxed the Freed Slaves and embarrassed them to a point of rage. So they did what every good ole Jewish boy would do in those days, they got people to lie for them! They said to themselves, “If we can’t shut him up by our own wisdom we will use a lie to stop him.” Little did they know that God would use Stephen from generation to generation to teach men about steadfast faith.
Application: Pride will often lead us to do things outside of our character. When we decide our way and understanding is right and everyone else is wrong, we open ourselves up for pride to make a fool of us. The Holy Scriptures need to be debated less and believed more. People need to see by the way we live what we believe. Our actions will always speak louder than our words. Our actions will make a bigger impact on those around us than our words ever will. When we walk in the Spirit, as Stephen did, we will be filled with wisdom from above and consumed with a Spirit of boldness to proclaim Jesus is Lord.
Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your word that teaches, convicts, corrects and encourages me. I praise and worship You for who You are! I thank You for Your protection and provision. Your grace and mercy are with me day by day. Fill me with Your wisdom and Spirit. Teach me to be a man of steadfast faith like Stephen. Help me do whatever You ask, be willing to go wherever You desire, and leave whenever You say, in Jesus name, Amen!