Devo Acts 6:1-7

Chapter 6
1In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews
among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were
being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2So the Twelve gathered all the
disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry
of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3Brothers, choose seven men from
among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this
responsibility over to them 4and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry
of the word.” 5This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a
man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon,
Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6They presented these
men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7So the word of
God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large
number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Meditation:
1. The life of Early Church was full of miracles, sharing, and fellowship. How
wonderful it would have been to be a member of this “Perfect” church. In
fact, the Early Church also had problems just like today. There is no perfect
church until the coming of Christ in union with believers.
2. If I have been frustrated with my church, am I willing to spend the same
amount of energy to pray for my church and pastors?
3. Spend a few minutes to pray for my church, pastors, ministries and other
believers.

Personal Note:
It is a good reminder that even the early church has its problems too.  I learn that the problems were resolved through the disciples willingness to be faithful to the ministry of God's Words and Prayer.  They knew that they had to delegate the tasks of administration and distribution of food to other godly leaders.  Without the help of brothers and sisters who step up to lead: small group leaders, praise singing leaders, AV, powerpoint, setup, etc, loving and caring for one another and sharing the good news of Christ to our community is impossible.

Pray for spiritual growth of PGC, for Crossroad, for Rev. Siu, for Ken, for Cecil.

Devo Acts 5:1-11

Chapter 5
1Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece
of property. 2With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for
himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. 3Then Peter said,
“Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the
Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the
land? 4Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the
money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have
not lied to men but to God.” 5When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died.
And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6Then the young men
came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. 7About
three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8Peter asked
her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said,
“that is the price.” 9Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of
the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and
they will carry you out also.” 10At that moment she fell down at his feet and died.
Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried
her beside her husband. 11Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard
about these events.

Meditation:
1. The sin that Ananias and Sapphira committed wasn’t that they’ve kept some
money for themselves. After all, the sale of the property and the amount to
donate were their decisions. They sinned in deceiving God and His people.
They were severely punished for deception for greed will corrupt the church
and the work of the Holy Spirit. It seems Ananias and Sapphira were bound
by their desire for approval or acclaim. They couldn’t give freely and honestly
as led by the Holy Spirit, but rather needed to use their giving to increase
their reputation. God could not allow such motives to pollute the powerful
work of his Spirit in this first body of Christians.
2. Satan will use my weaknesses to come into my heart and influence my
decisions. In what ways should I be alert in guarding my actions and thoughts?

Personal Note:
At first when I read this, I thought God was very cruel.  Other characters like David had committed adultery and murder, and of course he repented, and he is still a man after God's heart.  This two couple sold their property and donate it for the kingdom's work, but kept back a portion.  I learn now that the sin is not in keeping back the money, but the sin is in deceiving the Holy Spirit.  Note the verse, "Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events."  God is not to be deceived.  Anyone who is using the Holy Spirit to build up their reputation and self glory will be punished greatly.

Those weaknesses of the couple I believe I possess too.  Greed of wealth and comfort, desire for reputation and respect among the friends and the community, fear of the opinion and judgement of people.  All of those will yield me to become unfruitful for the kingdom of God.

Great fear seized the whole church (the gathering of believers) for all who heard about these events.  I pray that we all are protected by the Holy Spirit because of a healthy fear (respect) for God.  I am to surround myself with godly people who fears the Lord.