Signs and wonders while serving tables

Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business"...And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Acts 6:2,3,8NKJV

So this is my shout out to all those serving in hospitality roles at church. Where was all the spiritual action happening in this passage? Amoung the deacons. Thank you for your tireless service, thank you for carrying the Holy Spirit into people's worlds every week. May you see the signs and wonders that are following YOU!

It wasn't our godliness that did this

So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?...And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. Acts 3:12, 16 NKJV

This passage fascinates me. Peter and John correct the thinking that their power and godliness caused the healing of the lame man. So how was he healed? Sounds like God gave them the faith and this faith healed the man. I love the sovereignty of God.

Things too profound for me

Lord, my heart is not haughty,

Nor my eyes lofty.

Neither do I concern myself with great matters,

Nor with things too profound for me.

Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul,

Like a weaned child with his mother;

Like a weaned child is my soul within me.

O Israel, hope in the Lord

From this time forth and forever. Psalm 131 NKJV

This psalm nearly knocked me off my chair when I discovered it this morning. I am in a place at the moment where I'm being encouraged to take a break from all different sources. The problem with this has been that my heaviest burdens are in my mind - how do you take a break from yourself? For me this week began by letting go of my deep sense of spiritual responsibility for every person I have ever met. The end of the week has seen me letting go of my deep sense of responsibility for completely changing society. Big dreams? Yes. I've decided I will let God take responsibility for great matters and things too profound for me, and I will calm and quiet my soul.

What can comfort my heart?

I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here. Colossians 4:8,9 NKJV

I have made a few discoveries about myself during this strange season of "spiritual stocktaking" as one friend called it. One discovery is that I really want to be understood. Looks like Paul realised this need - he was sending Tychicus to the Colossians so that he could understand their circumstances and comfort them. Wonder who my Tychicus will be...only Jesus I guess. He knows it all.

Giving heartily to the Lord

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23,24 NKJV

So I'm thinking a lot about how I have reached my emotional capacity and what needs to be trimmed back for me to give my best to God, my husband and kids...I don't want to give it begrudgingly and I don't want it to be squeezed out of me. I like the word heartily. I want to give it heartily. I think the result of continual disappointment has brought me to this place of knowing that I will never please anyone and that's ok. Even in this place I can still give myself heartily to God. Why? Because He's satisfying, He's rejuvenating, He's rewarding in every sense of the word.

Called to peace, so peace will come

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:15-17 NIV

So the girls turn up for a worship practice at my place last night and walk into the chaos and madness of the kids putting on bedtime antics! Food is flying everywhere, naked little boys run wild through the house and their mother is equally as frazzled. Not so much peace ruling this night. Once the kids stop appearing from their beds and the instruments are out, my head is completely empty and I can't even remember what I'm praising God for! But as we sing with each other, and perhaps even for each other, it comes. The gratitude to God. And the peace.

Let the peace reign...

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17 NIV

It's been a few days since I've been able to make sense of much in my head and I haven't really had a spare moment to blog. Even now I'm not sure if I have anything to say, but a very good friend of mine prompted me to do this so we'll see what comes out.

 

I was thinking about the connection between forgiveness and peace. I wondered if I am experiencing a lack of peace because there's still people I need to forgive. Maybe. Maybe it's God I feel I need to forgive. Maybe. I am definitely feeling very frustrated and disappointed. I am carrying around the feeling that my blood is boiling. I am desperately trying not to let it pour out at my husband and kids. Jesus, let Your peace rule inside my heart once more. Show me who to forgive and give me the power to do it.