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.