Wednesday May 14
“And
they chose Stephen.” Ac 6:5 NKJV
ARE
YOU STEPHEN? (1)
The New Testament church grew so fast that the
administrative aspect of it became overwhelming. The apostles weren’t getting
enough time to pray and study the Scriptures, so they picked seven men to
handle the business side of things. Stephen was one of them. For the next few
days let’s examine his qualifications: Financial integrity. “Seek out
from among you seven men of good reputation...whom we may appoint over this
business” (v. 3 NKJV). Now, it goes without saying that if you're going to
handle the church’s finances, you must first a proven track record in handling
your own. That calls for saving, sowing, and spending wisely. It also means
putting God first in your finances. Heres’ a biblical question you need to
think about: “Will a man rob God?” Apparently, yes. God said, “You have robbed
me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed you?’ In tithes and offerings”
(Mal 3:8 NKJV). Maybe you’re thinking,”Uh-oh, here comes the commercial!” No,
tithing isn't’ a matter of money, but priorities. God doesn’t want your
leftovers, He wants your “firstfruits” (Pr 3:9). Tithing is also a matter of
obedience. “If they obey and serve HIm, they shall spend their days in
prosperity” (Job 36:11 NKJV). When it comes to leadership in God’s work, if you’re
not 10 percent behind it, how can you be 100 percent behind it?
If you’re not doing it already, try tithing your income for one year. It’s like
going into partnership with God. He promises to “pour out for you such blessing
that there will not be room enough to receive it” (Mal 3:10 NKJV).
Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional
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