40 Days of Commitment
Daily Bible Studies for the Week of March 16, 2009
This Week’s Scripture: Acts 6:1-7 NIV
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.
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for the first statement in today’s Scripture, “In those days when the number of disciples was increasing…” I know that in our day the number of disciples is increasing world-wide, but not in the USA. I praise You that Your name is increasing in the world, and I pray for you to pour out Your Holy Spirit on our nation and on our region that the number of disciples may increase. I pray that You will give me a renewed zeal to tell others about You and to be a faithful witness of Jesus. This I pray in His name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
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. NIV
Why do you suppose the number of disciples was increasing in those days?
How would you sum up the challenge the church faced in your own words?
Today’s Challenge: I will be a bold witness to Jesus salvation in my life today!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, the primary task of the apostles was the ministry of the word. I pray today for all who hold the ministry of the word as their primary task. In particular, I pray for our pastor and ask that You will bless Him and keep Him faithful to You in every way. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
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. NIV
What IS the “ministry of the word of God”?
Did the apostles say that no one should wait on tables?
Today’s Challenge: I will pray for my pastor and other leaders whose calling is the ministry of the word of God!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that You will show me my specific ministry within Your body and that You will empower me by the Holy Spirit that I may carry it out joyfully and faithfully. Use me to advance Your Kingdom, and to draw others to You. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
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.” NIV
What were the qualifications for the folks who would distribute the food? Why do you think they needed these qualities for this task?
What did the apostles say was their primary tasks in ministry?
Today’s Challenge: I will serve faithfully in the area(s) where God has gifted and called me!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your body is pleased when each person is carrying out his or her purpose within it. I pray that every person who is a part of New Life will carry out our purpose in Your body that we may be built up and that the lost may be found. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s 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. NIV
Why do you think the proposal of the Apostles pleased the whole group?
Does the list of names make anything obvious to you about those who would serve as what we have come to call “deacons”?
Today’s Challenge: I will respond with satisfaction when God’s body carries out His work faithfully, and I will be part of carrying out that work!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know that prayer and the laying on of hands is such an important part of passing on leadership in Your body. I pray that You will anoint the leaders of New Life afresh and lay Your hand upon them and fill them with Your Holy Spirit that they may know and do Your will with joy! This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
6They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. NLT
How do you suppose the seven were chosen by the body?
What is the significance of the apostles praying and laying hands on the seven men who were chosen?
Today’s Challenge: I will pray for the leaders of New Life and of God’s church throughout the world!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, when God’s people do Your work, Your way, the result is exponential growth! I pray that You will give us wisdom to do Your work in Your way in our day, that we may see the lost be found by the hundreds and thousands. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
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. NIV
What was the result of the apostles’ decision and action?
What are you doing to see that God’s word spreads today?
Today’s Challenge: I will be a light to others reflecting the light of Jesus!