Archive Oasis

When you yield yourself to do God’s will, you never know what challenges you will face.

Serving tables (1-7). No ministry is unimportant for a Christlike servant, for Jesus said, “I am among you as the One who serves” (Luke 22:27). In serving tables, the men released the apostles for their ministry of prayer and the Word; and the result was an increase in conversions (v 7). People filled with the Spirit see no small jobs or big places. They see only their Master and the opportunity to glorify Him.

Doing wonders (8). From serving tables to doing miracles! Stephen reached out to the lost and sought to win them to Christ. If you are faithful with a few things, the Lord may give you many things (Matt. 25:21).

Facing enemies (9-15). The unbelievers treated Stephen the way the Sanhedrin treated Jesus: they arrested him on trumped-up charges and hired false witnesses to testify. Stephen experienced “ the fellowship of His sufferings” (Phil. 3:10), and so will you if your witness hits home (Matt. 5:11-12). They said Stephen was opposing Moses, but he had a shining face just like Moses (Exod. 34)!

Tradition
Or Truth?

They accused Stephen of being unorthodox in his beliefs (Acts 6:13); but yesterday’s orthodoxy had become today’s heresy, and the council was behind the times! The Law had been nailed to the cross (Col. 2:14), and the veil of the temple had been torn in two. Within a few years, both the city and the temple would be gone, and Hosea 3:4 would be fulfilled. Are you following man’s tradition or God’s truth?

“There are many of us that are willing to do great things
for the Lord; but few of us are willing to do little things..” D.L.Moody

Waiting (1-3). While experiencing trials at the hands of his enemies. David asked God for help, but the answer did not come immediately. He waited - and then God worked! What a change took place. David went from a pit to a highway, from miry clay to a rock, and from crying to singing!

Witnessing (4-10). When God does a great thing for you, share it with others. God’s works and thoughts ought to be a part of your daily conversation. Share the good news by what you say and do. God can use your witness to bring others to Himself (v.3).

Warring (11-15). So often David found himself surrounded by danger, and all he could do was turn to the Lord for help. You may not be battling against armies, but you are part of a spiritual warfare that demands diligence and devotion (Eph. 6:10ff.).

Worshipping (16-17). No matter what the problem, David took time to worship the Lord. When you do this, it helps to put things into perspective, and you see what God is doing for you. The important thing is that God is magnified. You may get impatient with Him, but He thinks about you and is working everything together for your good (Jer.29-11).