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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Brothers and sisters, 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 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. Acts 6:3-4

Read: Acts 6:2-4
Listen: Acts 6

TODAY’S MESSAGE

The Apostles are presented with a problem. The Hellenistic Jewish widows are being neglected in the daily distribution of food. There were options for how the Apostles could respond. They could ignore the problem and continue preaching the word, or they could give up preaching the word to “wait on tables” in service to these widows. Instead, they appoint seven qualified men to oversee the care of the widows and then continued in the ministry of word and prayer. This emphasizes their priority of both word AND deed.

We often have a propensity toward either word or deed. Some may lean toward “word” by diving deep into Bible study, listening to engaging sermons or even debating others on politics or theology. Or others may gravitate toward “deed” by serving people experiencing poverty, caring for people in need, or raising funds for service projects of various kinds. Identifying our tendencies can help us recognize where we need to grow. If we are most comfortable with “word” then we likely have growing to do in “deed” or the other way around. But the power of the Gospel is seen more clearly when we balance both in our lives.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Identify where you are on the word and deed spectrum. If you gravitate toward deed, then focus on one thing to do to grow in a word-based practice (study Scripture, memorize Bible passages, read a good book etc.). If you gravitate toward word, then identify one thing you are going to do to grow in good deeds (serve a neighbor, give to charity, visit a nursing home etc.). Identify one action step to take in the coming week.

2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.

December is CELEBRATION. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.