Living the Full Life for Jesus

Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; Stephen, full of grace and power. (Acts 6:5 and 8)

Acts 6:1-8, 7:54-60; Micah 3:8; Zech 4:6; Acts 1:8, 4:31, 11:24; Gal. 5:6; I John. 5:4

What Is God Saying?

Stephen is one of the early deacons the apostles chose to care for the growing church. Deacons were responsible for those in the group who had the most need. Urgent food distribution was one of these tasks. The apostles chose Stephen, Philip, and five others who were wise and full of the Holy Spirit, and the church commissioned them by prayer and the laying on of hands.

Today, we remember that feeding those who are hungry and helping people in need is a high and holy calling. Stephen was ‘full of faith, the Holy Spirit, grace, and power.’ He led the infant church through rumblings of discontent; he did great things among them; he preached courageously even though it cost him his life. He was the first of all Christian martyrs.

How Does This Apply To Us?

We must be careful to reflect the grace we have received. Our lives can diminish, even nullify, the truth we profess if we do not come to others with the wisdom and the Spirit and ‘with the grace and the power of Jesus Christ.’ Be busy witnessing to others, giving a helping hand, feeding the hungry, and doing loving things for the sake of Christ. If filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, we are also filled with grace and power. God may not call upon us to give our lives for him, but we are all called upon to live our lives for him. Saul heard the dying words of Stephen. On the way to Damascus, they echoed in his ears and had a part in his conversion. If we let others see faith and grace in us, we may have a part in leading them.

Pray With Me

Dear Lord, I have not always reflected the grace you show me. I have not always shared your grace as liberally as I have received it. With your grace, I want the power that counts, not power over others but power for others and with others. I want Stephen's grace and power not to do ‘great wonders among the people’ but to be a faithful witness to Jesus Christ to the end of my days.

I have found the key to grace and power in listening to your word today. I don’t need to struggle or strive. I can let the Holy Spirit do his work, believing he is always able and present. I see now that anyone full of faith and the Holy Spirit will be full of grace and power. In the fullness of faith, the Holy Spirit led Stephen to lay down his life for you. Filled with faith and led by the same Holy Spirit, may I, at least, give my life to live for you. For then, I will see the glory of God and find that it isn't the end, but the beginning, for with Stephen, I will see ‘the heavens opened and the son of man standing at the right hand of God.’

In the name of Jesus, by whose grace and power I am redeemed. Amen.

Moving On In The Life of Prayer

Let our prayer be ‘full of faith and the Holy Spirit.’ Then, the ‘fullness of grace and power’ will flow into our lives. It's a simple formula, but it promises grand results. When we are filled with faith and led by the Holy Spirit, trusting that we will receive grace and power, prayer will take on a new dimension. Try it and see—no, do it and see!