February 04, 2023
I’ve recently had three close friends die. All of them were followers of Christ. All of them were used by God, playing significant roles in God’s kingdom. All of them are enjoying the riches of eternity with God now!
I had the privilege of doing two of their funerals. What do you say of such men? It has caused me to think deeply about finishing well. We have opinions of what we think we are. Others will comment on our lives when we die—some who know us well. But the reality is, the one who knows us best is God. HIs final words will give the true evaluation.
A MAN FULL OF GOD
The life and death of Stephen, a servant in the early church, is recorded in two chapters in the New Testament. He was one of the first martyrs of the church. Evil, jealous men arose with false accusations and stoned him to death. In Acts 6-7 are several sentences that God gives that tell us who this man was.
The recurring word in these descriptions is “full.” Stephen was a man full of God.
Full of FAITH
“Full of faith" (Acts 6:5)
Full of the HOLY SPIRIT
“Full of ... the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5)
"Being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." (Acts 7:55)
Full of GRACE
“Full of grace ..." (6:8)
Full of POWER
“Full of ... power … performing great wonders and signs (6:8)
Full of WISDOM
(They were) unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking (vs. 10)
Full of MERCY and FORGIVENESS
Falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep. (7:60)
Many people are full of themselves, and the results are disastrous. Because of Stephen’s full surrender and full pursuit of His Savior, he was full of God. And as such, he was fully used and fully pleasing to the Father.
What will God say as this earthly portion of your life ends? Pray that He uses the word “full” … a man, a woman, full of God!
March 11, 2025
God knows what He is about. Always include in your request the greatest prayer—the prayer of surrender. “Lord, Your will be done.” This is the prayer, when humbly prayed, that will always be answered and yield the most valuable result from the God who loves us best ... even if the answer is hard.
March 05, 2025
Every created man or woman must make their choice. What will you do with God? Will you embrace or reject Him? Draw near or run away? Trust and serve Him or doubt God and serve yourself? This foundational choice determines everything.
March 04, 2025
As you evaluate your faith, is it “God and?” God and others. God and the world’s ideas. God and my best thoughts thrown in. God and some money. God and a clear path. Or simply: God. Are you vainly clinging to the idea that you need more than Him?
