Wig’s Word of God Today 5-7-2011
Whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them. Acts 6:4, 6
It is I. Do not be afraid. John 6:20
Acts 6:1-7, Psalm 33 & John 6:16-21
I liked to think of the complaint the Hellenists described in Acts 6 of the Hebrews was more of a discovered fundamental need as we grow older as family, a community or as a nation rather than a angered complaint. We can all look around now and see there is such a need for people to not only help poor widows, the elderly and the sick with daily chores, nutrition and financial needs but they surely need a man or woman who is full of the Spirit and knowledgeable in the Word of God that can share Christ’s love with honor and respect. What you see here is the beginning of the Deaconate Pastoral Ministry and the ultimate death of Deacon Stephen as they would soon learn “they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke” and stoned him to death.
Many a biblical scholar describes Stephen as a young man filled with the Spirit and unafraid of anything he would encounter. Like many of us, he had chosen a path of serving God’s people by loving his love of Christ Jesus in a ministry of providing faith, charity and love. In ministering to the homeless, the elderly and the sick, we need to trust in the LORD’s strength, protection and wisdom to guide us to serve with a zealous attitude to teach and to learn. Yes you will learn so much from a person holding a sign saying, “Homeless Veteran, I will work for food” while tethering his only friend in the world; a mutt filled with an eternal happiness smile. I passed such a man yesterday in Ocala, Florida as I exited to get gas and I watched him read my front tag as I went by that says “Ask God.”
I returned to the man with a couple of Arby’s roast beef sandwiches and a bag of dog food for his friendly Mutt “Queen Zaida.” His name was Robert and we prayed together for a moment holding hands as busy Friday afternoon cars drove by. Embracing people while in the Spirit of God surely gives you an amazing lift especially when the person you are embracing most likely hasn’t been truly held in years. We embraced and he says to me, “I read your plate as you passed by and said to myself, ‘one must have faith.'” Smiling as I looked into his pale grey eyes saying, “Our faith rests in a Risen LORD Who can bring your life hope, charity and love in unexpected places. Give what you receive. Seek and you shall find Him holding His arms wide waiting for you to come home and repent.” Placing the sign of the Cross on his forehead I shared my blessing on him saying, “may God bless you and keep you safe in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
So we ask in prayer: Dear LORD, I have continual prayers for Augie Silva and his healing LORD. I pray for the Roberts of the world who are lost and seeking to be found. I pray for my family’s safety and conversion. I pray for the little ones who today by my direction will receive their First Communion with eagerness and wonder. LORD, we pray for the Deacons of the world who minister for Your glory especially Deacon Alpha and soon to be Deacon George LaBelle. We pray all this in the Name above all names Jesus Christ. Amen.
God Bless,
Thomas Joe Cruz-Wiggins
Romans 8:28
“Spirit led God inspired Christ fed”
Son’s Power Never Fails
Our Father
Close to me
Guide my tongue
Honor of Thee
In Your strength
I tend to show
The love of Christ
For all to know
A deep breath
A sigh of Truth
Nerves resting
Kingdom soothed
I share my soul
In poetry for life
I escape worry
My Truthful right
Somehow I feel
His Will will prevail
Guided by Truth and service
Son’s Power never fails
© Thomas Joe Cruz-Wiggins MAy 7, 2011 @ 5:31 AM EST
