Follow Advice

But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, "We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word." Acts 6:1-4

Rumblings of discontent. Have times never changed? Are there rumblings of discontent among your church? From time to time I think all churches experience that. Right now our church is rumbling—but not with discontent. Due to health issues within her family our Pastor is planning to step down as the main pastor—so our church must begin a search for a new pastor. We’re sad to say good-bye to our wonderful pastor and shepherd, her husband and sweet mama. Rumblings. Sad rumblings. 

Reenactment of Jesus teaching His Disciples

The way that the apostles handled their rumbling of discontent was wonderfully miraculous. They delegated. Wise move. That way they could focus on prayer and teaching. Those were important things to Jesus…so they must be priority to the apostles as well.

Look back at Moses time. He was having to spend a lot of time of time dealing with people issues. His father-in-law, Jethro, a Midian priest, gave Moses good advice to chose a man from each tribe—one who fears God and hates bribes—to help carry the load and thus assist to solve the people’s common disputes. See Exodus 18:13-27, with the key verse…Moses listened to his father-in-law's advice and followed his suggestions. Exodus 18:24. He followed Jethro’s advice.

At the time of Acts, the apostles didn’t want to spend their time dealing with disputes and running a food program—but instead they wanted to focus on connecting with God in prayer and teaching new believers—connecting them to God’s will and ways. Teaching them to be obedient. Obedience is the key. Listen and obey.

If you listen to these regulations and faithfully obey them, the LORD your God will keep his covenant of unfailing love with you, as he promised with an oath to your ancestors. Deuteronomy 7:12

Listen and obey. That is what is happening when a person follows wise advice. Are you willing to follow the advice of others? Of course, check to make sure it is wise advice.  Is it consistent with scripture. Does it draw you to or away from the Lord? Who gets the glory?

Prayer ~ Jesus, help us to listen with ears to hear Your words and to follow You with radical obedience.

Daily Bible Reading: Acts 4-6

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

What are you serving with your turkey on Thanksgiving Day—or the evening before…or breakfast Friday morning? Here’s a quick and tasty bar that a friend recently made and I adapted to be gluten free.

Cranberry Nut Bars

2 eggs

1 cup sugar
1 cup gluten-free flour blend

1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 1/4 cups Ocean Spray® Fresh or Frozen Cranberries

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch baking pan. Beat eggs in a medium mixing bowl until thick. Gradually add sugar, beating until thoroughly blended. Stir in flour and melted butter; blend well. Add cranberries and walnuts, mixing gently just until combined. Spread the batter evenly in the greased pan.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool a bit and cut into bars. Great served warm. Good with Thanksgiving dinner or for breakfast on Black Friday. Makes 16 servings.

© 2017 Text and Photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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