Acts 6 | Renewed Leadership

Monday: Read Acts 6:1-2
Watch Daily Devotion

God was blessing the early church, adding to their number daily—and with that growth came natural challenges. The apostles stayed focused on Jesus’ command to “Go and make disciples,” refusing to be distracted by every issue. Instead of trying to solve everything themselves, they wisely created space for others to step up and serve. Even with possibly thousands present, they trusted the community to find qualified, Spirit-led individuals to meet the need.

It’s amazing to pause and recognize the trust expressed by everyone involved. Those who raised the complaint trusted that their concerns were worth being heard. The apostles trusted the community to choose qualified, Spirit-filled people to help find a solution. And the people, in turn, trusted the apostles—not because serving was beneath them, but because they were staying faithful to their unique calling to teach and make disciples.

This moment reminds us that serving is not about control—it’s about trust. When we’re invited to step in and serve, it’s not because someone is shirking responsibility. It’s because, like in the early church, leaders trust others enough to share the mission. Serving isn’t second-tier—it’s sacred. And trusting others to lead or serve alongside you is a sign of spiritual maturity, not weakness.

Spiritual Practice: Serve and Trust

“Serve & Trust” is a simple spiritual practice inspired by Acts 6. It invites you to serve someone with intention and to trust someone else by empowering them to step into their gifts. It’s a reminder that serving is sacred, and trusting others is a sign of spiritual maturity.

1. Reflect (5 minutes): Read Acts 6:1–7. Ask God:

   • Where are You inviting me to serve this week?

   • Who around me needs to be trusted or encouraged to serve?

2. Serve One Person: Do one intentional act of service this week—something simple, practical, and quiet. (Examples: Make a meal, help someone with a task, send an encouraging message.)

3. Trust One Person: Invite or empower someone else to lead or serve in a way you normally would. (Examples: Delegate a task, ask them to pray or help, affirm their gifts.)

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Mark 10:45, John 13:14-15, Galatians 5:13, 1 Peter 4:10

Tueday: Read Acts 6:3-6
Watch Daily Devotion

The apostles listed just three qualities they were looking for in those who would serve the widows: they had to come from among the believers, have a good reputation, be full of the Spirit, and be filled with wisdom. A good reputation meant their character was consistent and authentic—lived out in community, not put on for appearance. Being full of the Spirit pointed to a life surrendered and submitted to Jesus. Though invisible, this kind of spiritual posture bears fruit that blesses others. And wisdom wasn’t about head knowledge—it was about the practical, Spirit-led ability to apply truth in daily life.

These qualities weren’t about flashy skills or titles; they reflected the quiet, internal work of God. The fruit of their lives spoke for them. There’s no mention of these men campaigning for their roles—they stood out because of how they lived. And they didn’t start there. None of them were born with perfect reputations, complete surrender, or deep wisdom. Growth came through time, failure, humility, and a willingness to be shaped. If you stood among the thousands of disciples that day, would your life reflect that kind of fruit? The good news is, God still works in the unseen places—forming the character and integrity needed for service that truly honors Him.

Spiritual Practice: Serving Intentionally through Character

This practice focuses on developing a life of service that reflects authentic character, submission to the Spirit, and practical wisdom.

1. Examine Your Heart – Spend a few minutes in prayer, asking God to reveal areas where your character needs growth. Reflect on your reputation—how consistent is it with who you are in private and in community?
   

2. Surrender to the Spirit – Take a moment to surrender your will to the Holy Spirit, inviting Him to lead you. Ask for help in living a life fully submitted to God.
   

3. Seek Practical Wisdom – Identify one area of your life where you need to apply wisdom—whether in relationships, work, or service.

4. Serve Quietly – Look for one opportunity today to serve others in a quiet, unseen way.

This practice can be repeated daily to nurture a heart of service that honors God through authentic character, Spirit-led living, and practical wisdom.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Colossians 3:23-24, Ephesians 6:7-8, Titus 2:7-8, James 1:2-4

Wednesday: Read Acts 6:7
Watch Daily Devotion

The priests in Acts 6:7 weren’t spiritually blind or uninformed. They knew the Scriptures, upheld tradition, and had devoted their lives to serving God. Their caution was understandable—many false messiahs had come before, leading people astray and leaving behind deep disillusionment. So what could possibly break through their well-earned skepticism? What could cause such devout men to become obedient to the faith in Jesus? Only God. Not persuasion, pressure, or perfect arguments—just the undeniable work of God through His Word, His Spirit, and His grace.

Today, many remain hardened—some by tradition, others by past wounds, even from believers. But the same God who opened the eyes of the priests still works today. He sent Jesus while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8), the Spirit continues to convict hearts (John 16:8), His Word is still proclaimed (Mark 16:15), and His kindness still leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). Our role isn't to close the deal but to bear witness—to reflect His love, speak His truth, and trust that God alone softens hearts. In the end, it’s not our efforts that bring transformation. It’s God.

Spiritual Practice: Pray and Name, Joining God in the Work

This practice invites you to partner with God by praying specifically for people in your life who seem spiritually closed off, hardened, or resistant to faith. It’s not about convincing them—it’s about entrusting them to the God who transforms hearts.

1. Quiet Your Heart (2–3 minutes) Sit in silence. Acknowledge God's presence. Breathe deeply and invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you.

2. Name Before God (Write or Speak Aloud) List 1–3 people who come to mind—those who feel unreachable, stuck in their ways, or wounded by religion. Speak their names to God, surrendering them into His care.

3. Pray Scripture Over Them Use a verse like Romans 2:4 ("Your kindness leads us to repentance") or John 16:8 to pray that God would work in unseen ways, softening their hearts with His love and truth.

4. Release & Recommit: End with a simple prayer: “God, I trust You to reach them in ways I never could. Use me to reflect Your love, and help me stay faithful in prayer. Amen.”

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Mark 16:15, John 16:8, Romans 2:4, 5:8

Thursday: Read Acts 6:8-10
Watch Daily Devotion

There are no insignificant people or roles in the kingdom of God. In Acts 6, the Apostles chose qualified men to oversee the daily distribution to widows—a task that might seem ordinary or secondary. Yet the role of serving tables did not mean less opportunity for impact, power, or the presence of the Holy Spirit. One of those chosen, Stephen, is described as “full of grace”—a phrase otherwise only used to describe Jesus Himself (John 1:14). His life reminds us that faithfulness in quiet obedience can carry the same anointing as the more visible, public roles in ministry.

God doesn’t reserve His best for pastors, preachers, or those with platforms. His grace and power are poured out on anyone willing to serve—whether leading thousands or simply helping one. There is no spiritual hierarchy when it comes to being filled by the Spirit. If you feel unseen or like what you’re doing today is small, know this: God sees it, blesses it, and can fill you fully for it. You are not forgotten or disqualified. You are positioned—right now—to carry His presence into whatever lies ahead.

Spiritual Practice: Serve the One in front of You

This practice helps you embody the truth that no act of service is small in the kingdom of God. Whether public or private, visible or hidden, every moment of faithful service can be a vessel of God’s grace and anointing.

1. Start Your Day with a Prayer of Availability: Say, “Lord, I’m available today. Fill me with Your Spirit and show me who I can serve.”

2. Identify One Person to Serve Today: Choose someone you can encourage, support, or help today—a co-worker, neighbor, family member, or stranger. Ask, “Who’s right in front of me that I can serve with love?”

3. Do One Act of Spirit-Filled Service: Deliver a meal, offer help, send a thoughtful message, volunteer your time, or simply listen with full attention. Do it as worship, not for recognition.

4. End the Day with Gratitude Reflect briefly: “Thank You, Lord, for the opportunity to serve. Use even the smallest act for Your glory.”

Study: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, Colossians 3:23–24

Friday: Read Acts 6:11-1
Watch Daily Devotion

We don’t know how much time passed between Stephen’s conversion, his appointment to serve tables, and the moment he stood trial for his faith. His life may have shifted drastically—one day finding deep belonging and purpose in serving, and the next, facing hostility, false accusations, and a likely death sentence. What thoughts must have raced through his mind as he stood before the council? Yet Scripture doesn’t record his panic or protest. Instead, we’re told his face was “like the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15)—a reflection not of fear, but of peace. His countenance revealed the posture of a man fully surrendered to God, whether the path ahead led to a prison cell or a martyr’s death.

Stephen’s face testified to an inner reality: a heart anchored in trust, not outcome. He didn’t need a platform, a long legacy, or a dramatic escape to feel useful to God. He simply trusted that whatever came—life, death, or something in between—God would use it for His glory. What about you? If obedience today meant obscurity, discomfort, or even loss, would your face still reflect trust? May we learn from Stephen to serve faithfully with open hands, knowing that a surrendered life always speaks loudest.

Spiritual Practice: Peace that Shows

This practice encourages you to embody the same posture of trust and peace that Stephen demonstrated—not by controlling outcomes, but by offering faithful obedience in the face of uncertainty.

• Start with a Surrender Prayer Pray:“God, I give You my plans today. Whether I see the impact or not, I choose to trust You with the results.”

• Do One Act of Service Without Needing Credit: Serve someone today in a way that may go unseen—offer encouragement, clean something, carry a burden, or support quietly.

• Check Your “Face”: Pause once today and ask: “What is my face reflecting right now—worry, control, or trust?” Take a breath and realign your heart with God.

• End with Gratitude: Say: “Thank You, Lord, for letting me join in Your work today. Help my face and life reflect trust in You tomorrow too.”

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Proverbs 3:5–6, Matthew 5:16, 2 Corinthians 4:6–7, Philippians 2:14–15