S There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. D In a deacons meeting, a shriveled little nay-sayer looked across the way at his pastor and said, "The Bible says the deacons are to handle the business of the church." . Have you had experience with any of these ideas? Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. Not only could this devotional resource keep our vision fresh, but it also will invite us to explore the meaning of the phrases in the charge of deacons - encouraging us to search for ways to make this come alive in our own contexts. November 2022 - A Spiritually Healthy Church. Shift our perspective to seek Your peace above all else. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 5. Psalm 3:5 NIV Let Your peace rain down on us today, as we seek You more than anything else. Make me a humble servant, a role model, and a friend to all who call on Your name. 4. . What the Bible says about Deacons Topics Deacons 1 Timothy 3:8 - 1 Timothy 3:13 8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs. Compiled by The BibleStudyTools Staff And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. The Apostle Paul wrote, "Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money" (1 Timothy 3:8). Never leave my side. 8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Lift our eyes to seek You first today, and always, surrendering our need to achieve, understand, and be known. Scripture: 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your . Working with people's problems, hurts, disappointments and needs requires, as the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Book of Order puts it, that deacons be "persons of spiritual character.". Grant me grace as I age so I may share your wisdom. Help me to be a motivator and a spiritual weapon for her. for choosing to use ordinary, average people like us to impact the world. Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 11 In the same way, their wives are to be 1 Timothy 3:1-13 1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you. #3 - Be prepared to lead the meeting, Remember, leadership is priceless. Thank You for allowing service to Your Church to be the mission of our lives. You are God's field, God's building. If no one does, expect the meeting to show it. Oh, right, we did that part already. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Amen. A Bit of Clay Anytime; Pentecost 2. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Blog, A Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.read more.Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. each other to excellence. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Service Times8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. 1920 Northwestern AveWest Lafayette, IN 47906, Biblical Counseling in Winter Break Childcare, The Hope of Avoiding Poisonous Responses to Trials. Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says Jesus is accursed! and no one can say Jesus is Lord except in the Holy Spirit. Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. We have talents, abilities, and time to work. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? Bless, we pray, our work of mercy that we all may praise and thank you, while we await the blessed appearance of your Son, Jesus Christ, who became poor for our sakes that he might enrich us with eternal treasures. Amen. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Our hosting of this content does not imply endorsement, nor can we verify the accuracy of user-submitted posts. 6 And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. N 2023 Christian Reformed Church in North America. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of all men. Thats assumed. If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. These readings are available for both lectionary cyclesdaily readings and Sunday/Festival readings. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. This allowed the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4). Thank You for every seat that has been filled here, today. Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. : Pre-Seminary & Bible, Baptist Bible College (Now Clarks Summit University)M.Div. Deacon Bonner called meeting to order and then asked if anyone had a scripture on their heart that they wanted to share. Give [them] eyes to see the needs of your people. I will cross raging waters and walk through burning flames and not be afraid because You are with me through it all. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John. You and I must be diligent and watchful so that we are not deceived. Ephesians 6:18 Whether you are headed into a work meeting that needs guidance and wisdom or gathering as a small group or church, these opening prayers will set your focus on God's will. July 2022 - Honoring God with Our Giving. Drink no wine or strong drink, you or your sons with you, when you go into the tent of meeting, lest you die. First, theres just no getting around it, somebody has to do some good preparation, and that usually falls to the chair. 2.4 Short Devotionals for Young Women. Strengthen our confidence in who You have made us to be. In a cultural context deprived of Christian commitment, today is the day for deacons to model the change they want to see in the church. Trust the merit of His blood, the power of His arm, and the love of His heart. That means we must begin with an understanding of biblical complementarity in Genesis 1, 2, and 3. Your email address will not be published. Overcoming Roadblocks in Ministry - Devotions for Deacons. Which in turn can easily become part of opening devotions. Deacons are to be problem solvers and preservers of church harmony. For each mind and heart that fills the presence of this room, we thank You. They answer to the pastor as well as the congregation. We ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. You have called us to the office of deacon in this congregation, and we are now assembled in your name to deal with the matters pertaining to our office. B Deacons are to control their appetites either for alcohol or money (v. 8). Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. We might even want to call someone to check something out before the meeting. 1. Give us your grace to relieve needs by means of material gifts and to instill the comfort of your holy Word into the hearts of the afflicted, that they may put their trust in you alone. Give me a humble heart when my work goes unnoticed. So what else? The Scriptures teach us that all things should be done in an orderly manner (1 Corinthians 14:40). Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. In Jesus name, I pray. And they were accompanying him to the ship. 10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. Give [them] a generous spirit when [they are] tired but needed. Give me peace of mind in obedience and service. Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. Give her the ability to be who You called her to be and lead me in my guidance of her. Im not going to list prayer as a way to improve meetings, because we all know that. Give [them] peace of mind in obedience and service. 1 Timothy 3:11 Verse Concepts Give us renewed strength and godly courage to obey You without questioning. What do these verses teach about the function of pastors? But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. 1 Peter 5:1-11 1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain. Amen Prayer Before Sunday School Jesus as we gather together to learn about You, may You meet us here. Having set forth the qualifications for elders, Paul now does the same for deacons. 37 And they began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, 38 grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. We know that when we gather together, You always have a divine agenda. The pride that puffs us up and the pride that threatens to unqualify us. But Martha was distracted with much serving. Giving My Best to God Prayer Dear Christ in Heaven, please give me the strength, energy, and endurance to be a tireless servant in Your Church who spreads Your love. Make [them] fertile ground for your inspiration and love. 10 And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Deacons are an example to people. 7. 3. His mother said to the servants, Do whatever he tells you.. The really good chair will know which agenda item is going to push a particular persons button. If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. Grant us his help, that we may be able to establish who are the ones that are truly in need. You can find the devotionalsby clicking here. Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband. Support us daily as we wear our full suits of armor for You, and when we go into battle, give us the words to say and the tools we need. God let this meeting be productive and, as should be the case in all areas of our lives, help us to keep You at the forefront of our minds as we do the work set before us. #1 - Have a written agenda and give each of the deacons a copy. I want to do my best for You, and I need Your help to do that. The process of preparing a good agenda demands thought and prayer. Dr. Steve Viars has served at Faith Church in Lafayette, IN since 1987. Lead us to them and help us to distribute the offerings that have been collected in a spirit of joy, fidelity, and liberality. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. If you are not the chair, offer to help; this business of having better meetings involves taking responsibility stepping up to the tasks. M Remind me daily that it is an honor to be Your hands and feet. Couples Guidance Prayer Righteous Savior, bless my role as a deacon in the church and bless my wife in her support of the work I do in Your name. 33 I have coveted no ones silver or gold or clothes. Geocoding To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small. c. What warnings do we find here, both for pastors and church members? Make [their] heart[s] like yours so [they] may love your people. Couples Spiritual Weapon Prayer Lord of Heavens Armies, bless my wife as she works and prays daily to be molded into the image of You. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. Amen. She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. We need You. 5 Short Devotions for Online Meetings By Jordan An April 27, 2020 Meeting togetherin person or more often now onlineis an important way to stay connected. Publisher: OpenBible.info. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. Setting a specific time for this meets a need, builds community, and reassures people who get quickly impatient with it because they know it has a specific boundary around it. Required fields . How do you start your deacon meetings? 29 I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. New American Standard Bible Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. Read through the biblical references of Deacons to learn more about its meaning and significance. Amen. 22 And now, behold, bound in spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.read more.But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. : Grace Theological SeminaryD.Min. Benediction End of school/church/calendar year 5. 12. Couples Voice Prayer Jesus, my Master Potter, I pray that every morning when I wake up, You are there, right next to me and in me, to be the energy in my veins, the beat in my heart, and the voice in my throat. Our prayer today is that Your will be done through this event. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. For website questions or corrections, please contact us at [emailprotected]. W A Diaconate that PRAYS Together, Stays Together! Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. They should be persons of deep faith and high moral standards (see 1 Timothy 3:8-13), committed to a life of prayer, study and other spiritual . The term translated "deacon" simply means servant. Comfort [them] when [they] question [themselves and their] ministry. Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.. Give me eyes to see the needs of your people. For You assure us that where two or more gather in Your name You are here. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive. Ladies' Dinner and Bible 0 Comments Add a Comment Cancel. Let us always overcome. The deacon chair has an opportunity to initiate honor by asking his pastor for input in front of the other deacons. In Christ, Kendall. Z. Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. Read Chapter All Versions 1 Timothy 3:8-13 8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 7 And the word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith. Depend on the Lord July; Pentecost; time of difficulty Updated June 01, 2022. He and his wife, Kris, were married in 1982 and have two married daughters, a son, and five grandchildren. So, if you want the real Jell-O, do not be deceived by the Snack Pack. We dedicate our lives to You, our God. A Diaconate that PRAYS Together, Stays Together! For we are God's fellow workers. Labs 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Ready us to make every moment count. Q Publication date: Feb 25, 2023. January 2023 - A Biblical View of Church Membership. My job has many responsibilities such as teaching Bible studies, planning mission trips and retreats, and offering pastoral care to students and their families. Inspire me with Your wisdom so that my wife and I can work together as a team so I can faithfully fulfill my duties to the church. Give me a generous spirit when I am tired but needed. 3:2). He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. Help me to devote my life to best supporting the elders of the church and the congregation. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. Deacons from generations past are cheering you on from the sidelines of glory. You have ordained the service of deacons for your church, in order that the needy members may receive the necessary support. I am Your servant and will go wherever You lead me. Or am I trying to please man? To help focus on the TASK at hand, each agenda item should be labeled clearly, so that the group knows exactly what it needs to do with that agenda item. The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. A.The Problem (verse 1)-Greek-speaking Jewish widows being overlooked in the distribution . Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. God, make me brave. Help us plant seeds of hope and faith in eternal life with You. He oversees the staff, deacons, and all Faith Church ministries. Amen. All of our devotions have a printable option at the bottom of each page if you wish to print. Im not going to list prayer as a way to improve meetings, because we all know that. I will tend to the poor and the hungry, the sick and the discarded. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. In Jesus name, I pray. One of the important principles of Bible interpretation is that we must allow Scripture to interpret itself. I am so blessed to have Your mercy, grace, and love. Let us bring love where there is hatred, healing where there is injury, faith where there is doubt, and hope where there is despair. C Acts 6:1-6 - And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a . Make me fertile ground for your inspiration and love. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. He is the source of all the direction we need. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. The responsibilities of a deacon are not clearly listed or outlined; they are assumed to be everything that does not include the duties of an elder or pastor, which is to preach, teach, and exhort. The Network is a collection of content posted by members of our online community. Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Devotions for Church Meetings Full All 20 devotions 1. 35 In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. 36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 3) HEARING GOD'S WORD It is important for a deacon's meeting to begin with an encouraging Word from God. Deacons' Meetings. Allow others to see You in everything I do and the gratefulness in my heart for the privilege of serving You. However, only You can see in perfect detail the end of every beginning. I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Every meeting begins with prayer. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. What truths was Paul trying to emphasize to these Ephesian elders? It will also increase your ability to use Scripture as you minister to those inside and outside of the church. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. L Leading Others to God Prayer Light in the Darkness, keep my heart pure, let me do all that I can to lead others to You. Grant us sufficient means to bring relief to the needy. Pastor Viars leads and equips Faith Church as Senior Pastor with a focus on preaching and teaching Gods Word and using his organizational skills in guiding the implementation of the Faith Church mission and vision. Transform us Lord, and make us more like you. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Diaconal Ministries of Canada (DMC) has created a set of 12 devotions, designed specifically for deacon meetings, based on the charge to the deacons. 1 Timothy 3:13 Here Paul explains the function of the deacon, and two things will result when the service of a deacon is done correctly. It will help develop your language of faith and help you apply Scripture. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. But test everything; hold fast what is good. Make us both blameless in our thoughts, our words, and our actions. Connect to The Network and add your own question, blog, resource, or job. 2. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Call it Personal Time, and make it part of opening devotions. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. b. Beloved, confide in Him. 25 And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will see my face no more. The church secretary will record the church meeting minutes to distribute to all attendees and relevant absentees after the meeting has adjourned. Phil. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Tell her then to help me.. Amen. And she went up to him and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? These. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. Strengthen our stance so we can defeat the schemes of the devil through prayer, truth, righteousness, faith, and Your holy word. After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. He is a God of love: if you would give . The Bible says that deacons who serve well (meaning serve effectively) receive a high standing and have confidence in Christ ( I Timothy 3:13 ). Online Stewardship Course Going Live January 2023. Only You know what lies ahead. Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God? read more. It's important that God be sought at the beginning of the meeting. of 11 To Him be dominion forever and ever. As I continue the path of being a deacon in my church, I ask that You give me the words I need to help those who come to me. Help all of the teachers to be able 3 But select from among you, brethren, seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. Honor widows who are truly widows. December 2022 -. But this is your time. Proverbs 3:5-6 3. Prayer should be biblically informed. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Set us free from comparison in order to work together efficiently. Here are 10 powerful prayers for deacons. Ephesians 4:11-16 11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ. I Is anyone among you sick? A Taste of Life Time of trouble in congregation/community 3.

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