Acts 5 & 6 - The word of God spread.

I love how the past 2 days of this study have spoken to me. I think Acts was God's perfect read for me this month.

These truths are just jumping off of the pages for me:

We must obey God, not man.
God judges us.
Man will do dishonest things.
Our character in Christ will be tested and tried.
God honors our obedience.
He has a specific plan for us.
Despite all of the trials and persecution, the word of God spread. (Acts 6:7)

I could write all day about how God has protected me from those who were clearly trying to tear me down. By his goodness and grace. my new position will remove me from several of those people. On the other hand, it will remove me from some wonderful sisters in Christ. I will miss seeing them on a daily basis but I am encouraged knowing that God has wonderful works planned for me.

The unknown is difficult. It is unfamiliar, scary. It is with complete faith that I move into this next stop on my journey. Faith makes that so much easier. I know I am protected by him and that the Holy Spirit will equip me. Only God knows what I will face but my faith in him makes it so easy to trust and obey.

I want to take a moment here to give a shout out to the teachers reading this since it is Teacher Appreciation Week. I love reading about Stephen. He humbly served God. He was a "man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" and he served food. He waited tables. Wow! I know at times I have felt that my job as a preschool teacher was not a job people were fighting for. Dirty diapers, dirty noses, sneezes all over me...I clearly understand through his word and revelations to me over these years that he is constantly preparing me for the next day of service to him. In the trenches your job may not be appreciated by many. You may leave that building at the end of the day questioning all that you have done, or haven't done. But know this my sweet teacher friend, you may be the only Jesus that they see today. We don't know their stories. Not all are sad or hopeless. God puts you right there today, in that classroom and gave you those students for a reason. Thank you for all that you do for these kids. I know your love extends beyond those school resources and into your pockets and prayers.

It is a rainy day today, may God bless you with a jam up indoor recess!   =o)