MFM Daily Devotional 19 July 2023
TOPIC: Lessons from The Life of Phillip (I)
MEMORY VERSE
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
Prov. 22:29
MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES: Great lives and ministries make lasting impact on other lives.
PROPHETIC WORD FOR TODAY
I pray that your life and service unto God shall be a blessing to humanity, in the name of Jesus.
FIRE SCRIPTURE: Acts 8:1-13
PRAISE AND WORSHIP: Take praise and worship songs as led by the Holy Spirit
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 120 – 121; 2 Thessalonians 2 – 3.
MFM Daily Devotional 19 July 2023 MESSAGE
The Bible has stories about many people, male and female, whose lives and ministries are worthy of emulation. These verses of scriptures speak volumes about who they were and what they did. One of such men was Philip, one of the seven deacons appointed to manage the supposedly neglected brethren. A seemingly silent life he lived, yet there are many lessons to learn from this deacon and evangelist par excellence.
We first met Philip in the book of Acts 6:5, when the need arose for brethren to manage the welfare of widows while the apostles got busy with the word and prayer(2-5). This decision was taken to broker peace among the brethren, hence these seven men of good reputation, filled with the Holy Ghost and wisdom were chosen. Next to Stephen on the list, was the name of Philip, followed by five others. From this moment, it became evident that Philip was apparently not just a Christian but one with exemplary godly qualities, a leader and administrator.
READ MFM Daily Devotional 18 July 2023 – Keys to A Happy Marriage (III)
The seven men were committed to service after the apostles prayed and laid hands on them, an indication of divine impartation of God’s power for service. Just like Stephen, Philip continued in this grace and power throughout his ministry.
The execution of Stephen caused the disciples of Christ to scatter for the fear of further opposition and persecution (Acts 8:3-4). Philip on his own went down to Samaria(v5), a confirmation of the instructions Jesus Christ gave to the disciples in Acts 1:8, before His Ascension. Phillip was the disciple that opened up Samaria for Christ. How far have you gone or intend to go for Jesus?
The scattering of the apostles couldn’t stop the Church from growing. Rather, they preached the word of God wherever they went (Acts 8:4). This was the very beginning of the evangelistic ministry of Philip. He went in singularly to Samaria to proclaim Christ. What a courageous Christian! There was no news that he had a partner until when Peter and John visited him. He went on in the power and might of God to do what made him stand out among his colleagues, and brought salvation to the people of Samaria; great was their joy(8:8).
What lessons can we learn here? Philip was a man filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom. This made him to know what next to do. He was also divinely led and guided. He was displaced not to wander aimlessly, but to propagate the gospel and do exploits for the kingdom of God. He was fearless, bold and courageous, undaunted, not minding the persecution that could withstand him in Samaria, following the death of Stephen.
Philip was a servant of God who did not despise humble beginnings, neither was he a seeker of titles. We call him evangelist because of what we see him do. But he simply continued in the power of God all through his ministry. Angels ministered to him. The Holy Spirit gave him instructions per time. This reveals his intimacy with the Holy Spirit. He was a man who walked not by sight but by faith and divine guidance. He received divine instructions for his various assignments, never leaning on sensual wisdom or human understanding. These qualities and more are worthy of emulation from such a committed servant of God, and by the grace of God you can do even better in the name of Jesus.
MFM Daily Devotional 19 July 2023 PRAYER POINTS
MORNING:
1. Holy Spirit set me aside for good works, in the name of Jesus
2. Powers assigned to distract and divert me from the way of righteousness, die, in the name of Jesus.
3. O God, arise and make me an uncommon minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, in the name of Jesus.
EVENING:
4. Wherever I go, evil shall bow to me, in the name of Jesus.
5. O Lord, make mea fervent reader and preacher of Your word, in the name of Jesus.
6. Holy Ghost, incubate my life and ministry. in the name of Jesus.
7. I receive divine boldness and courage to run with the Good News and win souls for Christ, in the name of Jesus.
