the art of small talk

in response to my own post...

I do think there is a place for small talk and I don't think every single conversation has to be a deep theological discussion to meet the requirements for redeeming the time.

Stephen knew the Old Testament

I read Acts 6-7 this morning and found about 18 things about Stephen that I thought were noteworthy. In some ways, this feels like an outlet to me. I have a desire to share truth, but those outlets are different now. Here they are:


Stephen:

1. He had a good reputation. ( 6:3)

2. He was full of the Holy Spirit. ( 6:3)

3. He was full of wisdom ( 6:3)

4. He was reliable. ( 6:3)

5. He was full of faith. ( 6:5)

6. He was full of grace. ( 6:8)

7. He was full of power. ( 6:8)

8. He faced opposition/ criticism. ( 6:9,12)

9. He could not be refuted. ( 6:10)

10. He was lied about/ falsely accused. ( 6:13)

11. He was misunderstood. ( 6:13)

12. He was ready to testify. ( 7:1) see also I Peter 3:15

13. He was bold ( whole chapter)

14. He was informed of OT history and could quote OT passages at length.

15. He was willing to confront sin. ( 7:51)

16. In a crisis, he kept his eyes on Jesus. ( 7:55) ( He had eyes of faith to see Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father... did anyone else there see this ? )

17. When things turned ugly, he didn't change his mind to avoid pain /even death... he was willing to die for what he was convinced of. ( 7:58)

18. He was gracious to those who opposed him. ( 7:60)


Note: There are times when I read the word without a pen and paper and it still means something to me,however, when I write down what I read it adds so much. I can't say this enough: study with pen and paper. Write it down !

little by little

I found Deut 7:22 to be very encouraging. The Lord told His people that He would conquer the nations before them and give them the land... however, it would be little by little and not all at once. This verse helped me to grab a perspective on how God works.

knowing the future

Sometimes I ask people : " if you could know the future, would you want to know it ? "

Usually, they don't. You have chosen wisely. I think if we knew the future we would either get discouraged or become complacent. Recently I came across some good words for comfort in uncertain times...

Psalm 4:8 In peace, I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.

Psalm 9:10 And those who know Your name will put their trust in You. For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.


2 Timothy 4:18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.