STEPHANIE and STEVE, like Priscilla and Aquila

 

I LOVE MY WIFE and value our partnership serving the Lord. 

NO, it' not Stephanie's birthday, it is not our anniversary, but I was reading Acts 18 this morning and was introduced to Priscilla and Aquila. Oh I have known them for a long time, but I don't think I have ever thought of it before, but STEPHANIE and I are Priscilla and Aquila.  Do you realize they are inseparable? You never hear of ONE working without THE OTHER. That is definitely Stephanie and I. But, another thing I have thought about is the PRISCILLA is always mentioned BEFORE AQUILA. This is a very significant deliberate statement by Luke. It does not mean that Aquila is subordinate to Priscilla, but it does mean that she holds a prominent place in their ministry.

"Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy. However, he knew only about John's baptism. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately." (Acts 18:24-26, NLT)

That leads me to my lovely wife. I cannot tell you, fully, what Stephanie means to me and her place in our ministry. WE ARE PARTNERS in the Gospel, EQUAL PARTNERS. I would just love it if people would introduce us as STEPHANIE and STEVE instead of Steve and Stephanie. Because that would give Stephanie the value she deserves. Besides being my wife, she is my confidant, my advisor, my editor, my sounding board, my co-laborer, and now she is also my "administrative assistant." These roles are nothing new. We have always worked together at home, at school, coaching, in ministry, and now at church. I would not have it any other way. As a matter of fact, I COULD NOT SURVIVE without this wonderful woman working WITH ME. 

The power of WOMEN in ministry is something we greatly discount. While men have often taken the SPOTLIGHT, I would tell you the majority of men in ministry would attribute their effectiveness comes from the power of a woman working by their sides. I LOVE that I get to work along side a bright, funny, intelligent, wise, partner in ministry. 

I have always love PROVERBS 31 because it describes my wife. This verse sums it up:

"There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!" (Proverbs 31:29, NLT)

Heavenly Father, I praise you for creating and forming me a wonderful partner in ministry. I am humbled by your workmanship. She carries your image and is precious to me beyond words. I ask a special blessing upon her today and always. I ask you to protect her physically, mentally, and spiritually. Keep her from all harm. Thank you Lord! Amen!

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If you haven't repented of your sin, accepted what Jesus did for you on the cross, dying for your sins, or if you have not committed your life to Jesus, TODAY could be that day. give your life to the Lord. 

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10, ESV)

If you gave your life to Jesus today, text the word "faith" to (765)-896-4302 and we will follow up with material for you and join you in your walk of faith!