Stephen — Full of Faith and Power

Scripture: Acts 6:5, 8 (KJV)

Acts 6:5

“And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:”

Acts 6:8

“And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.”

Today’s Reflection

Stephen was a man whose life demonstrated extraordinary faith, courage, and dedication to serving God. He was chosen among the early believers because of his spiritual character, wisdom, and commitment to the work of the Lord.

The Holy Bible describes Stephen as a man full of faith and power. His strength did not come from earthly possessions, personal recognition, or social standing. His strength came from the Holy Ghost and his unwavering confidence in Almighty God.

Stephen understood that serving God required more than words. It required action, sacrifice, humility, and a willingness to stand for righteousness even when facing opposition.

His life reminds us that God calls individuals from many different backgrounds into positions of responsibility and service. Some are called into ministry, others into education, healthcare, public service, military service, and countless other professions that contribute to the betterment of humanity.

Regardless of our assignment, we must approach our responsibilities with faith, integrity, courage, and compassion.

Our calling is not simply about what we accomplish for ourselves, but about the positive difference we make in the lives of others.

As we reflect upon Stephen’s example, may we remain faithful to God’s purpose for our lives and remember that genuine greatness is demonstrated through service.

Today’s Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before Your throne of grace with thanksgiving and appreciation for another day of life.

Lord, we thank You for the example of Stephen, a faithful servant who demonstrated courage, wisdom, and unwavering confidence in Your divine power.

Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and strengthen our faith so that we may fulfill the assignments You have placed upon our lives.

Help us to recognize our individual callings and approach every responsibility with humility, integrity, compassion, and excellence.

Father, we lift up those who have accepted the responsibility of serving our communities and our nation. We especially pray for the brave men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Protect them wherever their assignments may lead. Grant them wisdom, courage, sound judgment, good health, and peace of mind.

We also pray for their families, who make sacrifices while their loved ones serve.

May Your divine protection surround us all, and may our lives continue to reflect Your goodness and mercy.

In the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, we pray.

Amen.

Worship Song of the Day

From the Pastor’s Desk

A Special Family Announcement — Celebrating a Calling to Military Service

Today, I would like to share a very special announcement concerning our youngest son, Dorian Isaiah Dockery, born June 3, 2009.

Dorian has accepted a high calling to serve our country as a member of the United States Marine Corps. He is scheduled to depart Memphis, Tennessee, on June 1, 2027, to begin recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina.

His graduation from Marine Corps boot camp is anticipated sometime in September 2027, subject to his successful completion of training and confirmation of the official graduation schedule.

Our family is already making plans to travel to Parris Island, South Carolina, to celebrate this tremendous milestone and witness his graduation ceremony.

As Dorian begins his military career, we anticipate that he will receive approximately $1,500 in monthly compensation, along with access to medical, dental, and vision benefits. We also understand that he may qualify for substantial educational benefits, potentially valued at approximately $140,000, depending upon his eligibility and the programs available to him.

During his military service, many of his basic living expenses, including housing and meals, are expected to be provided or supported through military benefits, subject to his assignment and circumstances.

Dorian has committed to four years of active-duty service. We look forward to learning where his military career will take him following the completion of his training and subsequent assignments. There is even the possibility that he could be stationed overseas, perhaps in Japan!

As his mother, I am extremely excited about this opportunity and proud of his willingness to accept such an important responsibility at a young age.

Military service is more than a career opportunity. It is a commitment to discipline, sacrifice, leadership, personal development, and service to our nation.

As we study Stephen today, we are reminded that serving others requires courage, faith, and a willingness to accept responsibilities that may challenge us beyond our comfort zones.

I believe that the experiences awaiting Dorian will help shape his character, strengthen his leadership abilities, and prepare him for a productive future.

I humbly ask our Dockery Ministries family to keep Dorian Isaiah Dockery and all members of the United States Armed Forces in your thoughts and prayers.

Please pray for their safety, physical and emotional well-being, spiritual strength, and successful completion of their assignments.

Let us also remember the families who stand behind our military personnel, offering encouragement, love, and unwavering support.

I am truly excited about this next chapter in Dorian’s life, and I look forward to sharing his accomplishments with our ministry family.

May Almighty God continue to bless Dorian, the United States Marine Corps, and every individual who has accepted the high calling of serving our nation.

With love, faith, and gratitude,

Missionary Dana Dockery
Spiritual Overseer
Dockery Ministries

Daily Stewardship Action

Use Your Gifts and Abilities to Serve Others

Today, let us identify one meaningful way to serve someone in our family, workplace, community, or ministry.

Like Stephen, we should remember that faith becomes especially meaningful when demonstrated through our actions.

Whether we offer encouragement, assist someone in need, share our knowledge, or pray for those facing difficult circumstances, every act of service has the potential to make a positive difference.

Announcements

Our upcoming Dockery Ministries teaching series will continue as follows:

• November 2026: Women of God in the Holy Bible

• December 2026: Promises from God in the Holy Bible

• January 2027: Biblical Principles for Raising Godly Children

The Dockery Ledger — November 2026 Edition

Our upcoming monthly newsletter will feature A Season of Thanksgiving, reflecting upon God’s goodness, our ministry’s continued service, and opportunities to demonstrate gratitude through generosity.

Visit our ministry website at dockeryministries.org for Daily Inspiration messages, ministry announcements, and opportunities to support our humanitarian mission.

Prayer Requests

Today, we invite our ministry family to join us in prayer for:

• Dorian Isaiah Dockery as he prepares for his upcoming United States Marine Corps service.

• All active-duty military personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families.

• Individuals preparing for new responsibilities, career opportunities, and major life transitions.

• Families experiencing bereavement, illness, financial hardship, or emotional distress.

• The continued growth and humanitarian mission of Dockery Ministries.

Praise Report

Today, we give God thanks for opening doors of opportunity for the next generation.

We celebrate Dorian’s decision to pursue military service and the opportunities for personal growth, education, leadership, and professional development that may lie ahead.

We also thank Almighty God for the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others.

May we never take their sacrifices for granted.

Closing Encouragement

Stephen’s life teaches us that faith and power are not measured by position, popularity, or material wealth. They are demonstrated through obedience, courage, and our willingness to serve.

As we move forward today, let us remember:

When God calls us to serve, He can equip us with the faith, wisdom, and strength necessary to fulfill our assignment.

May we remain faithful in our calling and committed to the betterment of humanity.

Mizpah Benediction

Genesis 31:49 (KJV)

“The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.”

May the Lord watch over us, protect our families, guide our decisions, and keep us in His loving care until we meet again.

Amen.