Supporters’ Extra: Stephen’s Message
Thank you all for your gracious support of these daily devotions! They have been reaching new people through the YouTube videos, so thank you for continuing on with me in this new format.
Stephen's story in Acts 7 is a startling one. The fact that they killed him for what he said is really quite something.
He had really let them have it - about how they refused to accept Christ, and so were guilty before God. Then we read: "When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 'Look,' he said, 'I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.' At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him." (Acts 7:54-58)
Covering Our Ears
Sadly, there are still many people today - Jews and Gentiles - who refuse to accept Jesus, and who cover their ears and yell at the top of their voices to avoid receiving the truth. Maybe not literally, but in a metaphorical sense… read or listen to this full devotion on my Patreon page here – for a monthly amount of your choice.
When dealing with difficult people, patience is key. Are you willing to offer people the same patience you’d want them to give you?
When dealing with difficult people, remember to be gentle – a true sign of your strength.
If you want to deal with difficult people, begin by being humble.
People can be so difficult. This week I hope I might help you deal with difficult people, using some wisdom from Ephesians.
Paul's encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road converted him from a self-righteous persecutor into a humble follower of Christ. Have you truly been converted, or are you carrying on as you always have?
Barnabas willingly stepped out of the spotlight so that Paul could step into his calling, choosing humility over status. Are you willing to step back so that someone else can step forward?
Extraordinary faith often begins with ordinary, unglamorous service. Ask God today where He is calling you to serve - and do it willingly, like Philip.
Stephen's accusers covered their ears and yelled to drown out the truth - a warning against the noise and distraction that can keep us from hearing God's voice today.
Jesus, the Son of God, humbled Himself enough to accept help on the way to the cross. Examine today whether pride is keeping you from both receiving help and offering it to others
This evil King Manasseh found redemption – when he fulfilled the conditions. God’s forgiveness isn’t unconditional. We need to do what Manasseh did
Solomon's humble prayer teaches us to ask for God’s help with the same spirit.
William Greathouse was able to disagree with other Christians and still remain friends.
As we begin Holy Week, let’s remember how Jesus came humbly as a servant, willing to embrace humiliation as He obeyed God.
We begin a Lenten journey together with challenging words from John Wesley about examining our hearts. Use this Ash Wednesday to think carefully about what needs to change in the way you live and think.
Thank you for the support my friends! For your extra devo today, I want to share my own testimony of learning to love people