Thursday, April 22
Read Acts 7
Think About It:
- In Acts 7, Stephen’s speech is like a “Cliff’s Notes” version of all the miracles from Abraham, the first Hebrew, to Jesus. He portrays an image of how God orchestrated His plan through the most unlikely leaders and situations: Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. When we go through rough circumstances, we don’t often see God’s hand at work in our life behind the scenes, but when we look back over our life, it is easier to see the many miracles God has performed over time. Take time during your quiet time with God today to recount throughout your life how many times the hand of God has worked out an amazing outcome because of your relationship with Him. Thank Him for those miracles in your own life and for using you to lead others, even in those times when you feel unfit to be used by God. In our weaknesses, His strength is perfected when we trust in and lean on Him.
- Stephen does not hide the mistakes Moses made or the times the Israelites did not trust in God. This magnifies the grace and mercy of God to continue His faithfulness to His people because of the covenant. It is by the power of His Holy Spirit that we see God’s plan and hear His direction. When we read and apply the Scriptures to our daily life, He brings more understanding to us. It’s our choice to receive or reject the conviction of the Holy Spirit. In this chapter, the religious leaders rejected the Truth that Stephen shared with them and decided to stone him to death. When we decide to submit to God and obey the principles taught in the Word, we move “from glory to glory”, just as a marine gets promoted for obedience in service. When we choose to do things our own way, we get demoted and the enemy wins that battle. Each of us chooses each day which direction we go. Take time to reflect on areas that you can apply Scripture to—in daily decisions—and talk to God about your desire to move forward in His Kingdom. Has His Holy Spirit been whispering to your heart in areas needing more attention? Make an appointment everyday with God and you will never be disappointed!
Family Time:
- This chapter tells a short version of the story of salvation that unfolded through history. And throughout history we see that many chose to reject the ways of the Lord, and few chose to be faithful and obedient to Him. Those who were obedient often suffered greatly for their obedience to Him.
- Read verse 51. What does stiff-necked mean? The words in this verse describe someone who is stubborn and wants their own way, and who is not willing to listen or be corrected by the Lord. Are you willing to listen to the Lord and to the ones He places in authority over you? Or are you proud and determined to go your own way?
- It’s so important that we listen to the soft voice of the Holy Spirit, and that when He speaks to us, we listen, and don’t push Him away. God loves us so much and has done everything possible to reach us.
- What price did Stephen pay for his love for and obedience to Christ? Read verses 55-56, and 59-60. The glory of the Lord was surrounding Stephen all through those last moments of his life. He saw the glory and beauty of who God was. And he was filled with love even for those who were killing him. This is the work of the Holy Spirit in a life that belonged to God. Someday you may be faced with a choice to follow God and pay a high price for it, or deny Him. May you be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ. He is true life. He will give you all you need to stand for Him if you trust Him. He is good!
- Parents, a very good resource to show your children examples of those who have been faithful to the Lord is the Torchlighters series. They are through the Voice of the Martyrs ministry, and are available to watch on Amazon Prime video, or Youtube, or on DVD…very good!!!
