Christ Church Daily Devotion Jan 18 2024

In this Daily Devotion, the story of Stephen from Acts chapters 6 and 7 is discussed. Stephen was a faithful church leader who helped those in need, but he was persecuted and arrested by religious leaders. He gave a speech about God's work throughout history and was then stoned to death, becoming the first Christian martyr. Despite his suffering, Stephen prayed for forgiveness for his persecutors. His example inspired others to live for Christ. The message encourages us to maintain our focus on Jesus even in difficult times. The personal worship option is to pray for the ability to stay focused on God and share the good news. Welcome to Christ Church's Daily Devotion for January 18th, 2024. Today we will be reading from Acts chapter 7, verses 54 through 60. 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. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Then he fell on his knees and cried out, Lord, do not hold this sin against them. When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts chapter 6 and 7 tell the story of Stephen. One of the early church leaders chosen to help provide food and necessities to others in need. The Bible says he was faithful, full of the Holy Spirit and full of God's grace and power. But he was persecuted for his faith. The religious leaders hated him so much that they had him arrested and put on trial. Stephen gave a long speech telling about God's work through the centuries. He then was stoned to death, becoming the first recorded Christian martyr. As he was dying, Stephen said, Lord, do not hold this sin against them. Stephen suffered and died for his faith in Jesus. His example inspired many others to speak out and live for Christ. By the power of the Spirit, God has built his church to reach out and serve people so that it brings the same saving message of God's love to the world today. Stephen was able to focus on Jesus even at this very difficult time. Can we maintain our focus on Jesus Christ at times when our lives are in a storm? Let's pray that we can, remembering that God is with us. Today's personal worship option. Lord, may we at all times keep our focus on you so that, like Stephen, we can be inspired and have the power to stand faithfully to share the good news. We pray in your name. Amen.