"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 - Day 177 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Job 7-9 Acts 7:44-60)
STAND UP FOR JESUS, EVEN IF...
51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.” ... 54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. (Acts 7:51-58 ESV)
What courage displayed by Stephen! He confronts the sins of his hearers and is stoned to death for it. Was it worth it? Stephen’s answer would be a loud “yes.”
Stand up for Jesus not matter what opposition we face, even death. Don’t worry about what others may think about you and your faith. As Jesus said: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 ESV) So, fellow believer...
Stand up, stand up for Jesus;
The strife will not be long;
This day the din of battle,
The next the victor's song.
The soldiers overcoming,
Their crown of life shall see
And with the King of Glory
Shall reign eternally.
(Lutheran Service Book #660 v.4)
Lord, please protect me from those who would take my life. At the same time, grant me courage to stand up for You no matter what the circumstances may be. And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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