[ReKA-EN] Living Life for God Keluarga Allah Daily Devotional September 09, 2016
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THE SOUL
Acts 7:54-60
TODAY'S RHEMA Acts 7:55 "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."
Our lives are not ours. Our lives are what we can do for God. Stephen was so aware of this. As we all know, Stephan was the first martyr in Christianity history, and interestingly, he was not a part of the apostles. In the beginning, Stephen was one of the 7 table servants who was appointed by the 12 apostles to help them in managing the needs of the churches so that they could focus on prayer and gospel ministry. However, the Bible also said that Stephen was a man full of grace and power of God. He performed miracles and signs of wonder among the people. He did more than what he was required he also spread the gospel in the midst of the Jews whom at that time rejected Christianity and this clearly somewhat a threat to the Judaism community.
Stephen's bold action dragged him to the religious court. Nevertheless, Stephen didn't try to escape but faced them with confident, faith and wisdom in the courtroom he was brought into. His perseverance drew the power of the Holy Spirit to fall upon him. He looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He bravely told the people about his vision which made them furious. 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. Still, Stephen prayed for those who persecuted him for God to forgive them.
The life story of Stephen showed us that anyone, no matter what kind of our ministries, God could use us for His cause. From Stephan's vision, we can learn that God sees what we have done for Him. The story above put an emphasis on this: That God is always ready to strengthen us, and the only thing He needs from us is the willingness of our heart to live for Him. When we dare to be all out for God, He will also do His part which is to fill us with His strength until we reach His glorious purposes.
REFLECTION Saudara Terkasih, The amazing POWER OF GOD will be bestowed upon those who are SELFLESS and ready to sacrifice.
APPLICATION
What are the things that usually become resistances for you to give self-sacrifice to God?
When was the last time you made your largest or all-out sacrifice to God?
What step will you take to prioritize God's interest?
TODAY'S PRAYER "God, forgive me if I am being self-centered. Start from now, I want to have the willingness to give sacrifice, especially for Your interest. Guide me Lord in every work of Yours that You have entrusted me with. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen "
YEARLY BIBLE READING Genesis 16-18
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