Month: June 2020

Give Me the Heart of Stephen

Scripture: Acts 7:60 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.

Observation: I read about Stephen and he must have really pleased God. Willing to serve the widows, strong in faith and a heart for God and others. Most of the time my thoughts are about me whether something I want or worried about what is going to happen to me. It comes down to selfishness and here is a man being killed for our Lord and yet he asked forgiveness for those killing him. I can’t even forgive those that hurt my feelings, I have such a long way to go.

Application: Ask God for a softer and kinder heart. Take the focus off me and focus on pleasing God by obeying what he wants of me. Not to hold a grudge and desire ill of someone but always have a loving heart.

Prayer: Dear Lord the things I desire to be I can’t do on my own. I’m a sinner and a self-centered man and you deserve so much more from me. Continue to change me into the likeness of your son as you did for Stephen. May you be able to look down on me and smile with pride.

I want to be Like Stephen

Scripture: Acts 6:8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.

Observation: I would like to have the faith, courage and power that Stephen had. He must have pleased God so much by the man he chose to be. he was full of God’s grace and power because how he lived. God offers that same grace and power to each one of us but we need to accept it and put God first in our life and stand in faith that we may receive it.

Application: I want to live like Stephen by allowing God to work in my life. The wonders and miracles all are from God, but to be able to do those things we must have faith, even as small as a mustard seed. As I serve God and trust him in all things I will draw nearer and be able to experience the things Stephen did.

Prayer: My Lord increase my faith and give me the heart of Stephen, that when you look down on me it would please you. That you would give me the strength, courage and discipline it will take to live a life like Stephen.