QUARRY
Today’s Reading: Acts 7
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
The bus terminal at the foot of the hill many believe to be Golgotha, The Place of the Skull, where Jesus was crucified. The Romans always crucified people beside the roadway for maximum impact, not on the top of a hill.
Key Verse: Acts 7:59-60
And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
The bus terminal pictured above is in an ancient quarry which is part of Mt. Moriah. On this mountain, Isaac was spared from death and God provided a ram to be sacrificed. On this mountain, God also provided the Sacrifice of His Son, our Saviour, Jesus. This may also be the place of the stoning of Stephen.
At least 10 times, Stephen, in his message, quoted from his Bible. How well do we know our Bible? Could we quote the Scriptures by memory? Have we read, marked, learned and inwardly digested the Scriptures as Stephen had done? Are we filled with the Holy Spirit as Stephen was? Are we acting, speaking, and loving as Stephen did? Here was a man who had come to be like Jesus. Saul of Tarsus was there. Later, as the Apostle Paul, Saul would write that we are, “To be conformed to the image of His Son.” Stephen had modeled this for the future Apostle.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
My fervent desire, Lord Jesus, is to be like You. By Your Spirit working in me, may I grow into all You desire me to be. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
As an 80 year old I’m required to have an examination in order to maintain my driver’s license. I passed! YEAH!!! I believe that throughout my life God has given me examinations. One day I was sitting in a room at the Hamilton YMCA, praying with a young man named Gord. His face was buried in a paper bag which had airplane glue spread on the bottom. I had seen Gord a couple of weeks before sniffing glue in a park. I brought him home to Norma-Jean, who responded with love. That time, at the “Y,” God gave me an exam. Gord lifted his head from the bag long enough to spit in my face. The “old” David, who had a bad temper, was no longer there. I felt nothing but the love and compassion of Jesus. I had prayed in those early years, “Lord Jesus, when I grow up, I want to be like You.” I knew He was answering my prayers. Gord gave his life to Christ soon after this. Stephen, the first Church deacon, was truly like Jesus. He’s one of my examples of someone who passed his examination with a mark of 100%.
Yours for becoming more like Jesus,
David
Amen continue to grow to be the image of Christ each and every day after giving our life to Jesus.
God bless you, David and Norma-Jean, for your love for others. Stephen was an incredible example as was Jesus. Forgive them Father, for they know not what they have done. The power of forgiveness is brought home. In the moments when I, myself, am enraged, I need be reminded of the suffering of Jesus and all the saints in the bible. The lesson of forgiveness they teach, above all other things, is for the sake of the Father, ourselves, and all brothers and sisters who receive the power of its blessing. Wishing all a wonderful day in the Lord.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 KJV
Michael Buble, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnJLgQFrc3c
God bless you David and Norma Jean as well. It truly amazing how he Holy Sprint can change our hearts and attitudes when we allow him into our hearts. I am still with you. Thank you for your amazing example. I have a long ways to go but I am still in His word, praying and trusting.
Lord God, please help us to trust in You and to pass all our tests… Thank You, Father. In Jesus’s name, amen
Another moving message today David. Praying the Lord will comfort your good friend Beth Beverlee. Amen Rob, may the Lord help us to pass all our tests. Have been watching Giving Tuesday on Yes TV. May God will of raising money to help the people of the North be done.
Yes, Amen, Geraldine!
Joined with you in prayer this morning David…that too is my desire Lord Jesus, is to be more like You!!
What a powerful testimony by Stephen, truly full of the Holy Spirit.
Heavenly father I pray in Jesus Name for an “attitude adjustment”.
Lord God, your word says “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” Phil 2:12b
“For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Phil.2:13 Thank You Jesus!!!
Amen Rob
I failed the test today. I treated someone harshly. I prayed for forgiveness but I still feel bad. I really hope it won’t happen again. Clarification of the problem came later and I saw more clearly that I was wrong. Lord forgive me. I really, really, love that sister (and she knows it) but it shouldn’t have happened.
STOP! You did not fail!!!!!!!!!!!!!
perhaps it shouldn’t have happened BUT IT DID and you are learning from it and sharing your experience! This is worth oodles and oodles of thankfulness for you sharing! We all have had those days and we will continue to have them; because we are sinners saved by grace; we saints and sinners!
! Whenever a person can learn from their mistakes, that is something to jump up and down and praise the Lord for this experience! This is God and a good thing! Thank you so much for sharing…..that’s what the Lord is all about…..
You have made my day dear sweet lady!
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!