Good morning!Have you ever experienced a time when someone took your words or someone else’s words out of context to falsely accuse you or someone else was of  lying? Have you ever found yourself in a place of defense for doing or saying what was right. Well join us today as we read about Stephen.

BIBLE VERSE – Acts 6:8-12 NLT
“⁸ Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. ⁹ But one day some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, started to debate with him. They were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia. ¹⁰ None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke.

¹¹ So they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen, saying, “We heard him blaspheme Moses, and even God.” ¹² This roused the people, the elders, and the teachers of religious law. So they arrested Stephen and brought him before the high council.”

REFLECTION
Stephen’s character was being challenged by those who did not agree with his teaching. However, none of them could withstand the power of God working within him. Stephen was full of God’s grace and power. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, wisdom, faith, and he performed great wonders and miraculous signs.Stephen was on a mission for God.Yet, as with Stephen there are always a few who are jealous, envious and prideful who want to discredit even the righteous who are doing God’s will.

Sisters and brothers may I encourage you? There will be times when Satan (the enemy) and his followers will plot against you, stand in faith anyway. There will be times when Satan will try to work his deceitful plans against you, stand in truth always. There will be times when people will spread vicious lies about you, however, you must remember the truth of what God says about you. It is important that you armor up and stay in your armor. Ephesians 6:10-11 says, “¹⁰ Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.”No matter what comes against you God is with you today, anchor to your faith by putting on yourgear this morning:

• putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness

• for shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared

• hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil

• put on salvation as your helmet

• take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

• pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion,

• stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere

PRAYER
Father God thank you for your truth and your promises. Thank you for being our refuge and our fortress. Father God you have stood beside us when the odds were against us, and you came through every time. Lord the enemy is busy, but we see your victory. Lord the enemy is trying to keep us angry, with anxiety and fear, but you have come so that we may have life and live it abundantly. Lord help us in our anger to be controlled by the Spirit and not be a pawn of the enemies plan. Lord where there is anxiety and fear replace it with hope that is anchored by our faith in you. Lord suit us up in the armor and lay your hands upon us and send us out to do your will your way. Lord equip us as you equipped the apostles and Stephen. Make us bold in your power and in faith as we proclaim your name and do your will. Lead us Lord. Touch those who are struggling with their faith, touch those who are grieving, and those who are on their death beds and comfort them. Touch those who have medical conditions and heal their bodies. Be with those who are seeking employment and help them to find jobs. Remind them that you love them and hear them. Lord, continue to do the things you need to do in order to heal our land. Lord we trust and ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.

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