Hello, All!

 

Blessings to you in the name of the LORD.

One Pastor (at Christ Church at Grove Farm) I hear on the radio, says this at the start of each sermon, I love it!...

 

"God is good, all the time!"

 

The LORD is doing mighty things this year.  You are His vessels of honor, be willing to submit and open your whole life to Him, and you will partake in His mighty works!

He wants you to share in the joy and in all that He is doing...mighty blessings await you!

 

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."  -Jesus Christ (last words before His rapture to His Heavenly Father- Acts 1:8)

 

As the LORD fills you with His Holy Spirit you will want to share Jesus with others.  There will be opposition and persecution in a variety of forms.  Be ready.  I believe we can learn a great deal from the life of Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

 

"But he (Stephen) being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God

And  (Stephen) said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man, standing on the right hand of God."  Acts 7:55-56

 

Remember:

1.  Stephen being filled with the Holy Spirit.  It was an act of trust, submission, and openness to our Holy God, not a human effort of strife or vain glory.

2.  Looked up steadfastly into heaven.  Read Hebrews12:1-2.  Our focus is to be on the LORD Jesus...the focus of our spiritual compass at all times.

3.  Saw the glory of God.  The LORD blessed Stephen for His obedience by giving Him major spiritual encouragement at just the right time.  As if God was saying to Stephen. "Good job, Stephen, I am right here for you!  Keep going!"

4.  And Jesus standing.  Most often we see Jesus sitting at the right hand of God.  But here Jesus is standing.  I firmly believe that the LORD is honoring Stephen, rising to meet him, as He prepares to welcome Him to his everlasting home.

 

Be strong and courageous, brothers and sisters, to stand for Him.  The LORD is with you all the way.

The LORD of peace and life be with you all today.

 

Maranatha, Jesus!

 

Monika