Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 240, 242
Devotional Reading: Acts 8:1-4
Topic for Adults: Don’t Be An Enemy Of God.
Topic for Youths: Expect Persecution.
Topic for Intermediates: It Is Not An Easy Road
Scripture Lesson: Acts 7:54-60, 8:1-3; 9:1-2; 7:51; Phil. 3:5-6; Gal. 1:13; 1 Cor. 15:9; Acts 8:1-8; 11:19-21
Memory Verse: Now Saul was consenting to his death, at that time a great persecution arose against the Church which was at Jerusalem (Acts 8:1a) NKJV
DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Fri. 11/12/2015
Wisdom To Overcome Trials And Persecutions
Acts 7:59-60; Matt.5:43; Lk 23:34.
The Bible says while they were stoning Stephen, he prayed. Pause a little and read the passage again. It is incredible that Stephen kept on praying while he was being stoned. Whenever we face persecution, we ought to pray. Stephen prayed that the Lord should receive his spirit and God should not hold the sin against his persecutors. From world view point, self-defence, retaliation and prayer of die now-now are often used to combat persecution. Jesus specifically requested that we should pray for our enemies. When our Lord Jesus was being persecuted and crucified on the cross, he prayed for his enemies. In as much this might be difficult for us to do in view of the terrible hurt we may be going through, we should ask for the grace of God to pray according to His will and purpose. As Christians, we need to ask for wisdom to handle trials and persecutions.
Point of Emphasis: Developing a healthy lifestyle of prayer is vital to your spiritual maturity. Prayer Point: Lord Jesus, shower on me the ability to pray without ceasing.
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