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A Heart like Stephen's

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  Stephen's Final Words Stephen, a devout follower of Christ, stands before the enraged council members. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazes toward heaven, where he beholds the glory of God and Jesus standing at His right hand¹. In that sacred moment, Stephen's earthly circumstances fade into insignificance as he glimpses eternity. Stephen's declaration reverberates through the ages: "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right side of God!"¹. His vision transcends the physical realm, revealing the divine reality—the Son of Man, Jesus, interceding on behalf of humanity. The right side, a place of honor and power, signifies Jesus' authority and compassion. But Stephen's response doesn't end with awe-struck wonder. As the stones rain down upon him, he prays, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." His surrender echoes Christ's own words on the cross, embodying forgiveness and trust in the face of brutality. And then, in an act

God's Purpose in All Things

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  Romans 8:28 CEV‬ We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose, The apostle Paul reminds us of a profound truth: God is always at work for the good of those who love Him. This verse offers comfort and hope, especially during challenging times. 1. God's Sovereignty: The passage begins with the assurance that God is actively involved in our lives. His sovereignty extends over every circumstance, whether joyful or painful. Nothing catches Him by surprise. 2. Love and Purpose: God's love for His people is unwavering. Those who love Him—those who have surrendered their hearts to Him—are recipients of His purpose. We are not mere pawns in a cosmic game; we are chosen vessels for His divine plan. 3. All Things Work Together: The phrase "all things" encompasses both blessings and trials. Even when life seems chaotic or unfair, God orchestrates events to fulfill His purpose. Our suffering, di

Be Smart!

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  Proverbs 14:15 CEV‬ Don't be stupid and believe all you hear; be smart and know where you are headed. This verse encourages discernment and critical thinking, urging us to avoid gullibility and seek wisdom.  By being cautious and thoughtful, we can make better choices and navigate life's paths with clarity and purpose. 🌟 Let us pray: "Dear Heavenly Father, Grant us discernment and wisdom, as Proverbs 14:15 advises. Help us not to be gullible or easily swayed by every word we hear. Instead, may we be smart, seeking understanding and clarity. Guide our steps, Lord, so that we know where we are headed and make choices that align with Your purpose for our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen." 🙏

The Journey of Rest and Grace

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Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I will show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly’ (Matthew 11:28–30 Message). These words, spoken by Jesus, resonate across time and space. They invite weary souls to find solace, to step away from the burdens that weigh them down, and to discover a different way of living—a way marked by grace, rest, and freedom. The Invitation to Rest "Are you tired?" Jesus begins. It's a question that pierces through the noise of our busy lives. We carry fatigue like a heavy cloak, our shoulders sagging under the weight of responsibilities, expectations, and the relentless pursuit of success. But Jesus extends an invitation: "Come to me." He beckons us to a place of refuge, wh

The Power of Silence

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  Introduction: The book of Proverbs is a treasure trove of practical wisdom, offering guidance on various aspects of life. In Proverbs 13:3, we encounter a straightforward yet profound truth: "Keep what you know to yourself, and you will be safe; talk too much, and you are done for." Body: 1. Guarding Our Words:    - The verse begins with the admonition to keep what we know to ourselves. This implies discretion and discernment. Sometimes, sharing certain information can lead to harm or unintended consequences.    - Wise individuals recognize the value of silence. They weigh their words carefully, understanding that not everything needs to be spoken aloud.    - By guarding our tongues, we protect ourselves from unnecessary trouble and maintain a sense of safety. 2. The Perils of Excessive Talk:    - On the other hand, the second part of the verse warns against talking too much. When we become overly verbose, we risk several pitfalls:      - Reputation Damage: Excessi

The act of foot-washing

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  John 13:14 CEV‬ And if your Lord and teacher has washed your feet, you should do the same for each other. In this passage, Jesus demonstrates a powerful lesson through a humble act: washing His disciples' feet. Before the Passover meal, Jesus knew that His time in this world was coming to an end, and He wanted to leave a lasting example for His followers. 1. The Context:    - It was before Passover, and Jesus loved His disciples deeply.    - Even before the meal began, Judas had already decided to betray Jesus.    - Jesus knew His divine origin and ultimate return to God. 2. The Act of Foot-Washing:    - During the meal, Jesus took off His outer garment, wrapped a towel around His waist, and washed His disciples' feet.    - When He reached Simon Peter, Peter was taken aback and questioned Jesus.    - Jesus explained that unless He washed Peter's feet, Peter wouldn't truly belong to Him. 3. The Profound Message:    - Jesus emphasized that He was their Teac

God our Place of Safety

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  Psalms 62:8 CEV‬ Trust God, my friends, and always tell him each of your concerns. God is our place of safety. Let's delve deeper into Psalm 62:8: 1. Trust God: This phrase emphasizes the importance of faith and reliance on God. Trusting God means acknowledging His sovereignty, wisdom, and goodness. It involves surrendering our worries and fears to Him, knowing that He is in control. 2. Always tell Him each of your concerns: God invites us to share our hearts with Him openly. We can pour out our worries, anxieties, and joys before Him. Prayer becomes a powerful way to communicate with God, expressing our deepest feelings and seeking His guidance. 3. God is our place of safety: Here, God is portrayed as our refuge, a safe haven where we find protection, comfort, and peace. When life feels chaotic or uncertain, we can run to Him for shelter. He shields us from harm and provides security. In summary, Psalm 62:8 encourages us to trust God wholeheartedly, communicate with Him h