Acts 7. 12.11.25

SCRIPTURE

“But Stephen—FULL of the Holy Spirit—looked up to heaven—

and SAW the glory of God—and Jesus—standing at the right hand of God.

“Look,” he said, “I SEE heaven open—and

the Son of Man—Jesus—standing at the right hand of God.””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭7‬:‭55‬-‭56‬ ‭NIV‬‬

OBSERVATION

Stephen had been arrested on trumped up charges. Some witnesses were persuaded to lie about what they had heard Stephen say about the Temple. Now Stephen is standing in front of the same Sanhedrin that Jesus stood in front.

Stephen could have been FILLED with Fear, doubt, or trembling.

His death seemed eminent. The accusations were false and the Judges were determined to do whatever was necessary to stop this “Jesus Movement”.

But Stephen was SO supernaturally FILLED with the Holy Spirit—that everyone—took notice of how is face was—glowing—as bright—as an angel’s.

“At this point EVERYONE in the high council STARED at Stephen—because his face became as BRIGHT as an angel’s.” (Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭6‬:‭15‬)

Stephen became the first martyr for Christ and the Gospel—leaving a powerful example for us all to follow.

APPLICATION

When you spend time with Jesus—it SHOWS

I don’t want to Settle for anything less…

All we know about Stephen’s life and ministry is covered in two and half brief chapters in the book of Acts (Acts 6-8) yet God used his life and death to be the pivotal gateway in Spreading the Gospel beyond Jerusalem towards the Gentiles—Fulfilling Jesus Great Commission. The enemy was using the blinded Jewish Leaders to Martyr Stephen and squash the Gospel—instead it Propelled the Gospel and opened the door for one of its most ardent adversaries, Paul, to become a fully Transformed on fire—born again—Spirit Filled—Christ is my everything—Apostle.

Stephen was known as being well respected, Full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. He was more than willing to take menial ministry work dispersing food to widows, yet scripture tells us he was so full of God’s favor and divine blessings that he did great wonders and signs and attesting miracles among the people. He was also given a special gift for understanding and explaining scripture in a way that no one could stand against—as God had given him divine inspiration. This was one gifted believer. And…he glowed. (Acts 6:8-10)

Believers who spend time with Jesus…have that special Glow. While Moses and Stephen are said to have had a special glow, there are other examples of God’s presence in believers lives such as Peter delivering his first sermon after being spirit filled and Daniel had a radiance in his god-given wisdom and understanding.

Last, Stephen saw Heaven opened up to Welcome him in and Jesus standing to greet him. What an amazing gift he was given to experience that vision before his death. Yet it speaks of the Future that every believer will get to experience when Jesus calls us home.

“Look,” he said, “I SEE heaven open—and

the Son of Man—Jesus—standing at the right hand of God.””

PRAYER

LORD Jesus,

Teach me how to Live for You like Stephen did. A man so full of Love and Full of Your Grace and Full of Your word. We cannot manufacture this. It only comes from You. Lord Jesus, change my heart to be more like You. Fill my heart with Your Love for all the things that You Love. Immerse me in Your Presence that others may SEE YOU in me. Give me an overwhelming Fear of Who You—so are that no other worry or doubt or fear will ever have place in my heart. You are an awesome God worthy of All my Praise. Be my First and Only Obsession.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

Tina L Kudelka

Psalm 119 - 12.10.25

Scripture

Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. (Ps 119:11)

Observation

The only way to live a life without falling into sin, is to hide God’s word in our hearts (Ps 119:11). The whole of Psalms 119 is focused on the word of God, and the importance of having the word in our hearts. In the same passage we read today, we see the question, “How can a young person stay on the path of purity?” The answer is also in the same verse - “By living according to your word” (Ps 119:9). To live according to God’s word, we need to have his word in our heart. The scripture commands us that we should not conform to the pattern of this world, but should renew our minds (Rom 12:2). We renew our minds by reading and studying the word of God everyday consistently. 

Application

God does not promise us an easy life when we put our trust in Him. In fact, the opposite is true. Jesus said “in this world, you will have trouble” (John 16:33). When we walk through fire and through water (Is 43:2) and through the valley of the shadow of death (Ps 23:4), it is the promises in His word that strengthens us and holds us up. We need the word hidden in our hearts to draw out of during those times.

All of us want to live a life that pleases God. We can do that only by living a life that is based on God’s word. For that, we need to know the word. We need to have the daily discipline of reading God’s word every single day. Jesus is God’s word who became flesh (John 1:14). Jesus and his word are the same. We can’t have Jesus apart from His written word. When we consistently read the word every day and continuously recall what we read in the Bible, meditating on his word, we internalize it and it becomes hidden in our hearts. 

We are approaching the new year and it is time for some resolutions. Let me give you some ideas. If you don’t have a daily habit of reading the word everyday, that could be a good resolution. If you have cultivated the daily discipline of getting into the word, why don’t you increase it or double it? If you read one chapter, make it two in 2026. If you spend one hour with God everyday, consider doubling it to two hours.

Prayer

Father, I thank you for your Word. Please help me to delight in your law, and to meditate on your word day and night, so that I will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water (Ps 1:2). I pray that your word will be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Ps 119:105). I pray that the word of Christ will dwell in me richly in all wisdom (Col 3:16). I pray that I will not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of my mind by feeding on your word, so that I may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Rom 12:2). Make my life be a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to you (Rom 12:1). In Jesus’s name. Amen.

- Asha Chacko George

Psalm 118 - 12.9.25

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm 118:15, 16

“Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous:  The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!  The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things.”

OBSERVATION:  The author gave thanks to the Lord for being so good and for showing such great love over him when he was hard pressed and afraid.  God helped him triumph over the fear of his enemies. The psalmist learned to put his trust in the Lord, and when he felt weak and defenseless, God became his strength and Defender. The psalmist praised God, gave thanks and proclaimed what the Lord had done!

APPLICATION:  God is the same yesterday, today and forever.  His love never changes! How blessed we are that we can run to Him and be safe!  When we see God at work, and He answers our prayers, are we quick to give Him thanks and proclaim His good works? 

Because of the psalmist’s obedience to the Lord, he was able to experience God’s love and faithfulness.  He personally got to witness many of the mighty things God had done.

“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence Lord.  They rejoice in Your name all day long; they celebrate Your righteousness.  For You are their glory and strength.”  (Psalm 89:14-17a).

PRAYER:  I thank You Lord for being so good, loving and kind! May I be like the psalmist who couldn’t hold back his praises to You!  Thank You for blessing me with the ability to enjoy Your presence, and to be able to experience Your faithfulness.  Thank You that I don’t need to be afraid - because You are the God Who saves me!

“I will sing of Your great love forever; with my mouth I will make Your faithfulness known through all generations.” (Psalm 89:1)

Amen

- Robin Orefice