Monday, July 29, 2019

1 Samuel 1:1-28; Isaiah 44:6-23; 2 Corinthians 4:7-5:10


But he, 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. Acts 7:55


Stephen’s message was so powerful and convicting that it infuriated
the unbelieving crowd. They were full of anger, but he was
full of faith and the Spirit (Acts 6:5). Just before heaven opened to
receive him, he peered above and saw the glory of God and Jesus
standing at His right hand, waiting to receive him. A faithful testimony
for Christ, a steadfast gaze toward heaven, a forgiving heart
to others (v. 60) and then the call to glory, the same benchmarks that
we should exhibit in our witness and service. —Mark Kolchin


Gazing on the Lord in glory, while our hearts in worship bow,
There we read the wondrous story, of the cross—its shame and woe.
—C. Thompson