“And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭6:8-15‬ ‭ESV‬‬

All,This stands out because Luke says, “And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” I take this to mean that Stephen had a supernatural peace about him. Are we peaceful when opponents put words in our mouth or twist what we say? How about when you need to confront someone manipulating another? God gives us His peace when we are about His purpose. Please pray that we and our friends seek to please God today. Please pray for Jon and Teddy’s group.

“When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice,”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭5:33-39‬ ‭ESV‬‬

All,This stands out because Gamaliel says, “for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them.” The best laid plans of man can fail, but God’s plan never fails. Why would we waste our time not doing God’s purpose? The most control we ever have is when we abide in Him(John 15:5). Please pray that we and our friends are thankful for Christ’s death and resurrection. Please pray for all the foster kids this season.

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭4:13-16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

All,This stands out because Luke says, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” We all know people who are “uneducated” but are very wise because of their relationship with Jesus. You never know when you may be that person to someone else when they are seeking Christ. We all have our story and our walk that may help someone else. Please pray that we and our friends cherish the wisdom God gives us. Please pray for all those missing loved ones this time of year.

“Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭3:1-8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

All,This stands out because Peter says, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you.” Where do we look for Joy? Does it come from silver and gold? From high option of others? From a experience? All of those can bring temporary happiness. God knows what we need and what is best for us eternally. He gives us the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22). Please pray that we look to God for His purpose. Freddy and Phyllis Killgore have been released from the hospital.

“Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:36-41‬ ‭ESV‬‬

All,This stands out because Peter says, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Why would Peter start with repent and then baptism? Jesus started with repent also. What does it say if we don’t repent? Does repentance acknowledge our sinful nature and thus acknowledge our need of a Savior? The world will tell you that there is no need for repentance because you can have your own truth and then you can seek your own will. Please pray that we and our friends are thankful today that Christ made us sinless in the eyes of God purely because of His death on the cross. Please pray for Freddy and Phyllis Killgore.

“Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:5-8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

All,This stands out because Luke says, “they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.” Christians have a commonality that is real even when we are from completely different backgrounds or communities. Just as God frustrated the works of man at the tower at Babel by hurting communication, He helps communication for us when we are working towards His purpose. Please pray that we and our friends speak the truth in love and rely on the Holy Spirit to help the hearer hear. Please pray for Freddy and Phyllis Killgore.

“So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.””
‭‭Acts‬ ‭1:6-11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

All,This stands out because Jesus says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This power to witness doesn’t come from us, but from the Holy Spirit. Please pray that we and our friends are depending on the Holy Spirit to empower us to do God’s purpose for today? Please pray for Will’s parents, Freddy and Phyllis, who are both in the hospital with Covid.

“Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness— his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth— that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.””
‭‭John‬ ‭19:31-37‬ ‭ESV‬‬

All,This stands out because John says, “For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled”. It’s amazing how prophets wrote details about Jesus centuries before Him. Then the disciples would understand all the references about Jesus after His death. It would seem that even a hardened unbeliever would believe after reading the Old Testament and seeing all the references to Jesus made by different people during different times. Please pray that we and our friends appreciate today just who Jesus is. Please pray for Ransom and Doug’s group.

“Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus,”
‭‭John‬ ‭19:14-16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

All,This stands out because the chief priests said, “We have no king but Caesar.” It’s very tempting to make government more important than God. It seems like government has more control at times, but we know God is in control all the time. He appoints the rulers even when they don’t seem like someone God would appoint. Please pray that we and our friends always know who is in power. Please pray for Blake and Ben’s group.

“The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?””
‭‭John‬ ‭18:19-23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

All,This stands out because John says, “When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” Can you imagine that officer now since he thought the high priest was more worthy than Jesus? It’s tempting to put certain peoples’ opinions higher than Jesus’s opinion, but it is not our purpose. Jesus’s opinion is the only one that matters. Please pray that we and our friends think only of a audience of one. Please pray for families who are missing a loved one during this Christmas season.