SUNDAY February 19, 2023

False Witnesses

They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
Acts 6:13-15

The Pharisees set up false witnesses to accuse Stephen of speaking blasphemous words against the Temple and Moses’ Law. Through inciting false witnesses against him, see how Satan tried to destroy the work of God; but know this, the work of God can never be destroyed!

In the life of Stephen, despite his circumstances, you see a complete peace––a peace that passes understanding. His countenance was as an angel’s. Stephen was standing in court with false accusations being hurled at him, but he remained unmoved. The Holy Spirit anointed him and empowered him, as soon he would give a sermon to his persecutors.

In the past, in Colombia, many Christians were killed––martyred. Pastor Hector often goes to Colombia, accompanied by other pastors. He knows that there is always the possibility that he and the others could be martyred. God continues to do a great work in Colombia. Like Stephen, Hector and the team know what they have been called to do. They are unafraid and unmoved by any persecution that may happen.

What is God’s call on your life? If you are young, you have so many years ahead of you to serve the Lord. Do not waste your youth in inactivity, serve God! He can use your life right where you are––in the secular world, in your job, or where you go school.

If you humbly ask God, “Use my life,” He will do it! As you make yourself available, He will anoint you with His Holy Spirit. Like Stephen, you will be able to stand against opposition. Your enemies will witness the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. God will give you a peaceful countenance, and, at the time when you may face persecution or death, His grace.

Never did the church so much prosper and so truly thrive as when she was baptized in blood …We must suffer and we must die, if we are ever to conquer this world for Christ.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!