December 26, 2020
(St. Stephen, First Martyr)
Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. . . . he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they were stoning Stephen, he called out “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Acts_6:8-10;7:54-59
Jesus said, “You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.” Mt_10:17-22
Out of the crucible comes the purest of souls; hardened, unquenchable, undefiled and by that, saved. Endure, beloved, and live, just like Stephen, just like Jesus!
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Whispers to the Wind 