Tag: martyr

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: October 31, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Hebrews chapter 13

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

Hebrews 13:3 says, “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them- those who are mistreated- since you yourselves are in the body also. (NKJV)

September 26, 2014 marked the two year anniversary of the imprisonment of American- Iranian pastor Saeed Abedini because of his faith in Jesus Christ.

Here is the most recent update on Saeed’s condition. “His mom has been under constant threat and intimidation by the Iranian government as she has been following up on Saeed’s case (clemency, hospital…) and now she is forced to leave Iran because of it and threat of being arrested. The government has now said that clemency is no longer an option and they will not allow Saeed to be treated at the hospital.” (Source: Naghmeh Abedini Facebook page)

“Please pray for Saeed’s mother and her health and her emotions as she has had to part with Saeed. Pray for Saeed’s wife Naghmeh as she deals with difficulty of being cut off from Saeed. Pray for Saeed’s health and his miraculous release. Saeed reported that He can feel all the prayers and it continues to give him great strength and encouragement as he stands for his faith in Jesus in prison.” (Naghmeh Abedini)

Prayer: “Dear Father, we pray for Saeed’s mother, and dad, his wife, and children, for their emotional well being and comfort. We pray for Saeed’s health and miraculous release. May you continue to give him strength to stand for his faith in Jesus, may Your Holy angels minister to Saeed. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

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Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 7

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

It is encouraging to know that great men and women of the faith have been willing to give their lives for the sake of the Gospel.  Stephen was such a man. The Bible says that Stephen was full of faith and power, and that he did great wonders and miracles among the people (Acts 6:8). Stephen was unmatched in his testimony for the Lord. Even his countenance reflected the character of God. Acts chapter 7 records Stephen’s speech. I imagine that Stephen’s speech was a lot like what Jesus said to the two disciples on the Emmaus walk. Luke chapter 24 records that Jesus expounded in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. As Jesus opened up the Scriptures these two disciples’ hearts were set on fire for the Lord. Stephen preached like Jesus, looked like Jesus, ministered and lived like Jesus, and when he died, he died like Jesus. From the cross Jesus cried, “Father forgive them.” As Stephen was dying he cried, “Lord, forgive them.” Everything about Stephen reminds us of Jesus. He paid the ultimate price for the Gospel by giving his life. Stephen’s life wasn’t wasted. God used Stephen’s witness to convict and eventually covert the Apostle Paul to the Christian faith. What is it about your life and mine that resembles Jesus? The more like Jesus we become the more God can use our witness.

Prayer: “Dear Father in heaven, thank You for faithful Christian witnesses like Stephen. May we be more like Jesus in everything we do. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron