“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him-you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.” Acts 7:51-53

Dear Savior, Use this sermon from Stephen to ground me in my faith and to give me a foundation in your Word. Help me to listen to this sermon as if I were one of the Jewish accusers. Help me to hear it and to receive it. My human heart is no different from theirs and I have the same tendencies in my heart. I get so caught up in the externals that I don’t hear or listen or obey. I have a tendency to ignore, to push to the side, or to overlook your clear word. Forgive me, dear Savior. Help me to hear your Word and to keep it. Your Word alone is my salvation. Your truth alone is my hope. Ground me in my faith so that I stand on your Word and am clothed in the blood of Jesus. Amen.