Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Lord, the world heaps rocks of scorn and stones of derision on Your people but they are as destructive as the physical rocks and stones hurled at Stephen. Yet, we see You standing at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us and sending Your Spirit to guide us. Hallelujah, what have we to fear! We can cry with Stephen that these sins not be held against our assaulters.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 23

Mid-day: 119:169-176

Evening: Psalm 98

Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at theFellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.