|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "I Surrender All"1 (Lyrics) |
Acts 7:58 – [The Sanhedrin] dragged [Stephen] out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. (NIV)
I never knew my great-grandfather, Andrew Stuart, but I heard some stories about him from my dad. A hundred years ago, my great-grandfather was in the Royal Scots Guards who were fighting in the trenches of World War I. He was wounded a week before the Armistice was declared in November 1918. He lost an arm, but he didn't let it debilitate his life. He was born in 1875 and lived until 1955. By all accounts, he was a remarkable man, and I would like to have met him personally.
On October 31st this past year, my first grandson, Andrew Richard Listau, was born. I hope that I will have many opportunities to tell him stories about my family and our roots in Scotland. I also find it fascinating that if he lives into his mid-eighties, he will experience the beginning of the 22nd century. That's six generations covering four centuries. How amazing is that?
In the New Testament passage from Acts 7:54-60, we read about the sad ending of Stephen's life, but we are also introduced to another significant life story, that of the young man named Saul. Christ's work may have been completed for Stephen, but the ministry wasn't over. Instead, it was being mysteriously transferred to an enemy of the church called Saul. God's story was continuing despite what may have been seen as a major setback by Christ's followers. The amazing thing is this: that very same story still goes on in our own lives today — person after person, follower after follower, generation after generation, and century after century, until Christ's kingdom truly comes.
Isn't it wonderful to be a part of God's never-ending story of salvation?
Points to ponder: Who helped me to become a Christian? Have I passed on my faith to someone else?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your ministry is remarkable, and we feel privileged to play a part in Your continuing mission. Encourage us to be a blessing of faith to someone else, especially among those of a different and future generation. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Thursday, December 5, 2024 – In Asia — Pray that our students will walk in God's peace and hold fast to His promises. Pray that fear and anxiety would have no hold on them. Instead, they will entrust themselves to God who sees them, hears them and is sovereign over all.
Prayer for Healing: "December 5, 2024: Pray, please, for healing for son who has been sick for over a month. Originally..." 
health: "Update December 4, 2024: I am having some problems with my right eye: twitching, feeling of..." 
Amen, John.
How fascinating, and inspiring.
THANK YOU.
Thank you for today’s devotional, John. It’s a privilege to be part of the “never-ending story”.
Blessings.
Pastor Stuart, great reading today; thank you.
Thank you, always love to read your missives. God bless.
Have four grandchildren to whom I have told “The Stories”.
Three in their mid 20’s now continue to want to hear all these stories of the family’s past. The church has always be a very important part of my family.
It will go on.
Thanks John for your many contributions. This one really spoke to me.
A new Jerusalem will descend from heaven to replace this old worn out world.
Until then, followers will continue to tell of the Good News.
I have children who no longer go to Church and grandchildren who have never seen the inside of a Church.
The answer is covered in your point to ponder. Thanks.
Dear John,
My great uncle served in the Royal Scots during World War I and was killed in 1917. It is amazing what can unite otherwise perfect strangers. Perhaps the most effective unifier is our faith in Christ. It is the one thing we have in common with so many of our otherwise unconnected brothers and sisters of all ages, walks of life, nationalities, etc. It is this Faith that has sparked conversations with waiters, fellow train passengers and Scout masters whom I would otherwise have barely known and passed in silence.
Grace and peace.