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Unstoppable! 'Relentless, Unfair, and Unscrupulous' — Acts 6:11-14 Thursday, March 28, 2024 Key Thought As we learn from the pursuit, persecution, and martyrdom of Jesus, adversaries propelled by hate and jealousy can be relentless in their attacks. When they cannot get what they want using the truth, then they manufacture lies, stretch the truth about their chosen enemy, and distort what this enemy said. Stephen followed the example of Christ in many ways. False witnesses lied about what Stephen had said just as they did about Jesus. Those who hated Jesus and Stephen falsely accused both of them of plotting to destroy the Temple. Stephen also asked for his tormentors to be forgiven and offered himself to God as he was dying, just as Jesus had done. While those who oppose the truth can be relentless, unfair, and unscrupulous, God's servants refuse to be. They choose to follow in their Master's steps. They know their future is secure in Jesus, the one who blazed the trail ahead of them. TODAY'S PRAYER O, dear Father, I want to be like Stephen and the Lord Jesus before him. I want to be faithful, full of righteous character, and practicing gracious compassion with those who oppose me, even if the opposition is threatening my life. I confess that I am not sure my faith is that strong. I believe. I trust. But in my flesh, I want fairness. I don't want to be mistreated by those who lie, plot, and deceive to bring me down. Strengthen me and forgive me as I seek the power of the Holy Spirit to transform me to be ever more like Jesus each day. In his name, I pray. Amen. RELATED SCRIPTURE READINGS Luke 23:34, 46; Acts 7:59-60 Hebrews 2:10, 12:1-3