This is the 2nd of 7 devotions
with the theme of “Forgiveness”
with the theme of “Forgiveness”
STEVEN'S CHARGE
by
Kent Clifford Cooley
(Acts 7:56)
How many times have I forgiven this way, “Lord, I forgive that person, but Lord, you get them! Make them see that what they have done is wrong!” That is actually not forgiveness but a charge against the offender.
When Stephen said, “Don’t lay this charge against them,” the next thing that happened was, Stephen saw the heavens open and he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father. First, the throne of God is in the seventh heaven and not in the first heaven. Jesus’ official position is seated at the Father’s right hand. So, it appears that Stephen’s forgiveness was so powerful that the Father and the Son were immediately translated from the seventh heaven to the first heaven. Jesus stood from his official seated position in honor of Stephen and personally escorted Stephen to heaven. The forgiveness that Stephen practiced was very powerful with God.
As the stones were hitting his body, Stephen was telling the Father that he was pressing no charges against them and asking that He forgive them. Could I forgive the same way?
Father, I want to forgive like Stephen forgave. I want a heart of forgiveness. I want to express forgiveness for any and every offense. Thank you for putting a heart like Stephen’s in me.
©LoveWalkPublishing Devotion Authored by KentCliffordCooley
WHEN I LOVE
Devotion: Stephen’s Charge
(1 Corinthians 13; 1 John 3:14-15; Acts 7:56)
Verse 1 and 2
When I love, when I (1. am patient) (2. forgive), when I am kind
I pass from death unto life, when I love
When I hate, when (1. I am jealous) (2. I’m Unforgiving)], when (1. I am rude) (2. I’m self seeking),
I am held captive in spiritual death, when I hate
Chorus 1 and 2
So, I’ll take action, (1. I’ll apologize) (2. I will forgive),
I’ll humble myself and (1. get) (2. keep) myself inside of love, inside of light, I’m back inside of love,
I’m back inside of light
Bridge
When old Steven was accused, as the stone were striking his body and he was dying
He forgave, he stayed inside of love
Father lay not this sin to their charge, he saw the face of God
And Jesus standing at the father’s right hand
He stayed inside of love
©LoveWalkMusic WordsAndMusic by KentCliffordCooley
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