Day 7 (Acts 10)

SCRIPTURE Acts 10:30-31, “Cornelius replied to Peter, “Four days ago I was praying in my house about this same time, three o’clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me. He told me, “Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God!” OBSERVATION In Acts chapter 10 we are told of this Gentile (non-Jewish), God-fearing man named Cornelius who served as a volunteer centurion in the Italian Regiment in Rome. Although he was not Jewish, he was well respected by the community in Jerusalem and was known for his generous heart towards the needy, his consistent prayer life, and for faithfully leading his family in their devotion to God. During a time of fasting and prayer, he received a visit from an angel who told him his prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial to God. What’s so interesting is, Cornelius was not a Christ-follower, yet his devotion to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob got the attention of heaven and God sent a messenger to lead him to the One who would change his life forever. Not only his life but the lives of his family members too! I love the fact that we get a front row seat at the conversation in heaven regarding the character of this godly man. What was spoken about him was his love for God, his compassionate acts towards others, and his consistent desire to abide in the presence of the Lord. And although he didn’t know it, he was fully known by God and so are we! If you think for one second, God doesn’t see or hear you then you are mistaken. He takes notice of everyone who turns their eyes towards Jesus! APPLICATION If you want the attention and favor of God, search your heart, and consider these: Am I living a life of devotion and reverence for God? Am I a cheerful giver who provides generously for those in need? Do I pray consistently and live with gratitude? Do I serve others and model the life Jesus lived? Pray Father, I pray that your will for our lives will be done just as it is written in heaven, and we don’t JUST do good things, but we become like Jesus in every area of our lives. I pray when our names are spoken of it will be because we have been transformed by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Will you help us to cultivate a heart of reverence for You and one that loves those you love and serves the needs of others? Let us be people of the Spirit who pray continuously and seek to be Your heart extended to a lost and hurting world. Transform to us Father, to the likeness of Your son Jesus Christ. Amen!