September 24, 2009 - Acts 10:2

“He and all his family were devout and God-fearing: he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.” Acts 10:2.
Cornelius was a centurion in the Roman army and was an officer in charge of scores of soldiers from the Italian Regiment. A centurion was usually respected by the soldiers under his command because he would lead them into battle, fighting right along side them, fully knowing that he, as their leader, had a higher chance of being killed in battle than any other soldier in the ranks. Cornelius, the centurion, was also a follower of God, who gave generously to the needy and “prayed to God regularly.” Yet, he was not a Jew.
The early leaders of the Jesus Movement within Judaism were extremely hesitant about taking the message of Jesus beyond the borders of Judaism. Yet, God was setting the stage for confronting and stretching their limited belief system.
I have found in my faith journey that there have been some beliefs that I have held dearly that I probably should have held with a looser grip. For example, in the early days of my walk, I believed that miraculous healings no longer happened. I thought they came to an end after the early church, recorded in Acts. That belief was rocked when I experienced a healing in my own body and witnessed several others. I had a difficult time explaining this, which drove me to the Scriptures and to others whom I trusted. Since then, I have had a growing sense that perhaps I should keep an open mind toward many of the beliefs that I have held on to so tightly.
Questions to consider: Have you ever had any beliefs been rocked or disrupted? If so, what was that like for you? What truths are non-negotiable and which ones are not? How have you come to these conclusions?
Prayer: Father, I thank You that You are so much bigger than many of the beliefs that I hold. Forgive me for trying to put You in a box. Please help me to have an open and ever-growing mind that seeks to enjoy the journey with You. Amen.