“The angel answered, ‘Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.’” Acts 10:4b.
Cornelius, the Roman Centurion, was praying when suddenly an angel appeared to him. The sudden appearance of an angel was frightening to Cornelius, even though as a soldier, he was afraid of nothing. The angel had the attention of this God-fearing man. And yet, his message to Cornelius must have been comforting to him, for the angel told him that God had heard his prayers and seen his acts of kindness to the poor.
At first, I was a bit confused by this verse. I thought that perhaps Cornelius was doing good things – praying and giving to the poor – to somehow earn God’s good favor. But the more I reflected on this, I saw that Cornelius was already a God-fearing man, and had no need to prove his worthiness to God. Instead, it seems that he connected to God as best he could through prayer, and the natural response to this connection was with acts of kindness and service – to give to the poor. It was out of gratitude to God that Cornelius did the works of kindness. And God noticed!
When I first started serving the Lord, it seemed to be more about me and my convenience and security rather than being about those whom I was serving. God convicted my soul about this, and I realized that it had nothing really to do with me. I was only a vehicle for God’s love and acceptance to flow to others. I had to, and still do have to at times, get over my own stuff in order to serve. And, I try not to serve in order to prove my “worthiness” to God, but rather, to serve out of gratitude for what He has done for me.
Questions to consider: When you are challenged to serve in some way, what is usually your first response? Why do you suppose that is? Do you feel that you are sometimes trying to prove your worthiness to God, or do you serve out of gratitude for all that He has done for you?
Prayer: Father, thank You for all that You have done for me and for all people, especially in giving us Your Son to die in our place. I know that there is nothing I can do to prove my worthiness to You – if I did, that would negate all that Jesus did in dying for me. Please help me to accept Your grace and mercy in my life and help me to live my life out of gratitude. Amen.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
September 17, 2009 - Acts 9:40
“Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.” Acts 9:40.
While in Lydda, Peter received word from two men of Joppa that Tabitha had died and they needed him to come immediately. Tabitha was known for her service and acts of kindness within the community, and her passing was mourned by many. But, “Perhaps,” they thought, “if Peter were to come, who knows what the Lord might do through him.” Besides, it would be such a moving scene if Peter was to appear. And moving it was!
Upon arriving, Peter instructed all the people to leave him alone in the room with Tabitha. He knelt down in prayer and finally sensed that he needed to speak to the dead body in front of him. “Tabitha, get up.” That’s all he said, and immediately, she opened her eyes and sat up! Amazing!
Whenever I have been involved in praying for someone’s healing, it seems that as many people as possible are gathered to pray. Instead, Peter asks everyone to wait outside. Peter had a sense of what the Holy Spirit was up to and was willing to do it, no matter how much it didn’t make sense within his own mind. He didn’t necessarily do it the way that I would have, but he certainly followed through the way the Lord wanted.
Questions to consider: How sensitive are you to the leading of the Holy Spirit? Have you ever sensed the Lord instructing you to do something and you did not do it? What was that like? Have you ever done what you sensed the Lord wanted you to do, no matter how strange it was to your thinking?
Prayer: Father, I need help to see Your activity. Please give me a heart to be sensitive to the leading of Your Holy Spirit and give me strength to do what You would have me do. Amen.
While in Lydda, Peter received word from two men of Joppa that Tabitha had died and they needed him to come immediately. Tabitha was known for her service and acts of kindness within the community, and her passing was mourned by many. But, “Perhaps,” they thought, “if Peter were to come, who knows what the Lord might do through him.” Besides, it would be such a moving scene if Peter was to appear. And moving it was!
Upon arriving, Peter instructed all the people to leave him alone in the room with Tabitha. He knelt down in prayer and finally sensed that he needed to speak to the dead body in front of him. “Tabitha, get up.” That’s all he said, and immediately, she opened her eyes and sat up! Amazing!
Whenever I have been involved in praying for someone’s healing, it seems that as many people as possible are gathered to pray. Instead, Peter asks everyone to wait outside. Peter had a sense of what the Holy Spirit was up to and was willing to do it, no matter how much it didn’t make sense within his own mind. He didn’t necessarily do it the way that I would have, but he certainly followed through the way the Lord wanted.
Questions to consider: How sensitive are you to the leading of the Holy Spirit? Have you ever sensed the Lord instructing you to do something and you did not do it? What was that like? Have you ever done what you sensed the Lord wanted you to do, no matter how strange it was to your thinking?
Prayer: Father, I need help to see Your activity. Please give me a heart to be sensitive to the leading of Your Holy Spirit and give me strength to do what You would have me do. Amen.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
September 10, 2009 - Acts 9:34
“’Aeneas,’ Peter said to him, ‘Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat.’ Immediately Aeneas got up.” Acts 9:34.
The young movement of Jesus-followers was in the midst of an unusual time of peace, and Peter travelled to Lydda, which is west of Jerusalem and on the way to Joppa, at the coast of the Mediterranean. One of the highlights of his stay in Lydda was to visit with Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. During the visit with Aeneas, Peter told him that Jesus healed him and that he was to get up. Immediately he was healed!
Have you ever been used by Jesus in the healing of someone? I have, and I must say that I have gone through all sorts of emotions surrounding the event. These emotions range from pride (“I must be something special for God to use me!”) to humility (“I can’t believe that God could use a knucklehead like me!”) and many others, as well. As wonderful as the healing is, the primary focus needs to be on the majestic, mystifying grace of God the Father, in Jesus, through the Holy Spirit. It is so easy to look at all the other peripheral things regarding the healing instead of focusing on the Healer.
Peter, in this verse, gave obvious attention to who the True Healer was. Peter’s life was now totally dedicated to giving full attention to Jesus, and healing was just one aspect. Jesus was now Peter’s all-in-all! So, perhaps instead of focusing on the healing, or even on Peter, let’s focus on the True Healer, Jesus.
Questions to consider: What can you do today to focus more on Jesus and not the circumstances in your life, whether good or bad? Is there anything that you need to say to Him, perhaps to get straight or that needs cleaning up? Is there anything from which you need to “get up and take care of”?
Prayer: Father, thank You that You are the True Healer and that You desire to help us “get up and take care of” all that is not right in our lives and to heal us. Help us to remember that all of this is from Your precious hands! Amen.
The young movement of Jesus-followers was in the midst of an unusual time of peace, and Peter travelled to Lydda, which is west of Jerusalem and on the way to Joppa, at the coast of the Mediterranean. One of the highlights of his stay in Lydda was to visit with Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. During the visit with Aeneas, Peter told him that Jesus healed him and that he was to get up. Immediately he was healed!
Have you ever been used by Jesus in the healing of someone? I have, and I must say that I have gone through all sorts of emotions surrounding the event. These emotions range from pride (“I must be something special for God to use me!”) to humility (“I can’t believe that God could use a knucklehead like me!”) and many others, as well. As wonderful as the healing is, the primary focus needs to be on the majestic, mystifying grace of God the Father, in Jesus, through the Holy Spirit. It is so easy to look at all the other peripheral things regarding the healing instead of focusing on the Healer.
Peter, in this verse, gave obvious attention to who the True Healer was. Peter’s life was now totally dedicated to giving full attention to Jesus, and healing was just one aspect. Jesus was now Peter’s all-in-all! So, perhaps instead of focusing on the healing, or even on Peter, let’s focus on the True Healer, Jesus.
Questions to consider: What can you do today to focus more on Jesus and not the circumstances in your life, whether good or bad? Is there anything that you need to say to Him, perhaps to get straight or that needs cleaning up? Is there anything from which you need to “get up and take care of”?
Prayer: Father, thank You that You are the True Healer and that You desire to help us “get up and take care of” all that is not right in our lives and to heal us. Help us to remember that all of this is from Your precious hands! Amen.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
September 3, 2009 - Acts 9:29
“He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him.” Acts 9:29.
Have you ever listened to a speaker who provoked your thinking and with whom you disagreed vehemently? Saul must have encountered many crowds of people who disagreed vehemently with him. This particular crowd of Grecian Jews sought to kill Saul because of the strength of his argument. And this was apparently the second threat on his life in such a short period of time. But this did not stop Saul from proclaiming the truth.
There have been many times when I have heard truth expressed to me, and my first response (reaction!) was negative. The more truthful the statement, the more vehement my reaction! For example, my wife, on several occasions, has made true statements to me concerning a negative attitude of mine or concerning the way I treated a person, and what was my reaction? Was it to say, “Thank you, honey. You’re right. I need to change?” NO! My first reaction was to rationalize and make excuses for my actions. Next, I would lash out, attacking her for making such an accusation. Eventually, I would understand and I apologize, recognizing what a knucklehead I had been. But, I am sure that you have never had that kind of reaction!
When we hear truth for the first time, our initial reaction is most likely not going to be like the Grecian Jews in this verse, but most likely it is going to challenge and stretch us. It is going to push us in ways that make us uncomfortable and may require some changes in how we do things. Perhaps we wouldn’t kill the person physically, but we might “kill” the relationship.
Questions to consider: How do you respond/react to truth at its first hearing? How long does it take you to respond positively to it? Has there been someone in your life that, when truth was shared, it killed the relationship?
Prayer: Father, help me to have the heart to embrace Your truth quickly. Help me not to react quickly, but to take my time to absorb and process what You have for me. Amen.
Have you ever listened to a speaker who provoked your thinking and with whom you disagreed vehemently? Saul must have encountered many crowds of people who disagreed vehemently with him. This particular crowd of Grecian Jews sought to kill Saul because of the strength of his argument. And this was apparently the second threat on his life in such a short period of time. But this did not stop Saul from proclaiming the truth.
There have been many times when I have heard truth expressed to me, and my first response (reaction!) was negative. The more truthful the statement, the more vehement my reaction! For example, my wife, on several occasions, has made true statements to me concerning a negative attitude of mine or concerning the way I treated a person, and what was my reaction? Was it to say, “Thank you, honey. You’re right. I need to change?” NO! My first reaction was to rationalize and make excuses for my actions. Next, I would lash out, attacking her for making such an accusation. Eventually, I would understand and I apologize, recognizing what a knucklehead I had been. But, I am sure that you have never had that kind of reaction!
When we hear truth for the first time, our initial reaction is most likely not going to be like the Grecian Jews in this verse, but most likely it is going to challenge and stretch us. It is going to push us in ways that make us uncomfortable and may require some changes in how we do things. Perhaps we wouldn’t kill the person physically, but we might “kill” the relationship.
Questions to consider: How do you respond/react to truth at its first hearing? How long does it take you to respond positively to it? Has there been someone in your life that, when truth was shared, it killed the relationship?
Prayer: Father, help me to have the heart to embrace Your truth quickly. Help me not to react quickly, but to take my time to absorb and process what You have for me. Amen.
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