Happy Friday! Sometimes I am blessed to have deep conversations with people that extend beyond the typical hello and how are you. Depending on the conversations I wait with bated breath to hear what would be said next. Have you ever had those type of conversations? Well today we will continue with our reading in Acts chapter ten, where Cornelius is waiting on Peter to speak. Enjoy today’s devotion and have a wonderful weekend.

Bible verse

“²⁴ They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵ As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶ But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!” ²⁷ So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled.

²⁸ Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile (non-Jewish) home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. ²⁹ So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.”

³⁰ Cornelius replied, “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. ³¹ He told me, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God! ³² Now send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.’ ³³ So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you.” Acts 10:24-33 NLT

Key Points

• Peter was still being prompted to travel to various places and share the message of Jesus Christ.
• Peter’s heart toward what was clean and unclean had changed because of God.
• Cornelius had sent for Peter, but Cornelius ensured that others would also hear the message.

Reflection

We don’t know how long Cornelius had been praying. We do know Cornelius’ prayers were being answered. God used several people to accomplish the task, and Cornelius, the people he sent, and Peter were obedient to those instructions.

Peter was obedient to the instructions that He heard from God. The Holy Spirit prompted him and Peter was on his way to share the message of Jesus Christ.

Sisters and brothers, God sees our hearts and areas within us that need to change to better align with what He is doing. For years, we have been taught things about our society, people, culture and traditions, but what we should learn the most is how God sees society, people, culture and traditions. God has torn away the barriers that hinder us from fellowshiping with other believers of different races who come from varied backgrounds. We have been instructed to love one another – John 15:12 “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.”

Questions to ponder over the weekend:

• What is God prompting you to change?
• How is God speaking to you about past views and current issues?
• Are you ready for God to transform your thinking and perspective to align with His?
• Who is waiting for you to share the message of Jesus Christ with them?

Prayer

Father God we thank you for all that you have done for us. Father God you have been so good and patient with us. You have made many changes in our lives for the better, but we come today asking that you continue to change us and purify our hearts. Lord God keep working within us so that we will love like you love and be obedient to the things that you have called us to. Lord, we ask that you give us strength for the journey and peace within our hearts as we follow you. Lord, continue to equip us and develop us for Your purposes and for Your glory. There is no one greater than you. We trust you with this day and our future – use us. In Jesus name, amen.

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