It never ceases to amaze me how the Spirit of the Living God moves in our lives. In today’s verses, we see how God Himself orchestrates the visit of Simon to Peters house to preach a very important message. The Good News is available to all and all are made clean by the power of Christ’s shed blood and resurrection. This Good News is for all who believe. May we continue to, like Peter, share this Good News with anyone who will listen. May we, like Cornelius, be open to the Lords leading, and may we all remember, it is God who saves us, God who redeems us, and God who prepares the hearts of others to receive us so that “no man should boast”. All we are and all we have is only because of Him!

[Acts 10.23-33]

10.23 So he invited them in to be his guests.

The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. 28 And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”

30 And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ In these verses, God shows us how hearts are prepared to receive Him. How are you praying for God to prepare the hearts of those around you?

+ How are you praying for God to prepare your heart as a willing instrument of His gospel of peace?

+ How do you view those unlike yourself in culture or custom, even beliefs? May we pray to, like Peter, know all are made clean by the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

+ How would or could the truths from these three verses change your day-to-day walk with Christ if applied?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Is there any action the Lord may be asking of me today?

+ How may the Lord be calling me to obey Him today?

+ What truth in these verses can I begin to apply to my life today?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ What sins may I need to confess after reading today’s Scriptures?

+ Who can I love like Jesus loved today?