Acts 10 - 8.7.26

S: Acts 10:23b-48

23b “The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. 24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26 But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”

27 While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”

30 Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32 Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”

34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.”

O: 

• Both Peter and Cornelius had messages from God about each other.  What an amazing Divine appointment, literally!  There was no doubt, even though as Peter states it was against the law for him to be there, that God had a plan.  He wanted to bring salvation of all, not just the Jewish people.

• Cornelius had such great faith for what was to come he invited a large amount of people to hear Peter’s message too.  A message he states that “ the Lord commanded you to tell us.”  I love how he knows the message is from God and not man.

• What does Peter preach?  He declares the Gospel message that Jesus came to earth as a man, proclaimed God’s truth and did miracles, died on the cross, rose again and appeared to many of His disciples.  Jesus told them to preach and testify what He had done and how it fulfilled what the prophets had spoken.

• To Peter and those with him are amazed everyone received the Holy Spirit while he was speaking.

• Then, they were baptized and Peter stayed with them for several days.

A: 

• It is important not to pre-judge with human understanding who is ready to hear the Gospel.  God’s message is for all.

• God’s direction may go against our current principals.  When He speaks it will be obvious.  Stepping out in faith and obedience will bring others to salvation.

• Peter first asks a question to discern their interest.  Then, he declares the Gospel according to God’s direction, knowing they are ready to receive.

When we hear God’s voice it is time to act.  Sometimes, like in this instance he makes it very clear.  Other times it may be a still small voice or an impression to act.  It is important after sharing the Gospel to have those who believe take the next steps, baptism and discipleship.

Cornelius invited others to join Him.  Look what the result of that invitation was, all received the Holy Spirit and were baptized. We need to reach out and invite others. 

P:

Father God,

Thank you that you will make it very clear, as you did with Peter and Cornelius, when you ask us to step out of our comfort zone and what has been deemed acceptable. Please keep me on track with what you are speaking to me.  Help me follow through to ensure those who receive your message get firmly rooted. You have plans for all of us.  Thank you for the example of those who went before us.  Thank you that you give the strength and power to accomplish your will. Please give me eyes to see where you are working and steps you want me to take.

Your love for us is amazing!  Help me have boldness to share it with others.  Thank you for the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and guidance.

Amen

- Cindy Howard

Acts 9 - 08.06.26

SCRIPTURE

Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

OBSERVATION

Paul was on his way to Damascus with murderous intentions for every Christ Follower he could locate. Though he lived in Jerusalem, and though he was a Pharisee who had a keen understanding of Old Testament scripture that prophesied about the Messiah, and had a zeal for Mosaic Law and Ancestral Tradition that had pushed him out ahead of his peers—Paul missed God’s epic entry into this world—The Messiah had Come.

Paul would have to have been aware of Jesus’ countless miracles even if he had not seen them. We know he witnessed Stephen’s stunning and detailed testimony account of Christ as he was stoned in martyrdom. Yet all Paul held toward Christ and His followers was a blasphemous disregard.

Paul was intent on his course. Not looking for a Christ encounter. Yet, that is what Paul got. A knock you to your knees—on the ground—I once was blind and NOW I SEE—Christ Encounter.

“Paul fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

APPLICATION

Paul’s Story is My Story, Our Story

And Every Other Story—Yet to Come!

Paul’s Testimony:

I was the worst of sinners—THEN—Christ Came—

and HE—Poured Out His abundant Grace on me.

“I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor, a violent man, and the worst of sinners” Then—One Day…”The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 1:13,14).

My Testimony:

I Thought I was saved because I attended church on special occasions and knew my Lutheran Catechism. Pride—Strike One

I saw myself as Holy. But when faced with a genuine born again believer at work one day, who shared the gospel with me, I ridiculed her and called her a Jesus Freak. Blasphemer—Strike Two

I relied on my own goodness to earn myself a way into Heaven, though I had no actual concept of what Heaven was. I didn’t read the Bible. And, Jesus was added into my “mix of beliefs” along with many others possibilities—including reincarnation. Worshipped Other gods-Not Jesus—Strike 3

Like Paul I was a blasphemous, prideful, persecutor who had no issue standing with the unbelievers to make fun of Christ’s sweet representative that day at work.

I was headed for wrath. And definitely NOT looking to have a Christ Encounter. THEN—Christ pursuing me brought me to a Pentecostal church service through someone I barely knew. After an hour of worship, prayer circles, and a Bible teaching out of Nehemiah, The Pastor shared the Full Gospel—and God Spoke to me so clearly “This is for you, raise your Hand”. My life was forever changed that day. “God poured out His Amazing Grace on me”

Before Christ I lived for selfish ambition and outward worldly desires. I had no identity. I lived with crippling fear and anxiety. I would break out in deep red rashes all over my chest and face whenever I needed to speak with people.  I couldn’t look people in the eyes. I was desperate for approval.

After Christ my identity was rooted in Jesus. I lived for HIM and godly desires. Worldly desires didn’t have the same power. My crippling fears and anxieties vanished. A quiet confidence filled my mind and heart anytime I needed to speak with people. Christ’s voice was my anchor. I read my Bible and followed Jesus. And I brought my family and friends to “Come and See Jesus”.

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance:

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display ‘HIS immense patience’ as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

PRAYER

LORD Jesus,

Thank YOU for Pouring out Your Abundant Grace on me. I was headed for destruction and had no idea. But out of YOUR infinite mercy YOU saved me.

You gave me an identity as Your daughter. AND, You have continued to Pour out Your Grace and Mercy on me! Your Love is so extravagant. Thank You for coming after me Again and again whenever I have derailed!

I can never look at the Israelites and say “What were they thinking”. I have been a stiff necked, stubborn sinner—wanting to do things my way.

BUT GOD! Thank You for Your forgiveness. Thank You for Your enduring love. Thank You for teaching me.

Thank YOU that You have allowed me to suffer. You Cleanse me and Purify me. You redeem me and restore me and bring me glory to glory—SO that I can be an encouragement to others! Help us one and all to be spurring each other on.

What a God, What a God!Come and have Your Way in me.

Teach me to trust more fully, teach me to surrender more completely in this new season.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Tina L Kudelka

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

“Oh give THANKS to the Lord, for He IS GOOD,

for HIS steadfast love—ENDURES—forever!” (Psalms 107:1)

“For by grace—you have been saved through faith.

And this is NOT your own doing; it is the gift of God,

not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

(Except we may Boast in Our God)

Psalm 145 - 8.5.26

Scripture 

“You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” (Ps 145:16)

Observation

This Psalm is written by David. The entire Psalm praises God and focuses on God’s character. David starts by praising God and honoring his name (v 1-3). Each generation will speak about God's wonderful works to the next generation (v 4). He continues about God's marvelous glory, mighty miracles and fearsome deeds (v 5-7). God is merciful, kind and patient (v 8). He is good to everyone and takes care of all creation (v 8-11). God is the provider for all creation. He opens his hand and provides (v 16).

He opens his hand and satisfies the desires of all who live (Ps 145:16, CEV). A parallel verse in Ps 104:28 says, “What You give them they gather in; You open Your hand, they are filled with good.” 

I love the imagery of God opening his hand in response to my prayer, and I receive what he gives me. As we read in Ps 104:28, we only “gather in what he gives”. God is our source. Everything we have comes from him. We have only because he opens his hand and allows us to gather in.

Application

God is our provider. He is Jehovah Jireh (God our provider). He is our source of provision, health, life and eveything we need in our life. We have nothing apart from what we have received from him. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)

Do you need healing? Ask him. Do you need a job? Ask him. Do you need deliverance? Do you need a miracle in the lives of your children? Ask him. Whatever you need is, He is the source. He is the source of all good things. 

Prayer

Dear Father, I thank you for making me your child. Thank you because I am the child of the most high God. You are my source. You are my help. You are my strength. I have nothing apart from you. I rely on you. I rest in you. I look at your face. As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so my eyes look to the LORD our God (Ps 123:2). Thank you because I can come into your presence with confidence and call you Abba Father (Gal 4:6), and receive grace in time of need (Heb 4:16). Thank you for your grace (undeserved favor) and for your mercy (not letting me have the judgement I deserve). I look at your face for all my needs. I know that when you open your hand, my needs will be fulfilled. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

- Asha Chacko George