Going Out of His Way

Cornelius was a leader of those hated Roman soldiers. But Acts 10 describes him as one "who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually". Hmm...  Surprising!

Evidently he was seeking God because the Lord went to great lengths (sent two angels, one vision, three messengers, and then Peter and friends back to Caesarea) to cross that great culture wall and get the truth to this God-fearing Gentile.  And it was sure a set up because "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message".

The result was that a whole family was added to God's kingdom ("Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?" And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ"). 

And wonderful for us - the door was opened for the good news to be spread to the Gentiles. God will go way out of His "normal" path to bring His people back to Him. 

Thank you. Lord

To See Jesus

Isn't it ironic that the Holy Spirit is often called the Comforter, but many are so afraid of Him and even reluctant to learn of Him? In Acts 9:31-43 it says, "So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.' Hey, ditto that for our church!

In this section we read that Peter is traveling to Lydda and finds Aeneas who had been paralyzed and bedridden eight years. He says, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed." Aeneas does! So .... many "turned to the Lord".

Then Peter is called to Joppa and raises Tabitha from the dead. Wow! All these who had been grieving the death of this generous seamstress must have been more than a little comforted. 

The Holy Spirit always draws us to Jesus. In these cases it is recorded that many "turned to the Lord" and many "believed in the Lord".

Father, we desire the comfort of the Holy Spirit so we can see You.

It's Beautiful!

When God does a work it is beautiful! It is thorough, costly, deep, pure and enduring.

God had gotten Saul's attention on the ground smacking, blind humbling Damascus road. (Acts 9) But Saul was going to stay 3 long years in that city until Jews started accepting that he had actually changed sides and would not kill them. Then it would be another eleven years before Saul was ready to go out and establish churches. The fiery zealous man of God had much to learn. 

He needed to know the love of this Jesus that he had met on that road. He needed to know that he was entering a tough battle and there would be troubles galore. But mostly he needed to be grounded in the truth that would set countless others free.

The man we know as Paul left some 14 letters that would inspire innumerable Christ seekers for thousands of years. The joy and hope his words give us is a treasure that endures.  

Lord, even as it takes precious time, do Your beautiful work in me.