Acts 10:1-8 Peter and Cornelius

I have asked multiple times, How does God deal with people who are fearful of him, decent with their neighbor, and generous with the needy? These are people who don't have a clear picture of the Gospel, but are devout to God in the little they understand. Cornelius is one of those cases. Here is a Roman centurion, in charge of many men in the Italian Cohort. His devotion was evident in his leading his family, giving alms, and praying. I have a better understanding of the Gospel than Cornelius, but am I more devoted to God than him? I want to be as devout as Cornelius...

God was aware of Cornelius, his life, and his family and pleased with him. The devotion that people display for God in their understanding of him is not in vain. God takes notice and he makes sure to provide for that person the understanding required. In Cornelius' case, God sent an angel to give him instructions to call on Simon, Peter to come and speak to him. There are countless of testimonies of people who have received visions, dreams, and divine appointments with people to explain to them the kingdom of God.

These God fearing people, despite their lack of understanding, have a great heart for God and are willing to obey him in the little they understand. Cornelius was terrified when he saw the angel, but understood that God wanted something with him. He did not waste time once he understood what he needed to do. He believed and acted in obedience. I am certain that even today there are people like Cornelius. I pray God will give me the opportunity to meet a Cornelius that I can guide in the understanding of the faith.

It is interesting to read that Cornelius was not only devout himself, but he led his family in this devotion. Moreover, it seems he also chose the people to serve him and the people in his close circle of friends who were devout people as well. Not many people would be willing to share a vision with servants and friends unless they shared in his beliefs. This detail speaks volumes of this man and his faith. Do I run my family like Cornelius? Do I choose my close friends carefully like Cornelius?

I am challenged by Cornelius greatly because he is very devout in his little understanding. I know I have a better understanding of the Gospel than he did at this point, but do I have half of his devotion? Are my prayers and alms ascending as a memorial to God; is God taking notice of what I do with my faith? Am I pleasing God with my life, family, and friends?

Father, help me be a devout Christian with a heart to pray, give, and lead my family to serve you. I also want to be an instrument in your hands to guide a Cornelius in this life to the kingdom. Grant me that opportunity. Amen.

Acts 3:1-10 The Lame Beggar Healed

Judaism had three hours of prayer a day. The first one was at the third hour of the day or from 8:00-9:00am. The second was at the sixth hour of the day or from 11:00-noon. And the third was at the ninth hour of the day or from 2:00-3:00pm. The Jews counted the hours starting at 6:00am instead of midnight like we do (the Roman system). The disciples continued to pray according to this schedule. In our day, we have watered down our devotion through prayer. Many Christians don't practice a devotional life at all. I must fight to keep a meaningful devotional life every day.

During this hour of prayer, many Jews would make their way to the temple. Beggars came to take their place at the different gates that lead to the temple to ask for alms - beg for money. This was the only way that the handicapped poor could survive since they could not work. In the case of this lame beggar, probably family and friends would carry him to the gate to a place where he could be seen to receive some alms. Poverty is a difficult social issue that I wish I didn't have to deal with. But Jesus told us that we would have the poor with us. My responsibility is to ensure I have a benevolent heart to help those who are in need. It starts in my home, my church, and my community. My Christian faith demands that I "direct my gaze" at the poor and not away from them.

Interestingly enough, Peter and John are not in a position to give any money because they didn't have any to give. But the fact that they didn't have money did not deter them from interacting with the beggar. Actually, they had something to offer that was more precious than money - Jesus Christ! With authority, Peter calls on Jesus on behalf of the beggar for healing and the beggar is healed! I must understand that Christ is more important than money. The opportunity to pray for God's intervention in someone's life, including the outcast of our society should not be passed up. Sometimes, I focus on the material things I can offer people and don't stop to consider that a prayer may be as needed. Of course, I don't want to become one who just offers a prayer and does nothing to relieve the physical need. But I don't want to think that all I have to offer is material because Jesus Christ can do things in a life that nothing and no one else can do.

The results of offering a prayer on behalf of people and their needs are in the hands of God for sure. But I cannot enjoy testimonies of wonder and amazement unless I take that step of faith. The Gospel is proclaimed by the testimonies of people whom God touches through his body - the Church. I am part of that body. I am the hands of Jesus to touch those who are in need. I am the mouth of Jesus to say a prayer for those who are oppressed. I am the feet of Jesus to carry the Good News wherever I go. The poor and the oppressed need me to direct my gaze at them and offer them what I have - physically and spiritually. I will offer relief for the body as God enables me, but I will also offer relief for the soul in the name of Jesus Christ. I will offer my prayers on their behalf. I will intercede to my heavenly Father for them to receive a healing touch. For some it may be physical, but the real healing begins with the soul.

Father, help me be a man of prayer. May I seek you day by day with all my heart. Fill my heart with compassion so that I may be benevolent towards the poor and the oppressed. Give me courage to offer what I have to those in need. Amen.