Today's Passage - Acts 10:1-8

Acts 10:1-8 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!" Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked. The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea."... Cornelius was a Gentile, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment, and God chose him for a reason. First of all, he was a devout man who sought after God and eagerly desired God's grace. Although many people in the world today may know about God's grace, they do not eagerly desire His grace. Although people in the church are aware of God's salvation and the promise of Christ, their hearts do not long to pursue the blessings and satisfaction in God. Cornelius was a devout man. He knew God, and also knew to earnestly seek God. Secondly, Cornelius was a God-fearing man. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and this is not merely human wisdom, but a wisdom that comes from God. This is also the wisdom of salvation. Cornelius understood the real need of life, not merely the material things like money, but the salvation of the soul as well. This spiritual wisdom come from his fear of God, and allows him to seek God's salvation. Thirdly, he gave generously to those in need. A person who loves God and fears God will also have the compassion of God, just like Jesus did. Those who really love God will understand His will to love those who are in need, giving generously to them. Fourth, he was one who prayed regularly. Prayer is the channel we use to communicate with God. Through prayer, we can understand God's will. Many people want to seek God's will. In fact, the simplest way of seeking God's will is through prayer. We are often looking for special method of figuring out God's will, but we neglect what God tells us in the Bible repeatedly - that the most simple and direct way to seek Him is to come to Him in prayer. Prayer also allows the Holy Spirit to work freely in our lives, to change us and make us more like Jesus. Pray with Pastor Tong Lord, I thank you that you have given us the example of Cornelius. I pray you will bless every brother and sister and let them pray to you and fear you. I ask that you fill our hearts with the desire to seek you and to share your love with those in need. I pray for your blessing to come upon each one of us. We thank you and we pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!     Participate in Shekinah Glory - ROLCC Building Expansion Project - by Donating a Seat for a future new believer!