Who Gets Noticed?
Opening Prayer
Lord God, I thank You for the people around me who serve You and help others so willingly each day.
Read Acts 10:1-8
[1] At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. [2] He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. [3] 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!” [4] 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. [5] Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. [6] He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.” [7] When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. [8] He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
Reflect
What kind of man was Cornelius? How did God respond?Cornelius, like Dorcas in yesterday’s reading, was noticed for being generous to the poor and the needy. Although wielding a certain amount of authority in the Roman army, this did not necessarily imply vast wealth; his generosity probably cost him time, energy and effort. It may also have affected those close to him, like his family, who might have had to make sacrifices. But Cornelius’ actions really do speak as loudly as his words and prayers (4). God meets him in a dramatic and personal way (4); Cornelius is terrified but obedient. Giving to the needy, or helping them out in practical ways, is a fantastic witness and is honored by God because he is always concerned about those who are vulnerable in our society. Maybe our income is not great–a bit like a centurion’s–and increasing our giving or offering to take on some regular voluntary work will affect our whole household. But God will notice what we offer, and he will bless us in ways we cannot imagine. As Paul would say later, the goal is that Christians use what they have to see that all have enough (2 Cor. 8:13-15).
Apply
Is there some way that you can help a person in need today or soon? Act as God leads you.
Closing prayer
Ask God to show you what he wants you to do for him, and then give it a try.
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