Day: February 28, 2019

March 1, 2019

Acts 10:1-8 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Cornelius is a Roman military leader on assignment from his headquarters in Rome; soon he will return to Rome.   He is noted as a generous man who believes in God; he guides his family to do the same.  Cornelius faithfully practices his faith by praying to God; his prayers are sincere.  Then one day everything changes.  The Lord communicates back to Cornelius through a vision, calls him by name, and gives him specific “marching orders.”   This is a huge change in the prayer life of Cornelius!  What is his response?  Obedience to God’s Word. The results of Cornelius’ obedience is the gospel will spread to the empire’s capital city.

Praying to God is a wonderful act of reverence and respect.  Seeking, communing, conversing with the living Christ is a whole new level. Cornelius has a religious practice, but he realizes this day—a day of conversion—that Christ is real, alive, and with him.  Does God want to speak with you in Christ?  Yes.  Yes he does.  When he does, will you be obedient like Cornelius?

Read more

February 28, 2019

Psalm 99:1-5  Contemporary English Version (CEV)

To be Christ followers is to acknowledge God has a claim on our lives and we are to live under his authority and leadership.  It is no longer about living according to the dictates of our flesh; it is about living under the authority of God’s Word.  He alone is fair and just; he shows no favoritism. Sometimes we think God doesn’t care about our thoughts, desires, or what would make us “happy;” but that is a false perception.  He loves us and knows more about our selfish and corrupt flesh than we do.  If the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, it is because God sees the harm that sin can do.  He knows all things.  He is gentle, kind, and the Spirit’s work is to connect us in his perfect shalom.

In our passage today, the psalmist reminds us about God’s greatness, mercy, and might.  Our response should be “Yes” and “Amen” to that truth.  God is great, full of mercy, and brings his might to help us live each day.  Praise for the Lord should continually flow from our lips.  Charles H. Spurgeon once said, “It ought to be our daily delight to magnify so good and great a God.”

Read more