God Is Not Partial

Devotion for Tuesday November 28, 2017

Topic: God Is Not Partial

Text: Acts 10:34

Christ came into the world and died for humanity. His death is not for a specific tribe, nationality or sex and His love for humanity is universal (John 3:16). His love is not for the Jews alone but also for the Gentiles. This is what Peter meant by God not having favourite or being partial. God had told Cornelius to send for Peter from the house of Simon the Tarner in Joppa (Acts 10:3 – 6). He heeded God’s word and sent for some of his men to Joppa. God also spoke to Peter in a dream that he should not call anything He created unclean. God is never the author of confusion. He spoke to Cornelius and Peter on the same issue. Are you confused about the assignment God gave you and you are not sure of what God actually wants you to do? Are you confused about the choice to make concerning marriage, admission, etc? Ask God and He will speak to you and clear your doubts in Jesus name.

Our text for the day is part of Peter’s speech when he got to Cornelius’ house. God looks at man individually with no regard for national distinctions, physical characteristics or religious heritage (Deuteronomy 10:17; Romans 2:11, Ephesians 6:9 and Colossians 3:25). This means that in every nation, He accepts those who fear Him which expresses Peter’s clear understanding of the universal application of Christ’s work on the Cross. God doesn’t discriminate on basis of race, economics or sex neither should any believer do so. What He does for Peter, He will do for Paul. What He expects from us is obedience. When we do that, He will meet us at the point of our needs. Have a great and fruitful day!

Food for Thought: For there is no partiality with God (Romans 2:11).

Memory verse: Romans 2:11

Prayer: Lord God, you have accepted me because you don’t discriminate. Help me to live my life so I will continue to enjoy your blessings in Jesus name.

A Man Who Fears God

Devotion for Monday November 27, 2017

Topic: A Man Who Fears God

Text: Acts 10:1 – 2

The fear of God and living a righteous life are substances of true Christianity. Fear of God and works of righteousness are not the cause of a man’s acceptance before God, yet where these are found, whatever is lacking, God who started this act in man will in due time give to the person to actualize His work of grace. This is the truth about the man Cornelius (Acts 10:3 – 6). He was introduced here by his character; a devout man who fears God (Acts 10:1 – 2, 22), prayerful and compassionate (Acts 10:3 – 6), and obedient (Acts 10:7 – 8).

Cornelius was a centurion who commanded around one hundred (a century) soldiers. A regiment was a military unit of six hundred men. Cornelius was not a Jewish proselyte but he accepted the Jewish religion and revered their God (Acts 10:2). He was a devout man who fear God, a philanthropist and prayerful. This is very uncommon among leaders but he was very different. This prompted God to bring him to salvation.

What is your testimony and character? How can people describe you; a devout and sincere person or a fraud, a prostitute, a cheat, a betrayal, etc? What can be said about you in your office, neighbourhood, in your business, etc? Acts of charity, devout life in sincerity will always attract God’s favour and kindness towards us. Be more sincere in your walk with God and He will grant you all the salvation you need.

Food for Thought: How can people describe you?

Memory verse: Acts 10:2

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to live well and leave a good testimony for posterity in Jesus name.

WHO WENT ABOUT DOING GOOD

   

WHO WENT ABOUT DOING GOOD             Tuesday March 24, 2015

Text: Acts 10:38                                               Memory verse: v 38

Jesus was anointed to enable Him fulfill His call (Hebrews 1:9). He was not anointed just to answer names rather to use it for the service of God and humanity. God had asked Cornelius to send for Peter who will tell him more about Christianity. In the course of his explanation, Peter made the statement about Jesus’ character of going about doing good. This was predicted in Isaiah 35:5, 6. Matthew Henry says, “They knew what a benefactor He was to that nation, both to the souls and the bodies of men; how He made it His business to do good to all, and never did hurt to any. He was not idle, but still doing; not selfish, but doing good; did not confine Himself to one place, nor wait till people came to Him to seek His help, but went to them, went about from place to place, and wherever He came He was doing good.” What a challenge for us in this present generation of Christians.

Jesus has set an example of untiring industry in serving God and our generation; for we came into the world that we might do all the good we can in it; and therein, abide as Christ did. I read from Robin Sharma how his father taught him to show acts of kindness to someone every day. According to him, failure means punishment by doing some domestic work in the evening. Do you do good to others or known for doing good?  

Food for Thought: Every moment is the right one to be kind to others

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to do good always as much as I can.