Watching for Wisdom

In Acts 11, just after Peter had gone into the home of Cornelius – the generous, God-seeking, Roman centurion, and had witnessed the mighty move of the Holy Spirit among Gentiles, he faced Jewish believers and their countless questions as to why on earth he had gone into the presence of those considered unclean. Peter unpacked all that had transpired prior to his encounter with Cornelius and company, followed by all that God had done while he had been with them in obedience. When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.” – (Acts 11:18)

 

The example set by the early church models how we ought to handle disagreements today. Though they were shocked at the very idea that Peter had done something so counter cultural, they asked questions, then listened to his answers before going off the deep end. In fact, once they heard the entire story, they praised God. Rather than judging behaviors of fellow believers, it is critical that we hear one another out. We never know what the Holy Spirit is doing in and through others, until we ask and listen. May we listen well so that we learn all that He is trying to teach us through others.

 

Often the way things,

seemingly appear;

are not what we think,

but God’s new frontier.

The way that He moves,

is not to be mapped;

instead His power,

should be sought and tapped.

When we are confused,

unsure of what’s seen;

He calls us to ask,

find out what things mean.

If we then listen,

He will make it known;

if the move is His,

or one on their own.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are a loving and all-inclusive God. Thank You that no one is excluded from Your love. Thank You that You desire to reach everyone – people from every nation and walk of life, regardless of where we have been. Forgive us for being judgmental or leery of the new or unknown, rather than asking questions and truly listening to hear what You have to say. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may ask and listen for answers. Help us to love as You so graciously love each of us. Let those who are looking, be found forever in You. Be exalted, O God, as we seek to hear Your will, even in the new. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Father, I thank You that You have heard me. – John 11:41

An Attitude Adjustment

Though the story of Peter being called to go and share the good news in the home of Cornelius has an overarching theme that the gospel is for everyone, the thing that struck me as I read the account in Acts this morning, was Peter’s attitude adjustment, in such a short time.

Back in Matthew 18:1-6, as the disciples were traveling with Jesus, and learning and growing beside Him as He led them, they were arguing one day, about which among them would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Somehow, in all of the attention, their priorities had become askew.  Jesus quickly set the record straight, “And He said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child will be greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” -(Matthew 18:3-4)

Fast forward past Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and the impartation of the Holy Spirit.  While in Joppa, Peter had been assured in a vision that he was to go to the home of Cornelius, to share the good news of Christ.  He willingly went with the men Cornelius had sent, when they had arrived to lead him.  “As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence.  But Peter made him get up.  ‘Stand up,’ he said, ‘I am only a man myself.” – (Acts 10:25-26) Peter was quick to humble himself and point Cornelius to Christ.  Despite the potential draw of being adored by such a powerful person, Peter prioritized the presentation of truth, and maintained his position of humility as a servant of Christ.  Because of Peter’s willing submission to God’s call, Cornelius and his entire household came to Christ.  Being a man of high position, I imagine Cornelius had a tremendous impact on many people.

Be humble and kind,

allow the Lord lead;

be willing to give,

as we see a need.

Trust Him to show us,

what we’re meant to do;

listen to His voice,

faithfully pursue.

Seek not position,

of honor, nor fame;

and if it’s given,

point straight to His Name.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Source and Supply, and the reason we are able to do anything good in this life.  Thank You for such great examples of change, as You show us how to be more like Christ in what we say and do.  Forgive us for not walking in humility, or for not giving credit where credit is due.  Thank You that all good that we do, is done in Your strength, and that the life You are calling us to, is only possible in You.  May we be invested in You, so that Your light shines through us.  May many come to see Your light through our love, and ultimately, come into a lasting relationship with You.  Be exalted, our great and mighty God.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; … my hope is in You all day long.

– Psalm 25:4-5

Called Clean in Christ

Centurion man

image by Al

seeking in prayer.

Gave generously,

called on God “out there”.

Angelic visit

to Cornelius.

Prayers being answered,

by our God with us.

Sent men to Joppa,

for Peter to find.

Housed with the tanner,

ready, set, and kind.

Peter on rooftop,

who’d gone up to pray.

Learned a new lesson,

about pure that day.

Directly He spoke,

the voice of the Lord.

“Call nothing impure,

that I have restored.”

Three times this happened,

and then Peter knew,

that God was for all –

not just for the Jew.

Peter went with them,

to Cornelius.

Who had gathered all,

to hear of Jesus.

He fell at his feet,

Peter said, “Stand up,

I am just a man,”

to God, raise your cup.

Peter clearly spoke.

Spirit presence near.

Mighty did He move.

Evidence so clear.

Empowered in gifts.

Spirit pouring out.

Baptism, new life –

the God-ordained route.

(Responding to Acts 10)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though none of us deserve to be deemed clean before You, because of the sacrifice of Your Son on the cross, all who ask, are covered and considered clean before You.  Thank You that when You look at us, You see Your spotless Son rather than our sinful selves.  Please forgive us for seeing ourselves or others as “unclean”.  Help us to remember that the only way that anyone is called clean, is in You.  Lead us to live lives of love that honor You by loving You and loving people well.  Teach us to trust You to lead us well, and to provide what we need to go wherever we are asked.  Thank You for Your goodness and grace, and may You be ever evident in this place.  May many come to know how deeply You love and long for relationship with Your created.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present