Yesterday we read about a Jewish persecutor of the WAY being converted and made a chief advocate of the Gospel. In chapter 10 of Acts we read about the conversion of a God-fearing Gentile named Cornelius whom God drew to himself in a miraculous way. Luke describes the kind of man that Cornelius was by writing, Acts 10:2 (CSB)” He was a devout man and feared God along with his whole household. He did many charitable deeds for the Jewish people and always prayed to God.”
I am challenged by the example of Cornelius. Charity is easy; there are many people who have no fear at all of God who give generously. Giving is an important part of the Christian life, but it is not what stands out most to me. Cornelius, “Always prayed to God.” Imagine being that consistent in your prayers. Daily spending hours not minutes in prayer. Regularly going to God and lifting requests sometimes over and over again. Persisting and not giving up in your search for God’s will and interventions.
This is an incredible challenge for me. It is an area of my life where I long to improve. I have done studies, read books (including one right now), kept journals, and I’ve even experienced momentary victories in my life. But the example of Cornelius convicts and inspires me.
One day around three in the afternoon, probably while Cornelius was praying, God sent a vision and an Angel said to Cornelius, Acts 10:4 (CSB) ““Your prayers and your acts of charity have ascended as a memorial offering before God.”
As I think of that word memorial, I cannot help but think of visits to Washington D.C. I could spend days traveling to the numerous memorials that remind me of the freedoms we have as a nation and the precious cost of such freedom. In the same way, we see the Israelites set up memorials to remind them of the work of God in the past.
Isn’t it amazing to think that our prayers stack up along with our charitable works as a memorial before God? As Colin Dye wrote in an article on the subject, “Cornelius’ prayer and generous heart drew a dramatic response from God. All the time he was giving he was building himself a memorial in Heaven until the point came when Cornelius had God’s full attention and he responded to his needs.”
What is the result of constant, persistent prayer? Jesus says, Matthew 18:19 (CSB) “Again, truly I tell you, if two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.”
What would happen if we lived a life of prayer?
Dear God, help us to be people of prayer. For only through consistent, persistent, and committed prayer do we experience the fullness of Your revelation and power. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SCHEDULE Tonight!
Contact Amy if you need information on how to meet in our Zoom rooms.
Items needed for Food Collection Week of April 27-30
Cereal
Canned Vegetables
Pop Tarts
Oatmeal
Dinty Moore Stew
Canned Chicken Breast
Loaves of Bread
Peanut Butter
Granola/Snack Bars
Microwave Popcorn
Saltine Crackers
VBS on the Road
We are looking for volunteers to lead and/or host 2-hour day camps in subdivisions around our area during the month of July. If you are interested in teaching or hosting, please contact Bro. Mark. mark@pinerbaptist.org
Grace Marriage
These sessions are offered as home studies that you can do with your spouse strengthening your marriage. I urge you to take advantage of this free resource.
Hey everyone! We want to serve your marriages and your families during this time. We realize that you are enduring stress, anxiety and uncertainty. In an effort to help you draw closer to Jesus and one another, we are providing you virtual sessions to do together that will help your marriage and family. These sessions are specifically designed to help you navigate your marriage during this time of quarantine.
Please contact Bro. Mark if you are interested in accessing this free resource.
On Friday look for an update from Brother Mark on steps we are taking toward preparing for a reintroduction of in-person worship.