Prayers and Gifts

 Scripture:

“Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering!” ‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭10‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

Cornelius was a Gentile who feared God and gave to the poor. He was a good man. He had an encounter with an angel, then with Peter, that changed his life forever. He was the first Gentile convert. When the angel showed up, Cornelius stared at him terrified. The angel said, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering.” God recognized his prayers and generosity as an offering.

Application:

God sees everything done in secret. He knows every time we pray. He knows every time we give to the poor. He knows every time we give or go on mission trips. He knows every time we pray and seek his face. He is also a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. We must learn to do private generosity and private prayer well, then it is rewarded openly. God looks for those He can trust.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are amazing. Thank You for receiving Cornelius and us Gentiles into Your fold. You see the hearts of me  and women, and You take care of Your own. Help me to serve You well in the big things and in the little things. Help me to be someone You can trust in every way to say or do what You want done. Show me what I need to do each day and teach me to follow You completely. 

Your Son,

Jeff