Men Of The Bible - Cornelius

Cornelius [Côrnē'lĭ ŭs]—the beam of the sun. A converted Roman centurion at Caesarea, a devout man (Acts 10). He was the first Gentile convert and through his conversion the door of faith was opened unto the Gentiles. 

Disgusted with the Gentile paganism of his day he turned to God but did not have a full understanding of the Gospel of Grace. Through Peter’s ministry, Cornelius became a believer and was received into the fellowship of the Church. 

From this point there is no difference between Jew and Gentile. In Christ they become one (Eph. 2:18). Benevolence, prayerfulness, obedience and spiritual receptivity characterize this godly Roman centurion.

The Spirit Moves

Rick Joyner

And the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters (see Genesis 1:2).
With the first mention of the Spirit, He was moving. The Holy Spirit is the agent of God who does the work. He is ever moving, working, and bringing forth the purposes of God. It is crucial for every Christian to know the Holy Spirit, and learn how to follow Him in all things. In order to do this, we have to keep moving. The nature of the Christian life is to be moving and going somewhere.

The Christian life is never stagnant, but flowing like a river. We have a destination and a work to accomplish with the Holy Spirit. In the beginning "the Spirit of God was moving," and the Spirit continues to move. That is why the River of Life is a river, not a pond or lake. A river is always going somewhere.

Jesus Christ is so concerned about every detail in our lives

Word from Scotland: 

Take John Chapters 13,14 as one sweeping incident. After all that is what it is, and the chapter divisions can be such a hindrance at times. They are quite artificial and remember they were added many years after the Scriptures were written.

In John Chapter 14 at verse 6, Thomas is looking a bit worried. Right to the end Jesus said things that gave His disciples worried looks. Thomas is almost cheeky. You know where you are going but we don’t know where you are going so how can we know the way. Jesus is so lovingly patient.

If it were not for these words of Thomas we might never have had these famous words in verse 6. I am the way and the truth and the life – no man comes to the Father except through Me. You know the way because you know Me. I am the way. When you know me you know the way. These sentences know no parallel anywhere.

Come and See!

Today's reading: Psalm 66:1-20

In Psalms 65 and 66, the psalmist recounts all that God has done and all that he has created. In jubilant psalms of praise, the psalmist describes God's "awesome and righteous deeds" (Ps 65:5), God's power displayed in his creation, God's abundance in caring for the land and watering it, God's bounty in providing for humankind and animals alike. "Come and see what God has done," he says in Psalm 66. "his awesome deeds for mankind" (Ps 66:5). Physician and author J. Matthew Sleeth invites us to share the healing that comes from bearing witness to the miracle of God's creation:

When the psalmists advise us how to heal spiritually, they do not tell us to purchase a television, car, house, self-help book, or exercise equipment. God, they say, is to be found in the natural world that he created, a world filled with the grandeur, beauty, and peace that are so often lacking in our material world.

Where Are Your Blind Spots ?

“You can fool yourself, you know. You'd think it's impossible, but it turns out it's the easiest thing of all.” —Jodi Picault, Vanishing Acts

A couple years ago I wrote a book based on the Apostle’s Creed entitled Belief Matters. I liked the double meaning in that title. It dealt with theological matters of belief, but it continually reminded me that what we believe matters tremendously.

A dear friend, Dave, learned this the hard way. During a season when his marriage was "drifting," a lovely young woman came into his office. He had unmet desires; she had unfulfilled needs. He met her needs and she fulfilled his desires. Willingly, he was drawn into her seductions. Consciously, he ignored the heartfelt warnings of his friends at church. Intentionally, he decided to leave his wife and two small kids for the affections of this younger woman.

The pastor of the church engaged him. Looking across the table at him at a diner, his words were clear and few: “We’ve got to talk about church discipline, Dave. Until you are walking with Christ again, you’re not welcome to worship and fellowship with us. We look forward to seeing you come back.” The pastor got up and walked out.

'God Hides His Face' - When it comes to prayer, don't hang up—hang on!

by Vernon C. Grounds

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Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn

Read: Psalm 77:1-15

Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more? —Psalm 77:7

Bible in a Year:
Psalms 35-36; Acts 25

Does it ever seem as if you can’t get through to God in prayer? If so, you’re not alone. 

David Brainerd was a godly missionary to the North American Indians in colonial days. He kept a diary in which he recorded his spiritual mountain peaks as well as his valleys. At one point he wrote, “I lodge in a bundle of straw, my labor is hard and extremely difficult, and I have little appearance of success to comfort me. . . . But what makes all my difficulties grievous to be borne is that God hides His face from me.”

When it seems God isn’t listening, that He’s “forgotten to be gracious” (Psalm 77:9), what should you do?

* Recognize that your experience is not unique and doesn’t mean you are an outcast from God’s redeemed family.

* Seek out a fellow believer with whom you can share your feelings and ask for prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:25).

* Meditate on the truths of Scripture and what God has done for you in the past (Psalm 77:11-12).

* Keep on praying in faith to your great God, no matter how silent heaven may seem (Luke 18:1).

Remember, our God is “the God who does wonders”! (Psalm 77:14).

              And since He bids me seek His face,
              Believe His Word and trust His grace,
              I'll cast on Him my every care,
              And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer. — Walford 

When it comes to prayer, don't hang up — 

hang on!

http://odb.org/2001/07/24/god-hides-his-face/

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The Temple Courts: Shake Us Up, Lord!

Dr. Ray Pritchard

“My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Mark 11:17).

Jesus would not put up with some things.

We have seen over and over again his compassion for the hurting and his outreach to the forgotten. He cares for those the world forgets.

Sharing Space

March 25, 2012 — by Anne Cetas

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Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. —1 Corinthians 12:22

Bible in a Year:
2 Samuel 9-12

The number of people who run a business out of their homes is in the millions. But some have found that working alone can be a little too lonely. To give these lonely ones a community, “co-working” spaces have been designed. Large facilities are rented out where people working by themselves can share space with others. They have their own work area but can exchange ideas with fellow independent workers. It’s for those who feel they can work better together than they do alone.

Sometimes Christians think they work better alone. But we are meant to work together with others in the church. Every Christian has been placed into “the body of Christ” (1 Cor. 12:27). And the Lord desires that we take part in fellowship with a local community of believers—using our spiritual gifts and working together in His service.

Yet for various reasons, some aren’t able to join in. Because of health issues, they may be shut in at home or may not know how to fit in at church. Yet they are a needed part of the body (vv.22-25). That’s when others can meet their need for togetherness. Let’s do our part so that others may feel they’re an integral part of the community of faith. We work better together than alone.

Thinking It Over
What can you do to help others feel a part of your church
community? Visit, pray with them, read Scripture together,
drop a note, or invite them to join you in serving others.

Fellowship builds us up and binds us together.

RBC Ministries