Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

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27 Feb 10
    Good morning, dear ones.
    Just said goodbye to my brother and his wife...Louis and Ilene.  Louis and I had a great time skiing yesterday.  It was really too warm to be ideal, but at least it was better to have fresh snow than ice.
    I've got some guys coming soon to pick up some wood.  Thano is out running the sawmill on his own job.  Lots to pursue before the sun goes down.  It's presently beautiful weather out there.
    Have a great day.  You'll never get another just like it.  Blessings... Ray
 

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27 February 2010
Passage: Acts 10:1-23
Focus: “He and all his family were devout and God-fearing, he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.”  Acts 10:2.

            By standards of Jewish tradition, Cornelius was an unclean outsider.  Even Peter had to be given some strong influence to help change his traditional thinking.  God, of course, is not bound by standards and traditions generated and imposed by men.  He saw in Cornelius a set of godly characteristics that qualified him for special attention and revelation.  Let’s take special note of these qualities.  I will cite five.
            1.  DEVOUT.  He was dedicated to the revelation of truth that he had.  He was committed to following a life style that he believed was right.  He refused to be a victim of social pressure.  It was not popular for a Roman centurion to be a devout follower of the God of Israel.
            2.  GOD-FEARING.  He truly believed that God meant what He said.  Cornelius feared living in any way contrary to pleasing this Sovereign God.  And that’s a healthy form of fear.
            3.  GENEROUS GIVING.  We can presume that Cornelius tithed (contributed 10% of his income).  He was clearly a giver of offerings beyond that.  He had a sincere care for needy people and desired to do what he could to help.  There was an appropriate blending of his faith with his finances.
            4.  REGULAR PRAYING.  He regularly sought God in prayer.  Very likely he used some form of prayer list.  However he transacted it, prayer was an essential and normal component of his faith.
            5.  EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP.  I have high regard for Cornelius.  His faith was not isolated to himself alone.  Somehow he was able to effectively role-model, communicate, and replicate his faith in his family.  The description says, “He and all his family…”
            There is no evidence that Cornelius was receiving special angelic visitations every day, but by being faithful in these routine qualities of godliness, he was ready at the right time to receive special revelation.  It was all part of the wonderful unfolding plan of God for his life.
            Do you think it might be a good idea to embrace these same qualities in your own life?  If so, you can be assured of fitting in with God’s plans and being a recipient of His blessings.