“Joy is the experience of knowing that you are unconditionally loved.”
— Henri Nouwen
Read About It
[Peter recounted what Cornelius said when he arrived at Cornelius’ house:] “He told us how an angel had appeared to him in his home and had told him, ‘Send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter.
He will tell you how you and everyone in your household can be saved!'”
Acts 11:13-14 NLT
Look It Up
1 Peter 3:15 and Matthew 5:14-16
Think About It
When Peter met with Cornelius, Peter was a considerable distance from Jerusalem and away from the normal places we saw him during Jesus’ ministry. However, God used his traveling – his “going” – to great advantage. Because of Peter’s obedience to Jesus’ final words (Matthew 28:18-20), God moved him into a position where he could work for the inclusion of Gentiles in the family of God. This initial case designed by God to include Gentiles in his family of faith began with Peter being willing to go on mission for Jesus to places outside his normal range of familiarity and his normal places. Let’s follow his example and do the same: Let’s intentionally step out of our usual range of familiarity and our usual places so we can reach others with the Good News of Jesus.
Pray About It
Open my heart, dear Father, to the opportunities I have each day – and especially today – to move outside my comfort zone so that I intentionally journey into areas that are new to me and spend time among people who are unfamiliar to me.
Use me to reach others with your grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Ken Crawford 