THURSDAY - JULY 16

Read. Acts 10:17-33
17 Peter was bewildered about the meaning of the vision. Just then, the messengers sent by Cornelius discovered the whereabouts of Simon’s house and arrived at the gate. 18 Calling out, they inquired whether the Simon known as Peter was a guest there.

19 While Peter was brooding over the vision, the Spirit interrupted him, “Look! Three people are looking for you. 20 Go downstairs. Don’t ask questions; just go with them because I have sent them.”

21 So Peter went downstairs and told them, “I’m the one you are looking for. Why have you come?”

22 They replied, “We’ve come on behalf of Cornelius, a centurion and righteous man, a God-worshipper who is well-respected by all Jewish people. A holy angel directed him to summon you to his house and to hear what you have to say.”23 Peter invited them into the house as his guests.

The next day he got up and went with them, together with some of the believers from Joppa. 24 They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Anticipating their arrival, Cornelius had gathered his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in order to honor him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Get up! Like you, I’m just a human.” 27 As they continued to talk, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28 He said to them, “You all realize that it is forbidden for a Jew to associate or visit with outsiders. However, God has shown me that I should never call a person impure or unclean.29 For this reason, when you sent for me, I came without objection. I want to know, then, why you sent for me.”

30 Cornelius answered, “Four days ago at this same time, three o’clock in the afternoon, I was praying at home. Suddenly a man in radiant clothing stood before me. 31 He said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayers, and your compassionate acts are like a memorial offering to him. 32 Therefore, send someone to Joppa and summon Simon, who is known as Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, located near the seacoast.’ 33 I sent for you right away, and you were kind enough to come. Now, here we are, gathered in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has directed you to say.”

Reflect. Read this story again and imagine you are one of the three people that Cornelius sent to find Peter. You are traveling from Caesarea to Joppa (about 33 miles). This is about a two day journey along the coast. 

• In Acts 10:8, Cornelius explained “everything” to you. What are you thinking as Cornelius tells you what has happened to him and as he tells you about the journey ahead? What questions does this bring to your mind? 
• When you arrive to Joppa after walking for nearly two days, how do you feel? Are your legs tired? Are you hungry? As Peter comes to greet you, what comes to your mind? You learned where Peter was staying, but you didn’t knock on the door. Peter seemed to be expecting you. As Peter invites you into his home as a guest, what are you thinking? How does it feel to be welcomed into the home of Peter? What does he offer you to eat? How do you sleep as you prepare to head back to Caesarea? 
• Pray. Take a moment to write about your journey and what you experienced. How would you explain this trip to someone else? Ask God to help you connect others to Jesus as these three travelers helped connect Cornelius’ household to Jesus. 

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug. Bobby. Collier. Glenn. Adam.  Mary.  Clyde.  Linda. Betty Carolyn. Jeff. Albert. Richard. Lois. Ross. Tiny. Donald. Bill. Barbara. Andreas. Helen. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Terry Kibler. Carolyn Harlow. Jeremy. Jeff Green. Lyric. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh.