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In more than three decades of my Christian life, I have been blest by 2 types of Daily devos'
(matter not exceeding 500 words) in universal Christian literature. Not only those Devos'
which have a different theme everyday but also the ones which revolve around a certain
theme over a period of time, say a fortnight, have richly edified me. In fact, both
styles have their own inherent advantages. If the former style caters to the varying
spiritual needs of a christian from day-to-day, the latter aims 'to ground'
a child of God in a certain subject in order he derives the full benefits of the
deep insightful study of a certain topic, spread over a fixed span of time.
In my Daily devo page, I have consciously tried to go in for 'a blend of both the
styles' whereby within a constant theme, I would be aiming to focus on different
facets of it which admittedly is a closer imitation of the 'Constant theme' style
than the 'Varying topics' one.
Having dwelt on the topics
- “The Christian journey”
- “ The Conquest of Canaan” and the
- “Lent season”.
in the previous months, now in the months of April and May, considering that
post resurrection of Christ (one of our concluding themes’ you would remember
in the meditations of March, was Resurrection), birth of the Church was a
landmark event in Biblical history, I want to cast the spotlight on the Book of
Acts (which records the birth and growth of the Church). This would ensure to a large
extent continuity of thought albeit under the ambit of new subject.
Once again, let me wish you a happy and an edifying read…
Suresh Manoharan
May 4th
Reaching out
And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting
them and had called TOGETHER HIS RELATIVES AND CLOSE FRIENDS
– Acts 10:24
“While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on ALL
who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had
come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was
poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking
in tongues and extolling God…”- Acts 10:44-46
However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene
also gave their message about Lord Jesus to some Greeks. And the Lord
HONORED this effort, so that large numbers of these Gentiles became
believers – Acts 11:20-21
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Having been deeply touched by an ethereal Angelic vision, Cornelius for sure knew that
something supernatural was bound to happen during the imminent Peter’s visit. He knew his life
would never be the same after an encounter with God-ordained Apostle. However, more importantly
Cornelius DID NOT WANT the blessings of meeting the DIVINELY-EMPOWERED SPECIAL SERVANT OF GOD
ALL TO HIMSELF! As the first of the above-captioned Scripture portions bears out, Cornelius ensured
that his relatives and close friends would also be beneficiaries of Peter’s visit to his home, by
calling them to be by his side, when the great Apostle would come home.
All through the Bible, we see God HONORING the efforts, of all those who have selflessly toiled
for the good of others. In the case of Cornelius too, we see the Almighty ensuring fruition of
his efforts for when Peter shared the Gospel, the Holy Spirit came upon not only Cornelius and
his household but upon EVERYONE who were there at that time.
Cornelius had played the good “Fisher of men”, at the time of his conversion itself. Dear Friend,
if you are new to the Christian faith, having tasted Christ’s redemptive love only recently make
sincere efforts to reach out to everyone you know with the Gospel. The Lord would honor, your efforts
too. Remember the “fish you catch for the Lord” is not destined to death and the hot oven but to
eternal life in cool Heaven!
Prayer:
Father, we know that nothing we do for You would ever be in vain. We are inspired by several examples of sincere men whose efforts,
You had honored. Make us diligent fishers’ of men. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.
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