Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Un Dia a la Vez - Testifica


Vete a tu casa, a los tuyos, y cuéntales cuán grandes cosas el Señor ha hecho contigo, y cómo ha tenido misericordia de ti. Marcos 5:19, RV-60

Cuando lo analizo, puedo decirte que este libro es un milagro de Dios. Sin ser autora ni escritora, sino una mujer de la radio, Él puso su propósito en mi corazón a fin de que le testificara al mundo todo lo que había hecho en mi vida. Así que, en obediencia, respondí a su claro mandato: «Escribe en un libro todas las palabras que te he dicho» (Jeremías 30:2).

El mundo tiene que saber que Dios hace milagros poderosos. Él me libró de la muerte y me levantó cuando creía que mi vida se iba a lo más profundo del abandono. Si has leído este libro en su totalidad, puedes ver con claridad el amor de Dios en mi vida. Durante años, me sostuvo como madre soltera de tres princesas y a ellas jamás les ha faltado nada. Y si lo hizo conmigo, sé que también lo puede hacer contigo. Por eso debes testificar, pues otros aún no han conocido a Dios en otra faceta de sus vidas y le conocerán por medio de ti. No calles y dile al mundo de dónde sacó Él tu vida.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - SAMUEL AND HIS CRIPPLED SON


But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law… Galatians 4:4

Samuel was a schoolmaster in a small city in central China. One night he overheard his head teacher praying, “Lord, please help Samuel to love his son. It’s so sad the way he treats him so cruelly, cutting him off, refusing to spend time in the home, ashamed of his crippled boy. Lord, we don’t know what goes on in the mind of his son, but we do know he is very sad. His wife says the boy weeps all the time when the father comes in and leaves. He may not know much, but he does know he’s not loved, and doesn’t know why.”

Deeply moved by the prayer, Samuel went home late that night and sat beside his sleeping son for hours, just stroking his hair and whispering, “Forgive me.”

Every night after that, Samuel stayed late at his son’s bedside, reading him portions of the Bible – a book he had found at school. When he had finished a page, he would signal to the boy, who loved to help by turning the page. They felt warm together. Soon his wife joined them for the readings, and the family grew closer and closer.

Samuel sensed new feelings of love well up inside him as he read the truths of the Bible. He felt a power to love his son more and more. That’s when tragedy struck. His boy was run over by a truck and badly injured. There was nothing the medics could do. They took him home to nurse him through to the end. Christians came and prayed for his healing, but the boy continued to deteriorate. By this time Samuel was praying to God, and crying out for Him to spare his son’s life. But in December, after a sudden power failure, the boy finally died.

Samuel asked the Christians to hold a service for his boy. A pastor came and prayed, saying, “Lord, you knew this boy was going to die. How kind of you to reconcile father and son before he died. Thank you for your work of grace. And we thank you for your eternal work too. You watched your son, helpless in flesh, die and grow cold—all because you knew we could not love you otherwise, as we are so blind in our selfishness.”

Samuel pondered the meaning of this prayer. He didn’t understand it all. But he did get this: God had lost a son too. Unlike Samuel, God lost a son He had cherished, a son that was perfect. How much harder for God. He went to church the following Sunday in a nearby community where they were celebrating an event unknown to Samuel, called “Christmas.”

Samuel testified on that very Sunday, “I see that I see that I went through what God went through. He had a Son He loved, and watched Him die that life may come to everyone. I too had a son, but I did not love him. Then God broke my heart, so that I could love him. Then He took him.

“But I have life now, life that will last so long that one day I know I will be reunited with my son. And he will not be lame. And we will fellowship together, not in freezing rooms of fear and pain, but on beautiful planets of peace and harmony. I can love again, and this is the joy of Christmas for me. Even in my grief, with my son gone, I can love again. We can all love again!”

RESPONSE: Today I will express my love for God even in the midst of any pain and loss.

PRAYER: Pray for people who have suffered deeply and may feel God cannot forgive them.

Girlfriends in God - It’s Time to Put Your Foot Down


Today’s Truth

“I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Philippians 3:12 NIV).


Friend to Friend

Did you know that just because God gives you a promise that does not mean it is automatically yours? Nope, you have to believe it and take hold of it to make it yours!

Paul wrote: “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Philippians 3:12). In order to experience a thriving faith—the abundant life to the full—we must take hold of that for which Christ Jesus has taken hold of for us and placed in us.

I love how the Amplified Bible translates today’s truth. “I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own.” I press on to lay hold of…to grasp…to make my own.

After Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, that first generation of slaves-set-free were not allowed to enter the Promised Land. Their grumbling and unbelief kept life to the full at arms’ length. But when the next generation came along, they believed God would do what He said He would do. They moved forward to take hold of the promises, and lived bold to claim what their parents never saw. What made the difference? Let’s take a look.

After the death of Moses, God said to Joshua, Moses’ aide,

“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.


“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:2-3, 5-7)
It is that sentence “I will give you every place where you set your foot,” that stops me in my tracks every time. God had given the Israelites the land, but they still had to take it. They had to put their foot down. They had to take hold of the promise.

I just love miracles. Don’t you? I love reading about times when God mysteriously and supernaturally intervenes in someone’s life—times when what was impossible with man became a reality with God. But almost every time, God performed a miracle in the Bible, He required men and women to participate—to put their foot down.
  • Build an ark.
  • Lift your staff.
  • Fill your jug.
  • Gather jars.
  • Make a cake.
  • Blow a trumpet.
  • Give a shout.
Jesus echoed his Father’s cadence in the New Testament.
  • Take up your pallet.
  • Cast your nets.
  • Stretch out your hand.
  • Wash off the mud.
  • Look in the fish’s mouth.
  • Roll away the stone.
  • Stand up straight.
  • Go and tell.
Yes, God does miracles. And in every one of the above-mentioned marvels, God’s power followed someone’s obedience. The key to experiencing the abundant life of relationship with Christ is obedience, and most people don’t even like the word. But it is the pathway to the faith you long for.

Oswald Chambers wrote, “Even the smallest bit of obedience opens heaven, and the deepest truths of God immediately become yours. Yet God will never reveal more truth about Himself to you, until you have obeyed what you know already.”

So girlfriend, put your foot down. It’s time to take hold of the promises of God!

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, I have been so wishy-washy when it comes to taking hold of Your promises and making them mine. But today, I’m putting my foot down! I will not allow my human reason to talk me out of my spiritual inheritance. I will set my foot down on every promise that You have given me today. I’m going in!
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.


Now It’s Your Turn

Pick three of the following stories and note what Jesus told the person to do. Read the surrounding verses to put the command in context. Note what happened when the person did what Jesus told him/her to do, and what would have happened if he/she didn’t.
What is God calling you to do or believe today?

More from the Girlfriends

Today’s devotion came from my latest book, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let Go, Move Forward, Live Bold. Let’s take hold of all that Jesus has already taken hold of for us and placed in us! Check it out at www.takeholdthebook.com where you can download a free chapter and watch a video book trailer. The book also comes with a Bible study guide. Make sure and sign up for my weekly blog for more great deals and inspiration.


LHM Daily Devotion - "Who Needs a Savior?"

December 28, 2016

Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11, ESV)

Read Luke 2:11-12

I remember being devastated one year when mom and dad took down our Christmas tree early. They said it had gotten too dry, but I never saw any danger. Years later our youth group had a Christmas tree bonfire. In seconds the tree exploded into flames, lighting up the entire field. We all were forced to step back from the intense heat. In that moment I realized just what great a danger we had been in, and how mom and dad had saved us.

If the shepherds were anything like most people, they felt no danger sitting out in the fields that Christmas night. Then in an instant the angel appeared, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. In that horrifying moment they saw the darkness of their sinful lives in the holy light of God, and they were gripped with the terror of His wrath.

Each of us will experience that moment someday -- either at our death or at Christ's return. We will be immersed in the bright light of God's glory, as we stand before Him for judgment. God will not weigh out your good deeds versus your bad deeds, or compare you to other people. Instead, He will look deep into your thoughts, desires and attitudes. If you committed one sin, one single wrongdoing at any time during your life, you will stand condemned.

But that is why Jesus came as our Savior. He took every sin to the cross; there He suffered God's fiery wrath in our place. When we trust Jesus as our Savior, all our sins are taken away, and when He returns we will be able to stand spotless before His judgment seat.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for taking my place and suffering for my sins. Guide me to show others why they need Your salvation too. Amen.

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).

Devociones de Adviento - María, quiero cantar contigo

Miércoles 28 de Diciembre

Lucas 1:46-55

Entonces María dijo: "Mi alma glorifica al Señor, y mi espíritu se regocija en Dios mi Salvador. Pues se ha dignado mirar a su humilde sierva." (Lc 1: 46-48a, RVC)

Dos mujeres se encuentran. Ambas son parientas. Una fue reivindicada de su larga humillación: cuando ya no tenía más esperanzas de concebir quedó embarazada, dejando así atrás el estigma de ser "la estéril" de la familia. Su nombre es Elisabet, y en su vientre crece Juan, el Bautista. La otra es una humilde virgen de Nazaret. Hace poco soñaba con formar una familia con su amado José. Ahora, aun antes de que ese matrimonio fuera consumado, en su vientre se está formando el Rey de Reyes, el Mesías esperado. Todos conocemos su nombre: bendita ella, entre las mujeres y bendito el fruto de su vientre.

A lo largo de la Biblia hay pocos encuentros tan profundos y significativos. Dos mujeres que trascenderán los siglos porque fueron objeto especial del favor de Dios. Sus corazones, sorprendidos por los excelsos planes divinos para con ellas, responden con fe, con gozo y serena obediencia. La alegría que las invade ilumina sus rostros y se transforma en música angelical en sus labios. Los planes de Dios superan lo imaginable. El Poderoso hace grandes cosas. Es que la misericordia divina no tiene límites. María canta, y nosotros somos invitados a cantar con ella.

La navidad pone en nuestros labios un canto nuevo. Aunque nuestra existencia haya transcurrido en medio de las sombras, la vergüenza, o cualquier forma de esclavitud, la navidad viene a encender una luz de esperanza en nuestro mundo. A través de los labios de María, el Espíritu Santo le da letra a nuestra esperanza. María, ¡deja que nuestro humilde corazón se sume a tu canto!

Quiero cantar, Señor, porque te revelaste como Salvador de nuestras vidas. Sálvanos de nuestras opresiones y miserias. Fecunda nuestro ser con esperanza. Amén.

© Copyright 2016 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones

Our Daily Bread - Locked Into Love


Read: Romans 8:31–39 | Bible in a Year: Zechariah 5–8; Revelation 19

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 106:1

In June 2015, the city of Paris removed forty-five tons of padlocks from the railings of the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge. As a romantic gesture, couples would etch their initials onto a lock, attach it to the railing, click it shut, and throw the key into the River Seine.

After this ritual was repeated thousands of times, the bridge could no longer bear the weight of so much “love.” Eventually the city, fearing for the integrity of the bridge, removed the “love locks.”

The locks were meant to symbolize everlasting love, but human love does not always last. The closest of friends may offend each other and never resolve their differences. Family members may argue and refuse to forgive. A husband and wife may drift so far apart that they can’t remember why they once decided to marry. Human love can be fickle.

But there is one constant and enduring love—the love of God. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever,” proclaims Psalm 106:1. The promises of the unfailing and everlasting nature of God’s love are found throughout Scripture. And the greatest proof of this love is the death of His Son so that those who put their faith in Him can live eternally. And nothing will ever separate us from His love (Rom. 8:38–39).

Fellow believers, we are locked into God’s love forever.


I’m grateful for Your unending love, Father. I’m locked into Your love by the Holy Spirit who is living in me.

Christ’s death and resurrection are the measure of God’s love for me.

© 2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Nuestro Pan Diario - Candados de amor


Leer: Romanos 8:31-39 | La Biblia en un año: Apocalipsis 19

… Den gracias al Señor, porque él es bueno; su gran amor perdura para siempre. (Salmo 106:1 NVI)

En junio de 2015, en París, se removieron 45 toneladas de candados de las barandas del Puente de las Artes. Como un gesto romántico, las parejas grababan sus iniciales en un candado, lo colocaban en la baranda, lo cerraban y arrojaban la llave al río Sena.

Como este ritual se había repetido miles de veces, el puente ya no podía soportar más el peso de tanto «amor». Por fin, el gobierno de la ciudad, para proteger el puente, quitó los «candados de amor».

El propósito de los candados era simbolizar amor eterno, pero el amor humano no dura para siempre. Aun los amigos más íntimos pueden ofenderse y no resolver nunca el problema; los parientes, discutir y negarse a perdonar; los esposos y esposas, alejarse tanto que no recuerdan por qué decidieron casarse. El amor humano es inconstante.

Pero hay un amor invariable y duradero: el amor de Dios. Como afirma el Salmo 106:1: «Den gracias al Señor, porque él es bueno; su gran amor perdura para siempre» (nvi). Las promesas de este amor inalterable y eterno se encuentran en toda la Biblia. Y su mayor demostración es la muerte de su Hijo para que los que creen en Él tengan vida eterna. Nada nos separará de su amor (Romanos 8:38-38).


Señor, te doy gracias por tu amor sin fin, al que estoy sujeta por el Espíritu Santo que vive en mí.

La muerte y resurrección de Cristo son la medida del amor de Dios para conmigo.

© 2016 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Liebesschlösser


Lesen: Römer 8,31-39 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Sacharja 5–8; Offenbarung 19

Danket dem Herrn; denn er ist freundlich, und seine Güte währet ewiglich. (Psalm 106,1)

Im Juni 2015 entfernte die Stadt Paris fünfundvierzig Tonnen Schlösser von den Geländern der Pont des Arts. Junge Pärchen hatten sie dort angebracht. Sie ritzen ihre Initialen in ein Schloss, hängen es an das Brückengeländer, schließen es und werfen den Schlüssel in die Seine.

Nachdem das einige tausend Male gemacht wurde, fürchteten die Behörden, die Brücke könnte unter dem Gewicht von so viel „Liebe“ zusammenbrechen und entfernten die Schlösser.

Die Schlösser sollten ewige Liebe symbolisieren, aber menschliche Liebe hält oft nicht ewig. Selbst zwischen den engsten Freunden kann es zu Problemen kommen, die nie mehr ausgeräumt werden. In Familien kann es Streit geben und keiner ist bereit zu vergeben. Ein Paar kann sich so sehr auseinander leben, dass sie nicht mehr wissen, warum sie einander einmal heiraten wollten. Menschliche Liebe kann wankelmütig sein.

Aber es gibt eine konstante, dauerhafte Liebe—die Liebe Gottes. „Danket dem Herrn; denn er ist freundlich und seine Güte währet ewiglich“, heißt es in Psalm 106,1. Das Versprechen, dass Gottes Liebe ewig und unwandelbar ist, findet sich in der gesamten Bibel. Und der größte Beweis dieser Liebe ist der Tod seines Sohnes, damit alle, die an ihn glauben, ewiges Leben haben. Nichts kann uns je von seiner Liebe trennen (Röm. 8,38-39).

Freunde, das Schloss von Gottes Liebe hält!


Ich bin dankbar für deine nie endende Liebe, Vater. Dein Heiliger Geist, der in mir wohnt, hat sie mit einem Schloss versiegelt.

Jesu Tod und Auferstehung sind der Maßstab, an dem ich Gottes Liebe zu mir messen kann.

© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Любовь на замке


Читать сейчас: Римлянам 8:31-39 | Библия за год: Захария 5-8; Откровение 19

Славьте Господа, ибо Он благ, ибо вовек милость Его. — Псалом 105:1

В июне 2015 г. власти Парижа убрали сорок пять тонн висячих замков с перил пешеходного моста Искусств. Романтически настроенные молодые пары гравируют свои инициалы на замке, вешают его на перила, а ключ бросают в Сену.

После того как этот ритуал был совершен много тысяч раз, мост оказался под угрозой разрушения под весом такой «любви». В конце концов городские власти во избежание катастрофы распорядились спилить замки с перил.

Замки должны были символизировать вечную любовь. Увы, человеческая любовь не длится вечно. Близкие друзья могут оскорбить друг друга, не смириться с различиями. Члены семьи могут поссориться и не прощать. Супруги могут отдалиться настолько, что уже и не вспомнят, что когда-то согласились пожениться. Человеческая любовь непостоянна.

Но есть любовь вечная и неизменная – это любовь Божья. Обетования этой любви рассеяны по всему Священному Писанию. А самое великое ее доказательство – смерть Иисуса Христа ради спасения верующих в Него. Ничто не может отлучить нас от этой любви (Рим. 8:38-39).

Мои верующие друзья, замок Божьей любви к нам никогда не будет убран.


Я благодарю Тебя, Боже, за бесконечную любовь. Я облечена ею, благодаря Святому Духу, живущему во мне.

Смерть и воскресение Христа – мера Божьей любви ко мне.

© 2016 Хлеб Наш Насущный

Notre Pain Quotidien - Cadenassé par l’amour


Lisez : Romains 8.31‑39 | La Bible en un an : Zacharie 5 – 8 et Apocalypse 19

Louez l’Éternel, car il est bon, car sa miséricorde dure à toujours ! (Psaume 106.1)

En juin 2015, la ville de Paris a retiré de la grille du Pont pédestre des Arts des cadenas pesant au total quarante‑cinq tonnes. En guise de geste romantique, les couples inscrivaient leurs initiales sur un cadenas, l’attachaient à la grille, le verrouillaient et en jetaient la clé dans la Seine.

Après que ce rituel s’est répété des milliers de fois, le pont n’a plus été en mesure de supporter autant « d’amour ».Craignant pour l’intégrité du pont, la ville a fini par retirer les « cadenas d’amour ».

Les cadenas étaient censés symboliser l’amour éternel, mais l’amour humain ne dure pas toujours. Même les amis les plus intimes peuvent se blesser et ne jamais résoudre leur différend. Des proches peuvent se quereller et refuser de se pardonner. Un mari et une femme peuvent s’éloigner l’un de l’autre au point de ne plus se rappeler pourquoi ils ont même décidé jadis de se marier. L’amour humain vacille parfois.

Il existe toutefois un amour constant et durable, celui de Dieu. « Louez l’Éternel, car il est bon, car sa miséricorde dure à toujours ! » (PS 106.1.) Les promesses de l’amour de Dieu, de nature infaillible et éternelle, se trouvent partout dans la Bible. Et la plus grande preuve de cet amour, c’est la mort de son Fils afin que ceux qui mettent leur foi en lui puissent vivre éternellement. Or, personne ne nous séparera de son amour (RO 8.38,39).

Nous sommes cadenassés pour toujours par l’amour de Dieu.

La mort et la résurrection de Christ reflètent son amour pour nous.

© 2016 Ministères NPQ

The Daily Readings for TUESDAY, December 27, 2016 - Saint John Day

"St John the Evangelist" by Domenichino (Domenico Zampieri), 1620s

First Reading
Exodus 33:18-23
Moses said, "Show me your glory, I pray." And he said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you the name, 'The LORD' and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But," he said, "you cannot see my face; for no one shall see me and live." And the LORD continued, "See, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock; and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back; but my face shall not be seen."


Psalms
Psalm 92 Bonum est confiteri
1   It is a good thing to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to your Name, O Most High;
2   To tell of your loving-kindness early in the morning and of your faithfulness in the night season;
3   On the psaltery, and on the lyre, and to the melody of the harp.
4   For you have made me glad by your acts, O LORD; and I shout for joy because of the works of your hands.
5   LORD, how great are your works! your thoughts are very deep.
6   The dullard does not know, nor does the fool understand, that though the wicked grow like weeds, and all the workers of iniquity flourish,
7   They flourish only to be destroyed for ever; but you, O LORD, are exalted for evermore.
8   For lo, your enemies, O LORD, lo, your enemies shall perish, and all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.
9   But my horn you have exalted like the horns of wild bulls; I am anointed with fresh oil.
10   My eyes also gloat over my enemies, and my ears rejoice to hear the doom of the wicked who rise up against me.
11   The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, and shall spread abroad like a cedar of Lebanon.
12   Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God;
13   They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be green and succulent;
14   That they may show how upright the LORD is, my Rock, in whom there is no fault.


Second Reading
1 John 1:1-9
We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life-- this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us-- we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.


The Holy Gospel
John 21:19-24
(He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, "Follow me." Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; he was the one who had reclined next to Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" So the rumor spread in the community that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true.


New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The New Revised Standard Version Bible may be quoted and/or reprinted up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without express written permission of the publisher, provided the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bible or account for fifty percent (50%) of the total work in which they are quoted.

Verse of the Day - December 27, 2016


Psalm 103:1-2 (NIV) [ Psalm 103 ] [ Of David. ] Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

Read all of Psalm 103

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

Morning Devotions with Cap'n Kenny - "A Pivotal Moment in Church History"


He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.
(Acts 10:28, NIV)

A pivotal moment arrived in the spread of the gospel by the early church with the conversion of a man named Cornelius. His conversion was significant because Cornelius was not a Jew, but a Gentile.

For us living today in the melting pot called the United States of America, that doesn't mean a lot. But it did mean a lot to the first-century Jew. Despite the fact that Jesus told His disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel, that really wasn't happening. Christianity was running the risk of becoming a sect of Judaism.

But that all changed when God impacted one man, and that man was Simon Peter. Peter was pretty much like any other Jew living in his time. He was proud of his heritage, and I don't mean that in a critical way.

The Jews of this time, however, wanted nothing to do with non-Jews, or Gentiles. So God wanted to redirect the early church to go to the non-Jews and bring them the message of the gospel. And the Lord did that through Peter.

Acts 10 tells us that while Peter was waiting for lunch one day in Joppa, he went up on the housetop to pray. Then he fell into a trance and saw the sky open, while something resembling a sheet was lowered that contained all kinds of unclean animals. Then a voice said, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat" (verse 13).

This wasn't about food as much as it was about people. God was saying: "Peter, time to leave your comfort zone and reach a whole new group of people—the Gentiles."

Soon after, Peter preached the gospel to Cornelius and his relatives and friends, and they believed. Peter obeyed God and left his comfort zone, and it changed church history.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny