The Cornelius Blessing - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) December 30, 2022

There once was a man named Cornelius. He was a Roman officer living in Caesarea after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Although not a Jew, he and his family believed in God. The Bible makes a point to tell us more about Cornelius in Acts 10:2 - ... he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. And because of all this, Cornelius was visited by an angel of the Lord who instructed him to invite Apostle Peter to his house.

When Peter showed up, Cornelius had invited his family and friends to hear what the man of God had to say. By the time the visit was over, every single person hearing Peter speak was filled with the Holy Spirit. Each bore the evidence with the speaking of different tongues.

What's the moral of the story? Be a Cornelius! Be the sort of person whose faithful actions cause God to visit and transform yourself and all those around you.

Cornelius was a blessing to his family and friends but his status as a powerful Roman officer had nothing to do with it. He blessed them because He was faithful to the Lord, honoring His instruction to pray and care for the less fortunate. It is hard to believe that that was all it took to move God's heart, but it was. Cornelius was faithful and God showed him faithfulness in return, filling himself and so many others with the Holy Spirit. Up to that time, that was a blessing that had been limited to Israelites alone. And each of these non-Israelite believers was empowered with the gift of speaking in tongues - a mighty weapon that confuses and overwhelms the adversary. Just like that!

So often, people pray for finances in order to become a blessing to others. However, the story of Cornelius highlights that faithfully obeying God is all it takes to become the blessing God wants you to be. Never forget Matthew 6:33 - Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need (NLT). That's what Cornelius did in his own little way and God's response was a mighty one.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, as we gather today for fellowship, let us keep Cornelius in mind. Let him inspire us to honor God faithfully so others will benefit. Let that inspiration fuel us today and throughout 2023 to make the choices that please God and cause Him to move. It could be offering Him worship, paying tithes, giving alms to the poor or interceding, among many things.

May we each do the simple things God has called us to do in honoring Him that we may become blessings to many by His grace and to His glory, IJMN Amen.

Come on back for the last P&P of 2022 at Noon EST, when we shall give God raucous praises as well as set our own needs aside so we pray for others with zeal. I pray to see you then!