Roman Soldier

(You can listen to the audio commentary by double clicking here http://hometown.aol.com/traqair/Todaysdev.mp3 - if you get a page of symbols, don't worry, just double click the link again)

Acts 10:4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked.
The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God."

Cornelius is a good, biblical example of a man who sincerely believes in God and does good things, yet he is not entirely aware of who he worships and serves. He's an outsider, whose prayers and offerings are recognized and remembered by God in such a way that the soldier is given a special mission to go and find Peter, to bring the Gospel over from Asia into Europe.

As usual, God is working in advance and well ahead of His people. He is preparing the way and
plowing new ground in the heart of an influential man, who will not only receive and welcome Peter, but also protect and shield him. God thinks of everything that is absolutely necessary to make this mission into a new continent completely successful. He leaves nothing to chance and everything is pre-destined and well-prepared.

I feel as though God is calling me to do the same. I'm trying to put together a weekly radio show called "Seven Days", which will highlight all the latest religious events and Christian news from across the nation and around the world. It's a new venture and I'm a wee bit scared. I need to find five business or personal sponsors who will contribute $25 for thirty second ads each week. I've already been given a commitment from two businesses. I just pray that the others will come forth soon.

Perhaps you are also looking to begin a new venture or adventure in your own life. Maybe you're a wee bit worried about the timing, responsibility or success about what you do. We can all learn from this passage, from this soldier called Cornelius. His sincerity and devotion to God is well rewarded. His faith, hope and life are all amazingly transformed.

If God can do this for a Roman soldier, He can do anything for and with us, too.

Prayer: Lord God, we all have plans and projects, dreams and goals, visions and missions about our own lives. Help us to place them in Your Hands, to seek Your blessing and guidance, Your strength and support. As we commit to You all that we hope to do, may You make all our plans succeed. In Christ's Name, we pray. Amen.