– Today’s Community Scripture – 6/13/2025

Cornelius said, “Four days ago at about this time, mid-afternoon, I was home praying. Suddenly there was a man right in front of me, flooding the room with light. He said, ‘Cornelius, your daily prayers and neighborly acts have brought you to God’s attention. I want you to send to Joppa to get Simon, the one they call Peter. He’s staying with Simon the Tanner down by the sea.’ “So I did it—I sent for you. And you’ve been good enough to come. And now we’re all here in God’s presence, ready to listen to whatever the Master put in your heart to tell us.” Peter fairly exploded with his good news: “It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he’s doing it everywhere, among everyone.

                                  Acts 10:30–36 (MSG)

Key Verse – Peter fairly exploded with his good news: “It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. – Acts 10:34–35 (MSG)

– Reflection:

The story of Peter’s Vision revolves around the message God sent to two men. Cornelius’s vision and Peter’s response reveal a profound truth: God is not limited by human boundaries or prejudices. Cornelius, a Gentile, is recognized by God not for his heritage but for his genuine devotion and kindness. Peter’s realization—that “God plays no favorites”—marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian movement, affirming that the message of Jesus is for all people, regardless of background or origin. This moment encourages us to examine our own openness to others and challenges us to embrace the radical hospitality of God’s love, which seeks unity and restoration for everyone, everywhere.

– Where do we go from here?

I believe this passage calls us to embrace a broader, more inclusive vision of faith and community. Just as Cornelius acted in obedience and Peter responded with openness, we are invited to break down barriers and share God’s message of love and restoration with all people. Moving forward, we must accept the truth that God’s grace is not limited by culture, tradition, or background. Our next step is to embody this truth—welcoming others, listening with humility, and sharing the good news with courage and compassion. The door is open; now it’s our turn to walk through it and invite others to do the same.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, I praise You for the truth that You show no favoritism and that Your grace is for all who seek You with open hearts. Teach me to live with that same openness, to welcome others as You have welcomed me, and to share the good news of Jesus with humility and joy.

– Today’s Community Scripture – 6/11/2025

The next day as the three travelers were approaching the town, Peter went out on the balcony to pray. It was about noon. Peter got hungry and started thinking about lunch. While lunch was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw the skies open up. Something that looked like a huge blanket lowered by ropes at its four corners settled on the ground. Every kind of animal and reptile and bird you could think of was on it. Then a voice came: “Go to it, Peter—kill and eat.” Peter said, “Oh, no, Lord. I’ve never so much as tasted food that was not kosher.” The voice came a second time: “If God says it’s okay, it’s okay.” This happened three times, and then the blanket was pulled back up into the skies. As Peter, puzzled, sat there trying to figure out what it all meant, the men sent by Cornelius showed up at Simon’s front door. They called in, asking if there was a Simon, also called Peter, staying there. Peter, lost in thought, didn’t hear them, so the Spirit whispered to him, “Three men are knocking at the door looking for you. Get down there and go with them. Don’t ask any questions. I sent them to get you.” Peter went down and said to the men, “I think I’m the man you’re looking for. What’s up?” They said, “Captain Cornelius, a God-fearing man well-known for his fair play—ask any Jew in this part of the country—was commanded by a holy angel to get you and bring you to his house so he could hear what you had to say.” Peter invited them in and made them feel at home. The next morning he got up and went with them. Some of his friends from Joppa went along.

                                    Acts 10:9–23 (MSG)

– Reflection:

            Peter’s Vision Pt. 2

Much of what has happened up to this point with the disciples was for the Jewish people, as I understand this was the moment when the disciples began to include others in Christianity. Jesus had already initiated this, but it was so uncomfortable for the disciples that GOD Himself had to intervene to ensure this work continued. Peter’s vision challenges deeply held beliefs about purity and inclusion, confronting him with a radical message: what God has made clean must not be called unclean. The imagery of the blanket filled with all kinds of animals symbolizes the dismantling of barriers—between Jew and Gentile, clean and unclean, insider and outsider. Peter’s initial resistance reflects how difficult it can be to let go of tradition and embrace a broader vision of God’s grace. Yet, the Spirit’s gentle guidance and the timely arrival of Cornelius’s men illustrate that God is orchestrating something far greater than Peter could have imagined. This moment invites reflection on our own openness to divine direction, especially when it challenges our assumptions. Are we willing to listen, even when the message is uncomfortable? Are we ready to welcome those we once considered “other”? Peter’s journey reminds us that faith often requires courage, humility, and a willingness to be transformed.

– Where do we go from here?

For all of us to have a seat at God’s table is a true blessing, one that I don’t take for granted. Earlier, in many of the teachings, we were like dogs under the table looking for scraps, but now we are being given a seat at the table. Just as Peter was challenged to rethink his beliefs about purity and community, we too are invited to examine our own assumptions and prejudices. The Spirit’s prompting reminds us that God is always at work, often in unexpected people and places, and our role is to listen, trust, and follow. Moving forward, we are encouraged to open our hearts and homes to those who are different from us, to be willing vessels of grace, and to participate in the unfolding story of reconciliation and unity. The journey may be unfamiliar, but like Peter, we are not alone—God goes before us, preparing the way.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for the ways You communicate with us through visions, through people, and through the quiet whispers of Your Spirit. Like Peter, we often cling to what we know, yet You call us to something greater: a love that includes, a grace that welcomes, and a mission that extends beyond boundaries. Open our hearts to Your voice, even when it challenges us. Help us trust Your guidance, to walk with courage, and to welcome those You send our way. May we be instruments of Your peace and participants in Your unfolding story of unity and redemption. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Today’s Community Scripture – 6/5/2025

But their suspicions didn’t slow Saul down for even a minute. His momentum was up now and he plowed straight into the opposition, disarming the Damascus Jews and trying to show them that this Jesus was the Messiah. After this had gone on quite a long time, some Jews conspired to kill him, but Saul got wind of it. They were watching the city gates around the clock so they could kill him. Then one night the disciples engineered his escape by lowering him over the wall in a basket. Back in Jerusalem he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him. They didn’t trust him one bit. Then Barnabas took him under his wing. He introduced him to the apostles and stood up for him, told them how Saul had seen and spoken to the Master on the Damascus Road and how in Damascus itself he had laid his life on the line with his bold preaching in Jesus’ name.

Acts 9:22–27 (MSG)

– Reflection:

This passage captures the remarkable transformation of Saul and the early challenges he faced as a new believer. Despite intense suspicion and life-threatening opposition, Saul’s zeal for proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah did not waver. His boldness in the face of danger reveals the depth of his conviction and the power of his encounter with Christ. Yet, his past still haunted him—when he returned to Jerusalem, the disciples were too afraid to trust him. It was Barnabas who stepped in, offering not only friendship but also advocacy, helping others see the truth of Saul’s transformation. This moment reminds us that while personal faith is powerful, the support and belief of others—like Barnabas—can be essential in helping us fully embrace our calling. It’s a call to be courageous in our witness and compassionate in our welcome.

– Where do we go from here?

Consider how we respond to transformation both in ourselves and in others. Like Saul, we may be called to step boldly into new territory, even when it is uncomfortable or dangerous. Our past might lead others to doubt us, but that does not disqualify us from the mission God has given us. At the same time, we’re invited to be like Barnabas—people who look beyond someone’s history and advocate for their future. Moving forward, we can ask ourselves: Who needs our encouragement? Who can we stand beside as they step into their calling? And in our own journey, are we willing to trust God’s guidance, even when it means risking rejection or facing the unknown? The road ahead is one of courage, community, and grace.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, we thank You for the story of Saul, which exemplifies radical transformation, bold faith, and the power of community. Help us to walk with courage when You call us into new places, even in the face of opposition or fear. Give us the strength to proclaim Your truth with love and conviction, just as Saul did. And Lord, make us like Barnabas—people who see the potential in others, advocate for the misunderstood, and build bridges in the presence of doubt. Teach us to trust in Your work in the lives of others, even when it challenges our assumptions. May we be a community that welcomes, supports, and uplifts one another as we follow You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thanks for reading and following along on the journey of becoming better by following the WORD.