Extraordinary Character

Scripture: 1 At that time there was a Roman military officer, Cornelius, who was in charge of one hundred men stationed in Caesarea. He was captain of the Italian regiment, 2 a devout man of extraordinary character who worshiped God and prayed regularly, together with all his family. He also had a heart for the poor and gave generously to help them. 3 One afternoon about three o’clock, he had an open vision and saw the angel of God appear right in front of him, calling out his name. “Cornelius!” 4 Startled, he was overcome with fear by the sight of the angel. He asked, “What do you want, Lord?” The angel said, “All of your prayers and your generosity to the poor have ascended before God as an eternal offering.” 5 Now send some men to Joppa at once. Have them find a man named Simon the Rock, 6 who is staying as a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea. 7 After the angel left, Cornelius called for two of his servants and a trusted godly soldier who was his personal attaché. 8 He explained to them everything that had just happened and sent them off to Joppa. (Acts 10:1-8 The Passion) Cornelius was a man who God knew He could trust to do what was needed for the next step of spreading the Gospel. What were the things that made him a man of extraordinary character? First of all, he worshiped God and prayed regularly with his family. He had a heart for the poor and gave generously to help them. And then we know that he was open to respond to God when he heard from Him and then to follow through with what was needed. Father, I love this story about a man with extraordinary character. Would that we could all be more like him. Help me to grow in my character. AMEN The rarest treasures of life are found in Your truth, Lord. That’s why I prize God’s word like others prize the finest gold. Nothing brings the soul such sweetness as seeking His living Words. Psalm 19
]]>