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Day 60
Today’s Big Idea: God’s will defies our expectations. What is God going to do next? The only sure thing is that it won’t be what you expect.
Key Verse: “God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection” (Acts 10:28–29).
Thoughts to Consider: Almost everything about Cornelius’ story sends up red flags. When Peter walks into his house, Cornelius bows before him like he’s a god—because that’s what pagans did. Then Peter reminds him that this simple house visit goes against everything he was raised knowing, because “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile.” But when Cornelius answers Peter’s question, “May I ask why you sent for me?” with such a miraculous story of how God spoke to him, Peter couldn’t deny it.
When God showed up to do something new, Peter’s expectations had to be set aside. How about you and your church? Are there any expectations God may be asking you to set aside? Are they new ways unlike the ways God has worked with you in the past? If so, are you willing to follow God, even if it means doing something you didn’t expect?
Scripture
About this Plan
This devotional is a companion to the book 100 Days to a Healthier Church, by Karl Vaters. Like the book, the principles laid out here are not one-time, quick-fix solutions. They are long-term principles—nudges, not jumps(the tortoise, not the hare.) It is divided into four main steps over 14 weeks. It works best when it starts on a Saturday, so this devotional is designed with that in mind.
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We would like to thank Moody Publishers for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://www.moodypublishers.com/books/current-issues/100-days-to-a-healthier-church/
