This Is the Way: A 30-Day Journey Through the Book of ActsSample

"The Look"

By Dana Stone

“I’m sure you have heard about the Good News for the people of Israel—that there
is peace with God through Jesus, the Messiah, who is Lord of all creation.” —Acts 10:36 (TLB)

My husband calls it “the look.” He’s seen it many times over the years, and when he does, he always asks the same question: “How much money do you want to give them?” He’s learned to have cash on hand so when he gets the look, he’s ready. “The look” has made appearances on vacations, in grocery stores, at restaurants, during walks, and once even while touring Central Park.

Now, don’t think I go around just handing out cash to everyone I meet, but I’ve learned to recognize these moments when I hear God asking me to step out of my introverted comfort zone to be a conduit of His love. The financial gift just gives me the opportunity to tell them how much God loves them, that He sees them, and how He wants to be part of their lives.

I’m not sure what my husband sees on my face in those moments, but I know what I hear in my heart, which always compels me to act. It has undoubtedly increased my boldness and faith, because I never know what the response will be. Most of the time there’s gratitude and joyful smiles, but on occasion, the gift hasn’t exactly received a positive response. What I’ve discovered over the years is that when I know I hear God, I follow His voice and allow Him to take care of the rest of the story.

Acts 10 tells the story of two men experiencing this same kind of moment. They hear God, follow His voice, and allow Him to take care of the rest . . . and boy, does He! The chapter starts in Caesarea where a Roman Centurion named Cornelius lives with his family. We learn that Cornelius was a “God-fearing” Gentile who prayed regularly, gave to the poor, and respected the teachings of the Jews. One day while praying, he had a vision of an angel who told him to have a man named Peter brought from Joppa. Although he didn’t know who Peter was, Cornelius trusted God and acted in faith by sending three of his men to find Peter and bring him to Caesarea.

Around the same time, Peter received a vision from God while praying on his rooftop. As he pondered the meaning of his vision, the three men sent by Cornelius arrived at his home. They asked him to return to Caesarea with them, and Peter invited them into his home for the night.

The following day, Peter traveled to Caesarea with the three men and a group of Jewish believers, and Peter was welcomed into Cornelius’s home. At the time, Jews and Gentiles didn’t associate with each other, so entering a Gentile’s home was incredibly shocking to the faithful Jewish believers who had traveled with Peter. It was then that God revealed the purpose of the two visions, and as Peter shared the gospel with those gathered, everyone in the house was suddenly filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues. Again, the Jewish believers were “astonished” as they witnessed the Holy Spirit being poured out on the Gentiles that day. Both men—Peter and Cornelius—had heard God, and moved forward in obedience with great faith. The result of that obedience transformed the spread of the gospel forever.

Here’s the best news of Acts 10: the same Holy Spirit will work through you today when you learn to hear His voice and act in obedience. As a disciple, you’re called to share the good news of Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you look for people around you who may need a blessing or who need to hear the transformational message of His love. As you step out in faithful obedience, you’re privileged to be a witness as God brings forth salvation, healing, restoration, freedom, and hope through the Holy Spirit at work in you.

Prayer

God, I’m so grateful You gave me the gift of eternal life through Your Son, and I want to share this gift with those You bring into my path. Help me learn how to hear Your voice clearly, and give me boldness to step out in faith so Your Holy Spirit can minister to those who need to hear the good news and experience salvation through Your Son. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Activation

• Are you listening and attentive to the Holy Spirit? Talk to mature believers who understand how to hear God’s voice, and take time to learn how He speaks to you.
• Ask the Lord how you can share the love of Christ with those around you. Write down what the Holy Spirit lays on your heart, and when He prompts you to act, believe He’s there with you to guide and lead you.
• Be bold and willing to step outside your comfort zone and allow God to move through you. Then share your victories with your spouse or a close friend.

For Further Study

Acts 10; Isaiah 30:21; Jeremiah 33:3; John 10:27; John 14:26

Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me?