"Allowing the Lord In"

Today's reading - Acts 10:17-23 (NIV): 17While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate.

18They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.

19While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you. 20So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them."

21Peter went down and said to the men, "I'm the one you're looking for. Why have you come?"

22The men replied, "We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say." 23Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.

Peter has continued meditating and in response the Spirit speaks to him again. God has revealed to him that the three men are coming and he is not to hesitate to meet them. Peter’s act of piety through prayer, meditation and listening have taken him into a deeper relationship with God. Peter is responding to God’s direction.

When we hear God’s direction sometimes it is loud and clear and other times when we busy ourselves, we fail to hear His direction. Each time we are obedient to the message God provides us, we are taking another step in our discipleship walk and we learn more about God. By listening, Peter learned God had a mission for him and he openly accepted it and invited the men in.

I am going to do my best to listen this weekend to see when I need to open the door and let God in.

Dorothy Drago Brucks
Aldersgate UMC
Nixa, Mo.
www.aldersgatechurch.com