Devotion:
Read Acts 10:34-45.
This was not the first time Peter had been taught this lesson, this truth about God. Jesus had led his disciples into the territory of the Samaritans and shared his good news of love and forgiveness with them. He had healed Roman soldiers. But apparently, even after he was resurrected and returned to heaven, Peter was still wrestling with what his relationship with the Gentiles should be.
If you have not heard or read “the rest of the story” leading up to these verses, be sure to read from the beginning of this chapter. The Holy Spirit comes to Peter in a dream to guide him into more fully embracing this lesson. Still, Peter had to be willing to change his mind, to change his thinking and belief about this issue. Just as he had learned new ways of understanding God as he followed Jesus, now he was open to the Holy Spirit continuing to lead and teach him.
One of the biggest challenges we have as the people of Christ is to discern what beliefs and thinking to hold on to and what new lessons and understanding the Holy Spirit is leading us to embrace. We do that best in two ways. First, we are staying connected to this Spirit personally, spending time in prayer to both speak and listen. Second, we stay connected and in conversation with each other, knowing that the Spirit also guides us through others.
Personal Worship Option:
Consider offering this prayer: Holy Spirit, thank you for your constant presence with me. Continue to guide me in knowing what beliefs and thinking in which to stand firm and what new understandings you are inviting me to embrace and live. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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