“One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, ‘Cornelius!’ Cornelius stared at him in fear. ‘What is it, Lord?’ he asked. The angel answered, ‘Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter.”
- Acts 10:3-5 -

Cornelius was devout, God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly (2). He was a Gentile. His regular life of prayer evidently shows that he earnestly sought God. Answering his prayer, God sent an angel and linked him to Peter. Cornelius was a man with a heart of good soil for the seed of God's word (Lk 8:15). So he immediately sends three servants to bring Peter from Joppa. This event reminds me of Hebrews 11:6, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." God sees our heart; our prayers of seeking Him in prayer and life of caring the needs go up to the throne of God. This event also encourages us that there are people who as a heart of good soil. We need to be led by the Holy Spirit to meet them and lead them to Christ.

Practical Application of Today's Text: "List six people you know who are searching for truth, justice, peace of mind, purpose, satisfaction, or direction. Ask God what your relationship with each of them might become" (from Encounter with God).