Read Acts 10

This month’s reading is the story of two very different men who had something in common: Cornelius the Roman centurion and Peter the apostle each were listening to hear the voice of God speaking through His Spirit.

As you read Acts 10, look for a few key aspects of the Holy Spirit’s work in the events of this ancient narrative that are present in our lives today as well. We can count on God’s being the same yesterday, today and tomorrow (see Heb. 13:8).

The first aspect is, the Holy Spirit spoke to both Cornelius (10:3) and Peter (10:13). All that was required for this to happen was for both men to put themselves in a place where they could hear God’s voice and to be willing to listen for Him. read more

So God's rest is there for people to enter.
—Hebrews 4:6, NLT

Let's explore a biblical principle God set in motion at the close of creation week—the principle of Sabbath. It's so important that the violation of it in Old Testament times meant certain death. read more 1:00AM EDT 7/1/2006

Read Genesis 13

In Genesis 13, Lot chose selfishly and moved his family to the choicest land—near the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, whose inhabitants sinned greatly. Abram, Lot’s uncle, generously let him go; and for his generosity, God blessed Abram and allowed him to settle his family in a safe area. 

Later, God used Abram to rescue Lot from the evil cities before He destroyed them. Abram learned the blessings of being generous and following God’s plan. read more

Should I hide my plan from Abraham? ... I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord.
—Genesis 18:17-19, NLT

How do we keep our families together in a world that's falling apart? It is beneficial to look at the principles found in God's dealings with the Jews—His first covenant family. read more 12:00AM EST 11/1/2006

Then the Lord asked Satan, 'Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth—a man of complete integrity.'
—Job 1:8, NLT

What is it that gets God's attention? Is it charisma, personality or one's abilities? We don't have to dig deep into the book of Job to discover the answer. From the first verse, we find God bragging about His man Job. By the eighth verse He's calling Job the "finest man in all the earth." read more 1:00AM EDT 4/1/2007

Then Job spoke again: 'If my misery could be weighed and my troubles be put on the scales, they would outweigh all the sands of the sea. That is why I spoke impulsively.'
—Job 6:1-3, NLT

The Bible reveals with authenticity the true nature of the characters whose lives are described within its pages. It exposes their faults and struggles without apology and without holding back. This is why the story of Job is so fitting—Job himself was a man of authenticity. read more 1:00AM EDT 6/1/2007

But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.
—Psalm 77:11-12, NLT

Much can be learned from life experience. Many important clues lie hidden in the rubble of yesterday, clues that reveal God at work in our lives. Yet surprisingly few of us conduct the treasure hunt that will uncover the evidence. read more 12:00PM EST 1/1/2008