Today's Verse: Acts 11:18

Thursday, November 18, 2004

When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life."
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Breaking through racial and cultural barriers is never easy, but this was the challenge early church leaders faced when the Holy Spirit led Peter to share the gospel with Cornelius and his household, and they became disciples of Jesus. The Jewish disciples had not anticipated Gentiles to come into Jesus' church. Thankfully, God's Spirit didn't let them settle comfortably into their prejudices. Instead, the Spirit challenged, led, and pushed them to break through racial hatred and cultural ignorance. So must we, today. Let's be the kind of people, Jesus' people, who rejoice and praise God as every racial barrier dividing people fall in Jesus. Let's press on until the triumphant promise of the Gospel is fulfilled: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28). In doing this, we anticipate the incredible chorus of heaven as it praises God with folks from every language, tribe, people, and nation (Revelation 7:9-11). God longs to invite all peoples of the earth into his family of grace, love, and life!

My Prayer...

Holy God, we ask that you bless all those everywhere who are trying to cross cultural, linguistic, and nationalistic barriers sharing the grace of Jesus with those who do not know you. Help them know they are bringing you joy and anticipating the praise that surrounds you in glory! In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 11:18 — When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, November 18, 2004

A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"It is easy to want things from the Lord and yet not want the Lord Himself, as though the gift could ever be preferable to the Giver."
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"It is strange how little use we make of the spiritual blessings which God gives us, but it is stranger still how little use we make of God himself...."
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
"[After his baptism,] Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil."
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"Let them praise your great and awesome name. Your name is holy! Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established fairness. You have acted with..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.