Everybody's a Sinner. No One Wants to Be Called One.

Daily Reading: Acts 10

Scripture Focus: Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. (Acts 10.43)

Devotional Thought: Cornelius and his household were virtuous and respectable citizens. Yet, Cornelius sensed a spiritual need. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, he sent for Peter to tell him and his family about Jesus. Peter came and shared the gospel. He preached forgiveness of sins.

I'm wondering what Cornelius thought when Peter began to share his message. We are not told, but it would be easy to imagine that Cornelius was at first insulted. "Hey! I'm just as good as this guy! Why is he preaching about forgiveness of sins to me?" The Holy Spirit was faithful to Cornelius, and as Peter preached, Cornelius' heart was opened. His life was changed! What if Peter had hesitated to obey God?

Are we hesitant to tell people about Jesus, because we think that they don't need him? They are good people, after all, wonderful members of the community. Who am I to tell them that they need forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ?

We need to remember the words of the Bible, "There is none righteous, no not one" (Romans 3.10). And, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3.23). And, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64.6, NIV).

No, nobody wants to be called a sinner. But yes, everybody needs the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. We are not to condemn, but to share the love of God. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to convict and to save.

Prayer: Lord, help me to remember that outside of your saving grace, everyone is lost - even the good, respectable and moral people I know. Then, help me to be bold to share forgiveness in Jesus' name. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 68.28-35

28 Summon your power, O God, the power, O God, by which you have worked for us. 29 Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings shall bear gifts to you. 30 Rebuke the beasts that dwell among the reeds, the herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples. Trample underfoot those who lust after tribute; scatter the peoples who delight in war. 31 Nobles shall come from Egypt; Cush shall hasten to stretch out her hands to God.

32 O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; sing praises to the Lord, Selah 33 to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; behold, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice. 34 Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies. 35 Awesome is God from his sanctuary; the God of Israel—he is the one who gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!