“God, I call out to you because YOU WILL ANSWER ME. Listen to me. Hear my prayer.” (Psa. 17:6) “Call to Me, and I WILL ANSWER YOU, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jer. 33:3)
“Lord, show me your favor. I CALL OUT TO YOU ALL DAY LONG. Bring joy to me. Lord, I worship you. Lord, you are good. You are forgiving. You are full of love for all who call out to you. LORD, hear my prayer. LISTEN TO MY CRY FOR YOUR FAVOR. When I’m in trouble, I WILL CALL OUT TO YOU. AND YOU WILL ANSWER ME.” (Psa. 86:3-7)
If Cornelius did not listen he would have missed Peter’s message, A voice cried out, “Cornelius!” and he answered, “What is it, lord?” So he said, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa, and SEND FOR SIMON WHOSE SURNAME IS PETER. He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.” (Acts 10:3-6) The Lord gave Cornelius a name and address.
Peter was expiring a vision when God spoke to him. If Peter did not listen he would have missed going with Cornelius’ men to preach a salvation message, While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down and GO WITH THEM, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” (Acts 10:19-20) These were the first gentiles to be saved and filled with the Holy Spirit.
WE MUST, ONCE AGAIN, LEARN TO LISTEN TO THE LORD…
-Bill Stockham