Today's Verse: Acts 11:18

Sunday, November 18, 1956

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 Sunday, November 18, 1956

A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
"The seven days [for vow-related trips to the Temple for Paul and the other four men] were almost ended when some Jews from the province of Asia saw....."
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the..."
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"Revolve in your mind that wondrous word, "faultless!" We are far off from it now; but as our Lord never stops short of perfection in his work of love,..."
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory. Give me a spirit of wisdom and of revelation so that I may truly know the Savior. Let..."

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.