While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, "Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"
These Gentiles received the Holy Spirit before saying the Sinner's Prayer, even before they were baptized. How can that be? Might it be that receipt of the Holy Spirit, the establishment of a Line of Communication was established as He, the LORD, God, the Almighty, chose? Does He see the condition of the heart, knowing when that moment of conviction comes, the I believe moment? Don't I have to be careful not to make salvation dependent upon works, even something as precious and sacred as confessing with my mouth that Jesus is Lord and Savior?
Today's readings in the Psalms:
Morning: Psalm 79
Mid-day: 119:65-72
Evening: Psalm 5
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"Voices Together" is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at theFellowship Of Ailbe bookstore. A weekly edition, formatted as a bi-fold insert and suitable for distribution can be downloaded at https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/52-general-downloads. The next edition is available by Thursday of the prior week.
