“He simply sees His people.”

The morning started early for many in the group. Thanks to a combination of excitement, jet lag, and sleeping schedules messed up, many of us awoke early this morning ready to start the day. Breakfast consisted of some eggs, fruit and toast, and devotion led by Rev. John Hull. Though the food certainly provided a needed source of nourishment, it was the devotion that fed my soul this morning. I love listening to John share his heart in the midst of the mission field God has so rightly placed him in. He said it beautifully this morning.

As we look at a globe, we see countries, nations and borders. As God looks at His world, he doesn’t see any of that. He simply sees His people.

This was the emphasis as we began our day in Acts 10.

In Acts 10, you find the story of God bringing Cornelius and Peter together, Gentile and Jew, to show Peter that all are loved by God. I love some of the things that happen in context to this passage. One, as Peter meets Cornelius, Cornelius drops to his feet to worship Peter. I’m pretty certain this greeting made Peter uncomfortable. In fact, I know it did. Peter’s response? Peter immediately stops Cornelius’ worship by saying, “Get up. I too am a man.” In other words, “Thanks, friend. But your worship is not necessary. It’s not about me.” Peter very quickly identified an important quality in ministry: God alone is the one worthy of our worship. It’s not about us, it’s about what God does through us. This is huge. Second? I love Peter’s response when he meets Cornelius and get’s a bigger picture as to what God is up to.

“It is clear to me now that God plays no favorites, that God accepts every person whatever his or her culture or ethnic background, that God welcomes all who revere Him and do right.” (Acts 10:34-35 VOICE)

What a beautiful reminder that God sees the heart. That’s it. And what an important concept for each of us to take to heart as we move throughout our days. We must learn to see the world as God does. Not seeing the exterior, but, instead, seeing the heart of those He places in our path and then love them accordingly.

It was an emotional day. We made a trip to the largest mosque in India, took a rather frantic rickshaw ride through the narrow alleyways of Delhi, wandered into an Indian spice market where I am pretty certain I bought some chili powder that could put me in the hospital, ventured on a four and a half hour bus ride to Agra, India, where, tomorrow, we visit the Taj Mahal and prepare for our next trip to lead a church conference in Patna, India.

Your prayers mean the world, friends. Here’s the beautiful thing. Where ever you find yourself this moment and whatever time zone you may be in. It doesn’t take a trip out of your culture to share the love of God and the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

Bloom where you’re planted friends.