Daily Bread

Acts 10:4 - "And he stared at him in fear and said, What is it Lord? And he said, your prayer and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God."

These prayers and offerings of Cornelius were viewed as the ascent offering (whole burnt offering) and memorial portions of the Old Testament that were turned into smoke for a sweet-smelling aroma to the Lord (Leviticus 2:2,9,16; 5:12; 6:15). Paul also likens the offering in which the saints sow into the ministry as an ascent offering that the Lord receives as a sweet smelling aroma because it is holy and acceptable to Him (Philippians 4:18). The response of God's favor toward those who offer such offerings is underscored here. Because of the prayers and offerings that Cornelius gave continually he was chosen to be the first gentile to receive the riches of heaven, the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org