August 07, 2020, Psalms 148

 It is down to the last two days in the book of Psalms. It is filled with Praise to God. As you read what can you highlight about God's Character. Since we are at the end of the book do your thoughts travel more to David or do you see God more clearly. For example we learn about God from King David but the greatest goal is to learn about God. It is good to relate to David but we want to connect to God. 

Psalms 148

Praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him; all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun an moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created, and he established them for ever and ever, he issued a decree that will never pass away. 

Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lighting and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and women, old men and children. 

Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendors is above the earth and the heavens. And he has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart. 

Praise the Lord. 

Acts 

Cornelius Calls For Peter

At Caesarea there was a man name Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and he prayed to God regularly. One day at about three in the afternoon  he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius! 

Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord? he asked.

The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea. 

When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa. 

Peter's Vision

About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance, He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to the earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. Then a voice told him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat."

"Surely not, Lord! Peter replied. I have never eaten anything impure or unclean."

The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."

This happened three time, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven. While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house  was and stopped at the gate. They called out, asking for Simon who was known as Peter was staying there. 

While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them. Peter went down and said to the men, "I'm the one you're looking for. Why have you come?

The men replied, "We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say. Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. 

God offers Peter the food, 

He says get up, kill, and eat

But Peter calls it unclean. 

Peter is at Simon the tanner house. According to the NIV study bible Simon's job detailed treating the skin of dead animals so it was considered a dirty or less than job. But Peter is not prejudiced against him he still stays at his house even though Simon was despised or maybe considered to have to touch unclean things with the dead animals. 

Peter becomes hungry, who knows what Simon had in his house to eat but God gives Peter a vision, and tells him to rise and eat. On the white sheet is all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. 

(it was told to Peter three times) 

It is being impressed upon Peter that it was okay to eat. 

Have a great day!