No Favoritism

Peter told them, "You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. …I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation He accepts those who fear Him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. …And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” Acts 10: 28, 34-36, 38 NLT.

 

Are you partial to certain people—showing favoritism? Are you generous with your friends and family—but not others? Do you ignore those people who stand on the street corners with signs asking for money…for a hand-out? I will admit that I usually just say a prayer for them and drive on. I’ve heard reports that they make a lot of money panhandling like that. I once saw two guys in Spokane, Washington actually arguing over a particularly busy street corner. It must have been a really lucrative corner. The way the street people are treated is similar to the way the Jews treated the Gentiles during Peter’s time. Don’t associate with them—certainly don’t invite them to your home or eat with them. Now Peter is being told that God doesn’t have favorites—He loves the Jews and the Gentiles alike—accepting everyone who respects Him. He filled His Son Jesus with the Holy Spirit—so then Jesus healed those harassed by Satan. No favoritism shown by Jesus either. When we believe in Jesus as the Son of God and our own personal Savior, we are filled with the Holy Spirit and gain that same power that Jesus had—to heal and do good. How will you use the power of the Holy Spirit in you? With impartiality?

 

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, …create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me, (Psalm 51:10) that I would serve You by helping others, impartially.

 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

Summer is here. Fresh mint is growing in the garden and watermelon is available. Here’s a refreshing herbal tea to brew up on the next hot day. That could be today. It was 95 degrees yesterday!

 

Watermelon Mint Iced Tea

• 8 cups chopped seedless watermelon
• 6 peppermint tea bags or ½ cup fresh chopped mint leaves
• Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish, optional

Puree the watermelon in batches until smooth, then strain into a pitcher. Cover and refrigerate until very cold.

Bring 6 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from the heat, add the tea bags or loose chopped mint and let steep 5 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until cold. Strain and discard the mint leaves and add the tea to the watermelon juice. Serve over ice in tall glasses with mint sprigs, if desired. Makes six servings.

 

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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