Bishop Keith Butler
Jun 12
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. (Acts 10:1-4)
Have you ever felt confused about God’s will in a situation? God is not the author of confusion, and He has a plan to bring you clarity about His will, even if He needs to send an angel to do it. Acts 10 is about Cornelius, a Roman who believed in God, but didn’t understand who Jesus was.
God sent Cornelius an angel, who told Cornelius that his prayers and acts of kindness had caught God’s attention. They were like a fragrant offering ascending to heaven— a sweet aroma that changed the atmosphere of the throne room of heaven. Cornelius’s encounter with the angel wasn’t just about God’s commendation; it was God’s commission. God had a plan for Cornelius. He would be instrumental in the kingdom's expansion with the Gentiles. He used an angel to open that door of invitation to God’s favor in that season.
God still speaks through angelic encounters. He uses them to encourage, guide, or to get you to see the door of favor that God opens for a particular season or task. Too many believers are quick to notice the devil’s attacks, but not God’s provision. Let’s focus more on God and the angels He assigned to help us rather than on the devil, his demons, and his lies. When we do what’s right as Cornelius did, by praying and giving to the poor, God will send us angelic help. If you need favor in any situation, angels can open doors of influence for you just as they did for Cornelius.
When you give to the poor, keep in mind that God sees your alms and He will protect and provide for you. Your giving is a sweet smell in heaven and God has seen every gift you have given with the right heart.