A small story in 20 chapters
A cosy daily moment with Scripture, reflection, and a challenge to embed the word in your day.
Chapter 16
Finished ✦ on 23 February 2026
Scripture
Acts 10:1-2 [NIV]
"1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly."
Reflection
What a way to introduce Cornelius and give us a sense of his character. We’re first told his name and that he’s a centurion, someone disciplined, respected, and a Gentile. But the story doesn’t stop there; we are told why he stands out. This is not just any centurion! He is devout and God-fearing, and not only he, but his whole family as well. Here is a man of position who prayed regularly to God, gave generously to those in need, and clearly lived out his faith in a way that shaped the people around him. It’s easy to imagine prayer, generosity, and reverence for God being part of the shared rhythm of his household. What a great picture to aspire to! It’s certainly something I want to aspire to myself. Looking ahead to a future where we have a family of our own, I see a responsibility, like a centurion leading his legion, to lead with care, humility, and by example. To lead in prayer and show what it means to actually pray. To model generosity, showing that loving others means giving freely and willingly. This verse gives us a glimpse of a faith that is lived together, not imposed, but shared, and a family shaped by devotion in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.
Today’s quest
Think about a rhythm you’d love to be part of family life one day, a habit that brings faith, generosity, or presence into everyday moments. Write it down and save it for when we can incorporate it.
Your reflection
“I love the reminder that life devoted to God can look so ‘simple’. Praying regularly, giving generously and raising a family that does the same. I look forward to when we can have a family that incooperates those daily, ‘simple’ acts of worship (though acknowledging the simple needs regular consistency, faith and discipline! Which I know with how difficult I have found it to establish a daily rhythm of prayer! But by God’s grace I’ll get there!) I’ve already had a glimpse of that into our own shared rhythms we are starting to establish of bible study, prayer and church fellowship. It’s a lovely reminder that these are the things that add up to create a life (and family) devoted to Christ ”