Tuesday November 16, 2021

Today is Tuesday, November 16 and this week we are exploring what the Bible says about good deeds.

As I approach these fifteen minutes devoted to the Lord, I pause and become still. I take slow, deep breaths and focus my entire being on the presence of God.

Pause and Pray

God, I worship and praise you in this space of quiet stillness. I listen for your voice. Help me hear the message you have for me today. Speak to me through the power of your Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

I rejoice in God’s steadfast love and wondrous deeds and praise him with the words of Psalm 9.

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:1-2

Pause and Pray

Tabitha (also called Dorcas) was a disciple known for her good deeds. Tabitha has the rare and only occurrence in the bible of a woman named as a disciple, a title normally reserved for men. She taught the faith, led believers and developed a ministry to the poor. She is poor herself. A widow without means. One day, Tabitha gave her life to the work of helping others – vulnerable ones that had no one and nothing. She was a seamstress and made garments and coats for the poor to clothe them. Tabitha becomes ill and suddenly dies. There is overwhelming grief in the small Christian community in Joppa. In their desperation, they call Peter to come.

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Acts 9:36-41a

Tabitha was known for always doing good and helping the poor, even though she had very little for herself. She prioritized her life in Jesus Christ above all else. The way she lived her life was a clear demonstration of the love, mercy and compassion that filled her heart. Tabitha’s story causes me to ponder what I am known for? What is my reputation as a disciple of Jesus Christ? What does my life stand for? Do my actions reflect the love of Jesus I profess? If Jesus Christ is Lord of my life and if he is first in my heart, what has his lordship changed about the way I live?

Ask: What do I want to be known for? If I suddenly died, like Tabitha, what would people point to as evidence of my love?

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, you are a God of mercy and compassion and you call me to reflect your love. Increase my desire to do good deeds and help others. Make me worthy of the title “disciple” so that I live my life as your hands and feet in the world. I pray that the people around me will be able to clearly point to what I have done as evidence of your love in me. I read the words from Acts again, listening for the message you have for me today.

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Acts 9:36-41a

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

The disciple Tabitha was always doing good and helping the poor. I consider what percentage of my life is spent doing good and helping the poor. How could I increase that percentage? What are the obstacles or excuses that prevent me from doing more for others? Have I invited Jesus fully into my life and sought a heart of greater compassion? As the widows stood crying, they displayed the beautiful handmade garments Tabitha sewed as gifts for those in need. The women easily identified evidence of Tabitha’s goodness. What can I point to in my life that is easily identifiable evidence of goodness and active helping of others. Tabitha was a seamstress and put her talent to use for good, what talents do I have that I could employ to bless others?

Pause and Pray

Come, Lord Jesus, I invite you into my heart and life. Transform me from the inside out. It is only through the power of your sanctifying grace that I can even begin to have the inspiration to change my priorities and activities. Motivate me to use my God-given gifts and talents generously for good in the world. Amen.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I give God thanks for God’s goodness and look for opportunities to do good deeds and help others. Amen.