Growing Deeply

Sunday Sermon

a daily scripture guide



Week of May 9 May 14

MONDAY: Acts 9:36-43 Called to service

Tabitha (Dorcas) is described as a disciple. We often focus only on the 12 men whom Jesus
called, but Scripture tells us that many answered a call to be a disciple of Jesus, men and
women alike. Tabitha was devoted to good works and acts of charity. In a time and culture
in which women did not have opportunity, she found ways to serve and grow in the love of Christ.
REFLECTION: How does God call me to be a disciple? What opportunities appear in my daily
life that can become opportunities of service?
TUESDAY: Acts 9:36-43 Respect
The women showed their sadness through their tears, and demonstrated their respect for
Tabitha by showing Peter the garments she had made. Tabitha was worthy of respect, not for
the greatness of her accomplishments or for her position in society, but for simply being a
dedicated and giving disciple of Jesus, sharing gifts of goodness and kindness.
SONG: Listen to or read the words to the song, If I can Help Somebody by Alma Androzzo.
WEDNESDAY: Acts 9:36-43 Stretching boundaries
Here we see Peters growth as a follower of Christ reflected by his growth in cultural
acceptance. Peter was a devout Jew who believed in the rigidity of the Jewish Law; yet, we
read two examples of Peters fading boundaries. By going to Tabithas home he acknowledged
a woman as worthy and important. By being a guest in the home of Simon the Tanner, Peter
resisted law, which considered Simon unclean and unacceptable. As a disciple of Jesus, Peter
stretched the boundaries of his understanding and his acceptance.
PRAYER: Dear God, may the boundaries of my understanding and acceptance by stretched so
that I may truly understand what it means to be your disciple.

To Live Again - May 8

Scripture: Acts 9:36-43 (NRSV)
Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek
is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time
she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room
upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was
there, sent two men to him with the request, Please come to us without
delay. So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took
him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and
showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with
them. Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He
turned to the body and said, Tabitha, get up. Then she opened her eyes,
and seeing Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then
calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. This became known
throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. Meanwhile he stayed in
Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.

My Notes:

THURSDAY: Acts 2:1-21 Unifying speech

People from different places speaking different languages were gathered together to
celebrate the religious festival of Pentecost (Shavout). Perhaps the miracle of the day is the
unifying speech which allowed people to share a common experience. We need Gods unifying
speech today to help us to understand and accept each other.
REFLECTION: In what areas do I need unification? Whose language do I need Gods help to
understand?
FRIDAY: Acts 2:1-21 First impressions
First impressions are not always reliable. Some of the spectators watching the festival
assumed that the men must be drunk not realizing that something miraculous was happening.
Unfortunately, our first instinct is often to criticize what we do not understand. We doubt and
question rather than being open to learn.
CONSIDER: Consider a time that a first impression was incorrect. How did accumulating new
information change your initial impression?
SATURDAY: Acts 2:1-21 Being filled
For something to be filled, an opening must first exist. Have you ever attempted to fill a
bottle without first creating an opening? Your effort will not be successful. God is ready to fill
us with love, knowledge and guidance. All we need to do is be open and ready to receive
the blessings that come.
PRAYER: Help us, Dear Lord, to be open to your unifying power, to abstain from judging what
we do not understand, and to be open to be filled with your Spirit.

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