July 26
Bible Reading: Acts 9:32-43
Acts 9:32, “Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.”
We have a lot of quilts around our house. There’s one in the upstairs hallway, a gift from our church family on the first anniversary of our ministry at Lewis and Clark Bible Church. Every family contributed a square, creating a beautiful wall hanging. Years later, the church made another quilt with even more names as the congregation grew. When my mom died, Laura and some church ladies made a quilt full of pictures of Mom with her children and grandchildren, serving as a comforting and precious gift in a time of need. After Laura’s cancer diagnosis, our friend Nancy in Maine and her quilting group made a colorful quilt for her. Our dear friend Mary (now home with Jesus) made quilts for folks in nursing homes and assisted living centers for many years. Our youngest daughter used to help her weekly. I deliver a lap quilt to every new hospice patient; lovingly knit together by a group of lades from the local Baptist church.
Like many Christian women I’ve known, Dorcas was “full of good works and acts of charity” (Acts 9:36). The main point of her story is the miracle of her being raised back to life, leading many in Joppa to believe in the Lord (Acts 9:42). But there’s another endearing aspect of her story that should encourage us all.
Dorcas had a heart to serve others, always looking for opportunities to share Jesus’ love. She had a special place in her heart for widows. As a hospice chaplain, I’ve seen how difficult it is for those who have lost a loved one. How good it is when someone offers an encouraging word or caring presence. Dorcas made “tunics and other garments” for them (Acts 9:39). When Peter arrived where Dorcas’s body lay, he found widows eager to show him what Dorcas had made. Those garments were more than just clothing; they were evidence of Jesus’ love through Dorcas’ efforts.
Dorcas loved Jesus by loving others. She used her sewing talent to provide and encourage those in need, making beautiful garments as Jesus made something beautiful of her life. The love of Jesus worked through her to bless others, demonstrating how things should work. You may not be a seamstress, but God has given you unique gifts and talents to serve Him. Opportunities abound—all you need is a heart to serve, and God will take care of the rest. That’s part of what it means to love like Jesus!
God weaves something beautiful of our lives when as we find ways to serve others.
BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS
Blest be the tie that binds
our hearts in Christian love;
the fellowship of kindred minds
is like to that above.
Before our Father’s throne
we pour our ardent prayers;
our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
our comforts and our cares.
We share our mutual woes,
our mutual burdens bear,
and often for each other flows
the sympathizing tear.
When we are called to part,
it gives us inward pain;
but we shall still be joined in heart,
and hope to meet again.
LookingtoJesus 