Song: Psalm 139
Lyrics: King David (Psalm 139 – NIV) Music: Asiri Fernando Psalm 139 is one of my favorite psalms. It paints a beautiful picture of how intimately God knows each and everyone of us—better than we even know ourselves! It amazes me that the Creator of the universe who was there from the beginning of time, [...]
ODJ: dying for life
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16).
READ: Acts 9:36-42
Recently, I saw a poster with these words: “When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.” —Indian (Cherokee) Proverb
The story of Tabitha (Dorcas in Greek) is a sad one. Tabitha was a devout follower of Christ. Not much else is said about her. But this one- sentence description says a lot: “She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor” (Acts 5:36).
Tabitha was a good person. But, sadly, sometimes the good die early. Even so, it seemed so tragic, wasteful even, that a useful, beloved, kind, and untiring worker like her should die so suddenly and unexpectedly (v.37). It shows us that death can come suddenly, even in the midst of a fruitful ministry.
Up until that time, Peter had performed just a couple of healings (3:6 and 9:34), but he had not done anything so dramatic or difficult as raising the dead. So it was an act of faith on Peter’s part for him to respond and to go to Joppa to see Tabitha (vv.39-41).
Upon his arrival, we are told that “the room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing [Peter] the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them” (v.39). What a testimony of a life well lived. When Peter prayed and Tabitha came back to life, there must have been great rejoicing.
When you’re gone, will you be missed? Will there be many people who weep for you? What testimony of good works will you leave behind? Will there be coats and other clothes to show? When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. But when you die, will the world cry as you rejoice? —K.T. Sim
What good works have you done that will cause people to praise your heavenly Father? How will you establish a Christlike legacy for others to follow?
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Loading ...ODB: julie’s prayer
September 23, 2009
READ: John 14:12-14
Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. —John 14:13
In 2008, the Day of Discovery film crew traveled to China on a special assignment—to retrace the life of missionary Eric Liddell, the 1924 Olympic gold medalist whose story was told in the movie Chariots of Fire. The crew took with them Eric’s three daughters, Patricia, Heather, and Maureen—allowing them to revisit some of the places where the two older sisters had lived in China. Also along on the trip was their elderly Aunt Louise.
On one occasion, after the entourage had arrived in Beijing, they had to walk quite a distance with their luggage. As they did, Aunt Louise grew short of breath. Julie Richardson, a Day of Discovery crew member, sat down beside her, put her hand on her knee, and prayed simply, “Dear Jesus, help Aunt Louise to breathe.” Immediately, she began to catch her breath.
Later, Heather retold the story and shared that Julie’s prayer had rekindled her faith. Julie’s simple act of faith reminded Heather of the continual connection we have with Jesus—a reality she had set aside in her life.
Sometimes we need reminders that God is near. When trials come and God seems far away, remember Julie’s prayer and the truth that we are just one prayer from connecting with the God of the universe (John 14:13). — Dave Branon
God delights in the earnest prayers of His people.
Source: Our Daily Bread
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