MONDAY - JULY 13

Read. Acts 9:32-43
32 As Peter toured the whole region, he went to visit God’s holy people in Lydda.33 There he found a man named Aeneas who was paralyzed and had been confined to his bed for eight years. 34 Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Get up and make your bed.” At once he got up. 35 Everyone who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas). Her life overflowed with good works and compassionate acts on behalf of those in need. 37 About that time, though, she became so ill that she died. After they washed her body, they laid her in an upstairs room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, when the disciples heard that Peter was there, they sent two people to Peter. They urged, “Please come right away!” 39 Peter went with them. Upon his arrival, he was taken to the upstairs room. All the widows stood beside him, crying as they showed the tunics and other clothing Dorcas made when she was alive.

40 Peter sent everyone out of the room, then knelt and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up.41 He gave her his hand and raised her up. Then he called God’s holy people, including the widows, and presented her alive to them. 42 The news spread throughout Joppa, and many put their faith in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed for some time in Joppa with a certain tanner named Simon.

Reflect. After Stephen was murdered, the church in Jerusalem, except for the apostles, scattered (Acts 8:1). The original apostles remained in Jerusalem. These remaining apostles kind of became the official headquarters of the newly forming church. Several years has passed since this happened, and now Peter is traveling to visit the developing Christian community outside of Jerusalem. 

• In this story we see Peter performing two miracles. The healing of Aeneas, who was paralyzed and the bringing back to life of Tabitha who had died. At first it can appear that the focus of these miracles is on Peter’s power and leadership, but something more than Peter is the focus. 
• When Aeneas is healed, Peter doesn’t say, “I heal you,” instead he calls on the power of Jesus and says, “Jesus Christ heals you!” And before Tabitha is raised, Peter takes time to pray to call upon the power of Jesus. Peter’s power is not his own, but is centered in the power of Jesus. 
• When have you tried to rely on your own power instead of relying on Jesus? What happens when you try to do things on your own? Today, what can you do to rely more fully on Jesus? 

Pray. Almighty God, your power brought healing and new life through Peter, yet too often I rely on myself. Help me to submit to your power and grace and rely on you. Amen.

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug. Bobby. Collier. Glenn. Adam.  Mary.  Clyde.  Linda. Betty Carolyn. Jeff. Albert. Richard. Lois. Ross. Tiny. Donald. Bill. Barbara. Andreas. Helen. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Terry Kibler. Carolyn Harlow. Jeremy. Jeff Green. Lyric. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh.