Tuning Into God
One at a time
A seeker listens and responds to the call
of the divine.
One pair of ears receives the message
One heart at a time softens and opens
One set of hands folds quietly in prayer.
One at a time
Faithful tune in naturally towards people
in true need.
Dozens truly listen and receive
Servants overflow with compassion and
Devoted hands do the work of God.
One at a time
God entrusts us with seeing, hearing,
and devoted
loving those who live near and far.
We respond with sincere commitment
And are happy to have purpose in life.
Be the one, for the one, through the One.
Acts 9:36-41
(Common English Bible)
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. About that time, though, she became so ill that she died. After they washed her body, they laid her in an upstairs room. 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.
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. 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.
Share Your Faith
In this wonderful Bible story from the Acts of the Apostles, Tabitha (Dorcas) was a faithful woman. Making tunics for others was not an easy task but seemed to be one that she took pride in and was respected for.
We have each come to faith and responded in different ways. Some of us are cradle Christians who have spent our lifetimes responding to the call to serve. Some of us came to faith later in life, when someone cared enough to share how their life is more bearable because of their beliefs. There is power in the story. As we share from our hearts, another’s heart is softened and opened.
When we take time to listen to narratives of those who struggle, we have the opportunity to respond with our stories of faith. How might we help someone raise up from despair by sharing God’s love? How do we show appreciation for what others have done of us?
In short, how do our lives glorify our God who is alive to us and loves us more than we can imagine?
May our lives be one continual movement towards God and one another.
Peace and love to you,
Rev. Marta Wheeler
To view or download a PDF version of this devotional, click here: Devotional MW 2022-05-04