Bible Studies

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The Scriptures
Acts 9:36-43 – Shepherd’s Spirit

Key Verses: (MSG)

• 36: “Down the road a way in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, ‘Gazelle’ in our language. She was well-known for doing good and helping out.” – Tabitha or Dorcas had the spiritual gift of taking care of those in need. God’s plans are not fulfilled simply by preachers and evangelists like Peter. He reaches into the lives of all who listen and are willing to use their gifts to fulfill the needs of the moment.
  
  
• 37: “During the time Peter was in the area she became sick and died.” – This story by Luke is designed to show the reader that with the power of the Holy Spirit, all things are possible. This raising from the dead shows that Peter was connected to the Christ present in Jesus, Elijah, and Elisha who also raised people from their death.
  
  
• 40: “Peter put the widows all out of the room. He knelt and prayed. Then he spoke directly to the body: ‘Tabitha, get up.’ She opened her eyes. When she saw Peter she sat up.” – When a ministry opportunity presents itself, turn to God in prayer for guidance and strength.
  
  
• 42: “When this became known all over Joppa, many put their trust in the Master.” – Successful ministry centered on Christ will lead people into closer relationships with God.
  

Points to Contemplate:

• What are you well-known for? Do your actions in ministry cause people to sit up and take notice? When you are following the lead of the Holy Spirit and responding to His ministry opportunities, will you be recognized as a child of God? Will your efforts make a difference in the world around you? Will people mourn your passing? These questions may sound trite or sophomoric, but shouldn’t being a Christian mean that your life is changed? If so, then shouldn’t this change result in noticeable changes in the lives you touch? What are you becoming well-known for?
  
  
• How do you recognize a ministry moment? Do these come as once-in-a-lifetime opportunities or are you, like Peter, moving from one ministry moment to another? Bruce Wilkinson, in his book “The Prayer of Jabez,” discusses asking God for opportunities to expand the kingdom. Do you seek out situations in your life that you can use to further God’s kingdom? Are you praying for God to use you in new and amazing ways? Are you the miracle that is about to occur in a person’s life near you? With God’s help, what have you done or said that has caused others to believe in Christ?
  
  
• Do you seek guidance from the Holy Spirit? The stories in this early portion of Acts depict what is happening in the lives of the apostles once the Holy Spirit descended upon them that first Pentecost. Dramatic and amazing things can occur when we lean into Him for support. Do you feel the Holy Spirit present in your life? Has He provided inspiration, enlightenment, and guidance? Do you rely on Him for moment-by-moment direction and support? Are you willing to follow where He leads you in ministry? Do you give Him opportunity to work miracles in you and through you?
  

Promises of the Gospel:

Peter’s ministry blew up. A few short weeks earlier he was naked on a lake, wallowing in his despair, and on the verge of giving up. Then he meets the risen Christ, finds repentance, goes to Jerusalem as instructed, and is filled with the Holy Spirit. This dramatic turn-around is followed by bold preaching in the temple courtyard and miracle healings. Jesus said to feed His sheep and Peter responds. What amazing stories await you once you turn your entire life over to Christ and go where He leads?

FUMC Devotionals

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