Do you know Dorcas? Conclusion



Capturing the spirit of the weekend in this photograph of ladies
lifting their voices, hearts and hands in praises to God during the
It's Tough Being a Woman - Drocas the Seamstress Retreat
this past weekend in Escanaba.

My granddaddy always told me that our bodies are God’s temples. As such, he preached, “You cannot defile or otherwise abuse your own body because that would indicate your disdain for God above.”

Granddaddy - as was generally the case, especially in matters of the Bible - was right.

Our bodies are made in God’s image. We use our bodies to glorify Him if we are true followers of His Son, Jesus Christ. Because of this truth, we should honor our bodies as we honor Him who made us.

Those of us who attended this past weekend’s It’s Tough Being a Woman – Dorcas the Seamstress Retreat were recipients of some words of wisdom about just this subject. The speaker asked the gathering what could be construed as abuse. Audience members mentioned alcohol (in excess), illegal drugs, prescription drugs and even obesity. After all, a temple, should be just that, a temple, pure and pleasing to the Lord.

Scripture solidifies this truth – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV) 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Can’t get more succinct than that, eh?

As attendees we were also treated to a presentation from a Newberry healthcare professional. She suggested that we find our spiritual gift(s) and use it (them) for the good of the Lord. “Love is the foundation,” she reasoned.

I thought about the love foundation and could not stop thinking about God and his love for us sinners. What greater love than Jesus, who, without sin, nevertheless, died on the cross – substituting himself for the sinners of the world. Jesus Christ died for my sin, your sin, the sin of all mankind. That, folks, is true agape. Unbridled. Unbelievable. Undeserving.

That is the love God offers us.

As the speaker confirmed, God anoints His followers with gifts too.

Because Dorcas used her sewing skills to help others, in my humble opinion, this first century disciple’s gift can truly be considered a gift of the Holy Spirit.

Our speaker referenced the apostle Paul’s discussion about such God-given expertise – found in his letter to the Romans, Chapter 12 – where he boiled it all down to just six verses (3-8) 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

As followers, can we expect anything less of ourselves as we serve Him?

The speaker likened our following ways to the instruction received concerning what to do if you find yourself on fire – remember – it’s Stop. Drop. (and) Roll.

I am diligently working to fan the flames of fire for Him. In doing so I sincerely believe that we can all follow Saturday’s Dorcas speaker’s advice to – Stop. Stoop (and) Serve. And to – borrowing from Nike – JUST DO IT!

A young lady in the group did just that. She JUST DID IT, in a huge way.

This 18-year-old servant of the Lord recently made a trip to Honduras, visiting many churches in the area. While there, she, and her mother who had visited previously, were able to share their personal message of faith and giving in the name of Jesus. 

In the photographs shared since this series on the retreat was first published, you’ll see this young lady sharing her experience, and her photographs, with the group. On a personal note, I was privileged to share my motel room with her for the weekend, and her mother took our picture, which was shared in Monday’s post.

The women participants also heard a heart-felt message of loss and pain and resurrection from a former Germfask resident who drove up from Grand Rapids to share her story with the group. What began as a tearful recollection of her husband’s untimely death, ended in a celebration of God’s love for her, and her children, and how, through His mercy, she is recovering day by day – one step at a time.

Below you will find the last of my photographs from the weekend. Please take time to look and maybe you’ll find yourself among the crowd.

Today, I am ending with another essay that touched my heart. From the Book of Common Prayer –
O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.



Do you know Dorcas? Part 2...

Dorcas rules!

At least she did this weekend as local gals traveled to Escanaba for a to study the woman whose name means, “benevolent use of the sewing needle.”

Of course there was more to the weekend than study of Dorcas; there was also a little pampering and sewing- and craft-related activities to fill the hours between the speakers and the praise and worship songs, led by an inspired musical group from Lakefield Baptist Church.

"You’re never too old to dream or have a dream in your life,” one organizer encouraged as she surveyed the 50+ women gathered in the inn’s meeting room.

As I looked around I saw ladies of all shapes, sizes, ages and denominations. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 80-something. There were Methodists, Mennonites and Baptists, to single out a few. They were svelte and pleasingly plump; they were happy and sorrowful; they were filled with the Holy Spirit. To a person, they were blessed by the Lord above.

We absorbed scripture that pointed to the need to help our fellow man.

In particular, the focus was on Matthew 25:37-40 (NIV) where Jesus explained the requirement of Christian charity. {Jesus said} 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Did you know that women the world over heed Jesus Christ’s advice as they participate in Dorcas societies? Did you know that one of the original groups was established by Methodist women in 1824? Did you know that in the United States the need for this group of Christian women seamstresses grew out a cholera epidemic? 

Me neither.

Seems that since the disease was so contagious, when a person died or recovered from cholera, every stitch of clothing and every article of bed clothing was burned. Enter the Dorcas Society ladies, who replaced the necessities that were consumed in germ-obliterating flames. With cholera pretty much under check in the developed world, these industrious woman still work as seamstresses, providing clothing for the less fortunate among us.

After mastering so much biblical instruction, our collective minds needed a rest.

We were, unexpectedly, entertained by star sounds and whales singing praises to God!

Star sounds? Whales? Yep – check it out on YouTube by clicking here. Be sure to keep in mind as you watch that God made all of this; Psalm 33:6 (NIV) By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

Can you possibly imagine? It is, in a word, unfathomable!

If you took the time to watch and listen to the video, and you really should, you’ll know that Louie Giglio references Psalm 148 in his sermon about the multitude of songs eternally lifted up to God.

As I watched, I thought about the reason God is privy to all these celestial, and other, songs of praise. And I surmised - It's because he deserves it!

How else would the universe, and everything in it, celebrate its creator?

Then I thought about how we glorify God in praise and worship songs, many of which were sung at the retreat. And then I thought about the praise Psalms and decided to read the poetry of number 148.

Wow!

Why not take a few minutes yourself to read this human Psalm of praise to the Maker of Heaven and Earth?

{Hint - According to a former pastor of mine, the Psalms are best read in front of a roaring fire, sipping a glass of exquisite wine with your special someone, and soft music playing in the background.}

Psalm 148 (NIV)
1 Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens;
    praise him in the heights above.
2 Praise him, all his angels;
    praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
3 Praise him, sun and moon;
    praise him, all you shining stars.
4 Praise him, you highest heavens
    and you waters above the skies.
5 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
    for at his command they were created,
6 and he established them for ever and ever—
    he issued a decree that will never pass away.
7 Praise the LORD from the earth,
    you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
    stormy winds that do his bidding,
9 you mountains and all hills,
    fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals and all cattle,
    small creatures and flying birds,
11 kings of the earth and all nations,
    you princes and all rulers on earth,
12 young men and women,
    old men and children.
13 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
    for his name alone is exalted;
    his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
14 And he has raised up for his people a horn,
    the praise of all his faithful servants,
    of Israel, the people close to his heart.
Praise the LORD.

Praising Him is what it’s all about, folks.

Because…

Our God truly is an awesome God!

I could go on and on and on and on about this weekend, but enough for today. We’ll explore more of this past weekend’s It’s Tough Being a Woman – Dorcas the Seamstress Retreat later in the week.

In the meantime, my prayer for you is this –

May the Lord bless you
    and keep you;
 May the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
May the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.
AMEN!

Note: I’ve added a few more photographs from this weekend. More to come in the days ahead. Enjoy!

Today's prayer...

Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ,
For all the benefits thou hast won for me,
For all the pains and insults you have borne for me.

O most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother,
May I know thee more clearly,
Love thee more dearly,
And follow thee more nearly:
For ever and ever.
— Richard of Chichester

Do you know Dorcas? Part 2...

Working on this; plan to post more photographs and a wrap-up blog tomorrow. In the meantime, it's Sunday! Worship Him who provides for all.

Do you know Dorcas?

Truly the Lord is in this place!

Which is exactly how I felt as I participated in the first day of the “It’s Tough Being a Woman” annual retreat in Escanaba.

This year’s Christian get-together focused on Dorcas, aka Tabitha, the seamstress. Although little is known of this follower of Jesus Christ, only six biblical verses are dedicated to her existence, enough was gleaned by the retreat’s organizers to focus an entire weekend event around this dedicated woman of God.

The story of Dorcas is a saga of faith in a Savior, faith that was enriched by good works in His precious name. Dorcas cared for those in her hometown of Joppa by providing clothing to those in need. When she died, which is the account told in book of Acts, she was mourned by many. Her dedication and her reputation was such that when she passed away, Peter, one of Jesus’s original 12 disciples, was called to her side.

Through the Lord's mercy, Peter raised Dorcas from the dead! Can you imagine? Can you envision a scenario more miraculous than being restored to life by a disciple of the Risen Lord? Can you grasp the significance of this seemingly impossible occurrence?

Quickly, here’s the Bible passage about our weekend’s guest star – Acts 9:36-41 (NIV) 36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” 39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive.

Although we may never be raised from the dead by God, we can find eternal life by believing in His Son Jesus Christ. It’s a fact, and it’s promised over and over again in the New Testament as witnessed by this passage from the disciple whom Jesus loved – 1 John 5:11-12 (NIV) 11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Don’t forget that God will forgive our transgressions and purify us from our sin too. And, it’s all because he is faithful as John wrote in 1 John 1:9 (NIV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

How simple is that? Believe, confess, enjoy life in Him. It’s a no-brainer in my estimation.

Besides, just think of all the fun you could be having as a true follower of Jesus. Check out the photographs attached to this blog to get a tiny taste of Christian interaction that, so far this weekend, has included pedicures, manicures, door prizes, scarf sewing and card making, not to mention praise and worship singing, special speakers, good food and much, much more.

Well, I see it’s getting late, 11:44 p.m. to be exact, and 6 a.m. comes pretty early. So good night, and may God bless each and every one of you. Amen.

Blessed are the...

In a reenactment, Jesus preaches
the Sermon on the Mount.

Every additional Beatitude deepens the breach between the disciples and the people. The disciples’ call becomes more and more visible.

Those who mourn are those who are prepared to renounce and live without everything the world calls happiness and peace. They are those who cannot be brought into accord with the world, who cannot conform to the world. They mourn over the world, its guilt, its fate, and its happiness.

No one understands people better than Jesus’s community. No one loves people more than Jesus’ disciples.

That is why they [Jesus’s disciples] stand apart, why they mourn; it is meaningful and lovely that Luther translates the Greek word for what is blessed with “to bear suffering.”

The important part is the bearing.

The community of disciples does not shake off suffering, as if they had nothing to do with it. Instead they bear it. In doing so, they give witness to their connection with the people around them.

At the same time this indicates that they do not arbitrarily seek suffering – that they do not withdraw into willful contempt for the world. Instead, they bear what is laid upon them and what happens to them in discipleship for the sake of Jesus Christ.

Finally, disciples will not be weakened by suffering, worn down, and embittered until they are broken. Instead, they bear suffering, by the power of him who supports them. The disciples bear the suffering laid on them only by the power of him who bears all suffering on the cross.

As bearers of suffering, they stand in communion with the Crucified. They stand as strangers in the power of him who was so alien to the world that it crucified him.
DIETRICH BONHOEFFER

Interesting that the translation for “blessed” comes from the Greek word that means “to bear suffering.” I had never read, or heard, that before, but it makes sense.

Just like true followers of our Lord and Savior, Jesus’s disciples were apart from, but at the same time, a part of, the world. Others (the unsaved) just don’t get a true follower’s devotion to living as He would have us live, nor do they understand the commitment that entails.

A true follower of Jesus picks up his cross daily as required in Luke 9:23 (NIV), bears the suffering, and proceeds to spread the Word of Him who would save the world.

A true follower of Jesus bears the suffering of the world because….

A true follower stands “in communion with the Crucified.”

Are you a true follower of the Word?

Do you pick up your cross daily?

Do you love the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul?

Are you…?

In this Lenten season of introspection, please take time to consider these life-altering questions. Take time to make your peace with God. Take time to ensure your eternal future.

Repent; confess your sins; become a follower…TODAY!

After all, who other than Jesus – and the United States military – ever died so that you could live? The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 5:3 (NIV) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

He died in my place, yours too, so that we could see glory with Him. He died to secure my eternal future.

Give yourself to him. What do you have to lose, except your eternal soul?

This post began with a commentary on the Beatitudes. Here, for your reading enjoyment is the entire text of Jesus's introduction to the Sermon on the Mount.

Meditate on these words of enlightment from the fifth book of Matthew (NIV) –
The Beatitudes
[Jesus] said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

May God bless you today and every day. AMEN.

Thoughts to ponder during the second week of Lent

The Lord, though he was God, became man. He suffered for the sake of those who suffer, he was bound for those in bonds, condemned for the guilty, buried for those who lie in the grave; but he rose from the dead, and cried aloud:

 

"Who will contend with me? Let him confront me. I have freed the condemned, brought the dead back to life, raised men from their graves. Who has anything to say against me? I," he said, "am the Christ; I have destroyed death, triumphed over the enemy, trampled hell underfoot, bound the strong one, and taken men up to the heights of heaven: I am the Christ."

"Come, then, all you nations of men, receive forgiveness for the sins that defile you. I am your forgiveness. I am the Passover that brings salvation. I am the lamb who was immolated for you. I am your ransom, your life, your resurrection, your light, I am your salvation and your king. I will bring you to the heights of heaven. With my own right hand I will raise you up, and I will show you the eternal Father." — Melito of Sardis, 2nd century church father

Follow Him, and you will find that, "...with God all things are possible," including our salvation. Amen!

Blogger's Note: Closing scriptural text from Matthew 19:26 (NIV)

Pray so you will not be tempted

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan; Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
                                                                                                          — Book of Common Prayer

Give thanks...for everything

Today, one of the Lenten studies I am pursuing focused on prayer, reasoning that we should give thanks for the small things as well as the large things. The psalmist gives a multitude of reasons in the reading associated with the text, Psalm 103:1-5. After reading the assigned scripture, I went on to embrace the entire psalm, and have recorded it below for your consideration.

As I read it, this psalm of David explains why we should thank the Good Lord above for everything in our lives. After all, as verse 19 explains, “The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.”

Since this is the case, who else would you pray to? To whom, other than God, would you give thanks? And, since His Son declared it so, pray in Jesus name, always. John 16:23-24 (NIV) [Jesus said] 23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

Give thanks daily for your food, your warmth, your humble abode, your children, your health, your faith…I could list a million things I am thankful for, but I am sure, when you read it, you will understand the psalm’s guidance.

Psalm 103 (NIV)
1 Praise the LORD, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The LORD works righteousness
    and justice for all the oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
    his deeds to the people of Israel:
8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
    slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
    nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
    or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
    so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
    he remembers that we are dust.
15 The life of mortals is like grass,
    they flourish like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
    and its place remembers it no more.
17 But from everlasting to everlasting
    the LORD’s love is with those who fear him,
    and his righteousness with their children’s children—
18 with those who keep his covenant
    and remember to obey his precepts.
19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
    and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Praise the LORD, you his angels,
    you mighty ones who do his bidding,
    who obey his word.
21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
    you his servants who do his will.
22 Praise the LORD, all his works
    everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the LORD, my soul.

Ending today's post with the prayer from the devotional - Lord, open my eyes that I may see the giftedness of my life and let my life be a hymn of praise and thanksgiving. AMEN

Today is Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday. Lent begins today, bringing with it a season of reflection and somber thought about our sin and Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.

Throughout Lent, Christians wait patiently to exchange the Easter morning greeting, “His is risen!” He is risen, INDEED!”

In my humble opinion, repentance and reconnecting are the key words associated with Lent.

During the weeks ahead, Christians throughout the world take time to reflect on the days leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus as foretold in Isaiah 53:12 (NIV)
[Bolded words from the scriptures are my emphasis.]
Therefore, I will give him a portion among the great,
   and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
    and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
    and made intercession for the transgressors.

Many Christians sacrifice a significant pleasure during the season of Lent. Some give up chocolate, some smoking, others give up alcoholic beverages or gambling. When I was a youngster, my Catholic friends were required to abstain from meat during Lent. I can remember the public school cafeteria always had a fish choice during the Lenten season.

This semi-fasting experience is not designed for depriving oneself of something, or as a means of atonement for our sins, it’s more about devoting yourself to God, fulfilling His purpose for us in this world.

I approach my sacrifice by reasoning that if I can take my mind off just one of my guilty pleasures for the next 40-odd days, perhaps the fast will result in a better relationship with the One who truly matters – Jesus Christ!

What are you giving up for Lent? Will it impact your relationship with Jesus? Think about it.

While you're considering the question, I'll close with a prayer that opened a devotional I am following during the Lenten season -

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. — The Book of Common Prayer

And, AMEN!