Hi Parents!

When I was a kid I would hear the word dork used in a derogatory manner toward other people. Because of that I have difficulty not feeling bad for Tabitha having the name Dorcus. I know it’s silly, but every time I read this passage, or think about it, I think of that. I am so happy that my Bible has a foot note that tells me Tabitha (Aramaic) and Dorcus (Greek) both mean gazelle which is a beautiful and graceful deer. I also love the description given of Tabitha that shows she is active serving God by helping the poor. It is obvious she was loved by the widows who probably made up the majority of the poor people.

Tabitha died, she was dead. The ladies prepared her body for burial and I’m sure this was not the first time they had done such a thing. They knew she was dead. They were sad. When the other disciples (followers of Jesus) heard that Peter was nearby, they sent for him. Since they were rushing, I’m assuming they had faith Peter could do something about the situation. They weren’t just calling him to say words over Tabitha.

After Peter cleared the room he took time to talk with God. We were told several times Jesus would do the same thing. After praying Peter told Tabitha to get up. Guess what happened…yep, she opened her eyes and sat up.

God answers when we pray. I am so blessed that I have so many friends, big and small, who prayed for me when I was diagnosed with cancer. God answered those prayers and although I’m still taking medication, I feel like I’m healed. Unfortunately, God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we want. I think that is one of the ways He teaches us to depend on Him. If we always got what we wanted, if things always went the way we wanted…we wouldn’t become the people He needs us to be. We wouldn’t know how to console folks who have problems.

Please read this story with your children (young and old). Help them understand how God always hears our prayers. He loves us and cares for us. We might not always get what we want…but that’s kind of a parent’s prerogative, isn’t it…He knows what is best just like you do.

​Thank you all!
Mr. Chuck

Hi Parents!

Sometimes it is so easy to follow God. Everything at home is going well, 
things at work are good, you are having a great relationship with the 
Lord and you know you are doing what He wants. You are serving Him and 
living the way He wants.

But there are times when it is so hard to feel content. The kids are 
bickering too much or they just have too much energy. Maybe you and your 
spouse are hung up on something you just don't seem able to agree on. 
Maybe you are doubting the salvation of a loved one. Your job is getting 
hard or maybe you have some tough decisions to make.

God uses everything in our lives to sculpt us into the person He needs 
us to be. During our good times it is so easy to be a committed 
believer. During the hard times, it takes more of an effort. But God 
promises to pick up that extra load, He promises to be with us. He never 
stops loving us even when the trial cause us to let off steam in an 
unhealthy way.

Our lesson this week is about following God, even when it's hard. Jesus 
has died on the cross but the disciples have seen and spent time with 
the resurrected Lord. They have the Holy Spirit with them and they are 
bold. Peter and John have already been arrested for talking about Jesus. 
The Jewish leaders warned them to stop preaching about Jesus and 
released them. The apostles continued teaching in Jesus' name and many 
people came from all over to be healed. The leaders became jealous and 
arrested all the apostles. During the night an angel helped them escape 
and told them to "stand in the temple courts and tell the full message 
of this new life." They were not told to go into hiding but to preach 
right in front of the leaders. They obeyed! As a result they were hauled 
before the leaders and flogged for their behavior. They considered it an 
honor to suffer for Jesus.

When things get hard, remember to keep following Jesus and rejoice that 
you are able to live for Him.

Our lesson this week is from Acts 5:12-42. Please read these verses as a 
family and discuss the events with your children. Help them understand 
what it means to follow God when things are tough. I'm sure you have had 
plenty of experience and I know God is using you in their lives.

Blessings dear friends!

Mr. Chuck