Make Sure You Check In------Saturday, May 1, 2010 by Dave Sonnenberg

MAKE SURE YOU CHECK IN


Saturday, May 1, 2010

By Dave Sonnenberg



One of the things I appreciate is about today’s text is not the healing nor the miracles (yes- those are appropriate)- it is the fact that Peter is staying in touch with others. He’s walking about, circulating, checking in with others- and in the process discovering place and situations where he can be a catalyst for healing.



The fact that he is staying in touch and making contact with others, unveils a few situations where he can get involved in a helpful way. In our day and age, we have the opportunity to circulate in a variety of ways but one we must embrace (and many of us do) is the power of tools such as facebook. We have the chance via our network of friends to “check in”, “observe what is going on”, and to offer words of encouragement as often as possible. Being “present” for others is a way to spark healing and wholeness. Whereas, our facebook outreach may not bring someone back from the dead, a thoughtful word or a reassuring comment may very well help another see their life in a new way.

Many of you are exceptional at being present and circulating with a network of friends. If you are, keep it up and see it as “ministry”. If not, “seize the day”. Circulating our “friends list” and checking in is a powerful and important way to be “present” for others.

Circulate.

Acts 9:32-43

32 Now as Peter went here and there among all the believers, he came down also to the saints living in Lydda. 33There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, for he was paralysed. 34Peter said to him, ‘Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed!’ And immediately he got up. 35And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

Peter in Lydda and Joppa

36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. 37At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. 38Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, ‘Please come to us without delay.’ 39So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. 41He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. 42This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.