Lydia, a Woman of Influence for God

LYDIA – PART FIVE

This week’s Scripture: Acts 16: 6-40 (read on Biblegateway)

What I heard Lydia whisper in my ear over and over this week was, “be still.” Lydia had a lot of things going on and carried a lot of responsibilities but she always took time to NOT be busy so she could meet God in prayer.

There are times when my life gets weighed down with things to do, expectations and responsibilities. Those are days I need the strength and calm that comes from time alone with God. However, time with Him on occasion gets pushed to later in the day when the chaos has passed. How different the days are when I start off in God’s power. Time in prayer sets my attitude for the day. God reminds me I don't have to run through the day hopelessly focused on things! He helps me prioritize. I choose how my day is going to be with Him by my side; remembering His love and peace.

The story of Lydia is a remarkable one. What a significant part Lydia played – one woman in the right place at the right time with the right heart and right attitude for God to use her. Because of her qualities and who she became she grew to be a woman of influence for God.

What did Lydia whisper in your ear this week? What can and will you allow God to do through you? Take time out of your busy day, everyday, to open your heart, listen, and be obedient to His vision.

Scripture for today: …be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10 NIV).

Think on this week’s verses. Memorize your favorite.

Monday - But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. (Luke 8:15 NIV)

Tuesday – That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10 NIV)

Wednesday – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

Thursday - Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  (Colossians 3:1-3)

Friday – “…be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 NIV).

NOTE: I encourage you to read Philippians. The book of Philippians is about the first church of Europe. Who could have known what Lydia’s generosity would bring about! Paul was sitting in jail in Rome writing them a note praising them for their support (Philippians 1; 4:10-23)

God's Love Filled to Overflowing

I recently read about a man who turned bitter and helpless when his request for a parking variance on his home was turned down by his neighborhood commission.

His gravel driveway didn’t meet the paved surface required by city code. He had been in a terrible accident and, as a result, health problems had forced him to retire. Although he was sometimes confined to a wheelchair, he still managed to do some work to pay his bills. The 64-year-old needed to park along his fence to use it to support himself while he climbed in and out of his pickup truck.

Everyone wanted to help him out but he didn’t have the money to install a parking pad. One person said he couldn’t get the situation out of his mind. He stepped forward and took action. He called several concrete companies to meet him at the sight, talk about it and come up with a way through the dilemma. The workers, without hesitation, volunteered time and supplies and finished the job in short order.

The man was speechless. He cried. He thought no one really cared.

I don’t know if the man realized it or not but he had experienced God’s love. These were ordinary people who were drawn by the love and caring in their hearts to help someone in need.

God calls us to love Him and to allow His love to overflow into loving others.

Scripture Thought for Today: Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 (NLT)

Read Matthew 22:37-40 on Biblegateway

God's Blessings

Have you noticed the blaze of color that surrounds you? The leaves on the trees seem to have turned overnight and the cold weather has encouraged them to hang on for a while.

Yesterday I took a shortcut through a neighborhood to get to our home. As I rounded a curve, I was startled by a huge tree. It stood by itself, completely filling a front yard. It thrust a bright sunshine of yellow leaves into the sky. It was breathtaking.

I was driving to make my way home but my eyes were drawn to all of the trees lining the streets and the mixtures of color. I decided to take an extra loop around the neighborhood to enjoy more and give my mind a break from the day’s routine. It was a great distraction and I felt recharged when I pulled into the driveway.

I thank God for putting this display in front of me. This beautiful distraction reminded me to pause in my hectic day and praise Him for His awesome blessings. I need to pause during each day to refresh my heart. I need to thank Him for the blessings I have received and those that are new with each day. God is good to me…all the time!

Scripture for Today: I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. Psalm 86:12 (NIV)

Live an Attitude of Prayer

Keep a Servant Heart

Scripture: Colossians 3:23 instructs us: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.

Prayer Launch: God calls us to serve others. Our hearts need to be obedient to His call to share His love and what we have with others. Our love for the Lord should overflow into a desire to have a servant’s heart for others. We are not doing it to be seen or honored by people. Our work is to bring honor and glory to God.

Lord, hear my prayer this morning…

Comments: How can you or do you keep a servant’s heart?