Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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  “The role of Women as change makers”
 Acts 16:11-15 
v15  When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

Everyone loves a transformation story. The power of Woman, The right man for the job is a woman, are couple of the bumper stickers we see around at this time of the year.
In Acts chapter 16:11-15 we read about a business woman named Lydia, who invited Paul and his companions to her home.
 
In the previous paragraph (Acts 16:6-10), we saw the work of the Holy Spirit in the ministry of Paul. Paul had considered Asia the next choice for the expansion of the Gospel, but God had His heart set on Europe. Luke describes their experience as “forbidden by the Holy Spirit” when trying to enter Asia and writes that the “the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them.” Paul and his companions submitted to the sovereign direction of God. Paul recognized his vision in his dreams as divine in origin. God’s timing was different from Paul’s. When one door closes, He opens another. When we trust in God’s plan, He never closes a door without a plan to open another door. Doors open and close according to God’s timings, which is perfect.
 
After disembarking in Neapolis, the Paul and his companions went straight to Philippi, which Luke calls “a leading city of the district of Macedonia, a Roman colony (16:12), which was transformed into a military stronghold around 357 BC by Philip II of Macedon (the father of Alexander the Great). Philippi was known to be a chief city because of its economy and influence but did not have a synagogue. On the Sabbath, Paul and his companions spoke to the women who had assembled on the river bank. Lydia was a worshiper of God. She and her household came to faith in Christ as a result of Paul’s teaching. Her outpouring generosity insisted her to invite Paul and his companions to her home. She not only welcomed Christ in her heart but also the ones who preached Gospel to her and to her household. Psalms 68:11 states “The Lord gives the command; the women who proclaim the good tidings are a great host.” Women of God have always been at the center of God’s purpose. Women are key in His plan. To name a few women from the Bible : Hannah – a prayerful mother, Esther – a woman of courage, dignity, wisdom and strength, Deborah – a warrior, who exercised wisdom and leadership for an entire generation, Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, who teaches us servant hood and devotion, Mother Theresa – a compassionate mother for the poor. Can we as women of faith, and followers of Christ make changes in our lives and in the society we live in today by interceding for others?

PRAYER
Father God we pray for your blessings on all the women to a lead a life by the example Christ set and help us to be change makers for such a time as this.”

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
“Make a difference about something other than yourselves.” Toni Morrison
 
Mrs. Anchi Mathews, St. Johns MTC, New York
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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