Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Women witness of the Gospel

Bible portion: Acts 16:11-15

Key Verse: One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. (Acts 16:14)



Devotion
 

Lydia Becomes a Believer: Lydia is not called as a follower of Christ or a follower of “The Way” but simply a worshipper of God suggesting that she was a gentile who had begun to worship God but had not encountered the good news and the resurrection of Jesus. Acts notes that she was from the city of Thyatira and was a dealer in purple cloth. Despite her successes as a famous businessperson, she had a real hunger for the Lord. Regardless of her all obligations to her business, she faithfully and regularly attended the prayer meetings at the riverside. Lydia knew that it was not enough just to listen to the word, she must pay attention to what she had heard, so she received it wholeheartedly.

Lydia’s Response: Lydia embraced the Gospel with such fervor that she and her entire household were baptized as she became the first convertor resulting from the expansion of Paul’s mission into European territory. With the spirit’s convicting nature upon her heart, Lydia becomes a beacon of hospitality, inviting Pual and Silas and all their company to stay at her home. After Paul and Silas released from the prison, they returned to Lydia’s house. Lydia’s generous hospitality made her home spirit to transform the lives of others coming to know Christ. Likewise, we may become the vessels through which the spirit continues to act in our generations, community, and church. Let us use our gifts and abilities to do what we can and where we are. Let us nurture a heavenly perspective, by opening our heart and all that we must be as a servant for God. In the 21st century, as never before, it is crucial that the church reaffirm these truths, not only for its own sake, but also for the sake of the surrounding culture.

 

PRAYER
 

Heavenly father, Open our hearts and minds as true worshippers of God. Amen!


Thought for the Day 
 

Response to God’s initiative is the key to become a true witness.

 

Mrs. Mariamma Abraham
Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Houston, Texas.

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