Are you one or do you know a true woman of faith?Today's Scripture:
And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
Acts 16: 9-15
What is the point of the small story of this woman, Lydia? In a day ruled by men, Lydia is a rich businesswoman; the head of her own household; and a Gentile worshipper of God. In knowing these things we can speculate that she was intelligent, independent and faithful. We also know that she cares deeply for the members of her household because she wants them to hear Paul's message and be saved. Through God's calling this single person of faith the entire church at Philippi is born and through that church Christ's message is spread into Europe.
And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
Acts 16: 9-15
What is the point of the small story of this woman, Lydia? In a day ruled by men, Lydia is a rich businesswoman; the head of her own household; and a Gentile worshipper of God. In knowing these things we can speculate that she was intelligent, independent and faithful. We also know that she cares deeply for the members of her household because she wants them to hear Paul's message and be saved. Through God's calling this single person of faith the entire church at Philippi is born and through that church Christ's message is spread into Europe.
What a beautiful example of how one woman's faith changed the world.
Selah people' and friends do you think Lydia knew the impact she had in the greater world? Do you recognize how you influence those around you? Who are some examples of great women of faith? What makes them great? Who are some women of great faith in your own life? What can you and I do continue this legacy and continue to make and impact on our world and the young people who are our future?
"Join me in thinking about some of the "footprints" of faith you would like to leave in your life. How would you like to share with people? Make a plan to accomplish one in the near future. Also, as Mother's day approaches thank one woman who has helped you in your faith."
Selah people' and friends do you think Lydia knew the impact she had in the greater world? Do you recognize how you influence those around you? Who are some examples of great women of faith? What makes them great? Who are some women of great faith in your own life? What can you and I do continue this legacy and continue to make and impact on our world and the young people who are our future?
"Join me in thinking about some of the "footprints" of faith you would like to leave in your life. How would you like to share with people? Make a plan to accomplish one in the near future. Also, as Mother's day approaches thank one woman who has helped you in your faith."
Your pastor,
Rev Patrick Muston
Selah Christian Church
Four Oaks, NC
http://selahchurch.com/
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