October 30, 2019

October 30
Running with Jesus  

Acts 16:40 "And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed."

     After they were released from their jailing Paul and Silas returned to Lydia's house and were comforted.  Lydia's home was the forming of the Church of Philippi. Paul went to her home upon her pleading. Normally Paul lived independently as he traveled selling tents. This time he went and stayed with her.  In those days Lydia having a business meant she had workers and a community surrounding her. We were told earlier she and her household were baptized identifying themselves as followers of Christ. God was at work forming this church, a place of comfort, and it began when God opened her heart to receive the gospel.
      I am doing a study of the women of the Bible. Never underestimate your abilities as a woman when it comes to God. He uses both men and women to get His work done. He will use anyone with a humble spirit and a servant’s heart, whether we are wealthy like Lydia or a poor servant girl like Mary. God looks upon our hearts and knows us and searches our hearts. Joseph was the youngest brother and God saw his heart.
      What does God see in your heart? Do we have a willing spirit? Where did Paul find Lydia after God called him in the vision to go to Macedonia, at a prayer meeting outside of town by a river. Lydia was seeking God and he saw her heart and opened her eyes to see Him.
       We will find God in our prayer time while we are crying out to God. We are to be God chasers, someone once said! I want to be among those who chased God and found Him!
               

 Father, look deep into our hearts today, we long for you! We cry out to You with thirsty souls. Here we are Your servant. Fill us with Your spirit today and show us Lydias who are praying for someone. Tell them how to find God. Make us aware of the opportunities today.
 

Paul, moving forward, tomorrow!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015