MONDAY August 14, 2023
Have an Open Heart
Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.
Acts 16:14-15
At the river in Philippi, a wealthy business woman named Lydia sold her purple cloth. She was originally from Thyatira––a city of the province of Lydia in western Asia Minor––and, interestingly, one of the seven churches in Asia mentioned in the book Revelation. It is believed she was a Jewish proselyte, as she worshipped God.
Lydia heard Paul’s teaching and listened intently to his words. Lydia was very impressed, and, as she listened, her heart was open to all he was sharing. Lydia had a genuine hunger for God’s Word. She believed in Christ and, as a result, was eager to be baptized. Without hesitation, Paul baptized Lydia and all her household in the river. Herbert Lockyer states: “Lydia had the honor of being Paul’s first European convert.” Can you imagine Paul’s joy as he saw the first European convert come to Christ?
Lydia loved the Lord, and having the gift of hospitality, she invited Paul and his company to stay with her in her home. As missionaries, they relaxed in her home, enjoyed fellowship, and were refreshed. They all became good friends.
Do you have an open heart or closed heart to the Gospel message? Perhaps you have the gift of hospitality. Are you willing to open your home to missionaries to minister to their needs as they faithfully spread the Gospel of Christ?
I cannot tell you what joy it gave me to bring the first soul to the Lord Jesus Christ. I have tasted almost all the pleasures that this world can give. I do not suppose there is one that I have not experienced, but I can tell you that those pleasures were as nothing compared to the joy that the saving of that one soul gave me.
~C.T. Studd~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
