Faithfulness
Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give us an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give us an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
- Thomas Aquinas, The Westminster Collection of Christian Prayers
And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 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. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.
- Acts 16:13-15 (ESV)
Lydia was a member of the guild of sellers of purple dye in Philippi, succesful and a person of means. Very likely, she was looked up to in her community, but her actions and faith show that work and wealth were not her highest priority.
Described as a worshiper of God, Paul proclaimed to her the gospel of Jesus Christ, and from that moment on she dedicated herself to assisting Paul in his ministry and to the establisment of a church in Philippi. This was a dangerous proposition, and a sacrifice, but she prevailed. She opened her home to Paul and his companions and also became a witness to many, starting with her own household. In faith she responded to the gospel, and did what she could to see that this good news was spread to many others.
O Lord, create a steadfast heart within us today. Grant us understanding, diligence, wisdom, and faithfulness that we may embrace you, through Jesus Christ. And show us how we might take action, today, for the sake of the gospel, serving others through hospitality, words of encouragement, and a God-given vision for changing lives in your name. Amen.
~Pastor Mike Middaugh
- Thomas Aquinas, The Westminster Collection of Christian Prayers
And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 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. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.
- Acts 16:13-15 (ESV)
Lydia was a member of the guild of sellers of purple dye in Philippi, succesful and a person of means. Very likely, she was looked up to in her community, but her actions and faith show that work and wealth were not her highest priority.
Described as a worshiper of God, Paul proclaimed to her the gospel of Jesus Christ, and from that moment on she dedicated herself to assisting Paul in his ministry and to the establisment of a church in Philippi. This was a dangerous proposition, and a sacrifice, but she prevailed. She opened her home to Paul and his companions and also became a witness to many, starting with her own household. In faith she responded to the gospel, and did what she could to see that this good news was spread to many others.
O Lord, create a steadfast heart within us today. Grant us understanding, diligence, wisdom, and faithfulness that we may embrace you, through Jesus Christ. And show us how we might take action, today, for the sake of the gospel, serving others through hospitality, words of encouragement, and a God-given vision for changing lives in your name. Amen.
~Pastor Mike Middaugh
Recent
Archive
Categories
no categories