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Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Lydia's Example

Lydia's Example


Lydia, an exceptional example of faithfulness towards our Lord and Savior! Acts 16:15 says;

"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."

Lydia's faith in Christ was real and strong. Studying the book of Acts has made me realize that Lydia was an example of a Proverbs 31 woman! Lydia was an exceptional woman of God.

She was definitely a leader in the community as a business woman but most importantly in the fellowship of believers! Her business was one of luxury in those days, so by reading the scriptures, we understand that the Lord had blessed her financially. Luke also makes it clear that it was "her" household. She was an incredible home manager!

In Acts 16:15 she invited the missionary party to stay at her house. Paul usually did not come alone, so it meant that it did not matter how many people would be staying with her!

I love that about Lydia!

In Acts 16:40 it says that her home served as the meeting place for the Philippian church. We don't know how many believers usually came together but what we do know is that, as Paul was about to leave the city, they gathered at her house. They must have met there everyday for prayer, singi1 Corinthng, and studying of God's Word.

This part of her reminded me not to get weary in well doing as we do our part in the fellowship of believers!


In Acts 16:14 Lydia was described as a worshiper of God. The faithfulness of her walk with Christ was manifested in her worship towards our Savior and Paul's acceptance of her hospitality!


As we remember Lydia in the early church, may we remember that the home that we have belongs to our Savior. Some of us are raising children while others of you are working outside the home - either way, we can use our gift of hospitality to serve our Him as Lydia had.


When I think of Lydia's life, it reminds me of that passage of scripture In 1 Peter 4:8-9 where it says,

" And above all things have fervent love for one another for "love will cover a multitude of sins." "Be hospitable to one another without grumbling."

Close and Personal:

1. Do you know your Spiritual Gift?

2. If you do, are you obeying the Lord and using it?

3. Realizing, as Lydia, are you opening the beautiful home the Lord gave you to give a "cup of cold water" to those in service for Him or for someone who needs a place to rest?

4. Would our homes be honoring to Him if He needed a place to stay?

"My dear Father, may we always remember to be thankful for everything you have blessed us with. May we never forget that you give us the ability to make money and not for ourselves but to help those of the "household of faith."
Amen,

In Him,

Elaine

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6 Comments:

Blogger elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Well...not sure my home would honor him if he came to stay simply from the fact that I'm not sure where we'd put him! We're a crowded family that fills the corners to completion.

As it is with my house, so often it is with my heart.

Crowded.

I need to make some room this day, so that he can, indeed, be honored in this home and in this heart.

peace~elaine

May 27, 2008 at 8:18 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I read something years ago by Nancy Wilson in "The Fruit of Her Hands". I don't have the exact quote, but in general it was speaking of the same thing... about how our homes where given to us by the Father to manage and run and bring Glory to Him. That is what keeps me motivated to stay on top of the house work (all though right now we are doing some major rearranging so the house is in shambles - probably not so honoring). But, I try and keep the mindset that at any moment a visitor could come to my front door and I should be able to welcome them in with open arms and not be embarresed by a messy and unpleasant house. It is a struggle sometimes, especially with five children, but I have learned that if we all work together, our home can be a place that brings Glory to the Father in all things!

May 27, 2008 at 9:09 AM  
Blogger Leslie Maddox said...

My husband and I were married six months ago, bought a house four months ago, and are still working out the whole "home" business. But one thing we do know is that we want our house to be a place that people look forward to coming to. So I'm looking to older and wiser women (via blogs and friendships) to learn how to make a house into a home. This devotional is a good reminder that this endeavor is God-honoring.

May 27, 2008 at 12:43 PM  
Blogger Sheila said...

What a great reminder of the good we can do as worship in being hospitable.

Sheila

May 27, 2008 at 3:54 PM  
Blogger Denise said...

Such a great post, thank you.

May 27, 2008 at 6:59 PM  
Blogger windycindy said...

How true and Amen to your words. We were licensed foster parents and now we have two sons. I hope our home has been used for God's purposes. Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

May 27, 2008 at 9:32 PM  

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