Acts 16:11-15 Video Devotional

“So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. 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 16:11-15)

Luke’s travel journals tell a much larger story than sometimes we think. Acts 16 is a good example of that – the story of Lydia’s conversion actually tells the first documented story of a person coming to Christ in Europe! Talk about an incredible legacy! Lydia’s not responsible for the entire continent’s Christianization, but being the first convert and providing an open door for more ministry is certainly a great start for a continent that holds some HUGE moments of history (good and bad) for our faith.

You have probably heard me say this before, but we are seeing as we walk through Acts a very clear recurring theme of God not showing partiality to genders, races, ethnic types, etc… God’s desire is that ALL people would know Him, and he is happy to highlight truly different people in some amazing and vitally important stories. From the Ethiopian on the road, to Timothy’s lineage and now Lydia (to name a few), God clearly has His sights set on men and women of all nations, economic status and backgrounds.

What does that mean for us? It means our witness should be much bigger than our friends who are just like us. It means that we should be friends with all different types of people, allowing God opportunity to use us for His glory to whomever He desires to bring onto your path. Are you friends with people who aren’t like you? Maybe someone of a different race or nationality? Or how about a different political persuasion? Or someone who has made significantly different lifestyle choices?

I hope that answer is “yes”, and I hope and pray that God uses you to share His love (as opposed to “His rules”).



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