Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Jul 24th, 2012 Just for Ladies by Camille Stahl

Today’s Passage – Proverbs 28 – 31 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text)

(Second Milers also read – Luke 3 – 4; Psalms 111 – 115; Proverbs 24)

Scripture Memory for July – Hebrews 1

Watch “Growth Points – The Trail of the Blood” by Pastor Chappell

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 89:1

A Study of Women in the Bible

Lydia, A Business Women Who Loved The Lord.

“And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.” (Acts 16:9-15)

“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.” (Act 16:40)

Lydia was a intelligent, well respected, dedicated and successful, business women.  She was in contact with many people and lived in her house with others. As involved with her work as she was, she still found time to serve the Lord.  She was not like other women, because many of them served Apollo, but she served the one true God.  This busy day she was on her way to a prayer meeting for women only. This prayer meeting was different.  They had a guest speaker, Paul the apostle; with Silas, Luke and Timothy.

Lydia loved God, but did not know the Lord Jesus as her Saviour until Paul came to preach that day.  Because Lydia’s heart was tender, when she heard the preaching of Paul, she was saved and baptized. She told the people in her home about the saving grace, and they were saved and baptized as well.  As busy as she was, she invited the men to stay at her home.  What a servant’s heart! But where did she find the time?  Paul and Silas came to Lydia’s home again, and Lydia and her household took care of them after they were beaten in prison .

Today woman are busy more then ever, but we must follow Lydia’s example and find the time.  Our family and jobs are an important part of our lives, and so is serving the Lord.  We can start at the beginning with prayer,Bible reading and attending all the church services.  Also, we can serve by telling others about the saving grace of Jesus Christ.  Lydia served God by serving other ladies at her church. You can easily fill a void in someone’s life by investing some time in them.  Ask them how their week went and find out a little something about them. Everyone is looking for a little attention. Support your church’s missionaries. Ask a visiting missionary over or out to dinner.  If you are able, have a travelling missionary family stay at your home.  Brother Stahl and I use to own a four bedroom home and had missionaries stay with us a few times.  If you pray and ask God for help, He will not only help with finding you the time, but He will show you how you can serve.

Lydia had been given much and she used it for the Lord.  She is proof of what God can do through a person who makes Him first in their life.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Thank You
1 John 5:13 – 14