Friday, July 26, 2013
Acts 16:14-15 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 OF GOD IN ACTS -- PREPARATION
The amount of time that goes into preparing for a vacation, a project at work, or a job around the house is often underestimated! The series of devotions this week is based on a Vacation Bible School series entitled "Missionaries of Christ." When it comes to VBS there's lots of preparation critical to making it happen. Flyers have to be made, printed, and distributed weeks in advance. A staff of teachers, crafters, musicians, and helpers for recess and snacks all have to be lined up and encouraged what to do. Classrooms and class materials all need to be ready. And there is plenty more!
All these preparations are made for a single goal and purpose -- to get the Good News of Christ's victory over sin, death, and the devil out to everyone possible! We have learned this week of God's ACT in converting Paul from a foe to a friend of Christ! God was the one who ACTED by instructing Philip to catch a chariot to teach a man about the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. God ACTED to strengthen Stephen's faith so that he boldly confessed Jesus in the face of death. It was God who ACTIVELY sent Peter to preach the Gospel to all the world. Today, we see God's ACTION in preparing many different events, bringing the disciples to the right place at the right time, and opening the heart of Lydia to hear the word about her Savior Jesus.
As in the case of Lydia, God continues to prepare opportunities to witness for Christians everywhere: VBS, a visit at the hospital, stopping by the neighbor's, a phone call with a friend, or a child with a question, etc. In countless situations God prepare hearts to hear the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ! We are ambassadors for Christ and representatives of His cross of salvation no matter where we go. May God prepare our hearts to let His light shine faithfully!
