October 22, 2011 (Job 11-12; Acts 15-16)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul.” Acts 16:14 NASB
Observation: Paul and Timothy had went to the riverside on the Sabbath day and started preaching to some women who had gathered there. Lydia was listening to what the Lord had to say through Paul, when God opened her heart to receive the message. She accepted Christ as Savior and she became a great help to the church from that day forward. She not only opened her heart, but she responded.
Application: As preachers we often take credit for what God does. We do it unintentionally but none the less we do it. We make claims like, “I led that young man to the Lord today” or “I got twenty saved at church today” or my favorite, “I taught the people with godly understanding today”. We need to realize that it takes God to open the heart of people to receive Him. He does all the work, the wooing, and all the saving. At best we are merely tools He uses to accomplish His work. And we should be thankful and grateful to be used by God in such a way, not boastful.
Prayer: Thank You Lord for opening my heart to receive You and the message You proclaim through ordinary men like myself. You are great and worthy to be praise all the day long. Father all the glory is Yours for all the work You perform! Use me as a tool that accomplishes Your will and work. Use me I pray, to proclaim truth to people who need to open their hearts to You, then cause them to respond, in Jesus name, Amen!