Editor’s note: This is the last of a two part article.)
In Acts 16:9-15, we saw last week that Paul had a vision of a man at Macedonia who beckoned him to come and help his community. The scripture goes on to tell of Paul and his companions’ travels through many communities and that they prayed by the river on the sabbath, as was their custom.
The scriptures also taught about Paul’s encounter with Lydia, a local business woman, who although wealthy, knew she and her household needed salvation. Not being selfish, Lydia invited the men to her house so that her whole neighborhood could learn about Jesus. Her home became the first “house church” in Philippi.
Now, how do we apply this lesson from the amazing book of Acts:
I. The first lesson we learn from Paul and his companions is to hear God’s instructions for your life. Determine what your spiritual gift is and then get busy listening for Jesus’ guidance regarding how God wants you to use that gift so that others come to know Christ and get saved.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
II. Secondly, we may have to “Go” to some places where we have never gone before in obedience to God. We may have to share our testimonies with people whom we do not know, with strangers remembering that once we were all strangers here in the USA with the only original occupants of North America being native American Indians. In obedience to God, we have to step out of the boat and walk on water sometimes to be true to God’s Holy Word. Walking on water is not always fun; however, it leads us to victory.
III. We do not know where we are going; however, God does. We have to Trust God, remembering that we walk by faith and not by sight. If you had told me when I was a teen or a college student that I would be a preacher, I would have said, “You must be crazy.” I never dreamed of being a preacher. I thought I would be a teacher like my parents. We never know how God is orchestrating our lives; however, God knows what God created us to be. Our job is to walk in the will and way of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our job is to obey God.
IV. Listening is a very important character trait for the people of God. The Psalmist says, “Be still and know that I am God.” We need to hear what Jesus is saying to us and what Jesus is telling those around us as spokespersons for Jesus, ambassadors for the Lord. Our job is to listen like Lydia did and if what has been said resonates as real and authentic with us, we must do like Lydia did and learn as much as we can from the messengers whom God sends to us.
V. When the Word is made clear in our presence, we need to invite others to hear. We need to have a hunger for others to be saved, to know this joy that we have that the world did not give and cannot take away. God has given us the Great Commission and that commandment is for every human being to be included in God’s salvific plan. God is no respecter of persons and we are not to be partial toward one group or one sex, but to love one another as God has loved us. Lydia was not selfish. She invited the men to her house so that her whole neighborhood could learn about this phenomenal Savior Jesus Christ. Her home became the first “house church” in Philippi.
VI. We must learn to enjoy the beauty of God’s good earth. The women were praying “down by the riverside.” There is a quiet stillness around the water. There is a refreshing, rejuvenating feeling to be among the trees swaying, birds singing, clouds moving, and squirrels scurrying up the trees. God speaks oftentimes when we are away from the hustle and bustle of work and gadgets and technology.
VII. Prayer changes things. The power of prayer is amazing. The women met for prayer down by the riverside and their lives were changed, because they prayed. God heard the women praying. Some theologians believe Lydia was leading that prayer meeting. God was pleased with their prayer meeting; however, God knew the women had little knowledge of who Jesus was and what Jesus had done for them. So God allowed Paul to see a vision that led him right where the women were praying, so that they could learn how Jesus died for them and rose again providing an opportunity for them to be forgiven, saved, and filled with the Holy Spirit, all needed for abundant life on earth and eternal life with Jesus in heaven. Prayer moves the heart of God.
VIII. Like Paul and his company, many people today are praying to God for someone to “help them” understand the Word of God, to help them understand what living holy, righteous lives means, to convince them that they cannot have abundant life without our Savior, Jesus Christ. The need for one to rightly divide the word of truth is more important than ever today. There are so many counterfeit lies that the world tries to perpetrate as abundant life (money, prestige, possessions, etc.) Like God prepared Lydia and the women, God will prepare people right here in our city to hear our testimonies of who Jesus is and what Jesus has done for us.
IX. God is an ever present help in times of trouble. Ask and you shall receive, the Bible tells us. Lydia needed help and God sent Paul and his company to rightly divide the Word of Truth for them.
X. God can speak anywhere — in our cars, in our homes, in the grocery store, at church, and even down by the river side. God is everywhere and speaks to us continuously. Our job is to hear what God is saying and to absorb the Word, so that we can live holy lives.
What would it look like if we were so excited about Jesus that we went down by Lake Saracen to share our testimonies about Jesus? How beautiful would it be to be outside in God’s beautiful earth praising God with the birds and fish and living vegetation. Jesus did just that even preaching from the boat on the water, on top of the mountains, and even on the plain.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for showing us the way. Thank you for dying that we may have life. Thank You for being our Savior, King of kings, Lord of lords, Lily of the Valley. Thank You for meeting us wherever we are, even down by the riverside. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Amen!
The Rev. Edna Morgan is pastor of St. Luke United Methodist Church in Pine Bluff. Her husband, David Morgan, is a retired pastor in the Arkansas Conference, and together, they established a 501(c) (3) non-profit retreat center, Healing Place Ministries, in 2004, that serves the Pine Bluff and Jefferson County areas.
Editor’s note: Pastors, ministers or other writers interested in writing for this section may submit articles for consideration to shope@adgnewsroom.com. Writers should have connections to Southeast Arkansas. Please include your name, phone number and the name and location of your church or ministry.