Lydia is typing…

Jo Penn November 19, 2024 4 3

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Acts 16:14 (NRSVA)

14 A certain woman named Lydia, a worshipper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul.

Psalm 30:5b

‘weeping may stay for the night,
    but rejoicing comes in the morning.’

What does it mean to have a joyful, overwhelming experience of God, a spiritual awakening which is uplifting, that opens eyes to the beauty of the kingdom of heaven and the freedom gifted by the loving Jesus? How to explain that experience to others? What would Lydia say in a text message to friends and family?

Wowza! 

At river with friends, praying. 

Visiting teacher arrived.  

Amazing message.

Full of joyful hope.

Powerful spirit released.

My perspective changed.

My heart warmed.

Jesus IS Lord.

Realised I’m:

Forgiven; 

Freed from past mistakes.

Given: 

Hope-filled vision; 

Status (child of God);

Friendship with Jesus;

Purpose.

I’m:

Standing tall; 

Weeping at beauty;

Dancing with energy;

Loved.

Best thing ever.

Come and meet him!

Prayer:

Jesus,

Thank you for those in our present day who have (like Paul) obeyed your call to travel to different countries, carrying the message of Jesus Christ to those who will listen. We pray for hearts to be open to the invitation that they bring, as Lydia was to the apostle Paul.

Thank you for those who brought the message of Jesus to us, who have sought relationship with us, carried hope to us, and through whom the Holy Spirit has enlivened their words so that God spoke directly to our hearts.

Thank you that you arrange ‘divine encounters’ for us, signs of your loving invitation to follow you, showing that you long for every human being to turn to you and live.

Amen