GOD OPENS THE HEART
Quote for Today
“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”
- John Lennon
Bible Podcast
Take 10 minutes every day and have the Bible read to you. In one year you will have read the whole Bible and your life will have dramatically been changed.
That I can guarantee.
Click here to visit the “One Year Bible Podcast."
Used by permission. International copyright secured.
WORD FROM THE HOLY BIBLE FOR TODAY
Acts 16:14
“One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.”
REFLECTION
HOW THE LORD OF LIFE GIVES LIFE
“Everywhere Paul preached some believed and some did not. How are we to understand why some of those who are dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1, 5) believed and some did not?
The answer why some did not believe is that they “thrust it aside” (Acts 13:46) because the message of the gospel was “folly to [them], and [they were] not able to understand” (1 Corinthians 2:14). The mind of the flesh “is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot” (Romans 8:7).
Everyone who hears and rejects the gospel “hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed” (John 3:20). They remain “darkened in their understanding . . . because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart” (Ephesians 4:18). It is a guilty ignorance. The truth is available. But “by their unrighteousness [they] suppress the truth” (Romans 1:18).
But why then do some believe, since all are in this condition of rebellious hardness of heart, dead in their trespasses? The book of Acts gives the answer in at least three different ways. One is that they are appointed to believe. When Paul preached in Antioch of Pisidia, the Gentiles rejoiced and “as many as were appointed to eternal life believed” (Acts 13:48).
Another way of answering why some believe is that God granted repentance. When the saints in Jerusalem heard that Gentiles, and not just Jews, were responding to the gospel, they said, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life” (Acts 11:18).
But the clearest answer in Acts to the question why a person believes the gospel is that God opens the heart. Lydia is the best example. Why did she believe? Acts 16:14 says, “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.”
If you are a believer in Jesus, all of these happened to you: You were appointed to believe; you were granted to repent; and the Lord opened your heart. The rest of your life you should be overflowing with amazed thankfulness at the miracle that you are a believer.”
- By John Piper. © Desiring God Foundation.
GOD OPENS THE HEART
HOW THE LORD OF LIFE GIVES LIFE
Acts 16:14 is a great verse to reflect on! Lydia’s story highlights the power of God's work in opening hearts and the role we play in sharing the Gospel. Here are some key takeaways and how you can apply them to your daily life: 1. Be Open to Divine Opportunities Reflection: Paul and his companions didn’t force the Gospel on people—God prepared Lydia’s heart to receive it. Application: Look for moments where God is already at work in people’s lives. Be prayerful and attentive to divine appointments in your daily interactions. 2. Share the Gospel with Love and Boldness Reflection: Paul faithfully preached, and Lydia responded because God opened her heart. Application: Share your faith naturally and confidently, trusting that God will open hearts. Whether through words, actions, or kindness, let Christ shine through you. 3. Cultivate a Heart of Worship and Devotion Reflection: Lydia was a worshiper of God even before she heard Paul. This shows that seeking God prepares us for deeper understanding. Application: Stay committed to prayer, worship, and studying Scripture daily. The more you seek God, the more He can use you for His glory. 4. Use Your Gifts and Resources for God's Kingdom Reflection: Lydia was a successful businesswoman, and after her conversion, she used her home and resources to support Paul and other believers. Application: Whatever skills, finances, or influence you have, use them to serve others and advance the Gospel in practical ways. 5. Trust God to Work in Others’ Hearts Reflection: It was God who opened Lydia’s heart, not human persuasion. Application: When sharing the Gospel, don’t rely on your own efforts alone. Pray for God to open hearts and trust Him to do the work only He can do.
Neven MacEwan
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart that longs to be aligned with Your will. You are the God who opens hearts, who calls people into Your marvelous light, and who invites us to be laborers in Your Kingdom. Today, I surrender myself to You—my thoughts, my plans, my words, and my actions. Awaken my spirit, Lord! Open my eyes to the divine opportunities You place before me each day. Make me sensitive to the prompting of Your Holy Spirit so that I may see those who are hungry for Your truth, just as You prepared Lydia’s heart to receive the Gospel. Give me the boldness of Paul to share Your Word, not in my own strength but in the power of Your Spirit. Father, I ask that You remove any distractions, fears, or doubts that keep me from stepping into the work You have prepared for me. Let me not be consumed by my own plans, but instead, make me a vessel, ready and willing to be used for Your glory. When You call, let my heart respond with obedience and joy. Lord, use my gifts, my voice, my resources—everything I am—for Your Kingdom. Just as Lydia used her home and business to support the spread of the Gospel, let me use whatever You have given me to bring others closer to You. Let my life be a testimony of Your grace and love, drawing people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. And Father, I pray for those whose hearts You are preparing. Soften them, Lord. Remove the blinders and open their ears to hear the truth. Let Your love be irresistible to them. Let the seeds I plant today bear fruit for eternity. I trust You, God, for the increase. Let Your Kingdom come, and let Your will be done in and through me. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.
Neven MacEwan
-
Be the First to Comment