Day 14 - Lydia: All In Through Generous Stewardship

Devotional Scripture Reading

Primary Passage: Acts 16:13-15

Supporting Scriptures (as cited in devotional): Acts 16:14, Acts 16:15, James 1:22, Acts 16:40

KJV (Full Text):

13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

Summary: Acts 16:13-15 — Lydia listened to the gospel, the Lord opened her heart, and her household responded in faith.

Lydia’s story shows that God reaches people in everyday spaces and uses them to build His church. She was a seller of purple, a businesswoman with influence, yet she still needed an encounter with Christ (Acts 16:14). Scripture says the Lord “opened her heart.” The Greek verb dianoigō (διανοίγω) means to open fully, to unlock, to expand understanding. Being All In begins when God opens the heart and the believer responds without delay.

First, Lydia shows us faith that receives the Word. She listened, believed, and was baptized (Acts 16:15). This teaches that salvation is not just hearing. It is responding. James 1:22 says we must be doers of the Word, not hearers only. Lydia moved from hearing to action quickly, showing a heart ready for God.

Second, Lydia shows us discipleship that starts at home. She brought her household into faith. Her salvation did not stay private. It became a spiritual covering for her home. This is how the family of faith grows. One heart opens, then a house opens, then a community opens.

Third, Lydia shows us stewardship that funds and hosts Kingdom work. She opened her home to Paul and the believers, and her home became a meeting place for the church at Philippi (Acts 16:40). Lydia teaches that generosity is not only giving money. It is giving space, support, and service. Stewardship is spiritual. It is how believers build the Kingdom in practical ways.

Lydia reminds us that God uses people with influence and resources, not for pride, but for purpose. During this fast, ask God to open your heart wider and use what you must strengthen the body of Christ.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Lydia’s open heart and immediate obedience. Open my heart fully to Your Word and expand my understanding so I can grow in faith and wisdom.

Lord, teach me to steward my resources, home, and influence for Your glory. Make my life a blessing that strengthens my family and builds Your Kingdom. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Reflective Questions:

1. What is one way God is calling me to be more generous or open-handed during this fast?

2. How can I use my influence or resources to strengthen the church family this week?