Acts 16:14 NLT

"One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying."

Lydia was a successful businesswoman who was spiritually hungry but didn't know Jesus yet. Paul sat down by a river and told her about Him, and Luke says the Lord opened her heart. Paul couldn't do that part, and neither can you. You can't argue somebody into the kingdom or talk them into a changed heart. Your job is to point people to Jesus and keep praying. Opening hearts is God's job, and He's really good at it.

Look at what Lydia does the moment her heart is opened. She gets baptized, her whole household follows, and then she tells Paul, "Come stay at my house." She didn't quit her business or try to become somebody else. She just took the life she already had and made it available to Jesus. That's what lordship looks like. Jesus doesn't want one hour of your Sunday or one compartment of your life. He wants you, and when He has you, your home, your money, your work, and your relationships all come with it.

By the end of Acts 16, the believers in Philippi are gathering at Lydia's house. The same house she had before she knew Jesus is now being used for His purposes. So, what part of your life still has a "keep out" sign on the door?

This week, pick one thing already in your hands, like your home, your truck, your table, or your paycheck, and use it to bless somebody else. Never underestimate what Jesus can do with an ordinary life that is completely open to Him.

Just a thought,

PSS