Lydia
Time to Shift Priorities? She [Lydia] was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” Acts 16:14 Lydia was a savvy businesswoman who had established a relationship with many, if not most, of the wealthiest citizens in Philippi. Her specialty was purple cloth, a high-end fabric that symbolized status in first-century Europe because the …
Empowered to Witness to the World
The Greatest Miracle of All Jesus said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 After the …
Empowered to Be Faithful unto Death
Elisha’s Last Days We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 Elisha’s death wasn’t as spectacular as Elijah’s had been—no whirlwind, no fiery horses, and no chariot. Elisha became sick, died, and was buried (2 Kings 13:20). However, he was visited by a king …
Empowered to Declare God’s Greatness
A Powerful Witness Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15 Her story is told in three verses, yet the legacy of her faith has endured for almost 3,000 years. She was simply a “young girl” taken captive by the Aramean army. Given …
Empowered To Do Even Greater Works
Working by the Spirit of God “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.” 2 Kings 2:9-10 When the Lord made it known that he was about to take Elijah up …
Empowered to Offer Support
When Life Doesn’t Make Sense “Did I ask you for a son, my Lord?” she said. “Didn’t I tell you, ‘Don’t raise my hopes’?” 2 Kings 4:28 Sometimes God blesses us with gifts we didn’t ask for—maybe didn’t even dare dream of. That’s what happened for the Shunamite woman who extended hospitality to the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 4:1–17). For …
Empowered to Bless Others
The Invitation “Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp. Then [Elisha] can stay there whenever he comes to us.” 2 Kings 4:10 The friendship began with a dinner invitation. A wealthy woman from the village of Shunem noticed that the prophet Elisha passed her home …
Empowered to Take Risks
Bold Faith Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few.” 2 Kings 4:3 She’s identified only as “the wife of a man from the company of the prophets” (2 Kings 4:1). But the Bible reveals enough of her character to inspire me—and convict me. She knew joy. She had two …