Throughout the past 101 days, we have studied the lives of 52 women of the Bible of whom a “She…” statement is found.
Each of these women was used of the Lord for a purpose. Most for good, some for what we would deem to be bad, but all ordained of Him. He worked in and through each of them so that we may learn from their lives. He preserved the details of their perspectives and actions so that we could apply them to ours today. For every “She…”, the Lord has a lesson for us to learn. I pray that someone’s life was changed as a result of the Truths that have been discovered…even if it was only mine. For over three years now, I have written a daily devotional that has been posted on our website. Through each of the four themes, God has worked in my heart in ways I have never experienced before. I look forward to the next theme that He will give us. However, for now, I will be taking a break from the daily posts in an effort to devote more time to a few projects the Lord has birthed within my heart. No time period is definite. My prayer is, Lord willing, to once again continue this online resource as soon as He directs me to do so. There may be sporadic posts as the Lord gives them or a period of silence until a new theme is revealed. This was not an easy decision; however, this is how I feel the Lord is leading. He has confirmed it by bringing peace through the reading of His Word. To every reader, whether faithful or occasional, I say thank you. Thank you for delighting in the Lord, allowing Him to order your steps onto our website, and walking in the Wisdom of His Word together with us. For those asking, here is a Bible Reading Schedule and Bible Reading Checklist for you to use in our absence. Also, the previous posts will still be available online should you desire to use them. Simply use the Archives column or Search bar to navigate to a specific post. So for now, stay tuned… Mark 6:31 “And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while…” - Allison
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Romans 16:2
“That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.” She. She was a sister in the faith both to Paul and the church. Romans 16:1 “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:” Although she was from the area of Corinth, she journeyed to Rome. She was a servant. She was willing to serve anywhere and by anything. So much so, that the Apostle Paul pleads with the church at Rome to receive her and assist her in anything she needed. She was a succourer. She not only cared for the needs of others, but also aided them with her own resources. This word, succourer, is only used in reference to Phebe. Nowhere else is the term mentioned within the Scriptures. What a special commendation for such a faithful helper. She cared for many, but Paul specifically mentions that she cared for him. Thus the reason that he saw fit to include in his letter to the Romans that they help her as she had helped him and so many others. Phebe serves as an example that our labour is not in vain when we serve the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” Acts 16:15
“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.” She. She was baptized immediately. A public confession of the inward transformation that had taken place within her. She provided housing for Paul and Silas when they were in Philippi. Acts 16:15 “…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.” Paul planted a church in Philippi. It is likely that the church began in Lydia’s house. He and Silas were imprisoned while they were there. The Philippian Jailor was converted as a result of their stay. Acts 16:18-40 They returned to the house of Lydia after they were released. Acts 16:40 “And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.” Paul wrote a letter, that we know as the Book of Philippians, while he was in prison in Rome. As you read through Philippians, read with Lydia in mind. She had a great impact on the church being started and sustained there, so it is likely that when Paul refers to the people, he is directly referring to her character and diligence to support the work of the ministry in Philippi. Philippians 4:3 “And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.” She was a Missions Supporter. As a seller of purple, she was a successful businesswoman who was likely very wealthy. This enabled her to give to the missionaries she often hosted in her home. Philippians 4:15-19 “Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” She was a Soul Winner. She must have told all that were in her household what the Lord had done for her. Her household was also baptized. A mark of a true conversion is the desire to tell others. Lydia also serves as an example of the effects that the Gospel can have on our lives if we choose to let the Lord lead us. Acts 16:14
“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.” She. She is known as the Seller of Purple. This meant she sold either fine purple cloth or the dye itself. No husband is mentioned. She was religious. “…which worshipped God…” She was among the group of women who gathered each Sabbath by a river side to pray. Acts 16:13 “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.” Paul and Silas visited the women and Lydia was attentive and heard the Gospel that Paul preached. She traded religion for relationship. Acts 16:14 “…heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.” She was the first convert of Paul in Europe after he had the Macedonian vision. Acts 16:12 “And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.” Lydia serves as an example that religion does not mean we have a relationship with the Lord. Acts 12:14 “And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.” She. She did not open the door immediately. Peter had just been miraculously released from prison by the angel of the Lord. Acts 12:12 “And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.” He came to Mary’s house and knocked on the door behind which there were many praying for him to be released. Acts 12:13 “And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.” Their answer to prayer was literally knocking on the door of the house. She was the servant, and perhaps the first one to hear the knock. She knew his voice. It was familiar to her for she must have heard him preach often, yet she was too stunned to do the most logical thing. Instead of opening the door to let him in, she ran to tell the others that the Lord had granted their request. The very thing they had prayed for had happened, and she was overwhelmed with gladness and joy. Acts 12:15 “And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.” She gave the praise report and they did not believe her. The knocking continued, perhaps getting louder and louder to prove he was outside. She had told them, but they had to see it for themselves. Acts 12:16 “But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.” Rhoda serves as an example of the gladness and joy that we can receive when the Lord answers our persistent prayers |
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