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Acts 16:11-15, The Conversion of Lydia

Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today

A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul.
— Acts 16:14

NL Daily Devotion for Saturday, June 6, 2020

by R. Fergus Moir, Clergy Stuff


The first European Christian was a woman. An independent, free-thinking woman whom God called to start a church in her home. That’s not the theme of this devotion. I just like to say it because it makes me happy.

God opened Lydia’s heart to listen eagerly to Paul’s message about the good news of Jesus, and she responded. Do I listen “eagerly” to God’s word? Is it transformational in my life the way it was in Lydia’s? Sometimes I wonder if my familiarity with the Bible hinders me from a true encounter with something life-changing. Do I approach God’s word with curiosity and wonder, with an open mind and heart? I can’t always say yes. But when I do approach it that way, it is transformational.

Holy Spirit, open my mind and heart to receive your word each time I read or hear it. Amen.