Acts 16:13-15 NIV
[13] On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. [14] One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. [15] When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

This story moved me so much. Especially the part where the Lord opened Lydia’s heart to respond to Paul’s message.

So beautiful to see what can happen when we just let the Holy Spirit do His work in our hearts.

Paul did not manipulate Lydia to host them in her house. No arm twisting. No coercing. It was completely of her own free volition, moved by the Holy Spirit.

And this is the ideal: Whether it’s attending church meetings, serving in the church, giving to the Lord—it must never be by compulsion, strong arm tactics, manipulations, coercion or intimidation.

2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV
[7] Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Lydia was not manipulated or intimidated into giving her home to the Lord and serving Him. She did it voluntarily and cheerfully. And she did so because the Lord opened her heart to respond to their message.

I love it when that happens, because it’s real, and it’s blissful.

Today is Financial Favour Friday. And, like Lydia, if the Holy Spirit Himself prompts you to give, then do so. Do it voluntarily. Do it cheerfully, as the Holy Spirit Himself moves you.

Today is Financial Favour Friday!

Every Financial Favour Friday offering is a Love Gift to the Holy Spirit.
So, give blissfully and generously!