Philippians 1 - GNTD & KBTP

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.

When you think of a successful businesswoman, what comes to mind? Maybe someone who is independent, hardworking, and respected. Now, imagine someone like that but also deeply committed to God. That’s Lydia, a business-savvy, God-fearing woman who played a major role in the early church.

Lydia wasn’t a preacher or prophetess, yet her faith, generosity, and leadership helped spread the gospel. Her story shows that you don’t have to stand on a stage to make an impact, you can serve God right where you are. Let’s dive into seven powerful lessons from her life!

1. She Made Time for God, Even with a Busy Schedule

Acts 16:13 (KJV) – “And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a riverside, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.”

Lydia was a businesswoman who sold purple cloth, a luxury product in her time. She had money, influence, and responsibilities, yet she still made time to seek God. When Paul arrived in Philippi, she was already at a prayer gathering with other women.

In today’s world, it’s easy to say, “I’m too busy for God.” School, work, and life keep us occupied. But Lydia shows us that no matter how full our schedules get, seeking God should always be a priority.

2. She Had an Open Heart for God’s Word

Acts 16:14 (KJV) – “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.”

Lydia was already a worshipper of God, but when she heard Paul preaching about Jesus, she embraced the gospel fully. She didn’t just listen, she responded.

Many people hear about Jesus but never truly respond. Lydia didn’t just agree with what Paul said—she let God change her heart. Are we open to God speaking to us, or are we too distracted to listen?

3. She Took Immediate Action in Her Faith

Acts 16:15 (KJV) – “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.”

Lydia didn’t hesitate. As soon as she understood the truth about Jesus, she took action, she got baptized, and she made sure her whole household did too.

Sometimes, we feel God calling us to take a step, maybe to get baptized, start reading the Bible more, or make a change in our lives. But we hesitate, waiting for the “perfect moment.” Lydia teaches us that when God moves in our hearts, we need to respond quickly.

4. She Used Her Resources for God’s Kingdom

Acts 16:40 (KJV) – “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.”

Lydia was wealthy, but she didn’t keep her blessings to herself. She opened her home as a meeting place for believers, making it a safe space for the early church to grow.

Many of us want God to bless us with success, but are we willing to use our blessings for Him? Lydia’s generosity helped spread the gospel. How can you use what you have, your time, money, talents, or even your home—to serve others?

5. She Had a Generous Spirit

Proverbs 11:25 (KJV) – “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”

Lydia didn’t hesitate to give, whether it was her home, resources, or hospitality. Her generosity fueled the mission of the early church, proving that faith isn’t just about what we receive but also about what we give.

In a world that tells us to chase wealth for personal gain, Lydia shows that true prosperity comes from a generous heart. Success is great, but helping others along the way is even greater.

6. She Was a Leader in the Faith

Philippians 1:3-5 (KJV) – “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”

The church in Philippi, which Lydia helped start, became one of the strongest early Christian communities. Paul later wrote to them, thanking them for their faith and generosity.

Lydia’s faith didn’t just affect her, it built up an entire community of believers. She reminds us that our faith isn’t just for us; it’s meant to impact those around us.

7. She Shows That Faith and Success Can Go Together

Matthew 6:33 (KJV) – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Lydia was a successful businesswoman, but she put God first. She didn’t see faith and success as two separate things—she used her success to glorify God.

Many people think they have to choose between faith and success, but Lydia proves you can have both. When you put God first, everything else will fall into place.

Conclusion

Lydia was a real-life boss lady who put God first and made a lasting impact. She proves that you don’t need a pulpit to be a leader in God’s kingdom, you just need a heart that’s willing to serve.

So, how can you be like Lydia this month?

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Birthdays are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate life, reflect on our journey, and give thanks for the blessings we’ve received. The Bible offers numerous verses that can inspire and uplift us on these special occasions. Here are seven Bible verses that are perfect for celebrating birthdays:

1. Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

A birthday is a powerful reminder that God has a plan for each of us. As we celebrate another year of life, it’s comforting to know that our future is in His hands, filled with hope and promise.

2. Psalm 139:13-14

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Celebrating a birthday is a perfect time to reflect on the wonder of our creation and the love that God has for us.

3. Proverbs 9:11

“For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.”

Blessings come with living a life guided by wisdom. It encourages us to seek wisdom in our daily lives, promising that doing so will add to our days and enrich our years.

4. James 1:17

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Birthdays are a celebration of the gift of life, and this verse reminds us that every good thing we have comes from God. It’s an opportunity to give thanks for the blessings we’ve received over the past year.

5. Psalm 91:11

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

As we celebrate birthdays, it’s reassuring to remember God’s promise of protection. This verse assures us that God watches over us and sends His angels to guard us in all our endeavors.

6. Lamentations 3:22-23

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Each birthday is a testament to His compassion and a new beginning filled with His mercy and love.

7. Philippians 1:6

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

We are encouraged to trust that God is continually working in our lives. Our birthdays are milestones in the journey He has set for us, and He will faithfully complete the good work He has begun in us.

Conclusion

Celebrating birthdays with these Bible verses can bring a deeper sense of meaning and gratitude to the occasion. Reflecting on God’s promises, His love, and His plans for our lives adds a spiritual dimension to our celebrations, reminding us of His presence and purpose in our journey. Happy Birthday!

1 From Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus—

To all God's people in Philippi who are in union with Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and helpers:

2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

Paul's Prayer for His Readers

Lydia: The Boss Lady Who Put God First

Celebrating Birthdays: 7 Bible Verses to Reflect On

Celebrating birthdays with these Bible verses can bring a deeper sense of meaning and gratitude to the occasion. Reflecting on God's promises, His love, and His plans for our lives adds a spiritual dimension to our celebrations, reminding us of His presence and purpose in our journey. Happy Birthday!

3 I thank my God for you every time I think of you; 4 and every time I pray for you all, I pray with joy 5 because of the way in which you have helped me in the work of the gospel from the very first day until now. 6 And so I am sure that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of Christ Jesus. 7 You are always in my heart! And so it is only right for me to feel as I do about you. For you have all shared with me in this privilege that God has given me, both now that I am in prison and also while I was free to defend the gospel and establish it firmly. 8 God is my witness that I tell the truth when I say that my deep feeling for you all comes from the heart of Christ Jesus himself.

9 I pray that your love will keep on growing more and more, together with true knowledge and perfect judgment, 10 so that you will be able to choose what is best. Then you will be free from all impurity and blame on the Day of Christ. 11 Your lives will be filled with the truly good qualities which only Jesus Christ can produce, for the glory and praise of God.

To Live Is Christ

12 I want you to know, my friends, that the things that have happened to me have really helped the progress of the gospel. 13 As a result, the whole palace guard and all the others here know that I am in prison because I am a servant of Christ. 14 And my being in prison has given most of the believers more confidence in the Lord, so that they grow bolder all the time to preach the message fearlessly.

15 Of course some of them preach Christ because they are jealous and quarrelsome, but others from genuine good will. 16 These do so from love, because they know that God has given me the work of defending the gospel. 17 The others do not proclaim Christ sincerely, but from a spirit of selfish ambition; they think that they will make more trouble for me while I am in prison.

18 It does not matter! I am happy about it—just so Christ is preached in every way possible, whether from wrong or right motives. And I will continue to be happy, 19 because I know that by means of your prayers and the help which comes from the Spirit of Jesus Christ I shall be set free. 20 My deep desire and hope is that I shall never fail in my duty, but that at all times, and especially right now, I shall be full of courage, so that with my whole being I shall bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For what is life? To me, it is Christ. Death, then, will bring more. 22 But if by continuing to live I can do more worthwhile work, then I am not sure which I should choose. 23 I am pulled in two directions. I want very much to leave this life and be with Christ, which is a far better thing; 24 but for your sake it is much more important that I remain alive. 25 I am sure of this, and so I know that I will stay. I will stay on with you all, to add to your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that when I am with you again, you will have even more reason to be proud of me in your life in union with Christ Jesus.

27 Now, the important thing is that your way of life should be as the gospel of Christ requires, so that, whether or not I am able to go and see you, I will hear that you are standing firm with one common purpose and that with only one desire you are fighting together for the faith of the gospel. 28 Don't be afraid of your enemies; always be courageous, and this will prove to them that they will lose and that you will win, because it is God who gives you the victory. 29 For you have been given the privilege of serving Christ, not only by believing in him, but also by suffering for him. 30 Now you can take part with me in the battle. It is the same battle you saw me fighting in the past, and as you hear, the one I am fighting still.

Dumiliso

1 Ndimi Paulo, ndina Timoti, tili balanda ba Kirisiti Jesu.

Ku bayengemali* bose muna Kirisiti Jesu bamu nzi we Filipi ne badiyi ne batiyakoni be gubungano:

2 Ngoni ne kunyalala kunodwa ku Ndzimu Tate bedu na She Jesu Kirisiti ngakube namwi.

Paulo unotembezelela babali be lukwalo gugwe

3 Ndoboka Ndzimu wangu misi yose ha ndimukumbula. 4 Tjibaka tjimwe ne tjimwe tjandinomutembezelela, ndotembezela nge kushatha, 5 ndiboka sekwa makabhatana nami mu nshingo we ndebo mbuya, kudwa mu zhuba le kutangisa kowoti ngwenu, 6 ndina malebeswa e kuti iye wakatangisa nshingo wakanaka mu muli, unowoupedzisa mu zhuba la Kirisiti Jesu. 7 Kwakandilulwamila kuzwihwa sa ikoku nge kwenyu mose, ngobe mumu moyo wangu misi yose. Mose makashanganila ngoni dze Ndzimu nami, kose mu busungwa gwangu ne mu kuvikilila ne kusimisa ndebo mbuya. 8 Ndzimu ntendeki wangu, kuti ndoyemula kumubona mose kwazo nge ludo gwa Kirisiti Jesu.

9 Ngono ntembezelo wangu hwuti, ludo gwenyu gudwilile gupaphidzike ne zibo nenge kuhwisisa nge buzhalo, 10 kuti ndizo mutubule kushalula tjakalulwama kupinda zose, ngono mube bakatjenapala musibe ne nlandu mu Zhuba la Kirisiti, 11 mowowang'wa muna mitjelo izhele ye ndulamo inozha ndi Jesu Kirisiti kukudza ne kulumbidza Ndzimu.

Kutjila hwutjilila Kirisiti

12 Ndoshaka muziba etji zwikamu, zwakandishingikalila zwakabhatsha kuandamisa ndebo mbuya. 13 Ngono ngekwa ikoku, babhayani bose pano ne bamwe bose banoziba kuti ndi mu busungwa ngekwa Kirisiti. 14 Bunjinji gwe zwikamu, bakasimisiwa muna She nge busungwa gwangu, kakale batjibe nge tjilopa kuleba dama le Ndzimu basingatje.

15 Malebeswa hwukuti bamwe banosumikila Kirisiti nge ndandala nenge kukakabadzana, koga bamwe banonsumikila nge mazwiwo akalulwama. 16 Aba banokuthama nge ludo, ngobe beziba kuti Ndzimu wakandipa nshingo we kuvikilila ndebo mbuya. 17 Ibabo bamwe banosumikila Kirisiti nge kushaka kuzwishingila bali boga kusi nge moyo wakalulwama beshaka kundidziyidza kunjinji mu busungwa gwangu.

18 Apa koti tjimwe kene? Kene Kirisiti unosumikigwa nge zila ipi kene ipi, yakabipa kene ye malebeswa, ngono ngekwa ikoko ndoshatha. Ee ndowoshatha, 19 ngobe ndoziba kuti nge mitembezelo yenyu nenge bhatsho ye Meya ya Jesu Kirisiti, ikoku kowoshanduka kukandisunungula. 20 Sekwa ndinoyemula, kakale ndigalabgwe kuti anditowobhakhwa nge shoni mu nshingo wangu, koga nge kulebeleka ndakasimisamoyo sekwa ndagala ndithama, Kirisiti unowokudziwa mu mbili wangu; kene kuli nge butjilo kene nge lufu. 21 Ngobe kundili kutjila ndi Kirisiti, kufa imbuzilo. 22 Koga ha ili kuti kutjila ndiko kuna nshingo una mbhayilo, ipapo anditoziba kuti ndingashalula kupi. 23 Ndi pakati kwe mikumbulo mibili, ndoyemula kuthubukana nge butjilo ndikanobe na Kirisiti, ngobe ikoku kobhatsha kwazo. 24 Koga kube nditjatjila mu nyama kosheteka kupindisa, kuti mubhatshike. 25 Ndogalamoyo ndi ikoku, ndoziba kuti ndowotjila, ngono adwilila namwi mose, ndithamila ikoku kudwilila mbeli kwenyu ne kushatha mu kugalamoyo, 26 koyita kuti mundili mube nge tjamungazwikudza nditjo muna Kirisiti Jesu ngekwe kuzha kwangu kumuli kakale.

27 Tjikulu hwuti, zila ye butjilo gwenyu ngaiyendilane ne ndebo mbuya ya Kirisiti, kuti ndizo kene ndizha kuwomubona kene ndisipo, ndihwe nge kwenyu kuti makabhata makasimisa nge meya ing'ompela ne nkumbulo nng'ompela mugwisila kugalamoyo kwe ndebo mbuya, 28 musingatje tjimwe mu zwita zwenyu, woku tjilakidzo ku bali tje kulobesiwa kwabo, koga tje jidzo lenyu, linodwa ku Ndzimu. 29 Ngobe makakupiwa kuti, ngekwa Kirisiti musigalemoyo munli koga, mudziyilebo nge kukwe, 30 muli mu ngwa iyozwayo yamakabona, koga ngwenu muhwa kuyi ndi muili.