Bold Businesswomen

JAN 29, 2023  / Sunday | Series: God Could Use Someone Like You – Read Acts 16:11-15, 40 / Proverbs 31:10-31

Overview: Any aspect of our lives—not just the “religious” things—could be used by God. And it definitely includes our workplaces and life experiences

30 / Mon – Influence in business  |  Read Acts 16:11-15

Originally from Thyatira, a city famous for its dyeing facilities, Lydia had moved to Philippi where she established a successful business selling rare purple cloth. Her heart was opened at Paul’s explanation of the gospel and she was one of the first European converts to Christianity. Her home became the meeting place for a new church. She didn’t become a pastor or deacon but her job gave her influence, pointing many to Jesus. What are you (or were you) known for at your job?

31 / Tue – Unafraid  |  Read Acts 16:38-40

You may know the story of why Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown in prison while in Philippi and what happened next (Acts 16:16-37). Even after their imprisonment, Lydia was unafraid to identify with them. And she was most likely the first to welcome the jailer and his family into the fledgling church as new brothers and sisters in Christ. Your job may bring you into contact with wealthy or important people as Lydia’s did but will you remain humble and be courageous while serving those whom others might reject?

01 / Wed – Small decisions  |  Read Philippians 1:1-11 / Philippians 2:1-4 / Phil 4:1-9

About 10 years after Paul first met Lydia and the Philippian church was born, he wrote a letter to them. This small group of people had grown into a maturing body of believers. They were standing strong against ongoing opposition and continued to support Paul’s ministry team as they took the gospel to other places. What small decisions in your past, like Lydia’s, have produced spiritual fruit that still amazes you? If you can’t think of any, just wait til you get to heaven!!

02 / Thu – Doing the job right  |  Read Colossians 3:12-17

You may not be a business owner like Lydia but you work somewhere. Even if you are a student, a homemaker or a retired person, you still have a job. You are called to represent Jesus everywhere you go and whatever you find yourself doing. Interacting with customers or neighbors, co-workers or fellow students, overseeing projects or cooking dinner for your family. What are some ways you can reflect Jesus’ character in your words, attitudes and actions?

03 / Fri – Remember who your real boss is  |  Read Colossians 3:23-24

Who do you work for? Customers, a manager, teachers? Or maybe you are self-employed? Your paycheck may come from a company but you are working for the Lord Jesus. He sees your heart’s attitude. He understands that you might be working in difficult situations or with difficult people. Maybe it would help to imagine that Jesus is the one who is standing in front of you? Treat them just like you would treat him and see what happens.

04 / Sat – Good words to consider  |  Read Proverbs 31:30-31

This chapter is often used to encourage women, especially wives. But what if you are a single woman like Lydia? You probably do many of these same things, at work or in your home. What principles could you apply to your circumstances? And if you are a man, read this whole chapter carefully to see how you can affirm the women in your life. God uses both men and women to impact the world for Christ in unexpected ways. How do scriptures from this week change your perspective on the way you live and the work you do?