By the River

Devotional: By the River

By Rev. TJ Lucas

“The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul.” — Acts 16:14

There she was—by the river.

Lydia.

A woman of means. 

A dealer in purple cloth.

A worshiper of God.

We don’t know why she was there that day.

Maybe she was working—rinsing rich fabric in the cool current, her hands steady with skill. Maybe she was bartering with other merchants, her voice clear and respected in the din of the marketplace. Maybe she was resting, the scent of river reeds around her, feet in the stream, letting the water hush the noise of her busy life. Or maybe—maybe she was praying, her heart open and hungry for more.

Whatever the reason, Lydia showed up.

And when Paul came—led there by a vision in the night—she was ready. The Spirit stirred, the moment met her readiness, and her “yes” echoed through history—founding one of the first churches in Europe and reminding us all: a quiet moment of openness can birth a movement of faith.

Women Have Always Carried Purpose

Lydia’s story reminds us: faith often rises not in fame, but in faithfulness. History doesn’t always name us. Not all stories make the page.

But women have been there—in the background, at the margins, in the thick of it—since the beginning. We've planted churches and carried messages. We’ve led nations and cradled newborns. We’ve balanced checkbooks, baked communion bread, sat in pews, marched in protests, raised our voices, and bent our knees in prayer.

We’ve held our households together and held our churches up.We were the first to witness the resurrection, and the first to say yes to God's call when others hesitated.

Like Lydia, many of us wear many hats. Some are mothers. Some are not.Some are caregivers. Some are CEOs. Some preach. Some organize from behind the scenes.

Some fight quiet battles no one sees—but God sees.

And each of us—each of us—carries sacred purpose.

How Do We Access That Purpose?

It might come like it did for Paul—with a dream that stirs your soul. A tug in your spirit saying, “Go there. Help them. Speak now.” Or it might come quietly—like Lydia’s riverside moment.

Maybe it arrives through routine—folding laundry, walking the dog, finishing a report.

Maybe through rest or chance encounter.

God doesn’t only speak in thunderclaps and burning bushes. Sometimes purpose unfolds like water—gentle, steady, full of reflection.

Like water, it nourishes. It carves canyons over time. It creates life.

The key is this: Be open. Be ready. Show up.

Our Church’s Purpose

At our church, we say it plainly: 

Love First. Always.

That’s our call. That’s our compass.

We believe purpose is not reserved for the polished or the platformed. You don’t need perfect faith or perfect credentials. If you’ve got a willing heart, you’re already halfway there.

You have purpose—Whether you're building businesses or braiding hair,Preaching sermons or packing lunches, Raising children or raising your voice.

You were created with intention. And like Lydia, when you open your heart to what God is doing—You become part of something so much bigger than yourself.

So come to the river. Come with your work, your rest, your questions, your wonder.

Come as you are. And let your yes ripple outward in love.

A Prayer for Purpose

God of riverbanks and quiet courage,

Thank You for the bold hearts who listen, love, and lead—not with judgment or pride, but with compassion and hope. Thank You for those who show up faithfully—in homes and workplaces, churches and streets, online and in person—carrying Your light wherever they go.

Open our hearts like You opened Lydia’s.

Help us live on purpose—anchored in love,

ready to speak truth when needed, and to serve without seeking praise. And when we’re criticized for loving too freely or welcoming too wide, remind us: You were, too. Strengthen us to keep walking the Way—the Way of grace, of healing, of belonging for all.Let everything we do point back to You.Amen.

Spiritual Practice: The River Moment

This week, create space for your own river moment. Set aside 2–5 minutes a day—no phone, no noise. Just you and the Spirit.

Imagine a riverbank. (Or visit one!)

You’re sitting there—feet in the cool water, sun on your shoulders, heart open.

Ask yourself:

Where am I being called to act in love this week?

Who needs hope—and how can I help carry it?

What small yes can I offer today?

Place a bowl of water or a smooth stone somewhere visible as your reminder.

Each time you pass it, whisper:

“God, I’m here. Let me bring light, not judgment. Hope, not fear.”

And trust—Your purpose doesn’t have to be loud. It just has to be love.