Expand
Missions Begin – Part 2

Scripture Reading: Acts 13:1-5

Key Verse: Acts 13:2

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Following up on yesterday’s devotional I want to study the progression of an effective missionary effort.  The first thing I see is that the church was worshipping and fasting.  This passage of scripture doesn’t tell us exactly what they were fasting for.  My guess would be they were asking God to help them know how to walk in obedience to Him.  I believe they had been feeling a “holy discontent” about their efforts in winning the world for Christ.  They went to prayer and fasting to seek God’s heart.

            The first step for any church is to continually seek God’s heart.  What does God want His people to do with their time and money?  Keeping prayer as the central and most important exercise in the church is essential.  Worshipping was one of the keys of this first missionary effort in our scripture.  As they were worshiping, the Holy Spirit spoke.  True worship opens the doors to God’s movement in the church.  Worshipping together has always been a practice in God’s church.  Corporate worship brings God’s people together with a single focus on who God is and what He wants.

            When you go to church, don’t enter into the service casually.  Be active in the singing and praying by your full participation.  We never know when God might break in with a special message to the church as he did in Antioch.  Determine to focus on the message of each song, allowing God to speak.

Father, my flesh gets in the way of true worship at times.  Help me to give you what you deserve: worship in spirit and truth!  In Jesus’ name, amen.