iFast
Direction from God – Part 1

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.”

In our scripture for today we read of the church in Antioch.  This community was located in Syria and was the first place recorded that the followers of Jesus were called Christians.  These believers were obviously making great impact on the community for God’s kingdom.  What were they doing that the people in that community started the nickname, Christians, for them?  Most of us want our church to make such an impact on our own communities.  We are not told many details but there are a few key factors.

          First, this group of believers was a worshipping group of people.  They took serious the many commands from God to worship Him, such as Psalms 96:9 – “Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness…” and Psalms 100:2 – “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.”  We can still make a powerful impact on our communities but we still must follow the Bible’s instructions to be a worshipping people.

          The second factor in the Antioch church was that they were a fasting group of believers!  The Holy Spirit stepped into their worship time and gave them direction while they were fasting.  These early believers practiced fasting because of the Lord’s instructions and because of its effect on their lives!  The Holy Spirit directed them to send out an evangelistic team to start more churches.  (Continued)

Father, I want my church and my own life to have great impact for you on those around me.  I will be a worshipping and fasting believer.  In Jesus’ name, amen.