” Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul.  

One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.”  So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.” – Acts 13:1-3

I love this story.  It is one of the clearest pictures in the Bible of the Holy Spirit moving in the midst of believers.  It is the story of the commissioning of the Apostle Paul (Saul) in his first missionary journey.

Read it closely.  God did not speak to only to Paul and Barnabas about their calling, He spoke to the entire church.  And the amazing thing is, everyone heard the same message.  And the greatest missionary in the history of the world was launched.

How I thank God that these faithful “church people” opened themselves up to the Lord and were willing to share what the Spirit had told them.    I imagine the scene.  Which one in the room was the first to have enough courage to say, “I think God wants Paul and Barnabas to leave us and go share the Good News with other folks.”  Was he afraid of being ridiculed?  Or worse, incurring the anger of others by suggesting such a thing?  Regardless of whatever else was going on with this first member, he was faithful and spoke the truth that God had given him.

It is my prayer that this be a faith community of people seeking God, listening for God, and sharing what He is doing in our lives.  There is great power to be released in the kingdom when we come together and share our witness to the  activities of God in the here and now.

Please join our conversation as you are led through our comment section.  And may we all rejoice together in this journey of faith that we share.

Heavenly Father,

Praise be to Your Holy name!  For You are a loving and active God.  You are continually working in our lives for our benefit.  Give us the boldness to be faithful witnesses to Your goodness.  Help us as a community to tear down any walls that impede the work of Your Holy Spirit in our church.  And bless us with an understanding of Your Will for our community.  

May You Be Glorified In Our Lives Today!

In the name of Jesus we pray,

Amen