ACTS of the Apostles - Learning How to be Daring & Dynamic

Read Acts 13:1-12

Focus Verses: Acts 13:2-3

While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work for which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

I am reading the book of Acts from a paraphrase, The Passion Translation. In this section, the author made a point to demonstrate that an encourager, possibly a carpenter, a companion to royalty, and Saul (a trasnformed Christian murderer) worshiped together. Once again, it seems that one of the distinct qualities of the early church was unity in diversity.

Right in the middle of their time of worship, the Holy Spirit spoke up to announce Barnabas and Saul were set apart to do important work. The writer of Acts wasn't specific about how the Holy Spirit spoke. Did He speak through one of the men? Or, did He interrupt the worship with a loud voice of direction? Don't you wish you knew? I do!

And, yet, I realize that isn't really the point. The actual point is that the Spirit of God calls out gifts in Believers and sends them out to share those gifts to spread the Gospel. This is what He did in the first church, and it's what He's still doing now. With all of my heart, I believe God's Spirit equips His children for service. Then, He directs His children how to use those gifts.

Later in our story, Paul and Barnabas struck a sorcerer who was opposing them with blindness. That act of power caused the governor to immediately believe.

When God's gifts are used and signs and wonders take place, witnesses always take notice and marvel at God's power. He seems to delight in performing miraculous signs and wonders through normal human beings.

Paul and Barnabas were set apart by God for His work and service, miraculous works and service. I believe we are too, and I want to live open to that possibility.

God, fill us with your power. I don't want to speak for everyone, but I want to be included in Your miraculous work. I know signs and wonders point the lost world to You. Holy Spirit, rest on us, lead us, instruct us, guide us, and intervene through us. We desire You in all of Your power. Amen.

I invite you to use this song to invite the Holy Spirit into your day and experience with Jesus today.

**This summer, we will spend all of our time focusing on the reality that God calls all of us to live fully in His Spirit's direction in all that we do, even the practical and mundane. The book we will be using for our summer study is "Practically Divine," by Becca Stevens. (Nashville folks, you know her form Thistle Farms.) Stay tuned for more information, BUT it wouldn't be a bad idea to go ahead and order your book.