October 21, 2016: SOAP #2514:  Job 9-10; Acts 13-14

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 13:1 In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

Observation:  Worship is a good setting for God to speak to His people.  The heart is aware of His Presence.  The mind is contemplating His character and ways.  The ears are open to hearing what God is saying.  The person is in an attitude of faith and ready to commit to doing what God directs.   And for the church in Antioch, it was also a time of fasting.  Fasting is saying “no” to the flesh so that we can better hear God and say “yes” to Him.    The word to Saul was confirmation for what Ananias had spoken to him in Acts 9:15.   It was a word of timing; now was the time God would fulfill that word in Saul’s life.

Application:   It is good to tune my spirit to the Lord by tuning out things of the world, things that appeal to my human nature.  And during times of worship, I should expect God to speak to and through me.   When God speaks to me, I should be quick to take action to obey.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, as you have created and called me to do your will, I expect that you will reveal your will to me.  Lord, as in the verses above, you did not talk specifically to Barnabas and Saul, but you spoke to the church about them.  May I also be present in church when you speak to someone about me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!