June 19

Acts 13

As I was reading this, I was picturing in my mind what it might have looked like when Barnabas and Saul were offering themselves to the Lord as vessels to be used to bring glory and honor to God.  Maybe it looked like us on a Sunday morning. They were worshiping, praying, praising, and listening for God's voice. They were also fasting, perhaps because they sensed a need to seek God in a special way. Let's assume they fasted and prayed about the need of the world to hear the gospel and know Jesus. As we read on, we can see how God answered their prayer - hands were laid on, they were prayed over and sent out to spread the message.  As we learn about gospel rhythms, we see that this is often how God moves. God answers prayer by sending the people who have it on their hearts to develop spiritual disciplines and then respond when called.  I believe we too have been set apart and anointed by the Holy Spirit, just as Barabas and Saul.  In him we were also chosen, and have been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. (Eph. 1:11) We each have different gifts which will be used to bring God glory. I pray as we go into the day we practice the gospel rhythms and then take time to listen to God's voice and watch for opportunities to unfold to share the gospel.

Randi