Rejoice:

Read:

13 ¹ Now 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 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.” ³ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on themand sent them off. 

My soapbox, which I’m sure you’ve noticed by now… is hearing the Spirit speak! The church was seeking after God and then the Spirit began to speak! In fact, to confirm what we’ve been talking about from the beginning: the Spirit gave them their direction and next moves in their ministry. I’ve been saying it is crucial for Him to guide us or we will ultimately just be seeking after fleshly “good deeds.”

One of the most important realities that can be learned in the book of acts is the necessity for the Spirit to be our guide. Here we see His importance in a ministry with radical accomplishments. Which is super motivating! However, He is important even in our day to day life. In fact, I’m a firm believer that we need our daily habit of listening to him so that we will obey when He says something harder. In the same way the Church is practicing obedience as things begin to get even worse!

Maybe you’re reading this and thinking you’re top notch when it comes to listening to the Spirit. So let this he a reminder to constantly evaluate where you are! It’s easy for us to drift and not even realize we have changed. Additionally, our flesh is constantly lurking and waiting for us to give in to sin because its easier! Be aware.

Respond:

Lord, help re to be aware of my flesh. Show me the ways in which I have begun ignoring the Spirit. Keep me from trusting myself over You!

Relate:

I think today’s devotion should be applied by fellowshipping with the Spirit. So, take a few moments to communicate with Him.