Acts 13 - Praying God's Word

 

Please read Acts 13.

Meditate on verses 2 and 4.

 

While they were ministering to the LORD and

fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart

for Me Barnabas and Saul for the

 work to which I have called them."

So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit,

they went down to Seleucia

and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

 

Saul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey was launched by the Holy Spirit, with God clearly orchestrating His timing for going to Cyprus, an island southwest of Antioch in the Mediterranean Sea.  While in Cyprus, Saul encountered Elymas, a man discouraging their missionary work (v. 8).  Be aware it is common for God’s work to encounter opposition.  In your own life or church, is there an “Elymas,” who is unsaved or a false teacher, trying to hurt the work of the Kingdom?  Observe Saul, who is also known as Paul (v. 9), confront Elymas:

 

Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him, and

 said, "You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil,

you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to make

crooked the straight ways of the LORD?

—Acts 13:9b-10

 

This spiritually blind man became physically blind as a result of discouraging faith in others.  The Holy Spirit prompted the mission trip and the rebuke.  Being led by the Spirit is a great way to walk each day.

 

Pray Acts 13:2 and 4 over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

 

“Holy Spirit, set apart _________ and me for the

work to which You have called us.  Send us

out, Holy Spirit, where You want us to go.

In Your name, Jesus~”

 

The WATCHMAN on the WALL, 4 – Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell