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Friday, June 19th, 2015
CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
1 Kings 20:1-21:29
Acts 12:24-13:15
Psalm 137:1-9
Proverbs 17:16
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1iIfujf
Commentary from Pastor Mike White:
As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” – Acts 13:2
One of the most common questions I hear as a pastor is, “How can I hear from God?” Another is, “Is fasting really necessary?” Our reading today lends an answer to both questions.
Immediately prior to hearing specific instruction from God’s Holy Spirit, the church at Antioch did two things: 1) they ministered to the Lord, and 2) they fasted. These are frequently the necessary ingredients if we need to hear from God in a major way.
To “minister” to the Lord has multiple meanings. “Minister” is the Greek leitourgeo (Strong’s 3008). It can mean to minister to God as a priest ministers in the temple. It can also mean to pray. To “minister” can also mean to instruct others concerning the way of salvation. Finally, it can mean to materially aid those in need of resources, thereby alleviating their poverty.
When the early church 1) prayed, 2) witnessed, 3) practiced radical generosity, and 4) fasted, God spoke.
So, do you need to hear from God? Pray. Boldly share the Gospel. Give like your life depends on it. Fast as worship to the Lord. As you do those things, make time to listen for God’s voice.
Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. – Acts 13:3
Prayer:
Father, I need to hear from You! Bring me back to the simple disciplines: ministering to You and fasting. I know that when I do the simple things, You will speak. It’s just that simple!
© Michael D. White, 2015. All rights reserved.