The Holy Spirit Speaks


Acts 13:2–3 (ESV) 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 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

These verses are packed with incredible insight into the Holy Spirit.

First, the Holy Spirit speaks to us in worship and times of fasting. What are we doing in worship? We are exalting God in our mouths and letting Him know how wonderful He is. Worship brings God's voice to our lives. Fasting is denial of self for the purpose of hearing God's Word - the true bread. When we don't know what to do, we should consider both for the sake of hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit. 

Second, the Holy Spirit speaks in a corporate setting of the church. This didn't happen in the setting of one or two... there were several people from all kinds of backgrounds. Consider that "Simon who was called Niger" was there, so this is a multi-racial gathering. Also "Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch" was there, so this gathering is a broad spectrum of socio-economic standing. 

The heart of the Holy Spirit is for unity among believers. Ephesians 4:3 (NLT) says, "Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace."  I believe it brings the Holy Spirit pleasure to see the church dwelling together in harmony.

Third, the Holy Spirit speaks for MISSION to happen. This was not a gathering of people simply speaking great things over each other. I've seen that kind of church meeting where a man with a microphone speaks to random people in the crowd of the many good things about to happen for them. I don't discount that completely, but the record of Acts is clear - the Holy Spirit is all about the mission of Jesus being preached all through the world. Evangelism is the heart of the Holy Spirit.

Fourth, the mission of the Holy Spirit will require work. The word from the Holy Spirit is to set Paul and Barnabas aside for the "WORK" to which He had called them. It's work to walk in step with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit likes to see us WORK and put forth effort to bring people the message of Jesus.

If you want to hear from the Holy Spirit, learn how He speaks. It may not be what you expected, but it will lead you to where He wants you, and that's most important of all.

PRAYER:
Father, help me to have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to me. I want to keep in step with Him and listen to Him, I do not want to ignore Him. Help me see the fruit of the times when I listened so that my faith will be built up and I will be even more bold for His cause.

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