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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
Through prayer and fasting these five spiritual leaders in Acts 13 become more sensitive to the prompting and leading and guidance of The Holy Spirit. God wants to direct The Church in a very specific way at this time. These men of God knew how to control their appetites and their physical desires. They were strong enough to control themselves. They were not men who could be easily influenced by external situations and circumstances. They were not men who were easily influenced by flimsy fashions and changing ideas and ideologies and philosophies.
They knew how to say "NO", and they knew when to say "NO".
We too have to know when to say "NO". No, I' not doing that. No I'm not going there. No, I'm not going to be involved in - whatever that might be.
We have to be as willing and eager to say "YES"! - always "YES" to Jesus, and sometimes "NO" to men.
These leaders are worshipping and fasting and praying, and it is not always to be so secret that no one is ever to know.
Certainly we must not parade it. Jesus makes that very clear that it must never be done for show. But the Bible is not afraid to name these five spiritual leaders, and what they are doing, so that others can be inspired to imitate them and learn the pattern.
These men are showing the degree of seriousness, which can be involved in leadership in The Church of Jesus Christ. They are seeking a deeper fellowship with God. This is more than a token. They meant business with God, and as they give their undivided attention to God, God speaks to His People, and what God says on this occasion is - "I want these two men - I need these two men - I have called these two men - Barnabas and Saul. You separate them and I will send them out."
Here is sin city (Antioch) sending out missionaries. Today, we would probably argue with God that they were needed in Antioch, to lead and teach and ensure the foundation was securely laid. The Church in Antioch requires this quality and calibre of men.
God says - Separate them - be prepared to send them out. - I have called! There was a work, which God had for them to do.
This book is all about Mission and service in The Church of Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit must be behind ALL MISSION. No man can do the work of God without the Holy Spirit.
When God speaks we never know where it will lead to, and we seldom know how HE will lead. What is God saying to you through these studies - and how is HE leading YOU?
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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