Day 38: The Disciples at Antioch Worshipped

Word:

As we wrap up our 40 Days of Discipleship, we are spending the last days meditating on God's call and work in and through the church at Antioch. We are believing for a similar move of the Spirit so that we would be a community committed to being disciples and making disciples who touch the four corners of the world.

As we turn to Acts 13, we discover another fruit of discipleship in the church at Antioch: wholehearted worship. The disciples worshipped with such devotion that it created the environment for the presence, gifts and leadership of the Holy Spirit to infuse their life together. A disciplemaking church is a church that worships the Lord wholeheartedly, and this worship becomes the foundation for all other ministry.

Scriptures For Today:

As you read today's Scriptures, read slowly and attentively, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you as you meditate on His Word.

Acts 13.1-3 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. 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.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

Psalm 86.8-10 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.

1 Thessalonians 1.4-10 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

Worship:

Prayer:

Jesus, You are worthy of worship! Let us be like the disciples at Antioch and the church at Thessalonica by turning from idols to worship you wholeheartedly!

Listen & Obey:

Spend two minutes in silent, listening prayer. Write down what you sense the Holy Spirit speaking to you.

Here are some prompts to assist you:

Lord, what do You want to speak to me from these passages of Scripture as I start my day?

How do You want me to apply this truth today?

Who do I need to share this with today?