“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.” (Acts 13:2-3)

     Acts 13 opens with Paul’s (Saul’s) first missionary journey.  From this point forward, he would be addressed as Paul, because he was known in Greek-speaking circles by his Greco-Roman name, Paul as he arrived in Cyprus.  The church at Antioch was the first with a significant outreach to the Gentiles, and they now become the first to launch a major missionary outreach beyond their borders.

     The Holy Spirit is the guiding force throughout Acts and it calls forth this missionary outreach. This is God's work, not the result of human plans.  It can and should be a guiding force in our lives—through all of our decision-making, our times of celebration, trials and tribulations, the Holy Spirit works through us to follow through on God’s will.  As believers in Christ, we have been truly blessed with God’s guidance.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for guiding us throughout our lives.  We can depend on you for setting us on the right path.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.