Friday, July 3

Led by the Holy Spirit

The summer worship theme for Christ the King is “Changing Church, Unchanging Mission.”  We are moving through the  “The Acts of the Apostles.”   The focus on Sunday, July 5, is Paul’s first missionary journey as recorded in Acts 13 and Acts 14.

One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul [Paul] for the special work to which I have called them.” So, after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way. So, Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit.  Acts 13:2-4

The missionary journeys recorded in Acts were not the result of a human plan, but were prompted and inspired by the Holy Spirit. The verses above describe the believers in Antioch, worshiping and fasting. Worshiping helps someone turn from being self-centered to God-centered. Fasting is a discipline that can help a person stay focused in prayer. The believers in Antioch were dedicating themselves to seeking God.  It was the Holy Spirit that directed them to send two men into new territory with the Gospel (Paul’s first missionary journey.)  
There is a thread which can be drawn through the devotions of this week, Sunday’s sermon and your life. Earlier this week, the focus was on the people of Israel learning to trust God as they journeyed though the wilderness. Sunday’s sermon text from Acts 13:2-4, reveals believers who sought God for wisdom and direction. This thread of trust and seeking after God can be woven into your life today. You are experiencing a confusing and uncertain moment in history. You are inundated by myriad voices and opinions which can lead to a sense of chaos instead of clarity. But, like the people of Israel during the Exodus, you can learn to trust God and not be overwhelmed by your
circumstances. Like the first Christians in Antioch, you can seek God and open yourself to His Spirit. 
Prayer: Lord, fill me with your Spirit that I am guided by your Word and not the chaos of these times. Lord, call me to yourself so that day by day I repent of my sins, receive your forgiveness and put my trust in you. Remind me that though I am surrounded by confusion and instability, you Lord, do not change. Lord, I also pray today for this country and the world. As Independence Day is celebrated in the USA, I pray for peace and healing. Bring that peace and healing to every land.  Bless all believers of every nation, tribe, language and people that we who follow Jesus will be channels of love and hope in these days. Amen,  

Sunday Worship in July
On Campus - one service at 8am

Online - our 8am worship is live-streamed at christ4u.net , Facebook or YouTube. A recording of the service will be available for viewing anytime after 10:30am at the links above.

Holy Communion (in your vehicle) is offered on the second and fourth Sundays of the month (July 12 & 26) from 9am - noon