...distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. (Romans 12:13-15)
Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. (Proverbs 4:26)
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and... and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. (Acts 13:3)
I find it slightly puzzling that the apostles fasted and prayed after the Spirit had already chosen Paul and Barnabas. Did they discover the Spirit's choice during this prayer and fasting? To me it would seem that they had already discerned the choice, and they took the two missionaries through a period of prayer and fasting, could this be a period of consecration?
We need to consider very carefully the purpose and direction of our lives, and make sure that the way we choose to get there is based solidly on Scripture.
Scripture is full of such instruction: help out other believers in need, speak positive words to those we would really like to spit on, train ourselves to really be happy for others and celebrate with them thus becoming fun to be around, and be prepared to stick by our friends when things are tough. Just fulfilling this little list is so difficult; no wonder we need Jesus!
But it is a pity that we have lost this focus, consecrating our people for their work. This is something I need to give attention to, leading people in a real work of consecration in preparation for mission.
