As we noted yesterday, Pastor Brad used a brief passage from Acts 13 yesterday in worship to demonstrate three important truths about how the "new" enters our lives as Jesus' followers.  Here's the passage:  ²One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.”  ³ So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way. Acts 13:2-3 NLT  Yesterday, we looked at the first truth from this passage:  God speaks NEW words in worship.  Today our focus is God sends NEW direction out of worship.

Do you see where that new direction is in the passage?  Barnabas and Saul were to be dedicated for the special work to which God had called them.  That new work was what we call "missionary work."  They were to go to places that had not received the Good News of Jesus and tell and show people that Good News though words and ministry.  This would be Saul's (who later changed his name to Paul, in order to better fit in with the Gentiles to whom he focused the message.) life calling.  Talk about a change of direction! Saul had been the chief persecutor of the church.  He had stood by approving the execution of  Stephen, the first martyr of the Christian faith.  He had sought to eliminate the "sect" then known as "The Way," from the face of the earth.  Then Jesus confronted Saul, in the familiar scene on the road to Damascus.  From that moment Saul's life was transformed, but in the worship time we read about above, Saul received a new direction for that new life.

What about us?  Does God still send new direction out of worship?  Of course He does!  He's the same God now He was then.  The book of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.   When we worship together on Sunday mornings, or in small groups, or with our spouse and family, or on our own, God still sends new direction to our lives.  It may be through a song, or a Scripture, or a prayer, a circumstance or a person, but God is constantly inviting His people to participate in His work.  Ministry isn't just for missionaries, pastors and church workers.  Ministry is for everyone.  The Great Commission is for all of us, not just a select few.  If we're disciples of Jesus, we're included in the group who may receive new direction in worship.  Have you received yours?  Are you living it?  Are you open to ongoing changes of direction?  After all, God didn't even call Moses until he was 80!  Take some time right now, and LISTEN.  Let God send you NEW direction, or confirm the direction He gave you as a new direction in the past.  Then call on Him for the strength to live it out!

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending new direction for our lives out of worship.  Fill us with Your Holy Spirit that we may discern that direction and then do it day by day.  This we pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.