As we've noted the past couple of days, Pastor Brad used a brief passage from Acts 13 in worship on Sunday 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  Monday, we looked at the first truth from this passage:  God speaks NEW words in worship.  Yesterday our  focus was God sends NEW direction out of worship.  Today's focus is God supplies NEW strength out of worship.

Where does the strength come from for us to carry out the new direction God has for our lives?  From the Holy Spirit!  The Holy Spirit is the only source of power for us as followers of Jesus.  In Acts 13:3 we see that the other believers laid hands on Saul and Barnabas and prayed for them.  In this action, the power of the Holy Spirit was given.  We find this action of laying on of hands in several places in Acts, as well as it being noted in Hebrews 6.  We often lay hands on folks in worship when we commission them or ordain them, or pray for them for healing or other special actions that require the power of the Holy Spirit. It is not merely a tradition.  It is a means by which the power and strength of God are transmitted to us.

Always remember, God supplies the power for His direction.  We can't do His work without that power.  At the same time, He expects us to do what we can do, and He has given us wisdom, strength and power to do many things through the natural abilities He has given us.  In matters of eternal significance, we must receive the power that goes beyond us--the power of the Spirit.  What are you attempting for God today that requires His strength for success?

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, thank You for providing us Your strength to carry out Your direction in our lives.  Fill us anew with Your Holy Spirit that we may honor and glorify You in all we are and do!  This we ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.