As we bring our week of focusing on Acts 13:2-3 to a close, let's look at the text one more time:  :  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.  To me the key phrase in the text is definitely, "...as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting..."

A lot of good things happen as we worship!  First, and foremost, when we worship we are putting God first in our lives.  Jesus told us when we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness "...all these things will be added to you."  All these things are just that­--all the things we need to sustain us in life.  when we put ourselves in the safe keeping of God, He becomes responsible to meet all of our needs, because He promised He would be. 

In addition, as we have seen throughout the week, as we worship God speaks new words to us, sends new direction to us, and supplies new  strength for living out those words and directions!  With all of that going on in worship, the obvious application is we need to worship daily and often.  We need to be connected to God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and not in a relationship of "God, I NEED..." but in a relationship of "God, YOU are a amazing..."  As Pastor Brad quoted Stephen Furtick as saying on Sunday morning, "When we're dealing with God it isn't please and thank you, but thank you and then please." Worship is our saying, "Thank You!" first, and then listening and responding to whatever new word, direction or power God speaks, sends and supplies!

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, THANK YOU!  Thank You for who You are and for all the blessings of life You provide us.  Empower us by Your Holy Spirit to live boldly and confidently in and for You each and every moment.  This we pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.