God's Holy Fire: 'From Worship to Mission'

Monday, June 8, 2026

While [the Christians in Antioch] were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
— Acts 13:2 NIV

Key Thought

Worship, whether individually in our daily lives or assembled with other Christians, should propel us to mission. That result was true for Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-8), and it was true for the church in Antioch. When we worship, the Holy Spirit of God is at work among us and within us (John 4:23-24; Philippians 3:3; Ephesians 5:18-21). Whether the Holy Spirit gave the message in today's verse to the church in Antioch through a prophet, through the shared and clear conviction of those present, or in some other way, the Spirit's message was clear! I believe that if we seek God with all of our hearts in worship and open our hearts to God's word seeking the Father's guidance, the Spirit of God will: The real question is this: Am I seeking God with all my heart so I can fully live out his will in my life? If each of us is doing so, the Holy Spirit will guide us to live out God's mission in our lives!

Today's Prayer

O precious and holy God, there is none like you. There is nothing comparable to you. Thank you for letting me seek you and draw near to you. Thank you for redeeming me and choosing to live inside me through your Spirit. Please lead me and guide me by your Spirit to be transformed to be like your Son, wholly conformed to your will, and fully living out your mission for my life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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13 Related Resources by Heartlight

Acts 13:2
Devo: Today's Verse
"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.""
He Makes It Clear
Illustration of Acts 13:2
Inspirational illustration of Acts 13:2 -- While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
Prayer Plus Touch Plus Fasting Is Effective
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have..."
Gifted, Gracious, and Going
Devo: Unstoppable!
"Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called "the black man"), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the....."
See All 13 Related Resources about Acts 13:2

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 13:2 NIV — While [the Christians in Antioch] were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, June 8, 2026

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"There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of..."
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'The Importance of Jesus' Words!' (Jn. 12:47-50)
"[Jesus continued,] "I will not judge those who hear me but don't obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject me..."
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A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'What Are These Strange Ideas?' (Acts 17:18-21)
"[Paul] also had a debate with some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. When he told them about Jesus and his resurrection, they said, "What's..."

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

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