Witnesses

"you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem...and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8 NIV

Jesus is speaking to his disciples before his ascension, after his resurrection. He doesn't say that maybe they will be witnesses to him.  He says they "will" be witnesses. Some people will be preachers, some teachers, some will express their faith through music and art, some will be caregivers, some will show hospitality. A smile, a conversation, a gift, a touch will leave imprints on others.  The Holy Spirit which is given to Christians is an expression of the love of Christ. The work of the Spirit is powerful in all its ways, prominent or quiet. It is the light of the world. The world may hate the light but it will not be able to dismiss the light or ignore it.

Father, let us not be discouraged when we see darkness. Remind us that your light is always shining, witnessing to your majesty and love. Light always dispels darkness. Thank you that you give us your spirit that witnesses to us about you and uses us as witnesses to the world.

Soul and Body

 "be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:26 NIV

Jesus is talking to his disciples who he is sending out to teach about the Kingdom of God.  He tells them that they may be arrested or otherwise harmed, but he reassures them that even if their bodies are killed that God will preserve them after death. He adjures them to keep their focus on God realizing that only God has the ability to destroy their souls. God is the creator and only He has control over someone's soul. No human can destroy a single soul. Even those, who decide they don't want to live anymore, are only able to kill the body. It is an important truth to realize that even after a body dies, the soul lives on in some way. And only God decides if there is a second death.

Father, thank you for your promise of eternal life with you. Keep me mindful of your ways. Teach me not to fear violence, either verbal or physical, that other people might inflict on me. I pray that I will rest in the assurance of your love.