Tag: Mark 16:20
Day 2–Being a Witness
Scripture reading for February 17: Acts 1:8-9 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. And when He had said these things, He was lifted up and a cloud took Him out of their sight.”
As a responder, how we conduct ourselves is vitally important to doing our job with excellence and representing our department well. We may rush to the incident, but we are not so hurried that we don’t take time to assess the situation and communicate with those in authority over us and with those in need. In an accident or medical emergency we keep calm and work methodically and carefully with compassion and respect for the individual’s involved. We treat our team members courteously and professionally, avoiding the use of foul language or derogatory attitudes. We should humbly serve, counting those we are serving as more important than ourselves. We enter dangerous situations to save lives and restore order. Our attitudes, actions and demeanor communicate care and proficiency and bring calm to the incident and those affected.
God works to empower His people from the inside out. His gift of the Holy Spirit indwells or clothes each person with God’s character, gifts and graces. God wants us to represent Him well and accurately and the Holy Spirit works inside us to transform us into Christ’s image and character of holiness. We work out our salvation and transformation as God works inside us by His Spirit. (Philippians 2:12-13) We are to be witnesses, not just ‘do witnessing.’ This involves changes inside us that we can’t do by ourselves. We can yield to the Holy Spirit and invite Him to give grace to make changes.
The mission Jesus shared with His disciples was to send them first to their immediate countrymen in Jerusalem with the message. Next they would go to the Samaritans and share and finally to the ends of the earth to all people. They could not do this on their own. God’s power and presence would be with them to give direction, authority, conviction and miraculous signs. (Mark 16:20)
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for the Holy Spirit Who is always with me to guide me and empower me. I invite You to work into my heart and character the traits of Jesus Christ that I might represent Him with excellence as I serve others as a responder. Amen.
The fruit of obedience!
Scripture reading for January 25th: Mark 6
Key Scriptures: Mark 6:7-13 “And He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff–no bread, no bag, no money in their belts–but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. And He said to them, Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.”
Jesus had taught His disciples and modeled for them ministry by preaching repentance, healing the sick, and casting out evil spirits. He now sent them out two by two with careful instructions to live by faith and follow the Holy Spirit in ministry. They were to go where people would listen and receive them. If they were rejected, the act of shaking dust would be a witness against them. They were given authority to heal the sick and cast out demons and preach repentance and forgiveness of sins. This simple ministry assignment was embraced with obedience. They preached, they anointed sick people and they were healed and they cast out unclean spirits. All ministry is by faith in simple obedience to Christ’s commands. The results are up to Him and He receives all glory!
Psalm 119:112 “I incline my heart to perform Your statutes forever, to the end.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord, I thank You for the simple instructions You give Your disciples concerning ministry. Help me to listen, heed and obey each time You give me opportunity to minister to those You send me to. To You be all glory, honor and power, now and forever! Amen!
Mark 16:20 “And the went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.”