Be My Witness

by Nikki Horne

He (Jesus) said to them:  “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” –Acts 1:7-8

During this time Jesus’ disciples were constantly devoting themselves to prayer. In a few days the power of the Holy Spirit would overtake them and they would be sent out to bear witness that Jesus was indeed Christ the Savior. They devoted themselves to prayer, just like they saw Jesus do. And Jesus gave them a job. They were to be his witnesses. He has given us the same job. And we are to continue the work He started. We are called to be Christ’s witnesses. We are the ones who are to be following in Christ’s way, teaching what He taught when He walked this earth.  

When I was going into middle school, my family felt called to move to Ramona to start a church. As we were getting things going, we felt that the best plan was to go door-to-door to introduce ourselves and invite neighbors and the community to come and see what Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church was all about. I remember walking the neighborhoods of Ramona and praying that people would come. As my brother and I started school we also invited friends to be a part of our youth group. By the end of that calendar year we had about 25 kids join, and we all became the best of friends! We camped together, completed service projects, fed the homeless, and met weekly to study the Bible. These are some of my best memories growing up.

As we look at Jesus’ life and the power of the Holy Spirit, it is not limited to a select few. All who are in Christ are called to spread the Gospel, first in our homes, then in our communities, and throughout the world.

How can I apply this to my life? We can apply this by reading scripture with our families and with our little ones. We can pray for others. We can extend an invitation to church. We can share a meal with a friend or neighbor. Others will see the love and light that the Holy Spirit is working in and through you! Others will see the joy that the Holy Spirit has placed in your heart…and it’s contagious!

Dear Lord, thank you for sending Your Son to save us. Please help us to show the joy and love that You showed when You walked this earth. Please help us to witness to others and share the Good News to others that we meet. Thank You for blessing us continually, Lord. Amen.