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The Soul and the Spirit – Day 12

1 Peter 1:8-9

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

The Thought

We can feel Peter’s enthusiasm in these verses, that those who didn’t literally walk and talk with Jesus as he himself had done, had come to believe in Him.

The short book of 1 Peter begins with the acknowledgement that many believers have had to flee their home country, and are living as exiles, but the focus is not so much on them being exiles on earth, as them being citizens of Heaven.

St. Paul had the same idea when he wrote to the church in Philippi saying to them that their citizenship was in Heaven (Philippians 3:20). Both these apostles were saying the same thing:- No matter where your soul and body are based, keep your spirit connected to Jesus.

Once each of us is born again we have to keep encouraging our spirit until it rules our life, and our soul is changed. Paul told some of his listeners to work out the salvation of their souls with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). Giving your life to Jesus is not just a passport to Heaven when we die, but it is citizenship of another kingdom which takes effect immediately.

As a part of the heavenly Kingdom we are privileged to work for the King of Kings here on the earth. As we work for the Lord, and with Him, He causes our souls to change and He manifests himself more in our daily lives consequently affecting those around us.

Action

Pray for the Lord to make clear to you your part in His kingdom on the earth today.

Read 1 Peter 1 and praise God that He doesn’t leave us alone, but works with us, in us, and through us.

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