Wake Up Sleeper, Rise from the Dead, and Christ Will Shine on You.

 

 Please take time to read this chapter printed below. The words of verse 14 were in my mind yesterday so I read the context.  It is a strong warning to Christians today. 

 

 Frightening? Not if we desire to walk in God's Light. 

 

 How can we?  Through the power of God's Living Word: the Resurrection and the Life, our Redeemer Jesus Christ.  Through His power in us: His Holy Spirit. Through the power of God's written Word, the Bible. Through an always attitude and readiness of prayer knowing Jesus understands our struggles and forgives our failures as quickly as we ask for His forgiveness and help. If we draw near to God, His Word says He will draw near to us.

Father God, I pray we who believe will awaken to You and shine like never before in this dark and darker world. I need You more than ever in my life.  I pray my failures do not make me run and hide like Adam and Eve, or make me justify my behavior.  I pray I will face You, draw near to You, and talk to You to gain strength to overcome. Thank You, Jesus, for restoring me to Father God so I can walk and talk with Him, and stay in the garden longer and longer each day.  In Jesus' name I ask this.  Amen.

 

Ephesians Chapter 5 NIV

 ¹ Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

³ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. ⁴ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. ⁵ For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.⁶ Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. ⁷ Therefore do not be partners with them.

⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) ¹⁰ and find out what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³ But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴ This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. ¹⁸ Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.