Awake, Sleeper
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Awake, Sleeper
Love awakens us. That is the scenario God presents to us in a number of places throughout the Bible. First, God paints the picture of what we are like when we don’t have a clue about how much He loves us or what salvation is all about.
God’s word says things like we “walk in darkness”; we are “dead in our sin and trespasses”; we are “asleep” to the reality of life; we are “blind and deaf”; and we are “trapped”. We might get rather defensive about these descriptions and claim they certainly do not refer to us. But, it would be good to think about that awhile.
Then, God describes His children as “walking in the light”; “growing in grace”; “imitating” their heavenly Father; “alive” unto God; “fruitful unto life”; “sanctified”; “giving thanks unto the Lord”; “praising the Lord”; and “understanding the will of God”, along with many other descriptions.
That’s quite a contrast. These sharp differences are what Paul was referring to when he wrote to help the Ephesians think about how their faith should be changing their former heathen life styles. Paul is saying, if you really have the light of God shining in your heart, you will see the difference between your old heathen ways and the new way of life God wants you to live. In Ephesians 5:13-17, he writes,
But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says,
“Awake, sleeper,
And arise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on you.”Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Do we recognize the differences between right and wrong, good and evil, Godly and ungodly? Paul wants us to wake up and arise from the spiritual deadness that wants to grip us. We need to wise up and be careful about how we live in this world.
It definitely is foolish to know “about” the will of God, and yet, not wake up to our need to obey the will of God for our lives. Our life depends on our waking up and arising from spiritual deadness.
As we let the love of God wake us up, we have a new day filled with praise, gorgeous in all the wondrous beauties of God’s everlasting love for us. As we enjoy the warmth and comfort of God’s love, we say, “Hallelujah! Lord, thank You so much for Your patience and faithfulness in calling us to be Your own dear children.”
Love,
Margaret
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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and God of gods
This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30
Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming to the upright.
Psalm 33:1
How blessed are those who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4
Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1
Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3
Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that
I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12
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