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

 

Pray for our country.

 

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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