Arise and Shine

Acts 9:3-5 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: (4) And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (5) And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. (KJV)

The person in the above paragraph was Paul, who at one time was referred to as Saul. He experienced a life changing event, an eye opening experience that would last him an eternity. However or whoever God uses to get His point across to us, once we have been enlightened to the truth and are able to see the error of our ways, we are then held responsible from that point forward to walk in this newness of life leaving the old behind. So we are able to see by this example, that it is the calling of God that we all answer too; and now it is vital for us to establish a personal relationship with Him, so that we can continue on His path of life.  

2 Corinthians 4:3-6 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: (4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (5) For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. (6) For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (KJV)  

Keep in mind that it is a spiritual light that enlightens the heart, and brings an understanding to our spirit man. It doesn’t matter how much you witness to people, or how hard you try to cram the word of God at them, as well as making personal judgments and trying to fix them, it’s only as they allow this light to shine within, will they be able to come to an understanding of the ways of the Lord. When we try to make the correction our self, or we think we know how to fix others, we miss the mark because we are trying to illuminate areas in our walk that God is not dealing with us on, or them in, at this particular time. Sometimes to we are blinded by our own hypocrisy, holding others to a higher standard that we are not willing to walk in. In some cases as well, those that are a shining example of the gospel don’t like having a light shined in their closet either, exposing skeletons they think they have been hiding.  

Ephesians 1:17-19 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (18) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (19) And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, (KJV)  

Have you ever comprehended the fact that you have spiritual eyes that are able to see into the spiritual realm and give an understanding so that you can know, and not have to guess anymore, what the hope of His calling is so that you can see clearly the inheritance that is waiting for you? Keep in mind, once you have been enlightened to the truth, you are now held to a higher standard and need to walk accordingly; letting His spirit lead and guide you into all truth. Have you ever driven at night and turned off your headlights for a brief moment? It doesn’t take long before one is headed for a ditch or other hazards. The same holds true spiritually. Once the light is shined, it is up to you to keep it that way so that you can let the Lord navigate you in a dark fallen world.  

Hebrews 6:4-8 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, (5) And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, (6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (7) For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: (8) But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. (KJV)  

Ever hear the term backslider? So has the Lord and He has warnings throughout His word on what happens when one has been enlightened, only to put on their blinders and choose another path. Once someone willingly takes the plunge, there is nothing that anyone can do for them. Be assured Go is not going to send another savior, one was sufficient enough. When and at what point does one enter this realm is between them and God. The fact that they willingly walked into His kingdom, they can willingly walk away if they so desire. As you will see in the next example the decision to reject the Lord can lead to someone crashing and burning.  

Hebrews 10:26-27 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, (27) But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. (KJV)  

Once you have been enlightened to the truth, and willfully, voluntarily walk away from the plan of salvation the Lord made available to you, there is not much to look forward to; and I can assure you that plan B comes with some serious consequences.  

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (KJV)  

We all know when we have fallen short and made mistakes. Now are you willing to get up again and fight the good fight of faith? How do you know for sure? When you keep going round and round with a situation, and can’t come to a peaceable solution. When you keep pointing the finger at others, and try to blame someone else when in reality you knew better and should have maintained a higher standard of living, even if it meant turning the other cheek. When no matter which way you turn, the finger points back at you; it’s only the person you see in the mirror, who is the one you can change. Whatsoever is not of faith is sin; and without faith it is impossible to please God, which is why many have turmoil and strife, walking blindly into the traps and snares of the enemy.  

Exodus 27:20 And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always. (KJV)  

Are your motives pure before the Lord? Is it the pure word of God you have allowed into your temple to keep the lamp burning always? It’s only the pure in heart that are able to see the Lord, letting Him illuminate the path for them.  

2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: (KJV)  

Is the path of life getting clearer? Are you able to see more and more into the spiritual realm, and relying less and less on the outward? Arise, it is a new day, wake up and smell the coffee, and open the shades of your heart and let the Son shine in.  

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.