Tuesday, July 15, 2014

July 15 – Wake up sleeper!


Everything exposed by the light is made clear, for what makes everything clear is light. Therefore it is said: Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead,
and the Messiah will shine on you. (Ephesians 5:13-14  HCSB)

It’s interesting how so many things of the devil are only enjoyed in darkened rooms – drinking, immorality, theft, drugs, prostitution. Other evil activities may happen in broad daylight, but all under a secretive cover – fraud, embezzlement, gossip, slander, character assassination. Evil loves the darkness, and just like we’ve preached about on Friday deliverance services, when demons are exposed to God, they scatter like cockroaches when the lights are turned on.

This understanding is crucial for all believers who want to become free from the snares and traps of the devil. Many Christians carry a heavy burden when they have allowed the devil to tempt them, but embarrassment stops them from seeking help. They may have many questions, or an understanding ear to sort through all the confusion that their lives have become, but shame keeps those cockroaches safe and snug inside their heads and hearts. And just like filthy roaches, demonic accusations and doubts multiply and overrun a life with infestation. 

Jesus said that we are to be the light of the world, that His Word is a light unto our path. Every time angels or God manifested in both Old and New Testaments, light was present – sometimes a blinding light. The closer we get to God, the more we want to be in His light, because the light of God purifies, cleanses, heals, gives joy and inspires. We can see God more clearly, and we can see a clear path ahead of us.

If evil is attacking you, open up to your pastor to get help and forget about thoughts of shame or what he might think about you. If your pastor is spiritual, he’ll be proud of you for having the courage to ask for help by exposing the work of the devil to the light.  Then he can lead you in the right direction and get you on the right track. Don’t resist the correction of the light, because that’s what will keep you safe.

Another lesson from this passage is: if God has blessed you, why keep His goodness hidden from sight? Share your testimony! Bring into the light God’s power, even if you think it doesn’t matter to others. Answers to prayer need to be spoken of, so that the honor can go to Him. Every deed done by the Spirit of God, brings light into the lives of those who are exposed to it. You will bless everyone who hears of what He has done for you – even in small things.  

See how the devil wants to keep us in the darkness? He causes us to fall into sin, and makes us ashamed to expose it, but when God blesses us, the devil wants us to be ashamed and keep quiet. Are we God’s or not?  Then get out of that darkness and start pursuing the light! Wake up sleeper, and rise from the dead, and the Messiah will shine on you.

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