How can we "arise" and respond to God's call in our daily walk? Key Verse “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1) What “Arise” Means for Us Today • Moving from spiritual passivity to purposeful action • Standing up in confidence, not in our own strength, but in the Lord’s (Philippians 4:13) • Choosing light over darkness—actively rejecting sin and apathy (Romans 13:12) Receiving the Call • God initiates: “The glory of the LORD rises upon you.” We respond to what He has already begun (1 John 4:19). • His presence empowers the response; He never commands without enabling (Joshua 1:9). • Our identity is rooted in being His people; therefore, we act out of who we are, not to earn who we are (Ephesians 2:10). Practical Ways to Arise Daily 1. Start each morning acknowledging His glory over your life. – “In the morning, LORD, You hear my voice.” (Psalm 5:3) 2. Engage Scripture before screens. – “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) 3. Confess sin promptly. – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” (1 John 1:9) 4. Serve someone intentionally. – “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18) 5. Speak hope. – “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need.” (Ephesians 4:29) 6. Guard rhythms of rest. – “Come with Me by yourselves to a solitary place and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31) Walking in the Light • Stay alert: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” (Ephesians 5:14) • Keep step with the Spirit: “Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25) • Refuse distraction: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) Encouragement for When It’s Hard • God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). • He completes what He starts (Philippians 1:6). • Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Putting It All Together Arising is a daily, deliberate choice to stand in the light God already shines on us. As we trust His Word, rely on His Spirit, and step into acts of faith, we answer His call moment by moment—reflecting His glory to a watching world. |
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