Friday, March 16, 2018

"Rise and Shine"


(Thanks to Alexa for inspiration on this one)


"Rise and Shine"

   
     "Rise and shine" is a favorite saying around our house as the day begins.  The sun does so.  THE Son did so.  Thus, we can do so as we begin our days in remembrance of our privileged and Christ-enabled responsibility to illuminate our particular spheres of influence.

    "Do all things without murmurings and disputing, that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world, holding forth the Word of life" (Philippians 2:14-16).

    Note the particular rays of light mentioned by the Apostle Paul that cause us to "shine as lights in the world."  We seek to avoid complaining and unnecessary conflict.  The former results from trusting the Prince of Peace as the Governor of our lives.  The latter proceeds from the same Prince revealing His gracious and merciful love in us for others.  One relates to God, that is, we seek to avoid the complaining that reveals our failure to see His determinations and allowances of everything in our lives.  "All things work together to them that love God" (Romans 8:28).  The other involves our relationship to people as we realize our calling to reflect the light of Christ to everyone in our lives.  "If it be possible, as much lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18).  In essence, we fulfill the two great commands of Scripture in order to shine as lights.  We love God by trusting Him and not complaining.  We love people by seeking to establish and maintain good relations and fellowship (Mark 12:30).

    Rise and shine.  The risen Son dwells within born again believers by the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Thereby He enables us to love God and others in the spiritual illumination that holds forth the Word of life in our countenance, demeanor, attitude, words, and deeds.   The sun will rise and shine in this day to serve as a tangible reminder of Christ's empty tomb and our full hearts.  As we trust and submit to God's purposes for this day, we will bear witness to the risen Son, serving as even greater tangible reminders of His light and salvation.  No higher calling can be imagined.  No holier consecration can be performed.  Rise indeed, and shine.

"I am the Light of the world… ye are the light of the world."
(John 8:12; Matthew 5:14)

Weekly Memory Verse
    If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."
(Galatians 5:25)
    

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