By: Pastor/Teacher James R. Paxton
Isa 60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. God spoke through the pen of Isaiah a word that is needed and appropriate for the Church today. God has given us His precious Word to not only sustain us in life but to enable us to overcome adversities and live a life beyond worry and fear. It does not come because of our good works and deeds, nor does it come through our talents and abilities. These are certainly good and are to be used to the fullest but it is simply through faith and by the grace and mercy of God that we are enabled to arise and shine.
We need to move beyond our culture and political affiliations and seek first and foremost the will of God for our lives. All that God has promised is available but that does not mean that it is easy. Sometimes you must stand and fight for what is right. Some of the signatures affixed to our Constitution and Bill of Rights were men who lost everything, even their lives. They had to stand and fight for what they believed in. Every battle will have its share of causalities. If Jesus had not shed His blood you would have no hope of salvation. Many times there is a price to be paid.
While the Church has slumbered satan has been very busy. He has left his mark on entertainment, recreation, religion and the family. His ways have become so commonplace that they are accepted as the norm.
Many decisions are make because of popularity or comfort instead of what is morally required. “everyone is doing it” is probably one of the biggest red flags to give you warning and reason for caution.
Little kids that run wild and have tantrums all to often become big kids that run wild and have tantrums. Their demands become more costly and parents sit at home worrying and asking themselves “what did I do wrong?” The Word of God declares “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Prov 22:6). It didn’t say to just be a good example or teach them what is right it says to TRAIN THEM. Training requires discipline, instruction and results.
For the Church to arise it begins at home and doesn’t stop at the front door.
The workplace, voting booth, the pew or the highway are all part of the Arising the Word of God calls us to be part of. The silence of the Church has cost us and our nation dearly. It’s time to ARISE!
Maranatha!
