Hi, happy shining people! Why do I greet you happy shining people? Because as a beloved of God, as a believer of Christ, you should be the happiest person on earth, no matter what happens in this world!
Happy are you, because you are blessed! Jesus has carried away all your curse, sorrows, hurts, and wounds, so that you are now blessed!
And why are you shining? Because you are a light! And what is a light for? A light is for you to shine!
Ephesians 5:8-10 (NKJV) says, 'For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.'
Ephesians 5:8-10 (Amplified) says, 'For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of Light [live as those who are native-born to the Light] (for the fruit [the effect, the result] of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn [by experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [and letting your lifestyles be examples of what is most acceptable to Him - your behavior expressing gratitude to God for your salvation].'
You see, you are not just in the Light (Jesus), but you are a light! As you receive His light, you become a light! And wherever you are in this world, you are a light that shines! That's what the Scripture says!
The Lord also spoke these words for this week:
"Be alert and vigilant. Walk circumspectly. Guard your time. Don't let the enemy snatch your time away. Choose to spiritualize your time."
Ephesians 5:15-17 (NKJV) says, 'See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.'
The word 'circumspect' here is 'akribos' in Greek. In the context of this verse, it means 'to walk carefully, to walk diligently, and to walk honorably (before the Lord).'
How about 'redeeming the time'? It simply means 'making the most of your time (while you are on earth).'
Not only the Lord wants you to walk carefully, diligently, and honorably before Him, He also wants you to make the most of your time while on earth! So, whether you are a youth, in your 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, or a retiree, you can utilize your time for His glory, everyday of your life!
How are the days evil? This expression doesn't mean time, calendar, or hours are evil. Rather, this expression "the days are evil" tells us that these days on earth are filled with evil, i.e. filled with sins and dominated by the powers of darkness. And if we are not careful, we can be swallowed up in it!
What then is 'spiritualize your time'? It means to make your life honorable before the Lord, to make your life spiritual before the Lord, instead of carnal. You see, being spiritual and being carnal, these are opposites and antagonistic to one another. Romans 8:6 says, 'For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.'
If you do not choose to 'spiritualize your time', dedicating your time before the Lord, the enemy will always try to suck you into being carnal or being fleshly!
What are the examples of being carnal? Thinking lustful thoughts, thinking greedy thoughts, thinking prideful thoughts, pulling down others, backstabbing others, gossiping about others, etc.
But as you dedicate yourself before the Lord, you are exchanging all these 'carnalities' with what is honorable and spiritual before the Lord. And that's how your life will be happier and more fruitful. And you will be a great testimony to many around you. People who see you will see Jesus in you!
What are the examples of being spiritual? Being a light to others, bringing hope to others, strengthening others through your faith, strengthening others through the Word of God, encouraging others when they are down, etc. And of course being a giver. Not just giving material things or money to those in need, but giving encouragement, giving love, giving hope, caring for the uncared, loving the unloved, looking out for those who need help, etc.
Instead of looking inward, you look outward.
During the healing meetings in the 1970's those days, there's one great evangelist who actually told the people to forget about their own problems or sicknesses, but instead find someone worse off (or more sick) than them and pray for them. As these people began to forget about their own problems (or sicknesses) and began praying for those around them, you know what? Not only did they see miracles and healing happening in those around them, they themselves were healed!
So, go ahead and be a light to others, especially in this time and season! Arise and shine, for the glory of the Lord is upon you! Your life will be happier as you shine on others!
