His Encouragement #80

Happy Thursday!

I am blessed to be a part of a group of bloggers who love God’s Word and want to share it with others. Our hope is that you would not only be blessed through Biblical encouragement, but challenged and fed in your personal walk with Christ ❤

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“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

~ Ephesians 5:14b ESV

Two weekends ago I traveled on a bus with a herd of middle and high schoolers off to Snow Camp. (Yes…me who doesn’t like “the white stuff” haha). The theme of the weekend was “Awake.” The teens weren’t the only ones who were able to learn something over the weekend, and I was also able to see where some of the kids in the group were at spiritually and how to help and encourage them in their growth.

This verse in particular stuck out to me as it was shared. Why you might ask? Because when you first look at it you would probably assume that it’s referring to unbelievers and calling them to faith. When you look at it in context though, you see that Paul is actually talking to believers! Have you ever found yourself feeling “dull” or “unmotivated” in your walk? Not that you aren’t a believer, but you feel like you’ve lost a bit of your flame? Or is there some kind of sin that you know is an issue but aren’t repenting of? Wake up! As a believer you are now a child of God and that changes things! Everything! Does it mean you won’t ever mess up again? Absolutely not! But when you draw near to Christ you are able to lean on him to resist temptation.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, ² with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³ eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

~ Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV)

Also, when you’re AWAKE, it effects how you relate to others around you. Don’t just keep Jesus to yourself, share him with others! We all need a rescuer, and Jesus is the ONLY one who can save us. It doesn’t mean you have to throw your Bible at everyone, but there are countless ways to share Christ with those around you.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in^[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

~ Matt 28:16-20 ESV

Sometimes in our Christian walk, we can find ourselves going through the motions like going to church, praying, and reading our Bible, but it’s almost like we are in a daze doing it. It becomes mundane and we seem to lose our excitement for the Lord. AWAKE! Meditate on God’s Word throughout your day, pray without ceasing, and go to church! But do it all awake and alert, not like a robot. Don’t allow your brain (and heart) to go on autopilot. Wake up and draw near to the Lord. Reach out to others in love and evangelism. “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

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Now, it’s your turn!

What Biblical verse is encouraging you today?

And, check out more Thursday Encouragement from my fellow blogger friends:

Nicole @ Christian Fiction Girl

Trisha @ Joy of Reading

Jacquelyn @ A Heavenly Home

Jessica @ A Baker’s Perspective

Gina @ Stories By Gina

Rebecca @Rev. Rebecca Writes

Andi @ Radiant Light

Leslie @ Edits & Reviews by Leslie

If you would like to join us: please contact Trisha or Nicole