From the Desk of Steve Shultz:
If ever there was a day for this Scripture to be fulfilled, it is today:
"Arise, shine;
For your light has come!
And the glory of the Lord is
Risen upon you.
For behold, the darkness shall Cover the earth,
And deep darkness the people;
But the Lord will arise over you,
And His glory will be seen upon you." (Isaiah 60:1-2)
Yes we are here...and it's a very good time to arise and shine!
Read this very uplifting word from John Belt...it will really encourage you in this new month of April. (To Subscribe to the Elijah List subscribe here.)
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Steve Shultz, Founder and Publisher
The Elijah List & Breaking Christian News
elijahlist.com
The Amazing Times We Live In
There is no doubt that we are living in turbulent times. Jesus spoke of the last days, yet none of us know the exact timing of the return of Jesus. However, we are able to know the season. It's an exciting time – not a time to fear but to have faith! Because if you know Jesus, you have a reason to be glad. Even though we do have more time and things to do here, I'm reminded of this verse:
Luke 21:28, "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
Back when I was in college, I had a dream in my dorm room where I was standing in a field. Looking up into the night sky, I saw a star begin to glow brighter and brighter until its brightness engulfed the entire planet. Suddenly, I was traveling toward the heart of this bright light, while my body was being transformed into a glorious body.
Two thoughts were going through my head at this point. One was, "This is the most awesome experience!" The other was, "This is the most terrible experience for those who did not know Jesus!" Awesome and terrible were happening at the same time. Although I was filled with joy, I knew those who did not know Him were about to get an awakening. I awoke in the middle of the night, from this encounter of a dream, with my body shaking uncontrollably. I was totally shocked by the experience.
In reflection, this dream reveals our great blessing and our great need to "arise and shine" for those who need to know Him. This is our hour of greatest opportunity.
Understand Your Divine Blessing of Protection
Because of all that is going on with the virus that is currently affecting the world, we need to realize, as people who know Jesus, we have the greatest of protection plans!
Psalms 91:1-2:
"He who dwells in the secret Place of the Most High
Shall abide under
The shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord,
'He is my refuge
And my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust...'" (Photo via Unsplash)
Psalm 91 is filled with the promises of protection for those who have learned to dwell in the presence of God. I encourage you to take time to read it in its entirety! Think about it: there is nothing more powerful than having God Himself as your dwelling place. Not only that, in Christ, He dwells inside of you as you are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Your promise is for a double dose of the Holy Ghost! You get to have Him "upon you" and "within you."
With this, we have amazing opportunities before us to be salt and light for His glory.
It's Your Time to Shine
Isaiah 60:1-2: "Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you."
Jesus is the answer and you are His ambassador. For the people of God, the greatest time of darkness is also the greatest time of opportunity and influence. The greater the darkness, the greater the light shines! This is your time to shine. This is not your time to hide. People are looking for hope. In Christ we have that hope to share with others.
Maybe you are not simply able to get out among people. You don't have to be physically with someone to be light to them. There are many ways to communicate in the world we live in. Maybe this is your time to ramp up your prayer times with God. If you have time on your hands, which most of us have more than usual, then use that time wisely to influence others.
Be kind, help others, set an example and carry His presence – even with a countenance that exudes joy, peace and the love of God.
In the Beginning...GOD
Jesus told us that every day has enough trouble of its own. Worry will not do you any good. God cares for us as we lean on Him. Jesus gives the remedy for worry and fear. Jesus never reacted but only responded out of the place of His presence.
Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
It is not they "might be" added, but that they WILL BE ADDED. As we seek the Lord He gives us a divine connection, direction, peace and wisdom where His light shines upon our ways – even guiding us on the path He has for us individually. This eliminates worry and replacing it with faith for each day.
Take time with God in the beginning of your days, during your days and at the end of your days. Keep Him first in all things. Here are some practical ways that you can do this... (continue reading)
