Ephesians 5:14

“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

In my recent devotions, this scripture has jumped out at me more than once. And when that happens, I know it’s time to heed. We are living in a time like no other. Right? Crazy times. It brings all the feels, doesn’t it? It can usher in some fear, anxiety, uncertainty and distress. So, this is for all the saints. And as I write, I pray to exhort myself as well in the process.

In this trying hour, I would like to encourage you. Let’s be warriors, not worriers. We are strong because of Christ in us. Isn’t that so amazing, we don’t have to walk this alone. You and I are called to be the “Salt & Light”. In the grimmest of times, we can step up and make a difference in these dark days. This is a historical moment of such uncertainty, but we have the assurance of our salvation and our Savior’s love. There may be times we feel afraid. But we will most assuredly overcome. His perfect love casts out fear. Be hopeful, for His affection for us is great. We can have power and a sound mind instead of fear because of His great and deep love.

Salt. It not only enhances the flavor of our food, but in addition, it serves as a preservative. To be the “salt” in this dying world, we are to flavor the world with God’s love and His Word but even more-so, we press on firmly to preserve our faith. With everything in us, we need to guard and preserve our hearts, for out of it, flows the springs of life. And life, His abundant life is what this world craves. How do we do this? We read God’s Word, we pray and we LISTEN. We trust. We love. We reach a dying world. Be salty, my friends.

Light. Think about the darkest of rooms. It’s bleak, hard to see or make out any shadows and can be very disconcerting. There is uncertainty. But one little flicker of light produces clarity. The chair that you tripped over in the dark is now revealed by that one little spark. Think of that for a moment. In a world full of darkness, just one Christ follower can light up a whole room and strike out the darkness…..by our faith, by our witness, and by our love. Shine bright, saints.

So I want to say AWAKE, those who sleep because though our dreams may be sweet, reality is not. And in order for the world to come out of the nightmare, they need the hope that only One can give! So awake and shake your salt and shine your light because His Spirit in you makes all the difference in a lost world.

There is only one truth. And the world needs to desperately know. The church for far too long has tried to be blend in, so to speak. Reaching the numbers is great to draw people in, but once they’re in, the true message needs to be revealed. And not just in the church, but in our day to day lives and those we come in contact with. It’s the hour for Christians, it’s the moment to arise. The truth is what sets captives free. Speak life, speak truth and do so with God’s love. After all is said and done, this health crisis will pass and I pray that as a result, God’s people are in a much stronger and firmer place. Our position in this life is to brighten the darkness by reaching those in that dark place. Let’s minister grace to the hearers that they may receive the truth.

Romans 13:11 – Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.

God Bless your ‘bright’ and ‘salty’ souls,

Tanya