For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
“Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
Ephesians 5: 8 – 14
My sweet husband came home from work last week and before he could loosen his tie, he grabbed his camera and bolted out the door. The above image was the result of his frantic race to get outside and I’m so thankful he succeeded. I immediately thought of Ephesians 5: 14 – this verse struck a chord with me eight years ago as I was beginning my walk with God and it still has the ability to stop me in my tracks for a little spiritual reassessment that is so often needed in this journey.
Am I sleeping? Just going through the motions? Do I need to wake up?
The thing is though, Christ’s light is always shining upon us it’s just that we don’t often choose to see it or attribute it to Him. It’s true that when we awaken to Him, the blessings are endless but He’s always been there.
He was and is and is to come. Wake up, o sleeper. Wake up.
Natalie,
First of all that cloud is AMAZinG! What a perfect reflection on the verse…high five your man for running out there to snap it!!
I spent some extra time reading..how awesome is it that you had the opportunity to serve and be the Body of Christ…I often think the words you expressed, it could have, but by the grace of God, be me in any of the circumstances I see people in…I have been humbled and convicted not to judge because it easily could have been me as well on the other side of that door….
You spoke to my heart here today! Peace!
lori
I laughed…all those “Stuff I’m thinking about” verses go hand in hand with what my WFW was about…
Enjoyed my visit immensely!
Lori, thank you! I’m so glad to hear that I spoke to your heart but really, God spoke to your heart through me!!! :) He’s good like that!
Ahh…words…Aye, aye, aye…Have to watch mine like a hawk…
yes it is true the image of the clouds really stunning. Thank you for sharing this it is beautiful. Happy WFW!
.-= life’s journey´s last blog ..Word-Filled Wednesday =-.
several of us are centering on creation and the dawn today…so cool.
Love your picture…His hands paint so beautifully
Thanks for sharing
Great wake-up call! And fantastic shot. Kudos to your husband for his alertness!
.-= GlowinGirl´s last blog ..Feeling Grouchy (Word-Filled Wednesdays) =-.
That is a great verse….it so applies to me too, and probably to all of us at one time or another. And, after reading your blog for a couple of months now, I can come to the conclusion that you are indeed very. much. awake. That is why I follow you, and 90% of all the other blogs I read regularly. You guys know stuff, that I don’t yet. You all are my teachers…
.-= vicki´s last blog ..I started my "Read the Bible in 90 Days Summer Challenge" – Yippee! =-.
Vicki, thank you. There are women who have walked before me in this journey that I consider my teachers so I am absolutely touched that I might be able to serve in that role for you. Rest assured that you too will be used as someone’s teacher someday.
You know what though, Vicki? I go through periods of time when I am very much a sleeper. I wish I could say that the higher up and deeper in you go you don’t grapple with doubt or insecurity or worry but I can’t. This walk with God is one that is with peaks and valleys so it may seem that I am awake right now but rest assured it is just RIGHT NOW. I may need to check myself tomorrow. I don’t ever want to present myself as someone who has this faith thing all figured out because OH MY…I so do not. I have so much work to do…So very much…
Thank you for reading and commenting, dear one. So glad to have “met” you!
Fantastic post, love clouds.
.-= Denise´s last blog ..Word Filled Wednesday =-.
Awesome and overwhelmingly beautiful. Thank you for the good thoughts.
.-= AllyJo´s last blog ..World Filled Wednesday – Joy Captured =-.
Beautiful! Happy WFW!
i love having pictures like that… when God lights up the sky with his Glory! I mean really who else can paint as well as He?
Great thoughts!
happy WFW!
.-= amydeanne´s last blog ..Reflections ~ June 2nd WFW =-.
Absolutely no one. Thanks for stopping by, Amy Deanne!
What a beautiful picture. I love this!!
Sadie at heyMamas
.-= Sadie at heyMamas´s last blog ..Loving: The past five perfect days =-.
Thanks, Sadie! I’ve missed you, girl! I hope you are feeling refreshed and excited for your new job!
Your husband done a great job at capture the clouds and like the verse and devotional you added with it.
.-= Wanda´s last blog ..No Need to be Discouraged =-.
Powerful image and great verses to go with it! Happy WFW!
Arise! Lets be about our Father’s business!
God has trusted us with so much and I know that we as Christ Followers don’t want to let Him down.
Such a wonderful verse Natalie! Thank you for sharing that!
I would like to challenge each woman that visits here to lift each other up in prayer AS we take on the wretched enemy that tries to destroy.
God bless you ALL!!!!
~Kela
.-= Kela´s last blog ..The Reason for My Subtitle =-.
I loved this! I just read this passage yesterday morning. I love it when that happens. Every time I read the part: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” I can’t help but feel so grateful…that Christ awakened me from among the dead. Thanks!!!
.-= Chrystie´s last blog ..Running The Race =-.
That is a beautiful photo. I am the same way about the moon, sky and clouds. Thanks for sharing that verse too. Blessings ~
.-= Cathy´s last blog ..Word Filled Wednesday =-.