Arise: Embracing Faith and Transformation in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Transformation in Christ

Recognizing the need to step out of sin and into the new life that Christ offers is a profound journey of transformation. Sin separates us from God, creating a barrier that only genuine repentance and a return to the Father can overcome. Like the prodigal son, we must come to ourselves, acknowledging our shortcomings and choosing to return to the Father. This is not merely about changing outward appearances but involves a deep, inward transformation that aligns us with the life Christ offers. It is a call to leave behind the shadows of our past and embrace the fullness of life in Christ. [09:39]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What specific sin or habit is God calling you to leave behind today, and how can you take a step towards genuine transformation in Christ?

Day 2: Courage Overcomes Fear

Fear is a common struggle, but God has not given us a spirit of fear. Instead, He calls us to be warriors, standing up to face our challenges with courage, knowing that He is with us. This is a daily choice, as God provides a "fear not" for every day of the year. By choosing faith over fear, we align ourselves with God's promises and power, allowing Him to work through us in overcoming obstacles. It is about trusting in His presence and strength, even when circumstances seem daunting. [14:16]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: Identify a fear that has been holding you back. How can you actively choose to trust God in this area today, and what step of courage can you take?

Day 3: Faith in Action

Like the lepers in 2 Kings 7, we must not remain paralyzed in our difficult situations. God calls us to take action, trusting that He has a plan and will provide as we move forward in faith. The lepers' decision to move led to a miraculous provision, demonstrating that God multiplies our steps when we act in faith. This is a reminder that faith is not passive but requires us to step out, even when the path is unclear, trusting that God will guide and provide. [23:53]

James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

Reflection: What difficult situation are you currently facing, and what is one action you can take today to demonstrate your faith in God's provision?

Day 4: Obedience Unlocks Provision

Obedience to God's word is crucial, as seen in the story of the widow at Zarephath. When we obey, even when it seems illogical, God provides abundantly. Our obedience opens the door to God's miraculous provision, showing that His ways are higher than ours. It is about trusting His instructions and stepping out in faith, knowing that He will meet our needs in ways we cannot imagine. This requires a heart willing to listen and act on God's guidance, even when it challenges our understanding. [34:59]

1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to obedience? What step can you take today to align with His will, trusting in His provision?

Day 5: Worship as a Weapon

Worship is a powerful weapon that invites God's presence and power into our lives, breaking chains and bringing about our miracles. It is not just an act but a declaration of faith that acknowledges God's greatness and invites His intervention. As we praise God, we shift our focus from our circumstances to His sovereignty, allowing His power to work in and through us. Worship becomes a means of spiritual warfare, breaking down barriers and opening the way for God's miraculous work. [39:30]

2 Chronicles 20:21-22 (ESV): "And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, 'Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.' And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed."

Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine as a means of inviting God's power into your life? What specific situation can you bring before God in worship today?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the powerful call to "Arise" in our spiritual lives. This call is not just a suggestion but a divine imperative to step out of the shadows of our past, pain, and sin, and into the fullness of what God has for us. We are at a pivotal moment, a turning point, where God is ready to bring about the breakthrough we've been praying for. This is a kairos moment, a special time in God's calendar, where His Spirit is being poured out, and we must not miss it.

We are living in the last days, a time characterized by challenges and self-centeredness, as described in 2 Timothy. Yet, this is also a time of great opportunity for those who choose to arise. We must not let fear, sin, or difficult situations paralyze us. Instead, we are called to rise in faith, knowing that without faith, it is impossible to please God. We have been given a measure of faith, and as we surround ourselves with faith-filled people, our faith grows.

The story of the prodigal son reminds us that we must come to ourselves, recognize our sin, and choose to arise and return to the Father. Similarly, the account of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7 teaches us that we must not sit in our difficult situations but take action, trusting that God has a plan. As they moved, God multiplied their steps, leading to a miraculous provision.

We are also reminded of the importance of obedience, as seen in the story of the widow at Zarephath. When we step out in faith and obedience, God provides in ways we cannot imagine. Finally, we are called to arise in worship, using our praise as a weapon to break chains and bring about our miracles. Worship is not just an act but a declaration of faith that invites God's power into our lives.

Key Takeaways

1. Arise from Sin: Recognize the need to step out of sin and into the new life that Christ offers. Sin separates us from God, and we must come to ourselves, like the prodigal son, and choose to return to the Father. This is a call to genuine transformation, not just outward appearances. [09:39]
2. Arise from Fear: Fear is a common struggle, but God has not given us a spirit of fear. We are called to be warriors, to stand up and face our challenges with courage, knowing that God is with us. This is a daily choice, as God provides a "fear not" for every day of the year. [14:16]
3. Arise from Difficult Situations: Like the lepers in 2 Kings 7, we must not remain paralyzed in our difficult situations. God calls us to take action, trusting that He has a plan and will provide as we move forward in faith. [23:53]
4. Arise in Obedience: Obedience to God's word is crucial. The story of the widow at Zarephath shows us that when we obey, even when it seems illogical, God provides abundantly. Our obedience opens the door to God's miraculous provision. [34:59]
5. Arise in Worship: Worship is a powerful weapon. As we praise God, we invite His presence and power into our lives, breaking chains and bringing about our miracles. Worship is an act of faith that declares God's greatness and invites His intervention. [39:30]
** [39:30]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:06] - Introduction to Arise
[01:57] - Meaning of Arise
[02:37] - Stepping Out of Shadows
[03:13] - Turning Point
[04:08] - Understanding God's Timing
[04:46] - Signs of the Last Days
[08:55] - Arise from Sin
[09:39] - Transformation in Christ
[10:22] - Go and Sin No More
[11:04] - Conviction of the Holy Spirit
[14:16] - Arise from Fear
[17:17] - Power Over AI
[18:56] - Relationships and Resources
[21:59] - Arise from Difficult Situations
[23:53] - The Lepers' Decision
[26:10] - God's Multiplication
[27:47] - Provision in the Camp
[29:22] - Sharing the Blessing
[30:03] - Prophetic Word Fulfilled
[31:59] - Arise in Obedience
[33:35] - The Widow's Obedience
[34:59] - Continuous Provision
[35:41] - Arise in Faith
[37:53] - Peter's Chains Fall Off
[38:36] - Arise in Worship
[39:30] - Worship as a Weapon
[40:23] - Breaking Traditions
[41:11] - Lifting Others Up
[42:43] - Formerly Lame, Now Whole
[43:50] - Declaration to Arise

Sermon Clips

Step out of the sin. Whatever it is that is keeping you from being all that God wants you to be. Arise. This is the day to arise. Dr. Shirley came in my office before this service. She said, I have a word today. And it's not often that she has a word. But when she does, she is right on target. [00:02:44] (29 seconds)

That's where we are so because of that I stopped in here today to tell you get up arise this is the word for the day this is the time we're in a turning point so arise and get up our lack of action keeps us from seeing victory we have faith in god we believe god we expect to live in the blessings of god and we want to receive all the miracles that he has for us but we fail to move in faith [00:07:32] (37 seconds)

It's time to arise from our sin this is the prodigal son in luke 15 when he came to himself he said i'm perishing with hunger he had a a moment he said i will arise i'm gonna go to my father and i'm gonna say to him i've sinned i've messed up i've sinned against heaven i've sinned before you and i am no longer worthy to be called your son [00:12:39] (26 seconds)

I love this scripture this scripture could be a series we could go for weeks on this one verse Joshua chapter 8 verse 1 now the Lord said to Joshua do not be afraid did you know that in the Bible 365 times we read the words do not be afraid or fear not 365 times how many days are there in a year he's given us one for every day because he knew that people would struggle with fear [00:14:16] (38 seconds)

Why are you afraid when god says i'm gonna give you the king i'm gonna give you the people i'm gonna give you the city i'm gonna give you the land i'm gonna give it all to you just gather all the warriors and arise and go forward in the mighty power of god in the mighty power of the holy ghost we are his remnant people he's calling us to rise up to step out of our sin and to step out of the fear and go forward [00:19:04] (24 seconds)

And there was a famine in the land. They had no food to eat. They were outcasts because of their leprosy. They were outcasts because of their leprosy. They couldn't go in the city because of that. If they walked into the city, they had to walk down the street. And the custom that day was they had to cry out, unclean, unclean, unclean. So people would back up because leprosy was very contagious. [00:23:18] (23 seconds)

If you stay there, you're going to die. So they got up. And they said, we're going to fall into the hands of the Syrians. We're going to go down to their camp. We're going to surrender. We're going to wave the white flag. Maybe, just maybe they'll at least feed us. And we can live. And so they got up. And they started walking. But God is always, it's interesting how he always has a plan. [00:25:42] (28 seconds)

And when he did, the chains fell off. Arise in worship. I don't have to preach this one because I've been preaching this the last two weeks. So you already know what to do. So just stand up. Just. Get up. It's my last point. Can you believe that? And it's early. If you're taking medicine, it's 1211. It's early. [00:39:21] (27 seconds)

Arise in worship because worship is a weapon, right? Your miracle comes on the wings of your praise. Your miracle comes as you worship him, as you praise him. When you praise him, when you learn to dance with your chains on, the chains will fall off. But we don't dance because we're chained. We're bound. We're bound by tradition. [00:39:56] (30 seconds)

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