The Rising Of The Stars

Devotional

Day 1: God Can Fulfill His Promises Suddenly, No Matter the Time Left

No matter how little time seems to remain, God is able to fulfill His promises and bring about miracles in ways that defy human expectations. Even when circumstances appear hopeless and all hope seems lost, God can intervene suddenly and turn situations around, reminding us that His timing is perfect and not limited by our deadlines. Trusting in God's faithfulness means believing that He can do in a moment what we could not achieve in years, and that no situation is too late for Him to redeem. [07:40]

2 Kings 3:16-20 (NKJV)
And he said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Make this valley full of ditches.’ For thus says the Lord: ‘You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your cattle, and your animals may drink.’ And this is a simple matter in the sight of the Lord; He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. Also you shall attack every fortified city and every choice city, and shall cut down every good tree, and stop up every spring of water, and ruin every good piece of land with stones.” Now it happened in the morning, when the grain offering was offered, that suddenly water came by way of Edom, and the land was filled with water.

Reflection: Where in your life have you given up hope because you think time has run out? Can you bring that situation to God today and trust Him for a sudden turnaround?

Day 2: Creation Awaits the Manifestation of God’s Children

All of creation is eagerly waiting for the sons and daughters of God to rise up and reveal God’s glory through their lives. The world is longing for believers to stand at their full stature, to bring light and freedom where there is darkness and bondage, and to fulfill the purpose for which they were created. When God’s people manifest their true identity, they become agents of transformation, bringing hope and restoration to a world in need. [15:50]

Romans 8:19-21 (NKJV)
For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Reflection: In what area of your life or community do you sense creation is “waiting” for you to step up and shine as a child of God? What is one step you can take today to answer that call?

Day 3: Let Your Light Shine—Overcoming the Forces That Dim Your Influence

God calls His children to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, shining brightly so that others may see their good works and glorify God. However, there are forces—especially the devil and the works of the flesh—that seek to dim this light, causing believers to blend in with darkness rather than stand out. Yet, God has given us the power to overcome these forces, to resist conformity, and to let our light shine boldly in every sphere of influence. [19:57]

Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV)
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Reflection: What is one specific way you can let your light shine today in a place where you have been tempted to hide or blend in?

Day 4: Stand Firm Against the Enemy by Putting on God’s Armor

The real enemy is not people around us, but the devil who works tirelessly to distract, deceive, and divide us, keeping us from fulfilling our purpose. God has equipped us with spiritual armor—truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer—so that we can stand firm against every attack and remain steadfast in our calling. It is essential to intentionally put on this armor daily, recognizing the spiritual battle and refusing to cooperate with the enemy’s schemes. [31:49]

Ephesians 6:13-18 (NKJV)
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

Reflection: Which piece of God’s armor do you most need to “put on” today, and what practical action can you take to do so?

Day 5: Arise and Shine—Embrace Your God-Given Vision and Purpose

God calls His children to arise and shine, stepping into the clear vision and unique assignment He has given each one. Like Joseph, who stood upright in the midst of darkness and opposition, believers are to embrace their God-given dreams, resist the works of the flesh that bring disunity, and fulfill their destiny as stars that draw others to God. When you align yourself with God’s purpose, His glory will be seen upon you, and the blessings you seek will naturally follow. [38:49]

Isaiah 60:1-3 (NKJV)
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. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.

Reflection: What is the vision or dream God has placed in your heart that you have been hesitant to embrace? How can you take a step today to arise and shine in that area?

Sermon Summary

As we approach the final stretch of the year, it’s easy to feel that time is running out for God to fulfill His promises in our lives. Yet, 68 days is more than enough for God to turn things around, as He did for my daughter and me when all hope seemed lost. God often steps in when we reach the end of ourselves, reminding us that no situation is too difficult or too late for Him. The story of the three kings in 2 Kings 3 shows that even when all natural hope is gone, God can provide in unexpected ways—water in a dry valley, victory where defeat seemed certain. We must not limit God by our own understanding of time or circumstances.

The world is waiting for the manifestation of the sons and daughters of God. Romans 8 tells us that creation itself is yearning for us to rise to our full stature, to shine as stars in a dark world. Yet, many of us are not shining at full capacity. We are called to be salt and light, to be missed when absent, to make a tangible difference in our communities. But the enemy works tirelessly to keep us distracted, busy with arguments, strife, and the works of the flesh—motion without movement. He is content for us to be saved but ineffective, our lights dimmed and our salt diluted.

We must not be ignorant of the devil’s devices: deception, discouragement, pride, envy, and division. These are the tools he uses to keep us from unity and from fulfilling our purpose. Instead of fighting each other, we must unite and fight against the real enemy. God has given us spiritual armor—truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer—but too often we leave it unused. The works of the flesh cannot coexist with the manifestation of God’s sons and daughters.

To rise as stars, we need clear vision, clean virtue, and then victory will follow. Like Joseph, we must understand our God-given dreams and not allow pride, envy, or misunderstanding to cloud our vision. The call is to arise and shine, to accept our kingdom assignment, and to let God’s glory be seen upon us. When we align ourselves with God’s purpose, the things we chase will begin to chase us. Our unity, clarity of vision, and commitment to God’s ways will enable us to fulfill our destiny and be a blessing to the world.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Timing Is Never Too Late No matter how little time seems left in the year or in your situation, God is not bound by our deadlines. He often waits until we have exhausted our own strength so that His intervention is unmistakable. Trust that even when hope seems lost, God can bring sudden and complete turnaround. Do not limit God by your perception of time—He is able to do exceedingly more than we ask or imagine. [01:57]
2. The World Awaits the Manifestation of God’s Children Creation is not just passively existing; it is actively yearning for the sons and daughters of God to rise and shine. Our full stature is not just for personal fulfillment but for the liberation and blessing of the world around us. Heroes of faith made such an impact because they stood at their full height—so must we, for our generation. Ask yourself: are you shining at full capacity, or has your light been dimmed by distraction and compromise? [16:31]
3. The Enemy’s Main Strategy Is Distraction and Division Satan’s most effective weapon is not always outright sin, but keeping believers busy with strife, arguments, and the works of the flesh. He is content for us to be saved but ineffective, moving in circles without real progress. Recognize that the real enemy is not people around you, but the devil who sows discord and keeps us from unity and purpose. Guard your relationships and your heart, and fight for unity at every level. [24:27]
4. Spiritual Armor Must Be Worn, Not Stored God has provided us with everything we need to stand against the enemy: truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer. Yet, many leave this armor unused, choosing instead to operate in the flesh. Examine your life for gaps in your spiritual armor and commit to putting it on daily. Only then can we withstand the attacks of the enemy and fulfill our calling as manifest sons and daughters of God. [32:27]
5. Clear Vision and Unity Are Essential for Destiny Joseph’s story shows that a clear, God-given vision is often misunderstood and opposed, even by those closest to us. The enemy’s goal is to cloud our vision and sow division, but God calls us to arise, shine, and pursue our assignment with clarity and unity. When we unite and fight against anything that separates us, we become effective and fulfill our purpose. Pray for clear vision, clean virtue, and the grace to walk in unity and purpose. [49:18]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:03] - Testimony: God’s Timing in Difficult Situations
[02:43] - The Story of the Three Kings and God’s Unexpected Provision
[04:34] - The Importance of Godly Partnerships
[06:03] - God’s Simple Solutions and Overflowing Blessings
[07:26] - Don’t Limit God: Praying for Impossible Situations
[10:07] - Lessons from Previous Teachings: The Value of the Kingdom
[11:16] - Joseph’s Dream: God-Given Vision and Misunderstanding
[14:42] - Creation Awaits the Manifestation of God’s Children
[16:31] - Are We Shining at Full Capacity?
[19:11] - The Enemy’s Strategy: Distraction and Dullness
[22:09] - Identifying the Real Enemy
[24:27] - The Works of the Flesh and Spiritual Stagnation
[29:06] - Spiritual Warfare: Putting on the Whole Armor of God
[32:27] - Examining Our Armor and the Works of the Flesh
[36:14] - Are We Ready to Manifest as Sons of God?
[37:36] - Arise and Shine: The Call to Kingdom Assignment
[41:19] - Joseph’s Dreams and the Power of Vision
[48:20] - Praying for Clear Vision and Unity
[53:36] - Closing Prayers and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1. 2 Kings 3:1-20 (ESV) — > [Read aloud in group or individually]

2. Romans 8:18-21 (ESV) — > For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

3. Ephesians 6:10-18 (ESV) — > Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

Observation Questions

In 2 Kings 3, what was the situation facing the three kings, and how did God provide for them in a way that defied their expectations? ([06:03])
According to Romans 8:19-21, what is creation waiting for, and how is this described in the passage? ([15:08])
What are some of the specific “devices” or strategies the enemy uses to keep believers from fulfilling their purpose, as mentioned in the sermon? ([26:46])
In Ephesians 6, what are the different pieces of the “armor of God” that believers are instructed to put on? ([31:00])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says, “When we have come to the end of ourselves, that is when God steps in.” Why do you think God often waits until we have exhausted our own strength before intervening? ([01:57])
The preacher asks, “Are you and I shining at full capacity? Do you feel you are shining at full capacity?” What does it mean to “shine at full capacity” as a Christian, and what might prevent someone from doing so? ([18:14])
The sermon highlights that the enemy’s main strategy is to keep believers “busy with strife, arguments, and the works of the flesh.” Why is distraction and division so effective at stopping believers from fulfilling their calling? ([24:27])
The story of Joseph is used as an example of someone with a clear, God-given vision. Why do you think Joseph’s vision was misunderstood by those closest to him, and what can we learn from his response? ([43:20])

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us not to limit God by our perception of time. Is there a situation in your life right now where you feel time is running out for God to act? How can you trust God’s timing in that area this week? ([01:57])
The world is “waiting for the manifestation of the sons and daughters of God.” In your daily life—at work, at home, or in your community—what would it look like for you to “shine as a star” or be “salt and light”? Can you think of a specific opportunity this week? ([18:35])
The enemy uses distraction, discouragement, pride, envy, and division to keep us from unity and purpose. Which of these do you struggle with most, and what is one practical step you can take to guard your heart and relationships this week? ([26:46])
The sermon says, “Many of us will keep this armor at home.” Is there a part of the spiritual armor (truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the Word, prayer) that you tend to neglect? What can you do to “put it on” more intentionally this week? ([32:27])
Joseph’s vision was misunderstood and even opposed by his family. Have you ever felt misunderstood or unsupported in pursuing what you believe God has called you to do? How did you respond, and what would you do differently now? ([43:20])
The preacher urges us to “fight against anything that will separate us” rather than fighting each other. Is there a relationship in your life right now that needs reconciliation or unity? What is one step you can take toward healing or unity this week? ([51:11])
The sermon says, “When we align ourselves with God’s purpose, the things we chase will begin to chase us.” Are there things you are chasing that you need to surrender to God? What would it look like to focus on your kingdom assignment instead? ([40:00])

Sermon Clips

When we have come to the end of ourselves, that is when God steps in. I don't know who is here today. And your dreams have not been fulfilled in this year. And you have thought to yourself, well, let us trust God for next year. This year is gone already. It doesn't take Christ one half, one second to turn the situation around. [00:02:05]

When God wants to do his wonders, you might think you are familiar with the rule, too. You might think you know all the angles, and that based on all the angles you know, nothing can come out of this. My dear, there is water where you think there is no water. [00:07:19]

There is no such situation as impossible with God. There is no such thing as time limiting the God we have. If God has said it, my brothers and my sisters, God will do it. If God has spoken it, rest assured that he will bring it to pass. [00:08:10]

Because they were God given, they will certainly be fulfilled by the dream giver, God. [00:11:35]

May God grant us clear vision in Jesus' name. [00:13:15]

Until the sons of God come into manifestation, the corruptible seed, will continue to dominate the environment. [00:13:47]

Some kind of standing up by the children of God must take place in the last days. The creation travels and is waiting, not just for the return of Jesus, but for the return of God. For the manifestation of the sons of God, the standing up of Joseph, the sons and daughters of destiny. [00:14:09]

If all of those heroes of faith were the ones seated here right now, all of them came in the same generation and are seated right here, right now, these words cannot contain us. If they came at different times and they made it the impact that they made, assuming they all now come, all those heroes of faith that stood at their full height and shone at their peak as stars, if they are the ones seated in this auditorium right now, the creation will not be waiting any further for any further manifestation. [00:17:17]

As salt, are you seasoning at full strength? Are you a force at your communities and your spheres of influence? Does your community miss you when you are not there? Or they don't even know if you exist. If you don't put salt in soup, it will be missed, though. [00:18:25]

The word let presupposes that there is a force preventing or forbidding something from happening. But it also suggests that it is in you to overcome that force. It's saying let your light so shine. So there is a force. There is a force impeding it. But if it's saying let, that means you have that power in you. To do what? To overcome that force. [00:20:02]

The real enemy is not your wife. The real enemy is not your husband. The real enemy is not your friend. The real enemy is not your boss at work. The real enemy is not your HOD, or a leader, or a minister. It's the devil at work creating all manner of distractions and diversions to keep us from our purpose, which is manifesting as the sons of God, as sons and daughters of destiny. [00:22:12]

He keeps men in motion without movement. Moving around like this. Christians are moving around in circles. Motion without movement. You're not moving from here to there. You're just moving. It looks like you're busy. It looks like you're moving, but we are just going around in circles. [00:22:56]

He says, let them be saved. Don't let them grow. Keeps them busy. We will not study the Bible. We won't attend fellowships. We will not be obedient to the word of God. Listen to the word of God. How do you obey what you don't even study? Let them be saved. But don't let them make any impacts. Dim their lights. Let darkness not even notice their lights. [00:25:00]

We have absorbed pride. We have absorbed envy. We have absorbed anger. The devil is at work and we are clearly cooperating with him. We allow strife and envy and pride in our midst. So that even when we come for counseling, we turn deaf ears to their counsel. [00:28:35]

While the devil comes with his own full armor. We have kept our own at home. This is the armor that God has given us. When we get home, please. The children did the... Beautiful display yesterday. Sit with this scripture. Ephesians 6, 13 to 20. All of us are familiar with these scriptures. Study it. And see where you need to. Where the gaps are in your own armor. And begin to fix it and put it in place. We must be fully equipped as children of God. [00:32:07]

We cannot be at this level and say we want to manifest as a son of God. It cannot work. [00:35:00]

Are we ready? My brother, he started powerfully last two Sundays. What is, is that we have taken from what he ministered on and we have, that has changed our lifestyle, that has changed something that we did, our habits. What has changed in our habits in the last two weeks? Now we are talking about rising up as stars, as manifesting as sons of God, that the whole world is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God. But the question is, are we ready? [00:35:56]

Are we willing to stand up like Joseph and be the sons and daughters of destiny? Because there is a price to pay, like my brother said last week. Are we ready to give up all for the gospel of Christ? [00:37:12]

Arise first and foremost as sons of God. Shine. And the glory of the Lord will rise upon you. [00:39:05]

What you are running after are naturally things that will flow towards you when you align yourself in the right way. First and foremost, understand the kingdom assignment. Understand your purpose as the son of the kingdom. As that man, that son that is waiting, that the whole world is waiting for his manifestation. Accept your assignment. Arise and shine. This is what God decrees. [00:40:03]

Rather than fight with one another in your marriage, in your home or your church among sisters in your departments let us fight against anything that will separate us let us unite and fight against that thing husband and wives when challenges and situation comes remember that the enemy is not your spouse the devil knows what he's doing to ensure that he distracts you and I from reaching our full potential and standing at our full stature and our full heights let us work together as couples as friends as family as members of a department at your office let us work together in doing our duty right because we have Accounting at home but we also have our reason to be together [00:51:25]

God has given you a sphere to control and to rule and you have seen the works of the enemy in full glare and you are not maintaining your stand as a child of God then we are filled in our assignment and at our purpose as the sons of God who are supposed to manifest we will arise and fulfill our destiny in the mighty name of Jesus [00:53:01]

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