Rise and Shine for God’s Glory
08/11/2025
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”
– Isaiah 60:1 (NIV)
The prophet Isaiah paints a breathtaking picture of God’s people stepping out of the shadows into the brilliance of His glory. Imagine a night so long and dark that you’ve almost forgotten the feel of sunlight on your face, then, suddenly, the horizon glows, the warmth returns, and you’re bathed in light. That’s the spiritual reality Isaiah is describing.
This verse was originally a call to Israel, but it speaks just as powerfully to us today. In Christ, we carry the light of the world within us. Yet, sometimes we stay in the shadows, held back by fear, sin, shame, or simply the comfort of staying unseen. God’s command here is not a gentle suggestion; it’s a summons: Arise. Shine.
Think of it like this: a lighthouse is built for storms, not sunny afternoons. Its light pierces the darkness to guide the lost and protect ships from danger. Likewise, God calls us to let His light in us shine brightest in a world that feels increasingly dark. Your testimony, your kindness, your courage to speak truth, and your acts of love all serve as beacons pointing people toward Jesus.
But notice the order, God says the light has already come. We don’t generate this brilliance ourselves; it’s His glory resting on us. Our role is to stand up and reflect it. That’s the freedom and the joy, our “shining” doesn’t depend on our perfection but on His presence.
Action Steps to help you on your journey:
Begin your day by thanking God for His light in your life.
Identify one person who might need encouragement today, and intentionally speak life into them.
Remove one “shadow” in your life, whether that’s a habit, fear, or excuse,
that keeps you from living boldly for Christ.
Today’s Challenge:
Step into one situation today where you’ve been hesitant to shine God’s light, whether at work, in your neighborhood, or even at home, and speak or act with the courage of someone carrying His glory.
Father, thank You that Your light has come into my life through Jesus Christ. Help me to arise from anything that keeps me in the shadows. Let Your glory be seen in my words, my actions, and my attitude today. Give me boldness to shine for You, no matter where I am. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”
– Isaiah 60:1 (NIV)
The prophet Isaiah paints a breathtaking picture of God’s people stepping out of the shadows into the brilliance of His glory. Imagine a night so long and dark that you’ve almost forgotten the feel of sunlight on your face, then, suddenly, the horizon glows, the warmth returns, and you’re bathed in light. That’s the spiritual reality Isaiah is describing.
This verse was originally a call to Israel, but it speaks just as powerfully to us today. In Christ, we carry the light of the world within us. Yet, sometimes we stay in the shadows, held back by fear, sin, shame, or simply the comfort of staying unseen. God’s command here is not a gentle suggestion; it’s a summons: Arise. Shine.
Think of it like this: a lighthouse is built for storms, not sunny afternoons. Its light pierces the darkness to guide the lost and protect ships from danger. Likewise, God calls us to let His light in us shine brightest in a world that feels increasingly dark. Your testimony, your kindness, your courage to speak truth, and your acts of love all serve as beacons pointing people toward Jesus.
But notice the order, God says the light has already come. We don’t generate this brilliance ourselves; it’s His glory resting on us. Our role is to stand up and reflect it. That’s the freedom and the joy, our “shining” doesn’t depend on our perfection but on His presence.
Action Steps to help you on your journey:
Begin your day by thanking God for His light in your life.
Identify one person who might need encouragement today, and intentionally speak life into them.
Remove one “shadow” in your life, whether that’s a habit, fear, or excuse,
that keeps you from living boldly for Christ.
Today’s Challenge:
Step into one situation today where you’ve been hesitant to shine God’s light, whether at work, in your neighborhood, or even at home, and speak or act with the courage of someone carrying His glory.
Father, thank You that Your light has come into my life through Jesus Christ. Help me to arise from anything that keeps me in the shadows. Let Your glory be seen in my words, my actions, and my attitude today. Give me boldness to shine for You, no matter where I am. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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