The Lord is making a spiritual adjustment in His Church.
Isaiah 60:1-3, NKJV, the prophet declares to God’s people, “Arise, shine; for your light has come! For 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.” (emphasis mine)
Q: Are you ready to witness the glory of the Lord to “be seen upon you”?
This admonition was given to the nation of Israel who were to be a light to the nations around them. God’s people were to be a witness/ testimony of the reality of the living God, the Creator of mankind, actual Presence (His glory) in Israel. Their lifestyle was to be set apart unto Him and different from the pagan nations. (emphasis, insert mine)
Israel witnessed it!
These words are also prophetic of the coming of the Son of God.
Jesus, is the One of whom the Apostle John said, “In the beginning was the Word, and Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend (marginal note, overcome) it. There was a man sent from God , whose name was John (John the Baptist). This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He (John the Baptist) was not the Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He (Jesus) was in the world, and world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came unto His own and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God (that is the message of the Gospel), to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:1-13, NKJV (emphasis, inserts mine)
John 1:14 NKJV, makes possible the transfer of God’s design for His people,[ the nation of Israel, who was set apart to be the light to the nations of the world in great darkness], to the Church, the Body of Christ, to be that same light to the nations of the world since its inception manifesting the glory of God.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14, NKJV) (emphasis mine)
2 Corinthians 4:6 (NKJV) elaborates on John’s words, “For it it is God who commanded light to shine out of darkness (Genesis 1:3), who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (please read the context for this truth: 2 Corinthians 3:1-4:18) (insert mine) (emphasis)
The glory of God walked in a human body in the Person of the Son of God /Son of Man in Judah.
The light that was to shine through the nation of Israel,(past); was birthed through the Incarnation of the Son of God into this world in a human body (Luke 2); Jesus was the Light of the world, (then), (John 8:12); and that Light is (now) resident in His Body, the Church, and that Light, is to be shining brightly in the world of darkness. (see Matthew 5:14-16). (inserts, emphasis mine)
Therefore, Church: Arise, shine for your Light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. (paraphrase of Isaiah 60:1) (emphasis mine)
Q: What is our responsibility today?
A. The glory of the Lord is to be witnessed in His Body, the Church in the world.
Q: How?
A. By the light that it shines!
Church it is time to remember and sing the children’s chorus, “This little light of mine I’m going to let it shine…”
{Let us read the fulfillment of the word transference* as written by the Apostle Peter. *The word ‘transference’ is used by Dane Ortland in his book,‘Surprised By Jesus’, chapter 11, pgs. 161-172, copyright 2021 by Dane Ortland.}
“To the pilgrims of the Dispersion on Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied…Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, Now this is the word which by the Gospel was preached to you.” (1 Peter 1:1,2,22-25 NKJV)
“Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the mild of the word, that you may grow there by, if indeed, you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Coming unto Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices (Romans 12:1) acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,“Behold, I lay in Zion, A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who (marginal note: disbelieve) are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble being disobedient to the word, to which they were appointed. ” (1 Peter 2:1-8 NKJV) (insert mine)
Q: What has the Church been chosen to be?
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praise of Him who called you out of the darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10, NKJV) (emphasis mine)
Do you see that, what was purposed by God for His people Israel, has been transferred to the Church, the Body of Christ, through the coming of the Son of God born in a human body?
Consider this: In the same way that God observed Israel, so the Lord Jesus Christ observes His Church, and observes the light they are shining in a world of darkness.
Q: Is the Church,today,in 2026, shining forth the light of the Lord Jesus Christ in this darkened world?
Peter pleas, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, they when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” (1 Peter 1:11-12, NKJV)
We are witnessing a ‘day of visitation’ in our world today!
The glory of God is being manifested in the earth.
What was originally intended by God, that His people would be a light to the nations, was extinguished by their willful disobedience, ignoring His Word, turning away from Him, and living like the nations of the world surrounding them.
They embraced the ‘darkness’ of the pagan nations.
The birth of Christ, in human flesh, brought into this world, the Light of the world, because in Him was “That true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.” (John 1:9, NKJV)
Remember Jesus said, (John 8:12, NKJV) “…I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, have the light of life .”(see John 1:4).
Q: Is there darkness in the Church covering the light?
Please read Matthew 5:14-16.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived in human flesh; a human body in which its Creator now resided; a human body in which God took up His residence that was filled with His “glory and truth”. (John 1:14)
Consider the incredibility of this truth.
Therefore, a human body in which the Son of God now lived radiated “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ..”( 2 Corinthians 4:6) was now walking in the midst of His creation.
Recalling the disciple Philips words to Jesus (John 14:8, NKJV), “Lord, show us the Father and it is sufficient for us.” Jesus responded, (John 14:9, NKJV), “…Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father, so how can you say, “Show us the Father?”
I am reminded of the question I posed in a previous post.
Q: Can the Lord Jesus Christ say to an individual, “If you have seen My Church, then you have seen Me?”
In the previous post, GOD’S L.E.D., Christ’s letter to the Church at Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-7 was discussed.
Jesus, the Head of the Church, is speaking to the believers in Ephesus through a letter He directed the Apostle John to write.
Historically, the Church in Ephesus was a dynamic, living body of believers. The Apostle Paul was instrumental in its growth, teaching, and establishment as a vibrant Church.
Jesus , in His letter to the Church in Ephesus, assesses their ministry as a Church in a darkened world, telling them that they need to repent because they have left their first love.
What is that first love?
Their love for Him.
Jesus tells them that if they do not repent, He will remove their lampstand.
Q: What is the purpose of a lampstand?
A. To be lighted and shine forth its light.
Q: What is Jesus bringing to their attention?
A. Their light is flickering, diminished, close to smoldering.
Strong words, but Jesus Christ is the Head of His Church, the Body of Christ.
Q: What is the implication of them not repenting?
This means that their influence to shine the light of the Gospel and the glory of God, in the city of Ephesus. will cease.
Jesus is not questioning their salvation.
He is setting aside their spiritual influence in the city of Ephesus.
{Note: The city of Ephesus does not exist except for its pagan ruins. There are no ruins that show that Christianity once existed there. Therefore, the Church in the city of Ephesus did not repent and its lampstand was removed.}
The letter to the Ephesian Church ends with a clarion call.
Note: This clarion call is spoken to all of the seven Churches. See: Reveation 2:7; 2:11; 2:17; 2:29; 3:6; 3:13; 3:22.
Jesus says, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (NKJV)
What is the Spirit saying to the Church today?
‘Arise Shine for your Light Has Come’
Q: Does the Lord Jesus Christ, our Great Shepherd, our Savior want to remove the lampstand?
A. No, that is not His heart’s desire.
See Isaiah 42:1-25 for context.
Isaiah 42:3, NKJV, ” A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench…”
This is our Father’s heart expressed through Isaiah regarding His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, “Behold My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. He will not cry out, nor raise His voice; Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street,a bruised reed he will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth.” Isaiah 42:1-3, NKJV (emphasis mine)
The fact that Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, is addressing His Church, tells us and shows us, that His heart longs and yearns for His Church to walk in right relationship with Him; to love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.
However, as the Head of the Church, He governs His Church, by the Holy Spirit, according to the Word of God.
Remember, He is the Word of God.
According to the written Word of God, the Church, composed of born again believers, filled with the Holy Spirit, is to manifest the life of Christ that is within them. (Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 4:8-11; the letter to the Galatians.)
The life of Christ, is the light of Christ, the manifested glory of God that is to shine forth in this darkened world.
The letter to the Church at Ephesus in Revelations 2:1-7, tells us that the Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, longs for us to return to our first love for Him so that His life and light will shine brightly in the midst of darkness, thereby manifesting the glory of God.
I know I am being redundant; but the Spirit of God, is saying to the Church that the Lord Jesus Christ is checking out His Church.
He is calling His people to repentance.
The only way a believer can go forward with the Lord is by repentance. That is not a harsh statement.
This is the grace of God.
Jesus, the Lamb of God, has taken away the sin of the world.
I am justified by faith in Christ. I am born again. The work of the cross is finished.
But,
The blood of Christ is not a one time event in our life.
A believer needs to be daily cleansed from their sins by the eternal precious blood of Christ.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, then we make Him a liar and the truth is not in us. I John 1:9-10 NKJV.
He wants to restore the flickering light that resides in many of His followers; and brightly rekindle the true Light that should be influencing the community in which His Church resides.
The reality is that He, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Head of the Church, can and will put out the light of spiritual influence in the life of a believer ;and/or the spiritual influence of a local church. (Reminder, the Church in Ephesus is no more)
Let me say again, the Lord is not taking away one’s salvation (John 10:28-29).
The Lord is calling those who He desires to use for His kingdom purposes; and setting aside those who do not respond to His call His kingdom purposes.
The Apostle Paul, addresses this same idea in 2 Timothy 2:1-26.
In 2 Timothy 2:19-21, NKJV, “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God *stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who name the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel of honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” (emphasis mine)
Q: Why am I emphasizing the word STAND?
A. Because this word, emphasizes what is and will be required of us individually and the Church collectively living in the ‘last days’.
(See I Thessalonians 5:1-28; 2 Timothy 3:1-4:5; Matthew 24:1-25:46; 2 Peter 3-18.)
When an individual, a local Church body, or any group of believers in Jesus Christ answer the clarion call spoken by the Holy Spirit to the Church, you can be assured that there will be spiritual conflict.
All spiritual conflict is a spiritual warfare between light and darkness.
It is the Kingdom of Light in a spiritual battle against the kingdom of darkness.
Satan seeks to be in relentless conflict, at war, with God.
Satan is a defeated foe.
The reality is that Satan can never be in a position of dominance over God.
The cross made it possible for us to be justified in Christ and the wrath of God to be satisfied regarding His relationship to humanity.
It also removed Satan’s influence and dominance over humanity.
(Colossians 2:13-15; I Peter 2:24; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 2:20; John 19:20)
Why? Because the kingdom of darkness by its influence wars against the influence of the Kingdom of Light.
The Biblical enemies of the believer are the world, the flesh, and the devil. (Ephesians 2:2-3)
The more you determine to abide in the Lord; press into Him; spend time with Him in His Word; be obedient to the Holy Spirit governing your life; the more you will be rebuffed, thwarted, tempted to stop, assailed, persecuted, be discouraged, in short be in conflict, at war, with the world, the flesh, and the devil.
This is the normal Christian life for the followers of Christ every day of their lives.
We are witnessing ‘unprecedented unrest’ in our nation and the nations of the world.
The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ has always been under persecution in the world. (1 John 3:13; John 15:18-21; John 17:14-19)
Believers are rmaligned, ridiculed, persecuted, threatened, put in prison, and killed for their loyalty to Jesus Christ. (Matthew 5:10-11; 1 Peter 4:12-19)
This opposition is increasing literally throughout the world in this ‘hour’ in which we live. This is not conjecture. This is reality.
The enemy of our souls wants the light, life, and influence of our Lord Jesus Christ removed, stopped, and ceased in this world.
In short, put out the light of the glory of God, shining brightly in this darkened world.
The day that Jesus died on the Cross, the religious leaders, the Roman government, Satan and his angels, even Christ’s disciples believed that the influence of Jesus in the world had come to an end.
No more light!
What does the scripture say, Matthew 27:45-46 NKJV,”Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour, there was darkness over all the land.”
The darkness of death believed that it had put out the light of life.
Darkness had won, right!
Wrong, John 1:5 NKJV, “And the darkness did not comprehend it.”
What does this mean? comprehend is better understood as, “overcome”.
The MacArthur Study Bible, pg 1573, notes for John 1:5 says, “Darkness is not able to overcome or conquer the light. Just as a single candle can overcome a room filled with darkness, so also the powers of darkness are overcome by the person and work of the Son through His death on the cross.”
Read Revelation 1:9-20 to catch the vision of the exalted Lord Jesus Christ, as recorded by the Apostle John.
Bask in The Revelation (Revelation 1:1) of His Brilliance and Glory!
The reality is that the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ unleashed a greater powerful influence of life and light (Revelation 1:9-20) and that influence came into being with the birth of the Church.
On the Day of Pentecost, a rushing mighty wind filled the place where the disciples were gathered. The promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled.
The Church was born.
The Word of God was preached by the Apostles.
Persecution arose, the leaders of the Church, continued to let their light shine.
The result was a scattering of the Church unto the ends of the world.
Guess what?
Today, the Lord Jesus Christ, is moving by the Holy Spirit; the Word of God is being preached; the Holy Spirit is ministering throughout the world; people’s lives are being changed; people are receiving the Lord; followers are being water baptized; followers are being filled with the Holy Spirit; the Lord Jesus Christ is performing signs and wonders confirming the preaching of the Word of God.
The Lord is addressing His Church, today.
Q: Are we listening?
The Lord is asking: Are you ready for My visitation in your life? Are you ready for My visitation in your local Church? Are you ready for My visitation in your local community?
I have come to ‘anew’ and to ‘afresh’ My Presence through My Church in the nations of this world.
I have come to communities, colleges, and gathering venues in this nation(USA).
I am going to increase My Presence and the manifestation of My visitation on the earth, and in this nation.
My call to My Church is to “Arise, shine for your light has come and the glory of the Lord is risen on you.” Isaiah 60:1 NKJV (emphasis mine) (paraphrased)
Q: What is your response?
If your response is to live and to be the light of the Lord, shining forth the glory of God, then be prepared to STAND.
See Ephesians 6:10-18.
Why do I bring this to your attention?
I Peter 4:12-19 NKJV, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange things happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evil doer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now,“If the righteous one is scarcely saved? Where will the ungodly sinner appear?” Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” (boldness mine)
Q: Is it too bold to say?
This is where we are, at this moment, according to God’s redemptive plan, bringing an end to the condemnation of Adam’s disobedience, and providing justification because of Christ’s obedience according to the CROSS. (See Romans 5)
Just prior to the end of 2025, the Lord spoke to me these words for 2026.
A ‘Seismic Spiritual Shaking‘ is coming.
The Lord is making ready His Bride for His return with His visitation to the nations of this world.
His visitation will bring judgment and justification.
Judgment for those who are to receive judgment; and justification to those who hear and believe the Word of God. (See John 3:14-21.)
Again, it is time to STAND.
God told Moses, Exodus 14:13-14, NKJV, “And Moses said to the people, Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you will see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” (emphasis mine)
John 16:25-33, In the midst of religious fervor, political chaos and confusion, and unprecedented unrest (does that sound like the climate of our nation?), Jesus is concluding His final words to His disciples just before He prays to His Father.
Jesus says, “Do you now believe. Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.” (NKJV)
Q: Do you believe that?
In the midst of today’s ‘unprecedented unrest’ of chaos, confusion, rebellion, ungoverned lives and insurrection, you are not alone, just like Jesus said that He was not alone. Jesus said, that He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrew 13:5; Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:5)
As we move forward with the Lord, during the calendar year of 2026, remember, Jesus has overcome the world. (John 16:33)
As a believer, you have overcome the world in Him. (I John 5:1-12)
That is your position.
The Church will experience the reality of its position ‘in Christ’ walking with the Lord; governed by the Holy Spirit according to the Word of God; united with a community of believers who chose to, “Arise, Shine For Their Light Has Come”; and are ready to stand to do spiritual warfare; and to stand and see the salvation of God in their midst-and the glory of the God will rise upon them.
To quote, Paul Washer, “Buckle Up” (from his teaching on ‘The Power of the Holy Spirit’, You Tube 2023)
This is a lot to reflect upon.
I encourage you to read, reflect, and pray.
Seek the Lord and ask Him about the light and influence that is shining through you in this world of darkness.
Q: What area of your life do you have daily conflict? the world? the flesh? the devil?
Let Him speak to you as He did to the Church at Ephesus.
He loves you.
What He reveals to you, be quick to repent; so that the light of the glory of God may shine brighter through you.
He wants to shine His Light through you to others; so that they will be drawn to the Lord by the Spirit of God.
Remember to sing, ‘This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine…’
Be Blessed, your brother in Christ, deo
Living Words of Encouragement 