“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, and offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship with reverence and awe; 29for our God is [indeed] a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:27-28 AMP

It seems like everything in the world is being shaking more and more each day. Ask anyone who has experienced and earthquake, the problem is keeping you balance! The harder the shaking the more difficult it is to stand upright. Jesus likened the challenges of this world to similar conditions.

““So, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, will be like a wise man [a far-sighted, practical, and sensible man] who built his house on the rock. 25And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them, will be like a foolish (stupid) man who built his house on the sand. 27And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell–and great and complete was its fall.” Matthew 7:24-27 AMP

The picture here is one of a person who has decided to live their lives according to the way of Christ! Do you see it? “So, everyone who hears My words and ACTS ON THEM…” There is a two-part promise here, hearing and acting! Note here that Jesus told them, and the rain fell, and the winds blew…” It wasn’t “IF” that would but rather “WHEN” that would happen. Many times, people hear the Word of the Lord but do not act on it but nothing changes. They think that by simply claiming the promise they will receive its reward. We are daily buffeted by the attack of the enemy seeking to exalt himself above the throne of God! We must never forget the God is in control! Take note of what the verse tells us to do since the kingdom of which we are a part cannot be shaken, “…, let us show gratitude, and offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship with reverence and awe…” The Apostle Paul described it correctly, “press on and be thankful in every situation!

“Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own.13Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14 AMP

The prophet Hosea said it best,

““So let us know and become personally acquainted with Him; let us press on to know and understand fully the [greatness of the] LORD [to honor, heed, and deeply cherish Him]. His appearing is prepared and is as certain as the dawn, And He will come to us [in salvation] like the [heavy] rain, Like the spring rain watering the earth.” Hosea 6:3 AMP

The reality of life is that it is difficult! The day-to-day struggles and concerns can quickly cause us to shift our focus away from the One who gave it all and drop us into the depths of despair. That’s why the Holy Spirit gave the Colossians these words,

“1Therefore if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value].” Colossians 3:1-2 AMP

Let me encourage you today that when you find yourself in the middle of the storm…look up, for your Redeemer draweth near! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken