Hello, Family!
I pray you are encouraged and strengthened by today's reading, to keep moving forward in knowing God's ways and following His heart.
"Now may the God of shalom Himself make you completely holy; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept complete, blameless at the coming of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah. Faithful is the One who calls you—and He will make it happen!"
(1 Thess. 5:23-24, TLV).
Much Love!
Denae
Believers, how are we doing? With the world running wild, time ticking quickly, and truth being tested, how are our foundations holding up?
In the shaking, are we standing strong, or feeling exposed and weak? Perhaps we’re fluctuating between both. In Hebrews 12:26-29 God speaks of shaking, “His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, ‘Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heavens.’ Now this phrase, ‘Yet once more,’ shows the removal of those things that are shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude—through this we may offer worship in a manner pleasing to God, with reverence and awe. For our God is a consuming fire.” (TLV).
The shaking we’re experiencing is an opportunity to allow dead things like distractions, discord, and despair to be removed, and things of life like maturity, unity, and deep roots in God to grow. It is getting us ready for a final shaking and eternity with Christ.
I believe the Lord wants to encourage us in three specific ways through this message: to abide in Christ - fully surrendered and reliant on His Word and Spirit, to keep coming together in His name, and to stay devoted to the work He’s given us to do.
God is allowing this time of shaking to realign us to the truth: Jesus must be first. In Colossians 1:17-18 Paul explains, “Christ existed before all things, and in union with him all things have their proper place. He is the head of his body, the church; he is the source of the body's life. He is the first-born Son, who was raised from death, in order that he alone might have the first place in all things” (GNT).
Our eyes must remain fixed on Yeshua - Jesus our Messiah as we live in awe and holy reverence of who He is. We must seek Him first and continually, and be quick to turn in repentance when we are wrong. Jesus is our present help, forgiving and encouraging, going before us and showing us the way. Each trial, every moment of shaking, is an opportunity to resist the pride of self-reliance, fear, and insecurity, and kneel at the Cross, humbly acknowledging our need for the One who holds first place in all things.
His strength is shared through our weakness.
Each time we kneel, we move to a deeper place of believing and a stronger position of trust. Each time we kneel, we experience the near presence of God empowering us to follow and shine for Him. Humble, we are secure on Him - the unshakable foundation.
In this shaking, let’s remember we are not at war with one another. Keep close the familiar scripture of Ephesians 6:12-13, “For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. So put on God's armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy's attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground” (GNT). In prayer we battle with things unseen, where we wage war and enforce the victory that Christ has already won. In relationship, we choose peace and forgiveness, time and time and time again.
As we abide in Christ, resist offense and remain at one another’s side, clarity will come on how to continue the work God has called us to do. James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him" (ESV). We are working for an eternal reward! Our obedience brings a blessing. Our faithfulness honors and pleases the Lord. When we continue our work through the shaking, then when we see the Lord face to face we will be rewarded for our faithfulness to Him.
Let’s Pray
Abba Father,
Thank You for being aware of the details of our life. Thank You for Your support and encouragement to keep on going!
Forgive us for choosing distraction. Help us turn aside from all that takes us away from You. Help us catch the foxes that would steal what's waiting to be found in You (see Song of Songs 2:15-17). We want to grow up strong and secure, and pleasing unto You.
Through this shaking You are proving to us Your strength. You are showing how we can be strong in You.
Help us, Lord, to walk in forgiveness and to give one another the mercy we have been given in Christ Jesus. Stir up eternity in our hearts. Make us aware of the time.
We commit our life and work to You!
In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
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