"The words 'once more' indicate the removing of what can be 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 be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe" (Hebrews 12:27,28).

I have on my heart this morning a friend of some 25 years. Bruce is a log truck driver who was part of our church in northern PA. He's a man of vibrant faith and high energy but the last several years he's been through two liver transplants. He just got out of the hospital and is recovering at home. We shared on the phone about the shaking taking place in his life these last couple of years and his new perspective on God's goodness and blessing.

I have heard it said that reality ultimately consists of two things; that which can be shaken and that which cannot be.  All that we see with our physical eyes can be shaken.

The daily text acknowledges the reality of the shaking of the created order that we have all experienced in various ways, although some in a far more stunning way.  Consider your life for a few minutes.  Look back over those periods of severe shaking.  Some surely have had more severe types and perhaps even a greater frequency of "shakings".  However, are there any of you reading this who can't identify?

We so want to avoid the shakings, but Scripture has a wonderful promise in the latter part of the daily text, "we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken."  We must purposefully and intentionally focus on the spiritual realm, on this "kingdom that cannot be shaken." 

We are "receiving" this kingdom and the verb tense is quite significant.  Jesus taught us to pray, "Thy kingdom come."  Our journey through this life is but a transition to the future Kingdom God has prepared for us.  I am convinced that very early in eternity we will recognize just how brief this journey really is, although since it's all we know it seems long and wholly significant.

Today I encourage each reader to keep the eternal perspective. We are receiving this kingdom!  It's an absolute certainty.  What is our response?  "Let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe!"


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Note from Brooksyne:  The entire chapter of Psalm 107 describes shakings that took place while the Jews' were exiled in Babylon.  The ultimate reason for those shakings was to guide these people to God so they could recognize their blessings from God and give thanks to Him.  "Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.  He stilled the storm to a whisper; and the waves of the seas were hushed.  They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven" (Ps. 107:28-30).  When we keep the eternal perspective on our difficulties we will be quick to recognize God's blessings even in the midst of them and offer praises and thanksgiving to our faithful God.

As I pondered on our daily Scripture portion I wondered what visual view would serve as a backdrop. A friend of mine took this photo in Acadia National Park in Maine.

Yesterday several requested the interview that Brooksyne prepared for a premarital couple to ask older couples regarding marriage tips. Here are those questions.


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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
 
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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