Since We Are Receiving A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken
Hebrews 12:28-29 (NIV)
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”
There are two kingdoms and cultures that exist. There is the kingdom and culture of Heaven. It is based upon God and all that He desires. He has given us His word to produce within us His character and His nature. The Lord has told us that we are in this world but we are not of this world.
The other culture and kingdom is that of darkness and hell. All of us are born into sin and the culture of hell is built upon the lies and deceptions of Satan. Those who reject Jesus Christ and His gift of salvation choose to live for themselves. But what they don't understand is they are enslaved to darkness and the culture of hell. The more a person engages and takes part in temptation and the things of darkness, the more that the kingdom of darkness is produced within them.
The Lord tell us that He is a consuming fire. Nothing is hidden from Him and He cannot be in the presence of sin. Because God loves us He is continually refining and pruning us. He is removing from our lives that things that would hinder His purpose and desire within us. A tangible effect of fully surrendering to the Lordship of Christ is that our desire for this world and the things of sin continually dies. We are still tempted, but what we truly desire is the kingdom of God.
God's kingdom will not be shaken. To build one's life upon Jesus is to build one's life upon an unshakable foundation. Everything we have in Christ is a gift. We have been saved by the grace of God. We are kept by the grace of God. Every gift and ability we have is given to us from God. Every resource we have is provided by our Father in Heaven. This is why thanksgiving should fill our lives on a daily basis. Not merely once a year where we sit with friends and family and consume a large meal. But on a daily basis.
There is so much we can be thankful for. There are so many things that we simply take for granted. May our focus be upon God and His kingdom. In all that we do may we desire to honor and glorify Jesus Christ. The more we simply walk with Him and abide in Him, the more His nature is produced within us. The more our hearts and minds align with His. The more His kingdom is produced in us and manifested through us. God doesn't exist in buildings made of wood and stone. God lives in the hearts of His people and impacts the world through them. May we choose to be a vessel of His glory.
Prayer
Father help me to be a person of thanksgiving. When I feel like complaining, may you remind me of all that you have done for me. Silence the lies of the enemy. Produce within my life your character and nature. Produce within my life your kingdom. May I die daily to self and may I know you more intimately. May all of my brothers and sisters come to the full knowledge of who you are. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!